Filming banned at TV
man’s luxury home
by David Skentelbery
NEIGHBOURS are celebrating a planning inspector?s ruling that a TV producer must not use his home as a filming location.
Government-appointed inspector Steven Fox has told producer Russell Harris he must not hire out his home in Tower Lane, Lymm near Warrington for any more film or photo shoots.
Warrington Borough Council had issued an enforcement notice banning the shoots at Mr Harris?s award winning home, Lymm Water Tower after complaints from neighbours.
Mr Harris ? who had spent eight years converting the century old tower into a luxury home ? appealed against the refusal. But the inspector has ruled against him.
Neighbours claimed film crews caused parking problems, noise and general disturbance.
Local councillor Sheila Woodyatt said: ?I am delighted to hear of this result. It is a victory for ordinary people, who so often lose out to developers.
?This filming was causing disruption in a quiet little backwater and the residents deserved better.?
Mr Harris says he had done his best to minimise disturbance to his neighbours. On the last occasion film crews visited the house, he arranged for them to have access over a field at the rear to avoid causing parking problems.
The inspector, in his report, said the house had been used for 27 photo-shoots and seven film shoots between November 2004 and September 2006, over a total period of 41 days.
He said the shoots amounted to a ?change of use? and the film crews were a source of serious disturbance.
Earlier this year, the tower won a number of design awards, including a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architecture award.
Safety fears at
top sports club
by Gary Skentelbery
A POPULAR sports club in Warrington was almost forced to close following health and safety fears.
But following talks between Crosfields Recreation Club at Hood Manor, Great Sankey and the club’s landlords, Warrington Borough Council, the club has remained open.
Peter Moffatt, head of service for property and facilities, said:”The Council has had some concerns over safety raised by various inspections and reports at the premises.
“The council’s principal health and safety adviser inspected the premises and this inspection highlighted poor electrical installation and associated issues that need to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
“There is no immediate request from the council to close the building. However, the council is requesting that the club address specific works within a clear time period after which we will review the situation.
“We will liaise and work with the club throughout to try to reach a conclusion to this matter satisfactory to all.”
The popular club provides a base for a large number of rugby and football teams as well as a community facility for majorettes, bowls, dominoes, bingo, OAP Dinners and fund-raising functions.
Wolfie in bid to
climb Everest
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON Wolves? mascot Wolfie and members of the club?s Foundation Team are to attempt to climb Mount Everest ? without leaving the town. The bid will involve a stepper in the town centre and the object will be to climb the equivalent of the world?s highest mountain ? 29,028 ft. It will start on Tuesday December 19 and go on through the night and into the following day. Wolves? players and fans, including former Mayor Pauline Nelson, are expected to assist. The aim is to promote the valuable work of the Foundation and also raise funds. Warrington Wolves Community Learning and Sport Foundation incorporates the highly successful Wolves? Community Development Team, winners of the title Outstanding Community Programme in Super League for five of the last six years. The Foundation is a charity which relies on donations, grants and funding from government, local agencies and organisations as well as subscribed activities. These funds are vital to enable the Community Team to continue further develop its good work across the town.
Police launch festive
drink driving campaign
by John Hendon
POLICE have launched their pre-Christmas drink and drug driving campaign with hard-hitting posters posing the question: Who Will Be Taking You Home Tonight?
The posters use four vehicles – a marked police car, an ambulance, a taxi and a hearse – complete with coffin – to get the message across that driving while under the influence of drink or drugs can lead to tragedy.
They will be appearing at key sites across the borough and elsewhere in the coming weeks.
This year’s efforts are aimed at making people fully aware of the severe consequences of getting behind the wheel while unfit through drink or drugs.
Assistant Chief Constable David Baines said: “”Drink driving and drug driving are two of the major reasons for road deaths in this country. Every year people of all ages make a choice to drive after consuming alcohol and/or drugs.
“This decision is often the last one they make or the one they most regret, when after colliding with an innocent party they are prosecuted and face a prison sentence. This year we are asking the question ?Who will be taking you home tonight?? in the hope that this simple phrase will encourage people to think before they make that decision.?
Police will reinforce the message with a rigorous testing campaign for both alcohol and drugs. Last year this area was in the top five nationally for the number of tests carried out and the aim is to do even more this year.
Said Mr Baines: ?The message should be clear: if you take the risk you stand a very good chance of being stopped, arrested and prosecuted. Don’t choose the hearse, the ambulance or the police car.”
Free stress-busting
workshop on offer
by staff reporter
PEOPLE across Warrington are being invited to a free workshop to help them de-stress in the run-up to Christmas,
Those attending will be able to relax by trying free complementary therapies, such as Indian head massage and neck and shoulder massage.
People will also be given tips about looking after their own and their family’s mental and physical health.
Warrington Primary Care Trust’s health improvement team will be on hand to explain the town’s mental health promotion strategy, which outlines local priorities over the next few years.
Mental health promotion specialist Jackie Hodgkinson said: “Relaxation can really help people to combat mental health problems as it helps to relieve tension and aid sleep. We are hoping that people of all ages from across Warrington will join us at the event, which will also promote positive mental health.”
The event takes place at the Masonic Hall, Winmarleigh Street, in the town centre on Monday (December 4.) Free tea and coffee will be available all day, as well as a light lunch at 1pm.
Witnesses sought after
man attacked in street
by David Skentelbery
POLICE are seeking witnesses of an attack on a Warrington man which left him with a bruised face and rib injuries.
The 43-year-old may have been punched with a knuckleduster.
He was walking along Redshank Lane at Birchwood when he was approached by another man. There was a brief conversation and then the other man punched him in the face ? possible with a knuckleduster.
The man then ran over to a white vehicle and produced a wheel brace which he through at the victim, causing rib injuries.
A friend of the victim then intervened but a second man appeared and threatened him.
The offenders then left the scene in the white vehicle, which contained a number of other people.
Police said the two offenders were 6ft and 5ft 10 inches tall respectively and spoke with local accents. The taller man was of medium build and work dark clothing.
Anyone who witnessed the attack at about 7.30pm on November 13 is asked to contact DC Stuart Clegg on 084
5 458 0000.
Musicians to receive
national awards
by staff reporter
RADIO 1?s Edith Bowman will present Warrington musicians with an Access to Music award at the fourth annual awards ceremony on Wednesday (December 6).
It recognises the achievements of students from all genres of popular music.
ATM patron, the critically acclaimed artist Nitin Sawhney will also be presenting awards.
Singer Ali O?Toole (35) will receive the national Vocal Artist student of the year award.
Ali started singing professionally when she was just 16 years old and has toured Europe with bands. The mother-of-three now performs regularly as Shania Twain and Kylie tributes and also runs her own events company, specialising in theme parties.
Two years ago Ali joined ATM?s Vocal Artist course at Warrington Collegiate. Here she met vocal tutor Sue Quin, who has mentored her. Sue is a highly sought after session singer who has sung on No. 1 hits in Australia and Japan and appeared as the featured vocalist with Russell Watson at Wembley, as well as countless other recordings.
Ali said: ?Access to Music and Sue have really changed my life. There were times when I thought about giving up – juggling college, work, and bringing up three kids hasn?t always been easy but Sue really helped me. She?s an amazing role model for me. I think ATM is fantastic for up and coming musicians. I?m thrilled to be receiving this award, it?s the best thing that?s happened to me.?
Ali?s ambition is to start working as a session singer.
Drummer Andy Richardson (18) will receive the ?Outstanding Student of the Year, Warrington? award. He studied on ATM?s Performing Musician course and is on a gap year before going to university.
Andy said: ?I?m overjoyed to be receiving this award – it means a lot to me. It?s come as a shock, as I?ve never won anything before, but it?s made me realise I want to continue doing music.?
