Masked raiders terrify
children in robbery
by David Skentelbery
A TERRIFIED family, including young children, was threatened by a gang of masked men who burst into their home at Lymm, near Warrington and demanded cash and jewellery.
The four men – one wielding a machete – forced their way into a large detached house in Lakeside Road. All were wearing balaclavas.
When the householder refused to hand over property they subjected the family to a 20-minute ordeal as they ransacked the house. Eventually they left, taking the family’s blue Mini Cooper.
No-one was hurt, but the children became distressed during their ordeal.
Police are seeking help from the public. Anyhone who has any information is asked to call DC Moira Hay on 01244 615859 or, anonymously, on the Crimestoppers help line 0800 555 111.
The raid was the latest in a series in the Lymm and Stockton Heath area.
Residents lose battle to
block three-storey homes
by David Skentelbery
A CONTROVERSIAL plan for 71 houses ? some of them of three storeys ? on land off Whittle Avenue, Great Sankey, Warrington has been given the go-ahead by borough planning chiefs.
The scheme, put forward by David Wilson Homes, forms part of the Chapelford Urban Village.
Outline consent for the development ? phase seven of overall urban village development ? was given some time ago.
But the detailed proposals drew opposition from residents of Burtonwood Road and from local councillor John Morris.
Detailed proposals for more than 1,000 homes have already been given the green light.
Residents, backed by Coun Morris, argued that three storey buildings at the rear of existing Burtonwood Road properties would not reflect the character of existing buildings. They claimed there would be a loss of view and sunlight.
But planning officers said although some of the proposed houses would have rooms within their roof-spaces, the height of the properties would be compatible with that of houses in Burtonwood Road.
They pointed out that similar objections about three storey houses at Longbutt Lane, Lymm had been rejected by a planning inspector.
Solicitor pens
another thriller
by Gary Skentelbery
A SOLICITOR from Warrington who writes “who dunnit” mysteries to help him relax after work is set to publish his third Lake District mystery, The Arsenic Labyrinth.
Away from the corridors of court rooms and tribunals Martin Edwards has built an international reputation as crime writer, publishing ten books and numerous short stories.
Prior to the launch of his latest thriller Lymm based crime writer Martin Edwards flew out to the United States to launch the American edition at a crime fiction convention called “Left Coast Crime”, in Seattle.
Commenting on how he can find time to write after a hard day at work Martin said: ?It is difficult and does require stamina to write creatively. But I find I can relax by writing. It?s a bit like a cricketing all rounder. If one discipline isn?t working the other does. But my motivation is to be make each book better than the last, though I?m not saying I?ve achieved that.
“I?m more relaxed about writing now. I don?t plan every detail. I always know the ending and a surprise or twist. Knitting it altogether is the motivation.?
He added: ?I?ve had books turned into scripts for TV but for one reason or another they haven?t quite made it.” His latest book the ?Arsenic Labyrinth? will be published on February 15, and Martin is very excited about it.
“My goal is simply to continue writing books that people enjoy.?
The former Sir John Deane?s Grammar School pupil is head of employment law at leading solicitor?s firm Mace & Jones which has offices in Knutsford, Liverpool and Manchester. He lives in Lymm with his wife Helena, whom he met at Oxford University, and two teenage children.
His mood last paperback, ?The Coffin Trail?, made the final shortlist of six for the Theakston?s prize for best crime novel of the year in 2006. The bloodcurdling yarn of murder and secrets set in the Lake District was competing for the title with global best-seller Ian Rankin?s ?Fleshmarket Close?.
Martin, who was inspired by Agatha Christie as a child, has already started work on his next novel!
Police probe after
arson attack on flat
by David Skentelbery
AN investigation has been launched after a suspected arson attack on a flat in Hardy Street, Orford, Warrington during the night.
Three fire appliance were called to the scene after a serious fire broke out in the property.
Fortunately the occupants were out at the time and no-one was hurt. But there was severe damage to the contents of the flat and light smoke damage to an adjoining property. Fire crews wore breathing apparatus to tackle the blaze.
A Fire Service spokesman said the fire was believed to have been started deliberately and was being investigated by police and fire service officers.
Fancy being a
bright SPARC?
by Gary Skentelbery
A WARRINGTON charity is looking for volunteers to help and support people with learning disabilities.
SPARC is a charity funded by the National Lottery, working out of Warrington Collegiate, which searches for employment for people with learning disabilities.
Volunteers are wanted to help people in the workplace to achieve a more independent lifestyle and to boost their confidence in social situations. Examples could include helping the SPARC members to travel on public transport, which aids their journey towards a more independent life.
SPARC’s project manager, Christine Morris, said: “We are looking for members of the public who are over 18 years old, are patient and understanding of others with disabilities and have time to spare. This will help you as a person develop your own people skills and give you a feeling of achievement, knowing that you have made a difference to people’s lives.”
“We need a number of volunteers to get involved in supporting the increasing number of members we are finding work for. Our success means we will need more help.”
For further information please contact Christine or Rachel at SPARC on 01925 494423 or email [email protected]
Volunteer Danny Ruston is pictured with SPARC members Paul Cunningham and Jamie Landon.
Police appeal after
woman goes missing
by John Hendon
POLICE at Warrington have appealed to a 30-year-old woman who has gone missing from home to contact her family as soon as possible.
Helen Davies, of Warrington was last seen by her aunt at Orford on Friday morning. Since then, members of her family have been unable to contact her.
It is believed she may have travelled to Manchester and, possibly, on from there to York.
She is described as being 5ft 10 inches tall and of large build.
Insp Neil Foxhall said: ?We would appear to Helen to get in touch, either with the police or with her family, to assure them that she is safe and well. Members of the family are becoming increasingly concerned, as are police.?
Anyone who has seen Helen is asked to call police on 0845 458 0000.
Disco raises ?1,700
for leukaemia research
by staff reporter
A 70s Disco organised by a Lymm woman has raised ?1,720 for leukaemia research.
Joanne Brown, 47, of Whitesands Road, Lymm, organised the event at Thelwall and Grappenhall British Legion.
More than 240 people attended the disco and enjoyed music, a raffle and auction.
Joanne said: “It was a really good event and I would like to thank all the businesses in Lymm who donated prizes.”
Mobile phone mast
given the go-ahead
by David Skentelbery
MOBILE phones giant O2 have been given the green light for a 12.5 m high telecommunications mast at Penketh, near Warrington, despite opposition from nearby residents and
a local councillor.
The mast will be erected on a grass verge, next to the northern footpath on a section of dual-carriageway between the Farnworth Road roundabout and Fiddlers Ferry Power Station.
Members of the development control committee were told there were three existing phone masts in the area The nearest house to the mast would be about 40 m away in Newlyn Gardens. Nine householders objected to the scheme on the grounds of visual impact on the landscape, impact on health, proximity of a football field used by children, loss of privacy and outlook.
They also wanted to know why, with three other masts nearby, O2 could not share one of the others.
One said: ?The council should note that people in Penketh are fed up with the persistent number of applications for masts.?
Coun Fiona Bruce objected to the plan on the grounds of visual impact on the street scene and the outlook from homes.
But officers said screening provided by existing street furniture would ensure the mast was not visually prominent or harmful to the character of the street scene.
There were technical reasons why other masts in the area could not be shared.
[ 08.02.2007, 09:09: Message edited by: DS ]
