MP’s anger over
felling of trees
by David Skentelbery
A MAJOR bed company with a branch at Warrington has been criticised by MP Helen Jones for its ?cavalier attitude? to local residents who complained about trees being felled around its store.
The Warrington North MP tabled a motion in the House of Commons deploring the actions of Dreams plc., who have a branch at Woolston.
Her motion said: “That this House deplores the actions of Dreams plc in cutting down trees around its site in Woolston, Warrington; condemns the company’s cavalier attitude to the concerns of local residents who have raised this issue and its failure to engage in constructive discussions about its plans for re-landscaping the site, together with its dismissive comments about the area; notes that many successful companies in the United Kingdom are both profitable and environmentally responsible; and urges Dreams plc to follow their example.”
Nearby residents contacted the MP following the felling of a number of trees at the Woolston unit.
The site is privately owned and not subject to protection under Tree Preservation Orders or Conservation Area guidelines. However, the borough council did refer the matter to the Forestry Commission due to the scale of the felling works.
Ms Jones says she has been attempting to talk to the company since last October, after they had sent a letter to local residents pledging they would re-landscape the area and replace the felled trees.
Company chiefs responded by saying they were ?struggling to understand the issue.?
Ms Jones said: ?Residents are extremely concerned about the actions the company have taken. They have behaved in a cavalier manner. I understand that a senior manager told a local councillor that if people objected he would paint the building pink and see what they made of that. In addition a resident tells me that a representative of the Dreams plc told him that they didn’t know what people were worrying about as the area ?is not that nice?.
“This is totally unacceptable. Dreams plc seem to believe that because they brought jobs to the area they can do what they want. Most successful companies are environmentally responsible and engage with the local community in addition to bringing employment to an area.
?I believe it is right that companies have a regard to the environment in which they operate.
“Local campaigner Paul Bretherton has presented me with nearly 100 responses to a survey he carried out in the area from residents who are concerned about the actions taken by Dreams plc and want the company to consult with them with regard to their replanting plans. It is not much to ask for.
?The erection of razor wire around the site make it look like a Stalag rather than an industrial unit. I do hope that the company rethinks its policy towards its residential neighbours.”
The company was not able to comment when contacted by Warrington-Worldwide but indicated that they may be able to do so later.
Market traders prepare
for TV screen debuts
by Gary Skentelbery
MARKET traders in Warrington are set to get their 15 minutes of fame as they prepare to become TV stars!
Traders have completed filming for a series of television adverts to be broadcast on new television screens in the market and on Warrington-Worldwide’s www.warrington.tv
A large number of traders have taken part in the project and produced individual adverts for their businesses.
Market Manager Steve Pickering, said: ?We are fortunate that the council has the skills and commitment to deliver this project and the standard of performances from our traders in front of television cameras was very high. Every one of the 40 traders taking part has enjoyed the experience and we are all looking forward to seeing the start of broadcasting in the market.?
The provision of several plasma television screens and a new sound system in the market are part of many improvements currently being implemented by the council.
Other improvements to be introduced include upgrading certain areas of the building, a trial scheme offering limited free parking incentives for market customers and the re-launch of the market ?shopping with confidence? scheme, which highlights the exceptional customer service offered by market traders.
Meanwhile Warrington-Worldwide has delivered yet another groundbreaking first by providing broadcast adverts for businesses in the town, with local safety wear supplier J&K Ross being the first to take advantage of the new service.
To see their advert click here.
The market adverts will be broadcast on www.warrington.tv in the near future. Watch this space!
Man trapped after
car overturns
by David Skentelbery
EMERGENCY services were called to the A57 Manchester Road near Warrington during the night to release a motorist trapped in his wrecked car.
The vehicle had apparently careered off the road, crashed through the metal gates of a garden centre, overturned and then righted itself to end up on its wheels.
But it had suffered severe damage and fire crews had to use cutting gear to remove the roof of the car to free the trapped driver.
He was taken to Warrington Hospital by ambulance. His injuries are thought to be serious.
A Fire Service spokesman said it was believe the car had overturned because of the damage to the roof.
As far as is known, no other vehicle was involved in the incident.
RL youngsters
get new strip
WARRINGTON youngsters at Crosfield’s Under 8’s Rugby League team have kitted out with a brand new strip thanks to local businessman Andy Kenny.
Andy, owner of AM Kenny Joinery presented the 21 strong squad with their kits.
Andy whose son James plays for the local team, which has players aged 6 – 8 said: “I was delighted to be able to provide the kit. Watching the kids train and play is a privilege. My wife Becky and I are pleased we were able to do something to help – they look great in their new kit”
Team Coach Phil Davis said: “Andy and Becky have been extremely generous in providing the kit to the team this season. They are a great bunch of kids who enjoy the best game in the world!”
Anyone interested in more details about the club should visit their website www.crosfieldsarlfc.co.uk
Local firm in finals
for “fast growth”
by John Hendon
WARRINGTON-based Premium Appliance Brands is one of four finalists in the Product Manufacturer of the Year category at the Fast Growth Business Awards.
This is the latest in a line of accolades for the company, which was recently named in the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 as one the 100 fastest growing private UK companies, and also shortlisted for Young Business of the Year at the Growing Business Awards last November.
Managing director Guy Weaver said: ?2007 is set to be a fantastic year for us and we hope that this is just the beginning. In the past three months our growth and success has been recognised among our trade audience, but also within the wider business field, where we are competing among some of the UK?s most reputable and respected companies.
?Our goal this year is to keep expanding and improving, with the aim of becoming one of the UK?s leading appliance suppliers.?
The short-listing judges were overwhelmed by the quality and quantity of entries. Ian Wallis, editor of Growing Business magazine and Growingbusiness.co.uk said: ?With almost 350 entries across 14 categories, the competition was fierce. The four finalists for Product Manufacturer of the Year demonstrated great plans for future development as well as a substantial year on year turnover and profit, growing market share and a strong brand.?
Winners of the awards will
be announced March 29.
Residents’ anger over
closure of toilets
by Lesley Wilkinson
ANGRY residents have criticised the closure of the public toilets on Stockton Heath?s Forge car park following reports of ?unsavoury things? taking place.
Residents attended a meeting of the parish council to complain.
One resident of Walton said: “I am concerned about the closure of these toilets – they are not just a public convenience, but a public necessity.
“I understand there were undesirable practices taking place in the toilets – but there should have been more pro-active work to stop this. How many people used the toilets in an average week, and how many people abused them??
Police Community Support Officer Peter Crellin said he had spent lots of time monitoring the toilets and had tracked down number plates.
He discovered people were travelling from as far away as York, Nottingham and Birmingham to “use” the toilets, and that some local people drove to the site several times a day.
He said: “I have had two complaints that they closed down, which is nothing compared to the number of complaints against the abuse of the facility.”
At a previous meeting Coun June Daynes reported that police were aware of “unsavoury things” taking place in the toilets.
Members decided to request that portable “Superloos” be provided in the vicinity, and PCSO Crellin said he would support their request.
Speed gun plan
to be amended
by staff reporter
PLANS to buy a speed radar gun jointly between five parish councils in South Warrington have to be amended – after Grappenhall and Thelwall decided to go it alone and buy their own.
Grappenhall, along with Stockton Heath, Appleton, Lymm and Stretton, had jointly considered buying a speed radar gun to be used by Police and Police Community Support Officers.
The gun would cost ?723 plus VAT and Stockton Heath Parish Council had approved its share of costs of ?107. Following the decision by Grappenhall, Stockton Heath approved its increased share of ?139.
