Fish “rescued” as
lake clean-up starts
by David Skentelbery
THOUSANDS of fish have been “rescued” from Ackers Pit at Stockton Heath, near Warrington in readiness for a major improvement scheme involving draining the lake.
Members of Warrington Anglers Association have spent several days removing fish and releasing them in the Bridgewater Canal.
Thousands of carp, however, have had to be humanely destroyed because of the risk of infection.
Work is expected to start soon on the actual draining of the pond. Then excavators will move in to remove tonnes of silt which has accumulated over nearly 100 years.
The whole project will cost ?48,000 with the aim of restoring the lake as a wildlife haven and local beauty spot.
Peter Briggs, clerk to Stockton Heath Parish Council, said: “The work is necessary to enable the pond to continue in its present format providing habitat for the fish, swans, ducks and other wildlife and a ‘green oasis’ for residents and visitors.” The silt will be deposited on site behind new pond edges. This will slightly reduce the surface area of the lake, but will allow development of new areas of open space and paths for visitors. Existing paths will be re-surfaced.
A number of grants have been acquired to help with funding, including ?15,000 from the Environment Agency, ?25,000 from an environment improvement fund and assistance from Warrington Anglers Association who use the site.
When the project is completed, the anglers association will organise re-stocking of the lake.
Council to purchase
“smaller” refuse wagon?
by staff reporter
TOWN Hall chiefs are to be asked to agree to the purchase of a special, small refuse collection vehicle to collect waste materials from hard-to-reach premises across Warrington.
The ?68,000 vehicle would be used to collect from 420 properties across the borough which cannot be reached easily by standard bin lorries.
These include properties on unadopted roads, such as farms.
A working group was set up last year to review waste management and look into the issues with homes that are hard to reach after suggestions of charging extra sparked a revolt by local farmers.
They threatened to dump waste on the Town Hall doorstep if the charge was introduced.
The new vehicle will also be used recycling, and street services. This will result in an improved recycling service for the public and maximise the use of the new vehicle.
A report to the executive board states the proposal could be funded through grants from the DEFRA funded Waste Performance and Efficiency Grant.
Car showrooms
plan thrown out
by John Hendon
MAJOR plans for car showrooms, with vehicles displayed on raised platforms alongside a busy main road at Warrington have been thrown out by the borough?s planning bosses.
The scheme involved converting a vacant warehouse and office complex in Europa Boulevard, on the Gemini Business Park at Westbrook.
Planning officers recommended the scheme, but members of the development control committee decided the raised platforms and the removal of existing landscaping would be visually damaging and could also distract motorists on Cromwell Avenue.
The premises were formerly used by a distribution company and three years ago earlier proposals to convert them into a restaurant were thrown out.
Planning officers said the most contentious aspect of the scheme is the removal of landscaping in front of the building and the construction of raised platforms on which cars would be displayed. But they said conditions could be imposed requiring new trees to be planted to compensation for those lost.
The height of the raised display area could also be restricted by conditions.
But Coun David Earl said there were serious concerns about the proposed layout of the site.
The raised area for displaying cars would face directly onto Cromwell Avenue, which would be visually harmful and could distract motorists on a busy road.
He believed the development would set an unacceptable precedent as it would involve the removal of trees planted to create an attractive settling along Cromwell Avenue.
Student hair stylists
strike gold
by staff reporter
STUDENT hair stylists from Warrington are through to the finals of the UK’s top amateur hairdressing contest, after sweeping the board in the North West qualifying heats of the contest.
They lifted three individual golds and the team award in the regional heat. They will now face top young stylists from the rest of the country in the finals at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens.
The Warrington Collegiate team of Kelly Harrison, Katie Sullivan, Melissa Murphy and Jessica Bailey had 45 minutes to create modern-day styles to compliment work and evening wear.
Hairdressing tutor Lynsey Chorley said: “I’m so proud of the students and how well they did. The competition was of a very high standard. We are now looking forward to the finals.”
Later this year the team will also be defending their title in the Goldwell Hairdressing College of the Year contest.
Home extension
is refused
by staff reporter
PLANNING chiefs have rejected a resident’s bid to build an extension at his home in Marton Close, Culcheth – despite a plea from local councillor Keith Bland who believed the proposal was acceptable.
The extension would have increased the height of a detached bungalow by more than seven feet, added three front-facing dormer windows and provided living accommodation within the roof-space.
Planning officers claimed the development, when added to previous extensions, would have increased floorspace by 194 per cent compared to the original property.
They said the proposals would cause harm to the character of the original property and the street scene and set an unacceptable precedent.
Coun Bland argued that increasing the height of the roof would not be out of character with the area as outline plans for a two-storey houses had already been granted at the rear of the bungalow. Neighbouring properties would not be overlooked. Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council did not object, but were concerned about potential overlooking for a neighbouring property.
Three neighbours had opposed the scheme on the grounds the increased height would be out of character with surrounding homes and overbearing impact on neighbouring properties.
Members of the borough’s development control committee visited the site before making a decision.
Winning films
go on show
by staff reporter
COMPETITION winning films and videos were screened at Warrington Cine and Video Society?s annual show.
More than 60 people were in the audience to see trophies presented by president Geoff Scotson and watch the winning productions and two society videos made during the year.
The programme consisted of “Bournemouth and the Jurassic Coast” a Super 8 film by Steve Ridout, Winner of the Blamire Cup for the best film in the annual competition and the Cyril Baines Trophy for best editing.
“Venetian Interlude” by Derek and Marjorie Belton came second in the annual competition and also won the Percy Hughes Shield for best photography.
“Aquatic Paradise” by Dennis Arstall wonthe Tetley Trophy for the best use of sound.
“Iguassu Falls” by Dennis Arstall took the Walter Last Trophy, “Married in a Minute” by Dennis Arstall was the Niklaus Trophy Winner, “Bless this House” by Bill Johnson won the Elf Rose Bowl, “Xian-The City of Chinese Emperors” by Jim Lloyd took the Novice’s Trophy Winner and “Village Behmerea Bhart Pui.” by Bernard Grinney won the Eric Pep Trophy Winner.
