5% council tax
rise an “act of theft”
says Labour
by David Skentelbery
COUNCILLORS at Warrington have approved a ?118m budget for the coming year – which will mean a five per cent increase in council tax or a 93p a week increase for the average Band D property.
But after additional increases levied by parish councils and the Cheshire police and fire authorities, the overall rise will be between 4.2 per cent and 5.5 per cent, depending on what part of the borough the taxpayer lives in.
Coun Peter Walker, the borough council’s executive member for corporate services said the budget would enable the authority to maintain current services and invest the services which mattered most to local people.
But Labour leader Terry O?Neill said the Lib Dem-Conservative administration had stolen money designed to help some of the poorest areas of the town.
He said: “I can only describe this move as an act of theft from some of the poorest communities in the town.
“Over ?1m which would have been available to help in regenerating these areas has been stolen by the Lib Dems supported by the Tories. If we ever needed evidence of the new administrations callous disregard for these areas then the move tonight signals a dramatic shift in the council’s policy towards assistance in helping these communities.”
He said, under Labour, money from land sales went into a regeneration fund to help revive rundown areas. Examples of schemes which had benefited were the new bus station and a play area for local children in Lovely Lane.
Coun O?Neill added: “Only recently an independent government report showed the glaring health inequalities between communities in the town. This is exactly what a fund of this type could be used for – improving the health of residents or providing social, economic and environmental improvements across the town.
“This administration is asset stripping these areas and putting nothing back in.”
But Coun Walker said the budget included new priority investments to respond to issues raised by residents at a wide range of consultation events.
These included 22 Police Community Support Officers to make the town safer, green initiatives to increase recycling and make streets and landscaped areas cleaner and tidier, improving the youth service and providing free swimming for children in the summer holiday.
Priority capital schemes over the next three years included new school buildings at Stockton Heath, Chapelford and Culcheth, a customer contact centre, located in the town centre and a major regeneration scheme in Orford to deliver a new ?sports village?.
Next year the council would deliver ?4.7m efficiency savings and would increase income by ?2.6m. Spending on a limited number of services will be reduced by ?1m.
Band D council taxpayers in Warrington would still pay ?97 less a year for council services when compared to the average for similar councils.
Coun Walker said a recent Audit Commission assessment showed the council was providing a four star excellent service, was improving well and continued to provide good value for money.
He added: “We have consulted more widely on this budget than ever before and have listened to and have responded to the feedback we received by changing some of our spending proposals. We will keep consulting our residents over the coming year about how well we are doing.?
Matt’s a man in
a woman’s world
BEING surrounded by girls all day makes a young Warrington man the envy of his friends.
But Matt Livesey, 20, who is the only male in a class of 23 health studies students at Warrington Collegiate, now takes it in his stride.
Matt from Bramhall Drive, Padgate, wants to be a physiotherapist when he completes his BTEC National Diploma.
“It did seem a little strange at first being the only bloke with 22 girls but I’ve got used to it now. The course is fantastic and I’m enjoying the studies, ” he said.
The students all aim to enter careers either in health care or nursing, with many planning to be midwives, occupational health therapists and paramedics in the NHS.
Election mastermind
arrives in town
by staff reporter
THE Liberal Democrats are setting their sights firmly on the Warrington South Parliamentary seat with the arrival of the party’s election supremo tomorrow (Thursday).
Lord Chris Rennard, Liberal Democrat chief executive, will be speaking at the Village Hotel, Warrington.
His visit signals the party’s belief that Liberal Democrat candidate Jo Crotty (pictured) can win the seat at the next election.
University Lecturer Jo, aged 33, aims to win the Warrington South seat by building upon the Liberal Democrats’ spectacular success in taking the leadership of Warrington Council last May after 23 years of Labour control.
Lord Rennard is regarded as the Lib Dem election mastermind. His visit is part of a programme of meetings for party members organised by local Euro-MP Chris Davies.
Mr Davies said: “At the last General Election we doubled the number of North MPs from three to six and I have every confidence that upward growth is set to continue.
?The key to Liberal Democrat success is to concentrate our efforts in those areas, like Warrington, where we have established a very strong base on the ground.”
The series of monthly meetings include other high profile Liberal Democrat speakers such as Vince Cable, Deputy Leader and Shadow Chancellor, and Shadow Home Secretary Nick Clegg.
Tenants to have a say
on sheltered housing
by Lesley Wilkinson
OLDER people in Warrington have been able to have their say in how their sheltered housing schemes are developed in the future.
Tenants across the town have been involved in proposals to go before Warrington Borough Council’s executive board next week.
The council owns six sheltered housing schemes and with tenants, has being looking at various options, including transferring the schemes and funding options to help improve the service.
More than ?3 million funding was secured by the council from the Department of Health’s Extra Care Housing fund for improvements to sheltered housing schemes at Broomfields, Sankey Manor and Woolston Hall, which have been successfully carried out.
The board also agreed to look at options for the remaining three schemes at Ravens Court, Croft House and Penketh Court.
Consultation has taken place with those involved and visits made by councillors to all schemes. Steering groups were set up with tenants and representatives from each scheme to discuss options and visits were arranged to sheltered schemes run by Warrington Housing Association including St John’s Court and Lyon Court.
The board will discuss the recommendation that the council proceed with a ballot on transferring Ravens Court to the housing association.
Further work on the options for Ravens Court and Penketh Court is to be carried out in consultation with residents.
Chemical works
blaze alert
by staff reporter
A BLAZE at a Warrington chemical works early today triggered a major turn-out of emergency services.
Two fire engines, a foam tender and a hydraulic platform were sent to Solvay Interox after fire broke out involving insultating material around pipework.
In fact, the works fire brigade had extinguished the blaze before any reached the scene. But fire service personnel carried out damping down work afterwards to ensure there would be no fresh outbreak.
A Fire Service spokesman said: “The size of the turn-out was due to the nature of the chemical processes carried out at the plant.”
Fire crews also turned out early this morning to an incident in Orange Grove, Orford, Warrington where a stolen Vauxhall Corsa was dumped and set alight.
The interior was badly damaged and windows smashed, but the engine was intact and was, in fact, still running when firefighters reac
hed the scene.
High school stages
a Red Nose Day
by John Hendon
PUPILS at Lymm High School are to stage a series of fundraising events on Red Nose Day, March 16 ? based around the colour red.
They will wear items of red clothing, organise fun events include space hopper races and penalty shootouts and hide red noses around the school, each bearing a number corresponding to a prize.
Funds will also be raised for Afritwin ? the charity that links schools in this country with schools in South Africa.
A paper chain will be created interlinked with Afritwin logos and messages from pupils.
Over the next few weeks, red noses will be on sale to pupils as another part of the fundraising effort.
Four bands to play
at fundraising event
by Lesley Wilkinson
A CHARITY that helps victims of domestic violence in Warrington is planning a fundraising night featuring four bands.
The Relationships Centre, which supports people in unhealthy relationships, is holding the gig on Friday March 30 at Roosters Social Club on Old Liverpool Road.
Tickets are ?4 in advance or ?5 on the night. Doors open at 8pm, and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult.
Spokeswoman Marissa Hankinson said: “We have set ourselves an ambitious fundraising target for 2007. Eevents like this charity gig, really can help us make a difference to people’s lives.
“Just ?5 can cover the cost of the centre handling a call from a victim of domestic violence. It will be a great night.”
Tickets are available from the centre on 01925 246910.
Girls’ night out for
Women’s Day
by staff reporter
A GIRL’S night out with the chance to try activities ranging from art to yoga is being held in Warrington to mark International Women’s Day.
On Thursday March 8 from 6.30pm Warrington Youth Club and the NSPCC are holding the event at the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Centre and all women and girls, aged over eight, are invited.
Visitors will be offered the chance to take part in art and sport activities, try out yoga, sample holistic therapies like Reiki and massage, have their nails done and their hair styled.
Catherine Holligan, senior manager of the youth club, said: “Every year, thousands of events throughout the world are held to inspire women and celebrate their achievements. We want to offer young women in Warrington a special night and encourage everyone to come along.”
Anyone wanting information about the event can contact Catherine on 01925 581226 or at www.warringtonyouthclub@yahoo
