All-woman cab firm
may face prosecution
by David Skentelbery
A CHANGE in the law will mean an innovative women-only cab company will soon face prosecution if it continues to employ un-licensed drivers.
Pink Ladies – backed by former pop star and celebrity Kerry Katona – is already operating illegally, according to Warrington Borough Council, because it uses drivers who do not hold private hire licences.
But the company claims its drivers do not need licences because they operate differently to taxi and private hire firms as a private members club.
They also say the “knowledge test” which their drivers have to pass to obtain a licence is an obstacle to them finding staff.
Council chiefs have informed police that action should be taken if Pink Ladies vehicles are seen using bus lanes. They say they haven’t prosecuted the firm only because the law is likely to have changed before the case could reach court.
Pink Ladies launched in a blaze of publicity in June 2005, promoted by Warrington-born Kerry Katona. It employs only women drivers and carries only women passengers who pay a nominal fee to become members and pay fares with a special Pink Ladies debit card.
The cars are painted bright pink with pink interiors.
The council says both it and the Department of Transport believe the company is acting illegally but a change in the law coming into force some time between now and October will put the matter beyond all doubt.
A spokesman said: “The current stance is that the council are waiting for the change in law to come in to effect, at which time the Pink Ladies must be licensed or face prosecution. While Pink Ladies are operating unlicensed the council has asked for the return of all plates and the removal of all council signage.
“The council also informed the police that action should be taken against any Pink Ladies vehicles using the bus lanes.”
Pink Ladies founder Andrea Winders said: “We have returned all plates and signage to the council. We had great difficulty removing some of the stickers – they damaged our pink exteriors rather!
“When we launched, the council was considering a restricted license for Pink Ladies, akin to those offered to limousine drivers in Warrington, as our system has automated sat nav. We did find the knowledge test a barrier to driver recruits for many reasons – including costs and the fear the word ‘test’ instils in some people – but we wrote a training programme that worked.
“We had a letter from the Government yesterday, to update on the progress of the changes in the law and we are considering our options.”
James leaves no
stone unturned
by Gary Skentelbery
Warrington-worldwide’s very own James Balme will be featuring in an episode of the cult archaeological TV programme Time Team filmed in Warburton near Lymm.
The programme will shown on Channel 4 tomorrow (Sunday 4th March) at 5.45pm and is part of the new 2007 series featuring excavations over three days in search of a Roman fortress.
James, who discovered the site almost ten years ago, was joined by Tony Robinson, Phil Harding, Francis Pryor and the rest of the team following the discovery of many artefacts he has made throughout many years research into the origins of ancient Warburton.
James Said: “The three day dig was arranged with Time Team to try and shed new light on why so many rare and important Roman artefacts are being found in the village. But what was discovered confounded Tony and the team and has led to an even bigger mystery than we set out to solve.
“My work continues throughout Warburton now and in the future and since Time Team left the village I have continued to make further important discoveries of rare Roman artefacts including pre-invasion silver coinage and even more Roman brooches.?
The programme entitled “No Stone Unturned” will also be screened on the Civilisation channel & Discovery Channel before being shown in Australia and around the world.
James added: “Following on from almost ten years of research around the ancient settlement the Time Team programme will now ensure that Warburton will get recognition throughout Britain and beyond. The making of the programme was a great experience for everyone involved and I for one will remember it for a long time to come.” For anyone who misses the programme there is no need to worry as it will be repeated on Sunday March 11 on Channel 4?s sister station More4.
High school pupils set
the pace for the nation
by John Hendon
PUPILS at Warrington’s high schools are performing well above the national average, according to the latest Key Stage 3 achievement and attainment tables.
In English, 79 per cent of pupils achieved Level 5 or above ? six per cent above the national average, while in maths, 81 per cent achieved Level 5 or above ? four per cent above the national average.
In science also, Warrington?s pupils were four per cent above the national average with 76 per cent achieving Level 5.
The tables are based on tests taken by pupils last summer and have been published by the Department for Education and Skills.
At the higher Level 6 threshold, results were even stronger. Forty per cent achieved level 6 in English ? six per cent above the national average.
In maths, 64 per cent achieved level 6 ? seven per cent above the national average ? while in science, 48 per cent achieved level 6 ? seven per cent above the national average.
The tables also show progress during the past four years. By adding the level 5+ percentages for English, maths and science, a score out of a possible 300 is created. Warrington’s score has increased in each of the past three years, from 225 in 2003 to 237 in last year.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt, the borough council?s executive member for Children’s Services, said: “The first three years at high school – Key Stage 3 – are a vital stage towards pupils’ eventual GCSE performance.
“These are excellent results and the trend is for year-on-year improvement. I would like to congratulate our pupils, schools and teachers on their hard work and achievements.”
Villagers asked to pitch
in and help cricketers
by David Skentelbery
RESIDENTS of Lymm, near Warrington, are being asked to go into bat for the village cricket club – and help get the ground and pavilion ready for the approaching season. Lymm Oughtrington Park Cricket Club has signed up for Natwest Cricketforce – a sort of “Groundforce meets Changing Rooms” initiative in which volunteers and community groups help spruce up the club’s facilities. Local firms are also being asked to help through donations of paint, brushes, tools, etc. Project manager Clare Bradshaw said: “We hope people will come along and help us on Saturday, March 31 by donating some time and effort in order to help us renovate and ‘reveal’ a refurbished pavilion and grounds that would be available to all in the community, should they wish to play or come and watch a cricket game.” Anyone interested in helping can contact Clare on 07876 730082. The club’s season in the Meller Braggins Cheshire League starts on April 23.
Town enters into the
“Fairtrade” spirit
by staff reporter
PEOPLE in Warrington are entering into the spirit of national Fairtrade Fortnight with a wide range of events and special offers across the town.
The ?fortnight? runs until March 11 and, with the town being awarded ?Fairtrade Borough? status a year ago, some restaurants and coffee shops are offering a dessert or cake which includes Fairtrade ingredients or making Fairtrade special offers.
The White Apron Restaurant in Church Street is offering Fairtrade Chocolate Fondue and Fairtrade Pineapple and Lime crumble, Hancock and Woods? caf? is serving up Fairtrade jam sponge cake and the Corner Coffee Bar on Warrington Market is giving two free biscuits with a Fairtrade tea or coffee.
Also in the market, a Fairtrade
quiz trail offers a fun way to learn about the initiative ? with a Fairtrade ?goodie? for every entrant.
Fair 4 All, the town?s dedicated Fairtrade shop, also in the market, is offering every customer a free draw ticket for a prize hamper. There are also free tasting of Fairtrade products and a ?Design a t-shirt? competition.
1st Prize is a Fairtrade T. Shirt printed with the winning design, to be modelled at Fair 4 All’s Fairtrade Fashion Show on April 18th & 19th. For further details telephone the stall on; 01925 415121.
Special ?one off? offers are also taking place and many churches, schools and groups are also holding local activities.
For details of where to buy Fairtrade products in Warrington log on to www.warrington-fairtrade.co.uk
Fairtrade goods are those purchased for a fair price from some of the world?s poorest countries.
News in brief
Hospital lottery
WINNING numbers in the weekly lottery run by the League of Friends of Warrington Hospital were 4, 9, 15 and 16 – but the jackpot was unclaimed and will be rolled over to next week. A ?25 consolation prize was awarded.
More parking
PLANS for additional car park for the existing Volkeswagen car dealership in Milner Street, Warrington have been submitted to borough planning chiefs.
Cottage scheme
A STORAGE building would be demolished and replaced with a two-storey side extension at The Cottage, Kenyon Hall, Winwick Lane, Croft near Warrington if planners gave the go-ahead.
“Bit of a Do”
ST Benedict’s Social Club in Rhodes Street, Orford will be the venue for the Orford Neighbourhood Project’s annual “Bit of a Do” tonight (Saturday) at 7.30pm.
