Drainage plan runs
into deep water
by Lesley Wilkinson
A ?48,000 scheme to improve a Warrington beauty spot has run into deep water.
As fast as water is pumped out of Ackers Pit at Stockton Heath, the lake is filling up again.
A mystery water inlet is being blamed for making the “drying out” of the lake more difficult than expected.
Clerk to Stockton Heath Parish Council Peter Briggs said the lake had been drained and a pump installed to help the drainage process.
He said: “Water is still coming in from somewhere. It is a problem but we are working toward solving it.” Mr Briggs said contractors had allowed for removing 1,600 scoops of silt from Ackers Pit in their quote.
They wanted to wait until the lake had drained so that scoops were not full of water.
“If it takes until the end of summer to drain it, then it takes until then. The pump has already been down there longer than we thought,” Mr Briggs added.
The original aim was to carry out a permanent improvement of the site, but the contractors would do the best they could. They were working to try to find the source of water and to try and cut it of.
Some nearby residents had complained about the length of time the drainage operation was taking.
But Coun June Daynes said: “Most people are just thrilled that the work is being done.”
All set for
Starlight walk
by Gary Skentelbery
THE biggest ever night time walk is set to take place in Warrington as hundreds of women take to the streets to raise funds for St Rocco’s Hospice.
Last year more than ?130,000 was raised for the charity from the event which was launched by local celebrity Kerry Katona.
The event will take place at midnight on Friday June 15 when hundreds of women will turn Warrington Pink as they walk a sponsored 13 mile walk in aid of The St Rocco?s Hospice Starlight Ladies Walk 2007, which has has already attracted over 1400 women so far, making it the biggest night time walk ever held in Warrington.
The Starlight walkers set off from Victoria Park and follow a route through Latchford, Padgate, Orford and Central Warrington.
Matron Beth Eccles from St Rocco?s said: “The Starlight Walk is a fantastic way for the women of Warrington to support St Rocco?s. Every penny raised goes straight to caring for patients and families here at the Hospice.
“Last year, the sponsorship helped us to run our complementary therapy programme, something which patients feel is of real benefit at a very difficult time in their lives.
“On behalf of everyone at St Rocco?s, thank you to all the ladies who are walking the walk and raising funds for our Hospice.?
To join the Starlight Walk, please contact the St Rocco?s Appeals Office for an application pack on 01925 575780.
Distillery homes plan
rejected by councillors
by David Skentelbery
PLANNING chiefs have thrown out controversial proposals for nearly 300 new homes on the site of the G and J Greenall distillery in Loushers Lane, Warrington.
Members of the borough council?s development control committee rejected the scheme ? against the advice of their officers.
They were concerned about the highways and traffic implications of the proposed development and further additions to Warrington?s current surplus of housing land.
The committee also rejected plans for housing on the adjoining car park site and proposals for 15 houses on land off Chester Road, Walton, adjoining the Ship Inn.
All three schemes were recommended for approval by officers.
An earlier proposal to relocate the distillery to Melford Court, Risley, was approved by the committee last month.
The Chester Road scheme would have resulted in the loss of an adjoining garden centre and retention of the Ship Inn ? a locally listed building ? as a dwelling.
Stockton Heath Parish Council had opposed the schemes, along with a number of residents.
One claimed closure of the garden centre would result in the loss of 20 jobs.
Midwife says
fond farewell
by Gary Skentelbery
A midwife who has helped deliver more than 1,000 babies at Warrington hospital has hung up her uniform and retired after 35 years of loyal service.
Helen Stone, maternity ward manager at Warrington Hospital, has worked on the ward since 1972.
Her student training was undertaken in Bristol where she qualified as a state registered nurse in 1968. After completing her training she spent three years traveling in Sicily before moving to Warrington.
Melanie Hudson, Head of Midwifery Services, said: ?We are all be sad to see Helen go. She is a valued member of staff who has given over 35 years of dedicated service to the hospital. On behalf of all the staff on the unit, we?d like to say a big thank you to Helen for her hard work and dedication over the years and wish her a very enjoyable retirement.?
A retirement reception for Helen was held in the parentcraft room in the antenatal unit.
Helen said: ?I have thoroughly enjoyed my career as a midwife and will greatly miss all my friends and colleagues at the hospital. I?m now looking forward to moving back down to Gloucestershire to be nearer to family and friends, and enjoying a happy and relaxing retirement!?
Elderly couple
robbed at home
by David Skentelbery
AN elderly couple have been robbed of cash in their own home at Lymm, near Warrington.
The offence took place in Whitelegg’s Lane, Lymm in the early evening on Tuesday, April 10.
Three men called at the house and told the woman occupant they were looking for their dog, which had escaped.
Two of the men managed to distract the woman and enter the house. Here they forced the elderly man to the floor and took money from his pockets before leaving.
Police say one the men was about 5ft four inches tall, of medium build and in his late 20s.He had fair hair.
The other two were both about 5ft 11 inches, one of medium build and with cropped mousey hair and the other had short fair hair with a round, clean shaved face. All were wearing jeans and trainers.
Raising money for
disabled children
by staff reporter
FAMILIES United, the Warrington charity for children with disabilities, is to hold a car boot sale on Sunday, May 13 on the Fair Field, opposite Warrington Sports Club, on Walton Lea Road.
Other attractions on the day will be a bouncy castle, classic cars, tombola and pony and cart rides.
Warrington Wolves skipper Lee Briers will make a guest appearance. There will be 50 pitches available at a cost of ?7 each, booked in advance or on the day. The aim is to provide social activities for disabled children in Warrington during the holidays and at weekends.
Details are available from Jill Oakes on 01925 244420.
Business patron Keith Thomson, of Raddon Court, said: ?The event promises to be a great day for all the family and will raise funds for a very worthy charity.?
Deputy Mayor joins
health care campaign
by Lesley Wilkinson
WARRINGTON’s deputy Mayor is urging people to sign a petition opposing plans for “super surgeries” across the town.
Coun Celia Jordan, who is also chairman of Stockton Heath Parish Council, says the new health centres, which would mean many existing surgeries would close, could create problems for chronically ill and elderly patients.
Warrington Primary Care Trust wants to open five of the new centres which would provide facilities for GPs, nurses, physiotherapists, dentists, etc.
But the proposals have caused a storm of protest, with doctors and patients across Warrington voicing their opposition.
Coun Jordan said a petition had been started at Stockton Heath Medical Centre where the doctors were opposed to the plans.
She urged people to sign the petition to make their views known.
“People really do need to make their feelings known,” sh
e said.
Meanwhile, the Primary Care Trust has confirmed that a major public consultation is to take place at the Parr Hall on May 1 at 7pm.
Theatre workshops
planned for town
by John Hendon
TWO theatre workshops are to be held at Warrington as part of a programme of events across Cheshire.
Organised by local councils, the Cheshire Theatre Guild and NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association) the programme is entitled ?A Stage Further?.
It is the second year the workshops have been organised, following the success of last year?s programme.
The workshops tackle all things theatrical and are led by some of the key players from the region?s theatres.
The Warrington events are at The Pyramid Arts Centre on May 6t and will tackle set design and stage fight choreography.
Judith Croft, set designer at the Library Theatre in Manchester, will lead a set design workshop 6 and professional stage fight choreographer, Calum Arnott, will deliver the stage combat sessions.
Details are available on 01606 867680 or by e-mailing [email protected]
[ 17.04.2007, 17:00: Message edited by: DS ]
