Knives are out as
elections approach
by David Skentelbery
THE political knives appear to be out at Warrington Borough Council in the run up to the municipal elections on May 3.
Labour councillors have tabled a number of questions for members of the controlling Lib Dem-Tory alliance intended to cause embarrassment.
Coun Terry O?Neill, leader of the Labour Group, is to ask council leader Ian Marks questions about the recent four star rating for the council from the Audit Commission.
He is asking for details of the dates the Audit Commission did its assessment of the council, what information they analysed and what period of time the assessment covered.
The intention appears to be to point out that for at least part of the period studied by the Audit Commission, Labour were in control of the council.
Labour deputy leader Mike Hannon has tabled three questions ? one to education chief Sheila Woodyatt on proposals for replacing William Beamont School buildings before 2016 with grant money from the Government.
He will also accuse the administration of failing to consult ward members on ward issues.
Coun Hannon also draws attention to equal pay arrangements for midday assistants in voluntary aided schools.
While he recognises the council has met its legal responsibility, he says the midday assistants did not receive any pay awards and asks what action the council leadership took to avoid the disparity.
Previously, Labour has attacked the council on a number of issues only for the Liberal Democrats to point out they were, in fact, ?old? issues which Labour themselves had been responsible for.
Life saving
donors awarded
by Gary Skentelbery
TWO Warrington blood donors who have helped save the lives of 450 people between them have been awarded for their amazing support by the National Blood Service.
A ceremony at Liverpool’s Crowne Plaza hotel, honoured long serving blood donors for giving at least 75 blood donations.
An amazing 2 of the lifesavers were honoured for reaching the milestone of 100 donations. Celebrating their 75th donation were David Hughes from Callands and Stephen Littlemore from Birchwood, who were each presented with a crystal plate in recognition of their dedication to saving lives.
The awards are a way of recognising the commitment that long serving blood donors give to saving the lives of others. Each blood donation can potentially save the lives of up to three people so if a donor has given 75 blood donations they may have saved up to 225 lives through donating blood.
The awards were presented by Ken Pascoe a Bakery Manager for Asda and his wife Denise.
Ken from Wallasey was taken seriously ill while on holiday last year and was found to be suffering from Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) a rare condition that results in the patients platelets (cells in our blood which help it to clot) being destroyed. Ken’s treatment involved him receiving nearly 300 units of the blood product plasma over a two week period in order to boost his platelet count back to a stable level.
Without blood donors Ken would not be with us today.
Cathy Davies, Communications Officer for the National Blood Service said; “All our donors are special but it is a pleasure to thank our dedicated donors in this way. They continue to make time to donate come rain or shine and really are the lifeblood of our service.”
Cathy added, “I hope David and Stephen’s outstanding commitment will inspire others in the area to come forward and become blood donors. Remember you never know when it maybe someone you know who needs blood”.
Anyone aged between 17 and 59, weighing more than 50kg (7 stone 12 lbs) and in general good health could potentially give blood and save lives. For more information on becoming a blood donor, including details of other sessions in the area, call 08457 711 711 or visit www.blood.co.uk.
“Safe routes” call
from residents
by Lesley Wilkinson
SAFE routes for pedestrians and drivers must be ensured during the demolition and rebuilding of Stockton Heath Primary School, nearby residents say.
Julie Heal, of West Avenue, Stockton Heath, told the annual Parish Meeting that members should ensure “safe routes” are available.
Parish clerk Peter Briggs said he had received no official notification yet about route changes or road closures during the development.
Members heard that enabling works had been carried out at the site during the Easter holidays. These include a new entrance on Egerton Street, extending the entrance on Brackley Street and delivery of a mobile kitchen.
Other adaptations took place inside the school to accommodate the new kitchen facility and the Stay and Play link club.
A letter had been sent to all parents, carers, stakeholders and residents by Warrington Borough Council.
It indicated that the main contractors were expected on the site at the end of the summer term in July.
The new school building would be positioned on the site of the existing kitchen/dining room buildings, Year 6 HORSA buildings and the all-weather pitch.
“These facilities will be removed at various stages. When the site is cleared it will be thoroughly checked for archaeological findings,” the council letter stated.
The mobile kitchen would ensure hot dinners are provided for pupils during the course of the work.
A chance to
quiz the police
by John Hendon
THE next public meeting of Warrington Police Forum will be held on Tuesday, May 1 at the Gateway Centre in Sankey Street.
Members of the public will get an opportunity to question senior police officers on policing issues in the borough.
Forum chairman Peter Walker said: ?These open meetings provide an ideal opportunity for the people of Warrington to raise issues about policing with the Police Authority and the Constabulary.”
At the meeting there will be an opportunity to learn more about how the police carry out drug tests on drivers and for the public to raise issues about policing during the question time session.
Mr Walker added: ?Policing is a vitally important public service and by participating in these meetings, you can influence how your local policing service is delivered. You don’t need an invite, just turn up?.
Best-selling author
to speak in town
by staff reporter
BEST-selling author Freda Lightfoot is to visit Warrington.
She will be speaking at Stockton Heath Library on Wednesday, April 25 at 10.30am.
Freda’s heart warming family sagas are set in the North West and she loves to meet and chat to her readers.
The visit represents a rare opportunity for readers as she now lives abroad.
Numbers will be limited so a phone call to the library on 01925 261148 is recommended to reserve a place.
More information on Freda?s work is available from the website www.fredalightfoot.co.uk
Being PC
about OAPs
by Lesley Wilkinson
STOCKTON Heath Parish Council is aiming to be “politically correct.”
Coun Alan Loughlin asked members to consider how they refer to older members of the community.
“I think we should say senior citizens, not old age pensioners,” he said.
“It sounds more respectful and we will all reach that age, if we are lucky.”
Youth Club looking
for a new image
by John Hendon
LYMM Youth Club near Warrington is looking for a new image with the help of design consultants.
Mood Design Solutions are introducing the world of Graphic Design to Lymm and District Youth Club at Bridgewater Street, Lymm today, Monday (April 16).
Sharon Charteress of Mood Design Solutions will explain what is involved in becoming a graphic designer and exploring how people are influenced by
design everyday.
As part of the event a competition is being launched for the teenagers to design a logo for the youth club ? the winner will have their design professionally produced by Mood Design Solutions for use by the youth club.
To attend the Youth club call 01925 754114.
