Major survey to
shape town’s future
by Lesley Wilkinson
A MAJOR survey will look at economic trends for Warrington’s future to allow policy makers to shape the town up to 2030.
It will focus on Cheshire and Warrington from 2010 to 2030 looking at issues such as expected unemployment levels, vibrancy of businesses, skills of young people and projected salaries.
Cheshire and Warrington Economic Alliance (CWEA) and the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) have commissioned the analysis and review. They say that accurate econometric forecasting is crucial in shaping their strategies for the area and for the region.
Research will look at external factors and global economic trends, and will look at the town in relation to neighbouring areas such as Manchester and Liverpool.
CWEA director of strategy and intelligence David Horstead said: “Cheshire and Warrington is one of the country’s most successful economies. We have a unique combination of a highly skilled workforce, high quality environment in which to live and work, and an ideal location on major transport routes and between two major cities.
“But there are some worrying signs of slower economic growth, with factors such as an ageing workforce, lack of affordable housing, and a revival of the cities, which are now growing faster than ‘shire’ areas.”
He said it was important to understand the trends to make the right investment decisions for the future.
Peter White, executive director of infrastructure and development at the NWDA said: “It is important that what we and our partners do to ensure Cheshire and Warrington continue to succeed is based on strong evidence. We have to keep our knowledge of the economy up to date and this work will make sure we do that”.
Outcomes of the survey will be used to inform the next Regional Economic Strategy and help determine the priorities for revising Investing in Success – the sub regional strategy for Cheshire and Warrington.
Anneka in hospice
choir challenge
by Lesley Wilkinson
A SPECIAL edition of ITV’s Challenge Anneka will feature Claire House Children’s Hospice – warrington-worldwide’s Charity of the Year.
In the programme tomorrow (Wednesday) at 9pm Anneka Rice is set the challenge of putting together a choir of children who use a children’s hospice service.
Joining the choir are Blue’s Duncan James and television presenter Myleene Klass.
Katherine Alexander, who regularly uses Claire House in Wirral, will be featured. The choir is shown performing at a star-studded gala held at London’s Chickenshed Theatre.
Her dad Tony Alexander said: “Katherine had the time of her life in London taking part in the challenge. It was great to be able to make a positive contribution to Claire House which has made such a difference to our family, as well as meet some fantastic celebrities!”
The programme aims to raise awareness of the work of children’s hospice services. It will also raise funds for the Association of Children’s Hospices through the sale of a CD, featuring the choir’s moving song “Over the Rainbow,” and tracks by artists such as Jermain Jackson, McFly, Lesley Garrett and Michael Bolton.
Janet Croker, head of appeals at Claire House, said: “Thanks to Anneka children’s hospices will finally get the recognition they deserve. I urge the public to buy the CD.
“It costs ?2 million each year to run Claire House, and the proceeds from the sale of this CD will make a big difference to thousands of children who will not live to reach adulthood and their families. Why not go Christmas shopping early and buy one for family and friends.” The CD, Over the Rainbow, on the Universal Classic and Jazz label, is available from Amazon.
Dinner serves up a
treat for charity
by Gary Skentelbery
LOCAL doctor Liz Ramsden and her husband Surgeon Gordon Ramsden of Brooklands house, Lymm bought at auction an evening of gastronomical food to entertain friends in aid of the Click Seargent childrens cancer charity.
The meal was prepared by local chef Jason Palin and butler to the stars Wayne Curran.
The menu consisted of: Caramalised onion tart with mixed leaves and parmesan crisps, followed by shots of Grapefruit and blood orange puree, Seared seabass with Pommes Anna and a ratatouille cake with extra virgin oil dressing, Cheese and crackers and British bread and butter pudding with lavender glase and fresh custard.
The evening is one of many chef Jason has catered for charity who said: “Something so worthwhile is always worth doing well.”
Pupils prepare for
film premiere
by staff reporter
A CANNES-style film premiere is being held tomorrow (Wednesday) for a movie made by high school pupils and staff in Warrington.
The 90-minute feature film “Days” has been made with a ?7,000 budget by Penketh High School and is being shown at the Foundry Church in Widnes. The event will be filmed for television.
Project co-ordinator Jonathon Kay said: “We will have 500 people in attendance and it will be an exciting event with a red carpet, limos and a few celebrity appearances.”
Crowds start to gather at 6.15pm and the film will be screened at 8pm.
The film has attracted the interest of a major cinema chain and the BBC.
Following the premiere it is to be shown at the 10-screen Odeon cinema in Warrington. If the response is good it could go on general release on the Odeon circuit.
Jonathon said the team had attracted funds from the school and sponsors for the premier. A local carpet company has donated a piece of red carpet and the “stars” will arrive by limousine.
“We are quite nervous about the event, but I am sure it will be fine. It should be really exciting – I just hope the weather stays fine.”
School’s media consultant Graeme Baxter wrote the script and he believes it is the first time a UK high school has made a full-length feature film.
It was filmed over eight months with a 40-strong cast and crew made up of pupils, teachers and members of the local community.
It tells the story of Kate, a 16-year-old girl whose father goes to prison – and her trials and tribulations as she moves with her mother and younger sister to start life in a new school in a new town.
Kate is played by Year 13 pupil Faye Bellass and her rival, Liz, by fellow pupil Harriet Campbell. Other parts are played by Chris Sutherland, Sam Beech, Martin Young and Hannah Smith. TV presenter Gordon Burns makes a guest appearance.
The film was shot on two high definition cameras at the school and on location around the North West.
Job search
for youngsters
by Lesley Wilkinson
STAFF from Connexions are visiting employers throughout Warrington this week in a bid to find jobs and work experience opportunities for young people in the town.
Personal advisers from the Cheshire and Warrington branch have dedicated it as the first ever Employer Engagement Week.
Although staff have done similar work before this is the first time they have dedicated a week to getting new employers on board.
Terry Cunningham, area Connexions manager for employer engagement, said staff were committed to getting young people into employment, education or training when they leave school and the dedicated week was to help make this happen.
Last year the branch organised 13,000 placements for young people on work experience, but it is aiming to increase numbers this year.
MP welcomes extra funding
for disabled children
by Lesley Wilkinson
NEW Government funding resulting in extra support for disabled children and their families has been welcomed by Warrington North MP Helen Jones.
A new package of policies will offer more short breaks for severely disabled children and their families, more affordable childcare and greater support for disabled young people as they make the transition to a
dulthood.
The MP says parents of disabled children in Warrington will have a greater say in shaping local services. Minimum standards will also be introduced outlining what entitlements and services disabled children, young people and families can expect.
The MP said: “The time and dedication given by parents and carers of disabled children is immense and these families need more support to give their children the best possible start in life.
“Making sure the views of local parents are heard is vitally important and the new parents’ forums will assist greatly in achieving that.”
