Hooded thug grabs
cash from betting shop
by David Skentelbery
A HOODED thug armed with a large knife got away with cash from a Warrington betting shop.
He threatened a 22-year-old clerk ? the only person on the premises ? before making off with a quantity of cash in notes and coins.
The raid was at the Coral bookmakers? shop in Knutsford Road, Grappenhall.
Police say the offender entered the shop at about 9.15pm on Thursday (June 21) brandishing a large knife. He threatened the terrified member of staff and forced him to hand over the cash.
The offender is described as being about 6ft tall, of thin build with a pale, gaunt complexion, prominent check bones and a pock marked or scarred cheek.
He was wearing a black, zip-up three quarter length coat with a hood.
Anyone who was in the vicinity of the betting shop is asked to contact DS Dave Griffiths on 0845 458 0000.
MP on the ball
at the market
by Lesley Wilkinson
MP Helen Southworth teamed up with football legend Gary Lineker to highlight the importance of Warrington Market.
The Warrington South MP and Gary – the son of a market trader ? got together with MPs throughout the country to back National Markets Week.
Former England captain Gary, who used to help his dad out on Leicester Market, said: “Market traders are some of the most hard working men and women in the country. Many people depend on markets for their livelihoods.
“Some people are so used to driving to supermarkets that they do not realise what a wonderful asset they have on their doorsteps – in the heart of their community – to get their five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.” Mrs Southworth said: “We have a great market in Warrington which offers fresh, tasty, local food, which is good quality, at good prices without unnecessary packaging.
“The new Golden Square is great for Warrington but we can’t have the rest of the town centre falling behind. I am calling for events and activities around the market, like farmers and crafts markets, and specialist events to draw people in. We have had a good market here for 750 years and we mustn’t let it go.”
The MP has asked Warrington Borough Council to promote the market better.
Resident duped out of
?750 by rogue roofer
by staff reporter
AN elderly Warrington resident was duped into pay ?750 for roof repairs that weren?t needed.
Now the borough?s Trading Standards department has issued a warning to householders about rogue roofers operating in the area.
The department was alerted to an incident were an elderly resident was tricked into paying cash for work that wasn’t needed.
A man claimed that he was doing some work at another house nearby and claimed to have noticed there were broken tiles on the resident’s roof.
He quoted ?750 to do repairs there and then. No written notice of cancellation rights was given ? and there was little evidence that any work was ever needed or that was actually done.
Trading Standards chief Peter Astley said: “Please exercise great caution if you are approached on your doorstep in a similar manner. Let police or Trading Standards know if you have had a call or become aware that doorstep traders are operating in your area. Please also look out for vulnerable family friends, and neighbours.”
Anyone can report an incident or to give information by calling Consumer Direct on 0845 040506 or visiting www.consumerdirect.co.uk or calling Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000.
Residents urged to get
involved with planning
by John Hendon
TOWN Hall chiefs at Warrington are inviting residents to help shape its approach to development proposals in the borough.
A range of supplementary planning documents is currently being reviewed which will provide detailed advice to anyone proposing future development.
Five key issues – open space and recreation, affordable housing, travel plans, planning obligations and a guide to landscape design – are covered by the documents in addition to existing policies already published by the borough council.
The council now wishes to share its ideas with the community and invite a wide range of groups to offer their opinions.
Residents can view the documents for four weeks at all libraries in the borough, the Town Hall and New Town House, as well as online at www.warrington.gov.uk
Anyone wishing to obtain a paper copy should call 01925 442839 or write to Patricia McBride, Environment & Regeneration, New Town House, Buttermarket Street, Warrington, WA1 2NH.
All comments must be sent to the above address or via email to [email protected] by 5pm on July 20.
Young man robbed
as he walked home
by David Skentelbery
A YOUNG man walking home in the early hours of the morning was attacked and robbed and two men.
The attack took place in Wilderspool Causeway, Warrington, near to the Saracen’s Head pub as the 18-year-old made his way to Stockton Heath after a night out in the town centre.
It was at about 3.30am on Sunday June 17.
Two men got out of a small white hatchbag and demanded that he hand over property. When he refused he was attacked and robbed of his mobile phone and other property.
Both the offenders were about 18. One was about 5ft 11inches, stocky and with a chubby face. He had mousey coloured, gelled hair and was wearing a short-sleeved checked shirt and blue jeans. The second was about 5ft.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information about it is asked to call DC Stephen Hopkins on 0845 458 0000.
“Loyalty” points for those
who use their own energy
by Lesley Wilkinson
LEISURE centres in Warrington are following the example of national store chains, by issuing their own loyalty cards.
Five Warrington Borough Council leisure centres – Broomfields, Woolston, Great Sankey, Fordton and Birchwood – are all part of The Healthy Green Reward scheme.
It offers incentives to users who arrive at the centre through their own energy, such as cycling or walking, by crediting their membership card with loyalty points to be used against future purchases or fees.
The scheme, launched during National Bike Week, is part of the council’s policy to improve environmental good practice.
As part of the policy plastic and cardboard recycling has also been introduced at the centres.
Coun Roy Smith the borough council’s executive member for community services, said: “It is an excellent idea to reward those people who make the effort to go green by leaving their cars at home and taking some exercise.
“This new scheme is an ideal way to combine the council’s ongoing drive to encourage healthy living and develop environmental awareness across the borough.”
Cyclist in bid to
snatch woman’s bag
by staff reporter
POLICE have released details of an attempted bag snatch in Warrington.
A 23-year-old woman was walking along Dudley Street when a man riding a mountain bike bore down on her and tried to snatch her shoulder bag. Because it was over her shoulder he failed and rode off.
The woman has described him as wearing a white tee shirt and white baseball cap.
The incident was at about 3.15pm on Wednesday June 6.
Anyone who saw the incident, or someone resembling the offender, is asked to call police on 0845 458 0000.
News in brief
Hospital lottery
WINNING numbers in the weekly lottery by Warrington Hospital League of Friends were 1, 7, 10 and 12. There was no winner and the ?254 jackpot will be rolled over to next week. A ?25 consolation prize was awarded.
Golf plan
WARRINGTON Golf Club is seeking planning consent for a new greenkeeper?s store and office at the club in London Roa
d, Appleton.
Nursery closure?
OPERATORS of a children?s day nursery in Delenty Drive, Risley, Warrington are seeking permission to change the use of their premises to a residential dwelling.
Little wonders!
THE Little Wonders Day Nursery has applied for planning consent to change the use of offices on the Thelwall New Road Industrial Estate, Thelwall, Warrington Into an after school club.
