Tuesday 31st July 2007

Council to act over
traffic light hold-ups
by David Skentelbery

TOWN Hall transportation chiefs are carrying out a major review of the newly installed traffic lights outside the Westbrook Centre, Warrington following a storm of protest from motorists.
The lights, with pedestrian crossing facilities, were installed at the junction of Cromwell Avenue and Ladywood Road following complaints from residents over a number of years.
Aim was to improve pedestrian access to the shopping centre.
But now there is uproar among motorists ? with some claiming they can be held up for 15 minutes or more by the lights.
The council says the previous roundabout was removed and the lights installed only after other options had been discounted on highway safety and design grounds.
Signal controlled pedestrian crossings, known as ?Puffins?, are the only practical and safe way of achieving the level of pedestrian access required, transportation chiefs say.
The previous roundabout arrangement made crossing as a pedestrian difficult and a real barrier for local people at busy times.
It was an acknowledgement that motorists would experience some additional delays compared to the original layout. However, work to test how the signals would operate carried out at detailed design stage, indicated they would work well, managing the traffic and minimising delay to an acceptable level.
Head of Transportation Phil Johnson is aware of people’s concerns.
He said: “The council readily accepts that the changeover has caused problems to motorists in the area and wants to assure residents that it is working exhaustively to remedy the problems.
A number of important signal changes have been made in recent weeks and confirm that for the majority of the time the signals are working well.
“However, it is clear that there are delays at certain times and efforts are being intensified to identify the exact triggers to this and address the problems. As well as additional surveys and observations underway and planned, all of the comments received from the public are being taken into account.”

Couple who were “Mum
and Dad” to 90 children
by Lesley Wilkinson

A COUPLE who have fostered almost 90 children over 35 years were honoured at a special ceremony in Warrington.
The event at the Halliwell Jones Stadium was to celebrate the work done by foster carers, adopters and family carers throughout the borough.
The Mayor of Warrington Coun Celia Jordan thanked them for their enthusiasm and commitment.
The “stars” of the event were Ros and Warren Whalley, who have cared for almost 90 children over 35 years. Warrington Wolves player Kevin Penny presented the pair with gifts on behalf of the Warrington Borough Council and the children they have cared for.
The annual event recognises the work of those who care for children in Warrington who cannot live with their birth families. There are 121 children and young people at present who live with foster families in the town.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt, the borough council’s executive member for Children’s Services, said: “We are very proud of our foster carers and rightly so. The dedication and kindness of these people is astounding and they are an asset to the town, because without them, many children and young people would be deprived of a loving family. ”

Police probe
arson attack
by staff reporter

POLICE are investigating a blaze which resulted in clouds of dense, black smoke drifting across Warrington town centre during the night.
The fire involved business premises in a railway arch off Central Way used for storage purposes.
A large quantity of tyres and plastic was ablaze, forcing firefighters to wearing breathing apparatus to tackle the flames. Portable lighting units also had to be used.
Fire chiefs said the premises had been broken into and it appeared the fire had been deliberately started.
In a separate incident, two garages and a car were damaged by fire in Armstrong Close, Birchwood, Warrington.

Daphne’s “dream” day
out at the Palace
by Lesley Wilkinson

A CULCHETH community worker enjoyed a “wonderful” day when she was invited to The Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Place in London.
Daphne Eastburn, who has served the community for 31 years, and her husband Robert, brushed with Royalty when they attended the day.
After the event Daphne said: “It was a day to remember for both of us. It made us very proud of our Monarchy, and we both think we have the best country in the world.
“We felt like Royalty and both felt very special.” Daphne was nominated for her service to the community, which includes working with the Scouts, environmental projects, work for St Lewis’ School, Croft, and for Culcheth Methodist Church.
During the day the couple saw, among others The Queen, The Duke of Edinburgh, who Daphne said was “very good for his age,” The Earl and Countess of Wessex and Baroness Thatcher.
The couple enjoyed strolling through the grounds in the sunshine, having tea, listening to two bands and chatting to fellow guests.
Daphne said: “When we arrived it was amazing to see all the fashions. Everyone was really dressed up. It was just like watching Ascot on the television.” For her special day Daphne chose a pale green suit with a fitted top and chiffon floral skirt. She had cream accessories and wore a stylish hat.
She enjoyed the extensive treats on offer including freshly crushed lemonade, cucumber and mint sandwiches and delicate cakes.
The couple travelled to London and back on the train for the day, and after the event she said they had a wonderful, dream day.

Dog owners urged to
have their pets chipped
by staff reporter

The service is encouraging owners to use identity tags and chips on their dogs.
Runaway dogs and strays collected in the borough will now be housed at Cheshire Dogs Home in Grappenhall, where they will stay for a maximum of seven days before being re-homed.
Owners may only reclaim their dogs if they can provide proof of ownership and make a payment of ?50 for up to three days’ stay, or ?75 for up to a week.
The home is open to visitors between 1pm and 5pm, Monday to Saturday and from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday.
Further information is available from the home at 225 Knutsford Road, Grappenhall, on 01925 269500.

Alison carries on
a family tradition
by John Hendon

A new recruit is pounding the beat in Warrington.
Police Community Support Officer Alison Shacklock is the latest addition to the team based at Risley Police Station.
But the 21-year-old revealed is more than ready for the challenge. Policing runs in her family as both her father and step-mother are officers in Greater Manchester and her sister is an officer in Merseyside.
“I am the fourth member of my family to join the police and I’m really proud to be keeping the tradition going,” she said.
After leaving university Alison worked in an office and was waiting until her 21st birthday to join the police. But then she spotted an advert for a role as a PCSO and decided to take the plunge and apply.
“I thought I’d like to try this for a couple of years to learn more about community policing and to get a feel of the place.
?I can honestly say that I think I have found the job for me. It is so important in assisting the community and I’m relishing the challenge.”
After successfully getting the job Alison spent her time training at Cheshire Police’s HQ in WInsford. She has only been in her post for a few days but is already a familiar face with locals on her new patch in Woolston.
“I have been bombarded with kind comments and plenty of warm welcomes from the local schools and shop keepers, which has really helped me to settle in,” she said.
Residents can meet PCSO Shacklock at the next Woolston Community

Action Meeting. She will be attending the meeting on Monday September 10 at 7pm at Woolston CE Primary School.

Residents fail to
stop store extension
by David Skentelbery

RESIDENTS have lost a fight to stop a convenience store expanding at Appleton, Warrington.
People living in Dudlow Green Road claimed a proposed rear extension at their local Spar Shop would reduce the size of the car park behind the store and lead to cars and deliver vehicles parking outside their homes.
Appleton Parish Council also opposed the scheme on similar grounds.
They argued that the loss of space behind the shop would cause problems for delivery and waste collection vehicles.
But members of the borough council’s development control voted in favour of the extension which will result in 22 per cent additional floor space in the shop.