Police welcome new powers
to tackle drunken yobs
by John Hendon
POLICE have been given new powers to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour and disorder.
And Cheshire’s Chief Constable Peter Fahy – who has been taking a leading role in a campaign to clamp down on drink-related offences and force parents to take more responsibility for their children – has welcomed the move.
Mr Fahy,(pictured) who spoke out after the tragic murder of Warrington father-of-three Garry Newlove, said:”This is a useful new power which will assist in reducing the impact of anti-social behaviour particularly in those problem areas identified by local residents.
” It only applies when alcohol is a factor and for people over the age of 16. We will never solve this problem by legislation alone and that is why a wider strategy to reduce alcohol abuse and strengthen parental responsibility is so important.”
The Chief Constable said the new power would be a welcome addition to standards Cheshire Police were trying to introduce to challenge society’s tolerance that young people drinking on the street is part of British culture”
The new powers will allow a police officer to disperse anyone they think is contributing to alcohol related crime or disorder. The officer can prohibit the return of people for up to 48 hours if required. This will allow police to take immediate action to disperse gangs or crowds of people to prevent disorder or address anti-social behaviour, without having to apply to the courts beforehand.
Anyone over the age of 16 could be subjected to the new powers if they congregate in a public area to drink alcohol. The officer may also specify the manner in which the person must leave the area, including the route which must be taken.
The new powers may be used in conjunction with fixed penalty notices for disorder – and anyone who fails to comply with a Direction to Leave is liable to a fine of up to ?2,500.
Election hopeful
launches website
by John Hendon
A NEW website has been launched by Jo Crotty, the Liberal Democrat Prospective Parliamentary candidate for Warrington South.
The website www.jocrotty.org.uk is intended to keep residents informed on the campaigning Dr Crotty is doing with Liberal Democrat councillors and local communities throughout the constituency.
Featured are Dr Crotty and the Liberal Democrats challenging Gordon Brown’s plans for huge regional hospitals instead of local services, as well as calling on the Government to enforce the laws and crack down on shops that sell alcohol to children – a concern identified as being a cause of anti-social behaviour.
Dr Crotty said: “I hope the website will help people in the community keep in touch with what we’re doing here in Warrington. It’s also a great way for people to leave me comments and suggestions, or offer support if they want to volunteer and help the Liberal Democrats put Warrington first.?
The website will be regularly updated with news items, campaigns, petitions, pictures, as well as more information about Jo Crotty and the Warrington Liberal Democrats.
Town’s “new residents”
offered tips on living
by Lesley Wilkinson
TIPS on living in Warrington will be offered to Polish and eastern European immigrants at a consultation event tomorrow (Saturday).
The event, at The Gateway, in Sankey Street, from 1pm to 4pm, is to welcome the town’s new residents.
Visitors can share and listen to experiences of living and working in Warrington, get information about council services, the police, voluntary and community groups and meet new people. A free raffle will take place with prizes including a Polish food hamper.
There will also be advice for newcomers to the town on things like employment, accommodation, childcare and leisure activities.
Coun Liz Smith, the borough council?s executive member for community services, said: “The number of Polish and eastern European residents in Warrington has grown rapidly over the past few years.
“This event shows our commitment to ensuring that they have access to all the services they need and that they lead happy and safe lives whilst living in the borough.”
Funeral service for
murder victim
by staff reporter
THE funeral takes place on Monday (September 3) of Garry Newlove, aged 47, who was killed outside his home in Station Road North, Padgate on August 10.
A funeral service will be held at Christ Church, Padgate at 1.15pm.
Afterwards there will be a private, family cremation service.
Mr Newlove, father of three daughters, died in hospital of head injuries after remonstrating with a group of youths outside his home.
Four youths have been charged with his murder, two 15-year-old brothers from Wigan, a 16-year-old from Orford and an 18-year-old from Crewe.
All are currently in custody and are to appear at Chester Crown Court on October 19 when pleas are expected to be taken.
Local woman appeals
for “heart runners”
by staff reporter
A WOMAN from Lymm, near Warrington is appealing people to run for the British Heart Foundation in the Liverpool Hydro Action Women?s Challenge.
Christine Wallace, 46, is taking part in the challenge herself and has already been receiving advice on training from the BHF.
She said: ?My husband had a quadruple heart bypass in October 2005 and the treatment he received was excellent.
?I really want to run the Hydro Active Challenge for the BHF to give something back.
?The training advice I?ve received from the BHF has been really helpful and I?m looking forward to getting running.? More people die from heart disease than any other illness, including cancer. It causes four out of ten deaths.
All funds raised by the Heart Runners team will help ensure the BHF can continue its life saving work into the causes and prevention of the disease.
To find out more about joining the Heart Runners call 020 7487 9430 or email [email protected]
The 5k challenge takes place on Sunday, September 16 in Liverpool?s Sefton Park.
Casino ball
fundraiser
by Lesley Wilkinson
TWO fundraising events are being held by Warrington Disability Partnership. A Casino Ball of 2007 will be held at the Village Hotel, Warrington, on Friday October 19.
The prestigious black-tie event will feature a casino, live music, a charity raffle and auction and a late night disco.
Tickets are ?25 each and include a drink on arrival, a hot buffet dinner and 10 casino chips to start the night! Anyone interested in booking should contact Jon Menzies on 01925 240064 or visit www.disabilitypartnership.org.uk
The charity is also holding a Quiz Night at St Oswald’s Social Club on Friday September 28 from 7:30pm. Tickets are ?2 or guests can pay on the door. There will also be a raffle, games and a stand-up bingo.
