Traffic and empty properties
blight town centre gem
by David Skentelbery
TRAFFIC noise, congestion and empty ?to let? properties are blighting Warrington?s attractive Palmyra Square, according to the occupiers of buildings within the square.
But on a more positive note, the area – has buildings of architectural quality ? and Queens Gardens are seen as an attractive feature.
The Palmyra Square Conservation Area ? originally designated in 1974 and amended in 1985 and 1995 ? is being reviewed by the borough council.
Consultation has already taken place with residents and businesses in the square ? and the conclusion is that a number of negative factors need to be tackled in a management improvement plan.
These include the visual impact of car parking, lack of trees away from Palmyra Square itself, limited but intrusive signage, lack of consistency in footpath paving and a lack of effective and consistent boundary treatment.
There are both public and private sector issues to be dealt with.
Private sector problems involve maintenance and upkeep of buildings, maintaining the spaces between buildings to a good standard, removing vehicles from the front of properties and adopting a consistent boundary treatment, retaining original features and replacing those which have been lost, replacement of non-authentic window types and limiting estate agent signage to statutory dimensions and numbers.
Public sector issues include further public realm improvement s, a phased footpath paving scheme, rationalisation of traffic signage, other street furniture replacement, including street lighting , high maintenance standards in Queens Gardens and use of enforcement powers where required.
There is a need for the imaginative yet sensitive re-use of the former Technical School, and to balance professional office type activities with other ?cultural quarter? uses.
There is also a potential for better linkage between the library and museum into Palmyra Square at some future time.
An urban design strategy is desirable for the western section of Museum Street.
Vicar hits out at
acts of vandalism
by Gary Skentelbery
A VICAR has hit out at mindless acts of vandalism in the previously quiet Warrington village which has left her church footing a bill for ?1,800.
Revd Elaine Chegwin Hall says Appleton Thorn has been beset by vandalism over the past few months.
Damage to houses and gardens, cars and windows has been experienced by the distressed residents.
The Village Hall has also been a target including vandalism to a flag pole erected in memory to a community champion who recently died.
Revd Hall says her St. Cross Church has suffered significantly.
Elaine said: “We have been raising money for the installation of a toilet, kitchen facilities and building work and because of vandalism to our walls and windows we have had bills of over ?1,800. People have worked hard to fundraise and the money just disappears like mist beause of what we’ve had to repair. Even services were disrupted due to the significant amount of broken glass inside the church.”
The police and the Community service officers are aware of the situation and have ensured that a CCTV van will be more visible in the area.
Man dies after
road crash
by staff reporter
A 30-year-old Warrington man has died in hospital after being involved in a road accident in the town on Friday.
The man was crossing the road near the shops in Insall Road, Fearnhead.
He was struck by a black Honda estate car driven by a 42-year-old woman from Liverpool.
The driver was not hurt but was badly shaken.
Police closed the road for more than two hours causing traffic chaos over a wide area.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to contact either PS Mike Jones on 01244 613813 or PC Ian Dodd on 0845 458 0000.
Councillor fails in bid
to get extension built
by David Skentelbery
A COUNCILLOR has failed in a bid to persuade planning chiefs to allow an extension to be built at a house in Birchwood, Warrington.
Coun Chris Fitzsimmons asked members of the borough?s development control committee to approve the part first floor and part single storey side extension at a house in Gilderdale Close.
Officers had recommended the scheme but refused because the development would create a ?terracing? effect, in breach of council policy.
Coun Fitzsimmons disputed this, claimed neighbours supported the scheme and invited members to visit the site before reaching a decision.
But the councillors were told that in fact one neighbour had lodged an objection on the grounds of loss of light to two of his windows and disruption to his own property during the construction period.
Officers still argued that the scheme would cause a ?terracing? effect ? and the committee agreed with them and rejected the application.
Appeal for more
blood donors
by staff reporter
THE National Blood Service is encouraging the people to find time to donate a pint of the red stuff this autumn ? and there are a number of donor sessions in the Warrington area.
Regular donors are needed to ensure that blood stocks stay healthy so that hospitals can continue to carry out treatments to save and improve patient’s lives. Despite this only five per cent of the eligible population are active blood donors.
Cathy Davies, communications officer for the NBS said: “Most people would donate blood if someone they were close to needed it but the need for blood is constant and there are always patients who need transfusions. We’re appealing to everyone over the age of 17 to consider doing something amazing and giving blood.
Anyone aged between 17 and 60, weighing more than 50 kg (7 stone 12 lbs) and in general good health could potentially start saving lives by becoming a blood donor.
Details of the nearest blood donation session on available on 08457 711 711 or from www.blood.co.uk and donating is painless and only takes about 15 minutes.
Sessions are to be held at Warrington on October 25 and at Lowton on October 29.
Park footpath
to be closed
by staff reporter
TEMPORARY closures are to be introduced on a footpath in St Elphin?s Park, Warrington while construction work is carried out on the new school to be built in the park.
The closures start on Friday, October 12 and will take place as and when necessary and will be under the control of the contractor. It is expected they will last for about six months.
Temporary diversion signs will be erected on site detailing the associated alternative route for the duration of the works – the route will follow the boundary of St Elphins Park, running parallel to the existing footpath.
Arson attack on
derelict pub
by staff reporter
POLICE are investigating after arsonists set fire to the former Brickmaker’s Arms pub in School Brow, Warrington, during the night.
A Fire Service spokesman said the fire had been clearly started deliberately.
The pub has been boarded up and semi-derelict for some time.
