M&S expansion “could
damage town centre”
by David Skentelbery
PLANS for a major extension at the big Marks and Spencer store at Warrington?s Gemini retail park are being opposed ? because of the potential for damage to trade in the town centre.
The scheme ? which would involve a first floor extension over part of the existing ground floor ? would add 2,160 sq metres of internal floorspace for retailing and a new caf?.
It comes before Warrington?s development control committee on Wednesday (November 28) and planning officers are recommending it be refused.
The extension would provide room for a service bureaux and departments for technology, home and furniture and beauty products.
Alterations to the shop front would involve demolition of the existing garden shop.
M&S say in addition to providing additional space, the proposal would address a number of shortcomings in the existing store including a confusing customer flow through the store entrances, provision of customer services, a limited number of till points and fitting rooms and a limited range and quantity of goods on sale.
Planners do not believe the extension would result in any significant increase in peak hour traffic and admit the existing car park would be able to cope.
However, public transport links are limited and pedestrian access to other nearby stores are poor.
But the Health and Safety Executive are opposing the scheme because of the presence of major hazard pipelines.
The Warrington Retail Partnership has objected on the grounds of damage to trade in the town centre.
They point out the expansion would make the Gemini store one of the largest M&S stores in the UK which would give it the potential to damage town centre retailing, including the newly extended Golden Square and the up-and-coming Wireworks and Times Square investments.
It could also lead to M&S closing their town centre store which would be of huge detriment to a primary shopping frontage in Warrington.
The Partnership says an agreement should be entered into between the borough council and M&S which provided an obligation that M&S may not trade from their out of town store if the town centre store ceased trading.
Students learn the ups
and downs of business
by James Parr
BUDDING business entrepreneurs from Warrington?s Priestley College travelled to London to take part in a conference and workshops as part of National Enterprise week.
Around 16 eager students were advised on how to go about setting up their own business – and the pitfalls that come with it.
Real life entrepreneurs told the students how they made their businesses work, including Johannes Paul, a founder member of Omlet who launched the Eglu, a device that allows people to keep chickens at home and in the process produce eggs.
Law students in the group were treated to tour of the law courts in London, before watching a performance of Lord of Rings in the West End.
Second year on the BTEC Business Course Greg Inch said: “I thought London was enjoyable and a fantastic opportunity to gain information on how to create a start-up business – it gave me plenty of fresh ideas.”
Business tutor Julie McDonald added: “The opportunity for students to meet with people who have made a success of their ideas in the real world was very rewarding. They now know what can be achieved when you have a passion for something and are determined to achieve your goals.”
Internet radio station
is calling all schools
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON’S community internet radio station Radio Worm is visiting local schools, recording Christmas songs and carols to play on the radio in the run up to Christmas.
Worm DJ Steve Lewis said: “Rather than just playing the same old tired Christmas records, we thought we would like to hear some local schoolchildren singing Christmas songs of their choice”.
Not only will Radio Worm be playing these songs on their internet radio station, which can be heard by family members all over the world, but they will also be available to download as podcasts.
Radio Worm will also be producing a CD with all of the recordings that they make.
Any Warrington school that would like a visit for Radio Worm to make a recording can phone on 01925 42 38 38 or email [email protected]
Radio Worm is broadcasting 24 hours a day, seven days a week at www.radioworm.co.uk
Rowing club wins
?14,000 windfall
by Lesley Wilkinson
A WINDFALL of up to ?14,000 will help Warrington Rowing Club fund new equipment to help more young people take to the water.
The club was chosen by the Amateur Rowing Association for its Project Oarsome initiative, which helps get youngsters from local schools into rowing.
The grant from Sport England’s Community Development Programme will cover 80 per cent of the cost of new equipment, including boats, for youngsters aged between 15 and 19.
The club has already had success with young people – one of the club’s young Olympic hopefuls is 16-years-old Olivia Oakes.
She recently came first in her junior age category in the World Championships and has her sights set firmly on the Youth Championships in April and National Championships in May. And London 2012 is her ultimate goal.
Stewart Kellett, regional director of Sport England NW said: “Sport England is supporting the growth of rowing in the North West through Project Oarsome Extra.
“Rowing is a fantastic sport which appeals to children, young people and adults. Warrington Rowing Club is building on its links with local schools and the community giving more young people the chance to try out rowing. It’s a great way to get fit and have fun, whatever your level.”
Motor cycle fire
– in the kitchen
by David Skentelbery
A MOTOR cycle burst into flames – in the kitchen of a house at Warrington.
The blaze was in Rutter Avenue, Dallam, where a biking enthusiast was working on his machine in the kitchen and smoking a cigarette at the same time.
The fire caused minor damage in the kitchen but the man escaped unhurt after dropping his cigarette and igniting petrol fumes.
A Fire Service spokesman said: “It is not a good idea to smoke while working on a motor vehicle. This man was fortunate not to be burned.”
In another incident, fire crews were call to Bridge Lane, Woolston where four concrete mixers were found alight.
Police are investigating the possibility of arson.
Thieves on look-out
for “easy style”
by John Hendon
THIEVES looking for an “easy steal” are targeting cars in the south Warrington area according to police.
CD players, laptops and sat-navs have all been snatched from cars in Thelwall, Lymm and Grappenhall over the last few months.
All have been left on display, which acts as a big incentive for thieves to strike.
Police are now urging motorists to take a few extra minutes when leaving their vehicles to make sure nothing is left on display.
Stockton Heath Community Support Officer, Simon Martindale said: “We need to make sure that drivers are not leaving an open invitation for thieves to target their vehicle. Preventing this type of crime only takes a few seconds and a bit of common sense.
“Drivers need to ensure that no items are left on show inside their vehicle. They should also remember that if they are removing their sat nav system from the windscreen that they should then take it with them and not leave it hidden in the glove box or in the boot.”
Giving to charity has
never been easier
by John Hendon
SPARING some cash for charity at Christmas has never been easier as The Relationship Centre in Warrington will receive commission from on-line purchases.
Shoppers who access their favourite s
tores and buy gifts from website www.buy.at/relationshipscentre, will be donating up to 12 per cent of the cost to the Centre.
This donation will not incur any extra cost to Christmas shoppers and will mean the Warrington based charity will receive a boost to its coffers.
The Relationship Centre offers support to people of Warrington and its surrounding areas who suffer from abusive or violent relationships.
All popular gifts sites are available from www.buy.at/relationshipscentre, including play.com, amazon.com and johnlewis.com
[ 27.11.2007, 08:40: Message edited by: James P ]
