New strategy to make
town a regional leader
by James Parr
A MAJOR new strategy aiming to establish Warrington as a key town in the North West has been approved by borough council chiefs.
“Moving On – Moving Forward” is the title of the blueprint the council has adopted for the future of Warrington.
A report on the document claims it could make Warrington the key town across the region ? but also warns that failure to implement the strategy could seriously harm the town?s standing.
Ways that the council plans to improve the town include making the most of waterways, greenways and countryside, tackling climate change and embracing new technologies.
All areas crucial to the town’s development are outlined in the document and include plans for growth in the town.
Making Warrington accessible for all generations is a key feature of the plan, with a simple remit of making the town “the best place for a child to grow up in Britain”.
In recent times there has been a growing feel that Warrington had ?lost its way? and lacked ambition, the council?s executive board was told.
But council leader Ian Marks said: ?We don?t accept that. It may have been true at one time, but in the last few years things have changed.
We will ensure that Warrington’s distinctiveness as a town is maintained and its important role in the region is clearly and effectively articulated.”
Coun Marks added: “We are very committed to the future of Warrington. This sets the framework for all the exciting plans we have in motion. It points the way forward for a number of developments which will all contribute to improving the quality of life for everyone in the town.”
Knifeman put to flight
by defiant shop staff
by David Skentelbery
A THUG wielding a 10-inch knife fled empty handed after two shopworkers at Warrington took him on.
After a brief struggle, the would-be robber ran from the shop in Fairclough Street, Burtonwood.
Police are now investigating the incident at the Khaza Tandoori takeaway on the evening of Tuesday, December 4.
The man walked into the shop, leapt on the counter and threatened two shop staff with his knife.
He demanded money but the two men – aged 27 and 40, refused to hand over cash and there was a brief struggle before the thug fled. No-one was hurt.
Police say he was wearing a blue hooded tracksuit. He had the hood up and wore a black mesh over his face. He was 5ft 7 inches tall and aged about 16.
Anyone who can help police with information is asked to call DC Steve Hopkins on 01244 614893.
College stages its
own “Question Time”
STUDENTS at Warrington?s Priestley College were given the chance to grill local politicians in their very own version of the popular TV show Question Time.
Representatives from all three major parties took part in the event hosted by Mayor Celia Jordan who took on the David Dimbleby role for the afternoon.
Leader of the borough council Ian Marks (Lib Dem) and deputy leader Keith Bland (Cons) both took part while Labour were represented by Coun Paul Kenny and Euro MP Brian Simpson.
Rebecca McCartney, chairman of “Impact” and vice president of the Priestley College Council was also on the panel.
There were heated discussions on issues such as Warrington Walking Day, gun crime, knife crime and the recent lost disks scandal.
It was just the latest in a string of events in which Priestley College has forged links with local government to the direct benefit of students studying related courses.
All students have registered to vote in a pilot scheme for Warrington and politics students have participated in an exciting Speed Debating challenge with local councillors.
Assistant curriculum manager for Humanities, Mark Salmon said: “The students found the event a richly rewarding experience. Question Time was very informative and lively with the councillors set some challenging questions. This has given the students the impetus to find out more about the dilemmas facing councillors in the area.?
Lib Dem leadership
hopeful visits town
by Leslie Wilkinson
A HIGH-profile politician is visiting Warrington today (Thursday) and will collect petition signatures for the fight to stop post office closures.
Nick Clegg, MP for Sheffield Hallam, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, and a contender in the party’s leadership contest, visits at 3 pm.
He will be joining party activists in the campaign to save post offices throughout the country, including six in Warrington, from closure.
Mr Clegg will help collect signatures in the ongoing fight to save 2,500 local post offices across the country from closure.
Warrington South Prospective Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate Jo Crotty said: “We’re very excited that Nick is coming to give our campaign a boost. Nick recognises how important it is to local communities that their post offices stay open.”
She added: “I hope that in December we can celebrate two victories: Nick Clegg’s as our new party leader; and, most importantly, I hope we can celebrate a successful conclusion to our fight to keep Warrington’s post offices open.”
Mr Clegg will visit post offices facing closure in Whitecross and Lymm and will speak to local party workers.
Teenagers who get
“too carried away”
by James Parr
PARENTS in Warrington are being urged to talk to their children about the dangers of getting ?too carried away? during the party season of December and January.
The Relationship Centre in Warrington is running a Talk don’t Walk campaign, which is hoped will give parents sound advice on how to talk to their children and what sort of advice to give.
At this time of year, the sexual activity among under 18s increases and The Relationship Centre is calling on parents of Warrington to help their children from getting into risky situations, encourage them to delay their first sexual encounter and help to reduce the amounts of unwanted pregnancies and STIs.
Advice such as speaking to children before they go out and telling them to drink water with their alcohol, always have their phone topped up with credit and to stick with friends, are just some of the hints that the Centre is issuing.
Marissa Hankinson, spokesperson for The Relationship Centre in Warrington said: “Parents can’t be with their teenagers every minute of the day but every parent wants their child to be safe, no matter what age they are. But it can often be difficult to give them freedom as they become young adults.
“If the lines of communication are opened up at an early age, then it becomes much easier to talk about issues such as alcohol, drugs, sex and relationships. The sooner that parents can get these conversations going, the better.
?We understand that these types of conversations can sometimes cause conflict but it is the best interest for all for them to take place, we provide support to parents all year round, advising them on boundary setting and learning to negotiation with their teenager.”
Residents lose fight
to stop restaurant
by James Parr
RESIDENTS in Great Sankey have been left reeling after losing a battle to stop an Indian restaurant being opened – despite receiving backing from the parish council.
Plans to build the new restaurant on Liverpool Road were given the green light by the borough council?s development control committee.
Three petitions were handed to the committee, together with 11 letters from neighbouring residents and statements from Great Sankey Parish Council and Councillor Roy Smith.
All the objections pointed to a lack of parking provisions, likely increase in traffic problems and concerns over smell.
But neither highways officers nor environmental health chiefs objected and the committee found there was no substantial reason for blocking the proposal.<
br />Work will now begin on the restaurant, which will be situated next to the Butchers Arms on Liverpool and is currently a furniture retail store.
Shopmobility to
expand service
by Lesley Wilkinson
EXTRA shopping hours over the festive season are being offered by Warrington Disability Partnership’s Shopmobility service.
The service will extend its opening hours in the run up to Christmas to include Sunday opening throughout December.
The scheme will be open on the following Sundays (10am to 4pm), December 9, 16 and 23.
The project gives people with mobility problems greater independence by providing manual and electric wheelchairs and battery-powered scooters for use in Warrington town centre.
The team is located at the Legh Street Car Park, Warrington, and can be contacted on 01925 231941. New members are welcome and full training is given.
