School closure decision
“called in” for scrutiny
by David Skentelbery
THE controversial decision by Warrington Borough Council’s executive board to press ahead with the closure of Woolston High School has been “called in” for scrutiny.
It will go before the council’s Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday next week.
The decision has been called in by Poulton South Liberal Democrat councillor Iona Gillis – backed by four other Liberal Democrat councillors, Alan Litton, Bob Timmis, Mike Biggin and Judith Walker.
It has been called in on the grounds that the decision could go against article 12.6.1 (i) of the council’s constitution – proportionality – which states that an action must be proportionate to the desired outcome.
On Monday, the executive board voted unanimously in favour of closing Woolston High from August 2012.
But members were told that Coun Gillis had opposed the closure proposal.
If the closure is finally confirmed, no pupils will be admitted to Year 7 from next year however and pupils from primary schools currently partnered with Woolston High will normally be sent to Padgate High.
But wherever possible, pupils already at the school will be able to complete their secondary education there.
Scrutiny chiefs have the power to refer the decision back to the executive board or to the full council.
Masked thugs in
raid on DIY store
by James Parr
MASKED thugs got away with a cash box from the B&Q store at Winwick, near Warrington ? and then stopped nearby and tried to smash it open.
Police are seeking help from anyone who may have seen the offenders either at the store or in Kingswood Road, Westbrook when they were seen trying to smash the box open against a lamp post.
The drama began shortly before 5pm when a security guard was collecting cash from the store.
He was attacked by a man wearing a balaclava, threatened with a knife and punched in the face. The offender demanded money and made off with the box which contained cash.
The offender was seen to get into a green R registered Ford Mondeo which was driven out of the car park at a high speed and with no lights on.
Some time later, three men wearing balaclavas were spotted on Kingswood Road trying to smash a box open on a lap post. The same car parked close by.
The attacker is described by police as being 6ft 1 inches tall and of skinny build, wearing a grey hooded jumper and black pants.
Anyone who witnessed either incident or has any further information is urged to contact DC Jamie Thompson on 01244 615 859.
Mayor opens new grotto
for Santa and friends
MAYOR of Warrington Celia Jordan welcomed Santa and his friends to a new grotto in Warrington Market.
Coun Jordan was on hand to officially open the grotto, which is outside the Disability Information point in the market.
Santa, Ollie Owl and other friends will be at the grotto every weekend up to Christmas and daily from Monday December 17 to Christmas Eve.
Admission is just ?2.50 with every child receiving a special gift and helping to raise money for Warrington Disability Partnership.
For further information please contact the team on 01925 240064.
Man tried to smuggle
drugs into music festival
by James Parr
A DRUG dealer who attempted to take more than 300 ecstasy tablets into the Creamfields Music Festival, near Warrington has been jailed for two and-a-half years.
He was arrested after police found traces of the drug on his hands as he attempted to enter the festival, Warrington Crown Court was told.
David McKibbin, 25, pleaded guilty to possessing a class A drug with intent to supply.
Peter Frost, prosecuting, said McKibbin tried to gain access to Creamfields Festival at Darsbury earlier this year.
But when he had his palms swabbed, police found traces of the drug and carried out a thorough body search.
They found 347 ecstasy tablets with a street value of between ?700 and ?1,000 in a condom.
McKibbin admitted intending to supply some of the drugs to friends at the festival and sell the remainder.
Kendrick Horne, defending, told the court McKibbin had spiralled into debt after taking voluntary redundancy last year. He had gambling and drug related problems.
He had no previous convictions and was attempting to sell the drugs to pay off debts.
Recorder John Murray told McKibbin: “I would be failing in my public duty if I did not give you a custodial sentence.?
Globetrotting band
to perform in town
by Lesley Wilkinson
A GLOBETROTTING brass band that has performed as far afield as the USA and Japan will be entertaining people at the Parr Hall, Warrington, during a UK tour.
Leyland Band, which was crowned Champion Brass Band of Great Britain in 2005, plays in town on Saturday December 22 at 7.30pm.
The band has won many awards and has featured on more than 50 audio recordings, national television (including BBC Songs of Praise) and radio including BBC Radio 2.
It is currently conducted by Russell Gray, himself a former member of the band, having played principal cornet during the 1990s.
Tickets for the show are ?10 and ?8.
“Showbiz” apartments
open to the public
by staff reporter
VISITORS to a new apartment site in Warrington have the choice of two show apartments to view.
McInerney Homes’ Williams Wharf development, in Knutsford Road, on the banks of the Manchester Ship Canal, features two show apartments designed by Show Business Interiors.
Cath Ogalive, design account manager for Show Business, said: “The brief for the show apartments at Williams Wharf was to create two very contrasting homes which reflected the waterside location and were elegant and modern.”
One is bright and vibrant using aqua green and white features with aqua carpets throughout, retro furniture and a feature wall covered in luxurious lily wallpaper.
In contrast the second apartment has deep piled charcoal carpet, and is decorated in black, grey and white with citrus accents of yellow and green, creating a contemporary Hollywood feel.
News in brief
Houses sold
TOWN Hall chiefs at Warrington have sold off two semi-derelict houses to raise money towards the cost of building affordable homes in the borough. The properties are in Haryngton Avenue, Bewsey and Henshall Avenue, Latchford.
Hospital lottery
THERE was no winner in the weekly lottery run by the League of Friends of Warrington Hospital and the jackpot prize was rolled-over to next week.But two consolation prizes were awarded in the run-up to Christmas. A ?100 was won by a member of hospital staff while a ?25 prize went to a hospital visitor.
Pub donation
REGULARS and staff at the Orford Hotel, Warrington have raised more than ?1,200 for Mencap.
Christmas fair
FATHER Christmas will be putting in an appearance today (Saturday) at the festive fair at St Margaret’s Community Centre, Kindley Avenue. Doors open at 11am.
