Clinical waste plant
“could spread TB”
says campaigner
by David Skentelbery
PEOPLE working for a proposed clinical waste processing plant at Warrington could run the risk of contracting tuberculosis, an environmental campaigner has warned.
Residents of homes only 160 yards away could also be at risk from the deadly lung infection – along with employees of the firms delivering hospital waste to the site, according to John Mulhall.
Mr Mulhall – who in the past stood as an independent candidate in council elections at Warrington – has received information from the United States about workers at a similar medical waste plant who contracted TB from working with contaminated waste.
Irish-based company Sterile Technologies has put forward plans for a multi-million ? plant to process clinical waste from hospitals, clinics and vets all over the North West on land off Winwick Road.
The plant would handle up to 10,000 tonnes of clinical waste a year.
Angry residents – some of who live only 160 yards from the site – have vowed to fight the scheme. But planning consent for a larger project has already been approved following a public inquiry two years ago.
The scheme has only been blocked by Warrington Borough Council’s refusal to sell part of the site which is in council ownership.
Now the applicants have scaled down the proposals so they can be accommodated on part of the site which is privately owned.
Borough planners originally refused permission because of potential traffic problems in an area of the town already suffering from severe congestion.
Residents’ objections were based on health fears although the applicants say the plant will involve state-of-the-art, environment friendly technology.
Mr Mulhall has written to the borough council, local councillors and Warrington North MP Helen Jones, drawing their attention to the American experience.
He says the borough council should demand categorical assurances from the Chief Medical Officer for England and Wales, Warrington Primary Care Trust and the Environment Agency that people living near the site and employees would not be affected by air-borne particles from contaminated waste.
The council should also enquire if waste materials are decontaminated at hospitals before being sent to the processing plant.
Mr Mulhall said TB spread to waste plant workers in the US because of inadequate safety measures, equipment failures, inadequate training and poor protective gear.
Mr Mulhall believes the borough council might still be able to stop the plan going ahead by continuing to refuse to sell the adjoining land, which could still be needed for parking space, etc.
He suggests that a better site for the plant would be on the Warrington-Halton border, near Fiddler’s Ferry Power Station, where the two authorities are already considering proposals for a joint waste disposal site well away from residential areas.
Pupils win award
for art work
by Lesley Wilkinson
TALENTED youngsters from Foxwood Special School, Birchwood, were thrilled to be presented with a digital camera by Warrington Wolves player Mark Hilton.
The prize, funded by Rigby Taylor, was given to the school by Warrington Borough Council’s Street Scene team to thank them for their artwork on the environment.
Phil Chadwick, community liaison officer with Street Scene, gave a talk to children on the environment and they were inspired to create three posters on the theme of Keep Our Environment Clean.
He said: “The aim of the project is to raise children’s awareness about the environment and it was great to see all the children at the school get involved.
“They put a tremendous amount of work in and the artwork they produced was amazing. Presenting them with the camera was a great way of thanking them for their efforts,” he added.
Phil’s team are planning to visit more primary and secondary schools to tell them about the environment and how they can help protect it.
St John volunteers
are simply the best!
by Lesley Wilkinson
HARD-WORKING volunteers from St John Ambulance in Warrington were chosen as the best unit in Cheshire and received a trophy to mark their efforts.
The ceremony organised by St John Ambulance, Cheshire, was held at its headquarters, the Countess of Chester Health Park.
Warrington Unit was awarded the Leverhulme Cup for the best Adult Unit performance in the county. A range of other medals, certificates and badges of gratitude were presented to members from throughout the county.
The Leverhulme Cup was presented by Viscount Leverhulme, Knight of Justice of the Order of St John, in 1947 for all round efficiency in the Adult Units of St John Ambulance, Cheshire, and has been presented each year.
From 1971, the late Lord Leverhulme, son of Viscount Leverhulme, took personal pride in presenting his father’s cup each year and did so until October 1999. His death in 2000 marked the end of a long and personal relationship between the family and the organisation.
Units do not specifically compete for the cup, but their achievement during the year are evaluated taking into account attendances, new members recruited, number of cadets promoted to adults and a series of other activities.
St John Ambulance is the UK’s leading first aid authority and provides first aid training courses, cover at public events, defibrillators in the community, and supports an ambulance service. Information about its work is available by calling 01244 383407 or via the website www.cheshire.sja.org.uk
Get fit and help a good
cause with a 10k walk
by staff reporter
PEOPLE in Warrington are being urged to get fit and help their favourite charity by taking part in a 10km walk.
The event at Victoria Park, Warrington, on Tuesday July 19, will be held at lunchtime and forms part of a nationwide Kelloggs Great Walk. It is a series of 10km walks being held from John O’Groats, via London, finishing in Lands End in September. Money will be raised for popular charities.
Lions International is rallying support and its branches throughout the country will marshal the walks. Warrington Lions clubs, including Warrington, Birchwood, Westbrook, Culcheth, Stockton Heath and Lymm, are involved in the local event.
Harry Thompson, of Warrington branch, said: “We have contacted various sports, social clubs and colleges throughout Warrington.
“It is not a race, it’s about getting active, helping charities, but most of all having fun,” he added.
Anyone interested in joining in should contact organiser Elizabeth Ayto on 07967 726806.
Fun run to be revived –
but not until next year
by staff reporter
THE annual Penketh Fun Run – which did not take place last year because of difficulties caused by the police decision not to accept responsibility for traffic control – is to be revived.
But because of the length of time it takes to organise the event, the next one – which will be the 21st – will not take place until next year.
Traditionally, the event has always been held on Father’s Day which next year is June 18.
The event – founded by Penketh residents Chris and Sylvia Haggett – is to be organised by local runner Geoff Settle.
In 2003, the 20th run attracted a record number of 306 and raised thousands of pounds for charity.
Mr Settle has worked out a new route for the 5k run which does not involve the use of public roads and so avoids the problems caused by a lack of police involvement.
Originally he had hoped to organise the event this year, but then realised there would not be time to organise it.
The idea is to start from Penketh Primary School, where there will be room for parking, and mainly use the towpath of the Sankey-St Helens Canal.
In the meantime, Mr Settle says there is an alternative for anyone who
really wants to run on Father’s Day.
He said: “If anyone really wants a fun run, there is the NHS Corporation Challenge at Knowsley, for teams of four, one of which must be a lady.”
Arsonists set trap
for fire crews
by David Skentelbery
ARSONISTS set a trap for firefighters after starting a blaze at Burtonwood, near Warrington in the early hours of the morning.
The blaze involved a timber agricultural building at the rear of a house in Clay Lane, Burtonwood.
Fire crews arrived at the scene to find the building well alight and virtually destroyed.
But then a second blaze was discovered in another timber building nearby – and it was found that a gas cylinder had been place on top of a pile of straw which had been ignited.
A Fire Service spokesman said: “Fortunately, the straw failed to ignite properly and burned itself out without having any affect on the gas cylinder. But this was a deliberate attempt to cause the cylinder to explode. “If anyone had been nearby when an explosion occurred they could have been killed or badly injured.” It is believed a gang of youths were responsible for the incident. Police are investigating.
Two in hospital
after house fire
by staff reporter
TWO people were taken to hospital suffering from burns and smoke inhalation after fire caused extensive damage to a house in Meeting Lane, Penketh, Warrington.
Firefighters wore breathing apparatus to tackle the outbreak which affected the firest floor and roof of the house.
Four fire engines from Warrington and Widnes attended the scene.
Cause of the blaze is being investigated.
Five Olympic riders
in new horse show
by Lesley Wilkinson
FIVE Olympic riders took part in the inaugural British Eventing Horse Trial at Arley Hall, near Warrington – and the event was hailed an outstanding success with 8,000 spectators.
In total 384 horses took part in the two-day event and the Olympic riders rode on their young horses.
Organisers said that feedback from British Eventing and riders was that the course at Arley was excellent, in an outstanding location and that everyone was looking forward to next year.
Also taking place was a Country Fair that proved popular with visitors. Attractions in the arena included Knights of Middle England, the Mounted Games and the Cheshire Hunt North Pony Club musical ride.
There was also clay shooting, dog scurries, gun dog demonstrations, fly-fishing with Charles Jardine and country skills with Chris Green.
Eric Ransome, organiser, said: “We were delighted with the show. We were blessed with good weather, extremely dedicated staff and volunteers and an outstanding location. Plans are already in place for next year.”
The next big event at the hall will be the Arley Garden Festival on June 25 to 26, and tickets are available by calling 01565 777353.
