Residents lose battle
over factory plan
by David Skentelbery
RESIDENTS have lost a battle to block plans for a controversial new factory building on land in full view of a row of houses at Warrington.
But planners are imposing strict conditions on the development to be carried out by Warrington Fabrications Ltd on land off Old Liverpool Road, Sankey Bridges.
The building must not be used until a noise insulation scheme has been approved – and working hours must be restricted to 8am to 8pm in the week, 9am to 5pm on Saturdays and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
Coun Albert Clemow said: “We want to see if this firm can be a good neighbour before we agree to longer working hours.”
Residents of Old Liverpool Road had claimed the development would have an unacceptable impact on their residential amenity and could lead to increased traffic.
They claimed company bosses had displayed a total disregard to the impact on neighbours of their expansion plans and current 24-hour working patterns.
The 25ft high steel framed building will be erected on land currently used as a yard between the River Mersey and the railway line which runs parallel with Old Liverpool Road.
It will be used for steel drying.
Environment Agency experts raised no objections to the scheme but said the floor level should be 27 feet above the minimum tide level as the site is within the Mersey flood plain.
Helicopter appeal to
local businesses
by John Hendon
A HELICOPTER “lifeline” is appealing to Warrington businesses to support its vital funding.
The North-West Air Ambulance needs nearly ?lm to maintain a round-the-clock service which has no mainstream funding.
Businesses and public donations keep the ‘copter service in the skies.
Its chief executive, Lynda Brislin, said: “We desperately need the help of businesses, so our expert pilots and paramedics can watch over the people of the region, 365 days a year.
“We are extremely grateful for any support we receive from businesses – whether it is a one-off donation, continued fund-raising or sponsorship.
“There are many organisations who support us. But we are always looking for money – and every penny counts”.
Businesses offering sponsorship can choose from four packages, ranging from platinum to bronze.
The platinum mark includes the sponsorship company’s logo on the helicopter’s tail and PR opportunities.
The air ambulance service covers a 5,500 sq. mile area and seven million people.
The ‘copter flies on urgent missions 10 times a day during the summer – answering emergencies on beaches, in woodlands, on the high fells and other difficult-to-reach spots.
Sponsorship details: 0151-527-2511.
College students on
top of the world
by Terry Johnson
A LEVEL students at Warrington’s Priestley College have that top-of- the-world feeling – having notched up an overall pass rate of almost 99 per cent!
The Loushers Lane college’s results are two per cent better than the national average.
A 100 per cent pass rate was achieved in 24 subjects – up from 14 subjects in 2002.
College principal Mike Southworth, enthused about their endeavour: “Students are to be congratulated on their achievement levels. We wish them well as they move to higher education or employment”.
As well as impressive successes at both advanced and first-year ‘A -levels, students scored highly in their vocational studies.
All who took a double Advanced Vocational Certificate of Education qualified. Many also added GCE ‘A’-level successes.
MP welcomes “quality”
plan for care homes
by Terry Johnson
A “QUALITY of services” plan for older people in care homes has been welcomed by Warrington North MP, Helen Jones.
The Labour MP said last night: “This vision should ensure that older people are treated with care, respect and dignity while they are in care homes”.
The action plan from the Office of Fair Trading builds on a study of care provision for the elderly.
It proposes a central “one-stop-shop” giving full information to help people choose care – for themselves or relatives.
It makes it easier for people to complain if they are unhappy about service provision.
It promotes choice and transparency in home costs.
The plan also reinforces existing legislation, such as clearly written contracts.
Ms Jones said many care homes across Warrington provided an excellent service.
The new measure would ensure that any homes “falling short” in their care standards would be checked and improvements made.
Health Minister Caroline Flint, said: “We are committed to improving the experience for older people and their families when they choose and live in care homes”.
Cricket club fun
day raised ?2,200
by David Skentelbery
THE annual fun day organised by members of Glazebury Cricket Club, near Warrington, raised more than ?2,200 for club funds.
Hundreds of people attended the event in the grounds of the Chat Moss pub – the club’s main fund-raising event of the year.
There were stalls, competitions and games for all ages – and a Pooh stick race on the nearby River Glaze.
A number of local businesses sponsored the day, including Waterfields Bakery, CPS supermarket, Asda Birchwood, Wolverhampton and Dudley Breweries and Gwen and Peter, of the Chat Moss.
Other businesses in the village contribution competition prizes and made donations including the Edinburgh Woollen Mill, The Grey Horse, The Comfortable Gill, BJ’s Bingo and The New Double Luck takeaway.
The Bully Board competition, with a ?100 prize, was won by George Rauer. Winners of the Pooh Stick race were l, Malcolm Chapman, 2, Mark Tomlinson and 3, Shaun Conroy.
Golf Putting was won by Danny English, and Golf Chipping by Ryan Warhurst. The toss the sack contest was jointly won by Alan Hindley and Chris Percival.
