Pop festival will be
“professionally run”
by staff reporter
THE proposed Creamfields pop festival at Daresbury, near Warrington will be professionally organised with every possible measure taken to minimise noise disturbance – if it goes ahead.
This assurance has been given by Lord Daresbury – owner of the land on which the festival is scheduled to take place on August 26-27.
Massive opposition is growing to the festival with more than 500 nearby residents joining together to lodge objections, together with five parish councils – Daresbury, Hatton, Appleton, Stretton and Walton – and Warrington Borough Council.
Objections are based on fears of noise, heavy traffic, unsocial behaviour, crime, drug taking, litter, etc.
But the town is split on the issue. A poll among members of Warrington-Worldwide’s readers’ forum indicates that 56 per cent are opposed to the event taking place and 44 per cent support it.
Lord Daresbury has come in for some criticism for allowing his land to be used for the event which, in previous years, has been held in Liverpool.
But the former brewery and hotel magnate said organisers Cream has experience of running concerts all over the world and would run the event in a very professional way.
While there would inevitably be some noise disturbance, acoustic experts had been engaged to minimise the problems and a licence would only be granted if the licensing authority – Halton Council – was confident noise levels would be within acceptable levels.
Lord Daresbury there would be 400 security stewards and 500 police officers on duty – not because trouble was expected but to reassure local residents.
Protecting the interests of local people would be an absolute priority both for himself and for the organisers.
There would also be direct benefits to the community from the concert.
Among groups appearing at the festival will be Prodigy, Goldfrapp, Coldplay and the Zutons.
Soccer fans asked to
boost recycling drive
by Terry Johnson
A BIG re-cycling initiative is being launched in Warrington on the back of World Cup fever.
Environment chiefs want soccer fans buying extra drinks cans and bottles to step up their re-cycling rate to help the town hit its targets.
“Everyone in Warrington is being urged to get involved in the Big Re-cycle”, said a town hall spokeswoman.
The World Cup competition gives clean-up campaigners extra focus, though re-cycling extends beyond drinks cans and bottles to paper and garden waste – with a recovery target of 18 per cent.
Council executive ember Coun Brian Axcell, said: “It is everyone’s responsibility to re-cycle more, to help reduce waste going to landfill”.
New garden waste bins hoped to stop 8,000 tonnes of ‘green waste’ from ending up on rubbish dumps. They should perk up the town’s re-cycling rate by seven per cent.
The waste is composted and used as an agricultural soil improver.
Town hall says 5,500 tonnes of paper was collected in 2005-6 in the kerbside blue bins.
It is turned into new newsprint at the Shotton Paper Mill.
Fewer complaints against
police is “encouraging”
by John Hendon
A SHARP fall in complaints by the public against Cheshire bobbies and police staff has been described as ?encouraging?.
Deputy Chief Constable Graeme Gerrard, a former police chief at Warrington, said: “The figures suggest that we are improving in the way we treat victims and deal with offenders”.
National figures from the Independent Police Complaints Commission show a 25 per cent fall in complaints made against Cheshire officers – a “significant reduction”.
Complaints range from neglect of duty to incivility.
Neglect of duty accounts for the highest complaints in any category. It includes assault claims.
Said Mr Gerrard: “Any arrest requires a certain level of force. This is where officers often have complaints of assault made against them.
“People making complaints of assault often allege that officers have gone too far. We did not expect to see a significant reduction in complaints in this category”.
Last year Cheshire Police made 28,262 arrests and recorded 961 complaints. This is down to 721.
Mr Gerrard said the 240 reduction in complaints was testimony to the hard work and dedication of staff and the force’s professionalism.
“The figures are encouraging. I believe the public has the confidence in Cheshire Police to come forward and report a problem concerning staff conduct when we do get it wrong”.
Comedian Justin puts
on an extra show
by staff reporter
COMEDIAN of the Year award winner, Justin Moorhouse, steps under the spotlight at Warrington’s Pyramid Arts Centre on Saturday (June 10) in his second solo tour.
The 7.30pm show is already a sell-out and an extra 10.00pm show will now be performed for which tickets are still available.
Justin has become one of the most sought after acts on the British and international comedy circuit.
He has also appeared on television and radio, notably in Channel 4?s ?Phoenix Nights.?
Justin has created quite a stir with his affable, boy-next-door style and quick witted spontaneity have proved a big hit with viewers and listerns.
His Warrington appearances are part of a tour of the country ? and he will have support from a special ?mystery? guest.
Civic Sunday
by staff reporter
THE Mayor of Warrington, Coun Linda Dirrir, is to hold her Civic Sunday service at St Elfin’s Parish Church on June 11.
Coun Dirrir, accompanied by her consort, Mr Allin Dirrir, will take part in a procession through the town centre to the church, taking in Sankey Street, Market Gate, Buttermarket Street and Church Street.
The roads will be closed to traffic and diversions will be signposted involving Crosfield Street, the A57 Midland Way, A 49 Brick Street/Fennel Street and Manchester Road.
News in brief
Carnival time
BIRCHWOOD Carnival, Warrington takes place on Sunday, June 11 – with a parade through the area from 12 noon. Through traffic will be diverted away from the area via Dewhurst Road, Oakwood Gate, the A574 Birchwood Way and Moss Gate.
Parking bays
PLANS to create new parking bays in Forbes Close, Birchwood, Warrington on land currently used for shrub beds have been given the green light by planning chiefs.
Extension refused
WARRINGTON planners have thrown out proposals for a two-storey side and single storey rear extension at a house in Euclid Avenue, Grappenhall.
New signs
NEW floodlit signs can be erected at the Toby Carvery on Winwick Road, Warrington, planning chiefs have decided.
