Charity welcomes rise
in violent crimes!
by Terry Johnson
A WARRINGTON-based charity has welcomed shock figures revealing an 18 per cent rise in violent crime in Cheshire, including domestic violence.
The Relationships Centre says a victim of home violence will, on average, endure 35 “incidents” before seeking help.
The centre, a specialist charity dealing with those affected by violent, abusive and unhealthy relationships, surprisingly welcomes the increase, as it raises awareness of the scale of the problem.
“We are keen to raise awareness that domestic violence is unacceptable”, said director of services, Pam Arnold. “This increase in reported violent crime shows that this is happening.
She added: “There are now services in place that allow victims and witnesses a stronger platform to get their voices heard”.
The centre is working in tandem with the Govt’s crackdown on domestic violence. It provides one of the first domestic violence court advocacy services in the Northwest.
With one incident of domestic violence reported to police every minute, the total cost per year reaches a staggering ?23bn! Some 150 lives are lost each year.
If you would like to know more about the work of the relationship Centre or if you know someone affected by Domestic Violence then please call 0800 783 9636.
Lifeline
for bus link
by Terry Johnson
Transport bosses have stepped in to save a threatened bus link, following a wave of protest from Lymm villagers.
The storm broke after Arriva announced the No. 38 Altrincham-Warrington service is to be withdrawn,from September 25, because they cannot make it pay.
But Nigel Featham, Managing Director of Warrington Borough Transport, has thrown a lifeline.
He said: “This is an important bus link. Its withdrawal will leave a significant gap in the local network. It is strategic in attracting shoppers into Warrington when the new shopping centre opens.
“Having investigated likely costs and revenues, we are going to step in and provide a replacement Altrincham service – extending Service 5 from Warburton to provide a 30-minute frequency”.
He added: “This step should allay residents’ fears”.
Campaigning Lymm councillor, Mrs Sheila Woodyatt, said: “This is wonderful news for people who faced being left stranded”.
New women’s vocal
group is launched
by Mark Hemmings
A NEW vocal ensemble has launched itself in style.
Musical Director Sue Easton from Woodstock Gardens in Appleton, Warrington said: “Equali@Belmont is an exciting group of women who enjoy making music together.
We bring together singers of all ages, backgrounds and indeed musical experience who share an infectious enthusiasm for choral music.
“The repertoire is as varied as the members’ musical tastes ranging from classical to pop, to gospel and barbershop!”
Presenting their inaugural concert, “A Summer Celebration” at Great Budworth Parish Church accompanied by Hall? Brass, the performance delighted a packed audience.
Equali is very much a family affair. Sue’s three daughters are members of the choir and her husband; Ewan is tuba player with the Hall? Orchestra.
Not only was the evening a celebration for the choir but for Ewan too, who managed to break a world record by performing Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumble Bee” on the tuba in under 90 seconds!
Sue said: “Many of our ladies live in the Stockton Heath, Appleton and Lymm areas of Warrington. Equali@Belmont is not a strictly South Warrington group. We look forward to welcoming new members from all over the town who want to join us.”
Council launches
blitz on graffiti
by Terry Johnson
A THREE-month graffiti blitz is being launched at Warrington, using a special machine to clean up ?neighbourhood scars?.
A borough council environment squad will hit the streets, removing offensive graffiti from walls and fences on both public and private land.
Council chiefs are determined to uplift the town’s image.
Environment spokesman, Coun Graham Welborn, said: “Graffiti scars neighbourhoods. It can be extremely offensive.
“Our clean-up team are going to give this purge our best shot. Parish councils, ward forums, resident associations and other community groups are urged to get involved and help us identify targets”.
The blitz, which lasts until October, follows a campaign to identify and prosecute ?graffiti artists? who leave their tell-tale signatures.
Bid to launch
radio station
by Gary Skentelbery
LYMM could soon have its own community radio station to help promote the annual Dickensian Festival.
Lymm Round Table, the co-organisers of this year?s Lymm Dickensian Festival, are applying for a radio licence to coincide with this year?s Lymm Dickensian event on December 9.
If granted the licence by Ofcom, Radio Lymm will be on air for the first ten days in December.
Round Table Chairman James Phipps said: “This is a new and exciting departure for Round Table, Dickensian and the whole village. It will be a chance for everyone to get involved and should breathe new life into the Dickensian festival.”
If given the green light Round Table has already secured funding from a local building developer.
Dianne Sheerin, Marketing Manager for Bryant Homes explained: “We think it is a brilliant idea, and are delighted to be in a position to help fund such an exciting adventure. For us, it?s great to give something back to the community.
“We are particularly excited about Radio Lymm?s plans to involve Lymm High School, which of course, is right on the doorstep of our new development at The Seasons.”
It is hoped that students from Lymm High School will host the evening shows on Radio Lymm.
Lymm Round Table, who are jointly organising the annual festival with Lymm Rotary Club, should find out if they are successful in their application in the next six weeks.
Lymm Dickensian Day was launched more than 20 years ago to provide a much needed boost for village traders in the run up to Christmas.
