Seven storey homes
plan causes a storm
by David Skentelbery
PLANNING chiefs at Warrington are urging councillors to approve a controversial housing development ? despite it adding to the existing oversupply of homes in the borough.
The scheme involves 275 homes in blocks ranging from two to seven storeys on the site of a former timber planning mill off Chester Road, Lower Walton and adjoining land.
It has caused a storm of protest.
Planners admit the scheme will add to the oversupply of housing in Warrington but argue that the benefits of the development will help regenerate inner areas of the borough.
These include a pledge from developers Peel Holdings of more than ?2.2 million towards improvement of open spaces, highways and health care facilities.
Stockton Heath and Walton parish councils are opposing the scheme, together with more than 20 nearby residents.
Residents campaigning for the refurbishment of Stockton Heath Primary School are also against the scheme which, they claim, is being pushed to create a need for more places at the school.
The developers have offered ?1.5 million towards the cost of open space enhancement, ?634,000 towards highway improvements, ?53,075 for health care facilities and ?13,000 towards improvements to the Trans Pennine Trail.
Objectors, including the two parish councils, say the buildings should not be higher than four storeys and that the development will lead to traffic and parking problems.
They claim the sheer size of the buildings will dominate the skyline, having an adverse impact on listed buildings and wildlife.
Tennis ace Michael
jets off to Spain
by staff reporter
GRAPPENHALL tennis star Michael Austin will be aiming to set new standards when he jets off to Spain to take part in the Daily Telegraph-Centre Parcs Under 18s Junior Grand Prix.
The event which will take place at the La Manga resort will see the six most talented under-18 UK tennis players take on the world?s best in their age group.
Currently in the first year of a BTEC National Diploma in Sport at Warrington?s Priestley College, the 17-year-old was selected having amassed enough ranking points from various tournaments this year.
The tennis mad teen will certainly be up against it as he will go into battle against many other players who are both older and also have a higher ranking.
But he is not phased by the nature of the competition.
?I am delighted to be going to Spain, it will be a challenging time but hopefully if I do well it will be an opportunity to get noticed,? he said.
Michael who has been playing the game since he was 12 has self funded his trip and hopes to raise the profile of tennis in the UK, which at the moment he admits ?is doing well, but could be better.?
He will have the support of fellow Priestley student and Stockton Heath player Matthew Rickaby who is travelling to La Manga to watch and provide some warm-up games for Michael.
The event starts on Sunday and ends on November 12.
Memorial to a
dedicated teacher
by Mark Hemmings
A FITTING memorial to a dedicated teacher has been placed in the front courtyard of St Gregory’s Catholic High School, Warrington.
Peter McGann passed away last year, but now a lasting tribute to him ? a bench – has been given to the school.
Former pupils Sally Moran and Michael Hall organised a collection for the bench and delivered it to the school themselves.
A second bench was delivered to the McGann home. This bench, beautifully made by Bernard Donleavey, a parent of pupils at the school was donated by non-teaching staff who worked with Peter.
The hand made bench was specifically designed to represent the characteristics, which they loved and admired in Peter – welcoming, but down to earth, strong and reliable.
Stella McGann, Peter’s widow said: “Both benches speak volumes for the high esteem in which Peter was held, and are much treasured.”
Picture shows two pupils with Peter?s bench.
Euro MP campaigns for
medal for bomber crews
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON-based Euro MP Brian Simpson is campaigning for a medal for members of the RAF?s Bomber Command for their bravery during World War 2.
Mr Simpson has written to the Minister for Veterans urging him to award a medal to members of the bomber crews for their courage during the war years.
The MEP said: ?During the month of November, our thoughts turn to those brave people who fought and died for our country. Without their many sacrifices, we would not have the freedom that we enjoy today.
?I have been contacted by one of my constituents, who was one of the aircrew of Bomber Command in the RAF.
?While we all agree that the men who sailed in the Arctic convoys have finally been awarded the Arctic medal for bravery and service to our country that they truly deserve, is it not time that the air crews of Bomber Command were similarly honoured?
?These men flew hundreds of missions over Europe between 1939-1945 in the course of which they lost 55,000 killed. Indeed, Bomber Harris was the only war commander not to be given an honour at the end of the war.
?I have written to the Minister for Veterans on this issue, urging him to award the Bomber Command a medal for their valour, courage and bravery during the war years. We owe our lives to all of Her Majesty’s forces and will remember them on November 11 and 12 when we lay our poppy wreaths at the various cenotaphs throughout the North West of England.?
Boat owners to
blockade canal
by John Hendon
BOAT owners are to blockage the Bridgewater Canal at Lymm, Cheshire at midday on Wednesday (Nov 8) to protest at a proposed 197 per cent increase in licence and mooring fees.
The Federation of Bridgewater Cruising Clubs say the increases, imposed by canal-owners Peel Holdings, are unfair.
Spokesman Matthew Corbett – said dozens of narrow boats and cruisers would block the canal at Lymm Bridge.
“It will be a colourful, noisy event, but not violent in away way – most boaters are not in the first flush of youth.
“These increases will make boating unaffordable for some.”
News in brief
Flats refused
PLANS for a block of 15 apartments on land adjoining the magistrates’ court building in Winmarleigh Street, Warrington have been thrown out by borough council planning chiefs.
Hospital lottery
WINNING numbers in the weekly lottery run by the League of Friends of Warrington Hospital were 2, 13, 14, 15. The ?140 jackpot went unclaimed and will be rolled-over to next week when it will be an estimated ?300.
Farm track
PLANS have been submitted for a farm track and hardstanding area for agricultural vehicles at Moss Side Farm, Manchester Road, Rixton near Warrington.
School extension
A SINGLE storey classroom extension is to be built at Glazebury CE Primary School, near Warrington.
Driving ban
AN order has been made introducing a temporary ban on driving in Thynne Street, Warrington and a temporary suspension of residents’ parking schemes in parts of Arpley Street and Henry Street, Warrington from November 13 for a period of about 10 weeks.This is to allow work to proceed on major water main and service renewals.
