Thug arrested after
staff and customers
tackle shop raiders
by David Skentelbery
STAFF and customers tackled a gang of three thugs who burst into a Co-op store at Warrington.
A 19-year-old shop worker was bitten when he grappled with the raiders at the shop in Warrington Road, Penketh.
But one of the offenders ? a 24-year-old from Halewood, Liverpool – was arrested and is being held by police.
Three members of staff ? two women aged 64 and 39 and the 19-year-old man – were in the shop, along with a number of customers, when the three thugs burst in, carrying green plastic storage boxes similar to those used for recycling paper.
The raiders forced their way behind the counter and began loading the storage boxes with cigarettes. In doing so, they pushed the 39-year-old woman.
But the 19-year-old, supported by a customers, challenged them and a struggle began during which the shop worker was bitten on the finger.
Two of the offenders escaped on foot, but the third was held until police arrived.
The shop worker was taken to hospital for precautionary treatment. The two women workers were not hurt but were left badly shaken.
Police are seeking witnesses of the raid, or anyone who may have seen the other two offenders running away from the scene.
Anyone who can help is asked to call DC Gary Smith on 01244 613833.
Market traders
become TV stars
by Gary Skentelbery
THE stars were out at a glittering awards ceremony to celebrate the acting achievements of traders on Warrington Market who have become TV stars.
Marilyn Monroe and Laurel and Hardy lookalikes added to the glittering occasion during a special “MAFTA” Awards ceremony organised by market manager Steve Pickering.
Steve has helped compile 40 TV adverts for the traders to display on giant screens within the market and on warrington-worldwide’s www.warrington.tv
To help launch the commercials he orgainsed the awards ceremony at the Bar Tempo, next door to the market.
Best Actress went to Val from Mr Freshness while Best Actor went to Roy from Sweeney’s butchers. Best film went to Mike from Millennium Comics while Best Director went to Steve Pickering!
Steve said: ?We are fortunate that the Council has the skills and commitment to deliver this project and the standard of performances from our traders in front of television cameras was very high. Every one of the 40 traders taking part has enjoyed the experience and we are all looking forward to seeing the start of broadcasting in the market.?
The provision of several plasma television screens and a new sound system in the market are part of many improvements currently being implemented by the Council.
Other improvements to be introduced include upgrading certain areas of the building, a trial scheme offering limited free parking incentives for market customers and the re-launch of the market ?shopping with confidence? scheme, which highlights the exceptional customer service offered by market traders.
Armed police in
hunt for gunman
by David Skentelbery
A MAJOR police hunt, involving armed police, was launched at Warrington after a man was shot on a housing estate.
The 31-year-old, from St Helens, was visiting a house in Vulcan Close, Padgate when it is understood he answered a knock at the door to be confronted by a man who shot him in the leg.
He was taken to Warrington Hospital but police said his injuries were not life-threatening.
The incident was just before 8pm on Thursday. Armed police rushed to the scene and started a search of the area.
But the offender had left the scene immediately after the shot was fired.
During the incident, a second man, aged 37 and believed to be local, was arrested on suspicion of drug related offences. He was being questioned by detectives yesterday (Friday).
Police are anxious to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the incident, or have any information about it. Anyone who can help is asked to call the major incident squad on 0845 458 0000.
Wolves players in
the dentist’s chair
by staff reporter
WHEN Warrington Wolves? players went in the dentist?s chair to have gum shields fitted, television cameras were there too.
And footage of the fitting was due to be screened last night (Friday) as part of the build-up to coverage of the Warrington v St Helens Superleague game, which the Wolves lost 12-48.
Sky TV sports reporter Angela Powers interviewed players in the dentist?s chair.
Vinnie Anderson explained that in Australia it was compulsory for players to wear mouth guards. Without them, there were serious risks of losing teeth.
When asked what he thought of the archetypal prop forward with missing teeth, Vinnie replied: “If that’s the look they want then don’t wear gum shields – but that look is not for me”.
The gum shields were fitted at Warrington?s Dental Academy, who as part of their sponsorship deal with the Wolves, supply players with ongoing care if they get injured during a game while wearing their shields.
Dental surgeon Kevin Dobbs said: “The shields we are offering the players are custom fitted, making them more comfortable for players to wear throughout the game. Mouth guards are the best way of protecting teeth while playing tough contact sports. They act by absorbing energy from any blow and reduce the chance of costly treatment, painful injury and additional treatment.
?We hope that younger players in schools and clubs will follow the example of their local professional team and protect their smile.”
Angela Powers interviews Vinne Anderson in the dentist’s chair.
Fathers united
by tragedy
by John Hendon
TWO fathers united by tragedy will fly to Madrid today (Saturday) to attend an event in memory of the victims of terrorism.
Colin Parry, father of Warrington bomb victim Tim Parry and Michael Gallagher, father of 21-year-old Omagh bomb victim Aiden Gallagher met yesterday at the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Centre at Great Sankey.
It was the first time Mr Gallagher had been able to visit the peace centre set up in the wake of the IRA bombing in Bridge Street, Warrington in 1993.
He met Mr Parry who, together with his wife Wendy, set up the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Trust in the wake of the tragedy and helped found the Peace Centre.
The two fathers will travel to Madrid for an event tomorrow (Sunday) to commemorate both the third anniversary of the Madrid bombs and the EU Day for the Remembrance of Victims of Terrorism.
The event is being organised as part of a new EU funded project to create a network of organisations working with victims of terrorism. The Trust is a member of the network, which is working to share and develop practice for supporting victims.
The two bereaved fathers will be speaking at the event, sharing their personal experience of terrorism, and will also standing in solidarity with others across Europe who have been affected by similar events.
Mr Parry said: ?Our organisation was founded by victims of terror; over the last six years we have worked with many other victims of the Northern Ireland conflict, and more recently, with victims created by other violent conflicts. This is an important opportunity to collaborate with other victims across Europe and stand together with them against terrorism.?
“Unusual” extension
wins plans approval
by John Hendon
A HOUSEHOLDER has won a planning battle for the right to build a rear, single-storey extension at his home in Barshaw Gardens, Appleton.
Warrington?s development control committee accepted the advice of their officers and refused permission for the development.
But a planning inspector has allowed the applicant?s appeal on the grounds the proposal would n ot materially harm the character and appea
rance of the house or the immediate area.
Alan Stepehenson, Warrington, director of environment services, said the development adopted an “unusual staggered design” to enable a large extension to be accommodated in the garden.
In other cases contrived solutions to enable compliance with guidelines had been refused and subsequent appeals dismissed. But in this case the inspector had clearly concluded the extension was sufficiently enclosed and of such limited impact that refusal was not justified.
Road closures
for parade
by staff reporter
A NUMBER of streets will be closed to traffic tomorrow (Sunday) morning while Warrington’s annual St Patrick?s Day parade takes place.
The roads will be closed between 10am and 1.30pm and diversions will be signposted.
Roads to be affected will be Orford Lane, from Sharp Street to A49 Lythgoes Lane, A49 Lythgoes Lane/Winwick Rd, at its junction with Orford Lane, Pinner’s Brow, Winwick Street, from Pinner’s Brow to Scotland Road, Horsemarket Street, Market Gate, Sankey Street, A5061 Bank Quay Bridge, A5061 Liverpool Road/Sankey Way to the junction with A57 Sankey Way, at the Green Street roundabout.
The parade is expected to start at Orford Lane at a bout 10.30am and arrive at the Sacred Heart Church on Liverpool Road by 11.15am with the return journey starting at about 12.30pm, ending back at Orford Lane by about 1.15pm.
