900 jobs on the move
if homes plan approved
by James Parr
MORE than 900 United Utilities staff will move to new offices if plans to build a new housing development on site of the sprawling Dawson House complex at Great Sankey are approved.
Workers would be moved to the company’s headquarters on the Lingley Green Business Park.
The utilities giant is seeking permission to demolish all the buildings on the Dawson House site in Liverpool Road and build 178 houses.
Two, three and four storey dwellings would be built ? and the occupants would each be issued with free, annual bus passes to encourage them to use public transport.
Additional bus stops and an extension to existing bus routes would also be provided.
The plan comes before Warrington?s development control committee next week.
It is being opposed by nearby residents who believe it will lead to increased traffic congestion, higher noise levels and would damage the local environment.
Major housing proposals are normally resisted by planners because of the acknowledged surplus of housing land in Warrington.
But officers are recommending the scheme be approved because of the overall benefits the scheme would bring.
These include a ?3.95 million contribution from the applicants towards the cost of ?affordable? housing in other areas, ?405,000 for sports and recreation facilities off the site and ?34,000 towards improved local health care facilities.
Dawson House was originally the headquarters of United Utilities and, prior to that, the North West Water Authority and the Mersey Rivers Authority. It has been extended on several occasions and parts of the complex are relatively modern.
Justice Minister sees
anti-crime initiatives
by James Parr
JUSTICE Minister Jack Straw visited Warrington?s Thorn Cross Young Offenders Institution to see some of the innovative projects that are being run to help prevent re-offending and cut crime.
As a guest of Warrington South MP Helen Southworth, he met young people taking part in the Fire Cadet Programme run by Cheshire Fire Service, with the 12 week course involving fire skills training and education.
He also visited workshops where inmates were studying for NVQs and other qualifications.
Young offenders at the Institution are being given the chance to learn and be trained in numerous vocations such as, bricklaying, mechanics, gardening and music ? with training by members of the Halle Orchestra.
While in Warrington, the Minister also got the chance to meet with staff from Talk…don’t Walk, the local charity working hard to provide alternative solutions to children and young people thinking of running away from home, which has received much recognition both locally and nationally in recent months.
After the visit Mrs Southworth said: “I am really pleased to have had the chance to show Jack how successful these projects have been.
?At Thorn Cross, young people are faced with the consequences of their offences to themselves and their victims but are also given skills and qualifications to take a different path. This early intervention is proving effective in stopping re-offending and cutting crime. The Governor and staff at Thorn Cross, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Halle Orchestra are doing a very good job for our community.”
Village CCTV cameras
now in the clear
by Lesley Wilkinson
CCTV cameras in Stockton Heath have been unable to function efficiently because of faulty street lights and obstructions caused by high trees.
But the trees have now been trimmed and the lights repaired, members of Stockton Heath Parish Council were told.
As a result, the cameras were now able to operate fully.
Chairman Coun Graham Roughsedge said: “The camera picture is now very clear.”
Music festival
“well managed”
by staff reporter
THIS year’s Creamfields music festival, held on the Daresbury estate, was “well managed” according to those involved.
Coun Peter Walker told Stockton Heath Parish Council: “The general consensus was that the event was well managed.
“There were fewer people attending than last year and fewer cars than last year, as the company arranged shuttle transport.”
He said that the clear up of the site had also been carried out well.
Minister in town
for peace project
by John Hendon
THE Minister of State for Northern Ireland will be coming to Warrington today (Friday) to deliver the keynote speech at an event at the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Peace Centre.
Paul Goggins will be in town to celebrate the achievements of the “Legacy Project”, a six year long programme that works with the victims and survivors of the troubles in Northern Ireland.
The Foundation will also publish its report “Legacy: Learning from the past to make a better future” as well as launching its own leaflet entitled “Steps towards empowerment and positive survival – if only someone would have told me”, which was produced by the victims and survivors who took part in programme.
Mr Goggins said: “The work undertaken by the Project team has made a significant impact on the lives of victims and survivors and I believe that as the Project comes to a close we should give our thanks and congratulations to those who have shown that beyond the tragedy, good and great things can be achieved.
?It is evident that the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace has been a beacon for healing and reconciliation.”
The event takes place at 10.30am.
Worries over
housing plan
by Lesley Wilkinson
ANGRY residents have voiced concern that plans to build more houses across the Ship Canal from Stockton Heath will cause extra traffic and pollution in the village.
They complained to Stockton Heath Parish Council about proposed development of the former Greenalls distillery in Loushers Lane, Warrington.
Patrick Mullee said: “Is the parish council objecting to the Greenalls development? It will add more traffic and pollution and what we really need is jobs.
“Life is bad enough in Stockton Heath now without adding more traffic and pollution.?
Members said they would discuss the application when it was received.
News in brief
Board appointments
TWO new board members have been appointed by Warrington Primary Care Trust – medical director Dr Sarah Barker and executive nurse Liz Craig.
Legion grant
STOCKTON Heath Parish Council approved a grant of ?120 to the Royal British Legion for a wreath and a donation for Remembrance Sunday. Members will attend the ceremony on November 11.
Hospital lottery
WINNING numbers in the weekly lottery run by the League of Friends of Warrington Hospital were 5, 6, 8 and 13. There was no winner and the ?1,138 jackpot will be rolled over to next week.
Park clean-up
RANGERS at Sankey Valley Park will be cutting back overgrown reeds in its wetland nature reserve on Sunday, October 21 to improve the habitat for breeding birds.
