“Congestion summit” will
try to end traffic chaos
by David Skentelbery
COUNCIL chiefs are planning a ?congestion summit? early in July to seek solutions for Warrington?s chronic traffic problems.
Interested groups such as industrialists, shopkeepers, cyclists, motorists, etc are being invited to the conference.
Discussions on the format of the event and who should be invited to attend have reached an advanced stage, involving council officers and Coun Brian Axcell, executive member for environment services.
Council leader Ian Marks said: ?We first suggested this conference back in February, and we have already held a similar event on housing.
?It has to be said we have no magic wand. There isn?t a simple solution.
?We need a whole range of solutions ? some large, some small. But we have to do something. There is no point in just moaning.
?A lot of people say we need a western by-pass, and that may well be the long term solution. But it would cost an awful lot of money.
?Some people think there may be a solution using the existing ?Blue Bridge?. Everything needs to be looked at.
?There are some people who say Warrington?s congestion is worse than other towns. There are others who say it isn?t. Some people think the problem looks worse than it really is and others think the opposite.
?Some things are already being implemented, such as school travel plans. There is no doubt about it the problems are made worse during term time because of the ?school run?.
?One thing we are not considering is road pricing, or congestion charging. It may be suitable in some areas but we don?t believe it is in Warrington.
?Another issue is the likelihood of increase shipping on the Manchester Ship Canal which would lead to the swing bridges being ?off? more frequently than at present. We think this would be unacceptable.
?We will be inviting Peel Holdings, the canal?s owners, to attend the summit.?
Multi-culture week
for college students
by staff reporter
A CELEBRATION of multi-culturalism took place at Warrington?s Priestley College during an action packed week of events and activities on campus.
The college is proud to celebrate different cultures and students were able to express their ideas and feelings across mediums such as art and performance.
Art and design students welcomed local artist Pauline Marston onto campus to show techniques associated with painting styles show has studied during extensive travels in China.
Meanwhile students who had been working on a “live design” brief with the Bodyshop displayed their work in an exhibition based on a range of cultural themes.
Performing arts students put on a production of 1001 Arabian Nights which looked into aspects of Islam and included pieces performed in a Bhangra and Bollywood dance style.
Catering also hit the spot as specialised dishes including Paella, Cannelloni and Moussaka were served up to hungry students on top of the usual range of tasty healthy treats.
Marketing Officer Nat Ashurst said, “Worldfest has become a very important and integral yearly event on our college calendar. We have a firm belief that all our students should be enriched in aspects of other cultures as it leads to them having a greater respect and understanding of their surroundings.”
Phil’s marathon effort for
cancer kids raises ?4,000
by David Skentelbery
BUSINESSMAN Phil Sexton has raised almost ?4,000 for charity after completing the London Marathon.
Phil, of Sexton?s bakers at Lymm completed the marathon in six hours 20 minutes.
The money ? much of its raised in sponsorship from customers at his shop ? for Children with Leukaemia.
Phil started his marathon about 38 minutes after most of the 35,000 others who took part thanks to hold-ups on the Tube.
He completed the first six miles in 54 minutes in terrific heat and then, realising his mistake, slowed to a more comfortable pace. He completed 13 miles in about two hours but then felt a pain in his right knee. Ten minutes later it ?seized up.? After some massage and being strapped up by an ambulance crew who advised him to quit, he carried on.
?I met up with a Scottish guy named Chris and we walked together and encouraged each other by telling jokes and laughing at themselves.
?At 22 miles I was close to tears and certain I couldn?t make it one step further. But the cheering of the crowd and the encouragement of Chris kept me going.? Towards the end he was passed by some strange sights, two rhinos, Chewbacca and several Mr Men. When a pint of Guinness ran past he thought it might have been a mirage! Eventually he reached the finishing line and met up with worried wife Sara.
Afterwards he said: ?I?m stiff but proud of myself. I completed what I set out to do.
?I have raised almost ?4,000 for the charity and if anyone hasn?t already donated they should do it now. The children with leukaemia deserve it ? and damn it so do I!?
Learning to
speak English
by staff reporter
LEARNERS in and around Warrington who don?t have English as their first language are set to benefit from a new course offered at the Learning and Enterprise Centre (LEC) at the University of Chester.
The Skills for Life course entitled, Introduction to English, is aimed at those who would like to improve their English speaking and listening skills.
The series of workshops at the university?s Warrington campus are free of charge and offer a general introduction to English and cover work related issues, helping learners develop relevant language appropriate to their workplace.
Senior lecturer and centre manager Connie Hancock will be teaching the programme.
She said: “The course has been developed in response to the needs of international learners within the LEC’s bright, modern and welcoming training facility, based on the Warrington campus.”
Anyone who would like further information can contact learning assistants Amy Abbott or Elsie Phillips at the LEC on 01925 534309 or by visiting www.chester.ac.uk/lec
MEP’s support for
captive journalist
by John Hendon
WARRINGTON-based Euro MP Brian Simpson has joined the campaign to win the release of BBC journalist Alan Johnston, who was illegally abducted in Gaza more than six weeks ago.
Mr Simpson says he wants to express his solidarity with the journalistic fraternity and the family of Alan Johnston at what must be a ?terrible time? for them.
He said: ?I would like to assure you I will do all I can to secure the release of Alan.
? I often have my disagreements with the media. What politician doesn?t But if the freedom of the press is to mean anything, then the freedom of journalists to ply their trade without fear and hindrance is surely a fundamental necessity of a democratic state.
?I have written to the President of the Palestinian Government asking him to do all he can to facilitate Alan?s release and I have joined with other colleagues in the European Parliament in calling for Alan?s? immediate release from captivity.?
