Storm breaks over
gypsy “invasion”
by David Skentelbery
A STORM has broken over the ?invasion? of Green Belt land at Grappenhall, by a party of gypsies.
Several caravans have moved onto a site at Grappenhall Lodge, in Cartridge Lane.
Hardcore has been laid and, it is believed, electrical supplies laid on.
But as yet, no planning application has been received in respect of the site.
It is understood the land, which has been vacant for some time, has been purchased by a Mr Thomas Smith ? possibly the same person who purchased land at Walton several years ago and converted it into a caravan site for travellers.
Grappenhall and Thelwall Parish Council has discussed the issue and a meeting of residents has been held at a farm in nearby Broad Lane.
Residents insist they are not opposed to travellers or gypsies but say they are opposed to any type of development on the sensitive Green Belt site.
Coun Mike Biggin, who represents the area on Warrington Borough Council, said: ?Residents are upset by what has happened. They are concerned that little or nothing is being done by the council even though planning guidelines appear to being breached. They regard this as treasured Green Belt land.
?I am trying to arrange a meeting between residents, councillors and council officers so that everyone understands the situation.?
A Town Hall spokesman said: ?The council is aware of the situation in Grappenhall and we are now considering the most appropriate courses of action.? The borough council fought a long and costly battle to stop the travellers? site being established at Walton some years ago ? and lost.
Appleton Parish Council has resolved to oppose any planning application for the caravan site – which is almost on the border between Grappenhall and Appleton.
Soldier-trombonist
is new bandmaster
by Lesley Wilkinson
A WARRINGTON soldier has been appointed new bandmaster of a Lancashire-based Army band.
Trombone specialist Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Gavin Holden, 38, has toured the world during his 22 years in the Corps of Army Music, including Canada, France and Switzerland. He has also performed at Buckingham Palace and at an ice rink in Germany.
WO1 Holden, who is married to Michelle and has a five-years-old son Aaron, lives in Great Sankey.
He has been appointed bandmaster of the Band of the King’s Division, a band of about 35 soldier musicians based at Weeton Barracks, near Kirkham.
WO1 Holden attended Ardrossan Academy and joined the Army soon after leaving. After completing his basic military training he went to the Royal Military School of Music, near Twickenham, for his specialist music training, and then on to his first band.
As bandmaster he will manage the musical careers of band members, and conduct the band when the Director of Music is unavailable.
He was previously the bandmaster of the Band of the Coldstream Guards.
He said: “We performed in front of Her Majesty The Queen on several occasions, including Trooping the Colour, as well as at the daily changing of the guard outside Buckingham Palace. I did meet the Queen years ago and spoke to her once, at a concert for the Prince’s Trust in Birmingham.”
“The most bizarre place I’ve played at was having a full marching band on an ice rink in Germany. It went OK – we all had to wear rubber soles! We couldn’t do that now for health and safety reasons, but it was good fun at the time!”
College students put
through their paces
by James Parr
ADVENTUROUS students from Warrington’s Priestley Collage were put through their paces when they visited the Rock and River Centre in Lancashire.
First and second years from the Public Service course embarked on the outdoor pursuit in as part of their core training.
Many who graduate the course will go on to join the police force, fire service and even the Royal Marines.
Various physical activities were set up for the group including kayaking, raft building and abseiling.
Public Service Tutor, Carol Chan said: “Getting outside and completing practical and challenging activities is great for our students who enjoyed the opportunity and in the process were able to work on core skills such as team building and leadership.”
Bogus taxi driver
robbed passenger
by David Skentelbery
POLICE are hunting a bogus taxi driver and an accomplice who robbed a Warrington man after running him home in the early hours of the morning.
They punched him about the head and body ? and robbed him of cash and two Manchester United season tickets.
The attack took place in Insall Road, Padgate where the pair took their victim to use a cash machine.
Police said the victim had been into Manchester for a night out with friends and decided to get a taxi back to Warrington.
He was picked up by a dark blue saloon with a diesel engine, driven by a man of Asian appearance in his early 40s who had another Asian man as a passenger in the front of the car.
He spoke English with an Asian accent, had dark receding hair and was about 5ft 9 inches tall and of slim build.
On arrival at home, the man found he did not have enough money so the taxi took him to Insall Road to use a cash machine. But before he could use the machine he was attacked, knocked to the ground and kicked about the head.
After taking his soccer tickets and cash, the offenders drove off.
The attack took place at about 2am on Friday, November 16. Anyone who has information that could assist the police is asked to call DC Ian Hampson on 01244 613831.
Tributes pour in
for Mike Gregory
by staff reporter
TRIBUTES to Mike Gregory poured into Warrington from all the world as news of the former Warrington and Great Britain skipper’s death spread.
But while the big names of Rugby League commanded the headlines with their tributes, Warrington Wolves’ fans made their own feelings clear at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Flowers, shirts, scarves and other RL memorabilia were left beneath the statue of that other Warrington legend, Brian Bevan.
Former Warrington coach Tony Barrow paid a glowing tribute to Gregory.
It was Barrow who appointed Gregory the Warrington captain and, later, in his role as chief executive, appointed him coach at Swinton Lions.
He said: “Rugby League has lost one of its true all-time greats with the passing of Mike Gregory.
“I really feel as if I’ve lost one of my own sons. I loved Mike and his death has left me absolutely devastated.
“I hoped and prayed he would pull through, but it wasn’t to be. I have never known a nicer guy in the game. I could have trusted Mike Gregory with my life.”
Members of the Warrington-Worldwide Reader’s Forum have been posting their own tributes on the forum.
Man, 23, charged
with murder
by John Hendon
A 23-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Christopher Michael Lambert, of Manchester Road, Warrington, who died after a stabbing incident at his home early on Sunday morning.
He is due to appear before Warrington Magistrates today (Wednesday).
A 21-year-old woman has been released on bail to return to Warrington Police Station on January 16.
A man of 18 and a woman of 18 who were also questioned by police have been released without charge.
Police are still anxious to trace witnesses of the stabbing attack in Manchester Road.
In particular, they want to speak to anyone who saw a small, black car parked outside 90, Manchester Road in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Christopher Lambert, would have celebrated his 21st birthday on Monday and it is understood an early party was held for him at his home on Saturday night.
A post mortem examination has revealed he died from a single stab wound, followed by shock and haemorrhaging.
Anyone who can offer inform
ation is asked to call Det Chief Inspector Paul Rumney on 0845 458 0000 or call the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.
Readers can leave tributes, expressions of sympathy etc at www.myspace.com/do_it_for_chris
Fire alert –
in the bath!
by staff reporter
A GUEST having a bath in at Warrington’s Travel Lodge had to leap from the water to raise the alarm when fire broke out in his first floor room.
The fire involved an extractor fan and caused minor smoke damage in the bedroom and adjoining bathroom.
Fire crews raced to the building in Kendrick Street but the fire was out by the time they arrived.
A Fire Service spokesman said the guest had to jump out of the bath, dial 999 and then flee from the bedroom wrapped in a towel.
In another incident, firefighters dealt with a kitchen blaze at a house in Boydell Avenue.
A frying pan had been left unattended and burst into flames causing smoke damage in the kitchen.
Christmas
concert
by staff reporter
SLIDE guitarist and singer-songwriter Bryn Haworth is to appear at Culcheth Christian Fellowship on Saturday, December 15.
Bryn, who has appeared with big name stars such as Cliff Richard, Gerry Rafferty, Joan Armatrading and Chris de Burgh, will give a varied programme including Christmas songs, carols, gospel music and blues.
