Residents’ anger over
speeding traffic
by Lesley Wilkinson
ANGRY residents have launched a campaign to get speeding reduced on a “dangerous” village road.
They say a motorcyclist was killed on Mill Lane, Lymm, a young girl received a broken leg in another accident and many pets have been run over.
Residents say they are terrified to leave their homes, an old lady is too afraid to walk for the bus and Halloween “trick or treaters” had to abandon their quest because of the danger of traffic after dark.
Resident Sarah Palombella said: “I have started a ‘Stop the Speeding on Mill Lane’ campaign, which has really snowballed in a way that I never realised possible!”
Sarah, who has lived in Mill Lane for a year, said many cars disregard the 30mph speed limit and drive at 50 or 60 mph causing a constant danger.
Many motorists, especially in the rush hour, used the road as a cut through to Warburton Bridge, adding to the high volume of speeding traffic. The 30mph signs were not very visible and more should be done to enforce the speed limit.
She said: “I have lost count of the number of times that we have been slowly pulling out of our drive and been sworn at, beeped and nearly hit by cars coming up and down Mill Lane at high speeds well above the 30mph limit.
“Asking a motorist to slow down is invariably met with a torrent of abuse that is just not acceptable, especially when the person is breaking the law.
“I have canvassed opinion of other neighbours up and down the road and everyone is terrified at the wilful disregard that motorists give to the 30 mph limit and the danger this poses to our families and our daily lives.”
She said a motorcyclist was killed last year and four years ago a girl had her leg broken in an accident with a van, the driver of which was later prosecuted.
Many families live in the area and cycling and walking on the narrow pavements is dangerous. The road was adjacent to the Pennine Way and many cyclists, horseriders and ramblers from the route have been beeped and swore at by speeding drivers.
Police have set up speed cameras and caught “countless” motorists ? but the problem persisted. Residents have also complained to Warrington Borough Council.
Residents are campaigning for a speed camera, better signs, poster competitions to promote road safety, speed bumps or chicanes. They also ask for the 30mph limit to be extended to cover the whole of the road.
Town’s big wheel
is ready to roll
by James Parr
WARRINGTON will have its own version of the London Eye from Saturday when one of the world’s largest Ferris Wheels starts operating.
The 100ft wheel is already almost ready to roll on the Town Hall lawn.
It will offer a bird’s eye view of the town centre until January.
Warrington Borough Council arranged for the wheel to visit the town ? and Warrington Borough Transport is sponsoring it.
Tickets are priced at ?3.00 for adults and ?2.50 for under 16s and over 60s, but special half price tickets can be bought from all bus drivers.
Les Hoyle, chairman of the bus company said: “We’re really excited to be sponsoring such a major attraction in Warrington. As remarkable as the ride itself will be, some of the stunning views people will be able to see from the wheel will be even more remarkable.
“Even more exciting is the offer of buying half price tickets on our buses! We want to help ensure that everyone gets the chance to enjoy this attraction while it’s here in Warrington. Just ask our drivers for more information.”
Magistrate steps down
after 20 years service
by James Parr
MAGISTRATE Raj Luthra has stepped down after 20 years loyal service on the Warrington Bench.
Raj was presented with a commemorative certificate at a special ceremony at the town’s magistrates’ court.
Appointed to the bench in 1988, Raj has chaired numerous cases, served on the bench committee and on the fines panel.
He has also served on the Board of Trustees of the Warrington Citizens’ Advice Bureau and was a member of the Cheshire Diversity Working Group.
Bench chairman Peter Laycock said: “Raj is one of the longest serving colleagues and friends. Voluntary, loyal public service should never be taken lightly, particularly when it stretches more than 20 years.
“Throughout his time, He has been the epitome of commitment, reliability, wisdom and common sense. He has never been anxious to seek the limelight, but determined to give loyal and honest service to the administration of justice in this town.”
Raj’s wife Sudesh was presented with a bouquet of flowers for her and the family’s support throughout his 20 years of service.
Raj added: “Sitting on the bench in Warrington has been a privilege and I hope I have made a contribution to the town’s justice system.
“I have met so many nice people here and will not forget them. I wouldn’t swap my time and experiences here for anything in the world. I have done my best to make Warrington a better place to live and work.”
Firefighters in
river rescue drama
by David Skentelbery
FIRE crews from Warrington were called to the Mersey at Bridgefoot after a disturbed man entered the water.
Two firefighters went into the water and talked to the man to try and calm him down as he waded about 500 metres along the river in shallow water.
At any moment the man, or the firefighters, could have stepped into deeper water and been swept away by the swift flowing river.
Police and ambulance crews were also at the scene and there were four fire engines in attendance. The fire service rescue boat was brought to the scene but was not launched.
Eventually the man clambered out of the river near the Blue Bridge at Centre Park and was taken to hospital. He was not hurt.
Road closure plan
to improve safety
by staff reporter
PLANS to close a stretch of Burtonwood Road in order for the Chapleford Urban Village development to continue have been submitted by Warrington Borough Council.
It is claimed that the closure will improve road safety, ease congestion and be essential for works access to the Chapleford site.
The effect of the order will be to prohibit driving on Burtonwood Road from a point 161 metres south west of its junction with Bicknell Close for a distance of three metres in a southerly direction.
Details of the proposed closure will be submitted by December, with all support and objections having to be received by December 20.
Santa arriving
on his sledge
by John Hendon
SANTA will soon be sleighing his way into Warrington as his new grotto will be unveiled this Saturday.
Mayor Coun Celia Jordan will be joining Santa, Ollie Owl and other friends to officially open the grotto outside the Information Centre in Warrington market.
Santa and his elves will be in the grotto every weekend 11am – 4pm up until Christmas.
He will also listening to children’s wish lists daily from Monday December 17, right up until Christmas Eve.
Admission is ?2, with ever child receiving an early present from Santa and all of the money will go to Warrington Disability Partnership.
Park footpath to
become “official”?
by staff reporter
AN unofficial footpath may be made ?official? following a campaign by more than 50 residents at Old Hall, Warrington.
The path runs along Camp Road for about 65 metres from its junction with Shackleton Close to the Long Meadow.
Members of Warrington?s traffic committee will consider the matter at a meeting on December 5.
A resident of Shackleton Close has applied for the path to be added to Warrington?s rights of way map. A total of 53 other people supported the application.
The path runs through Sankey Valley Park.
Chance to be a fruit
machine winner
b
y staff reporter
A CHANCE to be a winner on a fruit machine is being offered to the people of Warrington as a mobile greengrocer is recruiting staff for the festive period.
The “Fruit Machine” travels around the town giving children, adults and the elderly the chance to buy high quality fruit and vegetables.
Operators, the Mobile Food Network, are now recruiting for a number of vital roles including stall workers, delivery agents and committee members.
For information on the positions contact Janey Moran on 07734 281 073 or via email on [email protected]
