Council to sign new
deal on gypsy camps?
by David Skentelbery
TOWN Hall chiefs at Warrington are to be asked to sign-up to a draft code of practice for the management of unauthorised gypsy or traveller camps.
The code is in line with statutory guidance and national policy ? and would be signed by all councils in Cheshire and the police.
It does not, in itself, provide for a permanent or transit sites for travellers in Warrington.
But it is an advance on the existing situation ? with the council having no published policy on its approach to unauthorised encampments, leaving the authority increasingly at risk of challenge under Human Rights legislation.
Gypsies and travellers are a recognised ethnic minority and the council needs a written policy showing how the welfare of both the travelling and settled community is catered for.
Warrington is already working in partnership with Cheshire, Halton and St Helens to try and develop a consistent approach to the assessment of need for gypsy and traveller accommodation and subsequent provision of accommodation to meet the identified need and the management of unauthorised encampments.
If a possible permanent site for travellers is found in Warrington, a Government grant will be available, although this is limited and will be considered on a regional or sub-regional basis.
[b}MP welcomes fairer
pension proposals[/B]
by Gary Skentelbery
WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones has welcomed the government?s pensions proposals which could see around 750 more women aged between 46 and 56 in her constituency get a full basic state pension in the years ahead.
Around 500,000 more women in the age group across the UK will get a full pension as a result of the fairer deal in the Pensions Bill.
The Bill will introduce new weekly credits that count towards a pension for women who are caring for children or the seriously disabled and cut the number of years people need to build up entitlement to a full basic state pension.
Currently only around 30 per cent of women retire with a full basic state pension compared to around 85 per cent of men. The government has pledged to end this historic injustice with a new pensions settlement, which will also include restoring the basic state pension?s link to earnings in the next parliament.
Ms Jones said: ?Under Labour’s plans around 750 extra women currently aged between 46 and 56 in Warrington North, and around 60,000 across the North West, will retire with a full basic state pension. This is good news which will make a big difference to people in Warrington coming up to retirement.”
400 children stranded
as town grinds to standstill
by David Skentelbery
FOUR hundred school children and their teachers were stranded in Warrington town centre by the traffic gridlock resulting from Thursday?s fierce storm.
The youngsters were from primary schools in Orford, Lymm and Runcorn and were attending the final performance of this year?s pantomime, Aladdin at the Parr Hall.
While they were enjoying the show, the weather outside was worsening and motorway closures resulting in thousands of vehicles being diverted onto local roads, traffic ground to a standstill.
Coaches were due to pick-up the youngsters and their teachers after the show ended at 4pm. But they could not get through.
Staff from the Parr Hall and the Pyramid provided refreshments and entertainment. Members of the pantomime cast joined in by coming out to chat with the stranded children.
By 5.30pm, however, there were still about 250 children still waiting for their transport.
They were moved to the Pyramid where the Olive Press restaurant provided pizzas, pasta and drinks and big-screen DVD showings to keep the youngsters entertained.
The last school party left at around 8.30pm ? none the worse for their delayed departure.
Venue manager Lesley Smailes said: ?We were all delighted to do everything we could to help the kids and teachers feel comfortable. We?ve got a great team here at Pyramid and Parr Hall and we all pulled together to make sure the kids were looked after. I think they really appreciated it.?
Police hunt thugs
after street attack
by David Skentelbery
POLICE are hunting a gang of thugs who attacked and beat-up a man as he walked along Knutsford Road, Warrington.
The attack appears to have been without motive and left the victim with injuries to his face and a broken ankle.
He was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries.
The man, aged 42 was walking near Victoria Park, in the direction of the town centre, shortly before midnight when he was confronted by a group of men who started to attack him for no apparent reason.
A vehicle pulled up and the gang made off leaving their victim lying on the ground.
Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to call DC Carla Hunter or DC Jackie Daniels on 01244 614890.
Motorists’ jaw broken
in mystery attack
by John Hendon
A MOTORIST had his jaw broken by another driver who pulled up alongside him and launched a savage attack for no apparent reason.
The attack took place in Stockton Lane, Grappenhall near Warrington where the 40-year-old victim was sitting in his parked car.
Another car pulled up alongside, a man got out and attacked the first man, breaking his jaw in two places.
Police are seeking witnesses of the attack which took place at about 11am on January 12.
Anyone who can help is asked to call DC Carla Hunter or DC Jackie Daniels on 01244 614890.
Police swoop on
“drugs factory”
by staff reporter
POLICE swooped on a suspected “drug factory” near Warrington.
They discovered plants – believed to be cannabis – and equipment inside industrial premises in Moss Side Lane, Rixton.
A 32-year-old man was arrested, questioned by detectives and then released on bail pending analysis of the plants.
A police spokeswoman said: “The premises have been emptied of all materials and equipment.”
Anyone who can help police with information about the premises is asked to call them on 0845 458 0000.
“Vast improvement”
for park ponds
by staff reporter
AN ?800 scheme to improve ponds in Dudlows Green Park has been completed, Appleton Parish Council heard.
Work on felling/pruning trees and bushes around the two ponds has made a “vast improvement” according to members.
A scheme to de-silt the ponds is now to be considered.
