Village split over plan
for new scout hut
by David Skentelbery
A PLAN to build a scout hut on a recreation field, to replace one destroyed in a disastrous fire two years ago, has split the village of Hollins Green, near Warrington.
The parish council is objecting to the scheme ? and so is borough councillor Bill Brinksman.
But other villagers are supporting the scheme put forward by the 22nd Warrington East Scout Group.
A coach load of villagers turned up to hear the issue thrashed out at a meeting of the borough?s development control committee. But councillors decided to visit the site before reaching a decision and the matter was adjourned.
Planning officers are recommending the scheme be approved.
But the parish council say the development would be inappropriate on a designated village green. They argue that there are no parking facilities, that the scout hut would generate noise problems for nearby homes and that there is inadequate access to the site for the disabled.
They say they support the principle of a scout hut ? but not on this site. They claim it would be bigger than the previous hut and would therefore incorporate land designated as a village green.
Planners say the visual impact of the building would be minimal and, like the previous hut, it would not erode the role of the recreation ground. It would be a low key community facility capable of co-existing with the nearby residential area.
Memories wanted of
70-year-old cinema
by staff reporter
MEMORIES are being sought of Warrington?s Ritz Cinema ? later to become Mr Smith?s Club ? as the building celebrates its 70th birthday.
The club-cum-theatre/cinema is standing virtually unused at present, since the death of owner John Smith.
But a campaign has been launched to convert it back to its former use to provide the town with facilities for live theatre.
The building opened its doors for the first time in 1937 as The Ritz. It claimed to be the most luxurious cinema in Warrington. It had facilities for stage shows and a Compton organ.
Big names were attracted, including Bob Hope, George Formby and Laurel and Hardy.
In the 1980’s teen stars, Rick Astley and Michaela Strachan became household names along with Pete Waterman when the venue was used for the weekly TV programme, “The Hitman and Her”. The President of Walt Disney International, and former Warrington resident, Andy Bird began his media career as one of the producers on the cult TV programme.
A question mark now hangs over the building with rumours that developers want to build apartments on the site.
Theatre campaigner Mark Hemmings said: “The building would make a great live entertainment venue again ? and it would be great if we could save it in this, its 70th year.
“Regardless of what happens to the building in the future people should know a bit about its history to appreciate just how important it is to Warrington.”
Anyone with memories or pictures of the Ritz building over the last 70 years should contact Mark Hemmings on email at [email protected]
Driver in hospital
after car hits tree
by David Skentelbery
A DRIVER was taken to hospital in the early hours of today after his sports hatchback collided with a tree off Statham Avenue, Orford, Warrington.
The Fiat Punto car was badly damaged in the collision and the driver suffered extensive injuries.
But the car’s airbag is believed to have saved him from even worse injuries.
Emergency services rushed to the scene and fire crews helped clear wreckage from the road. An ambulance conveyed the injured man to Warrington Hospital.
No other vehicle was involved in the crash, which occurred near the junction with Poplars Avenue at about 3am.
Record number of calls
for help over abuse
by staff reporter
WARRINGTON-based charity The Relationships Centre is receiving record numbers of help calls from people suffering from domestic abuse.
The charity, which provides support to anyone affected by an unhealthy relationship, received more than 3,000 calls last year.
They believe this shows people are becoming more aware that domestic abuse in unacceptable and are seeking help.
Spokeswoman Marissa Hankinson said: “These figures show just how important our service is to the community.
?It can take a lot for a person to pick up the phone and ask for help. We are specialists in the field of domestic abuse and can help them or signpost them to the help they need. It is frustrating as we can’t always meet clients’ needs due to funding restrictions but we try to help as best we can.”
Jodie, a client of The Relationships Centre added: “I was in a violent relationship and felt like I didn’t have anywhere to turn, but then I rang the centre and they invited me in for an initial assessment, where they explained my options and found out more about my personal situation.
?With their support I eventually had the emotional strength and practical support behind me to leave my husband and was subsequently re-housed. I know I wouldn’t have been able to do this without the centre’s support and I am grateful for their help.”
High school chef
cooks up a storm
by Lesley Wilkinson
ONE of Warrington’s best junior chefs cooked up a storm when he won a place in the North West heats of a national cooking competition.
Penketh High School student Danny Gopaulsingh, who studies a catering option at Warrington Collegiate, is preparing to turn up the heat on fellow competitors when he takes his place in the Regional Finals of Future Chef next month.
Danny, 14, competed locally for his place and contestants had to produce a main course and dessert for no more than ?5, using healthy food and local produce where possible.
His mouth-watering menu featured chicken supreme stuffed with black pudding and apple served on spring onion and cabbage mash in a red wine sauce. His dessert was deep-fried bananas served with butterscotch sauce.
He won a selection of cooking equipment, a cookery book and the opportunity to be mentored by a leading industry chef.
If successful regionally Danny will compete in the national final in London.
He said: “I’m delighted to have made it so far in such a prestigious competition. It’s a fantastic boost to my self esteem and has cemented my ambition to train as a chef.”
Road closures while
roundabouts improved
by staff reporter
IMPROVEMENTS are being carried out to several roundabouts in the Birchwood area of Warrington during February.
Work will be carried out from February 9 for three weeks and residents need to be aware that during this time, some roads will be closed to allow for these works to take place.
However, to minimise disruption to the public, the road closures and works Will take place overnight February 9 and 10, February 16 and 17 and February 23 and 24.
Roundabouts involved are
Oakwood Gate – closed from its junction with Ordnance Ave/Dewhurst Road roundabout to its junction with Birchwood Way.
Birchwood Park Ave/Garrett Field – closed from Birchwood Way to its junction with Birchwood Park Ave/Garret Field Roundabout.
Birchwood Park Ave/Glover Road – closed from Birchwood Park Ave/Access to BNFL roundabout to its junction with Heather Close.
Birchwood Park Ave/Kelvin Close – closed from its junction with Warrington Rd/Daten Ave roundabout to its junction with Kelvin Close.
Daten Ave – from its respective junction with Birchwood Way/Moss Gate roundabout to its junction with Risley Road/Leacroft Road roundabout.
Road markings and other works will also be carried out at the following areas at some time during the three weeks scheme duration.
Roads to be closed between 9.30am and 3.30pm during the week are Blackbrook Ave/Capesthorne Rd – from its junction. with Blackbrook Ave/Capesthorne Rd
roundabout to its junction with Welsby Close Blackbrook Ave/Ballater Drive – from the junction with Blackbrook Ave/Ballater Drive roundabout to the junction of Cinnamon Lane North.
[ 12.02.2007, 17:49: Message edited by: DS ]
