Medical centre may
be shelved for years
by David Skentelbery
WORRIED councillors fear proposals for a much-needed medical centre at Appleton may be shelved for years if plans for a series of “mini hospitals” across Warrington get the go-ahead.
Warrington Primary Care Trust has announced a public consultation exercise on plans for five major health centres – including two to be opened within three years.
But although one of the other three centres would be in South Warrington, health chiefs have admitted it is likely to be the last one built – and that could mean a wait of 20 years.
Appleton Parish Council has expressed concern that the proposals will mean that a new medical centre for the village – once seen as a top priority by the Primary Care Trust – could now be delayed for years.
Coun Judith Walker (pictured) said: “These new health centres are going to cost a lot of money and I can’t see there being any left over for a smaller centre for Appleton.”
The PCT is to hold a series of public meetings to give out more details of the proposals – but the parish council is asking the PCT to attend a future council meeting to explain the proposals and answer questions from councillors.
Appleton urgently needs a new medical centre. One was planned for the Appleton Cross area but was shelved, along with housing proposals in the area.
Later, proposals were put forward for a medical centre on the disused Warrington Rugby Union Club pitch off Bridge Lane, Appleton and also for a site near the Park Royal Hotel at Stretton. But neither scheme has been progressed.
Coun Walker said: “I can’t see the Bridge Lane site being big enough to accommodate one of these new super health centres.
“By the time they get round to thinking about South Warrington, the moratorium on building at Appleton Cross may have been lifted so that is the most likely location. But it will be years away – and Appleton needs a new medical centre now.”
The five “mini hospitals” the PCT is proposing would open seven days a week, from 6am to 5pm. The first, to be built on the site of the existing Garven Place health centre in Sankey Street, would open 24-hours-a-day.
They would be staffed by GPs, nurses, therapists and NHS dentists. Consultants from Warrington Hospital would attend perhaps twice a week. There would be gymnasiums, facilities for minor surgery, pharmacies and coffee shops.
Public meetings will be held on: March 22, 6pm, St Ann’s Church Hall, Orford; March 26, 3pm and 6pm, Winwick Leisure Centre; March 28, 6pm, Warrington Wolves Health Centre.
PCT staff will also be available to explain the plans from 11am on: March 30, Birchwood Mall; April 2, Cockhedge Centre; April 3, Morrison’s supermarket; April 4, Westbrook Shopping Centre; April 10, Sainsbury’s Culcheth.
A “four star service”
from borough council
by Lesley Wilkinson
TWO national reports claim that Warrington people are getting a “four-star service” from the borough council.
The authority has achieved a four-star rating, the top mark any local authority can receive, following the Audit Commission’s Comprehensive Performance Assessment report published today, (Thursday).
This puts Warrington in the “excellent” category and in the top 30 per cent of councils in the country – an improvement on last year’s inspection when it was classed as “good” achieving three stars.
The assessment looks at three key areas – how services perform, value for money and how well councils are run. Warrington has shown good improvements in all areas since the last assessment, including cultural services and how it manages its finances.
It also singles out recycling, street cleaning and care for the vulnerable, among the town’s successes.
The report suggests improvements needed before the next assessment, including reducing the number of empty houses and improving communications with the community, particularly black and ethnic minorities.
In a customer satisfaction survey Warrington bucked a national trend by maintaining levels set three years ago.
The Best Value Performance Indicator survey shows residents believe the council has continued to meet their needs consistently since 2003 when the last survey was conducted, despite councils nationwide falling by two per cent.
Residents are most happy with public transport information, bus services and the planning department.
Leader of the council Ian Marks said: “Achieving the maximum four-star rating is great news for the council and our residents. We are especially pleased with the BVPI results and that residents have rated those services which are important to them as improving.”
“This is not about patting ourselves on the back. We are not complacent and we will work hard to maintain the top level we’ve set and continue to improve. There is still a lot to be done, not least in ensuring that the public is aware of the wide range of services we provide.”
Business training
for the disabled
by staff reporter
A NEW training scheme for disabled people interested in starting their own business will be launched at The Gateway, Sankey Street, Warrington, tomorrow (Friday) at 11am.
The new project Ready to Start aims to help 600 disabled people throughout the country to achieve their ambition of starting a business.
Attending the local launch will be the Mayor of Warrington Coun Linda Dirir, Warrington North MP Helen Jones and Viscount Ashbrook who will join representatives of the charity Leonard Cheshire, which works to support disabled people, and sponsor Barclays Bank.
The Warrington Ready to Start scheme is keen to hear from local disabled people interested in receiving support and training to help them produce a business plan, test business ideas and get their businesses off the ground.
Successful applicants will also be linked with a bank mentor who can offer advice on starting up their own business.
Gang Show promises
a “rollercoaster ride”
by Lesley Wilkinson
A PROMISE of a “rollercoaster ride of entertainment” is offered by the organisers of the 50th Warrington Gang Show being staged at the Parr Hall.
The show celebrates its golden anniversary in the same year the Scout Association celebrates its centenary. And local scouts say it dispels the myth that young people are “lazy layabouts.”
More than 100 scouts will take part and rehearsals are well underway.
Organisers say the show has come a long way since its roots during the war. It now features chart hits and popular songs from West End Musicals.
Cast member Ellen Bleasdale, age 12, said: “It’s a fantastic experience. We get to sing our favourite pop songs, as well as learning big musical numbers and dance routines.”
Producer Graham Philips said: “Variety is the name of the game and audiences can expect a rollercoaster ride of entertainment. It’s modern, dynamic and full of the energy of 100 enthusiastic and talented cast members. We’re hoping to leave our audiences shouting out for more!”
Warrington Explorer Scout Alex Newall said a recent report by the Scout Association highlighted the work of the organisation.
“The report dispelled the myth that all teenagers are lazy layabouts who see ASBOs as ‘badges of honour’ and have no respect for adults in society.
It is clear that boredom plays a huge part in every day life for young people and it is vital that we have the opportunity to participate in activities outside of school. For me, Scouts provide a co-educational environment, packed full of adventure and fun, from local fund raising to worldwide travel and adventure with Gang Show providing another outlet for my energy.”
The show runs from Tuesday March 27 to Saturday March 31, and anyone interested in booking should contact Debbie Philips on 01606 738418.
During the year youngsters throughout the country will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Scouting with a range of act
ivities.
One of the events will be a World Scout Jamboree in Essex in July to be attended by youngsters from 200 countries – including 20 youngsters from the Warrington Gang Show.
Firm scoops national
quality standard award
by business staff
A HIGH-profile company at Birchwood, near Warrington, has received a national quality standard award for its provision for disabled people.
Development Securities Ltd, landlord of the Genesis Centre in Birchwood, was the recipient of the “Two Ticks – Positive about Disabled People,” award. It was presented to company representative Jennifer Bamber by Dave Connor of Warrington Disability Partnership.
Jennifer said the company actively promotes disability awareness with its tenants and is conscientious about dealing with access issues – recently seeking advice from the partnership regarding evacuation chairs. It also championed the disabled parking scheme at the Genesis Centre.
She said: “Our company was motivated to achieve the ‘Two Ticks’ symbol as a sign of our full commitment as a responsible employer to being positive about employing people with a disability.
“We spend money and time in making our premises accessible but more importantly the award defines the culture of our organisation and how we deal with people with disabilities.” She recommends that local companies interested in achieving the standard should seek advice from the partnership.
Police warning
on replica guns
by Lesley Wilkinson
YOUNGSTERS in Warrington who carry guns, even if they are replicas, are being warned by police that they risk a criminal record.
A new poster campaign is highlighting the problem, explaining that it does not matter if the weapon is real or fake, the police will take the same action.
And police are visiting schools, youth clubs and other young people’s organisations to warn youngsters that they will take action against offenders.
The poster shows two hand guns and poses the question “Can you spot the difference? Real or imitation?” It goes on to say, “Neither can we. You are at risk if you carry any weapon in public.”
PC Tim Lightfoot, who helped create the poster initiative, said: “People who carry weapons – real or imitation – are putting the safety of themselves and others at risk. Armed officers are sent to deal with incidents involving firearms. They do not know if the gun is real or not.”
Police say gun -related incidents are not a major problem in Cheshire, but are a regular occurrence for most forces in the country. In Cheshire incidents range from reports of young people carrying firearms to fears that someone has been shot following loud noises.
Cheshire Police’s specialist Armed Response Unit is fully equipped to respond to the calls and controlled operations are put into action whenever it is believed the public is at risk.
PC Lightfoot said: “The majority of calls to us about guns turn out not to involve a weapon at all, but we need to be sure. The problem is that one day the Armed Response Team might be dealing with an incident involving a fake gun when somewhere else in the county a real weapon is being used.
“It is a crime to carry a weapon, real or imitation, in a public place. If parents allow their child to take BB guns, pellet guns, or air rifles, into public places then they are running the risk of them getting a criminal record.”
Library extension
wins funding
by David Skentelbery
A LONG-awaited extension to Lymm Library looks set to go-ahead – providing room for a permanent base for the Citizen’s Advice Bureau in the building.
Lymm Parish Council was informed that the borough council has made funding available for the project in its capital budget for the coming year.
The extension will also provide a children’s room at the library and facilities for community use of an evening.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt said: “This is wonderful news and with work also due soon on environmental improvements to the Bridgewater Canal, this part of Lymm should soon be looking a great deal better.”
[ 26.02.2007, 11:38: Message edited by: DS ]
