?4 million school to go
ahead – despite claims
of “policy manipulation”
by David Skentelbery
PLANS for a ?4 million new primary school to be built in St Elphin’s Park, Warrington, have been given the green light – despite objections from residents who accused the borough council of “policy manipulation” and failing to consult local people.
The new St Elphin’s Primary School will occupy 40 per cent of the existing six and-a-half acre, park but a soccer pitch, tennis courts, bowling green, basket ball court, children’s play area and formal garden will all be retained in some way.
In addition to the new primary school, there will a day care nursery, fencing, parking, hard landscaping and outdoor play and sport facilities.
Vehicle access will be from Farrell Street but there will also be pedestrian access from Salisbury Street and College Close.
Local councillor Paul Kenny (pictured) welcomed the decision which clears the way for work to commence on site so the school can open its doors to pupils in September next year.
He said: “This is a huge boost for the area – a ?4 million new state of the art primary school which will provide the best possible educational environment for our young people as well as contributing to the wider community through the extended schools agenda.
“The area has seen unprecendented growth in housing over the last few years so naturally the forecasts for pupil numbers meant that the old school would not be able to cope with the increase and in any event the current school was no longer fit for providing a modern education that pupils deserve.
“The school has waited patiently for over 30 years for this day so I am delighted for pupils, staff, governors and the wider community who will all directly benefit from the new build.” Opposition came from West Fairfield Residents’ and Tenants’ Association who claimed they had not been consulted and that the plan was contrary to council policy.
They said the area already suffered from from a lack of open space or green areas and an exhibition held locally had been a “charade” to tell people what had already been decided.
The association stated: “The deliberate lack of involvement of local people leaves them frustrated, angry and cynical about the borough council.
“The local community consider that this application appears to be the result of covert meetings and policy manipulation. If the school has to be relocated other sites should be sought which do not involve robbing local people of a well used and important open space.”
The association says the matter has been referred to the Local Government Ombudsman and the Audit Commission.
Thousands flock to
local festivals
by staff reporter
THOUSANDS of villagers flocked to traditional festivals in Thelwall and nearby Appleton Thorn.
At Thelwall Lymm High School pupil Rosie Johnstone, aged 12, was crowned Rose Queen after floats paraded through the village.
Meanwhile at Appleton Thorn local school children took part in the annual Bawming the Thorn ceremony which dates back to medieval times.
Cowardly attack left
man needing 10 stitches
by staff reporter
A MAN walking home after a night out in Warrington fell victim of a cowardly attack from behind for no apparent reason.
The 20-year-old was at the junction of Harryington Avenue and Boteler Avenue, Bewsey when the attack took place.
He suffered cuts to his neck and one to his forehead which required 10 stitches.
A police spokesman said it was unclear if a weapon was used in the attack. Because the offender struck from behind, the victim did not see them.
“This was a completely unprovoked attack,” the spokesman added.
Anyone who can help police with their enquiries is asked to call DC Moira Hay on 01244 613835.
Everyone should benefit
from town regeneration
by David Skentelbery
EVERYONE in Warrington should share in the renewal and regeneration of the town.
That?s the view of the borough council?s Regeneration and Sustainable Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Chairman Coun Alan Litton (pictured) said: “To regenerate something is to give it new life and energy. The vision of the working group of members and officers that produced this strategy is that all Warrington people should share in this renewal and that all council departments should be committed to delivering it.” The council?s executive board approved a regeneration strategy in May with the aim of tackling social exclusion and inequalities.
A working group of members and officers spearheaded the development work and a Regeneration Board will be set up as the driving force behind the strategy.
Warrington has enjoyed considerable social, economic and environment regeneration success in recent years. The population has nearly trebled, while the economy has expanded rapidly. However, there are some areas that have benefited less from this success.
It’s these areas that will be the focus of the strategy and agreeing to adopt this approach, demonstrates the council’s commitment to reducing social inequalities across the borough and improving the health and well-being of all its residents.
It will also compliment other projects, including the Stronger Together in Warrington initiative, which works with local communities to help improve quality of life.
There are many council services already operating in these areas but they would benefit from a more co-ordinated approach. The regeneration strategy ? still in its early stages – aims to maximise the effectiveness of these services, and concentrate on those services that local people have identified as being important.
A draft strategy will be developed with a view to going before the executive board in the autumn.
Coun Litton added: “This developing strategy will be a golden thread that will run through all the council’s services and activities. Its introduction is a step change for the council.?
874-mile cycle
ride for charity
by staff reporter
TWO Warrington men are four days into an arduous cycle ride from John ?O? Groats to Lands End ? to raise money for the charity Whizz Kidz.
Graham Peak, 43 and Alan Humphries, 50, both from Grappenhall were originally going to do the 874-mile ride just for fun.
But Graham?s step-mother, Lesley Peak, the current Lady Captain at Lymm Golf Club, suggested they accept sponsorship for her chosen charity of the year.
She said: ?Whizz Kidz is a charity for disabled children and their aim is to ensure that every disabled child fulfils their potential and leads an active childhood.
?Although it is a national charity, they have guaranteed they will ring fence any money raised to be used to assist a local child.?
Anyone who want to sponsor the two cyclists should make donations payable to Lymm Golf Club Ladies? Section, with a note that it is for the benefit of Whizz Kidz.
Further details are available from Lesley on 01925 861199.
Graham and Alan expect to be passing through the Warrington area on either Saturday or Sunday, 22-23 of June and hope to complete the ride on July 1.
They averaged 50 miles a day for the first three days.
Man goes missing
after hospital visit
by John Hendon
POLICE at Warrington are becoming increasingly concerned about a 62-year-old man who has been missing since Saturday.
Peter William Blackburn, of Birchwood, was admitted to Warrington Hospital on Saturday suffering from breathing difficulties.
He was treated ? and then discharged at about 1.30pm. But he has not been since and police and his family are increasing worried about him.
A police spokesman said: ?Mr Blackburn requires regular medication and all he is known to have is a couple of inhalers.? Mr Blackburn is about 5ft 7 inches tall, of slim build and has blue eyes andmousy blond hair. He has distincti
ve tattoos of boxers on both wrists. When last seen he was wearing a blue lumber jacket, blue jeans and white trainers.
Anyone who knows anything about Mr Blackburn?s whereabouts is asked to call police on 0845 458 0000.
Gang of four in
attack on man
by staff reporter
A GANG of four youths attacked a 32-year-old man as he walked through a Warrington park.
The victim was left on the ground with two black eyes and a wound to his face that required seveb stitches.
Police are hunting the thugs who carried out the unprovoked attack in Brickfield Park, off Orford Lane.
A spokesman said: “The victim was punched and knocked to the ground and then repeatedly kicked as he lay helpless. The offenders were also seen to jump on his head.
Anyone who can help is asked to call DC Moira Hay on 0845 458 0000.
Give up smoking
and look younger!
by staff reporter
QUITTING smoking can make you look younger.
That?s the claim today by Warrington Primary Care Trust as the organisation gears up for July 1, when smoking will be banned in all enclosed public spaces, such as restaurants, night clubs, public transport, work places, and work cars or vans used by more than one person.
A Trust spokesman said: ?If you are a smoker now is a good time to quit – not just because the Government says so, but the benefits are undeniable.
?Your health will improve, you will save money, and you’ll even look younger.
?The NHS provide Stop Smoking Clinics throughout Warrington and daytime and evening appointments are available. We offer free help and motivational support for smokers who want to try and quit smoking.? Further information on the new smokefree law and how to become a smokefree premises is available from Sheila Cahill on 01925 443319.
Meanwhile, Warrington Hospital is preparing to become a totally smoke-free zone.
Patients, visitors and staff at hospitals operated by North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust will not be able to smoke anywhere on its premises.
The government imposed ban means smoking will not be allowed anywhere in hospital grounds as well as in buildings. It follows a ban on smoking in the Trust’s buildings, which was introduced in September 2005.
Trust chief executive Catherine Beardshaw said: ?As a healthcare provider we have a duty to protect the health and well being of our patients, staff and visitors. We are fully committed to this move, and we hope the people of north Cheshire will give us their full support by not smoking on the hospital sites.
?However, we do recognise that giving up smoking can be difficult. That is why we are giving any staff who wish to stop smoking our full support to help them quit, and can provide details for the NHS Stop Smoking Service to any members of the public who may want it.”
The new smoke-free zone will cover grounds, bus shelters, car parks and smoking in vehicles on site and applies to everyone on the hospital sites for whatever reason.
Existing smoking shelters and designated smoking areas are being removed and, from July 1, anyone found to be smoking will be asked to extinguish their cigarette, cigar or pipe.
Recording equipment
stolen from house
by staff reporter
BURGLARS broke into a house at Warrington and got away with specialist recording equipment and rare imported records.
The raid was in the early hours of the morning at a property in Beech Grove, Latchford.
Anyone who can help police is asked to call DC Stuart Clay on 0845 458 0000.
