Blueprint to slow down
pace of house building
by David Skentelbery
A NEW planning blueprint designed to slow down the pace of house building in Warrington looks set to be adopted by the borough council.
?Managing the housing supply? is a supplementary planning document (SPD) and will replace an earlier document first published three years ago.
Widespread public consultation has been involved in drawing up the document and a large number of comments were received, resulting in the SPD being amended in various ways.
The document deal with policies which deal with the supply of land for housing development and the management of specific proposals for housing.
It also reflects changes in national planning guidance which came into effect on April 1.
The original document ? known as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) was introduced well before the adoption of Warrington?s Unitary Development Plan as a stop-gap measure to control consents for housing in view of the growing number of approved dwellings which was resulting in an over-supply of housing land in the borough.
Housing is still being built at a substantially faster rate than is required so the new document recognises the need for continued careful management of planning consents. It also aims to prevent outward expansion of Warrington onto open land not already committed to development.
So far, the focus has been on regenerating inner Warrington, and investment in housing has been the main driver. But it is now recognised that management of urban land supply is equally important in maintaining green belt boundaries over the longer term.
Unless sufficient land is identified in inner area there will be pressure to release green belt land and expand the town outwards.
The SDP will not consider issues such different types of dwelling, nor the provision of affordable housing which will be dealt with in other policies.
However, it will enable the council to insist on developers providing affordable dwelling as part of smaller developments than at present.
Film tells story of town’s
first Polish bus driver
by Lesley Wilkinson
A WARRINGTON student has made a film, called “Pole to Pole,” on the life of the town?s first ever-Polish bus driver.
Peter Regan, who is studying on the Art Foundation Diploma Programme at Priestley College, completed the film as part of his course and it was shown at the college’s recent Summer Show.
Spanish-born Peter was interested in the issue of Eastern European immigrants coming to Warrington to look for work.
His film tells the story of Wojiek Aniola, who became Warrington Borough Transport’s first Polish bus driver two years ago. Now the company employs a total of 20 of his fellow countrymen.
Peter said: “I was born in Spain and only moved back to the UK as a 12 year-old, so in some respects I could relate to where Wojiek was coming from, as I guess I could be classed as an immigrant too.
“The interesting thing about Wojiek to me was the aspect of seeing a typical day in his life at first hand. His passengers were a little startled as to what the filming was for but it was imperative to me to see him at work.”
Wojiek, aged 48, travelled to the United Kingdom to build a better life. He is originally from Poznan, 100 miles from the German border, and was a rock drummer in his homeland.
He said: “I took a chance. I was hopeful of finding work when I arrived but will admit I was nervous and worried about the future. I would have loved to have stayed back home in Poland but the economic situation means it’s just not worthwhile.”
Residents flee
house blaze
by staff reporter
THE occupants of a house at Latchford, Warrington, escaped unhurt early today after fire broke out in the kitchen – filling the property with fumes.
An unattended chip pan was blamed for the outbreak in Grange Avenue. It over heated and burst into flames.
A smoke alarm activated and one of the occupants tackled the blaze with a fire blanket so that by the time fire crews reached the scene it was only necessary to use a ventilation unit to clear the house of smoke.
But a fire service spokesman said: “This could have potentially been a very serious incident. Cooking chips at 2.30am is quite ridiculous and we would strongly urge people not to do it.”
No-one was hurt in the incident.
Celebrating 25 years
of children?s hospices
by Gary Skentelbery
A Warrington teenager was on hand to sign a giant birthday card which has been traveling around the country visiting the 40 children?s hospices which provide vital respite and end of life care for thousands of children.
The card is in celebration of the opening of the world?s very first children?s hospice in Oxford 25 years ago.
warrington-worldwide?s charity of the year Claire House Hospice, which has been up and running for the last nine years, held a birthday party with a Caribbean theme for the children and their families.
Everyone signed the card including the many visitors who called in on the day.
Janet Croker, Head of Appeals, said: ?It is only through the help and support of the public and local business communities that children?s hospices like Claire House can continue and we hope that that everyone will continue to help so that one day we can celebrate our own 25th birthday. Sadly this is something that none of our children and young people will be fortunate enough to celebrate.?
Tough new powers to
cut disruption on road
by John Hendon
TOUGH new powers which enable councils to cut the congestion and disruption caused by roadworks have been welcomed by a Warrington councillor.
The regulations will enable local authorities to minimise the impact roadworks have on motorists, pedestrians, businesses and local residents.
From early next year councils will be able to use the additional powers to impose conditions and co-ordinate all roadworks.
Coun Paul Kenny said: “There’s nothing more annoying than a road being dug up time after time in the same place, or seeing work taking place at the most inconvenient times for road users.
?Of course, companies like gas or water suppliers need to carry out repairs and improvements but it should be possible to co-ordinate their work better, and do it when the road isn’t so busy.
“These regulations enable local authorities like Warrington to minimise the level of disruption to the public – for example, councils will be able to co-ordinate work by two separate companies and prevent work being carried out during the busy rush hour.
“I want our council and the utility companies to work together to reduce disruption. These regulations will help authorities plan ahead, ensure the works don’t take longer than necessary and give new powers to allow them to issue fines where necessary.”
Cycle marathon
raised ?1,050
by staff reporter
TWO Warrington men who cycled from John ?O Groats to Land?s End have raised more than ?1,050 for the charity Whizz Kidz.
Graham Peak, 43 and Alan Humphries, 50, both from Grappenhall,completed the 883-mile marathon in 17 days ? despite a couple of punctures and getting soaked in torrential rain several times.
Originally the pair decided to do the ride ?just for fun? but then Graham?s step-mother, Lesley Peak, Lady Captain at Lymm Golf Club, suggested they accept sponsorship in aid of her chosen charity, Whizz Kidz.
Lesley said: ?They completed the ride in the allotted time of 17 days, without too many mishaps. They did have one or two punctures and got wet once or twice but finished the ride relatively unscathed.?
Money is still coming in, so Lesley is hoping the sum will be higher by the time she presents the cheque to Whizz Kidz on her ?charity night? at the golf club on September 26.
Whizz Kidz is a national charity supporting disabled childre
n but have guaranteed that the money raised by the ride will be used to assist local children.
There is still time to support the charity and anyone who wants to should send donations to Lymm Golf Club Ladies Section with a note that it is for the benefit of Whizz Kidz.
Wizard time at
town’s library
by staff reporter
THE magical world of Harry Potter is being brought to life in Warrington.
To celebrate the launch of the latest book about the young wizard?s adventures, a special fun day is being held at Warrington Central Library and Museum.
There will be something for the whole family and all activities, including magic tricks and wand making, are free of charge.
Visitors can dress up as Harry potter, come face-to-face with live owls and follow a mystery trail for the chance to win Harry Potter goodies.
A ?Sorting Hat? will also be on hand to separate people into different Hogwarts houses – whether it?s slimy Slytherin or gallant Gryffindor!
The event is part of Culturefest and takes place on Saturday July 21, with doors open from 11am to 3pm.
For further information, please call Warrington Central Library and Museum on 01925 4428898 or write to Museum Street, Cultural Quarter, Warrington, WA1 1JB.
