Warrington Borough Transport (WBT) celebrated a group of well-known local Warrington heroes by honouring them with the rare tribute of naming a bus after them.
The local bus operator launched ‘The Pride of Warrington’ campaign to celebrate community pride and local heroes last year and invited the community to nominate people they believed to be committed Warringtonians. Several local residents were awarded the initial honour last summer and now a group of some of Warrington’s most respected leaders have been credited for their dedication to the community and attended a naming ceremony.
WBT Managing Director, Nigel Featham, said: “Warrington’s bus service is locally owned and an integral part of every day community life; and with recent investment in the new bus interchange and new vehicles, I would like to think it is something we can all be proud of. We are certainly proud of the community we serve.“To build on this community pride we would like our buses to carry the names of people who make a positive contribution to local life. These ‘living heroes’ whose names now adorn our buses will remind everyone of their amazing work for the community.”
The esteemed individuals recognised this time are:
Steven Broomhead (Chief Executive of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and former Chief Executive of Warrington Borough Council)
- Paul Cullen (former player and now head coach of Warrington Wolves)
- Lord Hoyle (former Warrington MP and now Chairman of Warrington Wolves)
- The Reverend Stephen Kingsnorth (of Warrington Borough Ministry who has worked tirelessly on behalf of local faiths and voluntary groups)
- Michael Hancock (Managing Director of Warrington’s Independent Department Store and Chairman of Warrington Town Centre Partnership)
- Paul Hafren (Principal of Warrington Collegiate)
Mr Broomhead said, “I have a long association with Warrington, not only with the NWDA but with the Council, Warrington Collegiate and Warrington Wolves, and I also take a keen interest in the town’s affairs. I am honoured that my name is being recognised alongside esteemed Warringtonians on our vital public transport system. A vibrant economy is supported by excellent transport links and the bus network is a key part of this, providing not only an efficient form of transport, but one which limits environmental damage.”The tradition of naming vehicles stems from the steam engine era and even today new trains receive a naming ceremony before their first journey. If anyone would like to nominate friends or family, young or old, to be acknowledged for their local commitment to the community, from youth support to charity work, please contact warrington-worldwide with their name and a summary of why they are proud of them.
Picture: The Reverend Stephen Kingsnorth, Chairman Les Hoyle, Managing Director Nigel eatham, Lord Hoyle, Paul Cullen and Steven Broomhead with the “named” buses.
