A FIGHT has broken out between boxing promotor Frank Warren and the WBC this week - literally! The two parties are at loggerheads over who Robin Reid will meet in his next title defence at Kingsway leisure centre on September 6. The World Boxing Corporation
AN ENGINEER was allowed to build up a mail order arsenal of dangerous firearms, a court heard. Police found unlicensed sub machine guns, a pistol and a revolver when they raided the home of David Bond, 36, Warrington Crown Court was told. Originally the
A PENSIONER was in mourning this week after her husband perished in a blaze at the couple's home. Joseph Mash, 84, died after the fire broke out at their house in Ireland Street, Widnes, last Thursday. Iris Mash, 82, managed to escape and alert neighbours
THE BATTY family who lost their baby son when a blaze ripped through their home say they have been inundated with offers of help. Mike, 26, Donna, 25, and their children Adam, six and Emma, four, have been overwhelmed with clothes, toys and donations.
A CONMAN walked into a pensioner's home and stole a cable TV decoder - by claiming he was from Nynex. The incident happened last Tuesday at an address in Stewards Avenue. The man told the occupant he was from the cable company and needed to adjust the
A NEW car salesroom is to be built in Widnes. It will be situated on land at the corner of Tanhouse Lane and Fiddlers Ferry Road and will specialise in fleet cars. The plans were approved this week by Halton councillors. The proposal includes the erection
back to haunt ex team-mates WIDNES' title aspirations suffered a major blow at the hands of rivals Bowden in a match where batsmen dominated for the most part. It was 'old boy' Paul Bryson who came back to remind his former team-mates what an accomplished
HALTON Community Stadium has published the list of fixtures to be played by Everton Reserves in the coming months. The first game sees the visit of Leeds United on November 11. All games kick off at 7pm. Entry will be £3 and £1 for concessions and there
want teams HALTON District Pool League s looking for new teams to compete during the winter season. The season starts in Novermber and interested parties should ring Paul Campbell on 420-1904. The League's next meeting is at the Simms Cross Hotel on Septmebr
B-team keep unbeaten tag AFTER last Thursday night's Runcorn Darts League fixtures, Section One leaders, Dockside B are now the only unbeaten team in the whole of the league. Pirates not only lost their unbeaten record but they also lost the Section Three
Frodsham Golf Club RECENT Competition Results: The Mazda Trophy: 11 August: 1 Tony Robinson 41 pts; 2 Norma Clague 40 pts; 3 Phil Downey 40 pts; 4 Derek Bowker 39 pts; 5 Jamie Harrison 39 pts; 6 Mark Petherbridge 39 pts; 7 Alan Harrison 38 pts; 8 Andrew
LAST week saw the climax of the Runcorn Domino Summer League in Section One. Oddspots were crowned champions with Navi Gang runners-up. Section Two saw Southbank make a late charge to become champions with Halfway SR slipping to runners-up spot. In Section
WIDNES Albion ARLFC entertain Heysham Atoms in a pre-season friendly on Saturday, 16 August at their new HQ at St Peter & Paul (formerly St Josephs). All players are asked to make themselves available so coach Eric Wood can give everyone a chance
Widnes Academy 32 Swinton Lions 12 WIDNES took another giant stride to the first division title with a 32-12 win over Swinton at Canal Street on Sunday. The Academy outfit now only need to beat bottom club Batley away on Monday night to ensure they will
AN opponent has still not been named for Robin Reid's forthcoming world title defence - and his coach is blaming "boxing politics." With less than four weeks to go, promoter Frank Warren and the World Boxing Corporation cannot agree on whether the 26-
THE FUTURE competitveness of the chemical industry has been put under the microscope by leading industrialists. Delegates from all over the country came to the Catalyst Museum for the first Dicida-UK conference. The prestigious event was hosted by Halton
A NEW mental health assessment centre is to be built on the site of the old Widnes market. It will be situated on vacant land between Market Street, Alforde Street and Miners Way. Halton Hospital plans to provide intensive day treatment and a drop-in
A SUPPORT group for carers welcomed a special visitor. Crossroads Caring for Carers in Halton met MP Derek Twigg at their office in The Cottage, Grangeway, Runcorn. Carers and staff had an opportunity to ask questions and talk about many issues. The charity
PENSIONERS and children enjoyed a day out in Southport - thanks to the generosity of regulars at the Burma Star. A team of Halton Brook residents formed a committee earlier this year and have been organising various fundraising events in the pub. "We
SPICY BALTI NIGHTS!' BALTI Nights in Crewe's Hightown has taken on a new look and a new menu! The full licensed restaurant is now under different management and has cooked up some delicious Bengali and Tandoori specialities that are rich in flavour and
ENTERTAINER Brad James has scooped a top award for his talents in music and singing. Brad, from Ashcroft Avenue, Shavington, was voted the Male Artist of the Year in the West Midlands area by the members of the Entertainment Secretary's Council for Birmingham
UPTON got off to a reasonable start when openers Gibson and Rivett took the score to 23 before they were dismissed. The score went to 72-2 from 20 overs, Symns took the important wicket of overseas player Keith Findlay and Dixon was run out without facing
CREWE boss Dario Gradi is on the look out for a full back and midfielder to strengthen the squad. A bid for midfielder Michael Appleton fell through after the 21-year-old decided to move to Preston North End. Gareth Whalley and Steve Macauley are both
CREWE Alexandra were outfought on Tuesday night by a combatant Bury side in an incident packed first round of the Coca Cola Cup. Crewe started well , 17-year-old Kenny Lunt smashing a tremendous volley into the roof of the net just 6 minutes into his
SWINDON TOWN - 2 CREWE ALEXANDRA - 0 CREWE'S first ever game in Division One saw the return of a former Alex favourite, John Pemberton and the introduction of another youngster from the club production line, Kenny Lunt. The heat was quite a problem for
POLICE have been driving home the dangers of travelling too fast and too close to cars in front in a month long safety campaign. The campaign, Too Fast, Too Close, Too Late, was launched on July 2 and was aimed at advising people on safer motorway driving
CONGLETON striker Ian Parr added to his impressive pre-season tally of goals with strikes at Bootle and Skelmersdale. His goal at Bootle was the first of three from the Bears, all shots, as the away side coasted home by a 3-0 scoreline in the latest of
DISMAL batting saw Alsager return to their bad old ways on Saturday as they dropped back to the bottom of the league. Team captain Wayne Morgan was expecting a win over bottom side Grappenhall after his side's superb results of late. However Alsager could
TOP archer Matthew Gray made it five in a row as he retained his title at the Cheshire archery championships. Matthew, from Alsager, is a member of Alsager Company of Archers, and won the title for the fifth year in succession. Fellow club member Brenda
THOUSANDS of homes in Congleton and Biddulph were plunged into darkness on Tuesday by a major explosion at an electricity sub-station. MEB bosses believe vandals may have been to blame for the late-night explosion, which cut supplies to a total of 26,000
THOUSANDS of garden lovers have given a major boost to cancer research by indulging in their favourite pastime. More than £2,500 was raised for charities including the Cancer Relief Macmillan Fund by local garden experts who took part in the 1997 National
ROLLER skating hockey stars have issued a desperate appeal for help for their cash-strapped club. Members of Congleton River Rats reached the national finals in their first season in the North West British Skater Hockey League. However the club's coffers
CONGLETON Labour Party hit back this week at claims they were misleading council tenants over the planned sell-off of their homes. Thousands of council tenants vote next month on whether they want to see the borough council's entire stock of council houses
AMBITIOUS young actress Claire Lilley steps into the limelight next month as a fledgling theatre company stages its first major show. Claire is the leading lady in the world-famous musical The Pirates of Penzance, being produced by Centre Stage Youth
IT WAS a special day for the Mayor of Winsford as he laid the foundation stone for the 5,000th house to be built on what was once a football field at Knights Grange. In fact, it had been a busy week for the mayor as he had performed similar ceremonies
AM I the only person who uses the new Davenham Bypass and who thinks that the design is silly? The other day, I followed a vintage bus towards the newly opened stretch. The bus went through Davenham, I used the new road. He was on the A556 well before
I COME into Winsford most days of the week and I have to say that I usually end up shaking my head in despair. What on earth is wrong with the people of this town? Can't they eat properly? Are they so lacking in coordination that when they try to put
FORMER Winsford United boss John Bingham is still in the management game - but it is now a pub rather than a soccer team which is benefiting from his leadership skills. John, aged 41, quit the Blues at the end of last season after two-and-a-half years
A GROUP of athletes from Middlewich will be meeting at the Lake District next month for a gruelling weekend of physical challenges and cryptic clue solving to raise money for charity. The treasure hunt-with-a-difference is called Anagramania and is now
A FIREWORK and music concert will start with a bang at Knowsley Hall on August 30. There will be plenty of fun for audiences who attend this first public concert in the grounds of Lord Derby's private home. The night will feature the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic
THE Summer Pops 97 concerts have smashed box office records with hundreds of Winsford and Middlewich music lovers flocking to hear the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. A total of 35,000 people were attracted to the summer line-up of events, easily making
CHESHIRE Community Healthcare Trust's Physiotherapy Service, which treats patients in the area, is among 16 organisations from the county to have applied for a Charter Mark award. The awards are given to groups who offer an outstanding public service.
IT'S not only the residents of Davenham that were waiting for the opening of the village's by-pass. Rita Maxwell, manageress of Davenham Antiques Centre, is expecting an increase in trade now the road is complete. "I'm hoping it will make for better business
WINSFORD bowls ace Glynn Cookson has completed an unbelievable month in his amazing career by being selected to captain the England team. The honour comes just days after he stormed into the record books by completing a hat-trick of tournament wins, steam-rolling
A TEENAGE runaway has returned safely to her Winsford home, a week after her disappearance sparked a huge police hunt across North Wales. Julene Denham, of School Road, Wharton, went missing along with 27-year-old family friend Colin Hayes during a camping
AN HISTORIC park in Middlewich has been given a facelift as part of a £100,000 scheme being carried out by Congleton Borough Council. A new children's equipped play area has been installed at Fountain Fields, Queen Street, in time for children to enjoy
It's a difficult subject at the best of times. Once, the religions of the world existed in comfortable isolation. Now they must contemplate a future of co-existence. In many countries such as the former Soviet Union and France, the different faiths of
The benefactor bequeathed cash, property and land so the poor could live in the town centre. Next month her dream is completed when six flats are built at a site she once owned in Silkmill Street. But townsfolk, trustees and local historians know little
The problem is also creating traffic problems at a busy junction. But North West Water officials decided repairs were not a priority and have let the leak flow for more than a week. Today (Wednesday) workmen were due to fix the faulty hydrant in Small
Lisa Marshall, 26, and her two children have two weeks to leave the last remaining holiday chalet on Pickmere Lake. Her neighbours, an 84-year-old Manchester woman and a family from Oldham, have given up their fight to stay in their holiday homes. But
Mobberley villagers will be asked tonight (Wednesday) by parish councillors whether they are prepared to pay more council tax to improve the Victory Hall. But there are fears that many could baulk at the idea because Mobberley Men's Club - a private set-up
Retired Army Major Maurice Cass has to fork out so he can drive 20 yards across a council car park to the back of his house in Knutsford. "It's not as if I can't afford it," he said. "But it just shows the sheer pettiness of this council to implement
A BUSINESS severely damaged by fire is to invest £1 million in new premises. Pilkington Garden Centre, in Bold Heath, which has continued to trade since the fire, has now received final planning permission to build a replacement garden centre on the site
A SHOPPER had her purse stolen after she was assaulted outside Morrisons supermarket. The offender jostled with the woman before snatching the purse from her handbag. He escaped with over £350. In a separate incident in Alexandra Drive, another woman
pic x 30 mils Jamie Bloem Jamie joins WIDNES Vikings' South African star Jamie Bloem this weekend signed forms for the Widnes RUFC where his talent and experience will give an immense boost to their three-quarter line. Also re-joining and strengthening
to hand over triangle cup WIDNES golfers won the final leg of the annual Triangular match against Runcorn and Helsby at Highfield Road on Sunday but the margin of victory was not sufficient to prevent their captain Mervyn Jones having to hand over the
prove too strong SHEFFIELD re-emerged as Championship favourites sweeping aside fellow challengers Widnes 35-6. Widnes travelled to Sheffield with a much weakened side while Sheffield fielded five players who had just returned from representing the club
PIC X 55 mils SO CLOSE: Jason Hunter came off the bench to score but was denied in the last minutes by the referee VIKINGS: Comeback all in vain TOO LATE Widnes Vikings 24 Swinton Lions 28 Report by Mark Farmer ANY hope Widnes had of making the play off
RSC table tennis section are looking for a sponsor for the season 1997-98. Any person or companies interested in helping in anyway please contact the section secretary, Dave Higginson on 01928 592487. Vics draw gives hope RUNCORN'S pre-season preperation
Mond Rangers 3 Middlewich Athletic...3 MOND entertained North West Counties league side Middlewich for their final friendly at Pavilions on Saturday. In punishing heat Middlewich's 25 strong squad proved useful as both teams struggled with the hot conditions
run continues ALVANLEY'S excellent run of results continued on Saturday as they inflicted a crushing defeat on promotion rivals, Winnington Park. The Alvanley groundstaff produced an outstanding wicket and the visitors were asked to make first use of
SIMPLE tests could have saved the life of a 20-year-old diabetic, her heartbroken family claimed this week. Sarah Jane McNicholas died after suffering a severe diabetic coma. Her griefstricken family say they now have medical evidence to prove she could
A SHARP-EYED neighbour and two quick-thinking constables were praised this week after the trio foiled a violent armed raid. The officers were called to the Burma Star pub in Halton Brook after a resident reported seeing a man running along the roof. But
TWO giant board signs to advertise the proposed Limewood development in Daresbury have been reduced in size, following complaints. Darebury Parish Council objected to the boards, to be placed near junction 11 of the M56. They said they were "too big"
HALTON Council officers got more than they bargained for when they responded to a call about a loose animal. When they arrived at Lowerhouse Lane in Widnes, they discovered the creature was an iguana! Firstly mistaken for a twig in a nearby tree by the
HIGH jumper, Julie Hynan from Widnes, has been awarded a £200 grant under the Target Excellence scheme, a joint initiative between ICI and Halton Borough Council. The scheme funds committed Halton sportspeople and already at 17, Julie has a number of
A DISABLED footballer has fulfilled a lifetime goal - to play for his country. Colin Illingworth, 31, who is partially sighted, has been selected as goalkeeper for the Great Britain squad in the European Championships in Spain, making its international
A YOUNG burglar who targeted a house where he used to live has been sent to youth custody for six months. Sharp-eyed Christopher Hignett alerted police after watching Brian Robinson, 20, break into a neighbouring property in Terrence Close, Runcorn, Warrington
WORKMEN will be 'dropping' some clangers at Wybunbury next week. But they will be operating with care! The silent bells of the village's leaning church tower will be taken down for repair. Supporters of the famous landmark and tourist attraction hope
ELWORTH face the last seven matches as candidates for relegation in the bottom half of the North Staffs and South Cheshire League. They followed victory last week with a feeble 79 run defeat by bottom placed Stafford who gained their first victory of
CREWE CC 1st XI were narrowly defeated by two wickets with one ball to spare in a thrilling game at Longton last Saturday. Crewe were invited to bat first. Highlights of the innings included a profitable partnership between Alan Clarke and Tony Waddington
CREWE station could become an international railway centre under a new action plan mapped out by Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council. The plan has been developed as part of a strategy for Crewe's railway industry over the next 15 years. Questionnaires
YOUNG Westenders who captured their local Festival on film are putting their work on show. Budding photographers, Kelly Arnold, 16, and Leon Brookes, 15, are staging an exhibition of their pictures as part of a pilot community arts project based at OUR
GREEN fingered pensioners Charles and Phyllis Morbey have seen their hard work rewarded with a top prize in a garden competition. The couple, from Vincent Street, Crewe, scooped first prize in Crewe's annual Britain in Bloom contest for the best OAP garden
SAFE skating for youngsters is on offer in Nantwich. One initiative involves International Inline Skater Association coach David McGrowther, who will be visiting the borough four times. David, aged 34, is a professional inline skater and coach of a British
IT WAS roses all the way for 100th birthday girl Cecilia Nield! She "felt like a queen" after enjoying a surprise ride in an open horse drawn carriage to a red carpet reception where she was 'showered' with flowers. "What a wonderful, wonderful day! I
POLICE are investigating a vicious attack by a dog which savaged an elderly paper deliverer in Crewe. Bill Edwards, aged 78, from Stamford Avenue, was delivering copies of the Crewe Guardian when the attack happened. He was left with bite marks on his
KNYPERSLEY crashed out at home in dramatic style to lowly Newcastle and Hartshill on Saturday after losing half their side for ducks. Knypersley had their second from bottom opponents on the ropes at 91 for seven, but Newcastle rallied to declare on 163
CONGLETON threw away victory against second from bottom City Works on Saturday after looking comfortable winners at one stage. Congleton were coasting along at 105 for one at home in reply to their visitors' solid innings of 211 all out. However some
SUPERMARKET shopping, Aldi-style, is on the horizon for Congleton housewives. Some 17 jobs will be created for Congleton people with the opening of the new Aldi store on the former gas depot site along Mountbatten Way. The supermarket scheme was given
COMIC capers are on the bill next month courtesy of the talented team that make up Mow Cop Players. The company is staging Move Over Mrs Markham, the hilarious West End farce, at the Mitchell Memorial Theatre in Hanley. The comedy was written by Ray Cooney
WOULD-BE rock stars Production G are looking for new rehearsal rooms to help make their dreams come true. The Congleton band, which is fronted by lead singer Tom Gorman, only formed at Christmas, but has already built up a loyal following. The band has
TRIBUTE band Think Floyd are among the many attractions lined up at Warrington's Parr Hall next month. The venue boasts a line-up of entertainment for all ages, from eight to 80. The month begins with a tea dance, featuring the music of the Harry Goulden
ALFRED McAlpine Homes has become a corporate member of Cheshire Wildlife Trust. The firm's decision followed discussions over the management of woods and meadows near the Kingsmead estate, Leftwich. The housebuilder also asked for advice planting trees
MIDDLEWICH Athletic kick off their season against Ashton Town at Seddon Street on Saturday with the new coaching staff determined to stamp their own style on the club. The Robins, who finished last season in mid-table respectability, are aiming to swoop
WINSFORD based Vale Royal Athletics Club track star Alex Carter has continued her incredible rise, winning her first race in a British vest. Seventeen-year-old Alex, who lives at Delamere Park, competed for Great Britain at an international meeting in
WINSFORD firefighters have issued a warning not to "gamble with life" after a grandmother attempted to extinguish a fire herself. The 50-year-old has thanked firefighters for their quick work and efficiency following a blaze at her home last Tuesday evening
DRUGS have been condemned by Mid Cheshire College after two former Winsford students appeared in court for supplying cannabis to friends on the Hartford campus. Jonathon David Unwin, of Nun House Close, Winsford, and Philip Harrison, of Esk Road, Winsford
AN ambitious £32,000 facelift is paying big dividends at Middlewich Community Centre. The final phase of redevelopment work at the centre, in Civic Way, is due to start in October. Regular users - including everything from martial arts classes to pensioners
The Germans were back - to round up more of their Jewish friends and neighbours. "We looked down from our windows and saw them lined up against the wall screaming for mercy but there was no humanity in their torturers," said Mayer. "They wanted to inflict
Toft 193-5 Heaton Mersey 192-7 BATSMAN Andy Bones led the way with 85 in a high-scoring and thrilling drawn county league game against Heaton Mersey at Booths Park on Saturday. Toft - happier to bat second and chase big totals - lost the toss and were
Mum-of-three Val Williams will fly to Guyana in September with nine volunteers to distribute supplies and set up a social activity area for the patients. Val and her team plan to install bookcases, board games, books and other furniture for the patients
ARSON ATTACK s=12f=bs=10s=9s=9s=8 Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
