Archive

  • Rainford double up

    ANOTHER successful weekend for Rainford saw both senior sides victorious against their Aughton counterparts. The 1st XI were invited to bat by the visitors and made good use of a flat home track as they were able to declare on an imposing 215/6. Steve

  • Sutton denied

    ON Saturday Sutton CC First XI visited Whitefield CC. On winning the toss Sutton batted first and due to some fine bowling from L Price were soon in trouble as they limped to 32-4. That brought junior cricketers Danny Appleton and Phil Frost together

  • Kiwi polishes off St Helens

    ST HELENS chances of doing the double over Formby disappeared when Kiwi James Marshall changed ends at 161 for 5 and in the space of 2 overs took 4 wickets for one run to end the innings on 168 all out. Up to that point Saints were heading for 200 plus

  • District schools head for final at Old Trafford

    ST Helens District Schools are heading for Old Trafford again after the Under 13s won a nail biting semi-final against Liverpool Schools. After bowling the City side out for just 61 the St Helens reply inexplicably faltered when reaching 61, losing the

  • Firm in flood quiz

    COUNCILLORS in Stockton Heath have pushed United Utilities to sort out flooding worries in Denbury Avenue.

  • Winning weekend for Eccleston

    A GOOD weekend all round for Eccleston. On Saturday Eccleston's opponents were St John's. Batting first St John's top order struggled against the very impressive Eccleston bowling attack. Only a small flourish in he middle order by Isherwood (23) and

  • Stadium facts and figures

    l The stadium will cost £8 million to build. l Two of the stands will be for seats and two of them will provide standing facilities. l The North Stand will contain around 3,000 seats and will be the main stand. It will house nine executive boxes, the

  • Stop chip shop drop

    COUNCILLORS in Stockton Heath are asking the public not to drop litter outside Harry's Chip Shop, on London Road.

  • Gordon and Ray keep it in the family

    IT was kept in the family last Wednesday evening, in this week's fourth, round of the Newton AA summer league, with Gordon and Ray Shorrocks taking first and third place respectively. Gordon (Bolton) had a bag of bream and roach to long pole tactics for

  • On top of the world

    MEMBERS of the NWKA Newton Karate Club have come away from two major championships with a big collection of medals. The club brought back a staggering eight gold medals from the World Cup Championships in Sweden and added to that with another bumper haul

  • Keeper chance

    JOIN the zoo ranger and become keeper for the day at Walton Hall Gardens' children's zoo For more details on Saturday's event, which takes place in the morning and afternoon call 601617.

  • Club is stumped by body's refusal over pavilion cash

    MEMBERS of Appleton Cricket Club have been left stunned after Sport England rejected their funding application for the club's new pavilion. The club had progressed to an advanced stage in its funding negotiations with Sport England to provide £98,000

  • Luke Traynor

    IT was something of an eye-opener last weekend to hear a comedian deliver a routine that was almost completely devoid of expletives or bawdy behaviour. Well-to-do Linda Smith doesn't resort to any 'effing and jeffing', and instead relied on a set that

  • TV talent wanted

    Whether you are an academic or an anorak, if you have a great idea for a television documentary - and you've always wanted to make it - now is your chance. BBC Talent is coming to Tatton Park today, Thursday, and tomorrow, Friday, to find charismatic

  • Wild At Heart (18) Paul Keaveny

    YOU know you are in for a surreal and sinister ride when you decide to watch a David Lynch film and Wild At Heart does not veer from this rule. In a twisted homage to The Wizard of Oz the movie follows two lovers, Sailor and Lula, played brilliantly by

  • Late equaliser

    CRAIG Redgate scored late on for Alsager Town at home on Friday to earn a point against an under-19 Stoke City side. The match was the first of a series of pre-season friendlies organised by Alsager, and ended 1-1. Alsager keeper Powner pulled off a fine

  • Alsager win thriller in the final over

    ALSAGER 1st X1 edged out Brooklands by one run on Saturday in a dramatic league match which went to the final over. Brooklands opened with 201 for nine, and Alsager won with two balls to go and the last pair at the wicket. They scored 202 for nine, Gary

  • All we hear is ...

    ROCKERS in Liverpool will be chuffed to bits to learn that new band, The Ga Ga's, are paying them a visit this month. Hailing from Japan, Brazil, Somerset and Birmingham The Ga Ga's are a new guitar band with a unique set of influences. The four lads

  • Dismal displays by 1st XI

    SPARKLING batting from Ian Wrench was the highlight of an otherwise disastrous weekend for Congleton 1st X1. Wrench was dismissed one run short of his century in the cup on Sunday after sharing a 161-run stand with Andy Bayley. Wrench's 99 came off only

  • Straight to the point

    Paul Keaveny MERCURY award nominees, Elbow, are due to release their second album in August and will embark on a UK tour in autumn. The band is returning from more than a year away with their second LP, Cast of Thousands, on August 18. Cast of Thousands

  • Art shelteris latest vandalism target

    ANGRY teenagers are appealing for support from businesses to help them clean up a vandalised art work. Some 20 youngsters from Biddulph East spent months working with a local artist to create a seating shelter in their community. However the shelter,

  • Priced out of the market

    ONE out of five working families in Congleton Borough is unable to afford to buy the cheapest terraced house in the district. The statistic features in a report on the performance of the Local Plan, which sets priorities for numerous areas including housing

  • Shopping mall will have to go

    WEST Heath Shopping Centre's popular mall is too expensive to retain under plans for the centre's redevelopment. The message came from the buildings manager for the centre's owners during a presentation on the redevelopment to residents. The centre is

  • Star turns up

    A SCHOOL in Latchford organised a special reward concert for pupils last week and an up-and-coming pop star turned up to entertain the crowd. Sir Thomas Boteler CE High School held a concert for 400 pupils who had received certificates and awards at the

  • Lourdes visit

    A GROUP of teenagers from parishes in Bewsey and Dallam have been raising funds for a special pilgrimage to Lourdes. The Sacred Heart and St Alban's Parish Churches in Bewsey and St Anslem's RC Church in Dallam will be sending youngsters to France this

  • You can take away the baths, but not the happy memories

    THE photograph of Warrington Baths brought back many happy memories, as when I left school in 1934, it was my first job, serving in the office. Mr Alec Hampton was the baths superintendent and the pools had all been renovated and filtration of the water

  • Vics prove too tough for Dabbers

    NANTWICH Town were edged out 1-0 by Northwich Vics in a tight friendly encounter. It was a good run out for Nigel Gleghorn's side against a Vics' line-up mainly made up of reserves and triallists. Northwich had the better of the first half and should

  • Sporting success

    ENERGETIC youngsters have been having a ball at the peace centre this week testing out their silky skills in a range of sports. This year's Celebration of Youth event kicked off on Monday with sports taster days. These enable children from across Warrington

  • Be careful when hitting the bottle

    VERY few people haven't tried alcohol by the legal drinking age of 18. And those who don't drink before they're legally allowed to are often subject to ridicule or seen as uncool by their peers. By the time you reach university and are a student, you're

  • Could you be on the ball?

    WINWICK under 11s football team is on the lookout for sporty youngsters to join the team. So if you're in year five or six and can attend training sessions every Wednesday evening between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, contact manager Paul on 07812 521819.

  • Let's do lunch in the park

    PARISHIONERS at St Philip's Church in Westbrook will be enjoying a family picnic in Sankey Valley Park this Sunday. Whether you bring sandwiches or salad, fruit or fresh cream, anyone who would like to join in the fun should meet at 12.30pm near the maze

  • Weighty issue for residents

    RESIDENTS in Burtonwood are angry that HGV drivers are ignoring weight restrictions along two roads in the village. They claim that lorry drivers are taking their vehicles along Fir Tree Lane and Lumber Lane and disregarding the 7.5-tonne weight restrictions

  • Warm welcome for new curate

    PARISHIONERS at St Philip's Church in Westbrook welcomed new curate the Rev Alan Kennedy to the community by organising the annual summer barbecue after his first service. He takes over from Chris Stafford - who became rector at Newchurch in Culcheth

  • Minister lands a high-flying new role

    A CALLANDS minister has taken on the role of part time chaplain at Liverpool John Lennon Airport. The Rev Nicky Lees, of Lydbury Close, will not only be available to speak to members of staff but also visitors and passengers to the airport and she is

  • Junior Academy suffer thrashing

    Wolves u18 18 Salford u18 50 A POOR performance by Warrington Wolves enabled Salford City Reds to leapfrog them into top spot in Junior Academy Division One. Warrington trailed 14-0 before they touched the ball for the first time on the 10th minute mark

  • Wolves struggle without Briers' flair and leadership

    Hull FC 38 Warrington Wolves 14 WARRINGTON Wolves now know how much work they have to do to make up for captain Lee Briers' absence with his broken wrist. Without his flair and opportunism, Wolves lacked the creativity required to put the finishing touches

  • Wood holds his hands up to critical error

    ACTING captain Nathan Wood was pointing the finger at himself for Warrington Wolves' defeat at Hull FC on Sunday. His mistake led to Hull winger Colin Best scoring a 70 metres interception try four minutes into the second half which gave the home side

  • Cullen's Fax of life

    COMPLACENCY can kill is Paul Cullen's battle cry on the eve of Warrington Wolves' Super League clash with crisis club Halifax. The Shay men come into the game on the back of a miserable run of 18 consecutive defeats but Wolves coach Cullen refutes the

  • Turkishdelight!

    THOUGH now retired to a sunny southern Turkey resort, Keith Robinson's thoughts repeated stray back to his hometown roots and especially to the St Helens of his youth. He and wife Brenda delight in keeping their recollections alive by tuning in to this

  • Eh Sorreh! What does it mean?

    HAVING learned for the first time that the ancient term of endearment, 'My owd fettler' actually arises from a menial moulding trade occupation (now obsolete) a dear old friend of this column has been reminiscing. Spotting the fettler topic on this page

  • Glimpse of trolley era

    EVERYTHING you ever wanted to know about trolleybus travel - and a bit extra, too! - is contained in a specialist hard-back publication by local transport historian Geoff Sandford. The release date of his impressive new publication, simply entitled 'St

  • Police meeting

    A POLICE surgery is held every Tuesday at Cinnamon Brow Farm Club in conjunction with CIMBRA from 2pm until 4pm.

  • Animal tracks trail

    PEOPLE are being invited to take part in an Animal Tracks Treasure Trail event at Orford Park on Tuesday, August 5. The event takes place from 2pm-3.30pm. For more information call the ranger cabin on 658098.

  • Golf club marks its silver anniversary

    POULTON Park Golf Club celebrates its silver jubilee this year and to mark the occasion has hosted a number of celebratory events. The course was built 25 years ago under a job creation scheme supported by Warrington Development Corporation and the Sports

  • Nursery's final day marked with celebration

    A SAD day dawned last week when the bell sounded for the last time at Padgate Nursery School, marking the end of an era for a devastated community. As parents, many former pupils themselves, collected children for the final time, emotions ran high as

  • Tench treat spoilt by youth

    WARRINGTON Anglers' Association is offering a reward of £500 for information leading to the arrest of a sneaky youth who spoiled Len Ratcliffe's memorable day at Rixton Claypits. The trip turned sour when a youth who enquired how he was catching stole

  • Warrington side reaches the heady heights of third

    Warr Wool Rvrs 60 Manchester Knights 14 WARRINGTON Woolston Rovers recorded another impressive victory on Saturday to move into third place in National League Three. They dominated the game from start to finish and scored a host of quality tries. Paul

  • Drama carries on

    APPLETON Ladies' dramatic season continued this week in two interesting Jacob's and Company Cricket League clashes. They had to settle for a share of the spoils with Brooklands on Saturday as the visitors sneaked a single off the final ball of the match

  • Only Hurst was able to resist

    APPLETON managed to hang on for a draw at home against Wistaston in Shammah Nichols Division One. Wistaston put themselves into bat and were soon under pressure from some gritty bowling from Phil Grady and Duane Jones. Chances were squandered however

  • Wellens' late try cuts Giants down to size

    St Helens 22 Huddersfield Giants 18 PAUL Wellens gave Great Britain boss David Waite another sharp nudge to the ribs with an exemplary performance in Friday night's cliff-hanging win over Huddersfield Giants. And just to cap a complete display in defence

  • 'We will have to be wary of Wilcats' by Chris Joynt

    LAST Friday's win over Huddersfield was a real cracker. In the first half Huddersfield showed just why they have beaten Leeds and Wigan. They are very well coached side, who try really hard. They played very well in the first half and came up with a 87

  • Warrington take heart from their last over defeat

    WARRINGTON Cricket Club are considering Saturday's clash with Grappenhall at Walton Lea in only one way - it is a must win! They are third from bottom of Murray Smith Cheshire County League Division One, nine points ahead of Grappenhall, but there are

  • Looking back at river's history

    WARRINGTON will be seen from a different angle next month when a photographic exhibition exposes images of the town from its two main waterways. The display, at the Lowry in Manchester, will showcase the work of two photographers who spent time recording

  • Blazing success for Beth as she gains top marks

    A BRIGHT spark from Penketh is making her mark in the world of fire research after achieving outstanding exam results and two awards. Beth Kinsella, aged 21, from Kenyon Avenue, works at Howley-based Warrington Fire Research as a testing officer and has

  • Dolphin Michaela sails Coniston after a two-year break

    MICHAELA Richard excelled in her return from a two-season break from competitive swimming. In a 5-mile British Long Distance Swimming Association Championship meeting at Coniston Water, the Warrington Dolphins member was the second woman to finish the

  • Future looks bright for Sunken Gardens

    PLANTERS to be put in the Sunken Gardens in Lymm will be cemented into place in order to protect them from potential vandals. It is hoped that the planters will brighten the gardens, which are located in the centre of the village.

  • Community centre plans are approved

    WORK can begin on extending and altering one of Lymm's most vibrant community assets after council officers approved a planning application. Oughtrington Community Centre is looking to bolster and revamp its Sandy Lane building to cope with rising numbers

  • Suite success!

    MORE than £3,000 was raised at last weekend's Stretton Walking Day to help fund a new IT suite at the village's primary school. Crowds packed into St Matthew's CE church, with some unlucky ones forced to listen outside, as the Rev Elaine Chegwin-Hall

  • Dancers line up for a good cause

    A GROUP of line dancers in Grappenhall have donated £870 to Clatterbridge Hospital. JEM's Line Dancers held fundraising events for the Art Foundation last year, and this time they gave money to the hospital. They held a garden party at the Ex-Serviceman's

  • Talks focus on nuisance youths issue

    PARISH councillors and police have met for talks to thrash out how to resolve the current youth problems in Lymm, which have been labelled the worst in living memory. Residents of the village say that they are fed up with repeated vandalism over recent

  • Court rules lorry death an accident

    A CORONER has ruled that the death of a man, who was struck by a lorry when walking along Widnes Road, Cuerdley, was an accident but mystery surrounds his final movements. Warrington Coroner's Court heard that John Bramwell, aged 47 from Liverpool, died

  • Newsagent spitting chips over burger van

    TIGHTER licensing laws could be the answer to an argument that is brewing between a Birchwood newsagent and the owners of a burger van. Leonard Hutchins, owner of Roundabout Newsagents, claims that since the van started to trade just down the road from

  • Frankly, you're on your own

    MOTORISTS in Warrington can count themselves very unlucky if they walk back to their car and find a parking ticket slapped across the front. Because, as the only traffic warden serving the whole of Warrington, it seems that Frank Richards has got his

  • Monk make case for upset

    THREE King and Queen old boys will be attempting to put the skids under their former club in Warrington and North Cheshire Bowls Association's Challenge Cup final at Pierpoints on Saturday. Terry Royle, John Nolan and Dennis Aldred all won Challenge Cup

  • Coaches fail police's M6 safety check

    SEVEN coaches carrying holidaymakers on the M6, near Warrington, were banned from the road after safety checks by police and Government inspectors. Officers discovered steering defects, faulty brakes and loose seats, and issued another five coaches with

  • Fight will continue over building plans

    VILLAGERS are gearing up for another fight over controversial plans to build houses at the corner of Hob Hey Lane and Wigshaw Lane, Culcheth. Appeals will take place in October over the borough council's refusal of planning permission for 39 homes earlier

  • Wolves stars visit crash hero Michael

    AN Orford youngster who broke his arm in a dramatic bus crash last week had a surprise visit this week from two Warrington Wolves stars. Michael McAlinden, aged 11, had a miracle escape with three members of his family when he was on board the single-decker

  • Rouges gallery is distributed

    CRIMINALS, thieves and drug abusers have been warned their time is up in Crewe as the first 'rogues gallery' is distributed to traders. The scheme is the first of its kind in Cheshire and was made possible by a change in the law that allows retailers

  • University complex to get green light

    CREWE is to be transformed into a bustling university town with a new development housing 800 students. The project, which will also include a three-storey budget hotel, pub/restaurant and offices, will be built on land at Crewe Business Park. The scheme

  • Heading in and out

    KING'S Grove High School has unveiled its new head teacher to succeed Chris Nelligan. Bill Evans, pictured, has been appointed to take charge of the school and comes with a glowing reputation. Currently the deputy head at Stanney High School in Ellesmere

  • Family fun day at the Ferry

    A FAMILY fun day takes place at the Ferry Tavern, Penketh, on Sunday to raise money for the Matthew Ellis Trust, which helps sufferers of a chromosome disorder called Angelman's syndrome. The fun begins at noon with a DJ, dance prizes, stalls and psychic

  • 'Disgusted' with treatment of medal winner

    WARRINGTON Rowing Club coach Richard Sinnott has slammed the organisers of the National Rowing Championships after they snatched a medal position away from Hanah Unsworth in the cruellest of circumstances. The talented youngster was presented with a bronze

  • Town among country's best at helping smokers to quit

    WARRINGTON has been placed among the best areas in the country for helping smokers to quit. Department of Health figures show that the town's primary care trust has achieved the key target of having at least 45 per cent of smokers give up at their four-week

  • Check-out time for historic Rockfield

    GRAPPENHALL'S historic Rockfield Hotel is ready to greet its final guests after borough councillors finally approved plans for the building to be converted into houses, following a three-year wrangle. After many failed attempts to redevelop the site,

  • Work to begin on creating wildlife haven behind mall

    WORK is set to a start on a new nature haven - for all creatures great and small - behind Birchwood Mall. Spare land beside the centre, to the north of Spencer House, has been earmarked as a conservation area, which will soon benefit from nesting boxes

  • School shows off new look

    A TINY village school has seen some big improvements, just in time for the end of the summer term. Work has now been completed on an all-encompassing extension to St Helen's CE Primary School at Hollins Green, funded by the Liverpool Diocese and Department

  • More lights needed on this stretch of road

    I FULLY support the demand by Mrs Gent of Haydock (Dear Star) for more traffic lights at the junctions from St Helens to Newton-le-Willows on the main road through Haydock. I have watched the traffic build up over my 40 years in residence and it has become

  • Looking at the plus side of Europe!

    I AM writing in response to Mr Grundy's letter, which was recently published in the Star Letters page week ending July 4, 2003. Can I first of all agree with him that St Helens has a proud history of invention and enterprise. In his letter Mr Grundy particularly

  • Let's have an encore!

    THOUGH I'm not a member of St Nicholas Church, Sutton, as a lover of good music, I was delighted to be invited to their 'Trumpet & Organ Spectacular' on Friday, July 11, given by organist and choirmaster George Swift and his son and trumpet virtuoso

  • What's happening on damaged crash barriers?

    OVER recent months many articles and letters have appeared in the Star regarding St Helens Council's commitment to road safety. Yet it is clear to anyone who uses the St Helens Link Road that the Council does not appear to care about road safety. At the

  • Feeling underwhelmed!

    I WAS suitably underwhelmed to read that one of our local MPs is to lead the fight for a bit more of our own money back from the European Community Fund (Star, July 17). Perhaps he might tell us how much we contribute to Europe and what proportion we

  • Seamans sails in

    A FORMER journalist from Newton has been appointed by public relations firm Kenyon Fraser to help handle some of its major accounts. Tim Seamans, aged 26, will work with public and private sector clients, such as Medicash and some NHS Trusts.

  • Heroes battled in vain to save woman

    A CORONER says he will recommend two men - who helped to rescue a woman from a blazing building - for civil bravery awards. Ignoring searing temperatures and thick smoke, Sean Lomax and Desmond O'Sullivan managed to pluck Jacqueline Bassnett from her

  • Status symbol

    STAFF at the Guardian have been celebrating after parent company Newsquest Cheshire became the 500th company in the county to be given Investors in People status. At a special dinner staged by the Cheshire and Warrington Learning and Skills Council and

  • Volcano rock restaurant erupts into town

    A COUPLE have hit upon an idea they hope will be hot stuff when it comes to tickling Warrington's taste buds - sizzling steaks cooked on volcanic rock. Using techniques first perfected by the ancient Egyptians, Marc and Suzanne Ishaque are hoping their

  • Firm goes Brazil nuts

    CHILDREN with hereditary heart disease from a town in north eastern Brazil will benefit from money raised by a Warrington-based company thanks to a council initiative. The Heart Circle is a charity based in the state of Pernambuco in the samba nation

  • School reunion

    PUPILS from Penketh High School's class of '82 are being invited to a reunion night tonight, Thursday, at the Friar Penketh pub in Warrington. The event starts at 8.30pm.

  • Painting lessons

    LESSONS for budding watercolour painters and drawers take place every Wednesday from 7pm until 9pm. They are held at the Oaks Centre in Penketh and are for beginners to those at intermediate standard. Call Sue Cartwright for more information on 727347

  • Bible holiday club

    A BIBLE holiday club will run this summer at St Paul's Church in Penketh. The group is to meet on Tuesday, August 19, Wednesday, August 20 and Thursday, August 21. There will be games, quizzes, craft sessions and drama aimed at youngsters aged five to

  • Signed shirts are up for grabs at auction

    TICKETS are available now for a fundraising night in Great Sankey to raise money for heart patients. The event, in aid of Liverpool NHS Trust's cardiothoracic centre, takes place on Friday, November 14, at Eagle Sports Club in Thornton Road. There will

  • 3 x 30 = lots of loyal service from Penketh's teaching trio

    AFTER going for job interviews on the same day and starting teaching in 1973, three Warrington teachers have just completed 30 years' service at Penketh High School. And two of the top teachers - Dave Humphrys and Bill Kay - also spent three years studying

  • Talented musicians put on super show

    TALENTED young musicians from Penketh entertained their friends and families at a special concert. Pupils at Penketh Community Primary School, in Coniston Avenue, performed at the Sounds of Summer event. Head teacher Mark Hilton said: "It was very successful

  • Charity shop sells painting for £25,000

    TO the untrained eye it might not look like much - but an original oil painting of part of the Scottish coastline has turned out to be worth a small fortune for St Rocco's Hospice. Titled Mull From Iona - Rocky Islands, by Francis Campbell Boileau Cadell

  • Torn apart

    A WARRINGTON woman has been stranded thousands of miles from her seriously ill American husband since their wedding day in April after being caught in US immigration red tape. Beverley Bessette, aged 30, from Orford, married 44-year-old Lynus Bessette

  • MRS FLORENCE NEWNS

    Mrs Florence Newns, wife of the late Mr Albert Newns, died on June 21 of old age. She was 91. Mrs Newns, of Orford, was born in Warrington and she lived in the town all her life. She married in 1950 and became a full-time housewife. Prior to this, she

  • Alex show class to hold Liverpool

    Crewe...1 L'pool...1 CREWE'S youngsters showed plenty of promise as they held Premiership giants Liverpool to a 1-1 draw, last Saturday. Ben Rix's evident coming of age and the first glimpse of Luke Varney's pace were two of numerous pluses for Dario

  • MRS JANET HIGHAM

    Mrs Janet Higham, wife of the late Mr John Higham, died on May 23 of bronchopneumonia. She was 83. Mrs Higham was born in Warrington and she lived in the town all her life. On leaving school she worked at Alliance Box Works. During the Second World War

  • MR JOHN HANDLEY CAREY

    Mr John Handley Carey, husband of Mrs Edna Carey, died of a stroke on June 12. He was 91. Mr Carey, of Ledyard Close, lived in Warrington all his life. He was employed as a boilerman, then a process worker at Joseph Crosfield & Son for 27 years. When

  • Dario's happy but not going to get caried away

    ALEX boss Dario Gradi was a happy man after watching his side complete an impressive 2-0 victory over a strong Everton side on Tuesday night. However he won't be getting too carried away as the final preparations for life back in Division One continue

  • MRS MARGARET PICKWICK

    Mrs Margaret Alison Pickwick (nee Price), wife of Mr Reg Pickwick, died on June 9, aged 83, after suffering a heart attack Mrs Pickwick, of Manchester Road, Woolston, and formerly of Lymm, was born in Preston Village, North Shields, Tyne and Wear. She

  • MR GEORGE HERBERT WICKS

    Mr George Herbert Wicks, husband of Mrs Betty Wicks, died on June 19 of a recurrence of meningioma. He was 76. Mr Wicks, of The Croft, Halton Village, lived in the Warrington area all his life. He was the owner of a local wine and spirit business, then

  • MR RUSSELL OSWALD WELSH

    Mr Russell Oswald Welsh, husband of Mrs Elsie Welsh, died of renal failure on June 24. He was 94. Mr Welsh, of Pleasance Way, lived in Newton all his life. He was chief chemist for Sankey Sugar works for more than 40 years until retirement. Mr Welsh was

  • All paths point to the stage

    Heidi Humphrys TWO talented youngsters will be in the spotlight on stage at The Regent Theatre in Stoke next month as the English Youth Ballet comes to town. Sophia Henderson, aged 11, and 14-year-old Katherine France, who are both from Lymm are busy

  • Diary dates

    Saturday July 26 l Clayton Manor Nursing Home, Congleton - Summer Fair. 2pm. l Congleton Library - Duke of Edinburgh Award coffee morning. l Lawton Memorial Hall - Family disco. 7.30pm to 11pm. Bring your own drinks. Further details 01270 874466. Sunday

  • Oliver Reed helps Speedtrap make it

    AMBITIOUS indie rock band Speedtrap is due to release its debut album in November. The album will feature 12 tracks, and follows the release of a five-track CD, The Oliver Reed EP, which is selling well. The band has been going for three years, and its

  • Graham swaps Hartford for Brazil

    A HARTFORD bank manager is hanging up his suit and heading off to Brazil to will work on a vital conservation project. Graham Wallace is taking part in a 14-day conservation trip to the wetland habitat of Pantanal in Rio Negro, Brazil. Graham, who works

  • Addicts urged to help others

    NORTHWICH residents who are addicted to prescription drugs could help to prevent others coming to harm. Over 1.2 million people in Britain are long-term addicts of drugs said to be more dangerous and addictive than heroin. Benzodiazepines such as Valium

  • Beating the bullies

    THE recent shocking death of Thomas Thompson an eleven-year-old Merseyside schoolboy who was being bullied, tragically highlighted the nightmare many children endure each day. Haydock High School launched an anti-bullying campaign as part of the Healthy

  • Man dived through window to raise alarm in flat fire

    FIRECREWS had to use sledgehammers to smash down a door after a quick-witted occupant raised the alarm when a blaze broke out in his first floor flat. Speedy actions by the man from Frederick Street, Sutton, who alerted firefighters using a payphone further

  • Riddle of 'killer fish'

    IS something sinister lurking beneath the tranquil waters of an anglers' favourite fishing haunt? Is it a shark? Is it an exotic pet dumped after outgrowing its welcome? Or is it just a goldfish on steroids? Whatever it is, one eagle eyed Star reader

  • Hunt for sex pest

    UPSET visitors have reported two cases of indecent exposure in St Helens Cemetery over the past two Saturdays when a man described as being in his 40's riding a bike and wearing cream coloured headphones has performed lewd acts.

  • Swan flying high in elite league

    SWAN Hotel are sitting pretty at the top of Newton Summer Dominoes League's Division A following a 3-2 win against Earlestown Cons Club. The Swan machine slipped into overdrive after Eddie Wilcox and Bill Edwards plus John and Joe Smith had given Earlestown

  • 'Large' haul reported at Penkford Bridge

    THE Shorrocks family had cause for celebration this week. Gordon Shorrocks demolished the opposition in the fourth round match of Newton Anglers' Association's Summer League while Ray Shorrocks finished third. David Jolley was the runner-up in the 16-

  • Golborne endure agonising defeat

    THE second half of Golborne Cricket Club's season began on a sour note on Saturday as they suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Adlington. Batting first, Dale Tyrer and new signing Kieron Crompton made a promising start for Golborne before Crompton

  • Peter steams ahead

    with locomotive book PETER Riley, editor and publisher of a long-awaited new local history title, Peter Riley, appeared at Newton library at the weekend to sign copies of Vulcan Steam Locomotives. The publication charts the heritage of the Vulcan Works

  • Plea to find tyre dumpers

    ENVIRONMENTAL health officers at St Helens Council are appealing for help in tracing the person or persons responsible for illegally dumping 35 tyres in a built-up area close to housing in Earlestown. The tyres were left at the rear of homes in Rydal

  • MP welcomes report on pharmacies

    NEWTON and Haydock MP Dave Watts has welcomed the Government's response to the Office of Fair Trading's report on pharmacies. The OFT decided to review the economic effect of regulations that govern where pharmacies are located. However, this did not

  • Pond dipping

    JOIN Newton rangers on Wednesday, July 30, from 1pm until 3pm, for a pond dipping session at Willow Park. For more details, call 229021.

  • Pick up some exotic advice

    A DISPLAY of exotic creatures from around the world will be on display at the Sankey Valley Country Park ranger base this Sunday, July 27, from 1pm. Expert advice will be available and topics will include care and welfare and general hints on looking

  • Don't be a crime victim

    ST HELENS police has issued vital security advice following a spate of thefts from vehicles in which the offenders caused serious damage gaining access. They advise parking your car in a well-lit area, near street lamps or within view of local houses.

  • Appleton mast plan

    A 15-metre, slim line telecommunications pole will be stationed on the Appleton Thorn Trading Estate, Grappenhall Lane. The monopole includes three antennae, a dish and an equipment cabin.

  • Trip hazards eased

    COMPLAINTS about people tripping and falling along the footpath near the medical centre in Stockton Heath are hopefully a thing of the past. Pressure from parish councillors has resulted in new drains being laid, improved lighting and a new surface being

  • Decision day for controversial flats

    D-DAY finally arrived for residents in Stockton Heath last night with councillors expected to make a ruling on controversial elderly flats on Whitefield Road. As the Guardian went to press, planners were sitting down in the Town Hall to give their verdict

  • Gardens go potty with new classes

    AN INTRODUCTION to pottery is available for eight to 16-year-olds at Walton Hall Gardens. 'Pottery in the park' includes tuition from a professional potter. Taster courses run from August 4-8, and cost £6 per person. Full week courses run from August

  • Cadets get grant

    STOCKTON Heath Parish Council will give a £50 grant to the north west Army Cadet Force, which uses a base in the village.

  • Recs collapse!

    ST Helens Recs hosted Sefton on Saturday and winning the toss elected to bat first. This seemed to be the right decision as Wood and Rowland took the score to 89 before Wood was dismissed for 39. Parker was introduced into the attack and immediately made

  • Still time to have your say in debate on Bevan statue

    RUGBY league legend Brian Bevan looks set to take his place outside the new Wolves ground as the deadline for the Guardian poll looms. More than two thirds of voters at the moment are supporting the plan to move the statue of the Wire great and world

  • Darts and dominoes

    Thatto Heath and District Darts League 301 Division One: Sprayhurst won the Division One Championship after a hard match away to Nags Head. Sprayhurst went 3-0 up, thanks to M Hallwood who went on first with a brilliant game of darts to start the arrows

  • Blood drive

    BLOOD donors should attend St Thomas' Church Hall, Ellesmere Road, Stockton Heath, tomorrow, Friday, between 2pm and 4pm or 5.30pm and 7.30pm.

  • What now for Wilderspool?

    THE move to a new stadium will mark the end of more than 100 years of history for the Wire at Wilderspool. And plans are already in place for fans to say a final goodbye to the old ground later this year. Tickets have already gone on sale online for the

  • Shaping up for

    a bright new era THE seeds on the pitch have been planted, the first seats are about to go in, so with six months to go before the first game at the new home of the Warrington Wolves, the Guardian took the opportunity for an exclusive sneak preview of

  • Drama groups scoop top gongs at theatre awards

    THREE Warrington drama groups have been very busy this past week receiving recognition for their efforts from the Cheshire Theatre Guild Drama Awards. Stockton Heath Methodist Dramatic Society, Stockton Heath Playmakers and the Culcheth Players all had

  • Andrew Tutt

    LARA Croft is back for the fourth instalment of the Tomb Raider franchise on the Playstation2. Or is it the fifth? Who actually cares? Well, after playing this game for a couple of hours each night for the past week, certainly not me. The start of this

  • Get rich or die trying 50 Cent Steven Hallmark

    The latest big thing in hip-hop can't really fail with the backing of two of the biggest guns in the business - Dr Dre and Eminem. Both of these two loose cannons feature on the album but they are not the only guns to do so. This is just your typical

  • Mick Middles

    Everybody loves The Thrills. Within weeks, if not days of this release, the melodies that gather so appealingly on this album had started to swirl around the sun baked festival sites at Glastonbury and 'T in the Park'. The formula is enticingly simple

  • Van Wilder Party Liaison (15) Ian Kelly

    IF I tell you that this film is from the National Lampoon's stable, that it's set in a US college, and that it has the word 'party' in its title, you'll pretty much know what to expect. Yes, it's yet another all-American teen flick - totally gross in

  • Dixon and Wrench star as 2nds return to form

    PAUL Dixon and Ian Wrench starred for Congleton 2nd X1 on Saturday to help their side return to winning ways. Dixon hit an unbeaten 92 and Wrench scored 55 as Congleton beat Winnington Park at home to claim 20 points. The Congleton bowlers worked hard

  • The Tuxedo (12) Ian Kelly

    THE suit may be snappy, but the fun is wearing rather thin in this latest Jackie Chan action comedy. Taxi driver Jimmy Tong (Chan) is hired as a chauffeur for a super-smooth spy, whose secret weapon is a tuxedo fitted with in-built gadgets aplenty, enabling

  • I can't see the woods for the killers!

    Luke Traynor "MAY I remind you of a film called Deliverance?", warns one of our young heroes as this feared group stumble upon a strange looking hideaway cabin in the middle of the woods. Well, yes you may. And despite this slightly annoying technique

  • Standing out in the universe... well the north west

    BURGEONING Liverpudlian rockers The Stands are touring the north west before releasing their debut single, When This River Rolls Over You. Championed by Oasis' Noel Gallagher, founder member Howie Payne teamed up with his fellow band mates through chance

  • Carnival time

    A THREE-day cultural carnival kicks off tomorrow, Friday, in the town centre featuring live music and dance from across the world. CultureFest 2003 follows the success of the Crop Over festival at Pyramid last year and is aimed at bringing people from

  • Dennis will pedal across Cambodia

    CYCLING enthusiast Dennis Beardmore is bidding to pedal his way across Cambodia this winter to raise money for charity. Dennis lives in Grove Park Avenue, Church Lawton, and will be cycling 590 kilometres in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief. The 12-day

  • NO BAN FOR FARRELL

    VETERAN forward Anthony Farrell has escaped a ban after being sent off in the Vikings 46-10 win over Hull FC. The 33-year-old was found guilty by a Rugby League disciplinary committee last week but it deemed no further action was needed. Farrell, who

  • Vandal watch

    CONGLETON'S vandal-plagued new skatepark is to be scanned by a CCTV camera as part of an urgent bid to stamp out crime. The skatepark alongside Congleton Leisure Centre has attracted yobs and vandals as well as the young skateboarders the facility was

  • Time to do something

    Free, free, free! caravans at Callands. Location? On every piece of green belt available. Please can someone do something about the travellers who are plaguing this area and have been for the past two months. The police say they know the system. The council

  • Market trip

    WHITECROSS Residents' Association along with ward councillors have organised an outing to Ormskirk Market and Southport for the area's senior citizens. The event, for WRA senior citizens, is taking place today, Thursday.

  • Thanks for a great day at Wilderspool

    GREAT day at Wilderspool. I would just like to express my sincere thanks to Lord Hoyle and Sue Mathews for the great day given to my wife Devi and I at Wilderspool for the London game. In addition to the after-match lunch, we saw a superb game of rugby

  • Charity match

    A CHARITY five-a-side football tournament has been organised by the Whitecross Residents' Association and the Brooklands pub to raise cash for two schools. The knockout competition will take place at the Whitecross Community Centre on Saturday.

  • Three Pigeons proves fundraising is all fun and games

    PLENTY of regulars packed out the Three Pigeons pub, on Tanners Lane, to raise cash for the Red Cross and help provide equipment for the Fire Victim Support Vehicle. The organisers of the event were very pleased with the turnout from customers and neighbours

  • College gives pupils a confidence boost

    A CLOSE relationship between a Latchford high school and a town sixth form college has resulted in a welcome confidence boost for pupils. Priestley College has strengthened its links with Sir Thomas Boteler High School through a unique arrangement that

  • Why were plans not revealed?

    REFERENCE to last week's Guardian, a report by Gareth Dunning concerning 'talks for a new pool'. It was interesting as reported that former council leader John Gartside had revealed four proposals that had not been taken up. What these proposals were

  • I support my local pool

    IN response to the letter from Marcus Bronte of Frodsham. 1. Not all pools have steps for infirm swimmers to enter the water. Ladders are too difficult. 2. Not all members use cars to get to the pool. Bus is used and to get to other pools two buses would

  • Let's stick together

    IS IT just me or does everyone feel as frustrated and angry about the travellers around the Westbrook and Callands area? I have lived in Callands now for the best part of four years and recently moved to a new property there four weeks ago. Since moving

  • Aim is to protect from housing development

    I READ Alan Sharpe's letter on the proposed 'village green' in Glazebury with a wry smile. The main aim of having the land at the Cricket Club declared a 'village green' would mean it would be protected from development for housing in perpetuity. It is

  • Victory roll earns third place

    NANTWICH CC hit their highest ever place in ECB Premier League with a fifth straight victory, last Saturday. A fine 4-wicket victory over Alderley Edge moved the Dabbers up into an impressive third spot, their best since joining the Cheshire County League

  • It's a rap for town's pop stars

    By NICOLA DUTTON WARRINGTON has its fair share of musical talent. But what about when the next generation wants some new pop stars? Celebration of Youth 2003 is giving young people all over Warrington the chance to be that new icon. Whether you're into

  • Join in this year's youth celebrations

    THIS weekend sees the culmination of Celebration of Youth 2003 - a huge week-long festival that promotes the successes of Warrington's youth. There will be something for everyone - no matter what your taste in music, fashion or entertainment. From the

  • Speak Out are Euro stars in Denmark

    By DEBBIE EDWARDS ON July 10, a few members of the Speak Out team travelled to Denmark to take part in a European exchange. People representing different countries, such as Slovenia, France, Norway and Denmark all got together to take part in the event

  • Funding boost for playground

    THE playground appeal at St Philip's Primary School has received a welcome boost following news that the fund will receive £350. The school's PTFA applied to Burtonwood and Westbrook Parish Council for a grant in a bid to help provide playground equipment

  • Warning over unwanted clothing items

    A WINWICK parish councillor has warned residents to be on their guard when giving away unwanted clothing. Lib Dem Clr Mark Hooper wants villagers to check that companies collecting items from houses are registered recyclers, as he is concerned that residents

  • Colourful picture spells success for potty youngster

    AN arty youngster in Winwick will be able to read about the latest adventures of Hogwarts' favourite pupil after his colourful picture won a Harry Potter art competition. Ten-year-old Alex McMahon, who is a pupil at Winwick Primary School, entered a competition

  • Singh keeps win going

    PRO Navdeep Singh ensured Crewe CC's revival continued with a fourth successive victory. The Indian produced an all-round impressive display with both bat and ball as Bignall End were crushed by 7-wickets, last Saturday. They simply had no answer to his

  • Residents bid to halt housing fails

    COUNCIL chiefs have approved a residential development in Nantwich despite fierce opposition from local residents. An application to build 49 two and three storey apartments on land off London Road was given the green light at Tuesday's Development Control

  • New bottle banks are fantastic for plastic

    NEW plastic bottle banks have been installed at Sainsburys in Nantwich. Existing facilities have been replaced with 'Recresco' banks that have three ports for depositing bottles, including one at a low level for children and the disabled. This site, along

  • Protests can't save post office

    WILLASTON Post Office will officially close next month despite on-going opposition from the local community. The Post Office announced last Wednesday that it has decided to close the Wistaston Road store on August 21 despite strong opposition in recent

  • Second man on murder charge

    ANOTHER man has been charged with the murder of the Nantwich market trader who was killed last month. Otis Lee Matthews, aged 25, of Melbourne Ave in Stretford, Manchester, has been charged with the murder of Brian Waters, 43, of Mainwaring Close in Stapeley

  • Lack of discipline to blame

    WARRINGTON Wolves head coach Paul Cullen felt a difficult task at Hull was raised further by the indiscipline of his own players. He said after the 38-14 defeat: "We were expecting a reaction from Hull because of their previous week's heavy defeat at

  • Tots to get new play

    area in Victoria Park TODDLERS could soon have their very own play area in Victoria Park, Widnes, if councillors approve the design this week. At their meeting this Thursday, members of Halton Council's executive board are expected to approve a design

  • Sisters' saucy Sandy secret

    SISTERS Avril Platt and Joan Conroy had their memories pleasantly jogged by recent mention on this page of the marathon piano-player Syncopating Sandy, whose true identity still remains a mystery after more than 40 years. And they have owned up to a naughty

  • Railway puzzler

    A PAIR of nostalgia nuts, calling themselves Rugby Dave and Big Harry, hope some knowledgeable reader can settle a bit of an argument. Dave claims the spectacular railway bridge spanning Happy Valley, Carr Mill, once carried four tracks. Harry is adamant

  • Kate scoops safety competition prize

    TALENTED youngsters from St Benedict's Catholic Primary School, in Orford, have created designs to brand a new 20mph speed zone in the area around their school. The 20mph zones were introduced recently to help reduce the risk of child pedestrian accidents

  • Glance guide to sport

    Angling Result of Woolston Royal British Legion's angling section's match at Fan Lodge, Wigan, for the H. Jones Cup: 1, Colin Hall, 17lbs 4ozs 4drms; 2, John Creaghan, 2-10-12; 3, Ian Russell, 2-4-8. Athletics Warrington Athletics Club's results from

  • Net closing in on culprits

    THE word is out regarding the excellent barbel catches available on Lymm Angling Club's stretches of the River Dee at Farndon and Churton. As a result, our members have been swarming to these sections. One such angler is Stuart Johnson, who has reported

  • Summer lovin' Rovers

    WOOLSTON Rovers have pulled out of the top flight of this coming winter's amateur Rugby League set-up. The founder members and three-times National Conference League champions have instead decided to run two teams in the North West Counties League and

  • Last eight wickets for 12 runs

    STRETTON'S rollercoaster season continued as they went down to a disappointing defeat against bottom of the Cheshire Cricket Alliance table Disley. The visitors scored a creditable 156 runs for nine wickets from their maximum 48 overs. Paul Critchley

  • Lymm gain

    Knockout final boost AGGRESSIVE and accurate bowling paved the way for Lymm to record a 42-run win against Davenham in the Meller Braggins Cricket League first division. The result sets Lymm up perfectly for today's, Thursday's Knockout Cup final when

  • Relegation threat heightened

    GRAPPENHALL Cricket Club failed to claw away from the Murray Smith Cheshire County League's relegation zone as they suffered a four-wicket defeat at home to Toft. Batting first, Grappenhall recorded 167 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Another solid

  • Nick's at the Sharp end

    IT is a crucial week of cricket with Grappenhall veteran Nick Sharp playing a big part. The captain of Cheshire Over 50s will be hoping to steer the county side into its national league play-offs with victory at Nottinghamshire today, Thursday, and then

  • Sports digests

    Public Parks' bowls dates THERE are three Warrington Public Parks' Bowls League competitions on the horizon. The league's Parks' Pairs event will be held at St. Elphins Park on August 16. Fourteen days later, Victoria Park will play host to their Guardian

  • Third in final

    A GROUP of Warriors of Warrington swimmers achieved third place in the final of the Liverpool and District Junior League. The team swam strongly, picking up valuable points throughout the gala at Everton Park Leisure Centre. There were wins for Anna Fillingham

  • Bailey does a Lovely job on Victoria's green

    LOVELY Lane enjoyed an excellent 205-194 win at Victoria One in Tuesday night's Warrington Public Parks' Bowls League programme. B. Bailey led the way for Lovely in the Division One battle with a 21-5 win and he was supported by T. Smith, 21-8 and K..

  • Parents 'astounded' by cuts

    PARENTS of children with special needs have written a letter to the principal of Warrington Collegiate demanding information about the future of students' courses. The group, which includes parents of children on the Horizons and Moving On courses, are

  • Children get a taste of the sporting life

    CHILDREN in Warrington are being given a taster of what physical education will be like at secondary school thanks to an innovative new sports for schools programme. PE teachers have been putting football fans and netball enthusiasts from across the borough

  • Playscheme at parish hall

    A SUMMER playscheme will be in operation at Thelwall Parish Hall during the school holidays. It will run on Mondays to Fridays, from July 28 until August 15. The sessions will cost 50p a time, running from 10am until noon.

  • Parents can consider themselves entertained

    FOOD glorious food was on the menu at Ravenbank Primary School last week when the pupils put on a performance of Oliver! And it was the parents who were asking for more after a spectacular performance in the end of term show. The youngsters are pictured

  • Osteoporosis call

    HEALTH professionals are urging Warrington's youngsters to take measures to prevent themselves from developing the bone condition osteoporosis. Young people are being advised to engage in light activity, eat a balanced diet, cut down on alcohol and stop

  • Pupils set the bench mark for creativity

    YOUNGSTERS at a Grappenhall school have shown their creative side by building benches along the Trent and Mersey Canal. The pupils from Grappenhall Hall School spent a day on the canal making four benches following a partnership set up with British Waterways

  • Grange reach Section A summit

    GRANGE A are new leaders of Cheshire Funeral Services Friday League Section A following their 238-163 victory at Brooklands A. Their star players were Adrian Lea, 21-5 and Tony Gatley, 21-6. King and Queen A triumphed 224-175 at Farmers Arms A. Larry

  • Hero is honoured in royal ceremony

    THE family of a Warrington man who was killed while saving an MP from a Samurai sword waving maniac have been to Buckingham Palace to collect the George Medal awarded posthumously in recognition of his bravery. The family of Andrew Pennington, who grew

  • King stay in pole position

    KING and Queen A continue to rule the roost in Section A of the Red Line Recruitment Monday League following their 11-3 annihilation of GESM A. Their top winners were Billy Stewart, 21-8 and John Clarke, 21-9. Mervyn Edwards was the most impressive GESM

  • Holiday fun and a trip to Rhyl

    JUST in time for the summer break, Thomas Risley United Reformed Church in Locking Stumps is staging a holiday club for children aged five to 11. From August 4 to 8, the church will be transformed into a tropical island scene for a host of music, drama

  • Sports digests

    Stadium tours at Wilderspool WARRINGTON Wolves are opening their doors to summer holiday groups. Any organisation that would like to see behind the scenes of the 105-year-old ground can visit for a half day, morning or afternoon, before the end of August

  • Taking a stand against vandals

    VANDALS and trespassers who have caused havoc at two Crewe schools have been targeted with a new surveillance scheme called SchoolWatch. Over £3,000 worth of window damage has been caused by louts at Wistaston Green County Infant and Junior Schools since

  • Rob's Super show

    ROB Butterworth will go into the British Super Stock Championships brimming with confidence after rising to the challenge of competing against British Super Bikes professionals for the first time. The 21-year-old from Stretton, who was riding on a Suzuki

  • Chance to vote for your favourite painting

    BUDDING Botticellis and possible Picassos will see their artwork put on display at Pyramid this weekend, as part of the three-day CultureFest. The festival exhibition will include all the entries in the Warrington Guardian's 150th birthday art competition

  • Sex attacker targets OAP's

    A BABY-FACED teenager who indecently assaulted four elderly women in daytime attacks, is being hunted by police. The youngster has attacked women aged 84, 63 and two in their 70s in the Hungerford Road area of Crewe. Police arrested a 14-year-old local

  • Dancing in the streets!

    CARNIVAL madness gripped the town on Saturday as two neighbouring communities enjoyed a fun packed day of celebration. Revellers in both Westy and Howley, put on their marching shoes, donned party hats, baked cakes and prepared themselves and their families

  • Sproston wants more Open action

    WARRINGTON golfer Anthony Sproston was left cursing his 'rotten luck' after a nightmare draw hindered his hopes of making the cut at the British Open. He had the worst of the weather for the two rounds he played at Royal St. George's in Sandwich but he

  • Winning teachers and caretaker pick up computer prizes

    THE three winners of the Guardian's Teacher of the Year Awards have received their prizes and been presented with certificates. Marianne Meichen, Jane Kennedy and John Conreen beat off competition from more than 40 nominees in the Guardian's birthday

  • Villagers voice concerns over hotel

    LYMM residents gathered on Monday night to voice their objections to plans to redevelop the Lymm Hotel site into 60 four- and three-storey apartment blocks. A group of residents organised the meeting at the United Reformed Church to give villagers the

  • Doubts cast on apparent drop in rail complaints

    RAIL customer complaints have fallen sharply in the north west in the past year - but the figures might not show the whole picture, according to an industry watchdog. The Rail Passengers Council received more than 1,600 complaints in the 12 months leading

  • Transporter bridge is cause for concern

    A NEW English Heritage report has highlighted five historical landmarks in Warrington that are at risk of falling into disrepair. Among the list of endangered buildings is the Bank Quay transporter bridge, which is suffering from deteriorating ironwork

  • Groups rally round to help Youth Base

    FRESH hope has emerged for the under-fire Culcheth Youth Base, with three new groups now looking to use the Church Lane premises. Earlier this month the Youth Base won an 11th hour reprieve, after being placed under a death sentence as part of a borough

  • Workers walk out over firm's 3% pay offer

    WORKERS at a Warrington firm went on strike this week following a long-running pay dispute with company bosses. Employees at Clarcor UK, which manufactures air filtration systems, stopped work for the day at noon yesterday, Wednesday, after a union ballot

  • Crime figures falling

    CRIMINAL damage is responsible for almost one quarter of all Cheshire crime - with 19,000 incidents reported last year. A total of 84,574 offences were logged and investigated by police, and last year, 16,000 people rang the police to report suspicious

  • Man dies after motorway smash

    A 46-OLD-MAN from Skelmersdale died yesterday morning following a collision last week on the M6, near the Winwick interchange. The crash happened at 7.17am, last Friday, between the junctions for Croft and Winwick, and involved a white Scania HGV, a white

  • Death crash driver leaves hospital

    A 20-YEAR-OLD man from Lymm has been discharged from hospital following last weekend's fatal road collision that killed a 15-year-old girl. The Knutsford teenager was thrown from the back seat of a Honda Civic at 1.45am, on Sunday morning and died at

  • Victim's fury at sentence

    THE owner of a Lymm shop, which had more than £6,000 worth of goods stolen during two burglaries, says the men who admitted one of the crimes should not have escaped jail. Movies Entertainment Centre on The Cross was hit by the burglary in May this year

  • Carnival's a cracker ...now for next year!

    YOUNG and old were hit with carnival fever and enjoyed all the fun of the fair last weekend - and the organisers of Winwick Carnival are already making plans for next year's event. After the rain-delayed carnival last July, where one of the HGVs got stuck

  • Coffee break

    ST MARY'S Church in Great Sankey is open every day from 10am until noon for coffee.

  • Council investigates ways to revamp museum and library

    BOROUGH council officials are remaining tight-lipped about plans to revamp the town's adjoining museum and library. Negotiations are under way to decide how best to integrate the two cultural facilities, but the council is keen to stress that no decision

  • New look unveiled at Sycamore Lane

    STUDENTS at Sycamore Lane Primary School in Great Sankey look set to benefit from a double boost, with a revamp to the building and a move online. A block of junior classrooms has been completely overhauled and improved at the school, while a new classroom

  • First salvos fired in bitter war of words

    WITH less than a year to go before every councillor at Warrington Town Hall is up for re-election, party wars have already begun as Labour tries to keep its hold on power in the borough. Within the council chamber political debates have been hotting up

  • Police hunt gang after shop raid

    POLICE are hunting four youths who robbed a travel agency in the town centre last Friday. The incident happened at 3.15pm at Going Places, on Buttermarket Street, when the gang entered the shop and started causing a disturbance. During the confusion,

  • MRS RENEE BENNETT

    Mrs Renee Bennett, wife of the late Mr Geoff Bennett, died of cancer on June 14. She was 73. Mrs Bennett, of Helsby Street, lived in Warrington all her life. She was employed by various companies throughout her career, including Memory Lane Cakes and

  • MRS PHYLLIS GRUNDY

    Mrs Phyllis Grundy, wife of the late Mr Philip Raymond Grundy, died on June 22, aged 90. Mrs Grundy, of Holcroft Grange Residential Home, Culcheth, was born in Tyldesley, Greater Manchester, and had lived in Warrington for 64 years. In her youth, Mrs

  • Toffee crunch

    Crewe...2 Everton...0 GOALS from Dean Ashton and Ben Rix sealed a memorable 2-0 win over Everton at the Alexandra Stadium on Tuesday. Dario Gradi's side weighed in with a top-notch performance against the Premiership outfit in the second testimonial game

  • MRS IRENE CLARE

    Mrs Irene Clare, wife of the late Mr James Victor Clare, died on June 30, aged 85. Mrs Clare, of Holcroft Grange Residential Home, and formerly of Jackson Avenue, Culcheth, lived in Warrington all her life. She last worked as a cleaner at Warrington Museum

  • MRS ELIZABETH FORD

    Mrs Elizabeth Ford, wife of the late Mr William Ford, died on July 7, aged 94. Mrs Ford, of Callands Nursing Home, formerly of Latchford, lived in Warrington all her life. She was last employed as a wire cutter at Wedge Wire for many years. Mrs Ford liked

  • MRS DOROTHY MARTIN

    Mrs Dorothy Christine Martin, wife of Mr Len Martin, died on June 22. Mrs Martin lived in the Antrobus area all her life. She was last employed as a secretary at Jeans, Arnott and Bottomley Solicitors. Mrs Martin was the organist at Antrobus Methodist

  • Beware of 'scrap' thieves

    POLICE are warning people to look out for crooks posing as council workers who tow away old cars and take the scrap money. They need information to stop the crime spreading after it flared up in Runcorn Old Town. The thieves wear fluorescent jackets and

  • MRS MARGARET HALL

    Mrs Margaret (Peggy) Hall, wife of the late Mr Harry Hall, died on June 15. She was 83. Mrs Hall was born in Eire but lived in Warrington for 65 years. She was last employed at Warrington General Hospital outpatients department, and had previously worked

  • MISS JOYCE DENNETT

    Miss Joyce Dennett died on June 29, aged 81. Miss Dennett, of Callands Nursing Home, and formerly of Algernon Street, Stockton Heath, lived in Warrington nearly all her life, with just a brief three-year break when attending college at Keswick. She was

  • Revenge mission

    SAINTS will go to Wakefield Trinity Wildcats on a revenge mission with a recharged squad but will be missing the services of two key forwards. Skipper Chris Joynt and Great Britain ace Paul Sculthorpe will be sidelined for Sunday's battle at Belle Vue

  • Wellens to the rescue

    Saints 22 Huddersfield Giants 18 PAUL Wellens gave Great Britain boss David Waite another sharp nudge to the ribs with an exemplary performance in Friday night's cliff-hanging win against Huddersfield Giants. He capped a complete performance in defence

  • Whiston could have been built on park

    YOUR 'Visitors Fume over Hospital Car Park Fiasco' (Star, July 17) amuses me because within the next 12 months both of the car parks at the hospital next to Stevenson House will be closed. Yes there will be problems and there will be alternative car parking

  • Closures claim next post office

    ANOTHER post office in St Helens is to close next month as part of a national programme of urban closures. Following a public consultation exercise during which customers, MPs, and local organisations were asked their views, Post Office Ltd. has confirmed

  • Tributes to Jack

    TRIBUTES have been flooding in for a retired schoolmaster who died at home recently after a long illness. Jack Sudworth (78), a former West Park man lived with his wife Christina (66), in Springfield Lane, Eccleston, and had two daughters, Anne and Deborah

  • Eurochamp Terry lashes claptrap

    THERE has been an awful lot of hullabaloo and claptrap spoken and written on the new EU Constitution. Now that it is nearing completion, I'm sure it would be helpful to your readers for me to today give a ten point guide as to what it will really mean

  • RISING STAR OF THE RING DIES

    "COMPLETELY devastated!" That was the reaction of family and friends to the death of teenager Michael Graham. The 15-year-old, a talented amateur boxer, died in hospital 10 days after suffering severe head injuries in a freak accident while riding his

  • Viaduct maintain stunning start

    VIADUCT have an air of invincibility about them in Newton Summer Darts League's Division A. This week they maintained their sensational start to the season with a 7-2 demolition job on Vulcan Inn. The heroes of the hour were Will Jones, 31 darts, 501

  • Leaders fail to put the Boot in

    NEWTON leapt off the bottom of the Liverpool and District Cricket Competition on Saturday with a remarkable victory over table topping Bootle. Every Newton player showed tremendous fight and determination and the home side thoroughly deserved the 20 points

  • Tributes paid

    to well-known businessman TRIBUTES poured into the Newton Guardian office this week for well-known local businessman Geoff Davies, who was 55, who died last week in Warrington Hospital. Mr Davies was a founder member of Burtonwood Rugby Club and ran the

  • 41 bus safe for now

    THERE may be a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel for users of the number 41 bus service after Arriva bowed down to people pressure and conceded a short-term reprieve. Last month the Guardian revealed how the fight was on to save the vital service

  • Say goodbye to the real school leavers!

    THE end of term marked the end of an era at a Newton school last week when a trio of teaching talents said their goodbyes to pupils and staff, having chalked up more than 80 years' service between them. Eileen Smith, former head of year at St Aelred's