Archive

  • Dead man identified

    A BODY found in a Widnes flat has been identified as that of David Ian Atkinson. The 50-year-old IT engineer was found dead in the rented Albert Road flat last Tuesday morning by police. A concerned relative contacted the landlord after not hearing from

  • Mischief-makers vandalise cars

    YOBS vandalised cars during a Hallowe'en rampage in Widnes. Several vehicles sustained deep scratches to their body panels and some of the bonnets of the vehicles had been inscribed with a large 'M' for 'mischief'. One local man, who wanted to remain

  • Karen's dream is almost fulfilled!

    AGAINST all the odds, ambitious Karen Gilmore has almost completed her dream restaurant. Just three weeks over schedule and £50,000 over budget, she's pulled off an amazing feat - turning a dilapidated off licence into a plush Italian trattoria - in 13

  • Alder Hey plan unpopular 'if it is at expense of sports fields'

    CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a children's hospital on popular playing fields in north Widnes have been slammed by sports clubs and councillors. Fears are growing that if plans to rebuild Alder Hey next to its original Liverpool site are torpedoed, Wilmere

  • Dogs maul old horse to death

    A BELOVED old horse was mauled to death in a savage attack by a pack of dogs. Distraught owner Janet Baker discovered 35-year-old Sebastian with 'terrible' injuries at Bold Heath Equestrian Centre in Widnes, on Wednesday morning last week. Janet, 53,

  • Ghost town

    OUTRAGED shop owners fear their livelihoods are at risk because of a new one-way road. Some Albert Road traders have seen a 60 per cent dip in business. ''They've killed this part of Widnes. It's like a ghost town.'' said Paul Walters, 38, owner of the

  • GOOD TIMES ON THE WAY

    WINSFORD United boss Dave Twite has promised his team will shake off their cup blues and bounce back to form where it matters most, in the league. It's been a tough week for his players, with twin first round exits from the Cheshire Senior Cup and the

  • Golden delight for club as duo triumph

    TWO star students from the Winsford Koshido-Ryu Karate Club have returned with a glittering haul from the elite British Shukokai and Shitoryu Open Club Championships in Sheffield. Emily Simpson and Andrew Newton both claimed a gold and silver medal each

  • Students to go out and about

    STUDENTS will be taking to the streets of Middlewich in a bid to find out what people really want for their town. Middlewich Vision has enlisted the help of students from Manchester Metropolitan University to carry out extensive research into four key

  • Quiz makes a tidy sum

    AN EVENING of questions and answers raised £340 for a tidier town. More than 80 people attended Middlewich Clean Team's second annual quiz night held at Middlewich Town Football Club's social club and helped make the evening a success. Maxine Wrench,

  • Warning to stop buyers

    A HEFTY fine will await anyone caught buying booze for under 18s as police and shopkeepers team up in the fight against nuisance youths. Police say the problem of adults buying alcohol for youngsters is on the increase and are determined to stamp it out

  • HUSBAND STABBED WITH KITCHEN KNIFE

    A MIDDLEWICH woman stabbed her husband of 11 years with a kitchen knife after a drink-fuelled row at their home. In what was described as a 'reckless assault', Susan Felton, 46, plunged the 8in blade into husband Brian's arm minutes after he had grabbed

  • Ross is ready to take on new role

    A CRACKDOWN on youths who terrorise residents with anti-social behaviour took place at the weekend coordinated by an officer dedicated to tackling crime in Wharton. PC Ross Hamilton took up the post of Community Action Team officer for the Wharton and

  • Cost of petrol is slammed

    A WINSFORD man believes people in the town are getting a raw deal when it comes to filling up their cars with petrol. John Hannond, of Nixon Drive, is appalled that petrol prices in Winsford are as high as 95.9p per litre. He said: "We only have two petrol

  • No reason not to join in the fun

    WINSFORD is set to host the biggest fireworks display in its history on Saturday after organisers spent more than £4,500 on the event. The Rotary Club of Winsford and Middlewich is hoping Bonfire Night at Barton Stadium will go off with a bang and is

  • Hall plans up for debate

    PLANS to close Winsford Civic Hall as part of a reshuffle of leisure facilities will be discussed again this month. The proposals will come under the spotlight on November 14 when the Winsford regeneration committee will make a recommendation to Vale

  • Terrorising elderly people has to stop

    ELDERLY residents are being terrorised by youths who smash windows and throw fireworks at their home on the Grange estate. Concerns have been raised that Grange Court, on Abbotts Way, which has more than 20 residents aged 80 and over, has become a hotspot

  • Platinum honours for little ones at Littler Grange

    STAFF at Littler Grange Children's Day Nursery are celebrating after receiving an award recognising their high standards in food safety. The nursery was given the platinum award for food safety by Vale Royal Borough Council and staff hope it will reassure

  • Biker killed

    in crash POLICE are appealing for witnesses after a man died when his motorbike was in collision with a car in Darnhall on Sunday afternoon. The incident took place on Hall Lane at around 1.40pm when the red Honda motorbike, being driven by a 54-year-old

  • Cherry honoured at assembly

    IT was the end of an era at The Russett School in Weaverham when staff and pupils said a fond farewell to a long serving governor. Cherry Hughes has served as a governor at the school for eight years and was chairman for four and an assembly took place

  • Teenager facing drugs charge after police raid

    POLICE have targeted an address in Winsford which is believed to be involved in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin. Officers from the Community Action Team swooped at the house on Dene Drive at 12.45pm on Monday and seized what is believed to be four

  • Teenagers actions condemned

    WINSFORD has suffered from the effects of three major train crashes in the past and the actions of two youths who tampered with signals has been condemned. The youths trespassed on the tracks at Winsford Station in August before pulling out wires in a

  • RAIL PASSENGERS' LIVES PUT AT RISK

    A TEENAGER may be sent to prison after he put the lives of train passengers in danger and caused widespread delays on the rail network. The 15-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pulled out wires at a signal box at Winsford Train Station

  • Florist Amanda's top of the class!

    A FLORIST'S hard work and dedication has earned her the title of 'student of the year'. Amanda Canning, who runs Flower and Plant Works in Runcorn with her sister Barbara, received her award at West Cheshire College's annual cap and gown Higher Education

  • Hall backs new parent plans

    EXTRA cash could be made available to new parents. A new Government bill is calling for increases in maternity pay, which could mean new working mums guaranteed an extra £1,400. ''I think these proposals will make a real difference to family life,'' said

  • Firms urged to play safe in workplace

    BUSINESSES in mid Cheshire are being made aware of changes in legislation to protect employees from falls in the workplace. The reminder of employers' reponsibilities has come just a week after the inquest into the death of a Weaverham HGV driver who

  • Buses get £1m cash injection

    PUBLIC transport across Cheshire is to get a major kick start thanks to a cash boost of almost £1m. Bus passengers using the Northwich, Winsford, Leighton Hospital and Crewe corridor will soon see the benefits of new buses and bus stops after the Government

  • Counting the cost of Cheshire's coroner

    COUNTY finance watchdogs are calling Warrington Borough Council to account over the costs associated with Cheshire Coroner Nicholas Rheinberg's office. Warrington Borough Council manages the service on behalf of Cheshire and Halton councils with Cheshire

  • Grant cash up for grabs

    MID Cheshire community groups are being given the opportunity to apply for up to £10,000 in project funding from the Cheshire Partnership. Organisations, businesses and voluntary groups are invited to apply for a grant from the Community Strategy Innovations

  • Trust's future in balance over funding

    A QUESTION mark hangs over the future of the Prince's Trust programme in Cheshire after the Learning and Skills Council admitted the plug could be pulled on funding next summer. Over the past few years, Cheshire Fire Service has run the 12-week volunteer

  • Mains burst closes road

    AN underground water mains burst in Great Budworth, flooding the road and leaving a gaping hole in the highway. Cheshire County Council highways officials were forced to close part of Budworth Lane for five days after a PVC main, situated 100 yards from

  • Don't waste the chance to voice your opinion

    PEOPLE in mid Cheshire are being given another chance to have their say on future waste management plans before a final decision is reached next year. Cheshire County Council members approved the re-deposit of the Cheshire Replacement Waste Local Plan

  • Little girl's horror as her pet birds killed

    A WITTON mother has slammed the 'sick' individuals who murdered her daughter's beloved pet chickens and left them on display in the family garden. Michelle Maddocks, of Mayfield Road, was horrified to find 25-week-old Blue and Taz - who had been bought

  • O'Brien is

    top spender of the three EDDISBURY MP Stephen O'Brien has defended the amount of money he receives in expenses after it was revealed he claimed more than £140,000 last year. Mr O'Brien, shadow Minister for Skills, believes the amount he claimed, which

  • Good idea to itemise expenses says MP who claimed £136k

    WEAVER Vale MP Mike Hall claimed more than £136,000 in expenses and allowances last year, according to official figures. The £136,249 total claimed between April 2004 and March 2005 is made up from items such as the costs involved in running a constituency

  • £127k is money well spent, says Osborne

    TATTON MP George Osborne claimed £127,000 in expenses and allowances last year - £33,000 more than the Prime Minister. According to official figures released by the Government last week, the Shadow Chancellor spent the money on staff, stationery, living

  • Library manager Kay stamps her last book

    A NORTHWICH college has waved a fond farewell to a librarian who provided vital information to students for quarter of a century. Mid-Cheshire College library services manager Kay Lunt has retired after 25 years in which she has seen a lot of changes.

  • Three men arrested in booze crackdown

    THREE men were arrested in Northwich town centre at the weekend during a crackdown on binge drinking. Community Action Team (CAT) officers were joined by Special Constables and a drugs dog in the high-visibility town centre operation. A 27-year-old man

  • Public thanked as burglar is jailed

    A BURGLAR who targeted vulnerable Northwich pensioners has been jailed for more than three years. Jonathan Mark Maddock, 24, of Weaverham, was jailed for 45 months when he appeared at Chester Crown Court last week after he admitted entering a Danefield

  • Luck be a Lady for Factory Academy

    MUSICAL Broadway fable Guys and Dolls is the latest classic to be brought to life by the Factory Academy of Dramatic Arts. The popular comedy is set in a world populated by eccentrics, non-conformists, Salvation Army do-gooders and just plain irresponsible

  • Friday folk night

    ACCORDIONIST and violinist John Spiers and Jon Boden take to the stage at the Harlequin Theatre on Friday as guests of Northwich Folk Club. Spiers and Boden will be on stage from 8.30pm and tickets can be booked in advance by emailing tickets@northwichfolk.co.uk

  • VRAOS: Wizard of Oz

    SOMEWHERE over the rainbow was an excellent performance from Vale Royal Amateur Operatic Society in the Wizard of Oz. I followed the yellow brick road to Winsford Civic Hall for a night of entertainment. Leading the way was Tracey Grant, who acted beautifully

  • Moulton Drama Group:

    Don't Dress For Dinner SEX shenanigans romped boisterously around the Moulton stage in performances that left members of the audience helpless with laughter. The plot is convoluted, but you'll get the idea if I say that a husband's naughty weekend is

  • Harlequin Players: The Elephant Man

    THE central character is a fairground freak, a man so malformed that the public can hardly bear to look at him. The man actually lived during the late 19th century and became known as the elephant man due to his grotesquely malformed body. The play goes

  • We're keeping learning in the family

    A MOTHER and daughter have achieved a UK first when it comes to learning. Warrington Collegiate students Rosemary and Kirstin Rylatt, from Rolleston Street, both achieved success in this year's Making Space prize-giving ceremony at Bold Street Methodist

  • Fireworks displays this week

    FIREWORKS look set to light up the sky above Warrington over the next few weeks. During November, there are three council run firework displays being held for all the family to enjoy with free admission to all. l Tuesday, November 1 - There is an event

  • Maggot is Terry's treat

    FOR the second week running Terry Middleton claimed the top spot in Barnton & Frodsham AC's regular Wednesday match at Heesom's Pool. In this latest match-winning performance Terry, on peg 50, opted to fish big maggot and pinkie on the pole at eight

  • Just one Campagnaro

    STEVE Campagnaro was the hero of the hour for Winnington Park 2nds on Saturday as he marked a devastating debut with four goals in a crushing 6-2 win over Wrexham 2nds. Campagnaro opened his team's account within two minutes, securing a penalty stroke

  • Town set sights on cup win

    WE'RE in it to win it - that's the message from Middlewich Town manager Terry Murphy after his side stormed through to the next round of the Cheshire Amateur Cup on Saturday. Town crushed visitors Broadheath Central 5-2 with goals from Joey Roberts (2

  • Wolves are ready to take on younger rugby players

    WEAVERHAM Wolves ARLFC are ready to branch out in a new direction, just two years after their creation. Wolves are already an established club within the community, but want to extend this appeal to a wider age range with the launch of a new reception

  • Paddy pounces for Wolves

    WEAVERHAM Wolves ARLC were locked at 8-8 in a close encounter at Parkside in their latest fixture. With several players trying out new positions the Wolves could have been caught cold but the switches seemed to take immediate effect. Ben Smith and Chris

  • Victors are on a real roll

    WINNINGTON Park 4ths went into their home fixture with Warrington 3rds full of confidence following a three-match winning streak, and were made to graft before extending that run. Visitors Warrington set the early pace, using their quick backs to probe

  • Make bonfire night go with a bang!

    CATCH a bird's eye view of Halton's spectacular firework display from Catalyst's rooftop observatory. Only 100 lucky people will be able to watch the stunning riverside show from the venue on Saturday, November 5. Tickets priced £6.50 adults, £5.50 children

  • Win a compost bin worth £50

    We've teamed up with Recycle Now, the national recycling campaign to give away 20 compost bins, each worth £50, and a beginners guide! You'll have nutrient-rich compost and be helping the environment. To win, answer the following question: Cardboard can

  • Help the victims of earthquake

    HELP us save survivors of the Asian earthquake. That's the desperate appeal to World readers this week as snow threatens to cut off homeless refugees trapped in the mountains. "People are dying from the cold," warned Pakistani Mohammed Bismullah, 50,

  • Carers plan legal fight over centres

    DETERMINED carers are to take legal action over council proposals to close two Halton day centres. The move was made ahead of the crucial meeting on the futures of Pingot Day Services in Widnes and Astmoor Day Services in Runcorn, which takes place later

  • Golf results and fixtures

    Helsby Golf Club Results for October 31: Special Three's Event: 1st John Aston, Arthur Owen, Derek Thompson, Doug Tate, 116 pts; 2nd Chris Ward, David Perry, Bob Twissell, Dave Owens, 113 pts; 3rd Noel Robertson, Phil Jones, Stuart Jones, Brian Wild,

  • Darts results and fixtures

    Results for October 27: Section One: Tranny Lads 7 Albion 2; Navvy 7 Dreadnaughts 2; Roundhouse 6 Clarry B 3; Halfway A 5 Lion Doo Waps 4; Likely Lads 4 Tricorn 5. Section Two: Raven 2 Outcasts 7; Wanderers 3 Navvy Lads 6; Red Admiral 1 Weston Point SC

  • Dominoes results and fixtures

    Halton Stadium Widnes and District Domino League Results: Section A: Millfield 5 HGSC B 0; Parklands 3 Mill Brow SC B 2; Appleton Arms 4 Horse & Jockey B 1; Holy Family 1 Sundowner 4; St Maries 3 Black Horse 2. Section B: St Bedes A 4 St Basils 1;

  • Football results and fixtures

    Halton and District Mini Soccer Results for October 29 and 30: U9s Pro Star: Inter Union 1 Wolves 1. U10s Best Estate Agents: Inter Union 1 Wolves 1. U12s M Percival Cup: Quarter Final: General Water FC 0 Dragons FC 6. U13s G Stapleton Cup: Quarter Final

  • Happy in defeat

    Widnes RUFC 6 Lymm 21 ALTHOUGH Widnes were on the receiving end of another defeat in Powergen North Two West, head coach Dave Moran was happy with the effort of his team. Lacking captain Stuart Hussey, Nick Fellows and Ben Hazard because of injury, Widnes

  • Mixed team wins

    Southport 2nd 5 Birchfield 2nd 63 WITH Birchfield's North Lancashire Two top of the table clash with Ashton cancelled, a mixed team of young and old were sent to the seaside. With the strong running of John McMullan and Tony Fallon and the return of Ben

  • Weston end Tricorn's good run

    Weston 4 Tricorn 1 Runcorn Sunday League First Division TRICORN'S unbeaten run came to a halt after an early goal from Robert Ironside. Tricorn equalised before the break with a Peter Gobin diving header. Tricorn missed a plethora of chances in the second

  • Search makes difference for Looprevil

    Leisure League THIS week in the Widnes five-a-side Leisure League, the games were full of goals. Looprevil remain four points clear after another convincing win this week. Robbie Search made the difference for the top side in their 6-0 win over Mean Machine

  • Stanton secures birthday victory

    Cronton Villa 4 Downall Green 3 (aet) Guardian Cup Second Round. CRONTON Villa went into this Guardian cup-tie as underdogs against premiership opposition in Downall Green FC. Villa centre forward Kevin Gould scored within two minutes. Downall found their

  • Moore takes on league leaders

    Moore RUFC 15 Oswestry RUFC 17 OSWESTRY started with a push downhill attacking the Moore line. Moore passed the ball out wide, beating the Oswestry defence and allowing winger Flemming to fend off two tackles and score after a 40 metre run converted by

  • 'Surprise package' Quayside triumph over Total Confusion

    Runcorn Apec Taxis Darts League QUAYSIDE proved to be the surprise package in section four last Thursday night when they gained their first victory of the season by triumphing over previously unbeaten leaders Total Confusion 6/3. This has resulted in

  • Abby makes an Impact

    A CONFIDENT schoolgirl has made her debut on TV! Abby Musker, 10, starred in an advert for JJB Sports and will appear in another one at Christmas. "We're extremely proud of her," said her mum, Karen, of Widnes. "Everyone at school was asking for her autograph

  • Never say die spirit is not enough as Blues' Vase bid ends

    WINSFORD United had high hopes for cup success in the last seven days but came crashing down to earth at Crook in their second knock-out defeat of the week. The Blues had been looking forward to transferring their fine league form to the cup stage but

  • Chester are hit for six

    WINSFORD Ladies maintained top spot in their league following a fine 6-3 victory away to Chester on Sunday. The visitors got off to a dream start when Danielle Lydiate fired home a trademark free kick from fully 40 yards to stun their hosts. Sharon Tidd

  • Try not to be too SAD during long, dark months

    No one looks forward to the shorter days after the clocks go back - but for millions the sinking feeling isn't just gloom at the long nights ahead. Around half a million people in Britain suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression

  • Council has a quality celebration

    MORE than 60 people attended a celebration to mark Middlewich Town Council's quality parish status on Wednesday. Representatives of the town's community groups, including the Clean Team, Guides, Brownies, Tuesday Group and the Boy's Brigade, joined councillors

  • I've been a shell of a person since we lost Steve

    THE family of missing student Steven Cook have spoken of their mental and physical exhaustion as the search for the 20-year-old reaches its ninth week. Brother Chris Cook, from Middlewich, said family and friends still had a 'positive gut feeling' about

  • Caravan proposals

    PROPOSALS to extend a travellers' caravan park in Middlewich are expected to be approved. An application for 24 additional plots at Three Oaks Caravan Park, as well as a communal day centre and amenities blocks, is recommended for approval when it goes

  • Hundreds get a taste of success

    A MOUTH-WATERING time was had by all who flocked to the third annual Middlewich Beer Festival over the weekend. The much anticipated event, organised by Middlewich Round Table and the Royal British Legion, drew more than 450 people to taste the range

  • Pedestrianisation will not happen overnight

    MIDDLEWICH Vision is reassuring traders and residents that their views will be taken into consideration before any kind of pedestrianisation takes place in the town centre. The issue has been discussed in relation to Wheelock Street after a feasibility

  • Pub night a success

    THE first under 18s pub night in Middlewich has been hailed as a great success and the first of many more by organisers. The event, which took place at the Turnpike in Cledford, gave teenagers aged between 14 and 17 years old the chance to enjoy a night

  • Albion job cuts to go ahead

    PROPOSED job cuts at a major Middlewich employer will go ahead as planned after a meeting to tidy up any loose ends. Union representatives from Amicus and GMB met with bosses of Albion Chemicals on Thursday before the majority of 110 job losses take effect

  • Honeymoon is over for Lance and Deborah

    THE nightmare is finally over for a Middlewich couple whose Mexican honeymoon was devastated by Hurricane Wilma. Lance and Deborah Brandon-Sweeney, of Coronation Road, arrived safely back on British soil on Sunday morning after suffering two weeks of

  • Anger as waste plan is approved by county

    CONCERNED councillors say a plan approved by Cheshire County Council has 'put a flag up' for developers to build a waste treatment plant in Middlewich. Cheshire's re-deposit Waste Local Plan, which will now go through to consultation, identifies land

  • Drunken driver kicked woman police officer

    A WINSFORD man assaulted a police officer, who was trying to arrest him for drink driving. When police got Simon Mair to Northwich Police Station, they discovered he was more than three times over the legal limit to drive. Mair, 33, of Meadow Grove, admitted

  • Postman praised by fire officers

    A POSTMAN prevented a house from being destroyed by fire after a blaze took hold while the owners were on holiday. Fire crews were called to the house on Weaver Valley Road at 8.17am on Thursday when a postman delivering mail heard a smoke alarm. Firefighter

  • O'Brien defends £140,000 expenses

    EDDISBURY MP Stephen O'Brien has defended the amount of money he receives in expenses after it was revealed he claimed more than £140,000 last year. Mr O'Brien, Shadow Minister for Skills, believes the amount he claimed - which is £18,000 more than the

  • Chance to give your first impressions

    POLICE are asking residents on the Grange estate which issue they would like to see tackled first in a pioneering new scheme. Winsford Community Action Team is asking the community which issue they feel is most urgent and will attempt to tackle it for

  • Garagestorn down after arson attacks

    GARAGES on the Grange estate which have been the target of arsonists have been demolished following a number of incidents over the weekend. Residents have been calling for the garages in Horseshoe Pass, on Abbotts Way, to be demolished for a number of

  • Why should we suffer this mess?

    RESIDENTS are demanding action to clean up a house on the Greenfields estate which they have branded a 'disgrace to the town'. The house, in Alexandra Square, is still thought to be occupied and neighbours are appalled no action has yet been taken. One

  • TECHNOLOGY TRAINING

    An exclusive club at Middlewich High School aims to introduce girls to the finer points of ICT. The Computers For Girls Club at Middlewich is one of 500 clubs to start across the country over half term and offers girls the chance to make and edit video

  • It's thirsty work

    for Russett pupils THERE was no time for visitors to The Russett School in Weaverham to get thirsty last week after pupils organised a charity coffee morning. Children from across the year groups shunned adult help in arranging the fundraising event,

  • CIVIC DUTIES

    Children at Crowton Christ Church CE Primary School have been learning about elections and why they are important with the help of Vale Royal Borough Council's electoral services manager Rod Jones. The pupils had the chance to join in with a mock election

  • Businesswomen lay their cards on the table

    A PAIR of craft experts are taking advantage of the growing popularity in homemade cards. Dale Ryder and Caroline Morris opened Carodale Crafts, on Church Street, in May and so far there has been a high demand for their handmade products. Caroline said

  • Looking good for county's police

    CHESHIRE Constabulary is showing encouraging signs of improvement, according to the chairman of Cheshire Police Authority. Peter Nurse - who heads the 17-strong panel of councillors, magistrates and members of the public who make up the authority -- made

  • Team targets domestic violence

    DOMESTIC violence offenders are finding it hard to escape the justice system, thanks to the dedication of specialist police officers. Members of the unit are taking a pro-active approach in ensuring culprits are dealt with effectively and with minimal

  • Drunken driver kicked woman police officer

    A WINSFORD man assaulted a police officer, who was trying to arrest him for drink driving. When police got Simon Mair to Northwich Police Station, they discovered he was more than three times over the legal limit to drive. Mair, 33, of Meadow Grove, admitted

  • Survey lets hospital patients a have a say

    A SURVEY to find out what patients think about the care they receive is being carried out by Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust. The Trust plans to use this feedback to improve patients' experiences, by highlighting areas where it performs well and where

  • Injured worker rescued from a 30ft-high platform

    A CRANE helped firefighters to rescue an injured contractor trapped 30ft high on a platform at Runcorn's giant Ineos Chlor EVC chemical plant. In a painstaking operation, the fitter, who had slipped and hurt his back, was gently lifted to safety. "There

  • Come clean and brush your teeth for free

    CHESHIRE school pupils have come up with a sparkling idea that could help the county council put a smile on children's faces. Children in Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich with poor access to NHS dentistry could soon benefit from free toothbrushes and

  • Christmas appeal gets stronger

    OUR CHRISTMAS appeal to help poverty-stricken Castlefields pensioners is touching the hearts of World readers. Big-hearted staff at Runcorn's Asda have become the latest company to donate a giant hampers. "We're more than happy to help," said Asda's Betty

  • Ineos job losses are 'unlikely'

    BOSSES at Runcorn's biggest employer have reassured workers that job losses are unlikely amid fears that rocketing gas prices could force manufacturing cutbacks. Chemical giant Ineos Chlor could be hit hard if a severe winter puts too much strain on Britain's

  • Pavilions hopes dashed

    HOPES of saving a top-notch Runcorn sports facility from closure have been dashed after its owners revealed that talks with Halton Council have broken down. Crisis meetings between Pavilions Arena Ltd and the council had made some progress last Spring

  • Switch on

    for crime reduction CHESHIRE police officers are shedding some light on safety by encouraging homeowners to switch on to some timely crime reduction. According to the police, burglars will be taking full advantage of the cover of the winter darkness to

  • Staff 'really feared for horses' lives'

    STABLE staff have slammed the Cheshire Forest Hunt claiming they feared for their horses' lives after a ride took place in Crowton. On Monday a group of riders, accompanied by a pack of hounds and a Harris Hawk on a lead, set out on a trail from Oaklands

  • Shop owner was a drug dealer

    A MARSTON shop owner has been sent to prison for 21 months for possessing amphetamine with a street value of around £780 with intent to supply. Police raided Steven Heathcote's home address in Northwich and his shop in Marston on February 25, when drug

  • Bomb scare at warehouse over suspect package

    A SUSPICIOUS package sparked a bomb scare at a giant warehouse in Runcorn. Workers were evacuated from the B&Q warehouse in Preston Brook, Runcorn, following the discovery on Friday afternoon. Employee Barry Smith said: "We were told by our bosses

  • Flames rip through three-storey home

    FEROCIOUS flames ripped through a three-storey house - days after a family had moved out. The blaze was so intense, firefighters had to tackle the flames from five tenders outside in Handforth Lane, Halton Lodge, Runcorn. "Flames were coming out of the

  • Girl, 17,made racist threats in takeaway

    A GIRL from Northwich has been sent to prison after she admitted 15 offences, including making racially aggravated threats and six counts of assaulting a police officer. The 17-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was given an eight-month

  • Ex-British Legion stalwart not guilty of sex charges

    A FORMER Runcorn & Weston Royal British Legion standard bearer on trial for child sex charges has been found not guilty. Judge David Hale discharged the jury and found 65-year-old Eric Cecil Harding, of Compass Close, Murdishaw, innocent of all four

  • Battling Dean is close to walking again

    A REMARKABLE teenager has fought back after losing both his legs in a railway accident by walking again -nine weeks after standing up for the first time. The physiotherapist helping Dean Hassell says in all her 17 years of experience, she has never seen

  • Filling up your car is more dangerous

    AN investigation into the possible health implications of land contamination on a housing estate in Leftwich, where two children died from a rare form of leukaemia, has not found any evidence that environmental factors in the area are posing any significant

  • BENZENE FAMILIES GET NEW HOUSES

    TWO couples from Leftwich who lost their toddlers to a rare form of leukaemia are to be relocated from their homes. Rebecca Watts and Sharon Pymer, who lived just yards from each other in Muirfield Close and Greenlaw Close, died of acute myeloid leukaemia

  • Bonfire advice

    IN the run up to Bonfire Night, St John Ambulance, the UK's leading first aid, transport and care charity is urging the public to brush up on their first aid skills. For guidance, the charity has issued some vital steps for treating burns, which are the

  • Skipper Sullivan hailed by club

    NORTHWICH Cricket Club hailed the most successful season in their 179-year history at their annual presentation evening at Moss Farm on Saturday. Captain John O'Sullivan was lauded for an outstanding campaign, picking up the batting award and the player

  • Eleanor's triumph

    YOUNG gymnast Eleanor Owen is the toast of Cheshire this week after scooping first place overall in the Cheshire/Merseyside County Championships. Owen, competing in the Over 12s Novice event at Liverpool, swept the board, coming first on the bars, beam

  • Club is in danger of becoming a bare king

    CHESS - it was good enough and sexy enough for Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway in the 1969 Hollywood classic The Thomas Crown Affair. So why should a once thriving club in Northwich be running short on members? The answer, it seems, is simple. "People

  • Barton brothers lead way again

    WINNINGTON Park passed a tough test at Liverpool St Helens on Saturday to take maximum points and maintain their superb start to the league season. Brothers Sam and Ben Barton continued their fine form, both going over the line for the second successive

  • Breakaway scores scupper Northwich hopes of a revival

    MUST do better - that's the message to Northwich after they suffered another reverse at the weekend, this time at home to basement side Warrington. Forced to alter their line-up due to injury and illness, the hosts were unable to prevent previously winless

  • Scheme is making 'a real difference'

    FRAIL people have been able to spend less time in hospital, thanks to a ground breaking initiative. Health and social care professionals have teamed up to offer practical help to vulnerable adults. Hospital admissions have been slashed by 50 per cent

  • Raider chased by homeowners

    A DESPERATE would-be burglar was chased out of three homes by their brave occupants, writes Nick Lakeman. Cowardly Kevin Smith was chased by one walking stick-wielding 85-year-old, while another man ran barefooted after him down the street after discovering

  • Bridge work suspended

    INTRICATE plans for abseiling technicians to scale 500ft up Halton's colossal bridge have been suspended - because of bad weather. Specialists have only managed to climb up once to start wrapping protective material around one of the suspension cables

  • Give hope to victims

    SUPPORT vulnerable victims of domestic violence - by wearing a white ribbon. That's the message as campaigners highlight the plight of women affected by violent, abusive and unhealthy relationships. "Wearing the ribbon is about challenging the acceptability

  • Rugby results and fixtures

    North West Counties Amateur Rugby League Mark Norris Building Services Results for October 29: Division One: Widnes Moorfield 36 Hindley 10. Division Two: Wigan St Judes 18 Widnes Ball 8. Division Three: Dalton 58 Albert Park 6. Division Six: Eccles and

  • Albion put away six against Spartak

    Warrington and District Football League THE highlight of the second round of the Guardian Cup was Rainhill Town's six without reply at Sidac Social, whilst Runcorn Albion managed six against Spartak's two. Moorfield required extra time before running

  • Attwood crowned man of the match

    West Bank A (Open Age) 12 Golborne Parkside A 26 STRONG defence restricted the usually free scoring home side but thanks to their excellent scrum half, Parkside scored two long range efforts to establish an early advantage. Ian Connor put out a peach

  • Fighting fit and ready for action!

    TALENTED young boxers at a Runcorn gym are gearing up for another successful season after winning a plethora of awards last year. Runcorn Boys Boxing Club's Paul Jackson, James Hignett and Tom Cavanagh all added to their skills and experience last year