Archive

  • Pub changes mind over late licence bid

    PUB chain Wetherspoons told licensing magistrates six months ago that its pub in Albert Road, Widnes, would not be applying to stay open later, the World has learned. The pub now wants to stay open until 2am on Friday and Saturday nights, and to 1.30am

  • TWITE IS RIGHT

    WINSFORD United are entering into a brave new era with the news that first team manager Dave Twite is to go full time. Twite, who has been in charge at Barton Stadium for two seasons, will take on his new responsibilities from Monday and will retain his

  • Council denies 'intimidation' claim

    THE council has denied accusations it intimidated landowners in its bid to build the Ditton Freight Park. Campaign group Friends of Hale Bank says landowners in Hale Bank Road were threatened with compulsory purchase orders. But Halton Council said: "

  • Man preys on girls

    POLICE are warning parents to be on their guard after six incidents where a man approached young girls in Widnes. Six times in March, a man with a similar description has approached girls aged eight to 16. A police spokesman said: "We are asking people

  • Result is 'keep out' message to politicians

    THE controversial by-election in Weaverham has resulted in a win for the Independent candidate Julian Bland. Residents in Weaverham were outraged that an election had been called in the first place, as there were fears it could end up costing up to £3,600

  • Mini League Football

    CROWS had a good result in group one beating Magpies 2-0 but then lost 2-0 to Sharks. Falcons won twice, 4-0 against Sharks and then beat Hawks 4-1. Hawks and Magpies drew 0-0. Gulls are team of the week in group two. After losing all 10 previous games

  • Your chance to quiz the candidates.

    YOUR parliamentary candidates have been revealed - and we're giving you the chance to quiz them! Send questions for individual candidates, their parties, or even a question for all of them, and we'll put your queries to them. You can ask them what they'll

  • Gas scare as methane is found under house

    METHANE has been discovered in one of the houses in Muirfield Close, tests have revealed. But the authorities believe it is because the owner of the property dug through the floor and the gas protection membrane in the floor was breached. Owner Charlotte

  • The long wait for answers...

    IT could take months or years before investigations into the deaths of two Leftwich babies from an aggressive rare form of leukaemia are completed. The news follows a meeting held between concerned residents, representatives of Muir Group Housing Association

  • Residents pile on the pressure to stop litter

    MIDDLEWICH residents have been left baffled by a trail of rubber bands that have been littering the town's streets. According to Middlewich Town Mayor Jim Basford, a number of people have contacted him because they have found small piles of red elastic

  • Bikers on the decline

    THE number of bikers riding on a heritage site in Middlewich is on the decline after police stepped up their patrols. Congleton Community Action Team has received numerous reports of bikers riding mini mopeds and motor cross bikes across the site of a

  • We want action over 'eyesore' roundabout

    A ROUNDABOUT in Middlewich has been described as an eyesore by neighbours who want to know why it has been ignored for the past five years. Two years ago plans to improve the B5309 Centurion Way roundabout, situated on one of the main roads into the town

  • Police bid to address custody suite rumours

    POLICE officers are taking steps to quash rumours about the forthcoming custody suite in Middlewich. PC Alison Wright and Sgt Gareth Woods, from Congleton Community Action Team, want to tackle concerns about the custody suite - which will be based at

  • Raising the bar for a safer town

    HUNDREDS of schoolchildren will descend upon Middlewich within the next fortnight to take part in a safety education project. Yesterday, Tuesday, Middlewich Civic Hall opened its doors to Safety Town, an initiative aimed at showing children how to avoid

  • Conviction is a strong warning for drugs users

    POLICE officers who spearheaded a drugs raid in Middlewich say the conviction of a man arrested during Operation Moorhen sends out a strong message to drug users. The comments come after Stephen Duffy appeared at Crewe Magistrates' Court yesterday, Tuesday

  • Appeal to walkers

    WOMEN are being invited to take part in a twilight walk to raise funds for St Luke's as part of Hospice Awareness Month. The half marathon, inspired by the annual Breast Cancer Moonwalk, will begin at midnight on Saturday, June 19 and continue into the

  • How now, grab a cow

    BARGAIN hunters may be surprised to discover what they are bartering for at a forthcoming Beeston Castle sale. Auctioneers Wright-Manley are supporting the St Luke's Hospice fundraising appeal by inviting farmers to donate livestock for two May auctions

  • Children go quackers to help hospice raise cash

    AN appeal has gone out to adopt a duck for St Luke's Hospice in Winsford. By splashing out just £1, individuals can adopt a fluffy yellow duck - and take him home with a personal adoption certificate. Children and staff from Oakmere Nursery, based at

  • John bids to help hospital that helped Rebecca

    AN auction is taking place this Friday to raise money for Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool. The event has been organised by John Watts, of Muirfield Close, whose daughter Rebecca died of an aggressive rare form of leukaemia and who was treated

  • Residents join forces

    A MEETING that will give thousands of people the chance to raise issues affecting life in Winsford will take place this month. The first joint meeting of all six residents' associations has been set for April 27 and organisers hope it will allow them

  • Paving the way for smoother conditions

    MOTORISTS in Winsford will be driving on better roads following the completion of work to improve the condition of highways in the town. The improvements have been made to a number of roads including Delamere Street, Chester Road and Woodford Lane West

  • Friendship inspires David to step forward

    A WINSFORD man is preparing to go the through the pain barrier to raise money to fund research into an illness that his best friend's daughter suffers from. David Motherwell, 37, of Gleneagles Drive, has been in intensive training since he decided to

  • Thieves wipe

    the slate clean THIEVES have been stealing ladders from a Winsford resident so that they can use them to remove slates from the roof of a nearby building. Tony Deyn, chairman of Wharton Parish Residents' Association, has been targeted by the criminals

  • Arsonist targets sports complex

    A BLAZE at the vandalism plagued Knights Grange Sports Complex has caused 'horrific' damage to changing rooms. Fire crews were called to the sports complex at 7.02pm on Sunday night after youths set fire to toilet rolls in a changing room. Firefighter

  • Horserider's grand effort may be her swansong

    Carrie, 33, came out of retirement in a bid to ride 11-year-old Forest Gunner to success in Saturday's Aintree race - and be the first woman to win the event. She equalled Rosemary Henderson's fifth place position in the 1994 race but Carrie is now set

  • Inspector praised for his efforts

    A POLICE inspector has been praised for his work in making Winsford a safer place to live by a community leader. Brian Roberts, from the Winsford neighbourhood policing unit, has been thanked for his efforts by Mike Kennedy, chairman of Grange Residents

  • Civic hall in the spotlight

    LEISURE facilities in Winsford will come under the spotlight again tomorrow night, Thursday, when council bosses discuss the future of the Civic Hall. Vale Royal Borough Council's Executive Group will consider a recommendation by the social review committee

  • Show your support

    A WINSFORD woman is in need of support to help her win a national beauty competition which she hopes will set her on the road to stardom. Leeane Booth-Simonsen, of Thirlmere Close, has appeared twice on page three of the Daily Sport newspaper as part

  • Safe as houses

    CRIMEBUSTING begins at home! That's the idea behind the transformation of a run-down Runcorn estate from crime-ridden concrete jungle to well-tended neighbourhood. "It's a hundred per cent better living here now," says John Twigg, of Chester Close, Castlefields

  • Lend an ear

    GOOD listeners who are caring and reliable can put their skills to good use by volunteering their services. The Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association helps people suffering from the progressive disease secure the care and support they need. The association

  • Pigeon fanciers have their feathers ruffled

    BOWLING was not the only sport to be affected when the Farmers Arms pub in Rudheath closed suddenly last month. Members of Lostock Homing Society were suddenly left without a home as well. Now the pigeon racers, who start their season this weekend, have

  • Jobs fears as Government gives Rover a new lifeline

    STAFF at a Northwich-based MG Rover dealership will face an agonising wait to see if a rescue deal can be reached before job losses become a reality. More than 6,000 staff from the Birmingham car giant Rover attended an emergency meeting at the company's

  • How now, grab a cow

    BARGAIN hunters may be surprised to discover what they are bartering for at a forthcoming Beeston Castle sale. Auctioneers Wright-Manley are supporting the St Luke's Hospice fundraising appeal by inviting farmers to donate livestock for two May auctions

  • Now crime will not pay

    AS part of the regional initiative Operation Payback, Cheshire police are working with the North West Assets Recovery team and Crimestoppers to seize cash and assets from criminals who profit from crime. DS Tim Dean works in the Financial Investigation

  • Teenager guides the way to top honour

    A TEENAGER from Moulton is celebrating after achieving the highest award possible for a Girl Guide. Three years of hard work paid off for 19-year-old Emma Smith, who was presented with a prestigious Queen's Guide Award at a ceremony in Leftwich yesterday

  • Villagers still fear impact of the Triangle

    LOSTOCK residents are urging planners to take a close look at a proposed development site at peak times to consider its true impact on their already congested village. Plans for 23 business units, two hotels, a restaurant and a convenience store at Lostock

  • Pavement works follow big payouts

    A SPATE of compensation claims has led to council chiefs allocating £50,000 for urgent paving stone repairs in Northwich town centre. The area between the Iceland store and Northwich library on Witton Street will be re-laid after numerous complaints from

  • Talks will reveal sites of big digs

    THE LION Salt Works in Marston is among the ancient sites under the spotlight at the Cheshire Archaeology Day 2005. This event takes place on Saturday, April 23, at Northwich Memorial Hall and a small number of tickets are still available. It will feature

  • Ex-Mayor guilty of sex charge

    FORMER mayor and councillor Liam Temple - who once campaigned against child abuse - has been found guilty of a sex offence against a young girl. The 58-year-old Castlefields councillor waited until he had the 12-year-old on her own before offering money

  • Partners find four reasons to be cheerful

    A WINSFORD telemarketing company has scooped four awards in recognition of its impressive growth in just one year. Amanico Ltd, based at the Verdin Exchange, was only set up 12 months ago but judges at the Shell LiveWire Awards were extremely impressed

  • Gas scare as methane is found under house

    METHANE has been discovered in one of the houses in Muirfield Close, tests have revealed. But the authorities believe it is because the owner of the property dug through the floor and the gas protection membrane in the floor was breached. Owner Charlotte

  • Blind date led to 50 years of bliss

    SHARED interests are the secret of success for one happy Hartford couple who celebrated their golden wedding on Saturday. A blind date brought Allen and Rita Pickering, both 71, together when they were just 16. Rita said: "A boy who lived near me, and

  • A much safer place to live after Clean Sweep

    IT is exactly a year since 29 people involved in the supply of Class A drugs in mid Cheshire were sentenced to more than 70 years in prison. Operation Clean Sweep was hailed as a huge success following the sentences 12 months ago but what impact has it

  • Goodbye to a loved friend and colleague

    LOVING tributes were paid to a devoted family man and police officer at his funeral yesterday, Tuesday. Colleagues of PC Kevin Brinkman lined the approach to St Mary's Church, Weaverham, in a show of respect for their fellow officer and support for his

  • Police reply

    VALE Royal Police road policing unit would like to respond to a letter entitled Chaos at school time which featured in the Guardian on March 30. In recent weeks, a number of abnormal loads have passed through Davenham and on each occasion the hauliers

  • Punish him

    AS an animal lover, I feel I have to write about the report that appeared in the March 23 edition. The 13-year-old boy says he really loves animals but he has to be so cruel. One of these animals, which gave a lot of pleasure to some very small children

  • Station plea

    NOW that Northwich railway station is being refurbished, has the October 2004 Disability Access Act been included and will it be implemented? As the station does not sell tickets and has direct access, have any provisions been made for wheelchair access

  • They saved life

    IN days when ambulance call outs in an emergency are criticised for being too slow to respond, we would like to tell you of the quick response to our emergency call. We had just opened our shop on Station Road on a wet Friday morning when an elderly gentleman

  • BOSTOCK WI

    WHEN President Helen Sutton commenced the March business meeting of Bostock and District WI it was soon apparent that members were going to have a busy few months. It started with a 10 pin bowling outing, an invitation to Moulton WI, the group meeting

  • INNER WHEEL CLUB

    THE Inner Wheel Club of Northwich met on March 17 at Hartford Village Hall. President Judy Hubball welcomed everyone. She thanked Margaret Cunliffe for hosting a friendship lunch at her home when £210 was raised for the Send a Farm charity. Vice president

  • ENGLISH SPEAKING UNION

    A LUNCH meeting of the Vale Royal (Cheshire) Branch of the ESU was held on March 8. There were 79 members and guests present. June Lancelyn Green, president of the Liverpool ESU and by profession a speech and drama expert, gave a fascinating description

  • WELSH SOCIETY

    AT the Welsh Society's March meeting, member Pat Sinnott from Weaverham gave a most informative presentation on her visit to Syria and Lebanon last year. The slides were taken by Jean Ross. Pat, who studied at Bangor University, is a keen local historian

  • Two in hospital after explosion

    FIRE engines were called to a Kingsley home last night after a gas leak caused an explosion. Three pumps, from Frodsham and Runcorn depots, attended the Beech View Road property shortly before 10pm last night, Tuesday. Staff from gas piping company Transco

  • TV chef cultivates a treat at Pyramid

    CELEBRITY chef Lloyd Grossman will be in Warrington tomorrow, Wednesday, when the Pyramid hosts a prestigious conference. Mr Grossman, chairman of Culture Northwest, will be at Cultivate's inaugural meeting to hear how cultural events can change communities

  • what's on

    WEDNESDAY 10.15am to 12.15pm and 1.30pm to 4.15pm: The National Blood Service is holding a blood donor session at Knutsford Civic Centre in Toft Road 8pm: Knutsford and District Lions Club meeting at the Whipping Stocks in Over Peover. For more information

  • Mum's the word for more midwives in the community

    EXPECTANT mothers in Warrington can look forward to more flexible service from the town's midwives thanks to an improved scheme already under way. Almost twice as many midwives are now based in the community looking after mothers-to-be, under the integrated

  • Bank Street builders rescued

    BUILDERS working above the Art Foundation building on Bank Street had to be rescued by firefighters when their scaffolding collapsed. A crane helped the two men down to safety during the Friday morning incident that saw part of Warrington town centre

  • Sawn off shotgun and knife used in raid

    TWO men armed with a knife and a sawn-off shot gun raided a shop in Cinammon Brow late on Wednesday night. Now detectives are looking for help in tracing the pair and their vehicle. The robbery took place at the Spar shop on Cinammon Lane North at 9.40pm

  • Chef has fresh ideas

    A CELEBRITY chef this week released further details of his plans to transform the Royal George ballroom. Paul Heathcote said his team had already visited the former hotel, which currently resembles a building site, to agree their designs. "They've been

  • Medical pioneer Vic stands again

    CRIPPLED firefighter Vic Washby stood up for the first time in more than a year - just weeks after receiving lifesaving stem cell surgery in China. His five-year-old daughter, Nadia was astonished - she could only ever remember seeing him in a wheelchair

  • Hard-up voluntary group is praised

    THE work of voluntary group Justice and Peace, which missed out on a council grant, has been praised. A staff member of Halton Women's Aid, a shelter for victims of domestic violence, said: "They have been really useful for our residents - it's going

  • And the award goes to...

    A NATIONAL design accolade has been bestowed on Halton's £7m theatre and arts centre. The Brindley has won the Centre Vision Special Award in the 2005 Civic Trust Awards for the project which contributes the most to the improvement of a town centre. Speaking

  • Prince Charles turns down invite

    PRINCE Charles was forced to turn down an invitation to a wedding in Knutsford at the weekend - because he was getting married himself. Louise and Alex Culshaw had invited the Prince and Camilla to their wedding at St Vincent's Church on Saturday. But

  • Ex-Mayor guilty of sex charge

    FORMER mayor and councillor Liam Temple - who once campaigned against child abuse - has been found guilty of a sex offence against a young girl. The 58-year-old Castlefields councillor waited until he had the 12-year-old on her own before offering money

  • Dray FC 1 Bridge Timber 6

    BRIDGE Timber booked their semi final place against Todds with a fine performance against a well-organised Dray outfit. Timber were first out the blocks and only after two minutes could have been one up when Dave Tierney's menacing run and cross saw Richie

  • Halton Stadium Widnes and District Domino League

    Fixtures for April 14: Dave Gilhooley Village Cup: Prelim Round: Mill Brow SC A v Main Top A; RAOB A v Queens; Bradley v Sporting Ford; St Bedes B v Millfield; RAOB B v Swan; Main Top B v USC; Mill Brow SC B v Bowling Club; Moorfield Arms v Sundowner;

  • Runcorn Sunday League

    Results for April 10: First Division: Todd Dynamoes 0 Halfway Vets 2; Weston Village 3 Cholmondeley 4; Sweetworld 0 Brewer 3. Harry Tabb Memorial Trophy: Quarter Finals: Dray 1 Bridge Timber 6; Union Tavern 4 Roosters 0. Fixtures for April 17: Premier

  • Widnes Amateur Rugby League

    THE league cup competition is again sponsored by local timber company Finnforest. The league are pleased that Finnforest are still supporting amateur rugby league with them, also being the main sponsors of Widnes Vikings. The competition starts this week

  • Village Premier Domino League

    Results for April 7: Great Lakes 2 Smithy Manor No2 3; Ball 1 Halton Stadium 4; Prince of Wales 2 Commercial No1 3; Our Lady's 1 Cricketers 4; Doctors 1 Yew Tree 4; Commercial No2 2 Moorfield SC 3; Blundell 2 Lowerhouse 3; Millfield 3 Simms Cross 2; USC

  • Runcorn Apec Taxis Darts League

    LAST Friday night the 16 remaining pairs in the doubles competition competed at four venues for the last four places. The four pairs eventually winning through proved to be Paul Melia & John Kilkenny and Nick Hough & Steve Allan (both Albion),

  • Country sports on the way out

    Oh how I laugh at Mr Webster's inane tirades on country sports. He is a dinosaur, not in touch with middle England and as for Mr Foster's comments are concerned, I only hope his forecasts are correct. Watching horses and dogs running around a track being

  • A bridge name too far...?

    AS a Widnesian I can't understand why people on an Internet poll believe the bridge should be called the Runcorn Bridge. It isn't the Runcorn Bridge and it never has been - its real name is the Silver Jubilee Bridge. However, if people are going to call

  • Wilde about country life

    THEATRE-GOERS will be given an insight into the oddities of a country life as Oscar Wilde's A Woman of No Importance arrives at the Harlequin Theatre tonight, Wednesday. Oscar Wilde's play satirises the country house lifestyle of Lady Hunstanton as she

  • Comic classroom capers

    THE latest battle in the war of the sexes will be performed by Frodsham Players when they present their version of a classic comedy. Well-loved farce The Happiest Days of Your Life, written by John Dighton and first performed in 1948, centres on a slip

  • Pub pulls out all the stops for night of fundraising

    BIG-HEARTED regulars at the Blundell Arms pub in Widnes raised a staggering £1,500 at a charity night for the tsunami appeal. Intrepid volunteers plucked up the courage to have their heads shaved and legs waxed whilst others came in fancy dress. "It was

  • New Post Office to open

    A NEW post office is to open in Widnes town centre tomorrow, Thursday, April 14. The former 'Absolutely Fabulous' boutique in Albert Square has been transformed into a six-counter branch. It comes 15 months after Halton MP Derek Twigg accused bosses of

  • Ex-Mayor guilty of sex charge

    FORMER mayor and councillor Liam Temple - who once campaigned against child abuse - has been found guilty of a sex offence against a young girl. The 58-year-old Castlefields councillor waited until he had the 12-year-old on her own before offering money

  • PAUL FIRES VICS TO SAFETY?

    NORTHWICH Victoria's fans have found a new hero in the form of striker Paul Brayson. The frontman, who was allowed to leave the club on loan earlier this season, has returned to first team football with a bang, scoring four goals in his past three matches

  • Win secures Conference status

    NORTHWICH Victoria ended their relegation fears as they beat Leigh RMI 2-0 last night, Tuesday. Vics went into the game knowing that a victory could ensure they played in the Conference next season. But watching fans had to sweat on the result for Vics

  • Horse lover keeps her dream alive

    A WOMAN'S dream of having her own riding school could come true if planners give it the green light. Liane Prescott, from Rudheath, has applied for outline planning permission to build an equestrian centre and associated development in The Avenue, Marston

  • Adelaide's party ..

    THIS year Britain commemorates the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. Rob Farley, now a 74-year-old retired banker living in Knutsford, was eight as the bombs fell over his then home in Northolt. Here - 66 years on - he describes in

  • Pex Hill Vikings U8s 0 Beechwood Celtic U8s 5

    Best Sports League CELTIC rubberstamped their dominance of the Best Sports league with an emphatic win over a much improved Vikings side. Goals from Ben Armstrong, Tom Turkington, Jake Peacock Jordan Smith and man of the match Daniel Newby gave the champions

  • Rylands U12s 0 Widnes St Maries U12s 6

    North West Counties Cup MARIES marched into the final of the NW Counties Cup with an excellent win at Rylands. The Maries scored on the fifth minute, a break from a scrum and Jack Moon raced over from 90 metres, Ryan Therfall added the two points. This

  • David to make an impression

    THERE'S a well-oiled saying that you should never judge a book by its cover and impressionist David Lavelle is set to prove to a watching audience there is truth behind the old adage. The Winsford impresario will take to the stage at Debees music bar

  • Wayriders at the Rec

    FOUR bands are ready to rock Winnington Rec on Friday when they showcase their talents on the Banned! Network stage. Opening the show are Crewe-based punk rock band Not Shibby, who started life in August. Making their Banned! Network debut are a punk

  • Alvin will sprinkle some Stardust over Northwich

    RELIVE the rock n' roll era when rocker Alvin Stardust takes to the stage at Northwich Memorial Hall. Currently appearing as the Childcatcher in the smash hit musical Chitty Chitty Bang Bang in the West End, Alvin has been given special leave to appear

  • Warrington and District Youth League

    Results for April 10: U16s North: Fife Rangers 3 Avon Valencia 4. South: Eagle Sports 3 East Leigh 6; Penketh Utd 5 Prescot Cables 6; Sidac Social 1 Crosby Stuart 5. U17s: Culcheth 2 Brookvale 2; Fife Rangers 5 Appleton Boys 3; Bleakhill 1 Hawkley Lions

  • Thatto Heath Crusaders U8s 32 West Bank Bears U8s 12

    THE Bears struggled to cope with the very wet and muddy conditions against a well-organised Thatto Heath team. Shaun Mannion played a superb game both with the ball and in defence to win the NBS Sports man of the match award. With a fantastic defensive

  • Testing time for residents as scientific investigation starts

    CONCERNED residents who attended the Muirfield Close meeting were given comprehensive information about environmental health factors and about what steps were being taken to safeguard the health of residents. These include: l Housing, environment and

  • Jayne on her marks for Kirsty

    A PAIR of Middlewich runners will be making tracks down south to pound the streets of the capital city in the 25th London Marathon. Jayne Lomax, of Kingswood Crescent, and Andrew Cann, of Stallard Way, have both signed up to run the 26.2 miles this Sunday

  • Runcorn bag three points in fight against relegation

    Runcorn FC Halton 2 Ashton United 0 RUNCORN gained a valuable three points in their fight against relegation, while condemning their opponents to a quick return to UniBond football. In their second game at Valerie Park, home of Prescot Cables, Runcorn's

  • Linnets' future is in their own hands

    RUNCORN FC's relegation worries eased slightly at the weekend after a 2-0 home win put daylight between them and the drop zone. By remaining unbeaten at their adopted home, Prescot Gable's Valerie Park, the Linnets condemned fellow-strugglers Ashton United

  • Boost for team

    MIDDLEWICH Clean Team's mission to 'Keep Britain Tidy' has been given a cash boost that will help it branch out into other areas. The team has received a £2,500 grant from the Community Partnership Fund, administered by Cheshire police, and the committee

  • Pool news imminent, says firm

    THE firm behind ambitious plans to build a multi-million-pound leisure complex in Middlewich claim they are just weeks away from making a big announcement. Marjory Issatt, director of MPS UK Ltd, says plans for an Olympic sized swimming pool and state

  • Bypass plans could be bridge too far

    COUNCILLORS considering an application for the long awaited Middlewich bypass have expressed grave concerns about the proposals. The application for planning permission to construct the eastern bypass southern section, submitted by Cheshire County Council

  • Have you got your brown bin?

    MIDDLEWICH residents are set to benefit from a free garden waste bin this week as part of Congelton Borough Council's kerbside recycling scheme. The council is extending its kerbside green waste collection service to maximise the amount of recyclable

  • Truck firm signs up for 20-year security

    JOBS at Middlewich truck manufacturer MAN ERF are secured for the next 20 years after bosses signed on the dotted line for a £1billion contract. As reported in the Guardian in October, the firm was chosen as preferred bidder to build a fleet of military

  • Countdown to rose fete

    THE countdown to one of the biggest dates in the Middlewich calendar is on and organisers of the event say things are looking rosy. The Middlewich Rose Fete committee has finalised the details of this year's procession, which takes place on Saturday,

  • Plans for shelter now unlikely

    MIDDLEWICH teenagers are likely to be denied the chance of a new place to meet after residents voiced strong objections to a proposed youth shelter. On Monday night a group of residents living near the Booth Lane play area - the site mooted for the sheltered

  • MAN, 68, DENIES SEX ATTACKS ON GIRLS

    A MIDDLEWICH man has denied 11 charges of indecently assaulting children during a two-and-a-half year period. Harold Percival, 68, pleaded not guilty to all the charges in Chester Crown Court yesterday, Tuesday, and the case has now been set down for

  • Making a run for it

    THEY say there's no such thing as a free lunch but two hospice fundraisers set out to disprove this theory by filling their supermarket trolleys with shopping - and then leaving without paying. But Wendy Gibson and Joanne Horne did not attract the attention

  • Youth club's future hangs in the balance

    A YOUTH club in Winsford may be forced to close following a series of attacks by vandals which have left members and workers distraught. Vandals smashed through the doors of the youth club, based at Willow Wood Community Centre, and threw paint around

  • Meet the team

    A NEW tenants group is hoping to attract council house residents. Tenants 4 Tenants is based in Castlefields in Runcorn but wants people to join from the soon-to-be transferred council housing. "I think with the council tenants going into a new housing

  • Man fell to his death

    A MAN fell down the stairs to his death after a night out, an inquest has heard. Stephen Brown was found dead at the bottom of his stairway on the morning of November 28 - one day after his 51st birthday. Mr Brown had been the post master in Weston Village

  • The Blair pitch project

    TONY Blair and Gordon Brown flew into Runcorn on Monday. They made their surprise visit by helicopter complete with an entourage of reporters, Labour party workers and Special Branch security guards. They visited The Heath business park and declared it

  • Claire's the top choice

    THE queen and retinue for this year's Winsford Carnival were chosen on Sunday and organisers are now looking forward to a successful event. The queen will be 13-year-old Claire Musgrave and her princess is Emma Daniells, 12, who is a pupil at Verdin High

  • Plans to beat litter

    REGULAR litter collections could be on the cards in Moulton after a worrying increase in the messy problem. As reported previously in the Guardian, residents have expressed concerns about the amount of litter in the village and the potential danger to

  • Brothers take steps in the right direction

    TWO courageous Scouts are celebrating after beating more than 1,000 other children in a race across the Cheshire countryside. Jacob and Issac McClellen, from the 1st St Chads Scouts, won the Cheshire Hike competition in which they had to fend for themselves

  • Young are backing village bid

    THE future looks bright for youngsters in Moulton after an event held for them proved to be an unexpected success. Organisers had high hopes for the Klub Nite event, held at the village hall, but were delighted when 65 children turned up, exceeding their

  • My dentist refused to treat me because of my children

    My dentist refused to treat me because of my children A MOTHER was refused treatment at a Winsford dentist because she took her young children along with her to the surgery. Lynn Moss, of Birkdale Gardens, was appalled when her dentist at the High Street

  • First plans for gateway

    PLANS to build a housing development have signalled the start of the Winsford Gateway project that will transform the town. An application has been submitted to Vale Royal Borough Council to build 58 two and three-storey houses and apartments on land

  • BIG BROTHER ATTEMPT TO STOP VANDALS

    RESIDENTS on a Winsford road have taken drastic action in an effort to help police stop vandals who have made their lives a misery. The situation on Crook Lane has got so bad that residents are installing CCTV cameras in their homes and the scheme has

  • Project is completed

    THERE have been celebrations at Comberbach Methodist Church, which has just completed its refurbished Sunday school at a cost of £55,000. For the past five years the church has been raising money for the project and securing a number of grants. Most of

  • Fitness test will help David to hit the heights

    A RUDHEATH man will be scaling the heights to raise money for a cancer charity. And David Curbishley, 50, should have no problem getting fit as his son Lee, who studies sports therapy and fitness training, is preparing a programme for him. When David,

  • Company puts £3m scheme to extend Asda on hold

    EXTENDING Asda's Runcorn superstore at a cost of £3m has been put on hold - by Halton Council. The retail giant wants to increase floorspace by around a quarter and alter the road and car parking layout. Members of the development control committee deferred

  • New retail store plans unveiled

    AMBITIOUS plans to build a giant new retail store and petrol station beside Halton Lea have been unveiled. Landlord Fordgate hopes to create a 13,006 sq m development - twice the size of the Asda superstore - on the opposite side of the shopping centre

  • Teens go on the rampage

    YOBS ran riot in Moulton over the weekend as they threatened residents, lit fires and vandalised vehicles. But despite this, members of the parish council remain upbeat about actions taken to curb anti-social behaviour in the village. Elaine Beech, parish

  • Making a run for it

    THEY say there's no such thing as a free lunch but two hospice fundraisers set out to disprove this theory by filling their supermarket trolleys with shopping - and then leaving without paying. But Wendy Gibson and Joanne Horne did not attract the attention

  • Former nurse wins the right to appeal against her conviction

    THE husband of a nurse who was jailed for five years after being convicted of trying to kill two patients has spoken of his joy as judges ruled she could appeal. The Lord Chief Justice, Lord Woolf, Mr Justice Ouseley and Mr Justice Treacy granted Barbara

  • Police in spotlight

    THE top of the cops enjoyed five minutes of fame when they stepped into the spotlight last month. Vale Royal's finest took to the stage at Oaklands Hotel, Gorstage, to receive awards and certificates of commendation after making outstanding contributions

  • School's design earns it national plaudits

    A NORTHWICH school has proved itself to be at the forefront of national state-of-the-art building design. Kingsmead Primary School was named a winner in the category which honours projects that have a particular cultural, social or economic benefit, at

  • Show more vision say councillors

    BOROUGH councillors are concerned that the Northwich Vision scheme is only ranked as the fourth priority in Cheshire County Council's Local Transport Plan. And at a meeting on Thursday they are expected to agree to send a letter voicing their concerns

  • YOU can tell there's a General Election on the way.

    In the short time I've been editor of this august publication, my phone has never been as busy as it is at the moment with calls from people of all political persuasions. Even Tony Blair and Gordon Brown are getting in on the act here in Halton! (Only

  • Home fires warning

    AN investigation has been launched by fire and police officers after a house fire in Hartford on Friday. Two pumps went to Stones Manor Lane at 3.30am after the occupant, believed to be a man in his late 40s, raised the alarm. Firefighter Steve Tucker

  • Company hopes that prestigious award will point the way ahead

    ENTRIES are continuing to pour in for the prestigious Vale Royal Business Awards organised by Guardian Series Newspapers together with partners Vale Royal Borough Council and Business Link Cheshire and Warrington. The closing date for entries is Friday

  • Workers take plunge

    EMPLOYEES at a Northwich engineering company conquered their fears and raised £1,426 for the Anthony Nolan Trust. Brave workers at Weir Engineering took part in a sponsored abseil at St Chad's Church in Winsford and gave a boost to the charity. Organisers

  • Psychic duo feel good vibes about TV chance

    PSYCHIC detectives Christine Hamlett and Jackie Dennis are taking their supernatural talents abroad as they film a pilot show for Canadian television. The Barnton pair are credited with helping to rid Northwich homes of unwanted spirits and presences

  • We will continue to be open, honest and keep

    in touch every step of the way, says councillor A STEERING group made up of residents and officials has been set up to monitor developments at the Muirfield Close estate following fears over health risks posed by a former landfill site and the deaths

  • Testing time for residents as scientific investigation starts

    CONCERNED residents who attended the Muirfield Close meeting were given comprehensive information about environmental health factors and about what steps were being taken to safeguard the health of residents. These include: l Housing, environment and

  • The long wait for answers...

    The long wait for answers IT could take months or years before investigations into the deaths of two Leftwich babies from an aggressive rare form of leukaemia are completed. The news follows a meeting held between concerned residents, representatives

  • Asbestos found at town venue

    ASBESTOS dust and debris have been discovered under the stage in Northwich Memorial Hall, on Chesterway, but work has already begun to remove it safely. Activities in the popular hall will continue as normal and the Hayhurst Restaurant will also remain

  • Carrie's grand effort will be her swansong

    CARRIE Ford may not race horses again despite scooping fifth place in the Grand National. The 33-year-old jockey came out of retirement in a bid to ride 11-year-old Forest Gunner to success in Saturday's Aintree race - and be the first woman to win the

  • Yobs make life total purgatory for couple

    TERRIFIED pensioners are living a 'life of purgatory' in Hartford with cars and gardens attacked by gangs of teenage yobs. The pensioners, who live in bungalows on Riddings Lane, are angry at being targeted and say something should be done. Scott and

  • Head's to bid fond farewell

    A NORTHWICH headteacher will leave his school preparing for greater success when he heads off for pastures new this summer. Dr David Kirby has led the way at Hartford High School for the past four years but is leaving his position as headteacher at the

  • FAREWELL

    MORE than 100 police officers lined the approach to St Mary's Church in Weaverham yesterday, Tuesday, for the funeral of PC Kevin Brinkman. The guard of honour was in tribute to the father-of-one from Northwich who was killed in a minibus crash in Thailand

  • Y

    ou can tell there's a General Election on the way. In the short time I've been editor of this august publication, my phone has never been as busy as it is at the moment with calls from people of all political persuasions. Even Tony Blair and Gordon Brown

  • Castle shops

    Castle shops YOUR correspondent's comments about the lack of greengrocers and butchers shops in Castle are correct. In fact the lack of these facilities is also evident in Greenbank and the Manor Estate beyond the railway. The cause is simple. People

  • Why do the force give bikers an easy ride

    I HAVE spent yet another bank holiday listening to high-powered noisy off-road motorcycles tearing around the village of Lostock. Our grinning chief constable plastered across local papers, says his children keep him in touch with what is going on. Well

  • Let's stop putting up with anti-social behaviour now

    I AM absolutely sick to the back teeth of reading about anti-social behaviour. It would seem to be the scourge of society today so the question is, why are we putting up with it? We know anti-social behaviour orders (ASBOs) are given to people who enjoy

  • Male voice choir say big thank you

    to Guardian chief REPRESENTATIVES from Warrington Male Voice Choir made a special presentation to a Warrington Guardian staff member last week. Barrie Johnson, chairman of the choir and secretary Ian Scholes made a visit to the Warrington Guardian offices

  • Sex fiend jailed for life

    A DANGEROUS sex attacker who chased a woman through Knutsford was jailed for life yesterday. Andrew Humphris, 36, had followed the terrified woman driver to Knutsford sorting office in the early hours. As she pulled into Parkgate Lane, he rammed her car

  • Bell's ex-guru seeks support

    A MASTERMIND of Martin Bell's successful General Election campaign wants to become an MP. Bill Givens is challenging for the Southport seat and yesterday (Tuesday) asked those who were inspired by Mr Bell to help him. "You need a lot of people out there

  • Title bid drags heels

    MIDDLEWICH Town's hopes of retaining the Mid Cheshire First Division title could effectively end this week. Terry Murphy's side face two tricky fixtures over the next four days first facing Golborne Sports at Middlewich tonight, Wednesday, followed by

  • School ties

    KNUTSFORD schools should work closely with each other and the community. Headteacher Ros Hipkiss, who is due to retire this month, said she had seen the benefits for children at Manor Park. "It helps to put education at the heart of the community," she

  • The proof of the pudding

    CELEBRITY chef Jamie Oliver would be proud of them - 23 Halton dinner ladies have passed their first ever exams with flying colours. They learnt how to cook a range of culinary dishes from soups to sauces as well as mastering managerial skills. "Many

  • Nation's big day

    PEOPLE in Frodsham will get the chance to celebrate being English on the country's national day. The Earl of Stamford Morris, a Warrington-based group of Morris dancers, will attempt to raise the profile of St George's Day along with the English Folk

  • Ineos throws scouts a lifeline

    INEOS Fluor has provided a life-line for a scout group. The Runcorn chemical company donated £1,000 towards the cost of a new building for the Cestrian Scout group. The scout group's hut in Thomas has been repeatedly targeted by vandals and arsonsists

  • A window into St Patrick's past

    SAINT Patrick has come back - to watch over Widnes schoolchildren. This stunning stained glass window, stripped from St Patrick's RC Church, West Bank, when it was demolished in 1998, has been installed in St Bede's RC Primary School. It is one of three

  • Who could tie up these dogs and lock them inside a shed?

    A GREYHOUND dog is receiving urgent medical attention after it was found abandoned in Helsby with weeping pressure sores covering its body. And within 24 hours of the animal arriving at the RSPCA centre, a second greyhound in similar condition was discovered

  • Attacking display: Hull 32 Widnes Vikings 28

    WIDNES Vikings produced a much-improved attacking display before going down 32-28 to high-flying Hull at the KC Stadium. A Widnes win on Humberside would have been one of the shocks of the season so far but Frank Endacott's men looked ready to snatch

  • We have the belief

    A VALIANT Vikings performance in defeat has given Widnes the belief they need for victory ahead of their most important game of the season. The gutsy attacking display by a Widnes side revitalised by players returning from injury and new signings ran

  • The Blair pitch project

    TONY Blair and Gordon Brown flew into Runcorn on Monday. They made their surprise visit by helicopter complete with an entourage of reporters, Labour party workers and Special Branch security guards. They visited The Heath business park and declared it

  • Albion lose edge in Presidents' final

    WITTON Albion looked to have done enough on Monday night to take a slender lead into the second leg of the President's Cup final against Bamber Bridge. But a late equaliser, in the fourth minute of stoppage time, gave the Lancastrians a 1-1 draw and the

  • Mond Rangers Res 4 Grange Athletic 0

    MOND picked up three more valuable points against a strong Grange Athletic side. Leading scorer Matty Nelson put Mond in front after only 90 seconds and a high scoring game looked on the cards but this proved to be a false dawn as Mond, who were creating

  • Warrington & District Football League

    THE Frontrunner premier division continues to provide great entertainment, Halebank romped to a 5-0 result against Haydock. Elsewhere, Beeches claimed a comfortable 3-0 win over Moorfield to move well clear of the foot of the table. Vulcan and St Michaels

  • Widnes RUFC 1st XV 17 Aspull RUFC 1st XV O

    THE Wids have secured their place in the Powergen North Two West league for next season with this win against already relegated Aspull. The Heath Road outfit made heavy going against a side that clearly came to frustrate the home side. Widnes skipper

  • Widnes Pool League

    Fixtures for April 17: Winter League: Play-Offs: At 5.30pm: Village v Main Top; Griffin B v Pentagon. At 8pm: Yew Tree v Bradley; Majors v Derwent B. April 24: At 5.30pm: Moorfield Arms A v Sporting Ford; Castle v Parklands. At 8pm: Grapes v Mersey View

  • Warrington Sunday Football League

    Results for April 10: Red Lion Cup: Final: Insall Smithys Rangers 1 Wolf Pack 2. Premier Division: Cheshire Hawthorne 6 Reform FC 0; Halton Arms 2 Ryder FC 0; Pierpoint & Bryant 0 SHRBL Bridge 0. Division One: Causeway 4 Monk Sports 3; Commercial

  • A case of road rage

    WHY is it our road tax goes to pay for two lane roads to keep congestion under control and then council workers come along and paint out one lane to stop it being used for some reason? Can someone explain this? But in other places there are no markings

  • Sort your act out

    I HAVE just come back from Widnes and am appalled by the treatment that met me. I dare not go into more detail regarding the area I stayed in, or the friends I stayed with will be made to suffer because of it. I think it is time Widnes got its act together