Archive

  • Not consulted

    I was surprised to read, recently, that anti-incinerator people were to march on April Fool's Day. This surprised me, because the people of Cheshire were consulted by Cheshire Council in September 2004, in a document, The Need for an Energy from Waste

  • Don't knock them down

    Regarding the new waterfront development in Runcorn Old Town: how about the council DOESN'T demolish the fine old Victorian building that is presently a shabby eyesore due to neglect. What if... it was refurbished and incorporated into the other plans

  • We need answers over custody suite

    WHEN the plans were announced for the building of the custody suite on Manor Park, a colleague of mine who lives on Sandymoor and was a member of the Save our Sandymoor committee, said they were going to get up a petition to stop it being built. I knew

  • SEASON SET TO EXTEND

    THE North West Counties Division Two season is set to be extended by at least a further week, according to Winsford United boss Dave Twite. United have seen several fixtures washed out in recent weeks with last Saturday's tie at Castleton Gabriels the

  • Mum captures car yobs on mobile phone

    A HORRIFIED mum has hit out at youths who pelted her car with stones as she drove her young daughter from nursery. And the 26-year-old says she is disappointed by the police response despite her catching the gang responsible on her camera-phone. "I couldn't

  • Cyclist hunt

    DETECTIVES are hunting a cyclist spotted carrying a cash box similar to one stolen moments earlier from a convenience store. Police say he may be covered in red dye after an incident where three men threatened a cash delivery guard outside a Co-Op. They

  • Vics make it nine in a row against Green

    NORTHWICH Victoria enjoyed a timely slice of luck to finally overcome resilient opponents and record their ninth consecutive Conference North victory. But they had to wait until the 86th minute and for the winning strike and were indebted to a fortuitous

  • 'IT'S A GREAT YEAR'

    NORTHWICH Victoria manager Steve Burr insists that, whatever happens between now and the end of the season, 2005/06 has been a tremendous year for the club. And according to Burr it is the strength of his current squad that has allowed Northwich to have

  • Ambition is first step to success

    A LIGHT-footed Middlewich dancer has pirouetted her way to a place at a prestigious London ballet school. Emma Russell, 16, has been dancing since the age of four and has attended Crewe's South Cheshire Ballet and Theatre School on Mary Street for six

  • It's good work, to be sure

    AN EVENING of Irish music and entertainment raised a bulging pot of gold for charity. The St Patrick's Day celebration concert, held at Middlewich British Legion on March 25, raised more than £370 for the Poppy Appeal. Organiser Dave Thompson said: "Many

  • Beating young boozers

    UNDERAGE drinkers in Middlewich should find it more difficult to buy booze after a retailers' workshop. Off licence staff and owners attended a workshop organised by Congleton Borough Council's Community Safety Partnership where they were encouraged to

  • Cash boost is good for children

    YOUNGSTERS will be able to join in the festival frenzy in Middlewich this summer thanks to a £4,200 funding boost. Members of the Folk and Boat Festival committee feared that activities for children would have to be set aside this year because of a financial

  • MP thanked for help as she opens new unit

    Congleton MP Ann Winterton was at the school on Friday to open its new ICT suite and conference room facility, which was built as part of the school's commitment to its specialist subjects of maths, science and ICT. Deputy headteacher Carol Pettinger-Harte

  • CREWS BATTLE TO BEAT FIRE

    AN ARSON investigation has been launched after a blaze at a Middlewich industrial estate that took firefighters seven hours to extinguish. Crews from Middlewich, Northwich, Winsford and Holmes Chapel went to tackle the fire, which ripped through an outbuilding

  • Footpath work will start soon

    A WINSFORD councillor is hoping work on a footpath which will improve safety for pedestrians on the A533 bypass will start soon. Cheshire County Council announced in October that a road running along the bypass would be opened following a petition by

  • Help us catch arsonists

    POLICE are appealing for information in trying to identify those responsible for a series of at least eight arson attacks, between Friday March 24 and Saturday March 25. The blazes included car fires on Alamein Road, William Street, two on Cherry Crescent

  • German students learn about Northwich's history

    YOUNG students from the Hchstadt area of Franconia in Germany, pictured left, have returned to Weaverham. This annual exchange has involved more than 35 pupils and takes firm steps to a better understanding of different languages cultures and histories

  • Youths gather at club

    MORE than 70 youths were seen congregated in Over Recreation Ground despite a police clampdown on the problem. The area has suffered from vandalism in recent weeks and a large group of drunken teenagers were seen in the area again on Friday night. Mike

  • Death of girl, 10, not suspicious

    POLICE have confirmed that they are not treating the death of a 10-year-old girl from Winsford as suspicious. The girl, who has not yet been identified, died on Saturday evening but police believe there are no suspicious circumstances. She was taken to

  • Have your say about civic hall

    RESIDENTS are being urged to attend a meeting tomorrow night, Thursday, to protest against plans to close the existing civic hall building. The meeting will mark the start of a consultation period to allow people the opportunity to comment on the closure

  • Teenager to learn her fate for an ASBO breach

    A WINSFORD girl who breached the terms of her Anti-Social Behaviour Order (ASBO) has been remanded in custody. Samantha Morgan, 16, of Bramhall Close, pleaded guilty to breaching her ASBO when she appeared in Northwich Youth Court on Wednesday. Magistrates

  • Health workers face anxious wait to hear if jobs are safe

    EMPLOYEES at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust face an uncertain future after revelations a multi million pound deficit could lead to forced redundancies. The Trust - which had a £1.7m shortfall for 2005/2006, which will become a debt in the forthcoming

  • MP called upon to stop the vandalism

    A BARNTON resident has slammed rampaging vandals who ran through the streets breaking fences and smashing windows. During three weeks of trouble, Steve Morris said an 83-year-old woman was left terrified and frightened to go out after her fence was damaged

  • You can win cash grant

    THERE is still time for community groups from across Mid Cheshire to apply for grants from the parent company of Newsquest, which publishes the Northwich, Winsford and Middlewich Guardians. More Gannett Foundation grants will be distributed to worthy

  • ASBOs are the very last resort for yobs

    Since they were launched in April 1999, the number of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders issued through courts across England and Wales has reached more than 7,000. Home Office figures released last week show the number of ASBOs, as they are more commonly known

  • I'll climb any mountain with gingerbread

    A FAN of gingerbread men sold at a cake shop in Northwich has proved there ain't no mountain high enough to defeat her when she tucks into the snacks. Sarah Gandy ate Chatwins' famous gingerbread men when she scaled the heights of Africa's highest point

  • Lion Salt Works hits the jackpot

    A NEAR derelict piece of Northwich history has been given a new lease of life worth almost £5million. The Lion Salt Works in Marston, is to receive £4.96million courtesy of the Heritage Lottery Fund to safeguard the historic building's future. The decision

  • TV exposure is great news for damp busting firm

    A MID Cheshire company's unique invention for treating damp in homes is set to win UK wide recognition. Holland Damp Proofing, from Pickmere Lane, Pickmere, has devised a system that enables householders to treat damp without having to replaster walls

  • Law catches up with reformed cocaine addict

    A MAN who burgled his elderly neighbour's home and stole cash to help feed his £100 a day crack cocaine addiction has escaped a prison sentence. Defendant Paul Simon Lunn, 32, disappeared after the offence in north Wales in June 2002. He was placed on

  • Top class students graduate to new school TV drama

    A TALENTED pair of drama students are enjoying their big moment on the small screen having landed parts in a major BBC drama. Mid-Cheshire College students Lauren Drummond and Adam Thomas, both 18, are playing pupils in Waterloo Road, a drama about a

  • Family's joy as little Elle comes home

    THEY must have thought the day would never come, but for one Rudheath family returning home following an eight-month hospital stay has finally become a reality. For the Henin family, of Ash Bank, were forced to stay at Alder Hey Hospital after seven-year-old

  • INFIRMARY PLEA

    THOUSANDS of people have signed a petition demanding the inpatient unit at Northwich Victoria Infirmary (VIN) be saved from closure. Mid Cheshire Hospital Trust now needs to save some £11million and beds at the VIN are under threat. In just under three

  • Store opens

    SOMERFIELD is opening its doors for the first time in Runcorn today, Wednesday. The former £1m Kwik Save store beside the Old Town bus station has an improved range of quality fresh meat, fruit and vegetables. An in store bakery and rotisserie are just

  • Exploring the war

    COURAGEOUS local people have spent six months exploring how the war touched their lives. Their stories will be captured on stage at The Lowry in Oh, Wot A Lovely War? from Wednesday, April 12 to Saturday, April 15. Tickets priced £12 are available from

  • Westlife at Pops

    WESTLIFE, Simply Red and Sugababes are some of the names lined up for Liverpool's Summer Pops 06. Irish boy band Westlife will be on stage on Monday, July 17. Simply Red have been added a second gig at the Big Top Arena on Wednesday, July 19 after their

  • Trollope on stage

    A BEST selling novelist has been adapted for the stage for the first time. Marrying The Mistress, one of Joanna Trollope's most popular novels, is dramatised at The Lowry from Tuesday, April 11 to Saturday, April 15. Tickets priced £11-£20 are available

  • Better than watching TV

    MY wife and I, and our neighbours Tracey and Dave, went to see Curtain Call by Mid-Cheshire Amateur Operatic Society last night and I just had to write to say that anyone who missed it missed a performance and a half. The kids doing So Long, Farewell,

  • Title hopes are rekindled

    RUDHEATH'S hopes of retaining their Northwich and District Division One title received a boost this week as they returned to the top of table with a 6-1 win at Winnington Park. They are now level on points with Owley Wood, with just five matches remaining

  • Wee are the loos-ers here

    I COULDN'T agree more with J Brade's letter published in the Guardian, March 22 'Spend cash on clean loos'. The public toilets in Northwich are a disgrace. In fact I would go so far as to say they must be some of the worst in this area. Before the council

  • Can you help manage kids?

    DAVENHAM Junior FC are looking for a manager and assistant manager to run the new U7s football team for next season. The team have a one-hour training session, one evening a week and will play their matches on Saturday mornings. The club will provide

  • If it's not broke,

    don't fix it THIS is a copy of a letter I recently wrote to the Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Mr Blair, I read in the Northwich Guardian of March 1 that you are to force a merger between Cheshire and Merseyside Police. Why? Big is not beautiful, and seldom

  • Let's make some noise over noise

    GIVE us back our peace and quiet. I refer to the article 'Noise problem is ruining our lives', Guardian March 22. People are now starting to realise the consequences of the ever-increasing amount of vehicle use. The fact is transport-related noise is

  • Burning issue

    ON Saturday, March 25 CHAIN (Cheshire Anti-Incinerator Network) members were in Northwich town distributing thousands of free anti-incinerator car stickers. Have you got one? They are signs of the growing awareness of members of the public, who have concerns

  • Time to end this nuisance

    I READ in the paper the other day that this year might be the last time we have to alter our clocks for British Summer Time. Well, thank God if it is. I won't have to go round the house altering all the clocks and then having to fathom the video. Unfortunately

  • Hartford miss out

    HARTFORD Tennis Club were unlucky not to claim any silverware last weekend after both the A and B teams made it through to the finals of the winter cup. Unfortunately they were defeated in both competitions. The winter A team came up against a strong

  • Wolves beaten at Rangers

    WEAVERHAM Wolves produced a battling performance in extremely difficult conditions and were unlucky to come away from Saddleworth Rangers with an 8-4 defeat. Against a side who threw the ball around superbly regardless of the weather Wolves battled bravely

  • Park's women reach stunning milestone

    WINNINGTON Park Ladies celebrated their centenary last weekend with a series of events designed to highlight major achievements in the club's past. The event began on Saturday morning when the current crop of colts took to the pitch. Then, at 1pm, it

  • Improved golf is par for the course

    A UNIQUE and exciting golfing programme, designed especially for ladies, is about to tee off at Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club. Following the success of Ladies Masters Golf last year, club professional Dave Ingman will be introducing a new course for the

  • Duo tame Thames

    NORTHWICH can lay claim to an Oxbridge boat race champion in the guise of former Sir John Deane's College student Graham Davies (pictured above). Yet the 25-year-old's triumph didn't come in the televised blue ribbond event. Instead he joined seven other

  • Easter Head of the River provides cracking racing

    THE River Weaver provided a perfect setting on Saturday for Northwich Rowing Club's annual Easter Head. More than 200 crews descended on the club for a day of outstanding racing. And it was Northwich rowers who stole the limelight at their home event

  • Turner hits top form as rider looks to defend EMRA title

    CASTLE-based rider Paul Turner has begun his 2006 season in fantastic form. Defending the EMRA formula 400cc championship he won in 2005, Turner (pictured left) was triumphant in both races at Mallory Park, bringing home his BMC Honda RVF 400 for maximum

  • Head on down to Broadway

    ZODIAC Amateur Operatic Society is dusting off its dancing shoes for a production of 42nd Street which hit the stage this week. The show is full of dance numbers, featuring songs such as Lullaby of Broadway and Getting Out of Town, which are sure to have

  • Free programme on offer

    DIABETICS in Warrington have been learning more about living with the condition at a free six-week course organised by Warrington Primary Care Trust and North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust. The 'X-pert Diabetes Programme' enables people to talk to a range

  • Binmen refuse to pick up bags

    BINMEN refused to collect overflowing rubbish left behind after last week's strike - so the borough council brought in agency workers to do the job. The council failed to persuade Unison members to do the work in early morning meetings at the Woolston

  • Marple put to the sword

    WINNINGTON Park U11s, due to play in the Cheshire Cup Rugby Festival, had to settle for a hastily arranged tie against Marple after the festival was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. Despite the short notice Park performed exceptionally well and

  • Fly-tipping problems

    A WOMAN has slammed the people responsible for illegally fly-tipping at a Lostock nature spot. The Station Road resident, who regularly walks along Ascol Drive, was appalled to discover a mound of building rubble dumped along the pathway last weekend.

  • Oil be there

    A COLLECTION of giant oil paintings will go on display at a Hartford church this Easter. The artwork - including a drawing which is 21ft long - is being shown at St John's Church to explore the meaning of Easter. The paintings are the work of artist Dee

  • An honour for one of Kingsley's best dames

    A KINGSLEY man has been honoured for 35 years of hard work which has made a difference to village life. Barrie Speed, 67, of The Hurst, has won the Chairman's Award for Services to the Community, which was organised by the parish council. The award was

  • SHOWING CHARACTER

    PUPILS at Greenfields Primary School in Winsford dressed as characters from their favourite books to celebrate the opening of their refurbished library. The library has been upgraded to make sure children have access to a range of literature as part of

  • Halton District Junior Football League

    Results: Under 11s Rocksavage League: St Basils FC 9 Brookvale Utd 0; Widnes Bayer 1 BPR Leiria 0; Sporting Rangers 3 Pex Hill Pumas 0; Stapleton Diamonds 7 Athena 0; Legion Red Stars 2 Heath Athletic 2; Weston Point Wanderers 3 Legion Knights 3. Under

  • Mark Norris Building Services

    North West Counties Amateur Rugby League Results for April 1: Premiership Cup, preliminary round: Pilkington Recs 18 Halton Farnworth 0; Blackbrook 18 Barrow Island 0. First round: Bold Miners 18 Orrell St James 0. Premier Division/Premiership Cup, first

  • Tracking hidden leaks

    UNDERGROUND water leaks can now be detected by mobile phones! More than 5,000 hi tech transmitters have been installed beneath our streets and pavements to alert water chiefs if any pipes crack, fracture or burst. "When you have got 40,000km of mains

  • Help the Haven

    PRECIOUS memories are set to capture the unique story of Halton Haven Hospice An appeal has been sent out asking World readers to contribute anecdotes and photographs as this Runcorn cancer care centre celebrates its 25th anniversary. "I'm looking for

  • Macmillan on the move

    FUNDRAISERS for Halton's Macmillan Cancer Relief have a new home. The team has moved from Warrington Hospital to Birchwood Park, and appreciate your continued support. "2005 was a tremendous year for Macmillan in North Cheshire, thanks to the generosity

  • It's a hit... 2,000 times!

    A TRAILBLAZING indie band has attracted record hits on its website after clinching a two single record deal. As Gnarls Barkley's single Crazy made history topping this week's UK chart on download sales alone, Pere Lachaise is soaring to success. "We're

  • Stars line up to appear in new comedy drama

    A PROFESSIONAL model is making her TV acting debut - retracing her own rise to fame in a new BBC3 comedy drama. Sinead Moynihan stars in Teenage Supermodel with a cast of top Coronation Street actors, filmed on location - in Runcorn! We caught up with

  • Birthday bargains!

    A DISCOUNT department store celebrated its 10th anniversary in Widnes this week with bags more bargains. Shoppers at TJ Hughes in Green Oaks, Widnes, were treated to extra special offers, to mark a decade of cut prices. Manager Richard Hodgson says customers

  • Who'll be getting your vote on election day?

    ELECTION countdown is on as one third of Halton Council's seats are up for grabs on May 4. Nominations closed on Monday, listing 56 candidates vying for 18 seats. Labour and the Conservatives are contesting every seat. The Green party is challenging four

  • Will festival ever go ahead?

    HOPES of a star studded Spike Island music festival this summer seem to have been dashed. Cutting edge bands and indie legends were expected to attract up to 100,000 fans for a Whit weekend extravaganza. Halton Council pulled the plug on the two day jamboree

  • Hospital hopes welcomed

    HOPES that Halton Hospital could go it alone were welcomed this week by staff, MPs and patients, writes Barbara Jordan. Incensed employees fighting plans to close five wards and transfer acute medical services to Warrington, vowed to break free from cash-strapped

  • Surfin' USA

    As an ex-Widnesian I enjoy reading the news online! Keep it up! I need to be put in contact with Widnes historian Alan Foster. Can you help? E-mail address would be good. Thanks Mark Wilson, Florida, USA via e-mail Editor's note: No problem. Thanks for

  • Meeting helps set agenda for suite

    MEMBERS of the Middlewich community are well on the way to securing their future after a meeting on Saturday. Councillors met with residents concerned about the custody suite, in Pochin Way, to discuss setting up a liaison committee with police and to

  • Council ponders plan for future of industrial park

    A DRAFT plan for the future development of a Middlewich industrial estate will go before councillors tonight, Wednesday, and before planners on Tuesday. If the draft development brief for Midpoint 18 phase three is given the go ahead by both Congleton

  • Dump protest could be your last chance

    RESIDENTS are being urged to make the most of their last chance to save Middlewich from a rubbish dump. Land at Kinderton Lodge was earmarked as a landfill site by Cheshire County Council in February but with the option for the decision to be called in

  • Group wins a bus stop pledge

    UNACCEPTABLE bus stops are to be upgraded after a cry for help from a Middlewich group determined to improve its town. Three bus stops, on Booth Lane and Warmingham Lane, desperately need attention after being badly vandalised and neglected but Congleton

  • Village makes its royal choices

    FINGERS are crossed for good weather in Byley as village youngsters prepare to take their places in the annual rose fete. The royal line-up has been announced for the event, planned for June 10, and preparations are well under way. This year's rose queen

  • Council is 'good value'

    CONGLETON Borough Council is providing value for money after a year of progress, according to a report from the Audit Commission. The report praised the council's achievements in addressing financial pressures and said, overall, it delivers good quality

  • Council expected to overturn order on home

    A COMPULSORY Purchase Order, which was imposed on a Middlewich property in 2003 is expected to be revoked tonight, Wednesday. The order was made by Congleton Borough Council after it received a number of complaints from residents about the property at

  • Health staff face anxious wait

    EMPLOYEES at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust face an uncertain future after revelations a multi million pound deficit could lead to forced redundancies. The Trust - which had a £1.7m shortfall for 2005/2006, which will become a debt in the forthcoming

  • Crackdown aims to end a safety hazard

    ILLEGAL parkers who block emergency vehicles and put the safety of children at risk will be targeted in a police crackdown. Middlewich CAT team is focussing its efforts on motorists parking on St Ann's Walk, outside Oaklands Medical Centre and the high

  • DOUBLE TRIUMPH

    Tarporley High School is celebrating following magnificent performances from their netball and hockey teams. The Year Eight netball team has won the Mid Cheshire Cup and Chester and District Cup, the Year Eight hockey team took the Mid Cheshire title

  • Noisy biker's machine is taken away

    A MINI-MOTORBIKE owner who revved up the tempers of estate residents with his inconsiderate riding has lost his wheels. Officers seized the machine from a rider who had no insurance after receiving reports of nuisance vehicle use on the Greenfields Estate

  • KICKING OFF

    CHILDREN at Wimboldsley Community Primary School practiced their dribbling in good company on Thursday at a football coaching session. Saul Furse, from Sandbach United Football Club, paid a visit to the school and gave pupils from Years One and Two some

  • Pupils snap happy in a flash

    IT was no flash in the pan when Vale Royal CVS gave a £500 grant to Comberbach Primary School to buy three digital cameras. The money came from the small grants pot which contains money from Vale Royal Borough Council and Central Cheshire Primary Care

  • Stop turning beauty spot into an eyesore

    A WINSFORD resident claims that a nature spot is turning into a dumping ground after discovering a truck load of rubbish fly tipped in a public car park. On Wednesday the man, who does not wish to be named, contacted the Guardian after discovering a huge

  • Students in Soweto to learn

    about life as an English child KIND-HEARTED members of United Co-op have donated £250 to buy resources for a Kingsley primary school to send to pupils in Soweto, South Africa. Kingsley St John CE Primary School is twinned with the South African school

  • Raids help force get firework use under control

    POLICE officers targeted a number of homes in Winsford on Friday as part of a crackdown on illegal fireworks. Homes in Stephenson Walk and Arkwright Close were raided as part of the operation and a quantity of rockets and explosives were seized. A 25-

  • 'GUILTY' VERDICT AFTER COMPLAINT

    A COUNCILLOR has been found guilty of breaching the code of conduct after allegedly threatening a member of the public with a headbutting challenge. Clr Peter Gannon was accused of offering the challenge to a member of Grange Residents' Association during

  • Series success for mediums

    BARNTON clairvoyants Jackie Dennison and Christine Hamlett are celebrating after filming a television show in Canada. The psychic detectives, of Grange Avenue, have completed 13 episodes of the show Rescue Mediums, for W Network TV, which covers the whole

  • It's a mystery as Government withdraws racial crime figures

    MYSTERY surrounds the exact number of racially motivated crimes in mid Cheshire after Home Office figures were withdrawn because of inaccuracies. Figures released on Thursday suggested such incidents - which include racial harassment, assaults and vandalism

  • Flower show guard's bike hit vehicle

    AN RHS Flower Show guard crashed a motorbike into a car carrying visitors. Jamie Lee Johnson hit the Renault people carrier at about 40mph, landed on the bonnet and fell to the ground. Johnson, 19, of Holford Avenue, Northwich, who is in jail for another

  • Bridge this gap

    FRUSTRATED campaigners are seeking public support to get a Northwich footbridge repaired three months after offering to repair it themselves. As the Guardian reported in January, former British Waterways workers - all qualified craftsman -- offered to

  • School marks a year of success

    THE marvellous achievements of St Nicholas Catholic High School were celebrated at the annual prize giving evening. On Thursday night, head teacher Gerard Boyle praised staff and pupils for the many highlights - both academic and extra curricular - of

  • Thundersprint promises top fun all the way

    PREPARATIONS for Northwich's annual Thundersprint are gathering speed and organisers have now revealed a line up of fringe events to tempt visitors to the town. Set to take place on Sunday, May 7, organisers of this year's event believe it wont be just

  • You just can't beat seeing new bobbies in the town

    VILLAGE streets will be a safer place from this week after two new bobbies joined the town's force. Dean Butterworth will pound the paths of Weaverham while colleague Rob Stopford will bring his own brand of policing to Barnton. And Northwich police Insp

  • Health workers face anxious wait to hear if jobs are safe

    EMPLOYEES at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust face an uncertain future after revelations a multi million pound deficit could lead to forced redundancies. The Trust - which had a £1.7m shortfall for 2005/2006, which will become a debt in the forthcoming

  • Group wins a bus stop pledge

    UNACCEPTABLE bus stops are to be upgraded after a cry for help from a Middlewich group determined to improve its town. Three bus stops, on Booth Lane and Warmingham Lane, desperately need attention after being badly vandalised and neglected but Congleton

  • Axe-wielding burglars hold couple captive in own home

    AXE-WIELDING burglars ransacked a terrified couple's home while holding them captive. The two masked men barged through the front door after the homeowner, a 32-year-old man, opened it to investigate a noise outside. Once inside the balaclava-clad pair

  • Youngsters take over the gallery!

    FUTURE photographers, poets and graffiti artists have been displaying their talents on the gallery walls at The Brindley. The centre opened its doors to Butterflies Nursery, Pen and Inkers writers' group and the PXP Skater Group. Louise Hesketh, arts

  • Caravan blaze

    DRUNKEN gangs of kids are plaguing a popular health club. A pack of 30 teenagers torched a caravan, pelted stones at cars and windows, and fought drunkenly amongst themselves in the latest incident on Saturday. "We're desperate for the police's help,"

  • Appeal boss bids hospice fond farewell

    A LEADING light at St Luke's Cheshire Hospice is set to say a fond farewell after hitting his fundraising target. Capital appeal manager Steve Bradbury joined the Winsford hospice in 2004 with a mission to help the hospice raise half a million pounds

  • Dance debut

    A VIBRANT new dance company makes its debut at The Brindley next week. Creative director Stephen Musa, of Widnes, formed Kismet Dance Theatre Company last year after overcoming a serious leg injury in an accident. He had surgery on his knee after splintering

  • Amnesia?

    I FEEL I must reply to Clr Musgrave's letter 'Democracy in action'. Clr Musgrave states quite correctly that it was a democratic decision of the council to reduce the cost of a rail card from £12 to £2.50. Over some 12 months, the Labour Group on the

  • Why we should all say no to ID cards

    I'D like to ask every reader to lobby their local MP against the ID Cards Bill. This Bill is being pushed by Labour without any popular support or any real discussion. The Bill will set up ID cards that will carry biometric data such as fingerprints and

  • We should take advice

    I LIVE on the Kingsmead estate and for the first few years, while the show home was in our area, the grass in my close was cut and the area was kept in good condition. About four years ago, when the developer moved out of the area close to me, the maintenance

  • People will pay for a good service

    I TOO am taking issue with the maintenance charge at Kingsmead and sent a letter to CPM outlining a catalogue of issues that need to be addressed. I chased them the other day as I had heard nothing from them and was told by the estate manager that he

  • Safety factors make stopping bikers difficult

    CHESHIRE Police would like to respond to a letter in the March 29 edition from a Lostock Gralam resident suggesting plain clothes officers are used in the campaign against illegal off-road motorcycling. Firstly, I would like to thank the writer for contacting

  • Police vow to take all complaints seriously

    CHESHIRE Constabulary would like to respond to a series of letters, which have recently been published. The debate began with a letter from an author who was critical of officers who parked in a mother-and-baby parking bay at a local supermarket. The

  • Lisa takes player award

    LISA Connolly was named player of the match as Northwich Sapphires lost 25-18 to All Blax last week. In the final game of the season, Sapphires 2nds lost 16-11 to Warrington Town 2 and have been relegated to Division Two for the 2006/07 winter season.

  • Win with the Guardian

    TWO contrasting shows from a renowned ballet company are to be performed in Northwich later this month - and two Guardian readers could enjoy the spectacle free of charge. Vienna Festival Ballet is putting on modern ballet Rhapsody in Blue, based on the

  • Harlequins to raise the roof in masterpiece

    A POWERFUL drama focusing on the power of truth unfolds in the Harlequin Theatre's latest production Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. Directed by Don Hirst, the Tennessee Williams masterpiece concerns a young man's disaffection and descent into alcoholism following

  • Comedy on menu at Buzz

    THREE comic acts are aiming to tickle the funny bones of the audience at the Buzz Club in Debees Music Bar on Friday. Ben Scofield, described as a hairy northern comic with a cerebral wit and a rock and roll spirit, is the compre for the night, which

  • Enjoy tales of the Dales

    A FORMER teacher who became a popular novelist and an award winning public speaker brings his hilarious tales of life in Yorkshire to a Cheshire audience later this month. Gervase Phinn spent 14 years in front of classes before taking up a job as a school

  • Charity shortlisted for prize

    THE Warrington-based charity behind the Talk...Don't Walk project has been short listed for a national award. The Relationships Centre has been nominated for the Third Sector Enterprises Category at The Big Difference Awards 2006. The Big Difference Awards

  • Educating Anita gets top award

    A WARRINGTON prison worker was given the royal seal of approval last week in recognition of her tireless devotion to educating prisoners. HRH The Princess Royal presented Anita Stone, education manager at Risley Prison, with the Butler Trust Keith Bromley

  • Thirds hog the limelight

    WITH Northwich RUFC 1sts and 2nds enjoying a weekend off, it was the 3rds who hogged the limelight at Moss Farm. Yet they couldn't provide a win, losing 52-17 to a very strong Toc H Didsbury side. Veteran prop Jan Cartman, Paul Vine and John Caulfield

  • Rain no pain for the Colts

    IN atrocious weather conditions at Fleetwood, Winnington Park Colts battled their way to the semi final of the Junior Plate with a 9-7 victory. Fleetwood enjoyed the majority of possession and territory in the first half and only some excellent defensive

  • Youngsters take Cheshire trophy

    WINNINGTON Park U9s sailed through the Cheshire Festival unbeaten at Old Anselmians on Sunday to win the Cheshire Plate in their first season of full contact rugby. Park were unfortunate to draw Chester - the tournament favourites - in the first game

  • Couple are still fishing for love after 50 years

    THE magic and romance is alive and well for one golden Rudheath couple whose relationship got off with a blast. Don and Helen Birdsey, of Agecroft Road, celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss at the Fourways Inn on Friday - more than five decades after meeting

  • Cricket meeting

    Halton Bayer Cricket League THE league fixture meeting is at the Parklands Club on Monday, April 10, at 8pm, The draws for the Divisional Cups and Hyde Cup will take place.

  • Halfway A and Grapes B come out on top

    Runcorn APEC Taxis Darts League THE first of the league's five final nights took place at the RNA Club last Friday, resulting in both Halfway A and Grapes B coming out on top. The first to be staged was the APEC Taxis KO Cup final, between Halfway A and

  • Halton Stadium Widnes and District League

    Results: Section A: HGSC 4 Black Horse 1; Horse and Jockey B 3 Mill Brow SCB 2; HGSCC 3 Village SCA 2; Appleton Arms 2 RO'Bells 3; Sundowner 3 Millfield 2; Holy Family 3 Parklands 2. Section B: Wid Rec 1 Oddfellows 4; RAOBB 2 Horse and Jockey A 3; Village

  • Well done to our winners!

    CONGRATULATIONS to World readers who have won fabulous prizes in our recent competitions. And a big thank you to everyone who entered by post, personally delivering an entry to our office, by email or through our new exciting Win With The World website

  • Shroud show at cathedral

    A FASCINATING insight into the precious garment Christ was believed to have been wrapped in, is being screened at Liverpool Cathedral. The Wonder of the Shroud, an evocative DVD, presented by Fr Martin Haigh and Dr Jeremy Duff is being shown at 8pm on

  • 'A quantum leap forward'

    A NEW £370,000 x-ray machine will help specialists detect conditions much quicker, say hospital chiefs. The fluoroscopy equipment will be installed at Halton Hospital this month, with another £40,000 being spent to upgrade a similar hi tech x-ray machine

  • Raffle prize proves quality of new management team

    AT Witton Albion's home game against Burscough, a raffle was held, the prize being to be part of the management team for the Cheshire Senior Cup final. I was the lucky Wittoner to win the raffle and was welcomed into the dressing room, by Jim Vince, Benny

  • Paedophile shattered my family's lives

    A DEVASTATED family have spoken for the first time about how their lives were shattered by a paedophile who befriended them. In a sickening breach of trust Phillip Broadhead, 54, secretly molested the close-knit Widnes family's middle son while pretending

  • Norma's named wonder woman!

    TO family, friends and colleagues, Norma Hornby has always been considered a special lady, but now their view has been backed up by the whole of Cheshire. That's because the mum-of-one was crowned Cheshire Woman of the Year at a prestigious ceremony in

  • Irish night raises £3,200

    A FUN-FILLED ceilidh raised more than £3,200 for needy children and their families. More than 200 people danced and sang with band Gordon's Dog on St Patrick's night, in aid of the Catholic Children's Society. The charity is perhaps best known in Halton

  • Cancer group birthday

    ANYONE who has been touched by cancer is invited to a special celebration. Widnes and Runcorn Cancer Support Group is marking the first anniversary of its Runcorn outreach service at 7.30pm on Wednesday, April 12. "The group has steadily grown in numbers

  • THE CANDIDATES

    British National Party (BNP), Citizens Party of Halton (CIT), Conservative (CON), Green party (G), Independent (IND), Labour (L), Liberal Democrat (L DEM), Appleton: Susan Edge, Foster Street, Widnes (L); Duncan Harper, Lunts Heath Road (Con) Birchfield

  • Grieving parents mourn loss of service

    OUTRAGED parents of terminally-ill children have slammed cuts made to vital services because of a council cash crisis. Just weeks before its 10-year anniversary the Butterfly Project is withdrawing its support of dozens of families because Halton Council

  • Great team effort

    CHAMPAGNE corks popped as Halton Council celebrated clinching £209m Govermnent cash to clinch the long awaited second Mersey crossing. Widnes and Runcorn World and our readers were commended for supporting the campaign for more than a decade. "It is a