Archive

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Wardens assigned

CONGLETON and Alsager have their own community wardens in a move aimed at improving the policing of the towns. "We have three officers working specifically on each town," said community safety manager Tony Potts. "It means each town has its own team of

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Police search for knife used in stabbing at Rudyard Lake

DETECTIVES investigating the rape and attempted murder of a woman are eager to trace a knife used in the attack. A 30-year-old woman from Newcastle was stabbed three times at the miniature railway car park at Rudyard Lake. The attack happened at 2.30am

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Angel falls under the hammer

THE LANDMARK site of a century old legendary West Bank pub has been put up for sale. Nineteen months after The Angel Hotel cracked, crumbled, collapsed and burst into flames, the land is going under the hammer. Pub owner Avebury Taverns, said: "After

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Hitchens sets up shop

CUT price ex-catalogue goods will be on sale before Christmas at a new Widnes store. Hitchens opens in the newly refurbished Windmill Centre on December 11, creating 30 jobs. "We're really looking forward to it," said North West regional manager Gwen

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Manic driver jailed

AN 'out of control' speeding driver desperately tried to escape police without any regard for human life, a court has heard. Alan Sanderson's 'appalling catalogue of incidents' included racing through red lights, ramming police cars and fighting with

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KO for Robin

ROBIN Reid's pursuit of super-middleweight supremacy in 2005 has been rocked by injury. The Reaperman faces a bleak winter out of the ring after a training run fall left him with a badly gashed head. "It's quite a deep cut and it's ruled him out of a

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Group delighted as new deal brings longer opening hours at pool

WEAVERHAM'S community swimming pool was officially re-opened last week - much to the delight of a swimming group for babies and toddlers. The pool, in Russet Road, has been leased to a private company, FineSwim, to reduce its cost to Weaverham Parish

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Team to crack crime seeks fresh pair of eyes

MORE CCTV cameras could be put into a village's shopping area to increase security. Weaverham's Community Action Team (CAT) wants two more cameras installed to help prevent incidents like the recent cases of vandalism and criminal damage to shops on High

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Bob's gig is anything but the Pitts

A BARNTON man is tuning up his guitar in preparation for the biggest performance of his career to date. Bob Pitt, 50, will take to the stage at the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Friday to celebrate the 37th anniversary of BBC Radio Merseyside.

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The good old days

AFTER reading Mr Webster's comments on Sunnybank in last week's letters column in the World, I decided to go and have a look for myself. I have to say I totally agree with the man. This once wonderful patch of heath land has been ruined. The place is

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Great job Gary

CAN I just say how great a job as town chairperson Gary Shaw does. Through thick and thin Gary has always put forward the views of the town traders. I wouldn't like to do his job with all the moaning and complaining he must hear every day. Thanks Gary

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On song Vics ready for Shay

And after Saturday's excellent 2-0 away win at Farnborough look ready for the visit of Halifax Town to Wincham Park. Vics boss Steve Burr is pleased with his side's response to the thrashing at Accrington and feels they have now proven they are a match

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We shouldn't pay price

IF 90 per cent of the traffic using the bridge comes from outside Halton, why don't they simply let locals only use the old one - for free. Let everyone else pay a toll to cross the new Mersey Gateway and give us back our vital link. Many of us have relatives

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There's no room for imporvement with hotel boss Steven

NANTWICH hotel manager Steven Ogden is celebrating after winning a prestigious award in the region's tourism 'oscars'. Mr Ogden, deputy general manager at Rookery Hall Hotel, scooped the most outstanding young tourism manager award at an awards' ceremony

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Cash pumped into fire safety scheme

RESIDENTS in Nantwich are to be offered free smoke alarms and fire safety advice as part of a £255,000 fire prevention package in Cheshire. The windfall is part of a £25million nationwide Government investment for local fire and rescue authorities, which

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Bid to crack crime

COMMUNITY wardens in Congleton have joined forces with the Community Action Team (CAT) to improve policing in each of the borough's five towns. Echoing a new scheme launched by the CAT team, the wardens now have officers especially designated to each

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Now take a rest

WALKERS can now treat themselves to a well-deserved rest thanks to the hard work of Middlewich Clean Team. On November 21, members of the clean team were proud to see the fruits of their labour when two new benches were delivered to Middlewich. The clean

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Campaign keeps station bid on track

THE campaign to reinstate Middlewich train station is moving forward - despite a disappointing set back last week. As reported in the Guardian on November 3, Congleton borough councillor Mike Parsons has been urging residents to write to Cheshire County

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It's time to stop this trek for treatment

A MIDDLEWICH resident is so appalled at a Cheshire health authority's refusal to commission treatment of minor injuries at a doctor's surgery she has set up a petition in protest. Anna Longshaw, of Booth Lane, is furious with Central Cheshire Primary

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We've seen people using and dealing on the street

RESIDENTS of a street in Middlewich where a drugs raid took place on Friday morning say they are relieved police have taken action. At 9am a team of 20 police officers swooped on two houses in Kitfield Avenue and four people were arrested in connection

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Habit can get out of control

POLICE officers have warned of the dangers of using 'soft' drugs such as cannabis in the light of Operation Moorhen. Insp Chris Jones, from the Congleton Community Action Team, said there is a common perception that cannabis is now a legal drug. He said

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POLICE SEIZE CRACK AND HEROIN IN DAWN RAID

POLICE stepped up the war on drugs when they arrested four people in an early morning drugs raid in Middlewich. Operation Moorhen saw 20 police officers execute two search warrants on addresses in Kitfield Avenue on Friday morning, following a briefing

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Eating well

PUPILS and staff at Barnton Primary School are celebrating after achieving a National Heal-thy School Standard award. The school gained the award for its promotion of physical and emotional health, helping pupils to make informed decisions about their

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Visit helps decide if farm will be where wind blows

PLANNING officers from Vale Royal Borough Council will visit an existing windfarm before making a decision on proposals to build one in Cheshire. A planning application has already been submitted to erect a meteorological mast to measure wind speed at

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Master class will help wall trekkers

ENERGETIC fundraisers from Kingsmead arranged a great way to top up their total in advance of a marathon trek. Janet Jackson and Bev Rickett have been fundraising for a year to raise the £6,000 needed to do the walk along the Great Wall of China in May

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Users press for better buses in the town

BUS services in Winsford have been slammed by residents and councillors. Their complaints range from poorly maintained bus shelters to inadequate timetables. Cheshire County Council is now being urged to look at the situation and bring standards in Winsford

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Parking row continues as disabled man calls for changes

A CONTROVERSIAL car park has come under fire from disabled users as well as parents taking toddlers to nursery -despite changes made to benefit them. As reported in the Guardian previously, a row of spaces in the car park at Kingsmead Square that were

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Club owner aims to unearth new talent

MUSICAL talent is set to flourish in Winsford after the opening of a state of the art recording studio for use by up and coming bands. It is hoped the studio at Debees Music Bar will give musicians of all ages the opportunity to develop their talents.

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New jobs bring town to heart of the county

WINSFORD has been described as the 'heart of Cheshire' after 30 more Cheshire County Council jobs were relocated to the town. The number of county council jobs in Winsford now stands at 1,600 after the rights of way and countryside management departments

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Children bid to master game of chess

CHILDREN in Winsford are unplugging their video games and taking up the game of chess thanks to a scheme organised by two enthusiasts. Chess has become the game of the moment after pop icons Madonna and Westlife featured the game in music videos earlier

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Plans to collect festive rubbish cause new fury

REFUSE collectors in Vale Royal are furious that they are being expected to work extra hours when the weekly Christmas waste collections are introduced in the borough. Jim Kearns, the region's GMB union representative, said waste service company SITA

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Youth problems on rise

THERE has been an 'eruption' of anti social behaviour in Winsford over the weekend with gangs of youths causing trouble for residents. Mike Kennedy, chairman of the Grange Residents' Association, said: "We have had reports of 30 youths running up and

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Wreath vandalism 'must be stopped'

WREATHS that were laid at Winsford war memorial on Remembrance Sunday have been vandalised and a Winsford town councillor is demanding answers. Clr Peter Gannon is furious that a wreath placed at the war memorial on behalf of the Liberal Democrats was

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TAKING ECSTASY KILLED OUR SON

A statement from Scott's family said: "Scott was a fun loving young man in the prime of his life. "Our family has been devastated by his tragic and unnecessary death. "Scott had everything to live for and a tiny pill known as ecstasy has shattered our

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COMMUNITY wardens in Congleton have joined forces with the Community Action Team (CAT) to improve po

Echoing a new scheme launched by the CAT team, the wardens now have officers especially designated to each of the towns. Community safety manager Tony Potts said: "We have three officers working specifically on each town. It means in practice each town

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Boss says support Aids Day

A businessman is urging organisations in mid Cheshire to support World Aids Day in any way they can. Simon Cole, owner of Winsford firm Condom Solutions, is asking schools, councils and businesses to help raise money for the event on December 1. He said

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You need a cutting edge to succeed

A DUO of Winsford hairdressers who went into business together at a young age are celebrating 15 successful years. Carilyn Rowland and Lynn Shaw set up Graffix Hair Studio, on Delamere Street, in their early 20s and are running a flourishing business.

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Star turns heads at RSPCA

"I'VE called her Star because she is one!" The words of Runcorn RSPCA Inspector Nadine Pengelli as she appeals for information about a neglected dog. Star was handed in to Runcorn police station last Wednesday, suffering from 90 per cent mange. "It's

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Join Esther and support new appeal

ESTHER Rantzen has praised the work of St Luke's Hospice at the public launch of a new fundraising appeal. More than 120 people attended the launch of the St Luke's Hospice East Wing Appeal on Thursday night. The appeal has been set up to raise £540,000

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Social services

with a smile THE vast majority of Cheshire's social services clients are happy with the services provided, according to a new report. The Commission for Social Care Inspection, which has just given the service a two star rating for the second year running

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Hooligans leave home in the dark

STAFF at a nursing home have hit out at the 'mindless vandals' who ripped down their Christmas lights at the weekend. The lights had only been up outside Acorn Hollow Residential Nursing Home for two days before being torn down and broken. Norma Catling

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Speed limit should be increased from 30mph

THE county engineer has recommended a 40mph speed limit on the Kingsmead spine road. The assessed section is from the traffic lights at the A533 Davenham bypass (Kingsmead crossroads) to the traffic lights on London Road, close to the art and design college

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Book reveals industry shaped town

THE definitive history of Northwich since the 18th century was launched this week. Colin Lynch's Northwich traces the history of the town, which was once the centre of Cheshire's and Britain's salt industry. The author, Colin Lynch, 74, of Ash Street,

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Sewage floods town's shops after valve fault

SHOPS and businesses in Northwich town centre are calling for action after a flood of raw sewage forced them to close. The flood happened late in the afternoon on Thursday and affected premises on Witton Street at its junction with Crown Street. Sandbags

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Nervous wait for skip hire opponents

RESIDENTS protesting against a proposed recycling and skip hire centre in Winnington have an anxious three-week wait to find out if it is going to be accepted. The application, which has now been submitted to the borough council by ASH Skip Hire, is on

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Union rep to fight Nestle redundancies

A UNION representative at the Nestl factory in Cuddington says he will fight against compulsory redundancies. Steve Grieves, who represents the TGWU, was reacting after the company announced the loss of 58 jobs last week. It is set to be the third time

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One last attempt to stop Minosus plans

THE High Court challenge against plans to store hazardous waste in a mid Cheshire salt mine is set to finish today, Wednesday. The three-day challenge against Minosus, the company behind the proposals, has been spearheaded by Moulton resident John Kent

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PRESCOTT SAYS NO TO URBAN VILLAGE

A MAJOR blow has been delivered to one of Northwich's biggest employers after the Government threw out ambitious plans for an urban village in Winnington. Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has rejected the bid to create the village - despite agreeing

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It's time to take some action

I FIND it strange that given both Witton and Vics may choose in the next few years to sell their grounds at Wincham for housing, that they have not come out in support of CHAIN and voiced their opposition to the proposed incinerator. If it is built, which

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Police pay their way

DEAR Disgusted Tax Payer (Guardian, December 17), you are obviously ill informed and under the impression that police officers do not contribute to their pension. Let me correct you. As a retired police officer, I have paid on average £250 per month into

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As one bridge opens, another one closes

AS one bridge opens another one closes. Has British Waterways management forgotten its duty of care to look after its own assets, which it has a legal duty to preserve? Firstly it drags its feet in the refurbishment of Hayhurst Bridge by not maximising

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Fury as rail firm puts up barrier

RESIDENTS have reacted in fury after Network Rail put up a 6ft high green steel palisade fence at the bottom of their gardens - without consultation. The affected householders from Greenfield Way and Lindsay Walk say there are three sharp spikes on top

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CUDDINGTON & SANDIWAY WI

NOVEMBER is traditionally the time for the annual meeting of Cuddington and Sandiway WI. Accordingly, the many activities, entertainments and duties in which members have participated were detailed. President Val Miller congratulated everybody on a successful

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LITTLE LEIGH WI

MEMBERS and friends were welcomed to the November meeting of Little Leigh WI, which began with a short silence in memory of past president Aurial Sant, who died at her home near Cheshire and also for Nora Wilks, who joined when Barnton WI joined with

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Dad's care was first class

WHILST on a coach tour with my elderly parents recently, we stayed at the Holiday Inn in Runcorn. Unfortunately, my father collapsed at the hotel and was admitted to Halton General Hospital. The staff at the Holiday Inn were superb, as were the ambulance

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Bringing the words to the people

MOBILE libraries are a great way for all ages to get a good read, according to bosses at Warrington Borough Council. Warrington libraries provide information services throughout their branches in the borough. For those living in outlying areas however

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Special Christmas presence this year

SEVEN new special constables have been recruited in Warrington and will be patrolling the streets this Christmas. Sergeant Sarah Hall, who co-ordinates Warrington's specials, said: "By having additional specials we are going to be able to provide an even

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Pioneering project is hailed

A PROJECT in Warrington to improve healthcare for people with learning disabilities has been hailed as best practice in the Government's public health White Paper. The scheme, called Access All Areas, set up in 2001, has seen an increase in the number

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MP's bid for ban on silent callers

WARRINGTON North MP Helen Jones is calling for new laws to ban silent sales calls. Some companies use the practice where where computer-generated random telephone numbers are selected and dialled, and when one number is answered the others are automatically

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Parents warned over food colours

TRADING Standards officers are warning parents in Warrington to be aware of the role food colouring might be playing in the behaviour of their children. A Government-funded survey has revealed a link between food colourings and behavioural problems in

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Heroin addict died just when his life was getting better

A HEROIN addict who had begun to turn his life around was found dead in his flat after taking drugs, an inquest heard on Wednesday. Martyn Jones, aged 40, had been living at Hamnett Court, Birchwood for around five months and was about to start a long

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Police insist: Town is safe

POLICE last week told the people of Knutsford: You are safe to go out at night. Sergeant Kevin Fryer said residents should not be frightened despite a serious attack on The Moor. "Knutsford is one of the safest places in the country to walk around at

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Estate agents court interest

A prominent town centre office block is still up for sale after hundreds of staff left to do business from Trafford Park. But plenty of companies have expressed an interest in moving into Canute Court near Knutsford Train Station after SSL moved out.

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Shocked to the core ..

KNUTSFORD could not believe its eyes when it awoke to find workmen had repositioned a bollard in the middle of a busy shopping street. Core Utility Solutions' contractors had clearly been busy. Apart from the bollard, which had suddenly become an obstacle

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Friends to feel desert heat

TWO friends are planning to run and cycle across the Sahara Desert in 40 degree heat. Craig Johnson and Neil Bryers - and three others - will use a global positioning satellite to guide them across the featureless landscape. "We get bored so this is just

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Town are sitting pretty

Town are currently sitting pretty at the top of the table, eight points clear of nearest rivals Barnton. And while the Townfield Lane side have five games in hand thanks to their European exploits, Terry Murphy's men are definitely the side to beat again

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Behave, or you will have to drink elsewhere

LANDLORDS have served a warning letter on a Frodsham man who they say has been stepping out of line. Members of the Frodsham and Helsby Pub Watch group agreed the behaviour of a 42-year-old has been below standard on a number of occasions in various pubs

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Town put on five-star show

Coors/WPRC Mid-Cheshire League Division One KNUTSFORD FC 5 Daten 2 KNUTSFORD'S strike force put on a five-star show at Manchester Road on Saturday. This was an important win for the Reds against the team just below them in the league and moved them up

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What's on in Warrington, Liverpool and Manchester

Aintree Racecourse, Liverpool, Merseyside Guitar Show, Sunday November 28: Enquiries 813185. Barfly, Liverpool, dBd, Sunday November 28. Birchwood Forest Park, Gorgeous Garlands, Sunday November 28: Tel 824239. Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, The Four Seasons

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KO for Robin

ROBIN Reid's pursuit of super-middleweight supremacy in 2005 has been rocked by injury. The Reaperman faces a bleak winter out of the ring after a training run fall left him with a badly gashed head. "It's quite a deep cut and it's ruled him out of a

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Festive message from CHAIN

CAMPAIGNERS aiming to stop an incinerator being built in Cheshire have created a Christmas card containing the message, 'An incinerator is for life, not just for Christmas'. The card, which has been made by the Cheshire Anti-Incinerator Network (CHAIN

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Arley all set for Candlelight night

DUE to the success of the first Candlelight and Candles evening at Arley Hall, organisers have decided to hold another event. On Friday, December 10, visitors to the stately home will be able to enjoy the floral delights of Arley Hall, listen to carol

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Political play is full of animal magic

TRANSFORMING a village hall into what looks like an authentic farmyard takes some doing, but that's what Moulton Drama Group did for its performances of Animal Farm. The author, George Orwell, had a bleak view of the human race and although there are

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New style tuition

TWO Northwich musicians have set up a tailor-made tuition business aimed at passing their passion for music on to aspiring artists. Adam Birkett, of Beach Road in Hartford and Ben Whitfield, of Forest Road in Cuddington, have been involved with music

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Optimistic

Finley, 34, who will register as a player for Albion, made his name as a player for Marine, Warrington, Doncaster Rovers, Hyde United and Conway. He joined TNS during the close season and proved he is a capable leader, helping to take the team to the

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Church show is elegant

PANTOMIME season is upon us and St Mary's Church hall in Weaverham is preparing for a pantomime with a bit of a difference. Penned by Phillipa Appleby, Elegant Love is based on the parable of the Prodigal Son and will be performed by a cast drawn from

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Residents in traffic protest

PROTESTORS blockaded Asda two weeks after the death of Dylan Lines. They stood in the road and stopped traffic entering the Widnes superstore for 20 minutes on Saturday. Dylan, eight, died after being in a collision with a bus on Milton Road. The protestors

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Capable

Twite is looking to bolster his squad by adding the striker in time to face league leaders Padiham on Saturday. But the former Middlewich Town boss faces stiff competition from other clubs and knows he has a battle on his hands to tempt the youngster.

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Changing times

WHY do politicians talk a load of twaddle? When Runcorn was blitzed in the late 50s early 60s with 'Runcorn New Town', was that not supposed to put Runcorn on the map, bring in new business and prosperity for all? The outcome, well as soon as the grants

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We're divided

I WAS devastated but not surprised to read that tolling on both bridges is the only way a second crossing can be built. Since 1974 when the borough of Halton was created so many in public and private positions have laboured to unify the borough. As a

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Blame the parents

WHY do we always blame the young people for our mistakes? The blame lies with their parents for not educating them while bringing them up, the blame lies with TV channels and films showing this sort of behaviour as the norm. Only the other night on some

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Saddened

I WAS saddened to see mums out in the streets protesting over the buses at Asda at the weekend - using the little boy's fatal accident as an emotive weapon. His accident had nothing whatsoever to do with the new bus route - even his own family say they

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Gardening girl Faye's allotment is a mini-marvel

KEEN vegetable grower Faye Mason has won a top prize for her allotment at Brookfield Park. The 10-year-old Weaver Primary School pupil was awarded the Best Mini Allotment prize in the Brookfield Community Allotment's annual awards. Faye, who tends her

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COMMUNITY wardens in Congleton have joined forces with the Community Action Team (CAT) to improve po

Echoing a new scheme launched by the CAT team, the wardens now have officers especially designated to each of the towns. Community safety manager Tony Potts said: "We have three officers working specifically on each town. It means in practice each town

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Legal eagle Rachel is the top of the class

A HIGH flying legal eagle from Middlewich is celebrating success after gaining the highest exam marks in the country. When Rachel Crawford, of Ashfield Street, sat her exams in paralegal studies earlier this year, she was just hoping to pass. She was

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'Royal' seal of approval

BEMBRIDGE Court will host a regal affair on Saturday when the Middlewich rose queen and her retinue attend a bring and buy sale. Sara Cooper-Baguely, the first Middlewich rose queen for 12 years, and her courtiers will attend the sale, which takes place

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BALANCED DIET

Pupils at Verdin High School in Winsford enjoy a selection of delicious treats as part of a campaign at the school to encourage children to eat healthily. Pictured are James Atherton, Greg Povitt, Katie Lunt and Natalie Barnes sampling some delicious

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KINGS OF THE CASTLE

Pupils at Darnhall Primary School in Winsford show off pieces of art they have produced following a trip to the historic Beeston Castle. Helen Negaitis, teacher at the school, said: "The children are all four and five years old so it was their first trip

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Record breakers show a classical touch in show

PUPILS from the Grange Junior School took part in a record-breaking classical performance last week. The Hartford school took part in Elgar-thon!, a sponsored performance of Elgar's Land of Hope and Glory, which created a new record of the largest number

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Tenants vote 'yes' to transfer

A NEW landlord has been chosen by Halton Council's tenants. In a secret ballot, 78.1 per cent voted in favour of transferring the ownership and management of their 6,426 homes to Halton Housing Trust (HHT). "We are delighted that tenants voted in favour

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Dental plans give health trust reason to smile

PLANS to build a dental care centre in Winsford that will provide services for thousands of residents have been given the backing of the health authority. Integrated Dental Holdings (IDH), which already has a practice in Cheviot Square, is planning to

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Stars turn on town's light show

WINSFORD is set to welcome two stars from the world of television on Friday for the spectacular annual Christmas lights switch on. Coronation Street stars Bruce Jones, better known as the likeable rogue Les Battersby, and Samia Ghadie, who plays Maria

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Legion says sorry for parade service error

ORGANISERS of the Armistice Day service in Winsford have vowed lessons have been learned after dozens of people missed this year's event. People were left furious after the service at Winsford war memorial started early because the president of the British

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Footballers have a hoot on TV show

A TASTE of fame is being enjoyed by a Barnton football team after its television debut. The cameras followed pub team Barn Owl FC on Sunday for a special feature which was shown on Granada television's Soccer Night on Thursday, and they were rolling to

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Fury as rail firm puts up barrier

RESIDENTS have reacted in fury after Network Rail put up a 6ft high green steel palisade fence at the bottom of their gardens - without consultation. The affected householders from Greenfield Way and Lindsay Walk say there are three sharp spikes on top

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Heroes beaten back by flames

A HEROIC pair of friends have told how they battled to free a critically injured taxi driver from a burning car. Dave Cawley and Chris Gray risked their lives to save the unconscious man, but were beaten back by the flames as the overturned cab exploded

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Privvy good idea

PLANS for an Old Town privvy have been passed by Halton council. The £85,000 loos will be built in Fryer Street in November. They'll be open six days a week from 9am to 5.30pm. A cleaner will visit them four times a day and security will call in eight

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Piloted

POWERS which allow police to fine troublemakers on the spot are being put to good use in Vale Royal and Congleton. A total of 29 badly behaved people were issued with penalty notices for disorder (PND) in October. The instant fines were dished out for

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Public back new safety officers

VALE Royal Police's community crime fighters have welcomed findings of a residents' survey which proves people feel safer when there is a safety officer in their area. The Community Safety Survey Report 2004 reveals that 77 per cent of people would feel

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Appeal after stables blaze

A MEMORIAL fund has been set up after three horses perished in a suspected arson attack on stables near Frodsham. Resident Pauline Scott has launched the appeal after the blaze at stables on Godscroft Lane. County fire brigade officials and police were

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I've too much dignity to go back on benefits

A SINGLE mum from Weaverham is demanding action after finding worms in the rotting window frames of her rented home. Joanne Gould, of The Crescent, fears for the health of her three children, aged 12, 10 and two, in the house, which she says is also impossible

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A headteacher proud of his pupils

PROUD parents and staff joined the students who left Hartford High School last summer to celebrate a year of success. The school's annual certificate evening was held on Thursday, giving everyone the chance to catch up and celebrate their academic achievements

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Crewe Hall

Crewe Hall stands a few miles from the town of Crewe. The earliest record of the site is dated from 1170. It became Crewe Hall when Sir Ranulph Crewe bought the mansion in 1608. He demolished the decayed building in 1615 and took 21 years to rebuild it

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Taking time to celebrate

STUDENTS celebrated a successful academic year with their families, friends and the teaching staff of Mid-Cheshire College in an awards ceremony on Friday. Winsford Mayor Clr Don Beckett and his daughter Claire Grant were the guests of honour at the event

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The impact of the railway

Crewe was a small agricultural hamlet until the 1830s. Then in 1837 the Grand Junction Railway Company laid a line passing close by Crewe Hall. The Company decided to move their manufacturing works three years later, and chose Crewe as their new base.

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Councillor remains positive

THE Urban Village will still be built in Winnington, according to Vale Royal Borough Council's lead councillor for planning and transportation. Clr Mark Stocks said he was disappointed about the decision and said the development would have brought many

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The only place crying out for housing

COUNCILLORS and residents in Wincham are furious that Vale Royal Borough Council is not backing a much-needed housing and retail development in the area. But they have been given a glimmer of hope by the Government's rejection of the Winnington Urban

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Planners give thumbs down to substation

OPPONENTS of plans to build a substation on green belt land are celebrating after the proposal was rejected by Vale Royal Borough Council's planning committee. The committee unanimously rejected the plan for land off Station Road at last Tuesday's meeting

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Anger over festive waste collection proposals

REFUSE collectors in Vale Royal are furious that they are being expected to work extra hours when the weekly Christmas waste collections are introduced in the borough. Jim Kearns, the region's GMB union representative, said waste service company SITA

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Inquest to take place

AN INQUEST into the death of a 10-month-old baby boy is to go ahead in the new year. Luke Winston-Jones was terminally ill with heart and breathing problems and died this month at Alder Hey hospital in Liverpool. His family have been calling for an official

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Call could cost more

PATIENTS of a Northwich medical practice have raised concerns about how much they are being charged to contact the surgery. The telephone number at Riverside Medical Practice, in Watling Street, has been changed from a Northwich number to a national 0870

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Decision looms for Cheshires

PRIME Minister Tony Blair is expected to make a decision on the future of the Cheshire 22nd Regiment before Christmas. A group of Cheshire MPs met with defence secretary Geoff Hoon last week to express the consequences if the 300-year-old regiment is

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Club owner aims to unearth

new talent MUSICAL talent is set to flourish in Winsford after the opening of a state of the art recording studio for use by up and coming bands. It is hoped the studio at Debees Music Bar will give musicians of all ages the opportunity to develop their

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New jobs bring town to heart of the county

WINSFORD has been described as the 'heart of Cheshire' after 30 more Cheshire County Council jobs were relocated to the town. The number of county council jobs in Winsford now stands at 1,600 after the rights of way and countryside management departments

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When in Rome...it's zucchini

I FELT I must write in response to the letter from our 'American Cousin (Guardian, November 10). Thankfully, we do not speak the same language. For example, we have aubergines, car boots and pavements, they have eggplants, trunks and sidewalks. On the

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Do the calculation

FOLLOWING on from Disgusted Tax Payer's letter, presumably the Council Tax also funds other pensions, like the fire service. Perhaps someone can do a simple calculation to show what percentage of the Council Tax fund goes to paying pensions as a whole

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Behave, or you will have to drink elsewhere

LANDLORDS have served a warning letter on a Frodsham man who they say has been stepping out of line. Members of the Frodsham and Helsby Pub Watch group agreed the behaviour of a 42-year-old has been below standard on a number of occasions in various pubs

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KINGSLEY WI

NOVEMBER 3 saw the annual meeting of Kingsley WI. Helen Stewart was re-elected as president, and she thanked everyone for all the help she had received in the past year, especially as she had been having considerable personal difficulties. Mary Roberts

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LACH DENNIS WI

ON November 8, before Lach Dennis WI's annual meeting, president Olive Reed introduced two farmer's wives, Barbara Hardy and her friend Joan, known as Ladies in Pigs. They promote the sale of British pork and gave a cookery demonstration featuring three

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INLAND WATERWAYS SOCIETY

A TALK by Bill Leathwood got the new social programme of the Chester and District branch of the Inland Waterways Association off to a good start. Bill is a popular speaker who never fails to entertain and educate with his knowledgeable talks. Not for

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ANTROBUS WI

Margaret McDonald, the retiring president, welcomed members to the annual meeting of Antrobus WI. The financial statement was presented by treasurer Enid Justin and approved by members. The annual report was presented by Jane Schofield, who amazed everybody

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How I saw a town change as the world did

MALCOLM Bowden is senior partner at Dixon Keogh Solicitors and has been practising with the firm for 40 years. Here he reflects on his time in the town: I ARRIVED in November 1964, a newly-qualified lawyer, the ink scarcely dry on my certificate, eager

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Why move?

FIRST I must ask the gentleman why he moved from the estate? The church newly refurbished costing thousands of pounds, weekly vandalised, its windows are broken and graffiti sprayed over its walls. This is the church, supposedly the centre of the community

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There's more to come

WIDNES Vikings' recruitment drive for Super League X is not over yet despite pulling out of the race for Kiwi scrumhalf Thomas Leuluai. The club is still willing to splash the cash if the right player comes along, but have ruled out a move for Frenchman

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Shake up of cancer treatment in town on cards

WARRINGTON Borough Council has refused to rule out a public consultation over changes in cancer care proposed by health chiefs. Rare cancer surgery should be placed in the hands of specialist teams, Warrington Primary Care Trust representatives told the

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Mike's dogged determination helps charity

A SUPERMARKET boss went marathon mad and raised nearly £4,000 to help blind people. Mike Griffiths, of Farndale Close, in Whittle Hall, completed the Liverpool Half Marathon and the Amsterdam Marathon in October to give the boost to Guide Dogs For The

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Gunner make you a star

Forest Gunner, based at Folly Farm Stables, has once again shown his star quality by claiming victory in the betfair.com Grand Sefton Handicap Chase on Saturday. The Aintree-based race, run over the same fences, but a shorter course, as the Grand National

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Bar avoids ban on licence

A TOWN centre bar and restaurant - criticised in an official report by police - was this week allowed to keep its public entertainment licence. But Macclesfield Borough Council said One-Six-One's application would be reviewed in six months because of

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'Butcher assaulted in town centre'

A butcher was injured on Friday afternoon after an incident in Knutsford town centre. John Oliver suffered head injuries after an alleged assault outside Hampson's bakers in Canute Square. Police were sent to the scene after an anonymous 999 call at 1.31pm

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There's more to come

WIDNES Vikings' recruitment drive for Super League X is not over yet despite pulling out of the race for Kiwi scrumhalf Thomas Leuluai. The club is still willing to splash the cash if the right player comes along, but have ruled out a move for Frenchman

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Project is backed

by council A PROJECT to develop health facilities on a site in Frodsham has been formally accepted by the town council. The views of residents are to be taken into account after councillors gave their thumbs-up to the proposals for the facilities on land

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The unlucky losers

EGERTON U8 0 Hartford U8 4 (game 2) EGERTON were unfortunate to lose a close match against a strong Hartford team. Hartford put pressure on from the start forcing Will Dunkerley to make a great save. Barney Wynne was the team's ace defender, preventing

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Ladies lose

KNUTSFORD LADIES 0 Chester College 3 KNUTSFORD Hockey Club's ladies knew this game would be tough with a number of key players missing. Chester played a fast open game which Knutsford managed to contain and spoil for much of the first half and were perhaps

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Seasonal singing for the Grange

TALENTED singers from a Hartford school will be making their performance debut in a Christmas event at Capesthorne Hall. And The Grange School choir will be in fine voice for their three performances on Sunday, November 28, at the stately home. The popular

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Calling all panto fans

SANDIWAY Pantomime Group is searching for some swash buckling actors to join then in their next production Treasure Island. Organiser Chris Alvin is looking for male and female actors, preferably adults, to perform as pirates in the pantomime, which runs

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Growing

THIS week I will look back at one of the most beautiful parts of Winsford, which was at the heart of the town's salt industry. The first photograph is a Views Of Winsford postcard taken by Tommy Marshall in 1905 and shows Winsford bridge crossing the

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Immortal tale to be brought to life

THE immortal characters of Charles Dickens' timeless masterpiece Oliver Twist will be brought to life by the Frodsham Players next week. A penniless orphan in 19th century London, poor but honest Oliver is fleeing the cruelty of the workhouse when he

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Immortal tale to be brought to life

THE immortal characters of Charles Dickens' timeless masterpiece Oliver Twist will be brought to life by the Frodsham Players next week. A penniless orphan in 19th century London, poor but honest Oliver is fleeing the cruelty of the workhouse when he