Residents demand action after bat attack (From Warrington Guardian)

Residents demand action after bat attack

A PETITION has been handed over to councillors to get a Winsford play area locked at night and prevent any more people being assaulted.

Residents living near to the Over recreation ground started the petition last week after two men were assaulted with a baseball bat and golf club.

Ray Whalley, 46, of Pulford Road, handed the 140 signature petition to town councillors Don Beckett and Des Worthington on Friday and is now hopeful something will be done.

He said: "The situation can't go on as it is doing so the petition will hopefully show how strongly people feel about it round here."

Ray is preparing to talk to Winsford Town Council at its February meeting and outline what he feels needs to be done.

He said: "The gates need to be locked at night and I also think the area should be made into a no drinking zone.

"I just hope the council doesn't come up with the excuse that it is a public right of way and that it can't be locked at night."

Clr Tony Hooton also believes the recreation ground should be made into a no drinking zone.

He said: "We need to look at this with some urgency to resolve the issue.

"We should look at trying to get alcohol banned from the park because we can't have this kind of thing happening."

Clr Des Worthington is also hopeful residents' lives can be made better.

He said: "We have got this petition now and it will go before the town council.

"It has been terrible for residents like Ray and it is obviously of great concern to them.

"An application has been made to make the area a no drinking zone and I think that would be a good thing for the residents."

phennessey@guardiangrp.co.uk