Archive

Date

Arsonists destroy playground

ARSONISTS have wrecked toddlers' playtime fun after setting fire to Rode Heath's only play area. Petrol is believed to have been poured on the play equipment off Heath Avenue before being set alight. The play area consisted of a slide, climbing frame

Date

Brushed aside

HUNDREDS of campaigning residents and shoppers are facing defeat in their battle to stop the Co-op building a new supermarket in Alsager. The United Co-op aims to demolish its current store in Lawton Road and build a larger supermarket on the same site

Date

Town's museum to get a unique birthday present created by Ron

NANTWICH Museum is to be presented with a special commemorative medal, pictured, in recognition of its 25th birthday. The palm-sized medal, which was created by internationally renowned artist Ron Dutton, will be handed over at a special ceremony this

Date

Looking for new canine recruits

CHESHIRE Police is currently searching for new recruits for its dog section. The force is asking the public to donate German Shepherds or similar breeds for training at its training centre in Reaseheath. There are currently 29 dogs working with officers

Date

The police with a real nose for crime

DEEP in the heart of the rural Nantwich countryside lies one of the most important police training centres in the country. Cheshire Constabulary's police dog training centre is one of Reaseheath's best-kept secrets. Based at Welshman's Lane, the training

Date

Newspaper stint has helped me see future

TAKING pictures for the Guardian has helped develop one student's plans for the future. Martin Holland, 42, from Rudheath, has spent the past month on work experience in the paper's photographic department. Martin is currently studying an HND in photography

Date

Investigation under fire

THE family of jailed nurse Barbara Salisbury have said they have 'serious concerns' about a new investigation at Leighton Hospital. The probe by the Healthcare Commission will look at the practices that were in place during 1999 and 2002 when Salisbury

Date

Residents can have their say on the future of the borough

RESIDENTS' views are being sought on the latest council planning policy, which will shape the future of Vale Royal over the next decade. Known as the Local Plan, it identifies future building development in the borough and has been revised to take into

Date

Newspaper stint has helped me see future

TAKING pictures for the Guardian has helped develop one student's plans for the future. Martin Holland, 42, from Rudheath, has spent the past month on work experience in the paper's photographic department. Martin is currently studying an HND in photography

Date

Bear on board

HE'S the best travelled toy in Halton. Linnet Bear, Runcorn FCs answer to Michael Palin, has racked up more than 70,000 miles. His adventures were the brainchild of match programme editor Derek Greenwood. Inspired by the globe-trotting Gnome from the

Date

Newspaper stint has helped me see future

TAKING pictures for the Guardian has helped develop one Northwich student's plans for the future. Martin Holland, 42, from Rudheath, has spent the past month on work experience in the paper's photographic department. Martin is currently studying an HND

Date

The game's up for illegal gambling

ILLEGAL gaming machines seized by Crewe police last week have been destroyed by officers. Eight machines, snatched in a series of police raids on Thursday night were smashed up at the council's Pym's Lane depot the following day. The machines were removed

Date

Strike is looming

COUNTY council workers are threatening strike action in Crewe and Nantwich over equal pay issues for women. Trade union members employed by the Cheshire authority have issued the ultimatum over what they say are plans to slash the pay of thousands of

Date

We'll build on two star rating

GOLDEN Gates Housing has celebrated its first birthday following a successful debut year. The organisation, which manages 9,500 former council homes, marked the occasion with giveaways, a prize draw and plans to give 20,000 low energy light bulbs to customers

Date

Carers are invited to take a break

ANYONE who cares for someone with a disability and finds it hard to take a break is invited to attend a special event. The Take a Break event, organised by Warrington Carers Centre, Warrington Disability Partnership and the Centre for Independent Living

Date

A platform for young musicians to perform

A WIDE variety of Warrington-based musicians are due to perform as part of the Music for Youth regional festival on March 5. Music for Youth supports more than 450 musicians aged six to 18 from all over the country, and gives them a platform to perform

Date

Will you be leaving part of your legacy to charity?

THE North West Cancer Research Fund has signed up to a national campaign aimed at raising the public's awareness about leaving money to charity. The fund has already won the support of Dame Judi Dench whose husband, the actor Michael Williams, died from

Date

Brenda belies her years to receive honour

A PENKETH woman with almost 30 years service at Peninsular Barracks has received a Queen's Service Medal. Brenda Bozie, aged 60, was awarded the honour at a ceremony on Monday night that celebrated her 37-year career in the civic service, the past 27

Date

Legal eagles win top accolade

LEGAL eagles working at Warrington Borough Council have been given a top award. The legal services department was given the coveted Lexcel award - a standard given to high-performing legal practices across the country. Trish Jervis, head of legal services

Date

Ricky has the world at his feet

LINE dancing star Ricky Fiore has the world at his feet after competition success in the USA. Ricky, aged 10, attends Excalibur Primary School in Alsager, and has won 22 line dancing awards in only two years. He has just returned from Nashville, Tennessee

Date

Federation confirms European Nations Cup for 2005

Rugby League's European Nations Cup will be staged for the third successive year this autumn. Delegates at the Rugby League European Federation meeting in London today (Friday) confirmed that the tournament will be played and that the final will be held

Date

Robbery in Widnes

A TEENAGER was robbed of his mobile phone in Royal Avenue last Wednesday night. The 19-year-old was on his way home and was about to turn on to Liverpool Road when three other youths came round the corner from Liverpool Road. One produced a six-inch kitchen

Date

Residents can have their say on the future of the borough

RESIDENTS' views are being sought on the latest council planning policy, which will shape the future of Vale Royal over the next decade. Known as the Local Plan, it identifies future building development in the borough and has been revised to take into

Date

Schizophrenia sufferer used a hammer on his neighbour

A MENTALLY ill Crewe man, who attacked a neighbour with a hammer, has been given a three year Community Rehabilitation Order. Alan Pennington, aged 59, of Davenport Avenue, had earlier told police that he had been 'only playing' after hitting 67-year-old

Date

Warrington's booming says German press

REPORTS of Warrington's economic prosperity have reached Germany - after a visit from journalist Jochen Clemens. Printed in the German newspaper Die Welt was an article praising Warrington's economic success by Mr Clemens, who visited the town last year

Date

Watchdog could help reduce bills

FIND out how to reduce your water and sewerage charges by contacting watchdog, WaterVoice North West. Helen Jones, MP for Warrington North, said: "People need to be aware that free advice on how they might be able to reduce their water bill can be obtained

Date

Businesses shown the benefits of broadband

THE Northwest Development Agency is backing a scheme to benefit the area through the use of broadband Internet. The scheme, that is also backed by Vale Royal and Chester City councils as well as Business Link, aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness

Date

Charity night for tsunami aid appeal

A CHARITY night to raise money for the tsunami disaster appeal takes place on Friday, March 4. The event, which starts at 7pm, includes a disco, buffet, raffle and auction and will be held at Roosters Social Club on Liverpool Road. Organised by the National

Date

Mountain woman

MT KILINMANJARO was conquered by a former science technician at Widnes and Runcorn sixth form college. Sue Holmes scaled the 5895m peak over four days earlier this month - raising £400 for Alder Hey hospital. Sue said: "'It was exhausting but the beautiful

Date

Flying cooks?

HALTON'S 'Flying Cooks' are tempting youngsters with some healthier options by holding taster sessions across schools in Widnes and Runcorn. Sue Daley and Chris Atkins are the cooking duo paying flying visits to schools to encourage healthier eating with