Archive

Date

Joyrider crashed car

A TEENAGER who stole a car before going on a joy ride which ended in a car crash on Kingsway has appeared in court. Terrence Kerwin, aged 18, appeared via live video link at Warrington magistrates' court on Monday where he admitted stealing a Volkswagen

Date

Darts results and fixtures

Runcorn APEC Taxi Darts Results for July 28 Section 1: Albion 4 Navvy 5, Lion Doo Waps 5 Likely Lads 3, Tranny Lads 6 Tricorn 3. Section 2: Outcasts 5 Wanderers 4, Dreadnaughts 4 Navvy Lads 5, Halfway Gents 3 Red Admiral 6, RAOB Buffs 5 Halton Marauders

Date

Spending may rise

CONGLETON Borough Council is considering passing on the responsibility of running its community buildings to town and parish councils in a bid to save £2 million. Council officials are discussing the option with the borough's town councils, having already

Date

Travellers told to leave

A GROUP of travellers that moved on to Cheshire County Council land in Middlewich have been served with an eviction notice. The group arrived in Middlewich on Sunday, July 24, and set up on land owned by Pochins at the back off the Salt Cellar pub, off

Date

A host of summer fun

MIDDLEWICH cyber caf Microchips has organised a whole host of activities to beat the holiday blues this summer. Staff at the Wheelock Street caf have made sure that there is something for everyone this month with a range of indoor events as well as day

Date

Crash is heartbreaking for car restorer Steven

A MIDDLEWICH car fanatic is 'gutted' that his customised vehicle has been smashed after a driver took the wrong diversion route through Middlewich. Steven Moore, of Ashfield Street, is devastated that a car reversing out of the road last Wednesday hit

Date

Garage hit

SALES figures at a Middlewich garage have plummeted since Lewin Street was made into a one-way system while gas mains work is carried out. Fred Cash Ltd, in Lewin Street, says its takings have dropped by £3,000 in a week. Owner Dave Kingston said: "As

Date

Officers find drugs and arrest man

A WINSFORD man is being questioned by police after 10 cannabis plants were seized in an operation on the Dene estate. Police executed a warrant at an address on Dene Drive on Monday afternoon. and arrested a ??-year-old man. Insp Brian Roberts, from Winsford

Date

Police aim to referee problems with drunks

A CLAMPDOWN on drunken disorder will take place this weekend in a bid to ensure people have a safe and enjoyable night out. Police officers will be patrolling the streets on Friday and Saturday night as part of Operation Yellow Card to stamp out any trouble

Date

Cash helps Lee go for gold

A DISABLED athlete's dreams of competing in the Beijing Paralympics have been given a boost following a £100 grant from Vale Royal Borough Council. Lee Hamill, 16, of Verdin Close, is raising money to buy a wheelchair which would allow him to compete

Date

Community eye will make it safe

A COMMUNITY speed camera will soon be in operation on the Grange estate as part of a community SpeedWatch scheme organised by Vale Royal Borough Council. As well as the hand held speed gun the council has also bought a speed indicator device to alert

Date

PIPE DELAY LEFT US HIGH AND DRY

UNITED Utilities has been slammed after residents were left without water for more than seven hours because the firm failed to fix a burst pipe. Dozens of residents on Nixon Drive are furious that they were given no warning that the water supply would

Date

Aussie superstar Johns to play against Leeds

WARRINGTON Wolves have handed 31-year-old Australian legend Andrew 'Joey' Johns the opportunity to play in British Super League. Johns, the current half back with NRL club Newcastle Knights, will be coming on loan to the Wolves until the end of the season

Date

Saints sign Meli and release Albert

ST Helens have announced the signing of 25 year-old New Zealand international Francis Meli on a three year contract commencing next season. Meli already has 14 Kiwi caps and was the New Zealand Warriors player of the year in 2003. Saints coach Daniel

Date

'Don't spend school holidays starting fires'

CHILDREN playing with matches could maim themselves and end up in court, warn firefighters. A spate of bush and grass fires throughout Runcorn, coinciding with the start of the school summer holidays, has prompted crews to appeal to parents. "We would

Date

New man for service

MERSEY Regional Ambulance Service has announced the appointment of an interim chief executive following the departure of Janet Davies to a new post. Alan Murray - who has extensive ambulance service experience - joins the service after an eight-year stint

Date

Ambulances fail to meet 999 targets

AN URGENT action plan has been launched after Mersey Regional Ambulance Service was awarded zero-star status in a review carried out by the Healthcare Commission. The service - which serves Cheshire and Merseyside - had been awarded two stars in the previous

Date

Music bar offers Las Vegas prize

DEBEES Music Bar in Winsford is running a charity poker competition with a first prize of an all expenses paid trip for two to the gambling capital of the world, Las Vegas. The six week competition will begin on September 5 and all proceeds will go towards

Date

I want to be a better man than my father

MANY children go through the traumatic experience of seeing their mother and father divorce but the suffering is often made worse if one of the parents severs links with the child. That is what happened to a 14-year-old Winsford boy, who must remain anonymous

Date

Diamond wedding couple take a trip back in time

LOOKING back on 60 years together will literally be a trip down memory lane for one Northwich couple. Charles and Hilda Hayes, who married at Witton Church in 1945, have many a travelling tale to tell from their time together. Whether on regular Sunday

Date

cash splashed to improve planning

ALMOST £400,000 is being spent to speed up Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council's planning performance. Grants totalling £398,384 have been awarded to the council as part of a £170 million Government programme to make planning more efficient. Although the

Date

Fingers crossed as pupils await result of building award

STAFF and pupils at Kingsmead Primary are keeping their fingers crossed after judges for the Better Public Building award came to inspect the school. Officials arrived last month for a full guided tour, during which they asked a flurry of questions. Headteacher

Date

Ken is rewarded for years of service

FORMER Sandbach councillor Ken Hemsley, pictured above, has been made an Honorary Alderman of Cheshire for years of dedicated service to the community. Ken, a former Sandbach East and Rode county councillor, received the top accolade at last week's council

Date

Why 34-mile walk was so important

TRIUMPHANTLY, she trudged down the hill after a 34-mile gruelling trek - with tears in her eyes. Dental nurse Ann Hodges completed the Sandstone Trail in memory of her partner, Andrew Lacy - on the second anniversary of his death. "I think he carried

Date

Skilled workforce is on the decline

CREWE is suffering from a dwindling number of skilled workers, according to research published last week. A year-long review by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has revealed a shortage of people suitably trained to work in health and social care,

Date

Arty way to get some exercise

A COMPETITION will give children the chance to win a free place on an exercise course starting at Sir John Deane's Leisure Centre next month. The classes aim to introduce children to gentle exercise - with plenty of music and fun along the way. The sessions

Date

Hospital hits A&E treatment targets

STAFF at Crewe's Leighton Hospital are beating their Government-set target for treating emergency patients, according to new statistics. Figures released by Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust revealed the hospital is treating and admitting or discharging

Date

Do you know this man?

POLICE are hunting this man in connection with a robbery where a shopper was kicked to the ground and his wallet stolen. The incident happened in an alley between Regent Street and the Kwik Save supermarket in Runcorn Old Town at around 11am on Friday

Date

County fears over quangos

A SURVEY into the growing number of non-elected public bodies operating in the country is to be conducted by Cheshire County Council. A scrutiny group will examine quangos - organisations responsible for influencing decisions with no direct political

Date

We want our play area back

AN ENTERPRISING youngster from Winnington has put together a petition of friends and neighbours who want to return a play space to its former glory. Damian Williams, aged 12, of Bond Street, has collected more than 100 signatures so far in a bid to get

Date

Success for police as rowdy youths have their alcohol confiscated

POLICE in Northwich have clamped down on nuisance youths at a trouble hotspot, and thanked the public for providing information. The town's Community Action Team (CAT) targeted Beswicks Road and Victoria Park after receiving calls about alcohol-related

Date

Friends reunited through Guardian

A WEAVERHAM war veteran has been reunited with a fellow comrade - after spotting a story in the Guardian's Second World War magazine. Ron Hornby, 81, of Beech Grove, said he recognised Eric Morrey instantly when he saw his photograph in the commemorative

Date

Riding school will offer lessons to disabled children

DISABLED children could soon learn equestrian skills at a new Runcorn riding school. Nicky Cole, 28, can already offer lessons but hopes to install specialist equipment to teach paraplegics. Her mum Phyllis said: "She can teach children with Downs Syndrome

Date

The face of Northwich set to change forever

A MAJOR £200 million development is to take place at Baron's Quay following an announcement of the company that has won the contract to transform the area. Vale Royal Borough Council has selected Wilson Bowden Developments as its preferred developer for

Date

Will-power shows the way forward

A HARTFORD entertainer, who suffered a stroke in April, is holding a fundraising evening to raise money for the unit which treated him. Will Butters, 55, who also worked under the name of Peter Vincent, will donate the funds to Leighton Hospital's ward

Date

Will-power shows the way forward

A HARTFORD entertainer, who suffered a stroke in April, is holding a fundraising evening to raise money for the unit which treated him. Will Butters, 55, who also worked under the name of Peter Vincent, will donate the funds to Leighton Hospital's ward

Date

From a bygone age...

AN OLD tradition was revived near Runcorn when a horseboat entered through the Preston Brook tunnel. Sue Day, chairman of the Horse Boating Society, legged her loaded horse-drawn boat, Maria, through the tunnel to help publicise this year's National Festival

Date

Curfews after pub fracas

TWO Northwich men are beginning curfews and community punishment orders after a scuffle outside the Roebuck pub last October. John David Hornby, 19, of Dean Street, and Craig Tomlinson, 18, of Siddall Street, were sentenced at Northwich Magistrates' Court

Date

I want justice for my brother

THE sister of a man found dying in the street outside a pub is demanding his killers be brought to justice. Former Runcorn man Peter Leach's sister, Teresa Ashton, of Somerville Road, Widnes, was speaking after two men appeared in court charged with her

Date

Road chaos looms as bridge is set to close

COUNCIL plans to close the A49 swing bridge for five weeks in order to carry out maintenance work have been met with angry opposition from Acton Bridge villagers. The British Waterways-owned bridge over the River Weaver is due to close in early October

Date

Top of the table clash ends in Moss Farm damp squibb

THE top of the table clash between Kingsley and Northwich ended in disappointment as rain washed away either side's hopes of grabbing a win. And a bad day for Northwich started in the worst possible way with the news that Mark Wrench will be out for the

Date

Barnton hit purple patch

FORTUNATELY for Barnton it wasn't a case of 'after the Lord Mayor's show', as they comprehensively despatched Holmes Chapel by seven wickets. With the Barnton players, and in particular captain Steve Yarwood, somewhat fatigued from the previous days events

Date

Oakmere wash out

OAKMERE'S home match against Runcorn on Saturday looked to be heading for an exciting finish when the weather beat both teams. Missing three key players, two of them bowlers, Oakmere struggled at times to tie the Runcorn batsmen down. Even early wickets

Date

Tino is Best as Barnton play host to Lashings XI

MATTHEW (Tino) Bebbington stole the show on Friday as Lashings arrived at Broomsedge to help celebrate Barnton CC's 125th anniversary. The 18-year-old pace man had a day to remember as he not only bowled at some of the finest cricketers, but took the

Date

Cheshire splashes out on red concrete

CHESHIRE County Council is planning to spend thousands painting the road red at bus stops. Officials said the skid-resistant patches - at £550 a time - were needed to stop drivers parking where they shouldn't. But the decision has angered county councillor

Date

Changes hold up deal for shops

A DEVELOPER is on the brink of clinching deals with four retailers who want to move to Knutsford. Philip Hughes said he was simply waiting for them to sign contracts for the Royal George development. "It is imminent," he said yesterday. Mr Hughes had

Date

Con artist targets pensioner at home

A WOMAN stole a pension card after conning her way into a 90-year-old's home. The bogus social services official searched the elderly woman's home near Shaw Heath after pretending to inspect her kitchen. "She said she wanted to check to see if the kitchen

Date

Woman screams as biker injured

A MOTORCYCLIST was thrown from his bike into a car windscreen yesterday afternoon. He suffered injuries to his leg and was left lying on the road near Knutsford Police Station. "I was just inside and I heard a loud bang," said Vicky Wragg, who owns Arthur

Date

Parkgate plan fury

PRESSURE was mounting against Macclesfield Borough Council this week over its handling of a massive development in Knutsford. The local authority faces a second threat of being reported to the Ombudsman by a businessman who missed out on the contract

Date

TOR-NADO HITS EURO EVENT

TOR Davis enjoyed a remarkable debut at the Pony European Championships in Italy last week, claiming team gold for Great Britain. The 16-year-old Barnton rider excelled at the event in Rome and was delighted to be part of the team that knocked equestrianism

Date

All's fair in wayne's world

It'S the last thing you expect to be asked by a taxi driver, especially if you're a woman. But those who answer honestly - and tell Wayne Garnett how old they really are - may well enjoy the taxi ride a bit more and also his eighties' pop quiz. "He asked

Date

Trust's 'appalling' rating leads to heavy criticism

THE patient and public involvement forum for the north west has reacted with fury at the dismal zero star rating of Merseyside Regional Ambulance Service Trust, which serves the people of Warrington. The trust lost both its stars in last week's HealthCare

Date

Hunt for patient

A HUNT is on for a patient who has disappeared from Warrington Hospital. Police are searching for Charles Humphries, who walked out of a Lovely Lane ward. The 44-year-old man had bandages to his left arm and a distinctive mark were an incision for a drip

Date

Chapel taste defeat

HOLMES Chapel CC fielded a depleted side against Barnton on Saturday. After winning the toss, Barnton's stand in skipper for the day, Mike Cross, asked the home side to bat on wicket which would clearly assist his bowlers. This soon became the case as

Date

Back to winning ways

Meller Braggins League Division B Norbury 2nd XI 118 all out OVER PEOVER 2nd XI 201 for 8 OVER Peover 2nd XI returned to their winning ways after their narrow cup defeat with an emphatic 83-run win at Norbury in a rain-affected game on Saturday. Batting

Date

Chelford win the derby

Jones Homes U14 League OVER Peover's young U14 side just failed to win against Chelford last week in an exciting climax to their Jones Homes League campaign loosing by six runs. Batting first, home team Chelford were in some trouble at 72 for 9, but a

Date

Darts results and fixtures

Runcorn APEC Taxi Darts Results for July 28 Section 1: Albion 4 Navvy 5, Lion Doo Waps 5 Likely Lads 3, Tranny Lads 6 Tricorn 3. Section 2: Outcasts 5 Wanderers 4, Dreadnaughts 4 Navvy Lads 5, Halfway Gents 3 Red Admiral 6, RAOB Buffs 5 Halton Marauders

Date

Vikings defeated

Runcorn Vikings 10 Widnes Moorfield 44 TWO tries in the last ten minutes were enough for Widnes Moorfield to wrap up the game against Runcorn Vikings at Moore Rugby Club in this entertaining local derby. Both tries came from speedy centre C. Holme. The

Date

Jags face Falcons

HALTON JAGUARS v STRATHCLYDE FALCONS IT is when you think you've got everything covered in team sports that the other team throws an ace in your direction. It was so last Sunday when the Falcons came south from Glasgow with a few new faces. For Game 1

Date

Lookers in PLP takeover

A £3.2 MILLION takeover has given a Widnes car dealership new owners. Lookers PLC has paid cash for PLP Motors, of Victoria Road and Winwick Road, Warrington. Chief executive, Ken Surgenor, said: "We are delighted to acquire this business which reinforces

Date

Don't leave sat nav on display

GADGET-crazy drivers are giving thieves an easy target by leaving expensive belongings on show in their cars, writes Nick Lakeman. Halton Police's crime reduction advisor Phil Buckley is warning people to remove things like satellite navigation systems

Date

More say for patients, vows new health boss Laura

GIVING patients more say is a top priority for Halton's new health boss. Laura McMurtrie, Halton Primary Care Trust (PCT) chief executive, attended her first board meeting since being appointed last month. She said: "We are seeing a real shift in the

Date

North Wales trip proves useful workout for Blues

THE trip to north Wales proved to be a useful workout for Winsford United and they were given a fiercely competitive match by their hosts. The Blues have matured over the past three seasons and they ignored the heavy tackling and relied on football to

Date

School history project

A UNIQUE mural capturing the history of a long established Widnes community is being created - as a summer holiday project. The King's Cross Project has received £6,423 to fund the ambitious artistic venture at West Bank Primary School. Residents will

Date

'Don't destroy historic building'

ANGRY residents are petitioning against the sale of an historic old mansion amid fears it may be bulldozed and replaced with an apartment block. The protesters, who live mainly in the Ditchfield Road and Edinburgh Road area of Hough Green, say it will

Date

I want justice for my brother

THE sister of a man found dying in the street outside a pub is demanding his killers be brought to justice. Former Runcorn man Peter Leach's sister, Teresa Ashton, of Somerville Road, Widnes, was speaking after two men appeared in court charged with her

Date

Going global for the folks and roots fest

CELEBRATE music and culture from around the world at the Nantwich Folk and Roots Festival next month. The August bank holiday weekend will see Nantwich buzzing once again with music, dance and a festive atmosphere. Now in its seventh year, the festival

Date

Andrew Johns signing confirmed

WARRINGTON Wolves have confirmed the signing of Australian superstar Andrew Johns on a short-term contract. Wolves' interest in the 31-year-old Newcastle Knights star emerged in the media Down Under over the weekend and now Johns is to join Warrington

Date

Force hits back at arson problem claims

MIDDLEWICH police officers have spoken out against comments claiming the town is subject to a catalogue of arson, vandalism and intimidation. The comments come following a report in another publication which likened living in Warmingham Lane to 'living

Date

Superstar Johns to play against Leeds

WARRINGTON Wolves have handed 31-year-old Australian legend Andrew 'Joey' Johns the opportunity to play in British Super League. Johns, the current half back with NRL club Newcastle Knights, will be coming on loan to the Wolves until the end of the season

Date

Work on plant to start soon

WORK on the Byley gas plant is set to begin this month with the view to making the first phase of storage fully operational by 2008. According to E.ON UK, the company that completed a deal to buy the rights to build a gas storage facility at the former

Date

Sale of gas storage plant leaves sour taste

UTILITIES giant ScottishPower has sold the controversial gas plant it was planning to build in Byley. In a deal worth £96 million, the company handed over control to E.ON UK, which runs Powergen, saying the decision to sell would maximise its shareholder

Date

Animal lover seeks justice for kittens

AN animal lover has put up a cash reward to help the RSPCA find out who threw five kittens to their deaths on a busy road in Middlewich. A reward of £500 is being offered in the hope that it will prompt someone to come forward with information leading

Date

Pop star shows it's time to open

THE congregation of a Middlewich church were worshipping to A Different Beat when a former pop star joined in celebrations at its official opening. Boyzone singer Shane Lynch made an appearance in Brooks Lane on Friday night to kick start the re-launch

Date

Anger at damage

A MIDDLEWICH homeowner is worried her house has suffered structural damage after a lorry reversing out of Lewin Street backed into her property. Pauline Shallcross, of Red Cow Court, owns a house in Lewin Street that was struck by a reversing lorry at

Date

Three hour delays cause fury in town

AS work continues on underground gas mains in Lewin Street outraged residents say the diversion route is a shambles. The town has been plunged into chaos since Lewin Street was turned into a one-way system allowing Transco to carry out essential repair

Date

Transfer is the best way forward

IN recent weeks quite a lot of people have asked me what I think of the plans by Macclesfield Borough Council to transfer its housing to a new housing trust. I can say without hesitation that I think it's a good idea, and when the ballot comes shortly

Date

Walkabout shows the way ahead

COMMUNITY representatives went on 'walkabout' around a Winsford estate on Monday to decide how to spend a £10,000 grant. The Grange Residents' Association has received the grant from ENCAMS to carry out environmental improvements. Association chairman

Date

ASBO 'is proof that we mean business'

THE issuing of an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO) on a Winsford man has been welcomed by the borough council and Weaver Vale Housing Trust. Liam Darren Abbott, 19, of Arkwright Close, was hit with a five year ASBO last week after he made the lives

Date

Man stole from dad to fund spending

A WINSFORD man who stole credit cards from his own father and his friend's father to buy clothes and a car was sentenced on Thursday. Christopher James Matthew Hardman, of Wharton Road, was given a community order, fined, disqualified from driving and

Date

Boy is fined

A TEENAGER has been fined by magistrates after he admitted stealing a pair of gloves from a Winsford store. The 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, entered the Asda store in Winsford Cross Shopping centre on November 11 last year and

Date

Artists aim to be a festival wake up call

TWO Winsford artists will be performing their own dance production at the renowned Edinburgh International Festival. Ben Moores and Tom Barry, both of Thornycroft, will be performing Niidy In The Morning during the three week event. Tom, 22, believes

Date

Infill should not worry residents says developer

A DEVELOPER has moved to ease public fears over plans to infill land with inert materials at a Winsford farm. Nigel Worthington, owner of NSW engineering, has stressed the infill at Blakeden Farm would not be detrimental to the area following a report

Date

Operation aims to slow down road hogs

POLICE have launched an operation to clamp down on the problem of speeding motorists on the Grange estate. Residents raised concerns in last week's Guardian over road safety following two incidents in one evening on the estate and police have moved quickly

Date

Radlinski Blow

WIGAN Warriors have received another huge injury blow with the news that Captain and Great Britain full back Kris Radlinski will miss the rest of the season. Kris has a knee injury which will see him undergo surgery later this week which will rule him

Date

Open air theatre in the garden

ARLEY Hall plays host to two plays held in the atmospheric walled garden on Saturday, August 13 and Friday, August 19. The Storytellers Theatre Company's popular play Alice In Wonderland has two performances of this timeless classic, the first commencing

Date

Stress busting firm is aiming to box clever

A STRESS busting business offering private workouts for clients has been set up by two mid Cheshire fitness enthusiasts. The Punch Clinic, based in Queens Court, Winsford, provides people with the opportunity to vent their pent up frustrations on punch

Date

Reaching 100 fails to faze sprightly Jane

THE secret of a long and happy life runs in the family according to a Lostock woman who celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday, Tuesday. But Jane Billington, of Manchester Road, is still a spring chicken compared with her older sister Fanny, 102, and

Date

Drink-drive woman must stay at home

A NORTHWICH woman who crashed her car while nearly four times over the legal limit has been given a three-year driving ban. Lynn Maguire, 33, of Works Lane, Lostock Gralam, also faces a 12-month community order and a daily curfew after being sentenced

Date

Lucky escape

A MOTORIST had a lucky escape after a car overturned on a Runcorn slip road off the M56. Firefighters were called to junction 11 after the vehicle somersaulted at 3.17am. No-one was trapped.

Date

Queen Laura aims for stardom

BEING the most beautiful girl in the borough turns heads at home and from afar, especially in the case of one former Miss Vale Royal. Laura Hulse, 24, of Spencer Street, Castle, wore the crown during 2003-2004, and has been rubbing shoulders with stars

Date

War memorial campaigners vow to fight on

CREWE'S Memorial Action Team has vowed to fight to the bitter end in the dispute over the proposed relocation of the town's war memorial. Despite Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's green light for the move to Municipal Square, the team say the battle

Date

Windmill Hill hosts fun day

A FAMILY fun day is being held at Priory View Community House in Windmill Hill, Runcorn. Activities and games are on from 11am to 3pm on Thursday, August 4. Parents can seek help and advice from various agencies. Residents will be invited to have a say

Date

VJ Day joy after police about turn

CHESHIRE Police have agreed to steward the forthcoming Winnington VJ Day parade after veterans spoke out following their earlier refusal of support. The Burma Star Association north west regional parade has been marshalled by police officers in previous

Date

Why your support can make all the difference

STAFF at St Luke's Hospice are urging members of the public to do their bit for the Winsford centre - by setting up support groups. The Queensway site has to raise £4,000 per day in order to continue providing care and support to patients and their families

Date

Don't blame us for all these drunk problems

THE owner of a Northwich nightspot has hit out at claims his bar is the cause of yob behaviour in the town. John Bates, who owns JW's Caf Bar, on Castle Street, has also moved to calm fears that extended opening hours will have an adverse effect on the

Date

Nursing home fair

ST Luke's Nursing Home is holding its annual summer fair on Saturday, August 13. The fundraising event is to be held in the grounds of the home in Palacefields Avenue, Runcorn and will take place from 1pm to 4pm. Activity co-ordinator Terri Kennedy said

Date

Licence deadline looms

MORE than 35 per cent of Vale Royal businesses have not reapplied for a licence allowing them to continue selling alcohol, despite the Friday deadline. Regulations affect a wide variety of businesses but only about 260 of the expected 404 businesses have

Date

'Just bring back the birch for these scum'

A WEAVERHAM widower who lives for his garden has been left devastated after vandals ripped up plants and threw them over a wall. This is the second time that vandals have targeted Philip Kelly's garden in Keepers Lane. Philip, 82, says the birch should

Date

Care home staff are 'heartbroken'

HEARTBROKEN staff have pulled out all the stops to re-house elderly residents after the sudden closure of a Runcorn care home. Around 30 employees will lose their jobs when Oak Lodge in Richards Close, Castlefields shuts in three weeks. "The staff are

Date

MURDER CHARGE

A NORTHWICH man has appeared in court charged with murder following an incident on the A556 at Lach Dennis. John Gareth Stubbs, 24, of Royle Street, is accused of murdering 37-year-old David Parsonage in an incident on Monday last week. Stubbs spoke only

Date

Rain affected draw sees lead extended

DESPITE losing 33 overs to rain Oulton Park collected 14 points in a drawn game at Hyde which extends their lead at the top of the ECB Premiership to 30 points. Batting for only 38 overs Oulton set off like a train with Andy Robinson (57) and Danny Leech

Date

What next for teams?

OULTON Park's next stop on the championship trail is a home tie against Chester Boughton Hall on Saturday. Winnington Park head to Cheadle Hulme looking for more points to help the fight against relegation, while Middlewich, on a similar mission, travel

Date

Hartford keep up brisk pace

HARTFORD continue to set the pace at the top of the Cheshire Building Society Alliance on Saturday, with a hard fought victory over Appleton. With differing reports about the approaching weather, it was a risk when Hartford asked the visitors to bat first

Date

Winsford hit by defeat

WINSFORD travelled to league leaders Cholmondeley on Saturday to find a track with patches of water where rain had got through the covers. Batting first on the unpredictable pitch, Winsford's innings got off to a cautious start, but accelerated as the

Date

Weaverham turn tables on Marple

WEAVERHAM turned the form book upside down at league leaders Marple on Saturday coming away with a stunning seven-wicket victory. And in so doing they moved 34 points clear of the relegation zone which is currently occupied by Barrow and seemingly doomed

Date

Awards for league men

STALWARTS of the Meller Braggins league are set to receive gongs from the England and Wales Cricket Board. League president Ron Jones and chairman Peter Davies are to collect service to cricket awards from the ECB at a ceremony at Lords in October. Jones

Date

Songs from the heart

WITTON Chimes' A Song From the Heart of Cheshire open-mic contest is in full swing. Around 80 people packed out the pub for the latest heat last Tuesday, July 26, as it hosted its 105th open-mic gig. Jean Finney, from Northwich, dazzled the judges with

Date

Park end six match streak

WINNINGTON Park ended a six-match losing streak with a remarkable win at Heaton Mersey. And the victory not only lifted spirits, it lifted Park out of the relegation zone in Murray Smith Division One. Park won the toss and put Mersey in to bat. A decision

Date

Teen on assault charge as man dies after incident

A MAN has appeared in court charged with assault after the death of a teenager on a night out in Warrington. Dean Gareth Talbot Bennett, appeared in custody at Warrington Magistrates' court yesterday, Monday, charged with wounding with intent to cause

Date

Rapist serving 10-year term has appeal rejected by High Court

A TEENAGE rapist who attacked a young mum in her own home has had his appeal rejected by the nation's most senior judge. Rejecting the appeal of 19-year-old Kenneth Williamson, the Lord Chief Justice, Lord Woolf, also gave his seal of approval to controversial

Date

GUN PATROL

ARMED with machine guns police have been guarding Bank Quay station around the clock. This was the scene greeting passengers at the Warrington train station as anti-terrorist patrols were launched. The town experienced high profile protection last week

Date

Peover fall at final hurdle

OVER PEOVER 2nd XI 112 for 6 (20 overs) Lymm Oughtrington Park 2nd XI 116 for 6 (19.5 overs) OVER Peover fell at the last fence in the final of the Meller Braggins Cricket League 2nd XI Knock Out Cup. The closely-fought contest - played on Tuesday at

Date

Join mini league

NORTH West Mini Soccer League is currently recruiting teams for its eighth successful year. Based at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan, the league caters for four age groups: Under 8s-Under 11s. All games are played on Sundays. If you would like to find out

Date

Cricket update

Widnes Cricket Club The big disappointment of the weekend was a seven-wicket defeat in the quarter final of the Cockspur Cup to Barnt Green. This was offset, however, by a Friday night victory by 20 runs in the quarter final of the Cheshire County League

Date

Mond gets ready for more friendly matches

Ellesmere Port 0 Mond Rangers 2 A lively friendly on Wednesday night where Mond got better and stronger as the game went on. Martin Molyeneux put Mond ahead in the 63rd minute and a long clearance by keeper Andy Murphy presented an opening that John McDonald

Date

Marauders in shock win over section leaders

Runcorn APEC Taxis Darts League HALTON Marauders pulled off a major surprise in section two last Thursday night when the team at the foot of the table ran out 5/4 winners against section leaders RAOB Buffs. This match produced a maximum from the losers

Date

In the driving seat

WE can help improve your safety on the road and save money on your insurance. That's the reassuring message to Halton drivers from a team of skilled drivers. Widnes, Runcorn and district Institute of Advanced Motorists offer car drivers and motorcylists

Date

Hospital to benefit from bungee boost

A BUNGEE jump and fun day is being held at a Runcorn pub in aid of Halton Haven Hospice. The Cherry Tree, in Grangeway, is putting on the event. It takes place from 12 noon to 5pm on Sunday, August 7. Licensee Colin Burns has adopted the cancer care centre

Date

'Our new weed army is working'

WE'RE winning the war on weeds, thanks to an army of 20 quad bike sprayers, says Halton Council. A £58,000 bid to hire specialist contractors is more efficient than using our own staff, they claimed this week, after disgruntled employees complained. Jimmy

Date

Security stepped up at stations

ARMED police could soon be patrolling Halton's train stations in light of the London bus and tube bombings. Teams of firearms officers and police dogs have already been spotted at Warrington's Bank Quay railway station and Cheshire Constabulary has refused

Date

Italian challenge!

BURSTING with exuberance, Karen Gilmour is risking everything to create an Italian restaurant - with all the ups and downs captured on national TV! In just 10 weeks, she has vowed to turn a dilapidated former off licence in Widnes Road into a bustling

Date

Council doesn't watch CCTV

HALTON Council has backed a proposal to hand over control of the borough's CCTV programme to a private company after admitting cameras are not monitored 24 hours a day. A council report revealed the borough's 40 cameras are not watched around the clock

Date

By the Rev Sue Hawkins, Vicar of All Saints' Church, Marthall

In a busy week filled with horrific news reports, a visit to the beautiful tranquil and civilised setting of Gawsworth's open air theatre provided a welcome escape. However, when Gawsworth Hall was built, England was far from tranquil. There was both