MOTORISTS have been raising concerns over the safety of a new speed bump on Farnworth Road in Penketh. 
Commuters believe the latest traffic calming measure on the 50mph road could lead to an accident with cars speeding around a blind bend heading to Penketh. 
Motorist Mark Townley said: "I totally agree with finding ways to slow traffic down however in this case I have concerns over this bump's positioning. 
"The distance from the bend is not really the problem but the standing traffic that starts to build up is.
"Before too long there is going to be an accident when someone runs in to the back of the standing traffic. 
"There are no signs before the bend to warn drivers that there is a chance of standing traffic or that there is a give way just around the corner. 
"During the summer months when it's bright and the roads are dry might not be as bad as when the dark wet nights come in the winter.
"I would prefer not to be sitting there thinking is there a car coming round that corner with a driver on their phone or not paying attention going to run in to the back of me?"
A council spokesperson said the measure was introduced with the support of residents who live in the area who were concerned about drivers speeding.
He added: “We have put signs in place that meet all the national safety standards relating to distance from the traffic calming measure to make drivers aware of the speed bump. 
"As it is around 150m from the bend, those drivers sticking to the legal speed limit of 30 mph will be able to pass it safely as they would have already reduced their speed by the time they near it.”

Honour

A FORMER Penketh High School pupil has been celebrating after receiving an honorary doctorate from Staffordshire University.
St Rocco's Hospice patron Ian Mackinnon, who now lives in Altrincham, was awarded Doctor of Arts alongside business partner Peter Saunders. 
The pair run animation company Mackinnon and Saunders and over the past 20 years have been responsible for bringing to life world-famous characters including Bob the Builder, Postman Pat, Fantastic Mr Fox and those from Hollywood film Corpse Bride.
Ian, who grew up in Great Sankey, became patron of St Rocco’s in November last year after close friends had received hospice care elsewhere in the country. 
His role at St Rocco’s is very much ‘hands on’, helping at events and lending his support to many aspects of the charity. 
He said: “The wonderful care and support given by the St Rocco’s staff clearly makes such a difference for patients and their families at such a difficult time. I am very proud to be a patron of St Rocco’s.”
The animator 
The animator is currently preparing to perform the Charleston in December’s Strictly St. Rocco’s fundraising event. 
Visit strictlystroccos-2015.everydayhero.com/uk/ian-mackinnon

Disability sport

A DISABILITY sport initiative has been launched in Great Sankey. 
Warrington Integrated Sports Club has been offering sports facilities to club members for the last 41 years and are currently based at Great Sankey Leisure Centre. 
The group meet every Wednesday evening from 7.30 to 9.30pm and offer a range of sports activities to adults with disabilities, many of whom have learning difficulties. 
The club is a charity, funded by donations with the members paying a nominal sum each week plus a small annual membership fee.

Funding boost

BEWSEY Barn Community Centre will be redecorated and the toilet facilities upgraded this summer thanks to a cash boost awarded to Great Sankey Parish Council. 
A funding grant of £20,000 has been handed out by WREN, a not-for-profit business that awards grants to community projects from funds donated by FCC Environment to the Landfill Communities Fund. 
Bewsey Barn Community Centre is home to Jack and Jill Pre-school, a bingo group, bowls club, cadets and brownies. 
Councillors said they were delighted the funding will improve the facilities at the centre and will allow residents to have a 'community centre to be proud of'.
Peter Watson, chairman of Great Sankey Parish Council, said: "The parish council is totally committed to maintaining and improving our centres for use by our community. 
"Bewsey Barn is a busy centre used by diverse groups and we are particularly pleased to be able to improve the facilities available for them."

Donations

THE team at Hood Manor pharmacy in the Great Sankey Health Centre got on their bikes to raise cash for charity. 
Staff raised nearly £200 for the Warrington Wolves Foundation pedalling exercise bikes provided by the cause covering more than 220 miles on the day.
They were supported by their colleagues from other Hub pharmacies in Warrington and by members of the Central management team.
Patients and passers-by made generous donations throughout the day as well as cheering the team on.
Shirley Cox, pharmacy manager, said: “It was a fantastic achievement by the whole team to cycle so many miles in one day and the support we received from our patients was amazing. 
"Thank you to everyone who took part and supported us."