It has been a tough 12 months for the NHS in Warrington

Only three in four people are being seen within target times, and this against a backdrop of the worst figures in a decade up and down the country.

There is no doubt that staff are doing their best.

But especially over Christmas, when GP surgeries have not been open as long as they are the rest of the year, the pressure on our health services has been greater than for a long time.

It can be hard enough to get an appointment at the best of times.

And as much as the advice is sent out telling people to call 111, or check online, for many people, they still need the reassurance of seeing a doctor.

So A&E becomes the only option.

Set against the backdrop of cuts to other social services, it is now harder and harder to send people home when they are ready to be discharged, and so the cycle goes on.

It has been a tough 12 months for the NHS in Warrington.

The current problems come in the same year a GP was just allowed to shut a surgery in Great Sankey without telling anyone, leaving thousands of patients having to travel miles to see a doctor.

It may not have started well, but surely 2015 will only see things get better for the health service in Warrington.

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THIS week also sees another two bars in and around lower Bridge Street given warnings over their conduct.

It may simply be coincidence, but it is interesting to note that three have now been censured in quick succession, just as the redevelopment of Bridge Street and Time Square gets the go-ahead.

What could be worse than opening shiny new offices, restaurants, cinemas and market and have them tarnished by the old residents at the other end of the road – still hanging out the dirty washing The authorities insist this is not part of any concerted campaign, and they must be taken at their word.

But it is time they got tough.

What could be worse than opening shiny new offices, restaurants, cinemas and market and have them tarnished by the old reisdents at the other end of the road – still hanging out the dirty washing.

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FINALLY this week we see the closure, and this time it seems to be permanent, of the Pink Ladies.

Whatever the rights and wrongs, this is a shame.

For older women especially, having the safety of a female face driving them provided real comfort and confidence in getting them to their destination.

Hopefully the other taxi companies will now step into the breach.