Suspicious behaviour

APPLETON residents are being warned to stay alert after a number of 'suspicious activities' in the area took place throughout last month.

PCSO Dave Mahon, who patrols the area, delivered his monthly report at Appleton Parish Council's meeting at the Parish Hall, on Dudlow Green Road, last Tuesday.

"There were quite a few suspicious activities but nothing came of it," he said.

He also addressed concerns over parking congestions at St Monica's Close, close to St Monica's Catholic Primary School.

A resident voiced his frustration at a 'lack of change' over the issue last month.

"There are places to park there," added PCSO Mahon.

"You just have to be sensible. Years and years ago we walked to school but a lot has changed and parents tend to drop children off now."

Anyone who witnesses behaviour they deem as being suspicious is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Commemoration service

THE 27th annual HMS Blackcap service of commemoration will be taking place at St Cross Church in Appleton Thorn on June 7.

Since 1987 a service has been held to pay its respects to all men and women who served at the airfield - both in the service or as a civilian.

The community is playing a big role in the organisation of the service ahead of the event.

It will include hymns, prayers and the laying of wreaths at the nearby cenotaph.

A one-minute silence will also be held.

Football fundraiser

STAFF from Appleton-based Flextronics netted £4,000 after competing in a charity match against star-studded opposition.

The encounter, featuring Everton legend Graham Stuart, ex-Premier League referee Mark Halsey and stars from Hollyoaks, helped boost the company's fundraising total for The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity to more than £30,000.

The event, at Runcorn Linnetts' stadium, was the highlight of a year-long fundraising campaign for the global provider of logistics and after-market services.

Joe Hitchmough, from Flextronics, organised the match with the help of Hollyoaks longest serving cast member, Nick Pickard, who plays the role of Tony Hutchinson in the show.

Joe said: "Clatterbridge is a charity that has a lot of personal significance to members of staff here and as soon as it was confirmed as our charity of the year, we pledged that we would do something a little bit different to raise a lot of money."

Speed limit concern

A LIBERAL Democrat councillor has labelled the 60mph speed limit on New Lane in Appleton Thorn as 'crazy'.

Brian Axcell (LD - Appleton) is aiming to tackle the issue which is regularly addressed by residents.

"I went to see the highways engineer about it," he said.

"There are anomalies with the speed limit at houses past Wrights Green. Dingle Lane has also got problems.

"And New Lane is national speed limit - which is crazy."

Farm development plans

THE importance of finding a 'solution' to Apple Jacks Farm's development plans was highlighted at last Tuesday's Appleton Parish Council meeting.

Campaign Against Ruining our Environment (CARE) said changes to the road structure at the site were taking place, as well as trees being cut down.

But the group is intent on working to solve the matter and are hoping the land owners become more 'open' about their plans.

A previous planning application was withdrawn and it is believed an agricultural consultant could be set to look at the case.

"I want him to work with Antrobus and Appleton - it is a good business," said CARE spokesman Kevin McAloon.

"We want to find a solution to it."