M&S food hall plans

MARKS and Spencer has submitted planning documents to the council over its food hall due to arrive in Stockton Heath.

M&S has confirmed it is aiming to open the store in The Forge by the end of the year following development work if permission is given.

Four applications were registered to the council on August 7, with the expiry date set for October 1.

They include details over the installation of plant equipment, a replacement trolley bay, consent to display four halo-illuminated advertisement signs and alterations to the front of the shop.

If approved, the changes will include a replacement of the doors and the removal of roller shutters.

A new set of automatic doors will also be brought in.

The existing single-glazed timber windows will be removed and replaced with double-glazed aluminium casement windows.

The end of the consultation period for anybody concerned is September 8.

Learners praised

WALTON Lea Partnership recognised its learners at the Town Hall during a celebratory event on August 11.

The day commended those who participated in the organisation’s lifelong learning programme, including the ‘breaking ground’ and ‘life and social skills’ courses in the past two years.

Deputy mayor Cllr Faisal Rashid (LAB – Whittle Hall) presented the awards, while Sue Ellis, the council’s community learning manager, and Cllr Stephen Taylor (CON – Stockton Heath), board member at the charity, praised the learners.

The ceremony followed another recent success which saw beneficiary Rebecca Chapman receive two awards during Warrington Adult Learners’ Week – including the prestigious outstanding learner award – after participating in the life and social skills programme.

Katie Jones, the the partnership’s head of learning and safeguarding, said: “We are very proud of all of our learners, their achievements and progression.

“At the charity our mission is to transform the lives of our beneficiaries and learners and the awards show how far they’ve come.

“In particular the programme Rebecca participated in saw her identify her own personal strengths, working on communication skills, co-operation and team building.”

For more information visit waltonleaproject.btck.co.uk.

Speed meter returns

A SPEED meter has returned to Longwood Road in Appleton to help combat speeding motorists.

The device in the 30mph zone gives drivers a 'smile' or 'sad face' depending on how fast they are travelling.

The meter has made its way through Appleton and Appleton Thorn in recent months following concerns from residents in both areas.

Appleton Parish Council and PCSOs have been keen to address the situation.

Road to Rio

A FORMER bricklaying world champion from Stockton Heath made a resounding appearance on BBC Breakfast last Wednesday after making his way to the WorldSkills International Competition in Brazil.

Ashley Terron, aged 23, claimed gold in 2013 but was overseas to see Rianne Chester become the second world champion to have trained at Warrington Collegiate at this year's event.

The former Bridgewater High School pupil highlighted her 'brilliant' efforts to claim the prize.

But he was also keen to address why the competition and trades associated with it are not better celebrated in the UK during the BBC broadcast.

Residents await meeting

NEXT month's Stockton Heath Parish Council meeting is being tipped to be popular among residents.

Clare Birch, who will be manager of the village's Marks and Spencer food hall when it is open, will be in attendance at Sandy Lane Centre on September 8.

She will discuss areas of concerns surrounding the store and answer any queries put forward to her by residents and councillors.

The meeting will commence at 7.30pm.