Traveller site concern

A COUNCILLOR has raised his concerns after a fresh planning application for settlers to remain on a travellers site in Walton was registered on May 14.

Settlers on the site, on Warrington Road, had their 10-year permission to stay there expire in December - 18 years after coming onto the land.

The council previously received an application but information was deemed 'not sufficient enough'.

And despite the latest attempt to persuade the council to grant permission, Cllr Paul Kennedy (CON - Hatton, Stretton and Walton) is calling for clarity on elements of the application.

"This application seeks approval for 35 caravans, however it is not at all clear from the application or the site plan provided, what is a caravan," he said.

"The site plans shows 23 touring caravans and 12 mobile homes, of varying sizes.

"Does the application mean that at some stage an additional 12 touring caravans will be moved on to the site?"

Cllr Kennedy has suggested that the application is determined by the council's development control committee, following a site visit.

Festival plans

WITH less than a month to go until Stockton Heath Festival, organisers have released the programme of events which will be taking place.

The document includes information of the varied entertainment and competitions running from July 2 to July 5 - it is being delivered to 9000 homes.

Online tickets for the festival are set to go on sale this week, while they can also be purchased from the festival box office in The Forge from June 12.

It will be open each Friday and Saturday in the run-up to the festival from 10am to 4pm.

For further information visit www.stocktonheathfestival.co.uk.

Road safety walk

PUPILS from St Thomas' CE Primary School enjoyed an educational walk with firefighters from Stockton Heath Fire Station last week.

The firefighters spoke to children about road safety and displayed how to properly cross roads on the journey from the school, on Parkgate Road, to the station, on Ackers Road.

After arriving, children enjoyed a tour of a fire engine and equipment.

Selfie with Lampard

A FORMER Bridgewater High School pupil had his dreams come true after getting a selfie with Frank Lampard after the midfielder's farewell Premier League game.

Chris Slater, aged 23, was at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday to watch his beloved Manchester City claim a 2-0 victory over Southampton.

Lampard, who is preparing to begin life at Major League Soccer outfit New York City, gave the hosts an early lead before being substituted to a standing ovation.

It is to be the midfielder's last game in the league – bringing to an end a glorious career in England's top-flight, which has saw him hit the back of the net 177 times.

Mr Slater caught Lampard's attention after the final whistle but did not expect him to come over.

"I couldn't really believe it when he came to where I was, I was quite surprised I have to say," said Mr Slater, formerly of Appleton and now living in the town centre.

"It was nice of him to do that and I will never forget it.

"The day was great as we got the win and that really topped it off."

Parish council meeting

STOCKTON Heath Parish Council will hold its monthly meeting on Tuesday.

It will take place at Sandy Lane Centre, on Sandy Lane, and will commence at 7.30pm.

Anybody is welcome to attend to discuss issues on the agenda, with part of the meeting set aside for public discussion.

Parish councillors have been urging residents to attend to voice their views of what can be done in the area.