Land Rover thefts

LAND Rover owners in Appleton have been warned to be on the lookout after a spate of thefts this month.

Three vehicles, each being a Defender model of the car, were stolen from homes in Stockton heath and Lymm.

PCSO Dave Mahon, who patrols the Appleton area, said: "There have been thefts and we need to be looking out for it to avoid more incidents."

Cheshire Police is urging motorists to avoid parking their vehicles in unattended spots and to consider having windows etched with the registration number of their vehicle.

Residents who wants to report suspicious activity need to call 101.

Parking restrictions

PARENTS are being urged not to park outside Broomfields Junior School, in Appleton, when dropping their children off during the hectic morning rush after a youngster was nearly hit two weeks ago.

Police have told motorists they are permitted to drop pupils off but are 'not allowed to wait' at the school, on Bridge Lane.

Parents have been informed of the matter and leaflets have also been distributed to bring the problem to an end.

Stretton farm discussions

WARRINGTON Borough Council is hoping to find a 'solution' to suit all over a land owner's potential plans to widen a road and improve the drainage at Apple Jacks Farm.

Adjustments could be made at the Stretton site but fears have been raised by residents and members of Appleton Parish Council.

A meeting between planning officials and the land owner is planned to go ahead but a date has yet to be confirmed.

Vicar farewell

THE congregation of a Walton church will be bidding farewell to its vicar of 15 years after his last service on Easter Sunday.

The Rev Dr John Harries will be leaving his position at St John's Church and moving to Sutton, close to Macclesfield, with his wife Judith.

A concert will take place tomorrow, including a presentation to honour Dr Harries.

It begins at 7.30pm and there will be refreshments on offer as well as a retiring collection.

On Easter Sunday, parishioners are warmly invited to join the farewell service at 10am.

Planner joines campaign group

AN Appleton Thorn group campaigning against proposals to build up to 90 homes in the village is in talks with a professional planner.

Campaign Against Ruining our Environment (CARE) has protested against the plans by Bloor Homes to develop land on Stretton Road but a planning application is yet to be made.

However, CARE is continuing its preparation, in case an application is submitted in the future.

"Maybe Bloor is waiting for us to calm down before putting one in, we can't be too sure," said Kevin McAloon, CARE member.

"We are speaking to a professional planner now and will be spending money on her advice - we have been told it is all about contesting the policies correctly and getting the politics right.

"CARE is quietly accumulating data."