Zoo booking problems

RESIDENTS attempting to make bookings to visit the children's zoo at Walton Hall and Gardens have been out of luck in the past week.

One resident admits she has unsuccessfully made 'desperate' attempts to reserve places for more than a week.

The council has confirmed phone lines at the venue are down.

A spokesman added: "We apologise for any inconvenience and will advise when the phone lines are working again – we are trying to get the fault fixed as soon as we can."

The number provided by the council to make bookings is 262908, while rangers can be contacted on 601617.

But it has urged anybody who wants to get in touch to e-mail waltonhallbookings@warrington.gov.uk.

Energy system plans

EDDIE Stobart has asked for planning permission to allow it to install and operate a solar photovoltaic system at its Appleton base, on Langford Way.

The haulage firm is hoping to install a 249.9kw rooftop solar photovoltaic system to reduce its carbon footprint.

A supporting document confirmed that if granted, the installation will not 'fundamentally' change the appearance of the building or the 'wider site'.

It added: "The screening created from the industrial estate and the lack of visual receptors from the south means that the proposal has very little impact on general visual amenity and therefore the proposed development will also have no impact on the aforementioned heritage assets.

"The site will be accessed via the existing Langford Way access which runs from Barleycastle Lane.

"The access is already well used and will not require upgrades of any sort."

The consultation period has now ended, with the application set to expire on September 27.

The power system is designed to supply usable power through photovoltaics.

Churches provide support

KIND fundraising efforts from those at St Thomas' and St Mary Magdalene's churches have helped their link parish in Nigeria develop its building.

Following the donations, St David's has been able to replace its church doors and windows.

But the support is set to continue as the Stockton Heath and Appleton congregations hope to raise enough money to replace the floor and install a ceiling at St David's in the coming months.

St Thomas' is set to give St David's a cross as a gift, as well as candlesticks, which are no longer needed.

Bike store revamp

CYCLISTS are in for a treat following the revamp of a Stockton Heath store.

Staff at Wild Bikes, on London Road, have been working flat out to make changes to the shop layout ahead of the arrival of the new range of bikes and clothes.

The 2016 selection is due to make its way to the shop in the near future.

The new layout has been designed to help the store make better use of its space.

For further information visit wild-bikes.co.uk or call 211585.