Archive
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21 Index store staff saved by Argos buyout
THE Widnes branch of Index will be spared in a takeover. The staff are some of the lucky few to survive a national buy-out by Argos. The store will be refitted and will re-opened as an Argos, saving 21 jobs. It is one of 33 Index stores that Argos has
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Woman hurt as yobs lob missile at train
A WOMAN has hurt and left 'extremely shocked' after a missile was thrown through a train window in Widnes. The woman, aged in her 20s and from Liverpool, suffered facial cuts and needed treatment. Yobs had already hurled a rock or a brick at another Liverpool
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Thugs leave man with fractured skull
POLICE are hunting a gang of thugs who left a man with a fractured skull in a vicious late-night attack. The victim - a 23-year-old man - was kicked in the head after being knocked to the ground during the unprovoked assault by up to ten white males.
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Sex attack on woman
A SEX attacker seriously assaulted a Widnes pensioner outside her front door. He grabbed the 83-year-old from behind in Northern Lane, Hough Green. He sexually assaulted her, then fled when she cried out for help. Investigating police officer Det Con
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That's just sour grapes!
'PAROCHIAL' Warrington Borough Council has been blasted for worrying about Widnes's exciting Waterfront Vision development. A Halton councillor said Warrington councillors' concerns sounded like 'sour grapes'. The row is over the state-of-the art, £80m
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Halton Stadium Widnes and District Domino League
Fixtures for April 28: Dave Gilhooley Village Cup: Semi Final: RAOB A or Bowling Club v Village SC A or WRUFC; Oddfellows or St Bedes A v FSSC or RO Bells.
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West Bank round-up
West Bank Bears U12s THE first day's play involved friendly games against Shevington and Spotland. Our first game against Spotland saw the Bears secure a 20-4 lead but then throw it away to lose 24-20. Thatto Heath U9s 4 West Bank Bears U9s Reds 8 A PULSATING
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Hornets in final
Wigan St Jude's U13s 6 Halton Farnworth Hornets U13s 16 North West Counties ARL Semi Final FOLLOWING an easy premiership league win at Wigan St Jude's earlier in the season the league runners up, Hornets, did not expect such a stern test of their resolve
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Maries
Widnes St Maries Dragons U12s 30 Saddleworth Rangers U12s 6 ST Maries brought down the curtain on their league season with a comfortable win.
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Widnes U12s 19 West Park U12s 7
WIDNES welcomed West Park this Sunday despite only being able to field ten players. Widnes played with skill and determination.
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Widnes St Maries U12s 26 Rylands U12s 4
WIDNES St Maries held on to their unbeaten 13 match-winning run against a Warrington side that were out to win after being beaten in the NW Counties semi final. The Maries play at Robin Park in the final on May 15, kick-off noon.
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Warrington Youth League
Results for April 24: U16s: North: Penlake 0 Moore Rangers 1. South: Eastleigh 2 Prescot Cables 4; Appleton Boys 2 Widnes Bayer 3; Sidac Social 5 Eagle Sports 1; Bruche 1 Crosby Stuart 3. U17s Cup: Final: Bleakhill Rovers 5 Rope & Anchor 4.
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Widnes U11s Town Team 16
Wigan U11s Town Team 6 Lancashire Cup Semi Final WIDNES schoolboys, sponsored by the Widnes Past Players Association progressed into the final of the North West Counties Lancashire cup for the first time for many years. The match was a typical cup semi
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Bikers are a problem
POLICE have threatened to come down hard on anti-social bikers who are persistently causing a nuisance in Middlewich. Congleton Community Action Team has seen an increase in the number of people driving mini mopeds and motor cross bikes in public areas
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One year on and our cars are still covered
RESIDENTS living near British Salt Ltd are demanding to know why nothing is being done about salt dust coating their property a year after they complained to the firm. In March last year Fred Langley, of Hutchins Close, told the Guardian that deposits
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Court order applied for
CHESHIRE County Council has applied for a court order to remove a family of gipsies from a plot of land in Middlewich. As reported in last week's Guardian, a group of travellers arrived at Pochin Way on April 13, followed by a second group who set up
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Stop hounding gipsies and all work together
A MIDDLEWICH resident says more should be done to ensure that travellers are integrated into the community. The woman, who does not wish to be named, contacted the Guardian following last week's report about two encampments that have set up in the town
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Amy prepares to lead the line up at rose fete
ORGANISERS are putting the finishing touches to plans for this weekend's Middlewich's Rose Fete. The event, which was resurrected last year after an absence of almost 15 years, takes place on Saturday afternoon and committee members hope it will be one
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I'M DEVASTATED
A MIDDLEWICH businessman has been the victim of an arson attack for the second time in a month - causing almost £10,000 worth of damage. Firefighters attended the blaze at a property owned by David Latham, of DJ Latham Properties, in Hightown, shortly
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Slimey street cheat Ian is at it again
HIDEOUS loser Ian Davenport is up to his old tricks again when Sally returns from her hols to discover he has been unfaithful to her - if you can count being unfaithful to your mistress as being unfaithful in Coronation Street. Anyway, the slimy salesman
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Footpath mystery remains
WORK to improve the condition of a footpath in Meadowbank is set to go ahead despite the fact that no one knows who owns the land. At a meeting of Winsford Town Council on Monday night, it was decided to look into the possibility of putting a bark surface
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Blaze leads to rally call from leaders
THE community is set to rally together and ensure the future of a Winsford youth centre is bright following a fire last week. The New Images youth centre, on Nixon Drive, was targeted by arsonists but following a meeting with community leaders, staff
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Town could miss out in plan
CONCERNS have been raised that Winsford may miss out on vital improvements to its transport links with the M6. Cheshire County Council is currently preparing a new Local Transport Plan which will set out its transport strategy up until 2011, but it is
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Policing unit aims to be a good neighbour
A NEW era of policing has begun in Winsford after the opening of a Neighbourhood Policing Unit that will revolutionise how crime is dealt with. A team of officers will be based at the NPU at Winsford Police Station and will deal with issues specific to
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Ground to be closed at night
RESIDENTS are celebrating after Winsford Town Council agreed to close an anti-social behaviour hotspot at night. At the council's meeting on Monday night it was announced that Over Recreation Ground could be locked to prevent any further assaults or incidents
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How should I know when my life is in danger?
A WINSFORD taxi driver is appealing for help to protect people who work on their own with the public. Alan Halpin, a driver for Winsford Cars, made the call following an incident last Tuesday when two offenders attacked his taxi. He said: "I picked up
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Health park approval is super news for town
THE go ahead has been given for a multi-million-pound 'super centre' to be built in Winsford that will ease the pressure on doctors' surgeries. Permission was granted for Winsford Health Park to be built at Vale Royal Borough Council's planning committee
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Young artists bring rainforest inside their school
CREATIVE: Pupils at St Bede's Primary School in Weaverham have been renovating their school playground with a new mural. They were joined by artist Jo Scott-Smith, who worked with the children on the design and it was the pupils who decided on a rainforest
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Children learn in a fun way, says Ofsted
A PLAYGROUP has won plaudits from education watchdog OFSTED. Vicarage Lodge pre-school is a place where motivated staff help kids learn in a fun way, inspectors say. Sue Antrobus, supervisor, said: "We are really pleased with this report." The playgroup
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Jessica will lead retinue
IT was a thrilling moment for Jessica Owen when she was chosen to be this year's Comberbach Rose Queen. Jessica, 10, of Broadacre, has been in the retinue each year since she was five as a flower girl, crown bearer, junior attendant and senior attendant
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Council says goodbye to bylaw plans
BARNTON Parish Council has decided not to impose an alcohol free zone in the village despite complaints about youths causing problems with drinking. Parish councillors heard that the 'in place' for the problem youths moves around and the suggestion was
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Vikings valiant in defeat
Widnes Vikings 20 Leeds Rhinos 42 WIDNES came out on the losing side against Leeds Rhinos on Saturday night but produced a performance that suggested all is not lost this season. The score line of 42-20 probably doesn't do justice to the Vikings who improved
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Civic service hailed a success
THE Mayor of Vale Royal Clr Anne Hooker held her civic service at St Mary's Church, Weaverham, on Sunday. During the procession to the church, the Mayor paused at the war memorial to place a single rose to commemorate St George's Day. The Right Rev Dr
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New cop at the top
RUNCORN'S new head of policing is Mike Naughton. He'll be responsible for the town within the new 'Northern Area', the unit formed by the merger of Halton and Warrington police. Insp Naughton has been a police officer for 28 years and has worked in Widnes
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Doorsteppers say recycle
A NEW doorstepping campaign will ask residents to help meet challenging recycling targets. Vale Royal Borough Council has just celebrated reaching a recycling rate of 40 per cent in its first year of operating the new door to door recycling scheme but
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Companies line up in hope of being named best in business
ENTRIES are flooding in for this year's prestigious Vale Royal Business Awards. The glittering gala event takes place on Wednesday, June 15, at Portal Golf and Country Club in Tarporley. Comms-care Group Ltd, of Spring Farm Business Centre, Moss Lane,
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Race night for charity
A RACE night in aid of charity Lupus UK takes place this week. Northwich Town Mayor Clr Mel Slater will host the horse race evening at Castle Private Club, David Street, Castle, on Friday night. There will be eight on-screen races and bets will be accepted
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Nurse waxes lyrical about spray to help clear hearing
A NORTHWICH nurse has helped to create a product that will help patients treat the painful condition of compacted ear wax. Angela Crosbie, of Shutley Lane in Little Leigh, has developed the Earol Olive Oil Spray with her colleague at Warrington General
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TV chef Aaron sacked by public
HELL'S Kitchen hopeful Aaron Siwoku is preparing to return to Northwich after viewers of the popular reality television show voted to send him home. The former Grange pupil and Hollands Road resident had been competing for the chance to run his own restaurant
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Zeb was a rock within the family
ZEB was an easy-going man who loved life, his devastated mother told the World. "He was very friendly and laid back, and he loved life. He didn't have any enemies - everybody was his friend," said Jo Fowler. "He would find the funny side of life in everything
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Get on course for some learning
THE chance to learn new skills is on offer at a community learning centre in Northwich which is hosting some new courses. A craft course teaching five different techniques begins at the New Vic, in Neumann Street, on Thursday. And a parenting course for
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Make a library order at home
LIBRARY members in Vale Royal with internet access will now be able to reserve books, CDs, DVDs and videos from the comfort of their own homes. The range of e-services have been launched in conjunction with 39 of the region's libraries and existing members
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Residents vow to fight plan for gipsy site near village
A SCHEME to house a gipsy site on land at Higher Whitley has provoked anger among villagers. Businessman Paul Bryan has submitted a plan to build the site on land off Dark Lane in the tranquil, leafy village. And the application has stirred emotions among
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Rumours continue over future of Vics
THE future of Northwich Victoria Football Club remains uncertain after a week of rumours concerning thousands of pounds being owed to creditors. One time Vics chairman and major shareholder Rod Stitch, who rejoined the club as director under the chairmanship
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HARTFORD WI
PRESIDENT Alison Lord welcomed members to the April meeting. Congratulations were extended to Marion Kennerly on her recent 101st birthday and to the darts team for winning the group darts competition. The annual coffee morning will be held on May 21
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nventor James Dyson, creator of the revolutionary Dyson vacuum cleaner, is not content with dreaming up one of the biggest money-spinning inventions of the past century. Apparently, it's his dream to see his name, Dyson, become a verb, as in 'to Dyson
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KINGSLEY WI
THE Kingsley WI meeting on April 6 was presided over by Joan Barker, as president Helen Stewart was on holiday. The speaker was Roslyn Bielstein, whose subject was life on the canals. She was born in Hull but now lives on a narrow boat in this area. She
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LACH DENNIS WI
PRESIDENT Olive Reed welcomed members to a well-attended April meeting of Lach Dennis WI. The recent annual dinner at The Three Greyhounds had been much enjoyed. A garden party has been arranged for Wednesday, May 25, at the president's home, starting
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Laws should be to protect us, not for people we dislike
WE'RE all supposed to report suspicious activity to the police, aren't we? So you might expect me to be grateful when a car draws up with two officers as I'm returning home after taking photos for the Weaverham Parish Plan. I really don't mind explaining
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Rules not fair to students
LIKE two thirds of their age group in England, 11,500 16 to 18-year-olds study at their local college in Cheshire and Warrington. Despite the wonderful service they receive, the Government funds these young people at least 10 per cent less than schools
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Find soldiers
THIS year we are mounting a sustained effort to locate previously serving members for the 1st Battalion Border Regiment for the annual reunion on May 1, as age is obviously reducing numbers each year. Many were recruited from the mid Cheshire area. An
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Let's lead a moral revival
WITH the passing of the Pontiff, all true believers in the Christian faith and others who worship God must stop all religious squabbling, accept the teachings of the Scriptures and work to stop the moral decay in Britain. Since the 1960s, the AIDS virus
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A trophy recall as countdown continues
THERE are just a few weeks left to make sure lines are learned and productions are polished because the cut off date for the 2005 Guardian Rose Bowl Awards has been decided. The deadline date for shows to be included in this year's event, which will take
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Players show their skill in handling tragedies
WATCHING a death take place on stage can be excruciatingly painful if it is not handled properly, but it's something that I think Byley Village Players can proudly say they are definitely capable of. Which is just as well really, given that their latest
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Camera in clear over car riddle
A CCTV camera is not to blame for immobilising cars in King Street. Radio engineer Gordon Adams said cheap car radio receivers were more likely to be causing the problem. "It's not magic," he said. "It's radio transmissions that do it. "In the car there
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Officers drafted into Knutsford
EXTRA police will be drafted into Knutsford from this weekend to prevent trouble while the funfair is in town. Knutsford police have been forced to revise their plans for this year's Knutsford Royal May Day because the festival does not fall on the Bank
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£190,000 in grants waiting to be claimed
SOME of the most vulnerable disabled people in Halton are still missing out on housing grants. They can't get cash for special equipment in their homes - because there aren't enough council workers to process grant applications. The council actually has
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Fewer Virgin trains over bank holiday
TRAIN services in Warrington will be severely disrupted this bank holiday weekend by engineering work. From Saturday, April 30, until Monday, May 2, some Virgin Trains West Coast and CrossCountry services will be subject to alteration and replaced by
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Fire puts lives at risk
VANDALS with matches almost burned down one of Warrington's most historic buildings on Wednesday, say firefighters. The Cairo Street Unitarian Chapel was the birthplace of Warrington's Academy and the place North and South author Elizabeth Gaskell buried
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Winsford dominate
WINNERS: Winsford Girls U14s have already claimed the U14s Cheshire League and this week have a cup final aganst Valiant to look forward to after beating Broadheath Central 3-2 in the semi final. The winning squad is Holly Morton, Shona McGrath, Lesley
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Toft start with a stunning victory
Toft CC 187-5 (51.2 Overs) Bowdon CC 186-5 (55 Overs) Toft CC won by five wickets Toft got their Premier League campaign off to a stunning start thanks to a crushing victory over reigning champions Bowdon at Booths Park on Saturday. Having won the toss
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Draw is all
KNUTSFORD FC'S penultimate game at St Helens ended - rather predictably given the two sides' form and league position - in a draw. It was an open and entertaining game however and Knutsford coped well with several absentees and the enforced team changes
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Lostock Triangle put to a new green test
PLANS to develop the Lostock Triangle have been deferred for a second time to enable developers to produce an environmental impact assessment. The firm has submitted plans for 23 business units, two hotels, a restaurant and a convenience store. The study
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If I was Prime Minister
IMAGINE you've won the election and become Prime Minister! That's the exciting challenge we gave schoolchildren, inviting them to tell us what they would do if they were in charge of No 10. These pupils from Moorfield Primary School in Widnes were only
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Engineering success
BUILDING BLOCKS: The cogs were turning for pupils at St Chads Primary School when they took part in an engineering challenge. Children were set tasks in building models in K'Nex and they had a great time creating a range of impressive designs.
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New door-to-door hospital service
A NEW bus will ferry relatives and friends to visit patients in hospital - from their own front door. The service, launched on May 3, will run seven days a week from 5.30pm to 10.30pm Mondays to Saturdays and from 2pm to 9pm Sundays and Bank Holidays.
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Runcorn Apec Taxis Darts League
TRICORN and Halton Marauders took the honours at the War Memorial Club on Friday night when two further cup competitions were brought to a conclusion. It started with the section two final of the Committee Challenge cup with Halton Marauders facing Royal
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Wids' long haul
Aspatria RUFC 1st XV 58 Widnes RUFC 1st XV 0 WIDNES made the long journey to Cumbria with the season's job already done; staying in the Powergen Division North Two West has been the aim all season. This was achieved two weeks ago against Aspull, but a
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Beechwood lose
Culcheth 5 Beechwood 3 WITH Beechwood having secured the championship the previous week they were able to rest much of the first team giving debuts to Dean Hughes and Mike Adams, the latter making his first appearance since breaking his leg pre-season
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Bridge Timber 3 Union Tavern 1
BRIDGE Timber retained the Runcorn Sunday cup with a fine performance at Pavilions on Sunday. Ste Coady was man of the match for Timber.
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Warrington Sunday Football League
Results for April 24: Denis Scholes Challenge Trophy: Final: Halton Arms 1 Carrs Hotel 2. Premier Division: Pierpoint & Bryant 3 Cheshire Hawthorne 2; Watchy FC 1 Lowton Borough FC 8. Division One: Commercial 1 Vulcan 1; Real Gate 3 Stocks 0. Division
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Village Premier Domino League
Results for April 21: Smithy Manor No2 2 Halton Stadium 3; Great Lakes 2 Commercial No1; Ball 2 Cricketers 3; Doctors 1 Lowerhouse 4; Commercial No2 3 Simms Cross 2; Blundell 3 Smithy Manor No1; USC 3 Millfield 2; Prince of Wales 3 Yew Tree 2; Our Lady's
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Bridging the divide
IN reply to the person who accused me of being childish about the name of the bridge spanning the Mersey, I would ask that person to read my letter again and understand my genuine concern for the name of the bridge. Since Princess Alexander opened the
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Thanks for your help with the big clean-up
I WOULD like to say a big thank you to all the organisations and residents who helped with the clean up day on Saturday. The areas cleared were the local shopping area and surrounding woodland areas. We are making this an ongoing concern and co-ordinating
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Don't hold your breath over police response
WITH regard to your letter 'How long before police action?' I would not hold your breath, you're just one of many who have had problems when trying to contact the police for action to be taken. What you should have done to see a police officer straightaway
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I waited four months for a police investigation
IN response to the person who had a car collide with the back of theirs and who then drove off without leaving their details, prepare yourself for a long wait. I too was involved in the same sort of incident on September of 2004 and the same thing happened
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The Beatles played there!
I am outraged at the sale of the Queens Hall studio venue to the corporation Marmalade, rather than the not-for-profit community group Loose. Once again, the council is trying so hard to renovate and rejuvenate the town centre that they seem to forget
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Hall is a vital musical 'totem pole'
PLEASE keep the Queens Hall as a music venue. As a former member of Widnes band Out77 this place represented a vital musical 'totem pole'. As live Indie bands are now the flavour of the month, are they only to play London venues? Matthew Donaghy, address
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Disgusted Loose Music have been rejected over Queens Hall
I'D like to say how disgusted I am at the fact that the council has decided to give the Queens Hall studio to Marmalade instead of Loose Music. I am happy the Queens Hall itself is going to be fully refurbished, but the fact that the studio, which Marmalade
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Queens Hall is ideal for bands
THE Queens Hall studio should be brought back into use by Loose Music Collective, not Marmalade. Loose do not ask for grants from the council, while Marmalade has been given £2 million pounds to play about with. Marmalade are planning to use the Queens
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There is a need for a live music venue
Loose Music Collective is a community group that is open to anyone involved in making music. There are many valuable people involved in Loose, who have a great deal of expertise and experience. Loose wants to develop The Queens Hall Studio as a Music
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Eyesores are not council-owned
MAY I refer to Margaret Easton's letter in the World, April 20, 'Is The Brindley theatre being upstaged?' I agree with her that the old buildings are an eyesore, but they are privately owned and not, therefore, the council's responsibility unless they
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ROWDY youths in upmarket Upton Rocks could be hit with a tough dispersal order, it was revealed this
The special law could stop youths meeting up and causing trouble. The news came at a meeting of the council's executive board. Ward councillors agreed an order should be studied. Cllr Gregory Swift said: "You can get stones thrown at houses and mud thrown
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BLUES BOOST
WINSFORD United's hopes of winning promotion to North West Counties Division One received a huge boost this week with the news that Silsden have been docked three points. The club, who are United's main promotion rivals, were stripped of three points
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Warrington and District Football League
Results for April 23: Frontrunner Premier Division: Beeches 1 St Michael's DH 1; Halebank 3 Whiston Cross 0; Haydock 2 Moore Utd 1. Grange Valley Amusements Division One: Greenalls SO 1 Vicars 4; Runcorn Albion 1 Blackbrook 3; Stockton Lane FC 1 Rainhill
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What a lot to bid for
BARGAIN-HUNTERS were out in force at a Hartford Methodist Church charity event on Friday to try to bag some goodies and raise funds at the same time. Items such as furniture, china, porcelain and glassware were up for grabs at the Beach Road 50/50 Grand
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Runner sees red for a good cause
A FORMER Weaverham High School pupil was determined to cross the finish line of the London Marathon to raise money for a cause very close to his own heart. Jonathan Williams took part in the 26-mile race on April 17 in aid of the Hillsborough Justice
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A prehistoric project
PUPILS at Cledford Junior Infant and Nursery school enjoyed some prehistoric fun in a project based on a children's book about dinosaurs. Children in Deborah Reilly's Year One class at the school, in Long Lane South, have been reading Harry and The Bucket
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Apathy must not win election
JAMES Branthwaite will vote for the first time on May 5. At 18 he has an interest in politics that few of his peers share. Here he tells the Knutsford Guardian why he will be voting out of principle POLITICIANS blame the public for their lack of interest
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Pre Season U13s Baseball Tournament
THE Halton Polecats Broncos enjoyed two good wins over North Sefton Little League and Runcorn Jets in a pre season friendly on Saturday. North Sefton 1 Halton Polecats 14 Runcorn Jets 18 North Sefton 4 Halton Polecats 14 Runcorn Jets 0
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Bowdon U15s 29 Widnes U15s 19
WIDNES were unfortunate not to win in a very evenly matched game.
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It's time to celebrate
NORTHWICH Victoria ended the season in high spirits at Wincham Park on Saturday. Vics, who won the final game of the season 1-0 against Crawley Town, celebrated with the presentation of the player of the season award in the social club after th e match
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Change is approved
A MIDDLEWICH church has been given the green light from planning chiefs to make changes to its new base. Middlewich Christian Centre has been granted permission with conditions to change the use of Pochins Sports and Social Club, on Brooks Lane, from
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Runcorn FC relegated
RUNCORN FC have been relegated. Results elsewhere on Monday night sent the Linnets - who lost a must-win game at Kettering 2-1 - plummeting back into the Unibond Premier Division. "At least we know which league we'll be in next season," said a despondent
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I'm facing a mixture of sadness and excitement
WHEN Year 11 pupils at Middlewich High School take their study leave next month, they won't be the only ones saying farewell to the school. After almost five years serving his first headship, David Lythgoe will be moving on to pastures new to take up
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Team chips away at town
CLEAN Team volunteers in Middlewich have once again been working their magic to brighten up the town - by painting plain chipboards. The group, dedicated to promoting the positive aspects of the town, was fed up looking at boarded up shop windows and
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Learn about the vision
MIDDLEWICH Vision is launching its annual public consultation next month and is inviting everyone in the town to take part. Coordinators Caroline O'Brien and Stephen Dent have organised a number of events to tie in with the consultation and they say the
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Drinking ban set for May
POLICE in Middlewich will have the power to confiscate alcohol from people drinking on the streets by the beginning of next month. Although the final date is to be confirmed, a total of 43 streets will form two no-drinking zones in the town, enabling
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Set for long term success
THE launch of a social club set up to bring new faces into Middlewich has been heralded as a huge success by its chairman. The Cameo Set, which stands for Come And Meet Each Other, Social Entertainment and Touring, was launched last Wednesday afternoon
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Highlighting a fair deal for dads
A MIDDLEWICH father led a small but significant vigil to protest against the family court system. Richard Warner, of St Anne's Avenue, led a peaceful protest at Crewe Magistrates' Court on Friday night as part of a countrywide vigil in aid of raising
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Funeral for walker who fell from peak
THE funeral of a Middlewich man who fell to his death from a Snowdonia peak is to be held today, Wednesday. Family and friends will gather at St Michael and All Angels Church, on St Michael's Way, at 1pm to pay tribute to 58-year-old William John Malloy
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New look Bull Ring unveiled
AFTER months of waiting the public will finally get to see the result of an ambitious heritage project at the grand unveiling of Middlewich's version of the great Roman amphitheatres. The newly restored Bull Ring, which will be an eyecatching gateway
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A wet outlook forecast for the Hamer's garden
SPRING may have sprung but a persistent flooding problem is putting the dampeners on a Middlewich family's fun. Neil Hamer, of Coronation Road, says his family's quality of life is suffering because floods are preventing them from using their garden.
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Lack of bollards is a risk to pedestrians
CONCERNS have been raised about the safety of pedestrians at a taxi rank at Winsford Cross Shopping Centre. It is feared that shoppers are at risk due to the lack of bollards around the taxi rank and calls have now been made by a councillor and resident
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Boxing clever for sporty youngsters
MEMBERS of a run down boxing club are appealing for help to refurbish their facilities in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour. Winsford Amateur Boxing Club, on Royle Street, is in the process of major building work to turn its gym into a thriving centre
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Councillors raise problems with roads in their village
MEMBERS of Moulton Parish Council were updated on a number of issues affecting their village when they met with a Cheshire Highways officer. Other parties such as the Parish Plan committee and Residents Against Mine Pollution (RAMP) were also invited
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Police warn parish to be careful
KINGSMEAD residents are being urged to be extra vigilant after a spate of burglaries in the area. Northwich Police issued the warning after 19 reported incidents since the beginning of March Properties have been targeted mainly during daylight hours when
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Mast could have benefited everyone
THE Winsford community will suffer if plans to site a mobile telephone mast on land close to Winsford United Football Club are given the go ahead. That's according to club chairman Mark Loveless, who is disappointed with a decision by Vodafone to submit
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Firefighters brush up on improving safety awareness
FIREFIGHTERS in Winsford are set to take the unusual step of cleaning people's cars in an attempt to increase fire safety awareness. A charity car wash will take place at Winsford Fire Station, on Sadler Road, on Saturday and people will not only have
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Funding would be good news
TRADERS have given the thumbs up to plans to invest £117,000 in Winsford Market after more than 10 years of campaigning. Vale Royal Borough Council is discussing proposals to redevelop the market as part of the Winsford Gateway scheme and stallholders
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ACCUSED FORCED TO FLEE THE TOWN
A MAN accused of sexually assaulting two girls aged eight and nine has had to leave Winsford for his personal safety. Michael Carl Appleton, 28, appeared in Northwich Magistrates' Court on Thursday to answer two charges of assaulting a girl under 13 years
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Team wraps up a fine season
WEAVERHAM High School's Year Seven team played Bridgewater in the final of the Mid Cheshire Football League at Moss Farm last week. In a hard fought game Weaverham won 8-0 with the goals scored by Michael Koral, Aaron Hamilton (two) Kieran Berrington,
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Frank plays mind games
CRISIS coach Frank Endacott is looking to bring in a sports psychologist to help release the pressure on his beleaguered side. The Vikings boss has admitted that not all his players have been mentally strong enough to handle must-win games and wants a
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Job losses feared as block is put on Euro cash
THE future of a Northwich-based company hangs in the balance and 30 jobs are at risk after the loss of more than £200,000 funding. European Social Fund (ESF) chiefs are withholding more than £200,000 in fees from Plan-it Training and Consultancy Ltd after
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Twin peaks provide challenge for climber
FOR most people, the thought of ascending two of Europe's highest peaks is horrifying - but then again, Nigel Lyle is not just anyone. The 52-year-old Acton Bridge amateur mountaineer lost a leg 35 years ago in a climbing accident but refused to give
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Couple in tears at baby son's inquest
THEY cried and held hands for most of the inquest. Cleo Jenkins and Phillip Wright were reliving every parent's worst nightmare - the death of a child. Their baby, Jack, was one month old when he died at home in Picow Street, Runcorn, in September. They'd
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Girl, 18, robbed
A WOMAN robbed an 18-year-old girl in Runcorn Old Town as she headed home from a night out. The girl was punched to the ground behind the post office and her wristwatch was stolen. She was attacked at around 1am on Sunday. A man, who appeared to play
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Support grows for polo centre
PLANS to create a multi-million pound equestrian centre in Oakmere have been met with public support ahead of a borough council decision. Businessman Tony Wilson is seeking permission from Vale Royal to develop land at Brownfield Lane - formerly used
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Bookie stole £10,000
A BOOKIE who stole more than £10,000 from his company has been sentenced at Chester Crown Court. Mark Williams, aged 41, of Martin Close, in Palace Fields, Runcorn, was given a 180-hour community punishment order on Monday. He was the manager of M Cook
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Vandals are a real pane for station work
WORKMEN have slammed vandals who smashed five windows at Northwich Railway Station just days after they were put in. Builders' materials were vandalised and a number of items stolen during the incident, which happened sometime during the weekend. The
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Teens get to taste life in the NHS
TEENAGERS from mid Cheshire will get the chance to experience life in the medical profession when they take part in a Take a Child to Work event tomorrow, Thursday. Potential doctors, nurses and NHS support staff of the future will be working alongside
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Labour under fire for wrong library figures
CONCERNS have been raised after inaccurate election leaflets were delivered to households claiming the former county council had made cuts in the library service of £75,000. But although the issue was contained in consultation document and the Conservatives
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Teenagers are industry's target
TEENAGERS will be the focus of a campaign to help tackle the shortage of trained staff in Cheshire's fast growing tourism industry. The campaign, by Warrington and Cheshire Tourism Board, is in response to concerns within the area's tourism industry over
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Couple get green light to rebuild home ruined by accident
A HISTORIC family home in Little Leigh is set to be restored after a lorry crash last December left it severely damaged. Plans to demolish and rebuild part of Hollybush Cottage, a Grade II listed building on the A49 Warrington Road, were approved by Vale
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My Zeb was let down by the courts
A DISTRAUGHT mum has lashed out at a judge for aborting the trial of a man accused of her son's murder. She feels the justice system let her down because she wanted a jury to decide the case. Eusebio Hough's mum Jo Fowler said: "I just think it's a total
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Fire brings rush hour traffic to a standstill
HOMELESS people living in a derelict building in Castle have been blamed for a fire which completely destroyed it. Rush hour traffic came to a standstill following the closure of Northwich Town Bridge as the fire raged at the former Manweb building just
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Campaign is failing to capture the imagination
WITH just eight days remaining until voters make their opinions known at the ballot box, the country is gripped by election fever - or is it? Party political broadcasts interrupt our usual television viewing and budding members of Parliament are engaged
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NEEDLE HORROR
A HORRIFIED Wincham mother is issuing a warning to other parents after her nine-year-old son found a used syringe in the village playing fields. The concerned mother, who does not wish to be named, said her son found the needle when he was playing football
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MOULTON WI
PRESIDENT Gladys Kirkham opened the April meeting. Members were invited to sign up to volunteer to either help on the day of the VE celebrations on May 5, or to bake cakes for the stall. In the absence of the secretary, Sharon Boden informed members that
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WEAVERHAM WI
AT the April meeting, acting president Mrs Southerton welcomed a full complement of members and one guest to a very interesting evening. After last month's most interesting talk on Dunham Massey by Marianne Howard, it was proposed to arrange an outing
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CUDDINGTON & SANDIWAY WI
PAPUA New Guinea was the setting for the talk by Elaine Burtonwood at the April meeting of Cuddington and Sandiway WI. When her husband came home and said they were spending the next three years there, she had no idea of the experience awaiting her. They
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COMBERBACH WI
AFTER the president had welcomed everyone on a lovely, spring evening and the normal business and forthcoming events were discussed, including the Cheshire Show dates, thanks were given to Val Cross and Gladys Howard for donating super raffle prizes.
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My pride
WITH reference to the letter in the April 20 edition regarding the town's rubbish problem, I would like to nominate Castle, especially Chester Road, for a Pride in the Community Award. L BAILEY Castle
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The cost of stamps
ONCE again the cost of posting a letter has gone up. I would like to ask Royal Mail how much they pay for the elastic bands that are discarded every day by delivery staff. In one hour I counted 200 of these rubber bands on the streets of Winsford. Why
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Horse centre
THE dream of a person to have her own equestrian centre at Marston could be a nightmare for quite a lot of people if it became a reality. The Marbury Lane Neumann's Flash area has just been opened for the public after more than two years. It is used now
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They could ruin the park
CONGRATULATIONS to Cheshire County Council on the wonderful country park at Ashton's Flash, something for all to enjoy. Today I saw three little children on trikes, having a wonderful time with no fear for them or their parents from traffic, dog walkers
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Attack on boy was sickening
I, ALONG with many other people, was sickened to hear that a 14-year-old boy had been attacked in Winsford and is currently fighting for his life. There seems to be a growing gang culture in Mount Pleasant and Winsford in general. Children constantly
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You just cannot find a good dog groomer
THERE is a sad shortage of qualified dog groomers in Northwich. Considering the vast number of these pets in the area, it is becoming a problem for some owners. Dog grooming, like hairdressing, is a skilled occupation. It needs intensive training and
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Travellers are not doing harm to anyone in town
I FELT I had to write in support of the travellers in Middlewich. It seems in the present climate they do not appear to be able to do anything right! They were criticised for setting up camps on other peoples' land, so the present travellers in Middlewich
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Support group
JUST a mention that for those living in Cheshire and who suffer from Crohn's Disease there is now the chance to sign up to a web-based support group to give and gain from each other's experiences: Check out http://uk.geocities.com/crohns4cheshire/ PHILIP
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I would pay for grass collection
IT'S time for grass cutting again and I've noticed that again it's a case of 'do as I say, not as I do' from the council. We are told to recycle grass cuttings, tins, bottles and so on. Why can't the council get bagged lawn mowers or have someone raking
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Talk was fun
YET again Northwich Heritage Society came up trumps with another excellent talk at Mid-Cheshire College's Hartford campus. As one of a rapidly diminishing group that 'provided entertainment once the leaders had gone past' at Oulton Park in the late 50s
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Safety fears
THERE is growing concern in Cheshire about mobile adverts alongside major roads and motorways. They are not only eyesores but, if they succeed in catching the eye, safety hazards too. Many people think they don't need planning permission because they're
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We need the public's help to stop motorbike menaces
I WOULD like to respond to the letter from Nick Renshaw, of Lostock Gralam, regarding illegal use of off-road motorcycles. It is a problem that we take very seriously and throughout Vale Royal we have a number of ongoing operations directly targeting
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Two plays for the price of one
A DRAMATIC double bill will be staged at The Factory Arts Centre in Winsford in the bittersweet comedies Two and Dumb Waiter. For one night only the Fame Factory's adult company, in association with Theatre Unlimited, will perform the Jim Cartwright and
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Victory Tribute, by Vale Royal Amateur Operatic Society)
WRITTEN and conceived within Vale Royal Operatic Society, Victory Tribute was intended as a 60th anniversary celebration of the ending of the Second World War. The idea was to honour the memory of the brave men and women in the armed forces, and ordinary
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Royal George: Firms to 'sign up'
STEEL frames loomed large over King Street this week as more companies decided to invest in Knutsford. Developer Philip Hughes said he expected to clinch deals with at least four businesses. "The first three or four are due to sign next week," he said
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Revealed: Vision for Parkgate
A COMPANY has unveiled plans to massively expand Parkgate Industrial Estate. Miller Developments' proposals, which include a car showroom, a two-storey office block, warehouses and industrial units, will swallow up land the size of at least three football
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Frodsham Players:
The Happiest Days of Your Life SET in Hilary Hall Boys' School, shortly after the Second World War, The Happiest Days of Your Life is a farce that would rival the antics in Fawlty Towers. The play follows the hysterical confusion that ensues when the
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Footbridge is a plan too far at Walton Gardens
Walton Parish councillor Bob Harding said: "We recommend that the bridge be reconsidered and relocated. "It would require the destruction of a fine cedar tree, believed to be more than 150 years old." One Stockton Heath resident objected on the grounds
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Woman, 38, lucky to escape house fire
A 38-YEAR-OLD woman is lucky to be alive after a chip pan fire, say firefighters. The alarm was raised at 1am on Monday morning after a blaze started in the kitchen of a home on Marshall Avenue in Dallam. Firefighters had to rescue the woman from a first
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Town look for trophies
MIDDLEWICH Town FC enjoyed a rare weekend off this week, but had to watch as Barnton leapfrogged them into first place in Mid Cheshire Division One. But Middlewich have the chance to exact revenge tonight, Wednesday, when the two sides clash in the final
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Annual boxing tournament
RUNCORN Boxing Club is holding its annual tournament at The Pavillions in Sandy Lane, Runcorn, on Wednesday, May 4. It will feature boxers from all over the north west. The night kicks off at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6 for adults and £3 for children. Anyone
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A Team ride on the crest of a wave
KNUTSFORD A 3 Atlantic 2 IT was a crucial result that lifted Knutsford to safety in this tough division and it was a spirited and battling performance that saw them through against old rivals Atlantic FC at Manchester Road on Saturday. They went 1-0 down
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Protest at mast plan
PARISH councillors have reacted angrily after planners agreed to a 15-metre telecommunications mast being put up on land at the corner of Hall Lane and Wincham Lane in Wincham. It was a close vote but Mono Consultants Limited will now put up the mast
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All change at the top for King's regiment
A NEW honorary colonel has been appointed for the King's and Cheshire Regiment (KCR), one of the North West's two territorial army infantry units. Change at the top follows the retirement of Col Ian Paterson and Col William Bromley-Davenport, who together
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Youngsters sail away
FUN and laughter filled the day as autistic youngsters were treated to a boat trip along the Bridgewater Canal. Two barges run by the Canal Boat Adventure Project sailed to Walton Hall, where the children played crazy golf, visited the zoo and enjoyed
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Go for gold at charity night
WHERE can you find Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, Cliff Richard and Pink Floyd in one room? At Halton YMCA, of course! The homeless shelter is auctioning a selection of special edition albums at its annual fundraiser. There will be gold discs by Britney
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A serious bit of kit that could save your life...
EVERY second counts when someone collapses and stops breathing. If this emergency happens at The Brindley, Halton's £7m arts centre in Runcorn, a life-saving defibrillator is now constantly on standby. Paramedic Steve Evans, said: "If one of these machines
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Riddle remains over Mersey death
MYSTERY still surrounds the death of a Widnes mum found dead on the banks of the Mersey who went missing from Runcorn's Brooker Centre last year. The body of 39-year-old Heather King of Princess Street, Kingsway, was found a week before Christmas by a
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Halton Baseball Softball Forum
THE 2005 baseball season continues with Halton Polecats Bronco and Pony league teams away to Manchester Saints on Saturday, April 30, while Runcorn Jets are at home to Cartmel Valley Cubs. The big event of the next few weeks however is a repeat of last
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by the Rev Paul Mason
Vicar of St Luke's, Holmes Chapel OVER the past few weeks the media has reported on the various choices that are about to be - or have been - made. The cardinals have elected a new Pope. Next week the British people will decide who they want to govern
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Maries first team through to Finnforest cup final
Widnes Amateur Rugby Football League 2005 Finnforest Open Age Cup Competition Week Two NATIONAL Conference league side St Maries are the first team through to the Finnforest cup final after a convincing victory over Halton Farnworth Hornets from the NWC
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Lane Tennis Club
Last Tuesday Lane Ladies first team had a 7-3 lead against Stockton Heath before bad light prevented further play. Ladies second team beat Winstanley thirds by eight sets to four. Ladies third team lost to David Lloyd thirds by three sets to nine. On
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Mixed fortunes for Wid cricket
Widnes Cricket Club NEW Widnes first XI captain Ian Spencer had to wait until Sunday for his first 2005 victory. There were mixed fortunes for the first XI on the opening weekend of the season. Saturday's league game against Poynton was full of ups and
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Mond round-up
Helsby 2 Mond Rangers 3 Runcorn Senior Cup Skipper Mark Robinson lifted Mond's first trophy for 10 years and Steve Savage was nominated man of the match and received the Paul Woods trophy. Upton Reserves 0 Mond Reserves 6 JOHN Crompton's team changes
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Runcorn Sunday League
Results for April 21: Premier Division: Union Tavern 6 Q's Tavern 1; Roosters 0 Bridge Timber 4. April 24: First Division: Last Orders 1 Brewer 1
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Halton Bayer Cricket League
Fixtures for May 3: Widnes Recs Extras v Parklands; Queens Park v Moorfield Casuals; Echo Taxis v Farnworth. May 4: Kawneer v Parklands Renegades; Halton Corporation v Ivax. May 5: Bohemians v Sutton All Stars; Travellers Runcorn v Sixth Form Old Boys
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North West Counties Amateur Rugby League
Mark Norris Building Services Results for April 23: Division Two: Dalton 6 Widnes Ball Bulldogs 48. Division Three: Albert Park 10 Milnrow 28. Fixtures for April 30: Division Three: Albert Park v Bamber Bridge.
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Helsby Golf Club
Results for April 25: Crowder Trophy: 1st Gill Hancock; 2nd Anne Bunnell. Brewery Cup: 1st Martin Townsend 76-10=66; 2nd Jim Lynskey 84-16=68; 3rd Stuart Jones 81-13=68.
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New kit is big hit with big hitters
The Runcorn Jets Bronco baseball team is thrilled with its new kit supplied by sponsor Rocksavage Power as the season gets under way. Their next game is on Saturday at Halton Sports Murdishaw against Cartmel from the Lake District. Any children or adults
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Linnets relegated to Unibond
Kettering 2 Runcorn FC Halton 1 RUNCORN'S troubled season came to a disappointing but almost inevitable conclusion on Monday night, as fellow relegation strugglers Stalybridge clawed themselves to safety after a 2-0 defeat of Hucknall Town. This condemns
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Town to vote for top trouble spots
POLICE may ask Knutsford people to vote on what problems they wanted sorting out. Inspector Craige Arterton said officers planned to hold a series of meetings where residents would be asked to name the top 10 trouble spots in their street. "It's quite
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Let's put this parochial xenophobia
I HAVE perceived information that the Runcorn/Widnes Bridge was opened in 1961. It was named the Silver Jubilee Bridge in 1977. I couldn't give a darn what the thing is called as long as it carries out the purposes of intent, which it does. Let's hear
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striking back at fraudsters
HOW often have you seen an able-bodied driver, without a valid disabled badge emerge from a vehicle he's just parked in a disabled bay? Infuriating isn't it? Why should these fraudulent individuals elude punishment? Why should genuine disabled badge holders
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Have best of both worlds
AFTER a year of the Queens Hall Studio being boarded up, with its leaking roof and the Loose Music Collective campaigning to develop it as a proper live music venue, we are now told the council is giving it to Marmalade. Do the right thing, let Marmalade
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No rhyme nor reason to plan
THIS letter is in strong support of the Loose Music Collective. At a time when young people are given bad press in national newspapers I wish to commend the young musicians in this area. My own interest is in writing and performing my own poetry, an area
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What about local musicians?
I HAVE recently heard news that Halton Council plans to re-develop the Queens Hall Studio in Widnes. While I welcome the regeneration of the Queens Hall and its surrounding area and also the resources that have been set aside by the council, I am dismayed
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What was wrong with two lanes?
I agree with George Davies about the road markings in Runcorn. I dread to think how much council tax has been wasted painting the roads. Murdishaw roundabout at the end of the expressway is a classic example. Why has entering the roundabout from Murdishaw
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ENOUGH IS ENOUGH
BRIAN Pritchard is to hang up his boots on Saturday following Witton Albion's final game of the season against Wakefield Emley. The 30-year-old central defender has been a virtual ever-present in the Albion line up for the past 10 years, but after 457