THE big story of the week was the third leak in nine months from Vinamul Ltd, near Crosfields roundabout in the town centre.

The Warrington Guardian exclusively revealed pollution inspectors were looking at the cause of another emission of vinyl chloride, which has been linked to cancer.

Bus deregulation had also forced Warrington Borough Transport to start fighting for passengers.

The company's vehicles had invaded towns like Widnes and St Helens in the fight with private firms, and boss George Hurst declared: "The gloves are off."

The property boom had yet to start its current, vertiginous ascent and you could buy a three-bed semi in Pepper Street in Lymm for £58,950.

A somewhat dopey burglar called Malcolm Wright, aged 29 and formerly off Folly Lane, was also being locked up for 15 months.

He raided the home of Frank Dickens in New Lane, Croft, and even escaped a pyjama-clad neighbour who chased him with a baseball bat.

But he had foolishly stolen a set of shoes leaft his own behind, and that was the evidence that snared him.