Walking day success

THE 'spirit' of residents has been praised after they came together to ensure Stockton Heath Walking Day went ahead on July 11.

Doubt had been cast on the historic event just days before following a shortage of volunteers available to marshal all road closures in the area.

Thirty volunteers had been confirmed but five more were required to ensure the day could go ahead.

But following an influx of calls more than 40 volunteers were confirmed.

"I have not been surprised by the response from the people – Stockton Heath is a community minded place and people wanted to see it go ahead," said the Rev Michael Ridley, from St Thomas' Church.

"A lot of people got in touch and I just want to really thank everyone who called."

He also wished to thank the PCSOs in the area for their help and support.

Stranger Danger

YOUNGSTERS at St Monica's Catholic Primary School were informed of the dangers associated with speaking to strangers last Tuesday.

PCSO Dave Mahon helped deliver the Stranger Danger session at the Appleton school.

Home Office guidance of which areas to cover during the talk and how to help children learn the importance of the issue has been provided to the police.

"It is an important topic and we need to help children learn what to do if they do get lost," said PCSO Mahon.

"They were made up by the talk and I think they took a lot of it in.

"I set them some homework related to the areas they live in as well so hopefully that will help them too.

"The main point to get across is that you should stick to people who you know and not talk to strangers."

Welcome pack

THE future introduction of a welcome pack for all Stockton Heath traders was welcomed at last Tuesday's parish council meeting.

It is hoped that the document will help those in the village enjoy a better shopping experience.

Parish councillor Jonathan Levy (Lumb Brook ward) said: "It will be a welcome pack for all traders to tell them what is right and wrong."

Sue Barlow (Whitefield ward) added: "It will set people up on the right track."

Festival fun

APPLETON Cricket Club made its fifth appearance at Stockton Heath Festival on July 3.

Cheshire and Appleton coach Jess Lewis joined second team captain Ed Sygrove to coach youngsters at the event.

The pair also handed out vouchers offering junior training every Thursday throughout the summer holidays, while chairman Ant Hurst and Cheshire captain Emma Barlow invited mums and dads to join the senior set up.

Residents were invited to Appleton's fun and skills day on July 12, which included a bake off, as well as a raffle in aid of Alder Hey Children's Hospital. It was supported by Stockton Heath traders and by Waitrose's 'get into cricket' campaign.

For more details visit appletoncc.org.uk or call 07743027445.

Warning over swan’s lead poisoning

STOCKTON Heath Parish Council will write to anglers following a female swan's ill health after she suffered lead poisoning at Ackers Pit.

The swan is set to return to the site in 'weeks not days' and her cygnets are currently in the care of their dad.

Stockton Heath parish councillor Helen Dutton (Latchford without ward) said: "We should write to anglers to warn them of the dangers to swans."