Bid to save ward

THE councillor for Hatton, Stretton and Walton has responded to the Local Government Boundary Commission for England's (LGBCE) ward recommendations by writing in to the body.

If the proposals are finalised the ward will be erased when the arrangements are scheduled to come in place next May.

If passed, Appleton will take over the majority of the area, with a section of Lower Walton to be recognised as Stockton Heath.

But Cllr Paul Kennedy (CON – Hatton, Stretton and Walton) is calling on the commission to rethink its plans.

He said: "It is accepted that Hatton, Stretton and Walton, while geographically large, does have a small electorate.

"Nevertheless, the ward does currently, and is projected in 2020, to come within the 10 per cent variance to average that the LGBCE sets as an important criteria when deciding on Ward patterns.

"With regards to equality of votes, might I respectfully suggest that what residents most want is quality of representation, accountability and recognition of the area in which they live.

"As a distinct borough ward, as it is now, that is exactly what the residents receive.

"In my opinion, that will not be the case, when and if, the ward is broken up."

Breaking it down

FOUR Appleton girls had no trouble breaking it down after claiming top spots at the World Street Dance Championships in Glasgow.

Amina Houda, aged 14, Izzy Webster, aged 13, Fay Barnett, aged 12 and Melissa Hales, aged 12, all attend the AT School of Dance in Stockton Heath.

They entered the street dance qualifiers over the last year with the AT Dance street elite team and their teacher Heidi Reading, who is a previous champion.

Amina and Izzy placed fifth in the world in the under-16 duo category, while Fay and Melissa came fourth in the under-14 category.

All girls competed against hundreds of street dancers from more than 30 countries.

Amina and Izzy also competed last year when they finished seventh but were thrilled to improve on that position this time around.

Dance school principal Karen Speers said: "I am absolutely thrilled for all the AT Dance street elite team who got through to the finals and am so proud of Izzy, Amina, Fay and Melissa who achieved so much.

"Heidi is one fabulous street coach and has worked the pupils so hard and it's been worth it."

Plan approved

WALTON Parish Council's attempts to have planning permission refused for the conversion of a garage into a home, on Walton Road, have been thwarted.

On August 26 the development control committee approved the plans following a site visit but ordered windows of the new property to be slightly lowered than measurements set out in the plans.

As well as converting the stone-built garage into a new property, work will see the demolition of an existing vinery to create a garden and bike store.

A small extension to create a new entrance into the converted garage will also take place.

The parish council believes the work would be 'an overdevelopment' and feels the property adjoining the main building is 'out of character' with the area, while a resident objected on the grounds of the 'impractical' parking provision.

At the same meeting planning chiefs gave permission to a resident to keep 'spare land' at the side of a house on Whitefield Road, in Stockton Heath, despite objections over a hedge from the parish council and neighbours living on the nearby Walton Road.

Stockton Heath Parish Council fears the hedge at the site will grow beyond the permitted limit and said it presents a hazard to traffic, while one neighbour claims it will block windows.

The resident apologised for not applying for permission prior to the meeting and confirmed he will maintain the hedge to ensure it does not affect residents or motorists.

Parish council meeting 

APPLETON Parish Council met on Tuesday to discuss the latest concerns and future plans on its agenda.

It took place at the Parish Hall, on Dudlow Green Road, with residents in attendance.