Lymm Life Discussion Forum
WHY not join our Discussion Forum and start having your say on
local issues, appeal for old friends and relatives to get in touch -
or just talk about old times with other visitors.
Simply register to be able to post, choose to remain anonymous or
allow other visitors to e-mail you.
The Lymm Life Discussion Forum -Click Here!
Ten arrested as police
prevent gang battle
by David Skentelbery
TEN youths were arrested and police seized a number of knives and knuckle dusters in an operation to prevent a gang battle at Lymm.
Police say they managed to prevent an incident of violent disorder in the village as a result of their action.
Officers had received information from members of the public on Friday evening that a gang of youths from nearby Partington were heading for the village to cause disorder.
As a result, Insp Stuart Woodcock, of the neighbourhood policing unit, (pictured) drafted in additional men, including officers from Cheshire’s area support unit and from Greater Manchester Police.
Ten youths were arrested for possession of offensive weapons – two of them also for public order offences and one for criminal damage.
Insp Woodcock said: "The action we took undoubtedly prevented violent disorder from breaking out and has potentially saved someone's life.
"We will continue to have a high visibility presence in the area, particularly at weekends, to reassure the public and to send out a strong message that disorder of any kind will not be tolerated.
"Local residents and licensees are working together with police to make the village a safer place. Four people have already been banned under the newly established Pub Watch scheme following separate incidents.
"This operation successfully averted violent disorder and I would like to thank Greater Manchester Police for their assistance."
All ten youths have been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Man's tragic death
in road crash
by David Skentelbery
POLICE are investigating a road accident at Lymm, near Warrington in which a van driver died.
A Ford Transit van careered off Rushgreen Road, Lymm, near to its junction with Adey Road, and
collided with a garden wall on Wednesday, January 18.
The driver, a 62-year-old local man, was taken to Warrington Hospital where he was found to be
dead.
Police said the possibility he had suffered a heart attack at the wheel was being investigated.
No other vehicle or person was involved in the incident.
Anyone who witnessed the collision is asked to telephone PC Andy Hunt on 01244 613813.
New skatepark
officially opened
by Gary Skentelbery
THE new skateboard area in Lymm’s Ridgway Grundy Park has now been officially opened following a special
ceremony.
Parish Council Chairman, Coun Pam Marks, said: “Despite poor weather over the last few weeks, I’m delighted
that it’s being well used and has been welcomed by children and parents. I’m sure it will become even
more popular as the weather improves and I just hope it’s used in a safe and sensible manner so we don’t
have any mishaps or complaints. This has not been an easy project, but I’m quite sure our efforts were
worth it and we now have a modest facility that will be a great asset to the village.
"There are a number of people I want to thank. Firstly, Statham Residents Association for setting the ball
rolling after the initial approach from some youngsters in Statham. Secondly thanks to Sheila Woodyatt
for organising the school survey, for the early work on sources of funding and for her support all
through the project. Thirdly a big thank-you to our Clerk, Yvonne Cook, for her efforts way beyond
the call of duty. Fourthly to Richard Smith of WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental) for their financial
support , without which we certainly couldn’t have gone ahead. Fifthly, thank you to the team from
Warrington Council for putting a considerable amount of effort into this project from the planning right
through to the actual construction. Finally my thanks to our two in-line skating demonstrators, Philip
and James for giving up their Saturday morning to show us what the experts can do.”
Councillor Woodyatt added, “I am delighted that we have listened to what young people have asked for and
actually done something about it.”
Richard Smith from WREN concluded, “I am very proud that some of the proceeds of the Landfill Credit
Tax have been used to help fund this facility which I’m sure will be well-used by the local community.”
Wizard Panto
released on DVD
by Simon Plumb
Steven Speilberg would definitely approve of Lymm Rugby Club's latest artistic offering - the hugely successful
annual adult Christmas Pantomime, The Wizard of Oz, which has just been released in film version on DVD.
Following the shows sell-out performances in the run-up to Christmas, fans can now enjoy this unique version
of Dorothy's adventure in the comfort of their own home, for only £9.99 a copy.
John Hopkinson, Lymm RFC's Chairman said: "Such was demand for tickets to our annual Panto we have decided to
broaden the audience by putting it onto DVD. Tickets for the live show were sold out before the end of October
and we know there are hundreds of people who would love to see it.
"Also it allows us to mail the Rugby Club's world famous Panto to the four corners of the globe, to former Club
members and relatives, showing everyone what a great time we have at Christmas at Lymm Rugby Club."
All proceeds of the sale of the film will go to The Grass Roots Sports Appeal, a fighting fund to purchase
additional land for playing facilities near to the clubhouse in Crouchley Lane.
"The Grass Roots Sports Appeal is not just about rugby. Lymm Hockey Club is also based at the Club and if we
buy enough land we can develop pitches for hockey and, potentially, junior football as well.
"Along with the current squash facilities, this would create a true sports club catering for a wide range of
sporting interests," commented John. "We have a target of £90k to reach by the end of March 06 and the Panto,
which kicked the fund-raising off, raised £5k. We hope the Panto DVD will add to this."
Film versions of Lymm Rugby Club's 'The Wizard of Oz - the Adult Panto' are available in DVD format over the
bar at Lymm Rugby Club for £9.99 a copy or call Colette or John Cartwright on 01925 752442.
As well as a number of fund-raising events Lymm Rugby Club would like to develop mutually fruitful, long-lasting
relationships with corporate, individual, private and family sponsors.
For further details on Grass Roots Appeal sponsorship please contact Simon Plumb on 01925 755590 or
simon.plumb@communicado.org.uk
Eagle Brow to get
£576,000 "makeover"
by David Skentelbery
EAGLE Brow, Lymm - part of the A6144 - is to undergo major repairs costing £576,294.
The borough council has approved the project and work is expected to commence very soon.
Included in the project will be concrete repairs and re-waterproofing of the deck of Old Mill Bridge,
which carries the road over Slitten Brook. Natural stone paving will be used to enhance the street scene
around the bridge at the Slitten Brook weir.
Road closures will be required to carry out the work safely and a residents' pass system will operate
to ensure people whose homes directly front the work can gain access to their properties. Diversions will
be signposted.
A council spokesman said a survey carried out last year revealed the road was in urgent need of structural
maintenance, with the surface showing signs of major deterioration. It has been subjected to repeated
pot hole repairs in recent years.
If the work were delayed there was a risk of further deterioration, increasing maintenance costs and
also potential increases in construction costs and increased disruption due to a more lengthy project.
Donations to
good causes
STATHAM Residents' Association found itself in the position of having some spare funding - and decided to
give it away to good causes.
They made donations of £100 to the Lymm Churches Together Housebound Club and £50 to Lymm Youth Club.
Chairman Marie White said: "It is not often we find we have surplus funding but we decided it should be put
to good use to help the community."
WI's new officers
HEATLEY Women's Institute has appointed new officers.
They are Mrs Susan Begent, president, Mrs A Oakes and Mrs A Morris, vice presidents, Mrs E Wellbelove,
secretary and M Ratcliffe, treasurer.
Guest speaker at the January meeting was Mrs Judy Popley, who spoke on "Secrets of High Legh."
This followed an informal meeting at the Barn Owl in December when a Christmas meal was enjoyed. County
newsletters, diaries, calendars and programmes for the coming year were distributed.
Local charity receives
national award
by Gary Skentelbery
LYMM based charity Steps has won a major national award - the 2005 Patient Information Award commended from the BMA
(British Medical Association) for its leaflet on Baby Hip Health.
The award coincided with the celebrations of the charity's 25 anniversary year in which it has helped over 20,000 UK
families.
Sue Banton from Cheshire set up the charity when her son was born with Club Foot in 1980 - now she reveals her plans
for the next 25 years.
It all began when Sue gave birth to her Son Daniel. She said: "My son was born with Club Foot, and even though this
is one of the more common physical birth defects, there was a huge lack of both support and information.
I set up the charity steps to help other families and children like myself and my son."
Steps was awarded the BMA Patient Information Award for its leaflet on Baby Hip Health. Sue added: "Being given
the right information at the right time is so important to parents of children with lower limb conditions.
Our goal is to help and support them to make an informed decision about their child's future."
In 2005, the charity staff offered support and information by answering more than 1000 enquiries. Over the year,
its website has had 165,000 visits and the chat-forum membership number has tripled.
-Steps campaigns for children with lower limb conditions such as Club Foot and 'Baby hip problems'. When set
up in 1980, it provided support and information to both families and children suffering of these conditions.
Today it has grown with its members and helps thousands of children, families and young adults every year.
Sue added: "We found, as our children grew up, that there was a huge gap in knowledge and provision of care regarding
young adults.
"Our vision for the next 25 years is to expand our work with young people and develop support groups around the world.
Our work has only just begun."
Park becomes new
village green
by David Skentelbery
LYMM has a new "village green" - the Ridgway Grundy Memorial Park.
Designation of the park as a village green means it is legally protected from any development.
Land that has been used for "lawful sports and pastimes" for at least 20 years can be registered as a village green
under the Commons Registration Act 1965. This means that it can only be used for recreation.
Kieran Walshe, of the Ridgway Grundy Memorial Park Association, said: "We applied to register the park because,
although the land is owned by Warrington Borough Council and you might expect them to look after the park,
we felt it needed the statutory legal protection it gets when it's a registered village green.
"Now that the park is registered, we plan to work with both the borough council and Lymm Parish Council on some
improvements. The future status of the park is assured - but it desperately needs investment to make it a park
that we can all be proud of."
Several years ago, Lymm's May Queen Field, off Pepper Street, was designated a village green after a campaign by
the parish council and local residents worried that it might be used for housing development.
There is more information about the Association and how to join it on its website at
http://rgmpa.bravehost.com, or
by calling Kieran Walshe on 01925 759687.
Ex Police chief opens
new look day centre
by Lesley Wilkinson
USERS of Cotebrook House Active Day Centre, Lymm, celebrated a new look to their premises when it was re-opened by former
Greater Manchester Police deputy chief constable John Stalker.
Inmates from Appleton Thorn Young Offenders Institution redecorated the premises, and new carpets were laid.
Guests and regular users were invited to the opening ceremony with a celebration buffet and drinks.
Suzanne Margerison, craft instructor, said: "It looks beautiful and everyone who uses the centre is really pleased
with it."
The centre provides a host of activities for physically disabled people from the adjacent house and the community
including crafts, courses in conjunction with Warrington Collegiate, entertainment and meetings.
Volunteers from the community and pupils from Lymm High School help organise events.
International award
for high school
by Lesley Wilkinson
THE Department for Education and Skills presented an International School Award to Lymm High School for outstanding
development of the international dimension in the curriculum.
Foreground left, Abbey Horn with the certificate and Deborah Clayton with the Award with head teacher Roger Loundes
and B tech year 13 sports students.
Looking for
gorgeous gardens
by Gary Skentelbery
LYMM Open Gardens intend to repeat their highly successful Open Garden Afternoon, which raised over £3,500 last year
for St Roccos and other charities.
Organisers are now looking for 12 more "gorgeous gardens" and their owners in the Lymm area who are happy to devote a
Sunday afternoon to the event during Lymm Festival.
Small or large, modern or classic, unusual or with a special feature, please contact Imogen Sawyer on 01925 752618.
Trees given protection
by David Skentelbery
BOROUGH planners have confirmed a Tree Preservation Order in respect of seven trees in the grounds of a house
in Church Road, Lymm - despite objections from the owner.
Members of the development control committee were told the site was visited after the council received a planning
application for a home extension. The council's arboricultural officer, Gordon Haslam, decided the trees were worth
preserving and an order was served on the owner.
Later the owner withdrew his application after learning it was likely to be refused because of an unacceptable loss
of trees. But he subsequently objected to two of the trees being protected on the grounds they had structural defects
and were screened by other trees.
However, Mr Haslam believed the two trees contributed to the local amenity and enhanced the Lymm Conservation Area.
The defects described did not affect their structural integrity.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt said: "This was a good decision - we don't want trees being chopped down unnecessarily in Lymm."
|
