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Sensitive documents found
"blowing in the wind"
by David Skentelbery
THOUSANDS of sensitive documents, including mortgage applications, bank paying-in books and photo-copies of cheques were found blowing in the wind on a Lymm car park.
Early risers were shocked to find the documents on the Davies Way car park alongside the Bridgewater Canal.
Many had blown into the canal - and others were picked up by passers-by.
 Some were scattered around a recycling centre on the car park, but others had been blown all over a wide area between the paper bins and the canal.
Concerned residents collected as many as possible to avoid the possibility of them falling into the wrong hands.
Police were informed and a team of workmen from Warrington Borough Council arrived at the scene to collect the documents.
Data protection authorities were also alerted.
Many of the documents bore the name Classic Mortgages, with an address in Manchester.
A spokesman for Classic Mortgage Partnership Ltd., of Barlow Moor Road, Manchester, said: "Classic Mortgages went into liquidation a couple of years ago. We are a different company.
"I placed a box of old documents relating to the former company in the paper bin at Lymm at 9pm. They were all safely inside the bin when I left them.
"Someone must have got into the bin and scattered them around.
"But they were all several years old and no longer of any significance."
But a resident who helped collect the papers, Hilary Knowles, said: "These documents bear the names of people applying for mortgages, with their addresses, bank details, etc. They could still be relevant.
"If you can appreciate just how much information has to go on a mortgage application you will realise the extent of the personal information wafting around on the car park.
"Most of the documents relate to Classic Mortgages, but other mortgage company names appear on other documents. It looks as if the same people run these companies as their names appear over and over again.
"The mortgage applications cover Greater Manchester, East Lancashire, Warrington and West Yorkshire.
"By the time the council arrived, many of the papers had blown in the canal.
"Residents did their best to collect them, but there were just too many. People were appalled at what they saw.
"A man who was sleeping in a narrow boat on the canal heard a loud bang at about 3am so vandals may have been responsible for scattering the papers around.
"But a paper bank on a public car park is not a suitable place for disposing of papers like these - no matter how old they are."
A council spokesperson commented: "On a regular site visit to Davies Way Recycling Site in Lymm this morning we found a large amount of paper scattered on the ground. It would appear that these had been removed from the recycling bins overnight. This is the third time such an incident has occurred in recent weeks.
“Members of the recycling team and the environmental enforcement team from the council attended the scene and evidence was recovered. The environmental enforcement and recycling team are now investigating this incident further.
“The site has now been cleaned and will remain under close surveillance over the coming weeks.”
Councillor Alan Litton, executive ember for environment services, added ‘’We take such incidents very seriously, as fly tipping is a criminal offence. Officers from the authority are liaising with the police and other agencies in order to catch the person who is vandalising a well used and established community facility."
Pictured: stunned residents survey the littered car park.
Residents' anger over
demolished wall
by David Skentelbery
WORRIED residents have expressed concern over a controversial shopping development going up near a historic village centre.
People living in Pepper Street, Lymm are complaining that part of an old sandstone wall has been demolished, even though the development was only allowed on condition the wall be retained.
The scheme is at the junction of Pepper Street with Lymm Cross and a house which formerly occupied the site has already been demolished and work has started on levelling the ground.
But although there is already access to the site, about 15 yards of the sandstone wall has been demolished and the stones apparently removed from the site.
A Pepper Street resident who did not wish to be named said: "A condition of the planning consent was that this wall is retained.
"It has been there longer than anyone can remember and it is removed it will damage to character of the area."
Coun Ian Marks said: "We opposed this scheme but it went to appeal and was allowed. But there certainly is a condition that the wall be retained and I have raised the issue with the planning department. We would be very angry if this condition was breached."
Coun Sheila Woodyatt said: "We didn't want this scheme but unfortunately we were overruled and now have no say in the matter.
"The developer has to have proper access to the site, but he will have to rebuild the wall exactly as it was before. There will also have to be an entrance for the public to reach the shops.
"We will be keeping a close watch on the situation."
Picture shows the partly demolished wall, behind safety railings.
Reprieve for
sorting office?
by David Skentelbery
THE Royal Mail sorting office at Lymm has been granted a stay of execution.
Staff - who have voted unanimously in favour of strike action over closure plans - will not now be expected
to transfer to Altrincham on July 14.
Talks have started between their union, the Communication Workers Union - and Royal Mail bosses to try and find
an alternative site in Lymm.
The 14 staff have voted in favour of a strike, although no date has been fixed.
But union branch secretary Dave Kennedy says the vote demonstrates the strength of local feeling.
He said: "We have repeatedly said we believe closing this office will rip the heart of the postal service in Lymm.
"Discussions are taking place to try and find an alternative site in Lymm, but similar talks were held two years ago
without success."
Lymm Parish Council has already written to Royal Mail to complain about the proposed closure, saying there has been
no consultation and that the move would hit the quality of the service.
A spokesman for Royal Mail said: "Royal Mail's delivery office in Bridgewater Street, Lymm, was scheduled to relocate
to Welman Way, Altrincham, on Monday July 14.
"The premises in Lymm are no longer fit for purpose for either our staff or for our operational requirements because
of inadequate access, space and facilities.
"The facilities at Altrincham provide better, safer and healthier working conditions for our staff.
"However, the landlord of the existing premises in Lymm has agreed to an extension of our lease so the relocation will
be postponed to allow Royal Mail to carry out a full feasibility study of a potential new site in Lymm."
Festival starts with
a splash - literally!
by David Skentelbery
IT was the launch of this year's Lymm Festival - the Street Fun and Food Fest, when the village's food traders turn the main street into a giant open-air restaurant.
And it rained. And rained. And rained!
It came down by the bucket-full.
But villagers still turned out in their hundreds, armed with brollies and waterproofs, to sample the wide range of foods on offer.
There was Chinese, Indian, Turkish, Thai, Italian - of yes, and English! - food served from staffs erected in a street temporarily closed to traffic.
There was street entertainment too.
Attendance was down on previous years. But a surprising number of people did brave the weather to ensure the event was not a complete wash-out.
The Lymm Festival continues until July 6 with a wide range of entertainment and cultural events.
There is music, dance, drama, puppets, etc., art in the garden, a scarecrow trail, exhibitions and much more.
Many of the events are indoors. But others are not - and organisers are keeping fingers crossed that the deluge which greeted the start of the festival will not be repeated.
For more pictures and other Lymm Festival events, including Art In the Garden Click here
Pictures by John King
May Queen Festival
celebrates diamond anniversary
by Gary Skentelbery
GLORIOUS sunshine greeted the annual Lymm May Queen Festival which was celebrating 60 years since it was revived after the Second World War as villagers celebrated the occasion with a mixture of 60's flower power and digging for victory!
Lymm Life was on hand to capture the event on film.
It's continuity was only broken during the second world war and this year celebrated its 60th (diamond) anniversary
since its revival.
As a result the theme for this year's parade was diamonds and the sixties for the floats.
The procession will assemble at the old council offices at 1pm where adults and children
board their floats representing the schools, clubs or associations they belong to.
After the parade the festivities continued on the May Queen field off Pepper Street where this year's May Queen,
13-year-old Hayley Billington a model pupil of Lymm High School, was crowned.
Antonia Willis was this year's Rose Queen.
Hayley was crowned by Peter Powell who led the Parade as Town Crier. Peter is recognised as one of the country's
best criers and has been to Buckingham Palace and is currently the 4th best town crier in the world!
Antonia was crowned by Yvonne Cook who has been Clerk to the Parish Council for the last eight years.
The Queens and invited dignatories including the recently elected Mayor of Warrington, Coun Graham Welborn
enjoyed various acts in the arena including a Dixie Jazz Band, Brass Band and a drill display by the A.T.C.
To see pictures from the event CLICK HERE
New look library
officially opened
by Gary Skentelbery
THE new look Lymm Library was officially opened by local dignitaries.
Pictured From left, Helen Sumner strategic director community services, Diana Terris Chief Executive Warrington
Borough Council, Mayor's Consort
Roy Jefferson, Cllr. Roy Smith, Mayor of Warrington Coun Celia Jordan, Warrington student Natalie Crouchton aged 14 who spent the morning with the Mayor, Coun
Ian Marks, Donna Love centre manager,
Coun Sheila Woodyatt and chairman of Lymm Parish Council Coun Bob Barr.
Care home
plan approved
by David Skentelbery
PLANS to build a two storey care home in Lymm have been given the go-ahead by Town Hall planning chiefs - despite
objections from the parish council and 22 local residents.
Red Cott Farm on Booths Hill Road will now be levelled to make for the two-storey care home that will have 50 bedrooms
and a 15-space car park.
The parish council objected on the grounds the farm was in the greenbelt and its change of use was not appropriate.
Reasons of objection listed by the neighbours included inadequate parking provisions, a devaluation in the surrounding
properties and a lack of local demand for a care home.
The proposal received the green light however, because the bulk of new building will be on the "brownfield" site of
the farmhouse itself and the green belt part of the site will be used for landscaping and gardens.
In addition, there will be a significant distance between the home and the nearest dwelling.
Village appoints
new footpath warden
by James Parr
LYMM resident John Read has been appointed the village’s new footpath warden, following the death of former warden Alan Ball.
John, 65, from Woodland Avenue, takes over the position from Alan and will be responsible for ensuring all paths, rights of way and footways in the village are maintained as usable.
Retired civil servant John says he has “used every right of way in the village!” and has a wealth of knowledge of the best walking spots and trails.
He said: “I have really been doing it informally for many years.
“Councillor Shelia Woodyatt invited me to take up the warden position and I was delighted to do so. I will continue to walk around Lymm making sure the paths are all OK and if there are any issues to seek the best way to deal with them.”
John has already seen a lot of improvements to Lymm footpaths over the last few years, and he puts that down to a good working relationship with Warrington Borough Council.
“Warrington Borough Council is legally responsible for the paths and they are a good authority as far as that is concerned. Between the parish council and us, the borough council have to do things in the end.”
His main aim now is to make sure that all residents and visitors to Lymm are encouraged to take in some of the many walks that exist in Lymm.
He added: “I’m going to be encouraging people to walk more in Lymm because there are lots of lovely trails to take in. You don’t have to have to get in a car and drive miles to go for a nice walk when there are many right here.”
Anyone who does notice any problems with footpaths or right of ways can contact John on 01925 753 653.
Ann swims the
channel - after 60 years
by James Parr
LOCAL fundraiser Ann Wilson has always dreamed of swimming the channel, and now she is being given
the chance to do so without leaving the comfort of the Lymm Leisure Centre pool.
Since the age of seven, Ann has longed to complete the channel crossing and now 60 years later, she can fulfil
her dream in the name of charity.
Ann is embarking on the swim for Marie Curie Cancer Research to coincide with the charity's "Swimathon" in April.
Having personally been aftected by the disease, Ann underwent two operations and is extremely thankful for the care she
received.
"After undergoing two ops I felt it would be good to do something in return for the wonderful care I received.
"At the age of seven I wanted to swim the channel. At the age of 67 I have the chance, albeit in my local pool,"
she said.
Covering a total distance of 22 miles, Ann began her challenge in January and has to date already completed more
than a third of the journey.
Ann added: "To date I have raised in excess of £700 with more promised over the coming weeks. Friends and family
have been just so generous and I am very grateful."
There is still time to sponsor Ann before the Swimathon, which takes place between April 17 and 20, by contacting
her on 01925 757526 or emailing Wilson.peter@talk21.com
Duck race
raised £3,500
by James Parr
MORE than 2,500 local residents turned out in force to support the Lymm Duck Race, which raised more than £3,500 for local charities.
The three charities, to be decided at Lymm Rountable’s forthcoming AGM, will benefit from the money raised through donations from local businesses and monies raised on the day.
Winning duck on the day was number 577, closely followed by 159 and 134 respectively.
Lymm Roundtable's unique “mega duck” launching system proved an instant hit with the crowds who gathered by the Dingle.
The Roundtable issued thanks to Lymm Event Management and the parish council for their roles in closing the roads and making the day an overall success.
Anyone interested in getting involved with the Roundtable, including organising events such as the duck race, Dickensian Day and Bonfire Night, should contact Rik Wilson on 01925 751 683.
Pictured...the "mega duck" launcher in action.
Woodland flood inspires
new children's book
by staff reporter
A DISASTROUS flood which swept through woodlands in Warrington and then swamped a house nearly a mile away has helped inspire a new children's book.
Journalist David Skentelbery reported on the incident, several years ago and later realised it could be used in the book he had been kicking around in his mind for most of his life.
Now the book "Jumbles Wood" has been published and is on sale in Warrington and elsewhere. It's even available in America and online!
It all started with bedtime stories David used to tell his son, Gary - now editor of Warrington-Worldwide - when he was a small boy.
They nearly always involved the adventures of Gary's pet rabbit and his adventures with other animals when he went off wandering the countryside at night while the family was asleep.
During his working day, however, David was reporting on real-life dramas - mainly in the Warrington area.
He said: "Over the years I reported on fire, flood, storms and human conflict. I saw green fields disappear under housing estates, rivers diverted to allow development, woodlands wiped out and roads built cutting through other green areas - all in the name of progress.
"Fortunately I also witnessed an awakening to the fact that we can't go on. More and more people are pointing out that we only share the planet with the others - the animals and birds - and that we all need each other.
"I decided my book should look at the issue from the point of view of the animals and that it should be aimed at perhaps the most receptive audience - children. They, after all, have the future in their hands.
"I certainly wasn't thinking of global warming when I started telling Gary bedtime stories but it is quite appropriate the book should now be published when it is a topic on everyone's lips.
"'Jumbles Wood' is a work of fiction but I drew inspiration from actual incidents - like the flood in Helsdale Wood at Lymm - and others in different areas."
David's wife, Patricia, has illustrated the book, which also has a small dictionary explaining the meaning of words which younger children might not understand.
"Jumbles Wood" also has its own website - www.jumbleswood.com where children can learn more about the characters, see more pictures of them, send them emails and even get a reply.
Pictured...the author in Helsdale Wood, Lymm, which helped inspire the book.
Joe wants to make history
- with an independent party
by James Parr
LOCAL historian Joe Griffiths - who agreed to be co-opted on to Lymm Parish Council to fill a gap after four
councillors resigned - now wants to win the support of the electorate.
Joe - who was co-opted to serve temporarily until the May elections - is planning to stand as an Independent.
But he also wants to form a Lymm Independence Party to contest other seats on the council.
He said: "Hopefully, in five or 10 years, the Lymm Independence Party can be the biggest in Lymm - that's what I'm
ideally aiming for."
Joe has lived in Lymm all his life and believes the interests of the village should come before party politics on the
parish council.
He said: "I do not believe politics should come into it. The parish council should be for the benefit of the area -
not about scoring points between political parties.
"The trouble is when people are new to the area, they tend to vote for the party rather than the person and what they
can do for the Lymm area."
He believes many people will support him in his quest to eventually form an independent party that would put the needs
of the village first.
Joe added: "I've worked at the post office in Lymm and went to school here so I believe I know the area well and can put the needs of the village first. I've spoken to a number of people who have said they'd vote for me, so I just hope we get it off the ground."
New shops for
village centre
by David Skentelbery
A LONG-running planning battle over the future of a sensitive site in the middle of historic Lymm village has ended
with a partial victory for developers.
Plans for three new shops, with three apartments above them, have been given the go-ahead by a planning inspector.
They will be built on an elevated site overlooking the centuries old sandstone cross in the village centre after
a house at the junction of Pepper Street and Rectory Lane has been demolished.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt said: "This is obviously very disappointing, after all the time and effort we spent fighting
these proposals."
Two separate plans were submitted for the site - one for a three-storey development involving six flats over
three shops and one for a two-storey scheme involving only three flats.
Both were opposed by Lymm Parish Council and thrown out by Warrington Borough Council - and appeals were lodged.
The appeal inspector rejected the larger scheme on the grounds it was too large and out of character with the area.
But he has approved the smaller scheme.
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