PLANNING enforcement officers have been urged to keep close checks on a caravan park to ensure it 'abides' by rules agreed by councillors.

During Wednesday's development management committee meeting, Fury Developments Ltd's application to remove a condition attached to Holly Bank Caravan Park, on Warburton Bridge Road, was approved.

It had permitted the green belt site to only be used for touring caravans and not for use for permanent caravans, or for caravans staying for longer than 28 days.

However, the decision by the committee means that caravans will be able to stay on the land for 10 months in a year.

The site must not be occupied for two months in a year, with council officers and the applicant to 'negotiate' which two months it relates to.

Last month, the development management committee approved Fury Developments' proposals to retain the use of part of Holly Bank Caravan Park for siting touring caravan pitches.

The committee's decision allowed for the permanent retention of 21 touring caravans, associated infrastructure and landscaping.

An enforcement notice has previously served at the park, with the matter raised during Wednesday's meeting.

Cllr Bob Barr said: "What would the practical effect of removing the condition tonight be?

"We had a long discussion last time about impact of a decision on those residents who are there permanently and again we are talking about the same thing.

"If we allow this condition tonight are we simply condoning what is going on, or are we leading to some change on site?"

Cllr Joan Grime also raised the issue.

She said: “What kind of enforcement and inspection is going to be carried out?"

Cllr Tony McCarthy added: "Someone needs to be going to check that they are keeping records and abiding what is agreed to."

Council officers confirmed they would 'take up' the matter with the authority's planning enforcement team.

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A PAIR of brothers are preparing to mark a milestone birthday by racing through the Amazon rainforest for charity.

Ben North, from Bewsey, will be travelling to the Manu National Park, in Peru, to take part in the Jungle Ultra Marathon - a 230 kilometre race made up of five stages of jungle undergrowth, river crossings and mountain valleys, to mark his brother Danny's 40th birthday.

There they will be running the UNESCO world heritage site for a charity called State of Mind Sport, which works to promote positive mental health in sportsmen and women, fans and wider communities.

Since joining Warrington Running Club in 2013, Ben has become a mental health ambassador as part of a UK Athletics initiative #runandtalk.

He said: "It's about helping and supporting people from every walk of like to get out there, exercise and prove that the good chemicals can help you think more positively and clearly about things that might be troubling you.

"We put on regular sessions on a club night that aren't always focused around running, they are about having fun.

"Being an ambassador has opened my eyes to how many people actually suffer with a mental health problem.

"There is still a stigma surrounding mental health and we aim to remove it via #runandtalk.

"It is an open forum where members can let off steam, ask for advice on all topics from bereavement to relationship problems, and not be afraid to ask.

"Danny is a mental health nurse and works with Dr Phil Cooper MBE who I believe is one of the founders of State Of Mind.

"They have been great in letting us set up a justgiving page and are providing us with some T-shirts that we will be wearing during the jungle."

The 38-year-old decided to run an international race with his brother Danny, from Wigan, after missing out on being selected for the Berlin Marathon last year.

Both brothers entered the ballot to run the 26 mile race in September, but Ben was not selected when Danny was.

From there, the pair saw Danny's 40th birthday as a chance to complete the mammoth challenge together.

Ben said: "We hijacked the idea of doing it for Danny's 40th birthday, on March 26, as he wanted to do something memorable.

"Other people go out for a meal or have a party."

In the first three years of attending Warrington Running Club, Ben lost five stone in weight and has since gone on to complete a number of races, including half, full and ultra marathons.

He has also taken part in the Warrington Way 40 mile marathon for the past two years running, and will complete four marathons before he leaves for Peru in May.

Ben said he trains twice a week with the running club, and runs every weekend when he is not racing.

Jungle Ultra Marathon will take place from June 3 to 8.

Donations to State of Mind Sport can be made via Ben and Danny's JustGiving page at justgiving.org.uk

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THE full line-up has been revealed for this year’s Warrington Music Festival.

On Saturday, May 5, a host of emerging talent from the town and further afield will join headline act Fun Lovin’ Criminals.

The free, ticketless event will start at 1pm and continue into the evening.

New York band Fun Lovin’ Criminals’ main support will be Warrington’s The Winachi Tribe.

The electro funk collective recently shared a stage with Slydigs at Parr Hall to celebrate the fifth anniversary of grassroots platform Warrington Music [WAM]

They also went on a short tour of the West Coast of the United States for the first time in early March.

Other bands topping the bill are emerging act Fez, inspired by Arctic Monkeys and Catfish and the Bottlemen, alternative group Sly Antics, whose line-up includes former Lymm High student Chris Allen, psychedelic rockers Psyblings and recently reformed Warrington favourites The Ambersons.

Steve Oates said: “The addition of an established, headline artist to the music festival first happened in 2013 with Happy Mondays.

“Since then, the headline performance has taken place on different day to the emerging-talent event.

“This year is different in that we’ve brought everyone together on the same day, providing a great opportunity for new and emerging artists to share the same professional platform and reach audience numbers that wouldn’t be possible for them on their own.

“The bands performing this year have been selected from the very best musical talent from Warrington and across the region.

“Watching the festival grow and evolve over the past 11 years has been a real pleasure.”

Ian Cox is the director of Golden Square Shopping Centre which a became a partner of the not-for-profit festival in 2016,.

He added: “This year’s festival is completely free and there’s no need to get tickets.

“We advise people to get here early both to see and support the fantastic talent on stage throughout the day, as well as getting a good spot to take in Fun Lovin’ Criminals.

“Every year we like to shake up the format of the festival, taking feedback from previous years and improving it. This year – the festival’s 11th - we wanted to ensure all of the emerging talent gets the largest audience possible.

“Having them perform on the same stage, on the same day, as the international guests – Fun Lovin’ Criminals – is just one way for us to do this.

Warrington Music Festival line-up

• Fun Lovin' Criminals
• The Winachi Tribe
• Fez
• Sly Antics
• Psyblings
• The Ambersons
• The Zangwills
• Harlee
• Floral Scene
• Kula Bay
• Hanover
• Serratone
• Phase 3
• Michigan
• Evilla
• Kerry Sheree

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THE mystery of a bicycle which has been chained to a lamppost in Penketh for more than six months is still unsolved.

The purple bike still has its bell, wheels and paintwork intact but the owner has not claimed the bike back.

It is still chained to a lamppost behind McColl's supermarket on Widnes Road, Penketh.

Do you know the owner of why it has been left there?

If so email Penketh reporter Isobel Cotogni via [email protected].

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A WARRINGTON hospital worker will be taking part in this year's London Marathon to raise funds for a charity close to his heart.

Ahead of the 26 mile race on April 22, Paul Redmond, who works for the cardiology department at Warrington Hospital, is raising money for Guide Dogs UK – an organisation that supports people across the UK who are registered blind and partially blind.

The 52-year-old is supporting the charity after he witnessed first-hand the help a guide dog offers to those in need.

Paul said: "My sister is registered blind and has a guide dog which has helped her immensely over the past traumatic year.

"She underwent a triple bypass after suffering a heart attack.

"Her guide dog Asher was there right by her side and has helped her through the last year of rehabilitation after such a big operation."

Paul, from Bewsey, said the guide dog was a 'companion' for his sister throughout her recovery, when little support was available.

Now he wants to raise vital funds for the charity to help give more people a new 'lease of life.'

On his decision to run the Virgin Money London Marathon, Paul said: "I've done the London Marathon before and my sister was able to support me there when she was well enough.

"It is a good atmosphere and a great day out.

"You are not under any pressure to do well – I just find the whole thing enjoyable."

Paul, who has finished 10 full marathons, and a number of smaller races, completed the Virgin Money London Marathon in 2012.

He was due to take part again last year, but postponed his place due to his sister's illness.

He has also taken part in cycling events, and has been training for the past 12 weeks in preparation for the race.

Paul said: "My other sister Pauline has also been through a traumatic two years after suffering from breast cancer so these have been tough times for both of them.

"Although I am running for Guide Dogs UK, I am also planning some cycling events in support of breast cancer during May."

Donations can be made via Paul's JustGiving page at justgiving.com

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POWERS to tackle illegal traveller camps are being reviewed after nearly 4,000 caravans were found on unauthorised sites.

Housing minister Dominic Raab insisted most travellers were 'decent and law-abiding' people but said the Government was 'particularly concerned' about sites that broke the law.

Around 3,700 caravans, 16% of the total, were on unauthorised sites, according to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

It said they could cause significant distress for local communities with concerns raised about fly-tipping and noise.

Living on unauthorised sites could harm travellers' health and education, the department added.

Mr Raab said: "The vast majority of the travelling community are decent and law-abiding people.

"But we are particularly concerned about illegal traveller encampments, and some of the anti-social behaviour they can give rise to.

"We must promote a tolerant society and make sure there are legal sites available for travellers, but equally the rule of law must be applied to everyone."

Plans for a review were first announced in October in Parliament.

The consultation, which will run until June 15, will look at what more can be done to allow local authorities, the police and landowners to deal with unauthorised sites and developments.

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A PHOTOGRAPHER had a lucky day when his raffle ticket was drawn at the LifeTime Easter Raffle.

Andy Glover, a member of the LifeTime Camera Club, was presented with with his prize of Easter goodies by Amy Chapman, LifeTime apprentice, surrounded by his fellow Camera Club members.

The group, which meets every Thursday afternoon, is part of the not-for-profit organisation LifeTime, which continues to work on increasing social inclusion for people over 50 in Warrington.

LifeTime offers age-relevant advice, training, social events and introduces those in need to health-related information and support.

Across Warrington there are more than 60 groups and events to get involved with every week, including the camera club and community choir.

All proceeds from the Easter raffle will go towards continuing LifeTime's work in Warrington.

For more information visit the LifeTime Cafe in The Gateway, Sankey Street or visit lifetimegateway.org.uk.

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THE town’s rugby league community has rallied in support of a junior player who has been diagnosed with cancer.

King’s Leadership Academy pupil Callum Stone was diagnosed with bone cancer last month, only a year after he suffered a serious leg break following a horrific accident in training for Woolston Rovers.

But following the latest devastating diagnosis, the rugby league community has rallied to support under 15s player Callum.

A crowdfunding page set up to support his family has already raised more than £8,000 – including a £5,000 donation from Warrington Wolves chairman Stuart Middleton and the club’s board of directors.

Callum’s rugby coach Paul Mason, who set up the fundraising campaign, said: “I have the pleasure of coaching Callum and 17 other fine young men who play for Woolston Rovers under 15s.

“Unfortunately Callum had a very serious leg break approximately a year ago and has had multiple surgeries since, with various setbacks along the way.

“Further to this, he has now been diagnosed with bone cancer and faces a long battle to recovery.

“The fund is to support him and his family and reduce the financial stress that will be caused as a result of having to take time off work to take him for treatments.

“The target was originally set at £10,000, and within less than 24 hours we were already at 90 per cent of that thanks to the amazing generosity of so many people – including an unbelievable £5,000 donation from Stuart Middleton and the Warrington Wolves board of directors.

“We have now amended the target to £15,000 to ensure the maximum help is given and that there is no financial burden on his family.”

Avid Warrington Wolves fan Callum was invited into the Halliwell Jones Stadium dressing room to meet his heroes following the Wire’s derby win over Widnes Vikings on Good Friday.

And club director Mike Lomax has donated two corporate hospitality tickets for Warrington’s Super League game against Hull FC on Friday, May 25, for an auction in aid of the youngster.

Meanwhile, a charitable boxing match will be held at Hook and Jab Boxing Club, based off Wilderspool Causeway, from 12.30pm on Sunday, April 29, with a minimum £5 donation for entry.

Members of the school community are also gearing up to run the Greater Manchester Marathon for Callum this weekend.

Dave Whalley from Woolston Rovers added: “It is devastating news for Callum and his family, but as a club we will do everything we can to provide support for them as he starts his treatment.

“It is a great idea from Paul to set up this crowdfunding page, and it shows how much the rugby league community comes together with the staggering amount that was pledged in less than 24 hours of it going live.

“All of the junior section and open age will be fully supportive of any fundraising activities that will take place over the coming weeks and months.

“We wish Callum a full and speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him down at the club cheering on his teammates.”

To donate click here, or to bid for the hospitality tickets message Mike Lomax on Twitter.

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THE Volkswagen Golf tops the list of most frequently stolen cars in Warrington.

The top 10 cars that caught the eye of opportunistic thieves in the town in 2017 have been revealed following a Freedom of Information request submitted by the Warrington Guardian. 

Over a 12-month period 130 cars were reported as stolen in Warrington – an average of more than two a week.

The Volkswagen Golf proved most popular with thieves and, following the news, a spokesman for the car manufacturer outlined how the company is always striving to include the latest technology in the design to deter criminals.

He added: “Volkswagen’s electronic and mechanical security measures are always state-of-the-art technology, and Volkswagen also offers innovative technologies in this field that are constantly being developed.”

Also listed in the top 10 most frequently stolen cars was the  Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa, Audi A4, Mercedes, Vauxhall Astra, BMW, BMW Mini, Ford Focus and Land Rover Defender.

But while the number of cars being stolen across the UK has soared by 30 per cent in the past three years as criminals work out ways to override sophisticated security measures, this is not the case for Warrington.

Last year there was a drop in the number of cars that were reported as stolen in Warrington.

While there were 130 car theft reports in 2017, this compares to 146 in 2016, 136 in 2015, 150 in 2014 and 136 in 2013.

Victims of car crime have been urged to report a stolen vehicle immediately to police.

The officer in charge of the case will notify the DVLA of the details of the theft and any recovery of the vehicle on the driver’s behalf.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police added: “Stealing cars and other vehicles has become a way of life for some criminals. 

“Those involved in organised vehicle crime do so to profit from re-selling stolen vehicles.

“But stolen vehicles can be used in other types of crime, for example during armed robberies while the sale of stolen vehicles and parts can be used to fund other types of crime.

“Leaving personal items in a parked car makes it more attractive to criminals. Most vehicle crime is opportunistic and therefore preventable.”

Members of the public are urged to be vigilant as the offenders are stealing keys from the home or using keyless technology to steal the vehicle.

The force has also revealed top tips to help drivers protect their cars and deter potential thieves.

For top tips on how to prevent car thefts click here. 

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NO restaurants have signed up to the council's flagship town centre regeneration scheme – but the sector remains 'very keen' on the project.

The Time Square masterplan, which commenced in 2015, has been earmarked for completion next year.

It will feature a Cineworld multiplex cinema, permanent market hall, council offices and a public square – and is planned to attract a number of restaurants.

The anticipated £107 million project cost has increased but council chiefs insist it remains 'deliverable'.

During last Tuesday's supporting the local economy policy committee meeting, Cllr Bob Barr, leader of the town's Liberal Democrats, said it has 'enormous potential'.

But concerns were raised over the fact that a restaurant is yet to sign up to Time Square, which is being developed by Warrington & Co, on behalf of the council, with development partner Muse.

However, Steve Park, managing director of Warrington & Co, insists it remains 'on plan'.

He said: "I think the restaurant sector is still very keen on the scheme.

"Restaurant groups have overstretched themselves in the last two to three years.

"The feedback is that good schemes will still attract restaurants.

"They will not sign up until it is 12 months away from opening.

"I think if we were 12 months from opening then I would be concerned but we are nearly two years away from opening.

"They want to be next to strong anchors, like the cinema, which we have got, and a car park and a good, quality public realm.

"This is the kind of scheme restaurant operators want to be part of – it is a strong scheme.

"By end of this year, I expect heads to have turned with several operators.

"The scheme itself is strong.

"There are restaurants that will sign up with us today but that's not the point – we need to maintain high standards.

"We don't want to panic."

Cllr Tom Jennings believes 'the big challenge is to keep people in Warrington'.

He asked: "Are you looking at picking carefully, in terms of who we reach out to?"

Mr Park told Cllr Jennings that 'the door is not closed to any restaurant operator of any size, or any chain'.

Warrington & Co is also working alongside marketing firm Ava, which will be 'pitching schemes' to potential operators.

On completion, the authority is confident that Time Square will bring in 'significant income'.

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