December 2011 www.frodshamlife.co.uk 1 2 www.frodshamlife.co.uk December 2011

Editor Gary Skentelbery Production Paul Walker Business Manager Editor’s Comment James Balme THE public inquiry into the proposed Frodsham Wind Farm is effects of noise, "Ticker" and other well under way, and objectors and supporters have already problems. Local wildlife may be Advertising started to make their representations. disrupted. The list goes on. Freephone OfScially, people who did not The arguments against the wind But perhaps the most potent 0800 955 5247 register their intention to speak at the farm have been well rehearsed in argument against the development is hearing, have missed the boat but we these columns and they remain as a general one. Britain is getting less Editorial windy. Last year was the least windy, would urge anyone in that position to valid as ever. We live, work or have 01925 631592 by at least one authoritative measure, go anyway. A big presence in the our being in an area of great natural public gallery will show the inspector since 1824. Between October 2009 Email beauty which is vital to the local and September last year, wind [email protected] something of the strength of local economy. Frodsham has been turbines in the UK achieved only 23.6 feeling - and it is not unknown for described as a "walking town" per cent of their generating capacity Websites inquiry inspectors to bend the rules attracting people from far aSeld who - the lowest Sgure since these records www.frodshamlife.co.uk and allow latecomers to have their wish to explore the Sandstone Ridge, started in 2002-3. www.culchethlife.com say. the local hillforts, etc. These people During last winter's cold snap, the www.lymmlife.co.uk will be less inclined to visit, or to climb wind turbine industry generated www.warrington- Frodsham Hill or Helsby Hill if their virtually no power at all - at a time worldwide.co.uk reward is to be a view blighted by when it was most needed. Pink and Tuffy 19 giant wind turbines. Going ahead with a wind farm on Address Some of the local population live Frodsham Marshes, which is hardly New Media Centre night raised £492 close enough to the site of the the windiest corner, could result in a Old Road Warrington proposed wind farm to suffer the colossal white elephant. WA4 1AT A "PINK and Fluffy" cabaret night in Frodsham raised £492 for the Breast Frodsham Life is published Cancer Awareness charity. monthly by Orbit News Ltd. Guests at the event at the Best Western Forest Hills Hotel entered into The contents of this magazine the spirit of things, dressing to impress are fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted in pink. or reproduced without prior RafTe prizes were donated by permission of the publishers. local companies and leisure club The publishers are not liable for members. any statement made or opinion Sales manager Helen Davenport expressed by third parties in this said: "The donations from local publication. companies were overwhelming. We Printed by TwentyFourSeven had some superb prizes donated and would like to thank everyone who helped." December 2011 www.frodshamlife.co.uk 3 £7 million health centre now open FRODSHAM'S £7 million new Princeway Health Centre is now Surgery and Frodsham Medical Chester, Runcorn or Warrington are open. Practice - the new name for the old now available at Princeway. speech and language therapists, Rock Surgery - will continue to The new, state-of-the-art centre, built operate as separate practices. The development has been funded on the site of the former Frodsham primary care mental health services, by Western Cheshire Primary Care physiotherapy, podiatry and falls Many services which could be only High School, houses the town's two used by travelling to hospitals in GP surgeries and a wide range of classes will all operate from the new Trust. other health and community care centre. services previously provided by the The centre opened with a unique Rock Clinic, the Knoll Medical ceremony - with local family doctors Practice and Helsby Health Centre. marching into the building to the District nurses, health visitors, strains of a Scottish piper. school nurses, community matrons, The two GP practices - The Knoll

‘Awake the Harp’ A CONCERT entitled "Awake the Harp" presented by Frodsham and District Choral Society, will feature selections from Bach, Vaughan Williams, Finzi and Britten. The choir will be accompanied by renowned Welsh harpist Rhian Evans, who has appeared alongside Dame Kiri te Kanawa and Sting as well as performing for the Queen. The concert is at St Laurence's Church, Frodsham on Saturday December 17 and starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £9 and £7 and are available from Frodsham Frames. Alternatively, contact Rob Rowe on 01928 733247 or Kath Stockdale on 01928 733377.

Libraries extend opening hours LIBRARY users in Frodsham and Helsby can now bene@t from extended opening hours. Frodsham Library, which previous was closed until 2pm on Mondays, is now open in the morning as well. Helsby Library, which previously closed at 5pm on Wednesdays, now stays open until 7pm. Cllr Stuart Parker, Cheshire West and Chester Council's executive member for culture and recreation said: "Libraries are a key element in delivering local services and we look forward to welcoming more readers due to the extended hours." 4 www.frodshamlife.co.uk December 2011 Community caretakers will keep estates clean

A TEAM of caretakers is working hard to keep parts of clearing grafSti the caretakers will "I also hope the new look of our Frodsham clean and tidy. also carry out minor repairs and bi- team will help achieve stronger Weaver Vale Housing Trust has re- The Trust has also added a new monthly inspections of the Trust's relationships with our partners launched its community caretaker member to the team and three new communal Tats. including Cheshire West and Chester service to keep neighbourhoods vehicles. They will inspect playgrounds Council, our grounds maintenance cleaner, greener and safer after Paul Bayliss, 36, joins Dave every week, carry out horticultural contractor, Community Safety feedback from a customer survey Skilling, Mike Lapniewski and work, take part in neighbourhood Wardens, and local Police highlighted the environment as an Graham Oaks. strolls and report all incidents that Community Support OfScers." important concern. He said: "I enjoy working outdoors affect the appearance and safety of Karen Sinclair, environment and meeting people in the local the neighbourhood. Community caretakers Dave Skilling, The team also has special cards to Mike Lapniewski, Paul Bayliss development team leader for the Trust community and am looking forward and Graham Oakes. said: "Our caretakers previously to my new role with the Trust." post to customers to make them worked as one responsive unit in a The Trust has invested in new aware of the work they have tipper wagon but now each caretaker vehicles and tools to enable the team done and to gain customer will have his own vehicle and be to work to improve standards in our feedback. assigned speciSc neighbourhoods to neighbourhoods. Judith Burbidge, neighbour- look after." As well as daily litter picking and hood manager for the Trust said: "Alongside the practical work of keeping our estates tidy our community caretakers will also be ambassadors for the Trust that people will be conSdent in reporting any issues with their local environment to.

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For more information Tel/Fax: 01928 733151 www.frodshambusinesscentre.co.uk December 2011 www.frodshamlife.co.uk 5 Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates FRODSHAM Panto Group's 37th production, "Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates" is an entertaining romp through and far beyond Daniel Defoe's classic. It opens at Frodsham Community Centre on Sunday, January 8 and continues until the following Sunday. Robinson has a brother, Willy and the original story is further augmented by a string of other characters including the infamous pirate Blackbeard, a female pirate known as the Crimson Hawk, Captain Bowsprit and his daughter Bessie and Polly, the barmaid from the Sea Dog Inn. Crusoe is still the central character and Man Friday is retained in this colourful adaptation by Paul Reakes. There's plenty of action, plenty of laughs, a treasure map and lots of excitement which, presumably, there wouldn't have been if it had just been about Crusoe and Friday on a desert island! Booking forms are available from Frodsham Community Centre, Frodsham Library, Halton Lea Library, Halton Information Centre and from the website www.frod shampanto.org More details are available from 01928 722948. 6 www.frodshamlife.co.uk December 2011 ‘Smelly’ pig farm set to close A PIG unit which has drawn complaints about smells for 20-30 years looks set to close. But the future of the site at Dig Lane Farm, Frodsham will depend on planners. Landowner Sam Williams wants to re-develop the two acre site for woodland and housing - but the site is in the Green Belt. Mr Williams attended a meeting of Frodsham Town Council to outline his proposals prior to making a formal planning application. He told members the pig unit had been run by a tenant farmer in recent years but he was not renewing the lease. There had always been complaints from nearby residents about the smells and he had always tried to alleviate the problem. "But is not easy to run a pig unit without a smell," he said. "I would like to use this opportunity to cease pig production on the site." Half the site would be retained as open space, preferably woodland. The rest would be used for housing - two affordable homes and Sve, four-bedroomed detached houses to be sold a market value. "The plan is at a very early stage but I would like the views of the Town Council before I make a planning application. I would like to know if there is anything you would like us to do." Cllr Graham Bondi said on the face of things it sounded a "great idea." But he thought the council would need a formal application. The Mayor, Cllr Andrew Dawson, said the council could consider the proposals informally and perhaps give an opinion prior to an application being made to Cheshire West and Chester. ‘Real time’ info arrives on all platforms "REAL Time" information systems have been installed on Frodsham and Helsby railway stations. Rail travellers can use the audio-visual display screens to Snd out the time of the next train - and whether it is running a few minutes late. The system has been installed by Arriva Trains following a campaign by the North Cheshire Rail Users Group, who discovered that Frodsham and Helsby were the only stations on the line not to have the equipment. Units have been installed on all four platforms at Helsby and both platforms at Frodsham. Users group spokesman Cllr Frank Thomas said: "Having audio visual systems is a bonus for the blind or visually impaired because the machines speak to you. What's more, they are not like those old station loudspeaker systems where you couldn't tell a word they were saying. They are very clear indeed." December 2011 www.frodshamlife.co.uk 7 ‘Police not giving value for money’ says councillor

THE people of Frodsham are not getting value for their money beat. to an emergency he could not stop from the police, according to a councillor. "This gives people conSdence, because of a taxi driver who had not Cllr Frank Pennington delivered an are not seeing the police walking night in, night out. Things have got to parked properly. outspoken attack on the police at the about enough. be changed." monthly meeting of the Town Council. "They want police ofScers or Cllr Pennington was particularly Linked He said: "The public where I live PCSOs to be seen outside on the angry about taxi drivers causing He said PCSO Kay Swindlehurst - obstruction and performing U-turns in who is part funded by the Town High Street. Council - spent 85-90 per cent of her He had repeatedly complained to time in Frodsham. But she was not on the police about this, but nothing was duty 24 hours a day and sometimes done. when she went outside the town it Cheshire’s top performing school was to deal with something linked to Ignoring Frodsham. CHESTER'S King's School has been named as the top performing school She spent much of her time on foot in Cheshire for A Level and GCSE and was placed second in the North Police cars had been seen driving West for A Levels and third for GCSE. passed and ignoring offences being patrol, but also had work to do in the But add to this, the outstanding teaching staff and the unique learning committed by taxi drivers. police station. environment and the result is an unbeatable combination to inspire and "I don't think the people of The Mayor, Cllr Andrew Dawson stretch young minds. Frodsham are getting a fair whack said he believed the police, and A school spokesman said: "King's never stands still. New from the police,” he said PCSO Swindlehurst in particular, did developments this year include: a new curriculum and extension of Sgt Mark Tate said the police could a fantastic job. But the council international GCSEs, over 35 academic enrichment subjects such as not be everywhere at once. He had wanted to have more inTuence on Italian and Electronics, a new theatre and junior adventure playground been to the taxi rank to speak to what they did. and more than 120 clubs and activities." drivers three times. Drivers had been It was agreed police would meet The senior school caters for children aged 11-18 while the Junior warned and tickets had been issued. Cllr Pennington to discuss outstanding School offers an inspiring education within a separate, self-contained But if a police ofScer was driving issues further. school. Here, boys and girls aged 7-11 can Tourish and become, as the last inspection described them "happy learners". Overlaid on strong academic foundations, the curriculum offers excellent drama, music, sport and a whole host of other activities in small classes. The spokesman added: "Our students are phenomenally successful, with virtually all going to university – 12 Oxbridge offers last year and with over 86 per cent of leavers going to study at one of "The Times Top 30" universities. Financial considerations should not deter parents from visiting the school, as Snancial help is available for Senior School, dependent on parental income. Taster days can be arranged for children so that parents can see for themselves what makes King's unique. 8 www.frodshamlife.co.uk December 2011 Frodsham Christmas Festival Big Brother star lights up Frodsham BIG Brother star Craig Phillips Queen - an illuminated fairytale was on hand to help light up setting for a magical night time stroll Frodsham at the annual in the park. Christmas Festival. Cllr Dawson said: "I'd like to thank Craig, who won the Srst series of everyone who made this wonderful the cult TV show helped switch on the event possible, from our sponsors Christmas lights as thousands of such as O2 and Essar, to the local people Tocked into the area for the businesses and traders, the market two day event. stall holders, the entertainers and to He was joined by the Mayor of Love Frodsham who have all put in Frodsham, Cllr Andrew Dawson and tremendous efforts. local MP Graham Evans at the lights "Thanks also go to both Cheshire switch on which was followed by West and Chester Council and Sreworks plus the Lantern Parade with Frodsham Town Council. Without Santa and his reindeer. everyone working together we Other attractions included an wouldn't have such a fantastic event antiques and collectables fair at that really marks the start of the festive Castle Park and the Frodsham Festival season in Frodsham. Food and Craft Fayre located at the "I'd also like to mention Keith Station Car Park off Church Street, Darlington, our local electrician who which included Santa's Grotto. tirelessly, year after year looks after Local schools and dance classes the town's Christmas lights. It is Keith, joined in the fun while Les Harris with his men that works so very hard Town councillor - said: "This year Christmas Festival marked the launch Jewellers hosted live jazz with in putting them up, taking them down we've given a little bit of extra of this exciting initiative." complimentary Buck's Fizz and mince and replacing any blown bulbs. Christmas cheer to the older Meanwhile Sponsors of the pies. Many people don't realise that the generation. Frodsham Town Council Frodsham Festival "Think Big with O2" The Friday parade was followed wonderful Christmas lights in has been handing out £5 vouchers to are looking for 13-25 year olds who on the Saturday by a Christmas Frodsham belong to the Town its over 70s to spend in local want to make a difference to their Market at Lady Heyes and another Council and that they are looked after businesses, or with local groups or to community, by starting a new project; free Enchanted Park event at Castle locally." donate to local charities to help them further information is available at Park - Cheshire West and Chester get into the Christmas spirit. The www.02thinkbig.co.uk This year the theme was the Snow councillor Lynn Riley - also a Frodsham

Top: Big Brother star Craig Philips switches on the Frodsham Christmas Lights.

Middle: Father Christmas with some children.

Below: Weaver Vale Primary School

For more pictures visit www.frodshamlife.co.uk December 2011 www.frodshamlife.co.uk 9 The Frodsham Bee Mayor’s Christmas message “I’d like to thank everyone who made The exactly what we wanted to Christmas Festival possible again this year – from achieve – more people benefiting, our sponsors such as O2 and Essar, to the local much greater choice, celebrating businesses and traders and to Love Frodsham who Christmas nearer to Christmas have all put in tremendous efforts. I also have to Day and ensuring that the money thank the market stall holders, the entertainers and being spent stays within or near to Merry both Cheshire West and Chester Council and Frodsham. Whilst we’ve not Frodsham Town Council. Without everyone decided whether or not to re-run the working together we wouldn’t have such a voucher scheme next year yet – if we Christmas! fantastic event that really marks the start of the do - I hope everyone eligible applies and that we festive season in Frodsham. increase the number of businesses and clubs and societies who will accept the vouchers and lay on from all at This year we’ve given a little bit of extra events for our older folk. Do make sure you tell us Christmas cheer to the older generation. whether you think the voucher scheme has been Frodsham Town Council Frodsham Town Council has been handing out £5 successful. vouchers to over 70s to spend in local businesses, Wind Farm Local Inquiry or with local groups or to donate to local charities Stay in touch with what is happening at the Town to help them get into the Christmas spirit. I’m Council through the Frodsham Bee, our web site The Local Inquiry at the Holiday Inn Wood delighted that more than 700 people have claimed and on Twitter.” Lane Beechwood Runcorn is now underway. the vouchers and that we’ve more than 30 local It lasts for 16 days over the next few weeks business and charities agreeing to accept them. It Councillor Andrew Dawson, Mayor of with the last day scheduled for 22 December. is wonderful that local clubs and societies are Frodsham The Mayor of Frodsham, Councillor Andrew laying on events for our older folk too. This is Dawson, is representing the Town Council and will be appearing on the morning of Wednesday 14 December. On the same day the Over 70s Voucher Scheme Inquiry will hear from Cllr Lynn Riley, Vouchers are being accepted by the following:- Graham Evans, MP and Sarah Temple from Bear’s Paw, Main Street Les Harris Jewellers, Main Street Helsby Parish Council. Blondies, Ashton Drive Mace, St Hilda’s Drive Bloomsbury’s, Main Street Merricks Hair Studio, Main Street Coffee & Cakes, Eddisbury Overton Village Store, Hillside Road Town Clerk Vacancy Square Paws & Claws, Main Street The Town Council has a vacancy for a Town Crabapple Crafts, Lady Hayes Sterling Dry Cleaners, Church Street Clerk. The present Clerk is leaving to take up Cowards Main Street Top Marks, Langdale Way another post in Nantwich. A formal Devonshire Bakery, High Street Top Shop, Langdale Way advertisement together with a job description DRB Jewellers, Church Street Traveller's Rest, Kingsley Road will appear shortly. Contact 01928 735233 for Frodsham Country Market Frodsham Community Association further details. Frodsham Foot Clinic, Main Street 4th Frodsham Scouts Frodsham Frames, Main Street Frodsham Junior Football Club Frodsham Post Office, Main Street Frodsham Youth Association Gates Garage, Bridge Lane Halton Haven FRODSHAM TOW Gleaves Garden Centre Will to Work Workshop COUCIL H E Coward, Main Street St Laurence Church Restoration TOWN MAYOR: Cllr A W Dawson Hales Fruit & Veg, Church Street Fund DEPUTY MAYOR: Cllr R Shearn Look out for the poster in shop and pub windows. If you want to use your voucher as a donation to a local group or society, check first that they have ORTH WARD registered with the Town Council. Frank R Pennington 07752 297 188 Rita Shearn 01928 732906 Volunteers for Winter Gritting Scheme Pammi Taylor 01928 731932 Thank you to those volunteers that have already put your names forward – we are still looking for Allen Wales 01928 732115 people who live on or near SOUTH WARD Arran Drive / Elm Rise Carol Davis 07944 170 257 Overton Drive Lynn Riley 07800 869 350 Green Acres / Bellemonte Road Fran Sutton 07842 296 114 Churchfield Road / Froda Avenue Keswick Drive Sara Wakefield 07737 684 436 London Road / Whitehall Place EAST WARD Graham Bondi 01928 735503 Contact the Town Council office on 01928 735150 or [email protected] to register as a volunteer or for more information. Linda Brown 07984 043 058 Andrew Dawson 07970 635 629 Ruth Redhead 01928 735800 Budget Consultation 2012/13 Mark Warren 07979 513 205 In January the Town Council will be agreeing its budget for next year and setting the precept. This is the money paid by residents of Frodsham in addition to the Council tax levied by Cheshire West and WEST WARD Chester Borough, the Police and Fire Service and pays for the services and activities provided by the Darren Kelly 07961 910 369 Town Council. Kyle McGregor 07719 978 103 There is still time to influence the spending plans and budget. If you have any views on the priorities John Nield 01928 731386 for the Town Council please let us know. The Localism Bill has now received Royal Assent and this TOW CLERK extends the powers of local councils, allowing Frodsham Town Council to undertake more than before. Ian Hope 01928 735150 To contact your Town councillor by e-mail please use Councillors want to know what you think should be the priorities for next year. Should the Town Council [email protected] and we will forward your take on responsibility for more local services? Are there activities we shouldn’t be spending money message. on? Would you like to see money spent on other facilities or events? Please let us know your views. 10 www.frodshamlife.co.uk December 2011 Medals Reader’s galore Letters Please send your correspondence to: for Frodsham Life, New Media Centre, Old Road, Lucy Warrington HELSBY High School's WA4 1AT swim ming sensation, or email: [email protected] Lucy Doherty, has won a chance to qualify for next year's Olympic Ghastly wind farm Games after collecting Paul Nuttall, four gold medals and North West UKIP MEP one silver at a top gala in Sunderland. If Peel Energy representative Vincent Fraser QC The 15-year-old won her is so concerned about energy security, why on medals in competition with earth is he pressing for the construction of 19 leading swimmers of the likes ghastly wind turbines on Frodsham Marshes of Olympic star Hannah which will rely purely on something as Miley unpredictable as mother nature? Her gold medals came in If the wind stops blowing, none of those the 50m freestyle, the 50m turbines will produce even a single kilowatt of backstroke, the 100m electricity. There is no way of accurately backstroke and the 200m predicting the certainty of wind speed to an freestyle and her times were extent that you can shut down a conventional fast enough for her to go coal Sred power station. I would hardly call through to the Olympic that energy security. qualiSers in London. Surely energy security is not just about where your energy comes from, but also to what Personal best extent you have instant access to it. On a frosty day with little breeze, access to wind power In the 50m backstroke she will be far from instant. achieved a personal best time These wind farms will beneSt no-one in of 31.21 seconds, coming in Cheshire and will serve only to be a costly third of 65 swimmers distraction from other cheaper, more reliable In the 100m backstroke, forms of fuel. her time of 1 minute 5.6 seconds put her third out of 109 and was just two seconds off the 22-year-old Many celebrations Miley's time. Mrs Judith Shaw Lucy trains for more than 20 hours a week and has I read with interest your article on Vera recently moved to the City of Butterick's 100th birthday. Liverpool Swimming Club Over the years, Meadow Court has seen a where number two in the number of celebrations. To my limited world Fran Halsall trained. knowledge, there have been two weddings, Prior to her latest successes, namely Mr Ted Bickerstaff to Mrs (Annie?) Price Lucy was seen as a deSnite and my father-in-law. Mr Bill Shore to Mrs Betty prospect for the 2016 Rimmer. Olympics, but now she has a Mr and Mrs Robert Kennedy celebrated their chance next year. Golden Wedding Anniversary. Mr and Mrs Moult, their Diamond Wedding Anniversary. Mrs Yates celebrated her 90th birthday. In 1971, we arranged for three coaches of pensioners from both Meadow Court and Three reasons to celebrate surrounding bungalows to enjoy the pantomime FRODSHAM'S Les Harris Jewellers has three reasons to celebrate this month - 42-years in business in the town, at the Liverpool Empire, to see Norman daughter Nikki becoming a partner in the Srm and, of course, Christmas. Wisdom in Aladdin. For three consecutive Customers can join in the celebrations too at a Dower and Hall designer jewellery event on Monday, summers, with excellent service from Yates December 5. coaches, an afternoon out was arranged for Special offers include a free Dower and Hall "dosh" gift coin for every £100 spent on Dower and Hall the tenants of Meadow Court. The tenants jewellery, as well as collectable Dower and Hall silver-plated Christmas tree decorations, free with every purchase. thoroughly enjoyed a trip round Cheshire's To add to the celebration, bucks Szz and cup cakes are also available. byways, seeing villages not seen for some Les Harris Jewellers is one of the longest-standing businesses in Frodsham, based in a 350-year-old cottage years. One tenant in particular, Miss Riley, had on Main Street. not been on a coach for many years, her Nikki joins the family business after completing an university education and spending 10 years in sales. mobility being somewhat limited. I can see She said "I am eager to promote the business and ensure its continuing success for generations to come". now the absolute pleasure and excitement on this lady's face. One person I feel warrants a mention (really, there are so many people who also warrant mentioning) is Miss Ruth Potter, a delightful Health Visitor, who, tragically died at a young Council clerk gets her own ofSce age. It was Miss Potter after whom the Ruth Potter Club was named. HELSBY Parish Council clerk Jeanette Hughes now has her own ofSce - instead of having to work from Built by Drury builders as part of the "Ship home. Street Estate", Meadow Court was ofScially The council has taken space in Oakmere House, in Chester Road. opened in September 1971 by Mr Albert Mrs Hughes has worked from home ever since becoming clerk of the council, more than seven years Lowe, chairman of Runcorn Rural District ago. Council. She is now based at the new ofSce from 9am to 2pm, Monday to Thursday - although her telephone My husband and I were the Srst wardens at number remains unchanged on 01928 726433. Meadow Court. We departed in 1976. To The council's address is now Suite 1, Oakmere House, Chester Road, Helsby, WA6 0DJ. have played a part in the history of Meadow However, the move may only be short term. Eventually the council hopes to get ofSce space in the re- Court is something I treasure. We moved from developed Helsby Sport and Social Club, which will also have a meeting room. Meadow Court to Park Lane, myself, Barry, At present the council continues to meet at the library. Sandra and Anita. In 2006, Barry, Anita and myself, moved to mid Wales. December 2011 www.frodshamlife.co.uk 11 12 www.frodshamlife.co.uk Decemberthe Pink 2011 December 2011 www.frodshamlife.co.uk 13 Santa has his route planned out

BUSY Santa has his route all planned out in the Frodsham area and is covering Helsby, Kingsley, Sutton Weaver and Frodsham during December. Members of the Round Table, supported by the Ladies Circle and Rotary groups will be donning their pixie hats and accompanying Father Christmas on his sleigh. Each year more than £4,000 is raised from the Santa Sleigh ride collections, the majority of which is donated to local causes. There are also collections in Frodsham town centre and local supermarkets. Santa’s route is as follows: Sunday Dec 4: Frodsham: Bradley Lane, Spring bourne, Royleene Drive, Vicarage Lane, Bracken Way, Kingsley Green, Top Road. Monday Dec 5: Helsby: Plovers La, Bates La, Landscape Dene, Foxhill Grove, Old Chester Rd, Portland Place, Hale View Rd. Tuesday Dec 6: Frodsham: School Lane, Bellemonte, Hillside Rd, Arran Drive. Wednesday Dec 7: Helsby: Primrose La, Latham Ave, Meliden Grove, Linden Drive, Hillview Ave, Rydal Grove. Thursday Dec 8: Frodsham: Quayside, Bridge La, Ellis La, Pear Tree Close, Francis Rd, Weaver Rd, Weaver Crescent, Coronation Drive, St Hildas, Hayes Crescent. Friday Dec 9: Helsby: Queens Drive, Kings Drive, Mountain View, ParkSeld Drive, Lower Robin Hood La, Freshmeadow La. Sunday Dec 11: Frodsham: Ship St, Waterside, Hawthorn Rd, Salt Works, Ashton Drive, Clifton Crescent, Marsh La. Monday Dec 12: Frodsham: Howey La, Carriage Drive, Howey Rise, Netherton Drive, HillSeld, Church Rd, Fieldway. Tuesday Dec 13: Sutton Weaver Wednesday Dec 14: Frodsham: TownSeld, Doric, Fairways, Clover, Bickerton. Thursday Dec 15: Helsby & Alvanley: Meres Edge, The Paddock, Alvanley Rd, Ardern Lea, Alvanley. Sunday Dec 18: Frodsham: Fountain La, Park La, Queensway, Kingsway, SandSelds, London Rd, ChurchSeld La, Red La, Ashlands. Monday Dec 19: Frodsham: Keswick Drive, Conniston, Grasmere, Ennerdale, Silverdale, Buttermere, Borrowdale. Tuesday Dec 20: Helsby: Robin Hood La, The Rock, Swireford Rd, RockSeld Drive, Brittania Gardens, Crossland Terrace. Wednesday Dec 21: Helsby: Vicarage La, Smithy La, Bank House La, Hallastone, Rake La, Station Ave, Station Crescent, Station Drive, Sandringham. Thursday Dec 22: Frodsham: Fluin La, Lime Ave, The Willows, Beech Ave, Langdale Way, Penrith, Thirlmere. Friday: Dec 23: Kingsley.

Town clerk to return to his roots

IAN Hope, popular clerk to Frodsham Town Council for the last two years, is to leave in the New Year. He is to take up a similar post with Nantwich Town Council. The Mayor, Cllr Andrew Dawson, paid tribute to Mr Hope at the monthly meeting of the council. He told him: "It is with great regret that we accept your resignation. I think you have been a fantastic clerk. I am just relieved that you will still be here for the budget setting process." Mr Hope said Nantwich was his home time and nearer to where he lived. "I would not have left to go anywhere else," he said. He thanked members for their help and support during his time at Frodsham. The council is now seeking a new clerk. 14 www.frodshamlife.co.uk December 2011

Motoring Marsh drainage to end THE Environment Agency has launched a major consultation to ask local people their views about proposals to stop draining land on Ince and Frodsham Marshes. Cuts in funding mean they can no long carry on draining the marshes as they Motorists are have in the past - which means switching off two aging pumping stations and ceasing to maintain drainage ditches. A spokesman said: "Funding cuts mean we are no longer able to carry out the drainage activities we have in the past. We now have to focus our priorities on in for a protecting people, homes and businesses from Tooding." The agency commissioned a report last year looking at numerous options to manage water levels in the future. With the help of local people, they identiSed bumpy ride four options for further study, speciScally focussing on beneSts, consequences and costs. They have now chosen a preferred option - to stop operating the 70-year-old MOTORISTS in rural areas look to be in for a bumpy ride as pumping stations and ceasing to maintain the watercourses. This would mean eight in 10 councils experience a loss in funding. that the area would be substantially wetter when it rained and could lead to waterlogged areas in parts of the marshes. Eighty per cent of councils say they inTation in materials and labour costs The pumping stations would be turned off and made safe or removed. have suffered a real term loss in road required for road maintenance. "We understand that this option may have signiScant impacts on the local land funding over the last 12 months. Even with the budgetary owners and land managers. We will work closely with local people and affected And 89 per cent of RAC patrols - constraints, 50 per cent of councils parties to identify what could be done to minimise the potential impacts of our who use the roads more than most reported a focus on permanent long- proposals if we go ahead. We will also talk to landowners about taking on or people - say they believe current road term Sxes but 20 per cent reported contributing towards drainage activities in the future. conditions show the effects of under- they are prioritising short-term Sxes for "We are now consulting on our preferred option and would like to hear from investment in road repairs. safety reasons. Looking ahead to this anyone who has any information that could inTuence our Snal decision. You can However, 80 per cent of councils winter, 80 per cent reported that they get a copy of the consultation documents by contacting Ian Sinclair on 01925 are conSdent they are well prepared are well prepared for another winter 543431 or emailing [email protected] to deal with another harsh winter. of extreme weather and 50 per cent Spokesman Ben Lukey said: "As we have less money to carry out our Tood Research conducted by the RAC mentioned their well stocked salt and protection work, we need to make sure that we use it to protect as many people among councils and its own patrols grit supplies. and properties as possible. It is important though that we work closely with has revealed widespread concern people who could be affected by changes to our activities to enable them to about the state of the road network, Three quarters of RAC patrols think the condition of rural roads is poor or adapt." particularly in rural areas, as cuts to A year ago, the Environment Agency gave a presentation to Frodsham Town council budgets are increasingly very poor, with just two per cent saying they are in good condition. In Council in which they warned that in a "worst case scenario" there could be a hitting home. impact on farmland, other businesses and even, possibly, some homes. The survey reveals that a year on addition, two-thirds of RAC patrols think that suburban roads are in poor They pointed out that the aging pumping stations were going to fail eventually from the Comprehensive Spending - and that it was becoming increasingly difScult to get spare parts for them. Review, 80 per cent of local condition. Motorists are equally concerned Councillors indicated that land between Frodsham and the M56 already authorities have experienced a real appeared to be getting wetter, with areas of standing water where reed beds term reduction in funding to their road about roads - 92 per cent of those had grown. maintenance budgets - with 55 per questioned as part of the RAC's cent of councils seeing an outright "Report on Motoring" said that they reduction in funding. feel the condition of local roads is A further 25 per cent reported that getting noticeably worse compared funding had stayed at the same level, with 78 per cent who feel similarly Good guys were in the money meaning a loss in real terms due to about main roads.

Five star safety rating

Allen Wales presents a cheque to assistant head teacher Mr Steven Scrivens and some of the children from Kingsley Primary School. GOOD-looking Guys helped put two local schools in the money. Kingsley Primary School and Frodsham Manor House Primary School won £250 and £100 respectively in a Guy Fawkes competition organised by Frodsham and District Round Table at the bonSre night at the Fluin Lane Community Centre. The youngsters were thrilled to receive their cheques from last year's Round Table chairman Allen Wales. Current chairman Matt Browning said "We couldn't have done this without the great help of the Ladies Circle and Rotary, We estimated that more than 3,000 people attended the event. "The event just keeps on getting bigger and better," he said. "Most if not all of THE Hyundai Veloster has been category. the money raised will be ploughed back into the local community." awarded the maximum @ve-star The Veloster is the sixth consecutive safety rating by independent vehicle Hyundai model to achieve the assessment organisation, Euro maximum Sve-star score in the Euro NCAP. NCAP safety program. The all-new Round Table launch recruitment drive A rigorous test process resulted in i40 is the most recent car before FRODSHAM Round Table has launched a new recruitment drive - offering class-best scores for the 1+2 door Veloster to be awarded the top rating. sports coupe. activities for men to brighten the dark winter nights. Allan Rushforth, senior vice It has launched its 2012 recruitment drive and is welcoming new members in The Veloster achieved a rating of president of Hyundai Motor Europe, 96 per cent in the “adult occupant” its busiest season which includes organising Srework displays, Christmas parties said: "The Sve-star rating for Veloster and supporting the BBC Children in Need appeal. category, registering maximum points further demonstrates our commitment in the side barrier test and more Vice president Jason Thomson said: "With children back at school, adults severe side pole test. to the highest levels of safety for returning to work after the holidays, and many sports seasons drawing to a close, In the “child occupant” category, Hyundai customers. Veloster is history shows that men typically look for new social activities during the winter the Veloster attained a score of 89 attracting a new audience, months. per cent. combining practicality and 'Tuidic' "As we've experienced a rather short summer this year, we're kicking off our The electronic stability program design in a unique 1+2 door recruitment drive early to combat the lower temperatures and shorter days and seatbelt reminder systems package. Recognition of its class- scuppering the after work plans of many blokes." contributed to the car's score of 71 leading safety performance will Social and sporting activities include go-karting, abseiling, shooting and per cent in the “safety assist” further add to its appeal." tractor racing. Anyone interested should contact [email protected] December 2011 www.frodshamlife.co.uk 15

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