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Improvements for Zebra crossing

PEDESTRIANS will soon find a zebra crossing in Frodsham easier to access.

Works begin next Monday (February 13) at the Vicarage Road crossing to widen a section of footpath on the Manley Road side.

Frodsham councillors Lynn Riley and Andrew Dawson have contributed a portion of their member budgets towards the scheme, which is being funded through Cheshire West and Chester Council's Local Transport Plan budget.

The works, which are expected to last two weeks, have been scheduled during the school half-term in an effort to reduce inconvenience. Although the zebra crossing will not be in use during this time, a substitute crossing will be in place a few metres away.

The land required to carry out this improvement has been given to the council by the land owner without charge.

Cllr Riley said: "This project has been talked about for a number of years. "This is a well-used crossing but unfortunately the narrow footpath on the Manley Road side can be tricky to negotiate, particularly for people with pushchairs or wheelchairs.

"We have finally been able to bring these much-needed improvements by working with a local resident who has kindly given over some garden to widen the access path.

"Cllr Dawson and I were pleased to help to fund this scheme, which will have a wide benefit for the local community.

"Although the crossing will be closed during the works, there will be a substitute crossing only a short distance away so any inconvenience should be kept to a minimum."

New literature festival to launch

A NEW 12-day literature festival, "Weaver Words", is to be launched in Frodsham this summer.

Supported by an Arts Council start-up grant of £10,000, the festival will offer an exciting range of events, talks and workshops for adults and children, including a performance by the Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy.

Weaver Words is the brain child of the Frodsham Community Association and is being organised by a festival committee, chaired by Sue Thomson.

Sue said: "The literature festival is a fantastic new event for Frodsham which should be great for residents and attract hundreds of people to the town. We hope lots of local schools, book groups and community organisations will want to join in. And we're delighted Frodsham CE Primary School has already pledged their support by planning to host an author-in-residence and publish their own book of stories."

Award-winning Frodsham writer Tim Firth, author of "Calendar Girls", has agreed to be the festival's patron and he will be sponsoring a new children's writing competition attached to the festival.

He said: "I'm really pleased that my Great Cheshire Story Prize will form part of the new festival. Hopefully it will offer to younger children the three things any professional writer craves most - a first line, a deadline and a cash incentive."

Weaver Words will run from August 29 to September 9 and feature a science fiction weekend, poetry events with local poets Andrew Rudd and Gladys Mary Coles, a Daphne du Maurier afternoon tea, a Charles Dickens celebration with his descendant Gerald Dickens and a wide variety of workshops, from cartoons and creative writing to drama and book-making.

There will also be a special story-telling day for pre-school children and a lively Open Mic night for budding writers to present their work. The festival will end with the premier of a new drama, Daring To Be, presented by local churches.

Weaver Words is being co-ordinated by festival project manager, Lynn Pegler, and she would be delighted to hear from any community group or individual who would like to get involved. For more information, please contact her on 07783 686246 or email email@weaverwords.org.uk

Town claims best kept station award

FRODSHAM Railway Station has been named "Cheshire's Best Kept Station" - and Helsby won the "Tidiest station" award.

Both stations are cared for by members of the North Cheshire Rail User's Group. The awards were announced at the annual prize giving night organised by the Cheshire Best Kept Station Competition.

More than 100 guests including The Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, along with the High Sheriff and six Mayors including the Lord Mayor of Chester were at the evening held at the Weaver Hall Museum in Northwich.

Frodsham was described by the judges as a "powerful flower show of a station." Its award follows on from last year's performance when the station won the Cheshire West and Chester Award. In 2009 and 2006 Frodsham won the best kept gardens award and there were earlier awards in 2008, 2006 and 2005.

Helsby Station has won an award of some sort every year since the competition was launched in 2003 and was the first ever winner of the Best Kept Station award - a title it claimed again in 2010. Its award-winning success  is such that people visit regularly to view the awards displayed on the signal box and its success has even been noted on an Indian travel website!

Top level talks on swing bridge

A DEPUTATION of councillors and senior council officers travelled to London to brief Weaver Vale MP Graham Evans about the growing concern over the condition of the ageing Sutton Weaver Swing Bridge, near Frodsham.

Among its members were Frodsham Mayor Andrew Dawson and fellow Frodsham councillor Lynn Riley.

Senior representatives from Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWC) and British Waterways were also in the party.

The aim was to seek high level talks with Defra - which funds British Waterways - and the Department of Transport on the future of the bridge, which carries the A56 over the River Weaver.

British Waterways - owners of the 90-year-old structure - has said that while safe at the moment, the bridge will need major re-strengthening work in the foreseeable future. But while CWC is prepared to meet its share of the refurbishment costs, British Waterways is struggling to find the remainder of the estimated £4m needed.

Retired businessman and former Frodsham councillor Tom Reynolds is spearheading a campaign to get the bridge re-painted by volunteers. He says the appalling appearance of the rusting bridge is damaging Frodsham's image.

But he believes proposals put forward by British Waterways, which would involve closing the bridge for 6-9 months, are a non-starter because the damage this would cause to Frodsham's economy. He also questions the £4 million estimated cost of repairs.

"The bridge's future is being decided by bureaucrats that just don't have a clue," he said.

The bridge is used by an average of 20,000 vehicle daily while one boat only uses the river every six weeks. Apart from the M56 motorway, Sutton Weaver Bridge is the only road crossing over the river for miles in either direction. Motorway traffic, normally diverted through Frodsham and Helsby, when the M56 westbound is blocked, would be forced to travel many miles out of its way, with the only alternative routes via Northwich to the south or the Mersey Tunnels to the north.

Cllr Riley said: "The bridge plays a vital role in the local transport system - not least as a motorway release valve - and we are deeply concerned about the current situation.

"We are working closely with British Waterways on the issue and hope that a joint approach to Government will provide the help needed to address what could well prove to be a major problem."

She added: "Sadly this is a problem which will not go away."

A spokesman for British Waterways: "The refurbishment of the bridge remains high on our agenda and we will continue to work with the council and local community to restore the landmark structure."

But British Waterways says the idea of using volunteers to paint the bridge is not feasible because of safety issues.     

Council's bold budget gamble

FRODSHAM Town Council has taken the bold step of increasing its element of the Council Tax by £8.33 on an average Band D property - gambling that Cheshire West and Chester Council will reduce it by the same amount next month.

If CWC decides at its meeting on February 23 NOT to reduce council tax for Frodsham, local people will have to pay the increasing, taking council tax for a Band D home in the town to £1,495.

But the Mayor, Cllr Andrew Dawson said: "Even if this happens, it seems likely that Frodsham people will still have the lowest Council Tax in Cheshire West." The Town Council voted 11-4 in favour of taking the gamble - with councillors Graham Bondi, Pammi Taylor, Frank Pennington and Kyle McGregor opposing the move.

If CWC decides to reduce the tax it requires from Frodsham by £8.33, local people will not have to pay the increase, but the Town Council will still have extra money for its ambitious plans for the future - one of which is the recruitment of a Town Manager whose sole role will be the promotion of Frodsham and boosting the local economy.

But the budget will also include money for other projects, including replacing the town's ageing Christmas lights with new, low energy lights, and providing CCTV in the town centre.

Cllr Bondi said he was not opposed to having a Town Manager but was opposed to increasing the Council Tax when the council had reserves of £150,000

"We have this large pot of money. We should use some of it before we increase the precept."

Cllr Frank Pennington said the council should find out what the people of Frodsham wanted before they made a decision.

But Cllr Lynn Riley urged the council to be bold and take advantage of the unique opportunity which presented itself.

She agreed that the council had, historically, had "shameful" reserves. But if they spent most of them, they could regret it in 12 months' time.

*If CWC decides to reduce Frodsham's Council Tax it will be to take account of "special expenses" such as PCSOs, playgrounds and Christmas lights which Frodsham, unlike most other town and parish councils, pays for itself.     

Killers sentenced for Frodsham murder

A MAN and a woman who killed a man in Frodsham over an unpaid debt have been sentenced.

The body of Martin Ithell, aged 49, was found in his car outside Blacon Police Station in Chester in the early hours of Saturday March 12 last year. He had been shot and stabbed at a house in Frodsham.

Scott Davidson, aged 23, of Hawthorne Road, Frodsham, was convicted of murdering Martin in November following a 28-day trial. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 30 years and will remain on licence for the rest of his life.

The jury failed to reach a verdict on Rachael Horton, aged 20, of Hawthorne Road, Little Sutton. However she subsequently pleaded guilty to manslaughter. She was sentenced to eight years in a Young Offenders Institution.

After the hearing, Detective Inspector Helen Spooner who led the investigation, said: "Davidson claimed he had shot Martin by accident in self defence, however I believe his actions leading up to the murder show that he had planned the attack and had no intention of letting Martin walk out of that house alive.

"Horton has never given a clear explanation of what the extent of her involvement was but she has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, showing she was connected to Martin's death.

"Martin's family and a lot of people in the Chester area have been deeply effected by his death and I hope today's sentence helps them begin to move on from what happened."

The court heard Davidson had borrowed money from Martin in December 2010 and January 2011, part of which was used to buy a Subaru Impreza car. He had no legitimate means to repay the money he had borrowed. Since December 2010 such was the state of his personal finances, the court heard that Davidson was planning to commit armed robberies locally.

At the time of the murder he is believed to have owed Martin £26,000 due to the interest the debt had accrued.

Davidson and Horton were in a relationship and rented the house in Frodsham together. Despite this, Davidson led a double life in that since December 2010 he had been involved with another woman - so deeply involved that in the hours following the murder he met the woman in Sandbach prior to handing himself in to police.

On the day of the murder, a number of items were bought by Davidson to prepare for the planned killing. Paint was purchased in the same colour as the hall and front room, which did not need decorating prior to the attack, as well as plastic sheeting, paper overalls and a jerry can of petrol.

On the night of the murder, Davidson had lured Martin Ithell to his house telling him he had the full amount of £26,000 to pay him, stating he had sold the Subaru car to raise the funds needed to repay Ithell. Davidson had stowed his car away at a kennel near Manley telling the proprietor that the communal parking area of his house was in need of maintenance and his car would be there all weekend.

Due to Martin's concern of how Davidson had been able to raise the money, he requested two associates to travel to Frodsham and be available should he need support at the planned meeting.

The two men parked up near to Davidson's address at around 6.55pm. At 7pm Martin phoned one of them in order to provide an open line so they could listen in and monitor his welfare while he went to the house. They heard Martin arrive at the house and then heard a loud screech and the phone line went dead. It became apparent to the two men that Ithell may be in danger.

This concern was further compounded when they saw Martin's BMW car drive past them, close enough for them to see that Davidson was at the wheel. The two men went to the house, where they found the front door area and steps covered in blood. They immediately contacted police.

When officers attended they found Horton crying, stating she had stabbed a man. As a result of the blood at the scene and the admission from Horton, she was arrested. She later denied stabbing Martin. It wasn't until some hours after the fatal incident that a Cheshire Police Negotiator made contact with Davidson and he eventually agreed to surrender himself at Blacon Police Station. Martin's body was found in the back of his BMW. He had been shot in the chest and stabbed eight times in the neck.     

Crackdown on Blue Badge fraudsters

BLUE badge fraudsters in the Frodsham area will find it harder to dodge the law in future.

A new blue badge for people with disabilities has been introduced as part of a national crackdown on fraud.

All badges issued are now electronically printed on durable PVC which is harder to copy, alter or forge than the cardboard version. People renewing their badges may also be required to provide different information under changes designed to speed up the renewal process.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is implementing the changes as part a Government overhaul of the blue badge scheme to tackle fraud and misuse, and help it run more efficiently.

Cllr Brenda Dowding, the council's executive member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: "The blue badge scheme helps people with disabilities retain their independence, which makes an enormous difference to their quality of life.

"Sadly, fraudulent use of blue badges is widespread, and these changes will tackle this by making it much harder for someone to use a badge that they are not entitled to use.

"I am sure blue badge holders in West Cheshire will welcome these measures, which will ensure those in genuine need continue to receive the help they are entitled to while cutting down on the despicable offence of fraud."

The £2 fee to apply for or renew a blue badge is currently under review. The blue badge scheme is a national programme for people with severe mobility problems who have difficulty using public transport. It allows holders to park for free and without time limit in otherwise restricted on-street parking areas. It also allows them to park on yellow lines for up to three hours, unless a loading ban is in place.

Faster broadband for Frodsham

MORE than 38,000 homes across Cheshire, including Frodsham, will have access to faster broadband by the Summer of next year.

BT has announced that Frodsham will included in the latest roll-out plans for BT’s next generation broadband service delivered over copper lines. The BT investment makes available broadband speeds of up to 20 megabits per second (Mbps) – more than double the maximum speeds previously available to the majority of UK homes and businesses.

The technology is already available to more than 364,000 homes and businesses across Cheshire, and is expected to reach 90 per cent of North West premises by the Summer of next year. The new next generation broadband network is available on an open, wholesale basis to all companies providing broadband services.

This investment is in addition to the £2.5 billion BT roll-out of super-fast fibre-based broadband, which is expected to bring even faster speeds to two-thirds of UK premises by the end of 2014.

Mike Blackburn, BT’s North West regional director, said: “BT’s roll-out of faster broadband across Cheshire is running at a very rapid pace. “We have already announced plans to make super-fast fibre-based broadband available to more than 1.7 million homes and businesses in the region by the end of next year. Now we are able to confirm a further major investment in faster broadband speeds over copper lines.

“Nobody is doing more than BT to roll-out faster broadband across the North West. At a time of economic uncertainty these major improvements will provide a big boost for local businesses and offer many additional educational and entertainment opportunities for local households. “And we want to go further. We want to work with the public sector to find ways of bringing faster broadband to areas, which are geographically and commercially more challenging.”

House hit by cellar blaze

A FIRE in the cellar of a house at Helsby left the property filled with dense smoke.

Fire crews from Frodsham and Chester were called to the scene in Smithy Lane.

Four firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered the smoke-filled property and tackled the blaze use two hose reel jets. A large ventilation unit was used to clear smoke away and ventilate the property.

Crews isolated electricity supplied and contacted Scottish Power to ask them to attend the incident.

A fire investigation is being carried out by the Fire Service to determine the cause of the outbreak. No-one was hurt.     

"Smelly" pig farm 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 five, 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.     

"Police not giving value for money"

THE people of Frodsham are not getting value for their money from the police, according to a councillor.

Cllr Frank Pennington delivered an outspoken attack on the police at the monthly meeting of the Town Council.

He said: "The public where I live are not seeing the police walking about enough.

"They want police officers or PCSOs to be seen outside on the beat. "This gives people confidence, night in, night out. Things have got to be changed."

Cllr Pennington was particularly angry about taxi drivers causing obstruction and performing U-turns in High Street. He had repeatedly complained to the police about this, but nothing was done. Police cars had been seen driving passed and ignoring offences being committed by taxi drivers.

"I don't think the people of Frodsham are getting a fair whack from the police," he said

Sgt Mark Tate said the police could not be everywhere at once. He had been and spoken to the taxi rank to speak to drivers three times. Drivers had been warned and tickets had been issued.

But if a police officer was driving to an emergency he could not stop because of a taxi driver who had not parked properly.

He said PCSO Kay Swindlehurst - who is part funded by the Town Council - spent 85-90 per cent of her time in Frodsham. But she was not on duty 24 hours a day and sometimes when she went outside the town it was to deal with something linked to Frodsham. She spent much of her time on foot patrol, but also had work to do in the police station.

The Mayor, Cllr Andrew Dawson said he believed the police, and PCSO Swindlehurst in particular, did a fantastic job. But the council wanted to have more influence on what they did. It was agreed police would meet Cllr Pennington to discuss outstanding issues further.     

Big Brother star lights up Frodsham

BIG Brother star Craig Phillips was on hand to help light up Frodsham at the annual Christmas Festival.

Craig, who won the first series of the cult TV show helped switch on the Christmas lights as thousands of people flocked into the area for the two day event.

He was joined by the Mayor of Frodsham, Cllr Andrew Dawson and local MP Graham Evans at the lights on which was followed by fireworks plus the Lantern Parade with Santa and his reindeer.

Other attractions included an antiques and collectables fair at Castle Park and the Frodsham Festival Food and Craft Fayre located at the Station Car Park off Church Street, which included Santa's Grotto. Local schools and dance classes joined in the fun while Les Harris Jewellers hosted live jazz with complimentary Buck's Fizz and mince pies.

The Friday parade was followed ont he Saturday by a Christmas Market at Lady Heyes and another free Enchanted Park event at Castle Park - This year the theme was the Snow Queen - an illuminated fairytale setting for a magical night time stroll in the park.

Cllr Dawson said: "I'd like to thank everyone who made this wonderful event possible, from our sponsors such as O2 and Essar, to the local businesses and traders, the market stall holders, the entertainers and to Love Frodsham who have all put in tremendous efforts.

"Thanks also go to both Cheshire West and Chester Council and Frodsham Town Council. Without everyone working together we wouldn't have such a fantastic event that really marks the start of the festive season in Frodsham.

"I'd also like to mention Keith Darlington, our local electrician who tirelessly, year after year looks after the town's Christmas lights. It is Keith, with his men that works so very hard in putting them up, taking them down and replacing any blown bulbs. Many people don't realise that the wonderful Christmas lights in Frodsham belong to the Town Council and that they are looked after locally."

Cheshire West and Chester councillor Lynn Riley - also a Frodsham Town councillor - said: "This year we've given a little bit of extra Christmas cheer to the older generation. Frodsham Town Council has been handing out £5 vouchers to its over 70s to spend in local businesses, or with local groups or to donate to local charities to help them get into the Christmas spirit.

The Christmas Festival marked the launch of this exciting initiative." Meanwhile Sponsors of the Frodsham Festival "Think Big with O2" are looking for 13-25 year olds who want to make a difference to their community, by starting a new project; further information is available at www.02thinkbig.co.uk 

For more pictures from the event CLICK HERE

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 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 protecting people, homes and businesses from flooding."

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 identified four options for further study, specifically focussing on benefits, consequences and costs. They have now chosen a preferred option - to stop operating the 70-year-old pumping stations and ceasing to maintain the watercourses.

This would mean that the area would be substantially wetter when it rained and could lead to waterlogged areas in parts of the marshes. The pumping stations would be turned off and made safe or removed.

"We understand that this option may have significant impacts on the local land owners and land managers. We will work closely with local people and affected parties to identify what could be done to minimise the potential impacts of our proposals if we go ahead. We will also talk to landowners about taking on or contributing towards drainage activities in the future.

"We are now consulting on our preferred option and would like to hear from anyone who has any information that could influence our final decision. You can get a copy of the consultation documents by contacting Ian Sinclair on 01925 543431 or emailing ian.sinclair@environment-agency.gov.uk

Spokesman Ben Lukey said: "As we have less money to carry out our flood protection work, we need to make sure that we use it to protect as many people and properties as possible. It is important though that we work closely with people who could be affected by changes to our activities to enable them to adapt."

A year ago, the Environment Agency gave a presentation to Frodsham Town Council in which they warned that in a "worst case scenario" there could be a impact on farmland, other businesses and even, possibly, some homes. They pointed out that the aging pumping stations were going to fail eventually - and that it was becoming increasingly difficult to get spare parts for them.

Councillors indicated that land between Frodsham and the M56 already appeared to be getting wetter, with areas of standing water where reed beds had grown.     

Police warning after sneak burglaries

POLICE have issued a warning to elderly residents of Helsby following two distraction-type burglaries in the village.

The culprits tried to gain access to the homes of elderly people, using excuses such as asking for a glass of water, and claiming to be trading in scrap metal.

On both occasions the suspects fled from the area empty handed, but police are keen to reiterate crime prevention messages to help prevent potential victims falling prey to the methods adopted by this type of burglar.

Detective Inspector Sharon Case, who heads up the local burglary team said: "Awareness amongst residents is vital, particularly the older generation who are traditionally targeted by this type of criminal. There are simple measures you can take to help deter would be thieves and make you and your home safer."

DI Case says residents who are not expecting a caller should be on their guard. They should make sure their back door is locked because thieves often work in pairs, with one sneaking in the back while the householder is at the front door. All doors and windows should be kept watch - even when the house is occupied.

If someone calls, look out of the window or spyhole to see who it is. Use a door chain and make sure it is fastened before opening the door. Ask for identify cards, never employ trades people who call at the door and only use known traders recommended by someone trusted.

Check number in the phone book - not the ones on a caller's card. Water, gas and electric companies use passwords and these can be obtained by checking the local branch.

DI Case added: "If in doubt, keep them out. Ask them to come back or make an appointment - genuine callers won't mind. If you are suspicious, report the incident to the police - you may prevent them from burgling someone else."

Anyone behaving suspiciously should be reported to Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000.

Pupils meet Recycler the Robot

PUPILS from Frodsham CE Primary School were among children from 17 primary schools across west Cheshire to meet "Recycler the Robot" and enjoy his funky, interactive show. The performance instructs pupils and teachers all about the three Rs - reduce, reuse and recycle - and the robot performs a recycling rap and encourages the children to sing along.

Throughout the performance, Recycler shows children how they can reduce their waste, how they can recycle locally, and put the three Rs into practice at home and school.

Frodsham councillor Lynn Riley, Cheshire West and Chester Council's executive member for Community and Environment said: "Children in west Cheshire schools are already fantastic at recycling at home.

"Recycler the Robot has also shown them how to reduce and reuse their waste in a fun interactive way. It is important that the children learn how to look after their environment now and in the future."

Shirley Barre, education officer from Waste Watch said: "Every household in the UK throws away over one tonne of waste each year and more than half of this could be recycled.

"A visit from Recycler is a great way for young people to learn about how important it is to reduce waste and to recycle as much as possible, at home and at school.

"Joining in with Recycler's rap and watching the games, props and role-plays is a great way to remember important messages and take them home."

Picture: Recycler the Robot at one of the schools.