Sha

PJ. The library petition ensured closures were crossed off the 'list of possibilities'. A recent report re the Civic society, which contained quotes suggesting the threat to our built heritage was from 'developers outside the town' whilst omitting the fact that the true threat is from WBC themselves, was archived not long after I posted criticism of WBC. I'm surprised you missed this considering how closely you seem to be trolling me! During the libraries issue, my main concern was for the historic town centre library and plans to destroy its beautiful interior and the slapping of a great glass slug on its exterior! I am well aware that no-one at the Town Hall would listen to argument re these plans - but I have not descended into apathy, I have found that it is more constructive to bypass WBC and focus higher up the line of power where there are those who will and do listen! Not 'apathy' just a change in tactic. You say; " I disagree with your opinion that the town is declining, I feel it's doing quite the opposite." well, from "LocationCallands" that's not surprising! As destructive to the town as a whole as 'apathy' is the "I'm alright Jack" attitude from areas not directly (as yet) affected!

PJ. I agree with you that the general apathy of people is a contributing factor in the decline of our town, but is it just 'apathy' that makes people reluctant to act? Half the time, many people have no idea of what is going on. Would you be surprised if I told you that I have spoken to people who live close to the green fields that are proposed to be developed as per the PDO, people whose lives will be negatively impacted by congestion /pollution and who will likely suffer substantial loss of the value of their homes, who had no idea what the PDO was? Of those that do know about the proposed developments a great many have only found out through social media and objection campaigners posting leaflets through their doors. WBC are not forthcoming with information and even at the 'consultation' events no clear answers were given. The local press seems reluctant to print anything 'controversial' and often appears to be nothing more than a publicity vehicle for WBC! Establishment biased online press reports are continually churned out and should these receive critical comments they are quickly removed from view and archived! Local borough and parish councillors profess to be 'fighting' for the people, whilst in reality are backing the plans! Some people believe the misleading information they are given - after all are our councillors not elected / paid to represent us? Social media and online petitions have proved effective in the past - for example the Save Warrington Libraries petition had over 10,000 signatures - do you really think this did nothing to persuade WBC to stop the closures? Why more people don't go to protests I can't say for sure, there must be multiple reasons, perhaps a major one is that they don't believe WBC will take any notice anyway and that the best way to express their protest is through the ballot box and that signing a petition should be enough indication to WBC of their intentions come the next election! As for myself, I do go to some protest rallies, I also go to some planning meetings, etc. granted I don't go to all, do you? However, I can assure you, I don't just 'whinge online'!

JM Parking Ltd. Directors, Jeremy Micheal Clarke & Miguel Carlos Corral. Numerous previous companies; makes interesting reading!

Diz said;...." I guess they have their reasons though...." Yes Diz, and from a post I wrote earlier on the news page re the Civic Society, this is what I think are the reasons....... The true reason we have lost so much of our built heritage and that what remains is being left to rot is because we have a council who don’t care a damm about us or our history and who completely ignore their duties and responsibilities as protectors of our heritage and whose only interest appears to be in ‘the value of the land it stands on.’ We have a council who chose to employ a ‘Regeneration Officer’ infamous for his disregard for heritage. Quote from the Chester Sheaf; “Mr Farrell’s thirteen-year reign has been little less than a disaster for this most unique of English cities and Warrington is welcome to him”. The writer gives details; – http://thechestersheaf.blogspot.co.uk/2007/11/so-farewell-then-andy-farrell.html One might wonder that it was incredible that with such a “CV” Mr Farrell actually gained further employment in the field, even more incredible that WBC employed him as ‘Regeneration Officer’ for the Town Centre project! Utterly incredible that after CABE DESIGN heavily criticised and refused to give their support to the Town Centre plans that Warrington Councillors continued, full steam ahead! The threat to Warrington’s heritage is not from ‘developers from out of town’ it is from ‘planners from out of town’ and shamefully, mostly from Warrington’s own Town Councillors! If the Civic Society is going to be in any way effective, they firstly need to acknowledge the truth of who/what is the threat to our heritage and be prepared to put up a fight to save it, otherwise what is the point of this group being in existence?

This building was owned by Warrington & Co at the time of demolition - says it all!

Warrington town centre fast turning into a soul-less no-where-ville.

The latest.......8 storey high apartments and 9 storey high car park proposed near to central station, planning committee concern over lack of 'affordable' units .........what about height? Also, another car park? What 'chance' has Warrington town centre got?

Negative thoughts have certainly led to negative outcome!. It was the negative developer/greed led thoughts of those who produced the town centre ‘regeneration’ plans which have led to it’s destruction. It has been the inaction of our councillors – what on earth were they thinking of when they allowed these plans to be passed? All, despite the professional, renown CABE DESIGN refusing to support the plans! The result of these negative thoughts and foolhardy decisions has led to one monstrous, ugly mess which will only get worse as the developments progress. Warrington town centre could have been regenerated at a fraction of the cost, in a way that could have preserved it’s unique heritage and identity whilst retaining the loyalty and affection of the people. How can you expect people to ‘take ownership’ of the bland, box-type ‘no-where’s-ville’ being presently created?

Hope these cobbles don't go the same way as the Forge machinery after being placed in 'safe storage'.

Thanks, Algy. I'll have to try to find the source of that info again.

Specialst Aggregates appears to be the company chosen to advise on the Grappenhall cobbles. http://www.specialistaggregates.com/grappenhalls-million-cobbled-road-n-123.html They have given their version of the history of the cobbled road. Algy, do you have any information on the history of this road? I remember reading a geologists report, I think it was circa 1860's where the cobbles were identified as originating in France and having been washed along the Mersey were found locally, from where the Mersey tributaries had originally extended into what is now Grappenhall / Appleton area. If this is true then the contractors version could be just a load of old cobblers. ( their version makes any necessary replacements easier to come by though).

Happy Belated Birthday Stallard - have a good year!

Well done Agamemnon, for all the work put into the Blackbrook fireworks display. The amount of organisation that has to be done re health and safety, risk assessments etc. is no mean feat and for a community organisation to take on this level of responsibility deserves credit. However, I think that this responsibility should fall on local councils and not individuals / community groups. I think fireworks use should be strictly licenced and should be for organised displays only. I don't think they should be sold to the general public. I also think that there should be only a few set days of the year when they are allowed to be used. As Ob's, I also fail to understand the need for loud bangs. (perhaps if event organisers joined forces and lobbied manufacturers for 'colour without bangs' fireworks it may persuade them to stop producing the bomb type bangs?) Organised events, such as yours, are certainly a way forward as they probably discourage people from buying fireworks for home displays, (why bother when they can see bigger, better fireworks at an event). Though I really feel that the responsibility for such events should really be borne by the local authority. I didn't go to your event Agamemnon but do appreciate the work you have done, so 'thanks' and 'well done!' to you and others who have given time and effort to provide a safe event for your community.