DATE TO DECIDE FIRE STATION CLOSURES ANNOUNCED

A LONG-awaited decision on the future of seven Warwickshire fire stations will be made next month – and union leaders are expecting the “worst case scenario”.

Warwickshire County Council has announced July 20 as the date a meeting will take place to decide the fate of Warwick, Bidford, Brinklow, Kenilworth, Studley, Fenny Compton and Bedworth fire stations, which are under threat of closure.

About 100 retained firefighters also face losing their jobs under the council’s Fire and Rescue Improvement Plan.

The council has always maintained the plan is not a cost-cutting exercise, but one to see how a better service can be delivered.

But hundreds of residents have held protest marches and submitted petitions to the council, backed by the Fire Brigades’ Union (FBU) and MPs.

Mark Rattray, FBU’s Warwickshire brigade secretary, said: “What we have been told is that the proposal is the same as last year, which means losses are still part of the plan.

“This is after a lot of hard work from people campaigning to keep them and the feeling is still strong.

“We are still opposed to any closures and we are expecting the worst case scenario.

“We can understand that savings need to be made, but we need to ensure the safety of people first. We can bring to the table other ideas that would make savings and still keep the stations, such as modernising them.

“Some of the buildings are so old that they need investing in now – this will help to save later.”

Originally a decision was due to be made in February, but it was delayed because of the elections.

In the past eight months petitions have been handed in and protest marches organised by scores of angry residents.

Chris Downes, regional secretary of the FBU, said: “We will be looking at the local authority to see which way they will go. This whole process has been strange, and because of the elections, faced many delays.

“The public have supported a campaign to keep the stations open and the FBU have also submitted many reports. But I’m in the dark as much as everyone else on this matter.

“But they have to make a decision now and the FBU will take on what they say and deal with it accordingly.”

Tory MP Chris White, for Warwick and Leamington, said: “I still want the fire stations to stay open and there is still a high level of support from residents, district and county councillors.

“We’re looking to close this proposal down.

“The stations are essential for the confidence and safety for people of Warwickshire.

“People’s views must be listened to by the local authority.”

A campaign set up on social-networking site Facebook has attracted more than 2,000 members calling for an immediate halt of the proposed plans.

One person wrote: “No fire stations should close, every town should have one. For the community it is essential. Like a pub or a post office, it serves the area in its own way and should never be closed through cutbacks.”

What do you think? Write to us or email timesletters@mrn.co.uk.

CASTEL FROMA COULD MOVE TO OLD SCHOOL SITE

A SPECIALIST care centre could be moving to the former site of North Leamington School to improve its facilities.

Castel Froma in Leamington, is hoping to buy 3.4 acres of land at the site in Cloister Way to build a new 72-bed facility.

Chief executive Robert Pearce said that contracts had been exchanged, and they were now waiting for planning permission to be granted.

If successful, the charity could be looking to raise as much as £12million for the project, some of which would come from the sale of its present centre in Lillington Road.

The centre, which has an annual operating cost of £3.25million, cares for people who have suffered an acquired brain injury, contracted Multiple Sclerosis or other neurological conditions such as motor neurone disease, muscular dystrophy, or Parkinson’s Disease.

It provides 24-hour care for 57 residents, and has a staff of 150, which would be increased if the move to the new site took place.

The charity moved to its current premises in the mid-1950s, and the search for a new site began two years ago when the trustees decided it wouldn’t be practical to redevelop it.

Steve Nicklin, chairman of the trustees, said: “Our current premises are not ideal, and we need a new state-of-the-art building to give us an appropriate facility for the 21st century, one which will secure our future.

“We need to be able to move beds and wheelchairs about and our present centre, being a grand old house, has lots of steep staircases, some narrow corridors, and many small rooms. It also requires high maintenance.

“I have often said that our nursing staff delivers excellent care to our residents in spite of their
difficult working environment.”

The move will be the latest step in the master plan that chief executive Mr Pearce brought in two years’ ago to devise and implement.

He has already been responsible for restructuring the centre, devising and implementing new procedures, overseeing building work and redecoration, opening a new respite facility and
introducing new-look uniforms for all staff.

“We have also been in the process of re-branding, and now have a new brochure which better reflects the high quality care and facilities available at the centre,” he said.

“With this latest news, everyone is now very enthusiastic about the future.”

A planning meeting on the application is due to be held within the next four months.

For more information on services visit www.castelfroma.org.uk.

DECISION TO BE MADE OVER TRAVELLERS' SITE

A RETROSPECTIVE planning application put in by a group of travellers in Beausale will be heard at the end of this month.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday June 30 and Warwick District Council’s (WDC) planning committee will decide whether permission will be given to develop the site in Kites Nest Lane, near Kenilworth.

A public meeting took place last Friday evening to discuss the site.

It was held at Hatton Village Hall, in Birmingham Road, and was attended by scores of people, including residents, representatives from the travellers’ site, chief executive of WDC Chris Elliott, council members and Warwickshire Police.

Tory MPs Jeremy Wright, for Kenilworth and Southam, and Chris White, for Warwick and Leamington, were also there to provide their objections to the planning application, alongside the Council for the Protection of Rural England.

The meeting provided a platform for people to ask the council questions about the planning application.

A spokesman for action group Friends of the Greenbelt, said: “It is great to see such a cohesive front against this cynical retrospective planning application and we particularly appreciate the show of support at this meeting from other action groups such as Meriden Raid and Budbrooke Barg.

“The next big milestone is June 30 when the planning application will be heard and a decision made and we would ask the local community to continue in their unanimous objection to this application.”

During the first May bank holiday, travellers in 15 caravans turned up at the site with diggers and rollers and began to develop the site without planning permission.

WDC issued an emergency stop notice to ensure no further work was carried out until the planning application was heard.

A High Court injunction was also granted last month to stop any further development.

The application is seeking permission for the change of use of the land for British Romani Gypsy families for 13 permanent pitches for mobile homes, 13 touring caravans for nomadic use only and 13 utility day rooms.

What do you think? Write to us or email timesletters@mrn.co.uk.

CLUB RISES FROM ASHES AND LOOKS TO FUTURE

RACING Club Warwick has “risen like a phoenix from the ashes”, according to a member of the new management committee set up to save the club.

For the past 18 months the club, in Hampton Road, has been riddled with problems that meant its future was hanging in the balance.

But fresh hope has been given after Warwick District Council and Warwick Town Council have been working together to help.

A management committee team made up of 12 people has also been set up and includes Mayor of Warwick Cllr Mike Kinson, Councillor Linda Bromley and chairman of the previous committee Andi Feasey.

Cllr Bromley (Con, Warwick West) said: “Racing Club Warwick has risen like a phoenix from the ashes of the previous organisation since Warwick Town Council came to the rescue of this vital community-based facility.”

The club is now renting changing rooms that have been bought by the town council and has offered a home to the 3rd Warwick Scouts.

They are also offering activities such as boxing, bingo, darts and football and are hoping to set up a youth club too.

Andi Feasey took over as chairman of the previous committee in July last year and has also become a member of the management committee.

He said: “Before Christmas whether the club was staying open was being decided on a week-by-week basis, but now we have the town and district council to help us.

“We have increased bookings, which generates revenue, so things are really starting to look up.

“I can’t see us going backwards now, we’re all pushing in the same direction and that’s to only go forward.

“We’ve got a club AGM meeting on July 11 and we’ll decide from there how to carry on taking the club forward.”

To make a booking at the club’s function room call 01926 491849 after 6.30pm.

What do you think? Write to us or email timesletters@mrn.co.uk.

ALERT FOR HOMES IN PROPOSED HS2 RAIL LINE

HOMEOWNERS living near the proposed route of the high speed rail link are being urged to get their homes valued now before house prices plummet by a predicted 25 per cent.

The stark warning comes from estate agents who have drawn parallels between the HS2 link and the widening of the M40 which had a devastating impact on local house prices.

The London to Birmingham rail line would cut through greenery in Warwickshire and see trains thunder past at 250mph every 20 minutes.

It has led to scores of property owners fearing house prices will plummet and sparked an outcry over the government’s compensation scheme.

Richard Kenyon, who has lived with his wife in Dalehouse Lane, Kenilworth, for 40 years, could be one of the worst affected by the predicted property blight.

The couple are considering selling their estimated £1.5million home but fear it will prove unsaleable if the proposed rail link is approved.

Mr Kenyon, a 72-year-old independent financial administrator, said: “The rail route would be 100 yards from my doorstep and will be noisier than a jet engine.

“There are two issues I have with HS2. The first is the Exceptional Hardship Scheme (EHS) that is the compensation package being proposed by the government, which is not good enough.

“We need to be offered 100 per cent compensation on the value of our homes before the HS2 announcement was made, similar to what home-owners were offered when there are talks of runway expansions elsewhere in the country.

“Secondly, from what I can see there isn’t a big enough demand for this link judging by HS1, which links London to the south east of Kent.

“As I understand half the carriages on the service have been removed because they have been travelling empty.

“This is a very expensive project where money could be spent on schools and the health services.”

The EHS has a raft of requirements people need to meet before they become eligible to any compensation – this includes demonstrating an urgent need to move for work, financial or medical reasons and property that was bought prior to know-ledge of HS2.

Kenilworth resident Mark Evans, of Crackley Lane, thinks the EHS needs to be expanded to include more people.

The 44-year-old consultant engineer said: “I have lived here for eight years and deliberately moved here because it is a quiet area with green space.

“There is a great deal of uncertainty at the moment and even though the train won’t be too close to my house there will be a certain amount of noise pollution that will come into play.

“We had our home valued prior to the HS2 announcement because we’re planning on building an extension on our property, but we are concerned about the impact of the rail route.

“If the price of my property does fall because of HS2 then people should get full compensation back rather than what the EHS is currently offering. It has strict conditions that need to be changed.”

Warwickshire chartered surveyors and estate agents Hawkesford has already carried out several valuations for people who want to monitor any future drop in their house price.

Managing director James Hawkesford said: “There may be many claims for compensation and it is important the current valuation is obtained now, before prices begin to drop.

“It was inevitable that just the threat of this happening has already affected the value of properties in Southam, Offchurch, Cubbington and Kenilworth, that lie close to the proposed route.

“Sellers are legally required to tell prospective buyers about the plans, even though they’re yet to be decided and construction wouldn’t begin until 2019 at the earliest.”

Comparisons have been made to homeowners seeking compensation when the M40 was widened about 10 years ago.

Hawkesford agent Peter Wilson, an associate member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, said: “When we dealt with valuations because of the M40 we saw house prices in the area fall by 20 to 25 per cent.

“And there are certain similarities between what homeowners near the HS2 line face compared to the M40.”

Alex Khan, head of conveyancing at Leamington law firm Blythe Liggins, said: “In order to help those affected by the proposals, the government intends to introduce an EHS so home-owners with a pressing need to sell can apply to the government to purchase their property at the full market rate.”

Joe Rukin, chairman of the Kenil-worth Action Group, who oppose HS2, branded the whole scheme “ridiculous”.

He added: “People are expected to put their lives on hold for about 10 years because of this.

“The cost factor hasn’t been looked at properly, because there isn’t enough money in the country to fund this.”

What do you think? Write to us or email timesletters@mrn.co.uk.

CONFUSION OVER INCINERATOR PLANS

A MEETING held to discuss the future of a proposed £1billion super incinerator indicated it could be put on the scrap-heap.

Representatives from Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council and Solihull Borough Council met this week to discuss the viability of a bigger incinerator in Coventry.

It would burn waste coming in from all three areas.

But revamping the ageing burner instead of signing up for a 25-year PFI contract seems to be gaining support.

Councillor John Whitehouse, (Lib Dem, Kenilworth Abbey), was a Warwickshire represen-tative at the meeting on Monday.

He said: “The meeting was rather inconclusive as two out of the three Coventry reps didn’t turn up.

“Everyone was quite keen to hear from them because of the amount of press coverage they have got regarding their stance on the plan.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty about the future of this project. We don’t know if the new
government will scrap PFI credits that have not yet reached an advanced stage.

“I wanted to ask Coventry councillors about their position.

“Solihull seem to be in favour of looking at a refurbishment, which means Warwickshire would have to follow.

“As we know as recently as March we’ve called for Warwickshire council not to back the idea, but so far they have said they would.”

As the Times has previously reported, the new Labour administration in Coventry has said it would prefer to revamp the current incinerator rather than having a new one.

A public “engagement” to give people a chance to give their views on a proposed incinerator, which would be located in Whitley, Coventry, has been postponed.

The consultation was due to start this month, but chiefs behind Project Transform said that they need more time to brief members since the election.

Lucy Rumble, of Project Transform, said: “Rather than a consultation, we prefer to call it an engagement where people will be given the chance to look at the outline planning permission case for the incinerator in Whitley.

“The plan was to hold a number of drop-in sessions, like an exhibition, that would invite people’s comments.

“But we decided we should delay this so we can get all members up to speed.

“The engagement should start by the summer holidays though.”

CAMPAIGN FOR ST JOHN AMBULANCE

A DOOR to door campaign to fundraise for St John Ambulance is being launched in Warwickshire tomorrow.

A team of fundraisers, who have been specially trained by charity promotion agency Wesser, will be calling house to house from Thursday June 10 to ask residents to support the work of St John Ambulance in their community.

They will be visiting Kenilworth, Lapworth, Burton Green, Baginton and Southam and will not be collecting cash or cheques, but instead asking people to consider becoming long-term supporters with a voluntarily chosen donation, for as long as they like.

Les Thacker, county executive officer for St John Ambulance in Warwickshire, said: “We depend heavily on private and corporate donations, as we receive no core government funding in carrying out our first aid duties.

“By working with Wesser we are able to tell people about our charitable work, as well as raising funds, in the most cost effective and efficient way possible – through regular donations.

“This leaves our volunteers to continue to make a difference in their communities and work towards reducing the number of lives which are lost needlessly each year. We are confident by handing out the first aid guides we will also be empowering others to make a difference too.”

Each fundraiser will be dressed in St John Ambulance branded clothing and will also be carrying identification which residents are encouraged to check before signing anything.

The police and local neighbourhood watch groups have been made aware of the fundraisers’ work in the area and if anyone has any concerns, they are able to phone the supporter hotline number on 0845 222 11 99.

TWO GOVERNING BODIES FOR LEAMINGTON SCHOOLS COULD MERGE

A CONSULTATION has been launched to combine the governing bodies of two schools in Warwickshire.

A federation of Sydenham Primary School in Leamington and Lighthorne Heath has been proposed by the governors from both schools.

They want a partnership of the two schools under the leadership of Juliette Westwood, headteacher of Sydenham Primary School, with new ‘heads of learning’ overseeing the day-to-day management of the two schools.

It is hoped the arrangement would provide a single-federated governing body, but each school would retain its own character, admission arrangements, budget and continue to have separate Ofsted inspections.

A formal consultation, which ends in July, has been sent out to parents of both schools to gather their views.

If approved then the federation could start as early as the autumn term.

The governors of both schools said they strongly believe the amalgamation will bring many benefits to children in both schools.

This includes access to specialist teaching, more social and educational opportunities, greater access to team sports and other joint activities.

Keith Blackburn, chairman of governors at Lighthorne Heath Primary School, added: “Although the governors are excited about the opportunities provided by federation such as, a wider scope for school development and the improvement of standards for all, we will carefully consider all the views of the school community before we make a final decision.”

What do you think? Write to us or email timesletters@mrn.co.uk.

BOGUS CHARITY COLLECTION ALERT

THOUSANDS of “misleading” leaflets have dropped through the letterboxes of homes in Warwickshire falsely claiming to be from the air ambulance.

They are asking for clean and re-usable clothing, bed linen, jewellery, and mobile phones.

The leaflets also ask neighbours to leave their donations in large plastic bags to be collected from the roadside from 8am on Friday.

There is also an invitation to gain an air ambulance service membership card but it requires people to send their name and address by calling the telephone number printed on the leaflet.

People can also text the word AIR with their personal details at a cost of £5 plus network fee.

But the leaflet has nothing to do with the local air ambulance.

Warwickshire Trading Standards is investigating the issue after it received complaints from residents in Leamington.

And air ambulance charities across the country have been notified to warn potential victims of the scam.

A spokesman for Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance said: “The leaflet has absolutely nothing to do with our charity or our sister service Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance and any donations made to this scam company will not go towards your local air ambulance service.

“The leaflet is very misleading and could easily lead people into thinking they are supporting our vital life-saving service.

“As a registered charity we rely on voluntary income to keep us flying and saving lives and it is upsetting that this company seems to be confusing people over who they are supporting.

“I would therefore urge supporters to look for our registered charity number, 1098874, when making a donation, or if you are unsure please do call a member of the air ambulance team on 0845 4130 999.

“I would like to ask people to ensure they carry on donating clothing through our branded collection bags and make sure that they support Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air
Ambulance."

FOOTBALL TROUBLE THREAT OF BAN

FOOTBALL fans in Leamington face being kicked out of town if they cause trouble during the World Cup.

More police officers will be on patrol at weekends and match days during the tournament to deal with any disorder and booze-fuelled violence.

The crackdown aims to handle an expected rise in the number of people heading into town during the World Cup who will be drinking earlier and for longer.

The move coincides with new measures coming into force in Leamington town centre which has just been designated an authorised dispersal zone.

Police officers and police com-munity support officers (PCSOs) now have the power to disperse groups of two or more people if they are being anti-social or likely to be anti-social.

They must leave the town centre immediately and can be banned from returning to the area for up to 24 hours.

Anyone ignoring the request or returning to the area once asked to leave can be arrested.

The dispersal zone order came into effect yesterday (Tuesday) and is in force until September 1.

It covers an area which extends to Dale Street and Clarendon Place, Clarendon Avenue, Clarendon Street, Newbold Street, Wiles Road, the High Street and takes in Jephson
Gardens, Pump Room Gardens and public space near Clarendon Avenue.

Sgt Paul Calver, who has worked with Warwick District Council to get the dispersal zone in place, said: “In recent months we have significantly reduced the level of violent crime in Leamington town centre, but we still need to curb low level disorder and anti-social behavior such as late night noise.

“We have seen a considerable drop in incidents inside licensed premises due to the hard work of the licensees and door supervisors in partnership with the police and Warwick District Council.

“But with the warmer weather, in addition to the World Cup celebrations, we expect larger numbers of people to come in to the town centre.

“On match days during the World Cup we know people will be drinking earlier and drinking for longer, and so we need to make sure measures are in place to ensure people behave
responsibly in the town’s open spaces.

“As a result we will be increasing the number of police and PCSOs on duty at weekends and also on match days during the football tournament.”

Councillor Bernard Kirton, Warwick District Council’s communities portfolio holder and chairman of Safer South Warwickshire Community Safety Partnership, said: “I hope residents, businesses and visitors to Leamington town centre are reassured we will be intervening early to tackle anti-social behaviour and prevent escalation to disorder.”

But Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) said they hope the order is used sensibly as people generally go to the pub to watch sports together rather than alone.

Tony Jerome, CAMRA spokesman, said: “We realise the police have a tough job managing large numbers of people when sporting events like the World Cup are on, but we do hope responsible adults will be given the freedom to visit community pubs with their friends to enjoy the football over a few pints.

“Pubs have had it tough in recent times and need our support so we hope that any tough measures that are brought in to manage a few trouble makers do not spoil the enjoyment for the masses and the pubs industry.”

What do you think? Write to us or email timesletters@mrn.co.uk.

SPA CENTRE TO GET £30,000 FACELIFT

IT’S curtains up for one Leamington venue that will be getting a £30,000 facelift.

Work will begin at the Royal Spa Centre in Leamington this summer when workmen will move in to revamp the venue.

The improvement work will be followed by a grand re-opening in the autumn with shows such as Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Tell Me On A Sunday, starring Claire Sweeney, and West End comedy hit Defending The Caveman with Mark Little.

The redevelopment work is being backed by Warwick District Council’s Task and Finish group and aims to make the troubled venue more appealing to the public.

Councillor Sue Gallagher (Con, Leek Wootton) said: “I think the proposed changes are exactly what is needed and are very exciting. I can’t wait to see it all take shape and very much look forward to seeing the Royal Spa Centre transform itself over the next few months.”

The venue is hoping to boost ticket sales with a packed programme of top shows and one-night specials.

Other highlights of the new season include a date with entertainer and comedy performer Brian Conley and John Godber’s classroom comedy drama Teechers.

The big Christmas show will be family pantomime Mother Goose and open auditions for professional dancers and actors will be held in the summer.

Longer term ideas for the centre are also being explored. They include plans to develop the current site, alternative uses for the centre and proposals to relocate the venue to a completely new site.

People are invited to give their views in a public consultation online survey that was launched last week. Go to www.royal-spa-centre.co for details.

Everyone who takes part will be entered into a free prize draw to win a pair of tickets for the show of their choice.

Tickets for the new autumn season go on sale on June 10.

CALLS FOR INCINERATOR PLANS TO BE SCRAPPED

A MEETING between the three councils that could provide a £1billion incinerator is being held next week.

Project Transform, a joint scheme between Warwickshire County Council, Coventry City Council and Solihull Borough Council, would see the current incinerator in Whitley, Coventry, replaced by a building that would burn more waste.

The project’s members advisory panel, made up of three members from each of the three authorities involved, will hold its next meeting in Solihull on Monday June 7.

But the scheme has been bitterly opposed by Warwickshire Liberal Democrats, who in March asked the county council to stop the project immediately. The motion was turned down by both Tory and Labour councillors in the county.

The recent local elections has seen both Solihull and Coventry’s cabinet change from being Tory-ruled.

Councillor John Whitehouse, (Lib Dem, Kenilworth Abbey), said: “Although this meeting is not where final decisions will be made, I hope it will send a clear signal the project needs to be scrapped in its current form and soon. It is costing the three authorities £25,000 a week, so
every further week of delay is more money wasted.

“I’m encouraged by public statements from the new Labour leader of Coventry City Council, which suggest that he is looking again critically at this project. I am also very hopeful the new Liberal Democrat-Labour coalition in Solihull will want to do the same.

“With future housing projections all under review again, and with recycling rates continuing to grow strongly, it would be crazy for the three councils to continue with this project now.”

A SPEEDING SCHEME THAT COULD STICK?

A CAMPAIGN which gives free stickers highlighting the dangers of speeding has been launched in Warwickshire this week.

The ‘speeding wastes lives’ campaign provides stickers to residents, who can display them on their wheelie bins.

They ask motorists to slow down and aim to prompt drivers using residential streets to keep their speed in check and drive considerately.

The idea, a joint scheme between Warwickshire County Council’s road safety unit and Warwickshire Police, had been piloted in small areas earlier last month.

Chris Fossey, road safety liaison officer at the county council, said: “We receive so many complaints about the speed of traffic that it was clear communities desperately needed help to remind drivers travelling through our towns to respect the speed limit.

“Tackling the problem of speeding means respecting others, their families and their pets while on the road by driving at an appropriate speed.

“By displaying these stickers people can pass this on by asking others to take extra care.”

Chief Inspector Lucy Sewell of Warwickshire Police, added: “By displaying a sticker residents are reminding drivers and riders that speeding is not acceptable.

“The scheme has already attracted a great deal of interest which shows us that residents are keen to do their bit to improve safety on local roads.”

A Warwickshire household can request two free stickers via the county council’s road safety team; call 01926 418612 or visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/speedingwasteslives.

TRAVELLERS' SITE BID SPARKS ROW

ANGRY villagers have hit out at the illegal development of a travellers’ site near Kenilworth.

The operation, which has been dubbed as ‘slick’ by one resident, saw around 15 caravans pull up onto a field at Kites Nest Lane.

Residents say the travellers, who own the land, were using diggers and road rollers to develop the plot without planning permission.

Chris Lewis, chairman of the Beausale, Haseley, Honiley and Wroxall parish council, said: “The travellers moved in on Friday and started excavating the land with equipment before getting planning permission.

“They submitted an application just before 5pm with Warwick District Council for a permanent travellers site.

“But the district council moved quickly and issued a stop notice, which lasts for 28 days and means no other caravans can move onto the site and no further work can be done.

“This has been a very well-planned project by them (the travellers) and they obviously meant for it to coincide with the bank holiday shutdown.

“Most people are outraged by this, they’ve placed themselves on green belt land.”

Concerned residents have spoken about their fears to the Times.

A resident of Beausale Lane, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “The whole move was very slick. “Why should they be able to move onto green belt land without any trouble, but the rest of us need to seek planning permission?

“Residents are concerned about their properties, about noise levels and whether the infrastructure will be able to cope with this. The roads are bad enough as it is without big trucks rolling up the lanes.”

Councillor Sue Gallagher (Con, Leek Wootton) was amazed at the rate of the development but praised Warwick District Council officers for their swift action over the bank holiday.

She said: “The travellers swept in with military precision and that is what is most disturbing for people.

“Everyone has to apply for planning permission in the same way, so now we’ll have to wait until planning officers look at the application before we can go any further.

“But the district council acted very quickly to issue a stop notice that was effective from Sunday at 6pm. If anyone breaks that notice then it becomes a legal matter.”

A Warwick District Council spokesman said: “A planning application has been submitted to us seeking permission for the change of use of the land for British Romani Gypsy families for 13 permanent pitches for mobile homes, 13 touring caravans for nomadic use only and 13 utility day rooms.

“The council is in the process of checking whether the application has been properly made and can be accepted. If the application is valid it will be considered through the normal planning process.”

A meeting is taking place on Saturday May 8 at Shrewley Village Hall, starting at 2pm, for residents to air their views about the situation.

Travellers declined to comment when the Times approached them.

What do you think? Write to us or email timesletters@mrn.co.uk.

FUNDRAISER FOR WAVERLEY DAY CENTRE

A FUNDRAISING event is taking place to ensure a vital daycare centre in Kenilworth continues.

Waverley Day Centre, in Waverley Road, provides care for those aged 60 and over.

But it faces a potential budget cut from Warwickshire County Council, which means the
service could be lost if money is not raised elsewhere.

Colin Wilding, chairman of Kenilworth Community Care, said: “The centre offers elderly people transport from their homes to the centre, where they can sit together, go out on trips and have events such as bingo and sing-a-longs.

“Historically the council has given us grants, but because of the recession funding is tight, so we’re beginning to fundraise now.”

A garden party is being held on Saturday May 15, from 2pm at The Stone House, in High Street.

Attractions include crafts stalls, competitions for children, face painting and a chance to meet the Town Mayor.

A Warwickshire County Council spokesman said: “We’ve asked the centre to look at whether there is scope to reduce the money over the next year.

“They are now quite sensibly looking at how alternative funds could be raised.”

The garden party has been organised by the St Nicholas and St Barnabas Parish Church.

Admission costs 50p for adults and 25p for children, with no charge for those aged under four.

WEDDING RING LOST IN TRIP TO SKIP

A REGULAR recycler lost more than he bargained for when he chucked his heirloom wedding ring into a nine-tonne skip.

The accident happened when Darren Higham had taken a mid-week trip to the skip to off load fencing wood at the Household Waste Recycling Centre, in Princes Drive, Leamington.

But along with fencing wood, he accidently threw in his 70-year-old wedding band that had been passed down to him from his grandfather.

The 43-year-old, of Stretton Crescent, Whitnash, said: “I was a bit energetic with my last throw and my wedding ring slipped off my finger and straight into the skip.

“I left my name and contact details with staff there in case they were able to find it.

“I was told the skip would go to Derby the next day so I wasn’t too hopeful.

“I was absolutely devastated, I thought to myself I’ll never see that again.”

Darren, who has been married for 14 years and has two children, then went into hospital the following day to have surgery done to his shoulder.

“I had lost the ring betrothed to me by my beloved and also belonged to my grandad.

“So while I was lying in the hospital bed I had all sorts of thoughts going through my mind, such as if I was to die my wife wouldn’t even have my ring to remember me by.”

But two days later Darren received some good news – his ring had been found.

Staff at the recycling centre had rummaged around the skip for two days and had found his precious wedding band.

“I know the ring could easily be replaced with another from a shop but it wouldn’t be the same,” added Darren, who works at Higham Butchers, in St Margaret’s Road.

“I am very grateful to the team for taking the time out to look for it.”

Mickey Pitcher, 27, a recycling operative, said: “We dug around through about nine tonnes of wood over two days and then we found it.

“It’s not something we would usually do but we try our best to help.

“It was a relief when we finally got it because that meant we could stop going through a massive skip.”

To say thank you, Darren gave barbeque meat packs to the team.

SKYDIVE JUMP FOR MYTON HOSPICE

A GROUP of daredevil fundraisers will be throwing themselves out of a plane to raise money for Myton Hospice.

Louise Green, of Dalehouse Lane, Kenilworth, is taking part in a 10,000ft skydive in memory of her father Reg Gardiner, who had been staying at the hospice, in Myton Lane.

But Louise, 44, who is afraid of heights, is taking eight other people with her on June 5, as the group gets ready to take the plunge in Brackley Airfield, near Oxford.

She said: “My father was here for six weeks last year before he passed away – he had been battling with bowel cancer.

“The staff here are just fantastic, they provide the best environment for both the person staying at the hospice and their friends and family.

“The way I see it, even though I’m scared of heights, my fear will be over in a matter of a few seconds.

“But for people that are suffering with terminal illness, this fear is something they are constantly living with, so in comparison this doesn’t seem like such a sacrifice.”

The group of nine will be doing their skydive on Saturday June 5 and are hoping to raise £4,000.

Among those taking part are Myton Hospice employees Rachael Stevens and Rebecca Stevenson.

The divers will reach speeds of 120mph during the jump.

Rachel, who is part of the hospice’s community fundraising team, said that she is fulfilling her life-long ambition before she turns 40 next year.

She said: “I have always wanted to do a skydive but the circumstances have never been right before.

“I am looking forward to it but haven’t thought about the actual jump yet.

“I have raised £260 so far and am hoping to raise about £1,000 for the hospice.”

The participants will each be partnered by a qualified and experienced instructor for the challenge.

Myton Hospice provides vital care and support for people with terminal illnesses and their families and has three hospices in Coventry and Warwickshire.

There are 24 in-patient beds at the Warwick site, as well as a day hospice which is open five days a week.

There is still time to sign up for the skydive but new entrants need to return their forms within the next week.

To find out more, call 01926 838837 or visit www.mytonhospice.org.uk.

TEACHERS SET TO BOYCOTT SATS

SCORES of headteachers and teachers in Warwickshire are preparing to boycott this year’s primary school SATs.

A ballot by both the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and the National Association of Headteachers (NAHT) has ruled staff will boycott the exam, that tests pupils aged 10 or 11 in
English and maths.

Max Hyde, Warwickshire representative of the NUT, argues the tests make teachers stray from the curriculum so they can “drill and kill” what’s needed to pass SATs.

“We have done some research into the effects of SATs on children and league tables because we want to provide the best argument against them,” she said.

“These tests are simple pen and paper exercises that have been given too much of a prominence.

“Teachers skew the curriculum so they can prepare pupils for these exams.

“In America they call it ‘drill and kill’ where students are only taught what they need to pass their tests.

“And league tables don’t help schools either, we know wealthier schools will be at the top, and the more deprived lower.

“We’re not against assessing children, we know this needs to be done, but in these exams there’s so much emphasis on English and maths.

“We want to be able to teach more about arts and culture. I’ve spoken to some headteachers who think it would be wonderful if we could do that for a week.”

As a form of protest, teachers will not be opening the envelopes containing this year’s SATs papers, for the exams taking place from Monday May 10 to Thursday May 13.

It is up to schools on how they will boycott the exams. Action being taken could include giving students past SATs papers, or using internal exam papers.

Paul Wyllie, headteacher of Radford Semele Primary School, in School Lane, Leamington, is strongly opposed to the league tables SATs provide.

The branch secretary for Warwickshire’s NAHT added: “We are not opposed to testing; in fact given the option, most heads would retain the SATs test, but mark it internally and use the information alongside teacher assessments.

“What we are totally opposed to is the way the results are used to create ill-informed, naive judgements on schools.

“The league tables, for example, are great for sport, but we are not football teams competing against each other.

“We are the opposite, we are a school competing with ourselves to do the best we can for our children, and co-operating with others to achieve this aim.

“Because of the ‘high stakes’ associated with these tests our profession is extremely concerned about the narrowing of the curriculum in Year 6, as only English and maths is pushed, and children feeling pressure.

“We want to be able to administer tests at the end of KS2 in the same way KS1 and KS3 tests are, where tests only inform the teacher’s assessment that is based on their knowledge of a child over a year.”

A Warwickshire County Council spokesman said: “We have written to schools to remind them administration of the SATs tests are a statutory duty, and headteachers and governors should ensure their school meets the required assessment, and reporting arrangements.

“However, we do acknowledge the concerns of teachers around the marking of previous tests.

“As an authority we will continue to work closely with schools so tests are administered properly, and we will also work with policy makers to ensure any national tests are helpful to schools, parents, and pupils.”

What do you think? Write to us or email timesletters@mrn.co.uk

'TREASURE' FOUND IN WARWICKSHIRE

A SILVER brooch dating back around seven centuries found in Warwickshire, has been deemed ‘treasure.’

It was found by Chris Matthews in the Wolverton area, as he was out with a metal detector on land belonging to David Mann.

An inquest was held last Thursday at Leamington Town Hall where the item, a gilt brooch that is 2.5cm across, was confirmed as official treasure.

This means the item, which dates back to the 13th or 14th century, belongs to the Crown.

The item is yet to be valued, but is expected to fetch hundreds of pounds.

Sara Wear, of the Warwickshire Museum Service, has confirmed that the Market Hall venue in
Warwick, is interested in displaying the piece.

She said: “The usual process is if something is found that appears to be more than 300 years’ old it is deemed to be treasure.

“It goes down to the British Museum where they have a special coroner’s report, and see how much more they can find out about the item.

“They judge how important the piece is, then local museums are asked if they are interested in acquiring it.

“The brooch has gone to the Treasure Evaluation Committee in London that is made up of experts and auctioneers that are familiar with the antiques market and put a full market value on the object.

“Once the land owner and museum have agreed the price, the museum can then begin to raise funds to obtain the item.

“The money is usually given as a reward to the person who found it, and to the landowner which is normally a 50 per cent split.”

PARENTS PROTEST OUTSIDE SHIRE HALL AGAINST NURSERY CLOSURES

PARENTS were banging drums and shouting chants to make sure their plea to save Warwickshire nursery schools did not go unheeded.

Around 50 parents gathered outside Shire Hall last Thursday and were chanting ‘we don’t want provision, we want education,’ and ‘education is a right, not a privilege’ as councillors arrived for a cabinet meeting.

It follows an announcement from Warwickshire County Council that they will start a consultation of six county nursery schools in mid-May to see how they are being run.

Council bosses say they are following guidelines from a government white paper, asking governors to examine the leadership and teaching in their schools, and consider alternatives to current practice.

But parents from Kenilworth Nursery School, in Bertie Road, fear their school could be under threat because it has no permanent headteacher, and want the council to withdraw the plans.

And joining them are parents from Whitnash Nursery School and Warwick Nursery School.

Sarah Griffiths, of Woodville Road, Warwick, said: “I have a four-year-old child that goes to Warwick Nursery School, and I think the consultation should take into account successful schools.

“They (the council) shouldn’t be cutting schools that are unsuccessful, instead they should be working harder to bring the schools up to the standards of the others.

“We have teachers, a curriculum and provisions that work well, and we want to keep that.”

Three parents also had a private meeting with Councillor Izzi Seccombe, portfolio holder for children, young people, and families, to ask her why the council was going ahead with consultations.

Louise Hindle, a parent and governor at Kenilworth Nursery School, who met Cllr Seccombe, said: “We wanted to know what the criteria is for a centre of excellence, because that is what Kenilworth Nursery School is, but it’s meaning isn’t transparent.

“We want to know why the council is doing this consultation because all the schools are doing fine, and they provide excellent service.”

But Cllr Seccombe has said the consultation must go ahead because thousands of pounds have been spent on pre-consultation work, and that all six nursery schools need to be at the same standard.

“The key issue here is that we want the best for these nursery schools,” she said.

“There are three outcomes; one is to see if the school would benefit from amalgamating with a primary school, another to change the venue to a children’s centre, and the third to retain it as a centre of excellence.

“I’m having a meeting on Friday to see if the consultation can be amended so the third option says it will stay as a nursery school.

“We have to do this now because thousands of pounds have been spent on getting this fair that we need to carry on.

“Warwick Nursery School is the only one that isn’t filling its capacity, so we need to see what can be done to get this.

“An extra £2 is spent per hour per head at a maintained school, so we need to make sure this money is being spent correctly.”

LISTED BUILDINGS ARE IGNORED IN RAIL PLANS

A STAGGERING 55 listed buildings have been ignored by the team planning to build a high-speed rail line near Stoneleigh.

Parts of the Warwickshire village, which has one of the highest concentrations of listed properties in the UK, could be decimated by the HS2 proposal.

Members of an action group, formed to challenge the plans, gathered last week to voice their opposition.

Philip Bull, 35, who is leading the charge despite commuting to London every day for work, said: “They’ve highlighted three listed buildings in this proposal and missed 55. It’s another thing that’s been pushed to one side.

“What’s extraordinary is that for us, people who use Coventry train station, things will get worse.

“The number of trains going from here to London will be cut from three to one. The whole proposal is crackers.

“The trains are supposed to be twice as long as a Pendolino, which carries 440 people. It’s just one of the figures that doesn’t stack up.”

The meeting, held at the village hall, included pictures showing the village overshadowed by a giant bridge.

An engineering expert said noise from the elevated line would be heard every three minutes.

Cec White, from the village, said: “Somebody’s got one hell of a cheek telling us this line is going to be 100 yards away from some of our homes. Someone should have spoken to us about this first – we shouldn’t be dictated to.”

Another resident Alec Sanders added: “Support for this scheme has almost become a political sound bite. It’s about status and no one seems to care about the people, like us, who will be affected.”

Organisers have vowed to work with other groups opposing the high-speed line to pool resources and co-ordinate opposition to the high-speed line.

FESTIVAL HIT BY TICKETS HITCH

ORGANISERS of this weekend’s 2010 Leamington Music Festival have faced a challenge with ticket sales following the collapse of a tourism company.

Hundreds of classical music lovers are expected to attend the bank holiday weekend event which runs from Friday April 30 to Tuesday May 4.

Festival bosses were worried the recent ban on flights due to the Icelandic ash cloud would hit perfor-mances, as artists performing in the nine concerts are flying in from the Czech Republic, Germany, Holland and Italy.

But after overcoming that hurdle, the collapse of South Warwickshire Tourism – trading as Shakespeare County – has posed a fresh headache over ticket sales.

Festival director Richard Phillips said: “I am pretty relieved that planes are flying again, as the recent problems would have affected half the concerts. Our other problem is the closure of the Tourist Information Centre at the Royal Pump Rooms.

“Not only are we owed money and we cannot get access to the tickets the TIC were selling, but
tourists seeking information on what’s on or looking for accommodation will be pretty fed up.”

Mr Phillips said Presto Classical, in Park Street, Leamington, has come to their rescue and is selling tickets, which are also available at the Bridge House Theatre.

This year’s festival, which is in its 21st year, will focus on romantic music between 1820 and 1850 and feature Chopin, Schumann, Mendelssohn and Weber.

Artists performing include the Schubert Ensemble of London, the Guarneri Piano Trio, regarded by some as the best trio in the world, the Wihan String Quartet and pianist Martin Kasik.

Warwickshire’s baritone Roderick Williams, young British cellist Gemma Rosefield, soprano Sonja Volten and violinist Anne-Marie Volten will also be performing.

For full ticket, venue and programme details visit www.leamingtonmusic.org.

WHITNASH NURSERY SCHOOL JOINS PROTEST

A SECOND nursery school has come forward to join a campaign to save nursery schools facing the threat of closure.

Parents and governors from Whitnash Nursery School (WNS), in Leamington, are joining the plight of those from Kenilworth Nursery School (KNS), in Bertie Road.

They are two of six nursery schools under review by Warwickshire
County Council which plans to hold a consultation in mid-May to see how they are being run.

As the Times reported last week users of KNS have condemned the review plans. Parents fear that because the school has no permanent headteacher it could be closed.

The county council has said it is following a government white paper, asking governors to examine the leadership and teaching in their schools and consider alternatives to current practice.

Now WNS, in Nursery Lane, is joining forces with KNS and is backing their call to stop the consultation from taking place.

Whitnash Nursery School has been running for more than 30 years and has received three consecutive “outstanding” Ofsted reports.

Sioban Mulherin, a parent and gover-nor of the school, said: “The support we have had to save the school has been phenomenal. As well as members of the community offering to help, all three of our parliamentary candidates have been down in person to sign our petition and offer their support.”

Alan Beddow, the Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Leamington and Warwick, visited the nursery and spoke to concerned parents.

He said: “This is an excellent nursery, very much part of the community and there is no justification whatsoever why this nursery should be under threat.

“Parents send their children here from across South Leamington, Whitnash and Warwick Gates where there is already a shortage of schools.

“The Conservative cabinet at the county council could have delayed the changes to early years funding by a year which would have allowed nursery schools time to plan these major changes properly.”

The school will be holding its first parents’ campaign meeting on Wednesday April 28 at Whitnash Nursery School.

Angry parents from both schools took their plight to the streets as they took part in a protest rally on Saturday in Abbey End, Kenilworth.

More than 400 people turned up to show their support and more than 1,000 signatures have so far been collected on a petition to save the schools.

At the protest, parents questioned the basis for the consultation.

Mandy Brougham, chair of governors at KNS, said: “The government’s policy is very clear. Outstanding schools should be protected. The council’s threat to our school is the
result of the councillors’ decision to try to save money in the schools’
budget.

“Our school is a vital part of our community and provides outstanding education for children. The massive support we have received from the community on Saturday shows that the council is making a huge mistake.

“It’s time they withdrew this consultation and gave a clear commitment to protect our school.”

Another protest has been planned outside Shire Hall tomorrow at 1pm, ahead of a cabinet meeting.

The parents have also requested to speak to Councillor Izzi Seccombe, portfolio holder for children, young people and families, to ask to withdraw the consultation.

A Warwickshire County Council spokesman said: “Warwickshire takes a very responsible view about all
providers of nursery provision.

“Cabinet agreed in January this year to proceed on consultation with the six nursery schools.

“What the council is trying to do is ensure the highest standard of provision is available to all children, regardless of where they live.”

NUMBER CAUGHT WITH CANNABIS RISES

ALMOST 400 cannabis plants have been seized by the county’s police force in Warwick district over the past two years.

The number of people caught with the drug has risen by 28 per cent between 2008 and 2009.

In 2008, 58 people were caught in possession of the class B drug around Leamington, Kenilworth and Warwick, which increased to 74 last year.

The number of people arrested for the cultivation of cannabis rose slightly, from four to five, during the same period.

But the number of cannabis plants seized has fallen by more than a half.

In 2008, 267 plants were seized but this fell to 108 in 2009.

Warwick District Commander Neil Harrison said that cannabis-related offences are not high on the force’s crime-fighting agenda.

He said: “I do not consider these figures to be a significant increase.

“The cultivation is not a force priority as it is not a massive problem, but we understand the concerns.

“Over the past few months we have really pushed for a far greater proactive approach to looking. We have changed the way we react to calls from the public.

“We have significantly increased the number of stop and searches we carry out on the streets.”

He also said that cannabis-related arrests are ones which could lead to a term of imprisonment and encouraged members of the public to report any drug use.

“We rely on public awareness and if anyone suspects anything then we advise them to contact the police in the usual way or via Crimestoppers anonymously,” he said.

“Alternatively they can talk to their safer neighbourhood team. It’s also important for people to know that if they call the police and they don’t see a presence straight away, it might be because we’re operating in a more discreet way.”

To contact the police call 01926 415000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

LEAMINGTON VENUE WINS TOP AWARD

LEAMINGTON venue The Assembly has been named the Best Venue in the UK at the Music Week Award.

It beat off stiff competition from larger sites such as The O2 Arena, The O2 Sheperd’s Bush Empire and The Lexington, London to pick up the title.

The Assembly scooped the title at a ceremony held in the capital last Thursday.

Past performers include Razorlight, The Kooks, Pendulum, Doves, Corinne Bailey-Rae, Patti Smith, Peter Doherty and Beverley Knight.

Up and coming shows include Goldfrapp, Newton Faulkner and the only UK date for The Sisters Of Mercy.

One of the judges said the deal was clinched because of the investment into the front house and backstage facilities that had been put in place.

The Assembly boasts an artists’ area where there is a private bar, ride-along toys and bumper cars to help performers relax and unwind.

Vas Stylianos, of The Assembly, said: “We are over the moon with the result. Of course, we hoped that we would win when we were nominated because that alone was a massive deal to us.

“So to hear The Assembly being called out as the winner was amazing.”

SHOP WORKER INJURED IN POST OFFICE ROBBERY

ROBBERS dragged a shop worker into an office and forced her to open a safe before stealing cash and alcohol.

Three men went into the Chantry Post Office, in McColls, The Precinct, Warwick, before dragging the female victim through the store to a back office, where they made her open the safe.

They escaped with a large quantity of cash and some bottles of Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.

Both wine bottles had promotional stickers on them.

The victim, said to be in her 40s, suffered a bump to the head and was very shaken by her ordeal.

Warwickshire Police is investigating the robbery, which took place at 9.15pm on Sunday.

One of the men was white and wore a light grey hooded tracksuit, possibly with a Nike logo, grey gardening or building gloves with yellow on the thumbs and fingers, a dark top under the hoodie and dark
trainers.

The second was white and wore a dark grey or blue hooded tracksuit, black gloves, a black woolly hat under his hood, a light blue top under the tracksuit top, black trainers, and he also had a white scarf or handkerchief covering his mouth. He was carrying a multi-coloured JD Sports drawstring bag.

The third man was also white and wore dark tracksuit bottoms and a dark jacket with small white lettering or a logo on the left side of the chest area, black gloves, a black balaclava with the eyes cut out and black trainers with light coloured laces with lime green or yellow on the heel area.

It is believed the robbers escaped in a car which was parked nearby.

Two members of the public were in the shop at the time and police are keen to trace a man who went into the store twice in the 40 minutes before the robbery took place.

Officers have conducted house-to-house enquiries and are examining CCTV footage of the time of the incident and the moments leading up to it.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Sgt Iain Shearer at Leamington CID
on 01926 415000 or Crime-stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

HAPPY HOMECOMING FOR INTREPID TROOPS

AN HISTORIC homecoming parade for soldiers of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers is taking place in Kenilworth today.

More than 160 troops of the Fusiliers will parade through Kenilworth, along Warwick Road towards the castle.

The troops will be forming in Warwick Road, near Clarendon Road, where 350 red, white and blue balloons will be released at 11.30am.

Traffic will be stopped as the soldiers march towards the inspection point outside the Holiday Inn, in Smalley Place, before the Fusiliers march down to the castle.

The parade follows the soldier’s demanding six-month tour of Afghanistan last year.

It is believed this will be the first time a regular regiment has entered the castle since the Civil War more than 350 years ago.

Cllr Richard Davies, the Mayor of Kenilworth, said: “I realise that so many people in my town know somebody serving, and so many share the concerns for these young soldiers, and feel happy to see their homecoming.”

NEW TOURISM COMPANY OPENS

A NEW tourist company is filling the gap left by the sudden closure of Shakespeare County.

South Warwickshire Tourism, which traded under the name of Shakespeare County, was forced to stop trading at the start of the month after Stratford District Council decided not to renew its annual funding of £275,000.

Without the district council’s backing, the tourism firm said it could no longer operate and was forced to close down, shutting key tourism offices in Leamington and Stratford.

The board of SWT has called in insolvency experts Poppleton and Appleby who are expected to be appointed as liquidators at a meeting on April 28.

Now, Seek the Magic Org, which is the company behind the Creaky Cauldron Museum in Henley Street, Stratford, has stepped in to offer a new tourist information service to residents and visitors to the town.

The company has started a telephone information service which is open seven days a week and has created leaflets and a website under the name, Stratford-upon-Avon: Not Just Shakespeare.

Dave Matthews, chief executive of Seek the Magic Org, said: “We were extremely saddened about Shakespeare Country and concerned about the lack of a tourism provision in the town.

“The website will be a fundamental service and an invaluable source of information for visitors, especially as we approach Shakespeare’s birthday celebrations and our peak season.

“Stratford is a fantastic historic town and one we’re deservedly proud of.

“Each year it attracts four million tourists and we want to ensure that tourists continue to visit and the town remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.”

The Not Just Shakespeare website gives visitors information on places to eat and stay in Stratford, attractions, events and festivals, theatre and nightlife, shops, parking and the town’s history, as well as information on William Shakespeare.

The company has also opened a tourism office at the Creaky Cauldron Museum which is open every day from 9.30am until 5pm.

For more information call 0844 824 8600 or visit www.notjustshakespeare.org.

LEAMINGTON LEGENDS TO HAVE PLAQUES UNVEILED

THREE more plaques will be unveiled in Leamington to celebrate three legendary
residents of the town.

Sir Terry Frost, Malcolm Sayer and Randolph Turpin will all have a blue plaque unveiled under their names on Wednesday April 28 at 3pm.

Last week the Times reported that legendary boxer Turpin’s head guard is now on display at the town’s art gallery and museum.

Randolph was born in Leamington on June 1928 and trained along with his brother Dick at the Leamington Boys Club.

Aged 18, he turned professional and achieved a win by a knock out in his first bout. He won the British Middleweight title in 1950 and later that year met European Middleweight champion Luc Van Dam in London, whom he knocked out in the first round to seize the European championship.

The highlight of his career came in July 1951 when he become the first British holder of the World Middleweight title in 60 years.

He was posthumously inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001.

His plaque will be unveiled in Willes Road where he grew up.

Joining him will be Leamington-born Sir Terry Frost, who was an artist noted for his abstract works.

He lived in Rugby Road before he served in the army during the Second World War and was taught by artist Adrian Heath while he was a prisoner of war.

After he returned to England he attended art schools in Cornwall and then worked as an assistant to sculptor Barbara Hepworth.

Frost had his first one-man exhibition in London at the Leicester Galleries in 1952 and in New York at the Bertha Schaefer Gallery in 1960.

In 1992, he was elected a Royal Academician and was knighted in 1998. He died in September 2003.

His plaque will be unveiled in Stamford Gardens.

The last man to be joining the trio is Malcolm Sayer who lived in Portland Place West, Leamington, which is where his plaque will be mounted.

He was the designer of the E-Type Jaguar.

Sayer joined the company in 1950 where he designed the first post-war British sports and racing car capable of challenging Mercedes and Ferrari.

His C-Type Jaguar won Le Mans first time out and then for three years running.

The events have been organised by the Blue Plaque Group, which manages the blue plaques and historic interest plaques in Leamington.

The group comprises Leamington Town Council, Leamington Building Conservation Trust, Central Leamington Residents’ Association, Leamington Society, Leamington Literary Society and Warwick District Council.

LEAMINGTON LICKER HEAD GUARD ON DISPLAY

A KNOCKOUT piece of one of the county’s biggest sporting heroes is being displayed at Leamington Art Gallery and Museum.

The personal boxing head guard of legend Randolph Turpin has been bought by the gallery in Leamington’s Pump Rooms and is on display on the mezzanine floor.

The leather head guard was worn by Turpin throughout his career, which culminated in his defeat of Sugar Ray Robinson at Earl’s Court, London, in 1951, for the World Middleweight Boxing Title Championship.

This victory transformed Turpin into a national hero. A crowd of 18,000 people waited to cheer him at Leamington Town Hall when he returned as the world champion.

Vicki Slade, curator at the gallery, said: “We are very excited to be able to represent Turpin because he is a national sporting hero. The headguard will be on permanent display, along with a replica of a statue that stands in Warwick town centre.

“We are glad that we are able to represent Turpin’s career and life.”

Local councillors are also excited about the new addition to the museum.

Councillor Michael Doody, leader of Warwick District Council, said: “This is an important acquisition that will add to the memory of Randolph Turpin, the celebrated boxer from Leamington.

“I am sure that many people will wish to come and see it at the art gallery.”

Councillor Susan Gallagher, portfolio holder for culture, added: “I am delighted that we have been able to obtain some memorabilia belonging to Randolph Turpin as I think he is our greatest local sports hero.

“It will be fantastic to display it to remind local people how great he was.”

Known as the Leamington Licker, Turpin retired in 1958 with a record of 64 wins, one draw and eight losses.

But he shot and killed himself above his wife’s transport cafe in Leamington eight years later over health and financial worries.

He was just 37.

His 17-month-old daughter Carmen was also injured but she refuses to believe he was responsible.

Although born in Leamington, Turpin lived in neighbouring Warwick and, in 2001, a bronze statue of the boxer was unveiled in Warwick town centre.

VET NURSE RECOGNISED FOR 30 YEAR SERVICE

ANIMAL lover Louise Want proved to be the top dog after scooping the Vet Nurse of the Year award at the Oscars of the veterinary world.

The 48-year-old, of St Nicholas Avenue, Kenilworth, was rewarded for her dedication as a veterinary nurse – a career which has spanned three decades.

At a ceremony last week hosted by comedian and impressionist Alistair McGowan, Louise was named vet nurse of the year 2010 at the Petplan Veterinary Awards, which were held in Birmingham.

Louise, who is married to fellow vet nurse Simon, works at the Feldon Veterinary Centre, which has centres in Kenilworth, Leamington and Hinckley.

The mother-of-three said she was shocked when she found out she had been nominated.

“I got a phone call about three weeks ago telling me I had been nominated and shortlisted in this category and it came as a complete shock,” she said.

“I’ve been in the industry for 30 years this year, and it’s such a special way to celebrate it; in fact it may have been the reason why I was nominated.

“It’s an amazing award and great to be acknowledged.

“I can honestly say I love my job now as much as I did when I started. Not many people can say that.”

An independent panel of judges found Louise to be a great inspiration by being an excellent role model for her team of nurses.

Animal lover Louise, who has three dogs, a cat and fish, said her home has become a sanctuary for injured or lost pets.

She said: “There have been so many incidents where people have called our home telephone or brought animals over to us.

“One of the most memorable events was when someone brought a dog to us that had really rough paws.

“It turned out his owner was 150 miles away and the dog had run away on Bonfire Night because he had been scared.

“He was perfectly fit and healthy, but he had been away for nine months. It was remarkable.”

Alison Andrew, Petplan’s marketing manager, said Louise was a very deserving winner.

She added: “The awards are about thanking the veterinary profession for the outstanding level of care they provide to our animals.

“Louise, like many vet nurses, provides an exceptional service to clients and their pets with an infectious level of enthusiasm.”

The awards, now in their 11th year, recognise and applaud staff and practices throughout the country that have delivered an exceptional level of care to the nation’s pets.

TWO MORE QUIZZED IN ATHERSTONE FIRE

FURTHER arrests have been made in connection with a warehouse blaze in Warwickshire which killed four firefighters.

Warwickshire Police said that two men have been bailed in connection with the fire. They join six others, who were arrested in February and March, on suspicion of gross negligence manslaughter.

They all remain on police bail pending further inquiries.

A Warwickshire Police spokesman said the men, believed to be fire service staff, were arrested and questioned on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.

Ashley Stephens, 20, Darren Yates-Badley, 24, John Averis, 27, and Ian Reid, 44, died in
the fire at a vegetable packing plant in Atherstone on Stour in November 2007.

A police spokesman added: “Two men, who were arrested on Wednesday April 7 in connection with the fatal fire at Atherstone on Stour in November 2007, have been released on police bail pending further inquiries. The men, aged 49 and 59 and from the south of the county, presented themselves at a police station in Warwickshire where they were arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office.”

HISTORIC LANDMARK GOING UNDER THE HAMMER

ONE of the main gateways into Warwick is due to go under the hammer today.

The Eastgate, which is more than 500 years old and a grade two listed building, is up for auction with a reserve price of £125,000.

But residents are worried a new buyer may not preserve it and could be snapped up for use as an apartment, office or even a wine bar.

Around 140 people have signed a petition to save the gatehouse which dates back to the mid
15th century.

John Walker, 69, of Primrose Hill, who is leading the petition, said: “The Eastgate remains a symbol of Warwick and it should be preserved.

“Within two weeks of starting this petition, more than 100 people have signed it from all over the world, including Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada.

“It’s not entirely clear if the auction will find a new buyer because there are a lot of costs, nearly a quarter of a million, on top of the asking price to work on the building.

“There are no facilities inside, such as electricity or drains, so all that would have to be put in.

“It would be good if a trust could be set up to preserve it, perhaps we could get lottery funding.”

The current owner, a London businessman, put the Eastgate up for sale with Hawkesford
Estate Agents in January.

Since then there have been viewings twice a week from buyers with ideas of converting it into a private dining hall, private home, architect’s office or a two-bedroomed apartment.

Planning applications for a wine bar, cafe or restaurant will also be considered once it is purchased.

The Warwick Society, who aim to preserve an historic town, said the cost of repairing the Eastgate is very high.

Chairman James Mackay said: “We hope very much that the building will be in safe hands and we hope that the district council and English Heritage will respect its grade two status when a new buyer is found.

“But there is a very large negative number with the gate because so much needs to be done to conserve and repair it, which is expensive.”

The Eastgate, one of only two remaining gates within the town, has a reception area, hallway, cloakroom, two further rooms and a clock tower.

Three of its large rooms were used as classrooms by King’s High School for Girls from 1879, but it sold the building for about £90,000 five years ago.

A petition to preserve the Eastgate will be handed in to Warwick District Council on April 28.

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