News for Cheshire West and Chester

Inquest Held into Soldier Deaths

An inquest has been told two soldiers from a Cheshire regiment killed in Afghanistan may have died from British-made bullets.

24 -year-old Corporal Terry Webster, from Chester, and Lance Corporal Alan Cochran, aged 23, from North Wales, died last year.

On Friday, Chester magistrates court heard the sniper may have used bullets made in Britain, because the Taliban sometimes took British ammunition when it was lost in battles.

The soldiers were from the 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment.

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Cheshire Oaks Robbery Sparks Appeal

Police are appealing for witnesses as they try to track down three men they would like to speak to in connection with an armed robbery in Ellesmere Port.

The incident happened at the Tag Heuer store at McArthurGlen’s Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet on Thursday evening,

Three men entered the store, armed with claw hammers and metal bars, and smashed the glass cabinets to steal items.

They then escaped on foot.

No-one was injured.

News for Chester

Arrests After Knife Attack

Three people have been arrested and bailed following a knife attack in Shotton.

A man suffered a leg wound and was taken to the Countess of Chester, after being stabbed on Salisbury Street in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police are appealing for information.

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Police Issue New 101 Number

We are being asked to ring a new non-emergency number to report incidents  instead of 999.

Cheshire Police, together with Merseyside Police and Greater Manchester Police, are among the first to switch over to the telephone number ‘101′.

It’s to make it easier for members of the public to contact police in a non-emergency.

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News for Chester

Queen Elizabeth Giant Sculpture Unveiled

The Queen is joining Chester's line up of giants!

A sculpture of her head has been unveiled  today, ahead of next year's Jubilee in June.

Sixty Queen Elizabeth the Seconds are going to be made in total, so they can be used by communities across the area.

It's thanks to funding being made available by the Big Lottery.

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Carbon Monoxide Campaign Underway

A campaign to raise awareness of carbon monoxide poisoning is underway.

The main focus are landlords in Chester, who are being asked to ensure their tenants are safe.

The reminder is being given out as the heating increases during the Winter.

CHESTER NEWS

CHRISTMAS WHEEL COULD COME BACK TO CHESTER

 
We could see the return of a big wheel to the Chester skyline this Christmas.

The Council has initially agreed but it must now be considered by health and safety bosses.

The big wheel from last year was turned down as there was no room for it.

Stephen Wronke, from Chester City Management, says a decision will be made in the next few days

It’s set to be based at St Martin’s Mound from 7th-31st December.

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BOYS QUESTIONED OVER ALLEGED ABDUCTION ATTEMPT

Police on Merseyside are appealing for information after two boys allegedly
tried to abduct a girl from a supermarket.

They’re being questioned by detectives.

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ENERGY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES IN CHESHIRE

A campaign to help people who find themselves falling behind with their energy
bills has been launched in Cheshire.

It’s amid fears that further price hikes will push more people into the red
this winter.

The joint campaign headed up by Citizens Advice believe more than half of
us are worried about being able to afford their energy bills over the coming
months.

CHESTER NEWS

UNEMPLOYMENT RISES IN CHESHIRE

More than half of us are already cutting back in our spending because we fear
another recession is on its way.

It’s also affecting small to medium sized businesses – with many struggling to generate profits.

Businessman Nick Montague from Cheshire says unemployment figures are also rising.

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CHEHSIRE HIGHWAYS AGENCY PREPARES FOR WINTER FROST

 
As the weather turns colder, the Highways Agency in Cheshire’s preparing for wintry conditions.

Last year, heavy snow fall led to problems for drivers across the county’s roads.

Gritters worked round the clock to keep the main routes open.

Manager Andrew Olive says they’re on stand-by.

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NEWS FOR CHESTER

THIEF TAKES POPPY TIN ON ARMISTICE DAY

 
A callous thief in Cheshire has stolen nine poppy tins in the last week.

One was even stolen from a bakery while a service was taking place on Armistice day.

It’s been happening across the Cheshire area, including Chester and Frodsham.

He’s described as white, in his early to mid thirties, of average build and around 6′ tall.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

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CHESHIRE CHILDREN URGED TO HAVE VACCINE

 
Parents are being urged to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles.

Cases of the infection are increasing in Cheshire, and the Health Protection Agency says those who haven’t had the jab are most at risk.

Children and young adults are the most vulnerable.

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ROBBERS TARGET ELDERLY IN ELLESMERE PORT

Elderly residents have been targetted by burglars in Ellesmere Port.

Thieves went into three pensioners flats on Coombe Park Court, Little Sutton.

A number of personal and valuable items were stolen including a 75 year old anniversary brooch.

The robberies occurred in the early hours of the morning on the 9th November.

Police are appealing for witnesses.

News for Chester

JOB BOOST FOR CHESTER

Bank of America have announced up to 1,000 jobs could be coming to Chester.

But 150 positions will also be lost within their credit card business in Chester.

The new roles will be part of their global technology and operations centre which is expected to open in 2013.

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BURGLARS PINCH BABY RATTLE

Burglars have stolen a baby rattle from a pensioner's home in Blacon.

They also took gold jewellery including earrings and necklaces, after smashing their way in through a rear window.

The burglary happened on October 20th between 4 and 5 o'clock in the afternoon.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

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NEWS FOR CHESTER

CAR THEFTS IN CHESHIRE

Police are warning road users of the dangers of leaving their car unlocked when de-icing.

Three cars have been stolen already this week in Cheshire.

Inspector Dave Griffiths from Cheshire Police told Dee 106.3 you might not be covered by your insurance.

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FRAUDSTERS FOCUS ON CHESHIRE

We’re being ripped off in Cheshire by scams and frauds to the tune of almost 7 billion pounds a year nationally.

A report from the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee also says the
system for protecting consumers is not good enough.

The study highlights the failure to keep up with online or credit card fraud.

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CHESTER CHRISTMAS LIGHTS COUNTDOWN

The countdown’s on for Chester’s Big Christmas Light Switch On.

A selection of choirs from across Cheshire wil be taking part in the event on Thursday.

There’ll also be a firework display.

News for Chester

Planned Traveller Site Rejected

Plans for a traveller site in Chester have been rejected.

Thousands of people petitioned against the Council's proposal to develop greenbelt land at Oakwood Farm in Saughall.

The plans have now been scrapped.

Also helping the protesters' cause was the presence of rare bat species on the site.

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Report Reveals Housing Concerns

The backlog of Cheshire families waiting for social housing is getting worse.

That's according to the National Housing Federation.

Their Home Truths report paints a bleak picture of the housing market in our county, where growing numbers of people cannot afford to buy or rent homes.

In Cheshire West and Chester 12, 568 households are on waiting lists.

News for Chester

Heritage Crime Focus in Chester

A conference is being held in Chester to discuss how to tackle the growing problem of heritage crime.

Lead thefts are affecting many historical buildings and sites, because of soaring prices for second hand scrap metal.

Now 50 law enforcement officials will meet and decide how to put an end to this kind of crime.

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Adoption Charity Makes Appeal

A Cheshire charity is calling for prospective adopters to give children a home.

Adoption Matters NorthWest are highlighting the number of youngsters still in care in our region.

It’s been timed to coincide with Make a Difference Day, which is one of the UK’s largest volunteering events.