FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK (15th - 21st AUGUST 1972)
This week's stories include criticism of the shape of St Helens girls legs, a 'Back to School' feature is in the Reporter, the Chain Lane flues dispute rolls on, Cowley boys return triumphant from their South American rugby tour and Leathers Chemicals are accused of destroying women's tights through an acid fall-out.
We begin with a story in the Liverpool Echo on the 16th that carried the headline "Churchgoers Join Fight Against Porn". Up to two million people had signed a national petition demanding a clampdown on the amount of sex on television. The vicar of St Mark's Church in North Road in St Helens was leading the town's campaign against the erosion of public decency on TV.
The Rev. Gordon Williams told the Echo that those responsible for the material that was being broadcast did not seem to realise that there was any life other than at sewer level. "I have been astonished that so many people, not all of them churchgoers, have been worried that decency is disappearing," added Rev. Williams.
The National Coal Board announced this week that Sutton Manor Colliery and Bold Colliery (pictured above) were to be scrutinised to see where efficiency savings could be made. However, it was emphasised that there was no likelihood of the mines having to close. An NCB spokesman commented: "There's no danger to these two collieries, although there is room for improvement throughout the North West. Sutton Manor is not doing as well as it could, Bold is doing reasonably well."
It was now eight weeks since householders on the new Chain Lane estate had been without hot water and heating after being told to switch off their gas boilers. That was after North Sea gas conversion inspectors had discovered that residents' flues were capable of allowing deadly carbon monoxide fumes to blow back into their homes. After denying responsibility for the last two months, Daleholme Estates this week finally accepted that the defects in all but 25 of the 600 homes were down to them.
But the Chain Lane Ratepayers Association told the Reporter on the 18th that the house builders had stated that they were not prepared to pay the total cost of the repairs. That, the Gas Board had estimated, would cost between £10 and £20 for each home. Instead, Daleholme felt St Helens Corporation and the Gas Board should share liability with them and contribute to the cost. That was on the basis that Corporation inspectors had inspected the properties when they had been built but had failed to spot the issue.
After initially supported the developers, George James, the Borough Engineer, had a fortnight earlier admitted some culpability, saying: "It would seem that the inspectors missed some of the faults on some of the houses". When asked to comment this week on whether the Corporation would agree to contribute to the repair fund, he said he had nothing to say about the matter.
However, the Gas Board did. It was unclear why Daleholme thought they had any responsibility for what had occurred – but a spokesman for the gasmen said they completely denied any liability. He insisted that the Board had never inspected the flues until their North Sea gas conversion workmen had diagnosed the problem. And so still the issue dragged on…
I don't know about you but as a child I used to loathe the 'Back To School' adverts in the newspapers and in shop windows in St Helens – several weeks before the summer holidays were over. At least in 1972 the feature in the Reporter was not early in August, as it sometimes was, but on the 18th.
Helena House (pictured above) in their ad was selling footwear from £3.25 with the slogan: "For back-to-school shoes, the best place to come and choose is your friendly Co-op, so fair on cost!" Oxleys of Claughton Street were selling girls blazers in navy and black from £2.90 to £4.25 and boys flared trousers in mid grey for £2.75.
"Be Smart … Get Ready For School NOW!" was the stern advice of Blacklers store of Liverpool and back in St Helens, Tyrers of Bridge Street was promoting its exhibition of school wear, which began on the 25th. "Just look at these prices", said Slaters of Gerard Street in Ashton with their bargains including boys PE shorts selling at 30p.
The Reporter also wrote: "Armed guards, VIPs, huge crowds, warm hospitality and an unbeaten record – that was the tale of the victorious Cowley Rugby Union party as they returned from their South American tour. "With seven wins in seven matches, average attendances of over 4,000, newspaper headlines and presidents and ambassadors among their spectators they can really claim to have taken the Latins by storm."
While playing in Montevideo in Uruguay, armed guards had surrounded the pitch while a helicopter hovered above the players. "It was really frightening really", said Cowley teacher and senior coach Ray French, while adding that the rest of the tour had been hugely successful: "The boys had a marvellous time. The hospitality was wonderful and when we left they all got presents from the families they had been staying with. And the interest in rugby over there is fantastic. We had headlines in the press and huge crowds for every match."
Ray said all the lads in the 26-strong party had got a game - but the outstanding individual successes were Ian Ball (who scored 120 points), captain Dave Carfoot, Neil Robinson, Steve Smith, John Curley and Steve Tickle. However, the former Saints star and future rugby league commentator added that it would be a while before the Cowley boys ventured on any more overseas tours. That was because it had taken them two years to fundraise for their South American trip.
Alan Whalley was stepping on dangerous ground in his 'Whalley's World' column in the Reporter relaying unflattering comments about St Helens women's legs! This is what he wrote:
"It's known in “bird spotting” circles as the St. Helens Leg. Two chums (one an exiled Scot, the other a Scouser) brought up the subject over a pint. “Why,” they chorused, “have St. Helens girls got the biggest calves and fattest t’ighs in the country?” Had to admit that I hadn't noticed this rather remarkable physical factor. (My mind is permanently on higher planes) “Gerroff,” sez Scouse, “You can't miss ’em. Most of the girls round here have lower limbs like Nanook of the North.”"
Alan added that his friends' theories for moulding the alleged "St Helens Leg" included a staple diet of "meat and ‘tater pies", girls being secret weight-lifters and "toddling up the breathless slope of Croppers Hill". Female readers with "lovely pins" were invited to drop Alan a line at the Reporter's College Street office. "I'd be delighted to present the case for the defence of the St. Helens Leg", he added.
In their latest story about the highly controversial Leathers Chemicals, the Reporter described how Marion Prescott of Robina Lane was asking her neighbours to join her in a rates rebellion. That was because an acid fall-out from the Lancots Lane chemical firm had damaged her tights when the 44-year-old housewife had gone for a walk. Another victim had been Patricia Griffiths who said she saw her tights disappear on her legs while strolling through Sutton Park.
Neighbouring householders had already put in a claim for a rates rebate because of the plant's proximity – but Mrs Prescott wanted to go one step further. She said she and her husband would be prepared to withhold their rates completely if other residents joined them. But it wasn't just the holy tights that was annoying Mrs Prescott. She said:
"The fumes are so bad that although my three children have won 80 medals and plaques between them for dancing I can never put them on show in the house. I have to wrap them in tissue paper and keep them shut away in drawers so they do not turn black on the walls. We have to redecorate every year to 18 months. My husband was off work once because of the effect of the fumes. Fancy building a factory like that so close to the hospital and a school."
Nathaniel Birch of St Helens Public Health Department said an investigation would be made into the complaints. However, when Leathers were asked about the allegations, all they could say was "No comment."
And finally, some rather late travel news. Train services on the 20th were disrupted as a bridge over a section of railway line between Huyton and St Helens Junction was demolished and electrification work took place near Newton-le-Willows.
Next week's stories will include the skinhead rugby league fans on the rampage in St Helens, the kids' street party in Dorothy Street in lieu of a summer holiday, Rainford Carnival takes place and the builders with a heart at Billinge Hospital.
We begin with a story in the Liverpool Echo on the 16th that carried the headline "Churchgoers Join Fight Against Porn". Up to two million people had signed a national petition demanding a clampdown on the amount of sex on television. The vicar of St Mark's Church in North Road in St Helens was leading the town's campaign against the erosion of public decency on TV.
The Rev. Gordon Williams told the Echo that those responsible for the material that was being broadcast did not seem to realise that there was any life other than at sewer level. "I have been astonished that so many people, not all of them churchgoers, have been worried that decency is disappearing," added Rev. Williams.
It was now eight weeks since householders on the new Chain Lane estate had been without hot water and heating after being told to switch off their gas boilers. That was after North Sea gas conversion inspectors had discovered that residents' flues were capable of allowing deadly carbon monoxide fumes to blow back into their homes. After denying responsibility for the last two months, Daleholme Estates this week finally accepted that the defects in all but 25 of the 600 homes were down to them.
But the Chain Lane Ratepayers Association told the Reporter on the 18th that the house builders had stated that they were not prepared to pay the total cost of the repairs. That, the Gas Board had estimated, would cost between £10 and £20 for each home. Instead, Daleholme felt St Helens Corporation and the Gas Board should share liability with them and contribute to the cost. That was on the basis that Corporation inspectors had inspected the properties when they had been built but had failed to spot the issue.
After initially supported the developers, George James, the Borough Engineer, had a fortnight earlier admitted some culpability, saying: "It would seem that the inspectors missed some of the faults on some of the houses". When asked to comment this week on whether the Corporation would agree to contribute to the repair fund, he said he had nothing to say about the matter.
However, the Gas Board did. It was unclear why Daleholme thought they had any responsibility for what had occurred – but a spokesman for the gasmen said they completely denied any liability. He insisted that the Board had never inspected the flues until their North Sea gas conversion workmen had diagnosed the problem. And so still the issue dragged on…
I don't know about you but as a child I used to loathe the 'Back To School' adverts in the newspapers and in shop windows in St Helens – several weeks before the summer holidays were over. At least in 1972 the feature in the Reporter was not early in August, as it sometimes was, but on the 18th.
"Be Smart … Get Ready For School NOW!" was the stern advice of Blacklers store of Liverpool and back in St Helens, Tyrers of Bridge Street was promoting its exhibition of school wear, which began on the 25th. "Just look at these prices", said Slaters of Gerard Street in Ashton with their bargains including boys PE shorts selling at 30p.
The Reporter also wrote: "Armed guards, VIPs, huge crowds, warm hospitality and an unbeaten record – that was the tale of the victorious Cowley Rugby Union party as they returned from their South American tour. "With seven wins in seven matches, average attendances of over 4,000, newspaper headlines and presidents and ambassadors among their spectators they can really claim to have taken the Latins by storm."
While playing in Montevideo in Uruguay, armed guards had surrounded the pitch while a helicopter hovered above the players. "It was really frightening really", said Cowley teacher and senior coach Ray French, while adding that the rest of the tour had been hugely successful: "The boys had a marvellous time. The hospitality was wonderful and when we left they all got presents from the families they had been staying with. And the interest in rugby over there is fantastic. We had headlines in the press and huge crowds for every match."
Ray said all the lads in the 26-strong party had got a game - but the outstanding individual successes were Ian Ball (who scored 120 points), captain Dave Carfoot, Neil Robinson, Steve Smith, John Curley and Steve Tickle. However, the former Saints star and future rugby league commentator added that it would be a while before the Cowley boys ventured on any more overseas tours. That was because it had taken them two years to fundraise for their South American trip.
Alan Whalley was stepping on dangerous ground in his 'Whalley's World' column in the Reporter relaying unflattering comments about St Helens women's legs! This is what he wrote:
"It's known in “bird spotting” circles as the St. Helens Leg. Two chums (one an exiled Scot, the other a Scouser) brought up the subject over a pint. “Why,” they chorused, “have St. Helens girls got the biggest calves and fattest t’ighs in the country?” Had to admit that I hadn't noticed this rather remarkable physical factor. (My mind is permanently on higher planes) “Gerroff,” sez Scouse, “You can't miss ’em. Most of the girls round here have lower limbs like Nanook of the North.”"
Alan added that his friends' theories for moulding the alleged "St Helens Leg" included a staple diet of "meat and ‘tater pies", girls being secret weight-lifters and "toddling up the breathless slope of Croppers Hill". Female readers with "lovely pins" were invited to drop Alan a line at the Reporter's College Street office. "I'd be delighted to present the case for the defence of the St. Helens Leg", he added.
In their latest story about the highly controversial Leathers Chemicals, the Reporter described how Marion Prescott of Robina Lane was asking her neighbours to join her in a rates rebellion. That was because an acid fall-out from the Lancots Lane chemical firm had damaged her tights when the 44-year-old housewife had gone for a walk. Another victim had been Patricia Griffiths who said she saw her tights disappear on her legs while strolling through Sutton Park.
Neighbouring householders had already put in a claim for a rates rebate because of the plant's proximity – but Mrs Prescott wanted to go one step further. She said she and her husband would be prepared to withhold their rates completely if other residents joined them. But it wasn't just the holy tights that was annoying Mrs Prescott. She said:
"The fumes are so bad that although my three children have won 80 medals and plaques between them for dancing I can never put them on show in the house. I have to wrap them in tissue paper and keep them shut away in drawers so they do not turn black on the walls. We have to redecorate every year to 18 months. My husband was off work once because of the effect of the fumes. Fancy building a factory like that so close to the hospital and a school."
Nathaniel Birch of St Helens Public Health Department said an investigation would be made into the complaints. However, when Leathers were asked about the allegations, all they could say was "No comment."
And finally, some rather late travel news. Train services on the 20th were disrupted as a bridge over a section of railway line between Huyton and St Helens Junction was demolished and electrification work took place near Newton-le-Willows.
Next week's stories will include the skinhead rugby league fans on the rampage in St Helens, the kids' street party in Dorothy Street in lieu of a summer holiday, Rainford Carnival takes place and the builders with a heart at Billinge Hospital.
This week's stories include criticism of the shape of St Helens girls legs, a 'Back to School' feature is in the Reporter, the Chain Lane flues dispute rolls on, Cowley boys return triumphant from their South American rugby tour and Leathers Chemicals are accused of destroying women's tights through an acid fall-out.
We begin with a story in the Liverpool Echo on the 16th that carried the headline "Churchgoers Join Fight Against Porn".
Up to two million people had signed a national petition demanding a clampdown on the amount of sex on television.
The vicar of St Mark's Church in North Road in St Helens was leading the town's campaign against the erosion of public decency on TV.
The Rev. Gordon Williams told the Echo that those responsible for the material that was being broadcast did not seem to realise that there was any life other than at sewer level.
"I have been astonished that so many people, not all of them churchgoers, have been worried that decency is disappearing," added Rev. Williams.
The National Coal Board announced this week that Sutton Manor Colliery and Bold Colliery (pictured above) were to be scrutinised to see where efficiency savings could be made.
However, it was emphasised that there was no likelihood of the mines having to close. An NCB spokesman commented:
"There's no danger to these two collieries, although there is room for improvement throughout the North West. Sutton Manor is not doing as well as it could, Bold is doing reasonably well."
It was now eight weeks since householders on the new Chain Lane estate had been without hot water and heating after being told to switch off their gas boilers.
That was after North Sea gas conversion inspectors had discovered that residents' flues were capable of allowing deadly carbon monoxide fumes to blow back into their homes.
After denying responsibility for the last two months, Daleholme Estates this week finally accepted that the defects in all but 25 of the 600 homes were down to them.
But the Chain Lane Ratepayers Association told the Reporter on the 18th that the house builders had stated that they were not prepared to pay the total cost of the repairs.
That, the Gas Board had estimated, would cost between £10 and £20 for each home.
Instead, Daleholme felt St Helens Corporation and the Gas Board should share liability with them and contribute to the cost.
That was on the basis that Corporation inspectors had inspected the properties when they had been built but had failed to spot the issue.
After initially supported the developers, George James, the Borough Engineer, had a fortnight earlier admitted some culpability, saying:
"It would seem that the inspectors missed some of the faults on some of the houses".
When asked to comment this week on whether the Corporation would agree to contribute to the repair fund, he said he had nothing to say about the matter.
However, the Gas Board did. It was unclear why Daleholme thought they had any responsibility for what had occurred – but a spokesman for the gasmen said they completely denied any liability.
He insisted that the Board had never inspected the flues until their North Sea gas conversion workmen had diagnosed the problem. And so still the issue dragged on…
I don't know about you but as a child I used to loathe the 'Back To School' adverts in the newspapers and in shop windows in St Helens – several weeks before the summer holidays were over.
At least in 1972 the feature in the Reporter was not early in August, as it sometimes was, but on the 18th.
Helena House (pictured above) in their ad was selling footwear from £3.25 with the slogan: "For back-to-school shoes, the best place to come and choose is your friendly Co-op, so fair on cost!"
Oxleys of Claughton Street were selling girls blazers in navy and black from £2.90 to £4.25 and boys flared trousers in mid grey for £2.75.
"Be Smart … Get Ready For School NOW!" was the stern advice of Blacklers store of Liverpool and back in St Helens, Tyrers of Bridge Street was promoting its exhibition of school wear, which began on the 25th.
"Just look at these prices", said Slaters of Gerard Street in Ashton with their bargains including boys PE shorts selling at 30p.
The Reporter also wrote: "Armed guards, VIPs, huge crowds, warm hospitality and an unbeaten record – that was the tale of the victorious Cowley Rugby Union party as they returned from their South American tour.
"With seven wins in seven matches, average attendances of over 4,000, newspaper headlines and presidents and ambassadors among their spectators they can really claim to have taken the Latins by storm."
While playing in Montevideo in Uruguay, armed guards had surrounded the pitch while a helicopter hovered above the players.
"It was really frightening really", said Cowley teacher and senior coach Ray French, while adding that the rest of the tour had been hugely successful:
"The boys had a marvellous time. The hospitality was wonderful and when we left they all got presents from the families they had been staying with. And the interest in rugby over there is fantastic. We had headlines in the press and huge crowds for every match."
Ray said all the lads in the 26-strong party had got a game - but the outstanding individual successes were Ian Ball (who scored 120 points), captain Dave Carfoot, Neil Robinson, Steve Smith, John Curley and Steve Tickle.
However, the former Saints star and future rugby league commentator added that it would be a while before the Cowley boys ventured on any more overseas tours.
That was because it had taken them two years to fundraise for their South American trip.
Alan Whalley was stepping on dangerous ground in his 'Whalley's World' column in the St Helens Reporter relaying unflattering comments about St Helens women's legs! This is what he wrote:
"It's known in “bird spotting” circles as the St. Helens Leg. Two chums (one an exiled Scot, the other a Scouser) brought up the subject over a pint. “Why,” they chorused, “have St. Helens girls got the biggest calves and fattest t’ighs in the country?”
"Had to admit that I hadn't noticed this rather remarkable physical factor. (My mind is permanently on higher planes) “Gerroff,” sez Scouse, “You can't miss ’em. Most of the girls round here have lower limbs like Nanook of the North.”"
Alan added that his friends' theories for moulding the alleged "St Helens Leg" included a staple diet of "meat and ‘tater pies", girls being secret weight-lifters and "toddling up the breathless slope of Croppers Hill".
Female readers with "lovely pins" were invited to drop Alan a line at the Reporter's College Street office. "I'd be delighted to present the case for the defence of the St. Helens Leg", he added.
In their latest story about the highly controversial Leathers Chemicals, the Reporter described how Marion Prescott of Robina Lane was asking her neighbours to join her in a rates rebellion.
That was because an acid fall-out from the Lancots Lane chemical firm had damaged her tights when the 44-year-old housewife had gone for a walk.
Another victim had been Patricia Griffiths who said she saw her tights disappear on her legs while strolling through Sutton Park.
Neighbouring householders had already put in a claim for a rates rebate because of the plant's proximity – but Mrs Prescott wanted to go one step further.
She said she and her husband would be prepared to withhold their rates completely if other residents joined them.
But it wasn't just the holy tights that was annoying Mrs Prescott. She said:
"The fumes are so bad that although my three children have won 80 medals and plaques between them for dancing I can never put them on show in the house.
"I have to wrap them in tissue paper and keep them shut away in drawers so they do not turn black on the walls. We have to redecorate every year to 18 months.
"My husband was off work once because of the effect of the fumes. Fancy building a factory like that so close to the hospital and a school."
Nathaniel Birch of St Helens Public Health Department said an investigation would be made into the complaints.
However, when Leathers were asked about the allegations, all they could say was "No comment."
And finally, some rather late travel news. Train services on the 20th were disrupted as a bridge over a section of railway line between Huyton and St Helens Junction was demolished and electrification work took place near Newton-le-Willows.
Next week's stories will include the skinhead rugby league fans on the rampage in St Helens, the kids' street party in Dorothy Street in lieu of a summer holiday, Rainford Carnival takes place and the builders with a heart at Billinge Hospital.
We begin with a story in the Liverpool Echo on the 16th that carried the headline "Churchgoers Join Fight Against Porn".
Up to two million people had signed a national petition demanding a clampdown on the amount of sex on television.
The vicar of St Mark's Church in North Road in St Helens was leading the town's campaign against the erosion of public decency on TV.
The Rev. Gordon Williams told the Echo that those responsible for the material that was being broadcast did not seem to realise that there was any life other than at sewer level.
"I have been astonished that so many people, not all of them churchgoers, have been worried that decency is disappearing," added Rev. Williams.
However, it was emphasised that there was no likelihood of the mines having to close. An NCB spokesman commented:
"There's no danger to these two collieries, although there is room for improvement throughout the North West. Sutton Manor is not doing as well as it could, Bold is doing reasonably well."
It was now eight weeks since householders on the new Chain Lane estate had been without hot water and heating after being told to switch off their gas boilers.
That was after North Sea gas conversion inspectors had discovered that residents' flues were capable of allowing deadly carbon monoxide fumes to blow back into their homes.
After denying responsibility for the last two months, Daleholme Estates this week finally accepted that the defects in all but 25 of the 600 homes were down to them.
But the Chain Lane Ratepayers Association told the Reporter on the 18th that the house builders had stated that they were not prepared to pay the total cost of the repairs.
That, the Gas Board had estimated, would cost between £10 and £20 for each home.
Instead, Daleholme felt St Helens Corporation and the Gas Board should share liability with them and contribute to the cost.
That was on the basis that Corporation inspectors had inspected the properties when they had been built but had failed to spot the issue.
After initially supported the developers, George James, the Borough Engineer, had a fortnight earlier admitted some culpability, saying:
"It would seem that the inspectors missed some of the faults on some of the houses".
When asked to comment this week on whether the Corporation would agree to contribute to the repair fund, he said he had nothing to say about the matter.
However, the Gas Board did. It was unclear why Daleholme thought they had any responsibility for what had occurred – but a spokesman for the gasmen said they completely denied any liability.
He insisted that the Board had never inspected the flues until their North Sea gas conversion workmen had diagnosed the problem. And so still the issue dragged on…
I don't know about you but as a child I used to loathe the 'Back To School' adverts in the newspapers and in shop windows in St Helens – several weeks before the summer holidays were over.
At least in 1972 the feature in the Reporter was not early in August, as it sometimes was, but on the 18th.
Oxleys of Claughton Street were selling girls blazers in navy and black from £2.90 to £4.25 and boys flared trousers in mid grey for £2.75.
"Be Smart … Get Ready For School NOW!" was the stern advice of Blacklers store of Liverpool and back in St Helens, Tyrers of Bridge Street was promoting its exhibition of school wear, which began on the 25th.
"Just look at these prices", said Slaters of Gerard Street in Ashton with their bargains including boys PE shorts selling at 30p.
The Reporter also wrote: "Armed guards, VIPs, huge crowds, warm hospitality and an unbeaten record – that was the tale of the victorious Cowley Rugby Union party as they returned from their South American tour.
"With seven wins in seven matches, average attendances of over 4,000, newspaper headlines and presidents and ambassadors among their spectators they can really claim to have taken the Latins by storm."
While playing in Montevideo in Uruguay, armed guards had surrounded the pitch while a helicopter hovered above the players.
"It was really frightening really", said Cowley teacher and senior coach Ray French, while adding that the rest of the tour had been hugely successful:
"The boys had a marvellous time. The hospitality was wonderful and when we left they all got presents from the families they had been staying with. And the interest in rugby over there is fantastic. We had headlines in the press and huge crowds for every match."
Ray said all the lads in the 26-strong party had got a game - but the outstanding individual successes were Ian Ball (who scored 120 points), captain Dave Carfoot, Neil Robinson, Steve Smith, John Curley and Steve Tickle.
However, the former Saints star and future rugby league commentator added that it would be a while before the Cowley boys ventured on any more overseas tours.
That was because it had taken them two years to fundraise for their South American trip.
Alan Whalley was stepping on dangerous ground in his 'Whalley's World' column in the St Helens Reporter relaying unflattering comments about St Helens women's legs! This is what he wrote:
"It's known in “bird spotting” circles as the St. Helens Leg. Two chums (one an exiled Scot, the other a Scouser) brought up the subject over a pint. “Why,” they chorused, “have St. Helens girls got the biggest calves and fattest t’ighs in the country?”
"Had to admit that I hadn't noticed this rather remarkable physical factor. (My mind is permanently on higher planes) “Gerroff,” sez Scouse, “You can't miss ’em. Most of the girls round here have lower limbs like Nanook of the North.”"
Alan added that his friends' theories for moulding the alleged "St Helens Leg" included a staple diet of "meat and ‘tater pies", girls being secret weight-lifters and "toddling up the breathless slope of Croppers Hill".
Female readers with "lovely pins" were invited to drop Alan a line at the Reporter's College Street office. "I'd be delighted to present the case for the defence of the St. Helens Leg", he added.
In their latest story about the highly controversial Leathers Chemicals, the Reporter described how Marion Prescott of Robina Lane was asking her neighbours to join her in a rates rebellion.
That was because an acid fall-out from the Lancots Lane chemical firm had damaged her tights when the 44-year-old housewife had gone for a walk.
Another victim had been Patricia Griffiths who said she saw her tights disappear on her legs while strolling through Sutton Park.
Neighbouring householders had already put in a claim for a rates rebate because of the plant's proximity – but Mrs Prescott wanted to go one step further.
She said she and her husband would be prepared to withhold their rates completely if other residents joined them.
But it wasn't just the holy tights that was annoying Mrs Prescott. She said:
"The fumes are so bad that although my three children have won 80 medals and plaques between them for dancing I can never put them on show in the house.
"I have to wrap them in tissue paper and keep them shut away in drawers so they do not turn black on the walls. We have to redecorate every year to 18 months.
"My husband was off work once because of the effect of the fumes. Fancy building a factory like that so close to the hospital and a school."
Nathaniel Birch of St Helens Public Health Department said an investigation would be made into the complaints.
However, when Leathers were asked about the allegations, all they could say was "No comment."
And finally, some rather late travel news. Train services on the 20th were disrupted as a bridge over a section of railway line between Huyton and St Helens Junction was demolished and electrification work took place near Newton-le-Willows.
Next week's stories will include the skinhead rugby league fans on the rampage in St Helens, the kids' street party in Dorothy Street in lieu of a summer holiday, Rainford Carnival takes place and the builders with a heart at Billinge Hospital.