FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK (10th - 16th APRIL 1973)
This week's 15 stories include Mary Whitehouse's appearance in Sutton, the Billinge Hill blasting row is resolved, how youth unemployment was being cut in St Helens, Central Secondary girls are praised for organising a pensioners' party, the Theatre Royal audience ordered to stay in their seats and St Helens fire brigade save a puppy from drowning – and then from the threat of being put down.
We begin on the 10th with a concert by the Dubliners at the Theatre Royal. That was probably the Irish folk band's first performance in St Helens since they were controversially "banned" 18 months before. Then the theatre's manager, James Lovelace, had asked the Dubliners not to perform any Irish rebel songs. However, the group refused to bow to what they saw as censorship and so two sold-out gigs had to be cancelled.
And then on the 12th the Paraguayan group Los Paraguayos performed at the Theatre Royal. Also on that day striking St Helens transport staff were balloted as to whether they wished to return to work.
This week in the Crystal Suite of the Fleece Hotel an auction was held in which two financial institutions fought fiercely to buy some offices in Hardshaw Street. The Trustee Savings Bank wanted solicitor Joseph Davies's old building next door to their existing premises in order to expand their operations. And the Wesleyan and General Assurance Society hoped to be able to return to Hardshaw Street after being forced to leave in 1972 through the council's redevelopment plans. In the end the Wesleyan Society won with their bid of £31,450.
The dispute between Billinge Council and a St Helens quarrying firm returned to court this week. In January 1972 the council had applied for an injunction to restrain the activities of Joseph Pickavance Ltd on Billinge Hill. Their lorries were accused of depositing mud and dirt in Beacon Road and their loud explosions were said to rattle windows and cause cracks in walls. On one occasion a baby was described as being terrified out of its wits.
This week in the Chancery Court Pickavances gave an undertaking that vibrations from their blasting would not exceed a certain level and that the wheels of their lorries would be washed to prevent mud from being carried onto roads. The firm also agreed to pay Billinge Council's legal costs of £3,500. And Whiston Council voted this week to lower the age of eligibility for free bus passes and tokens by two years from the present minimum of 68.
The Reporter's lead story on the 13th revealed that the number of young unemployed persons in St Helens was likely to be cut "dramatically" in the summer. However, that was not because of any job creation scheme but because the school leaving age was being raised to 16. And so vacancies that would normally have been filled by 15-year-olds would be available for those already out of work.
But some St Helens firms were not aware of the new law. Mr J. Morgan, the careers master at Parr Secondary, told the paper that he had already received five enquiries from small firms looking for 15-year-olds to recruit. "It struck me", he said, "that they just don't know there will not be any. I think some of them are going to have to scratch around for young people." And Harry Carr at Robins Lane Secondary thought this year there could be more jobs than applicants.
"See Our Windows For A Gay Glimpse Of Spring" was the strapline to Tyrers advert in the Reporter. And there was poetry too: "Boys and girls come out to play. And wear your clothes the Tyrers way. Dresses, shirts and trousers too. All designed just for you. So hurry, now – bring your friends. Come and see the Springtime trends."
With so much open water in St Helens, many dogs ended their days by drowning – either by accident or through design. The fire service had their hands full rescuing dogs in difficulties in the water – but sadly most were never claimed within 7 days and so were put down. Under the headline "A Pup Gets The Chance To Live…", the Reporter told of a happier outcome for one rescued dog:
"Men from St. Helens fire brigade this week saved a puppy from death by drowning – then from the threat of death. The firemen went into action when weeping children told them a terrified puppy was floating on rubbish in the polluted Sankey Brook. Leading fireman Eric Holland supervised the operations as fireman John O’Connell swarmed down a ladder secured to the bank to rescue the dog. Then another fireman, Ray Cotterill, of Newton Road, Parr offered the mongrel, called Major, a permanent home.
"Said Ray, 20: “I'd just returned from a fire call when I saw the pup, and I took to him straight away. I felt sorry for him. The last dog we rescued had been put down. I didn't want that to happen to Major.” Eric Holland said: “We sometimes get tired rescuing these dogs from the brook, knowing they are going to get put down.” And rescuer John O’Connell, 24, commented, “The dog was terrified but he let me help him. We took him to the station, gave him something to drink and washed him down. We were all made up when one of the lads decided to keep him.”"
The paper also described Mary Whitehouse's appearance in Sutton. One hundred people had turned up to Sutton Parish Hall in New Street to listen to a talk from the television clean-up campaigner. The general secretary of the National Viewers and Listeners Association had accepted the Rev. Paul Conder's invitation to participate in his new series of discussions.
Mrs Whitehouse appealed for more people to join her protests about TV programmes, warning her audience that Britain was approaching a point when sex would become a drug on which people would be hooked. The 62-year-old also called for action on films like Clockwork Orange, Last Tango In Paris and Straw Dogs. “Get on to your local authority and councillors and ask them: ‘Did you pass this?’ and ‘Did you see it?’”, she advised.
It was also revealed that St Helens had missed its house-building target for the last financial year because of strike action. A total of 1,125 homes were due to be built on the Beth Avenue estate, Gerards Bridge, Central Ward and Fingerpost / Park Road area developments but only 584 had been completed.
The girls of Central Secondary School (pictured above) were praised for organising a party for 50 pensioners. For three weeks lunchtime discos, film shows and other activities raised £11 to help pay for the party and the children also brought in groceries of their own. Cultural studies teacher Joan Young said: "The party went off very well. The old people were given a meal. Then the children did song-and-dance routines and country dancing. There were also songs from the school choir. We hope to repeat the party next year."
The Liverpool Echo on the 13th revealed that the speed limit on the St Helens section of the East Lancs Road was going to be raised. The limit between the railway bridge at Carr Mill and a point opposite Buttermere Avenue at Clinkham Wood would increase from 40 mph to 50.
And the section from Buttermere Avenue down to the Moss Bank traffic lights would be raised from 40 mph to 70. But St Helens Council's works committee had decided to ask the Department of the Environment not to introduce the speed changes until the Washway Lane underpass was completed, as that would lead to the elimination of traffic lights at Moss Bank.
On the 14th the Echo's Hughie Ross gave this review of a play at the Theatre Royal: "The play, Murder in Motley, had just got under way at the Theatre Royal, St. Helens when, after the crash of a tray falling in the circle, one of the players was found apparently shot on stage. From then on, the audience were ordered to remain seated, and a posse of police posted at all exit doors were there to see they obeyed. This novel opening to the performance by the Unnamed Players of St Helens worked so well that at the first interval hardly a soul left to visit the cafe and bars!"
And finally, on the 15th the pirate adventure 'The Light At The Edge Of The World' starring Kirk Douglas and Yul Brynner began a week's screening at the Capitol. And at the ABC Savoy down Bridge Street, 'Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs' was shown for seven days.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next week's stories will include the little girl whose heart stopped during a Parr fire, the DIY tattooing craze at St Alban's in Haresfinch, concern over the Holiday Moss tip in Rainford and more on the wrecking of the supposedly vandal-proof loos.
And then on the 12th the Paraguayan group Los Paraguayos performed at the Theatre Royal. Also on that day striking St Helens transport staff were balloted as to whether they wished to return to work.
This week in the Crystal Suite of the Fleece Hotel an auction was held in which two financial institutions fought fiercely to buy some offices in Hardshaw Street. The Trustee Savings Bank wanted solicitor Joseph Davies's old building next door to their existing premises in order to expand their operations. And the Wesleyan and General Assurance Society hoped to be able to return to Hardshaw Street after being forced to leave in 1972 through the council's redevelopment plans. In the end the Wesleyan Society won with their bid of £31,450.
The dispute between Billinge Council and a St Helens quarrying firm returned to court this week. In January 1972 the council had applied for an injunction to restrain the activities of Joseph Pickavance Ltd on Billinge Hill. Their lorries were accused of depositing mud and dirt in Beacon Road and their loud explosions were said to rattle windows and cause cracks in walls. On one occasion a baby was described as being terrified out of its wits.
This week in the Chancery Court Pickavances gave an undertaking that vibrations from their blasting would not exceed a certain level and that the wheels of their lorries would be washed to prevent mud from being carried onto roads. The firm also agreed to pay Billinge Council's legal costs of £3,500. And Whiston Council voted this week to lower the age of eligibility for free bus passes and tokens by two years from the present minimum of 68.
The Reporter's lead story on the 13th revealed that the number of young unemployed persons in St Helens was likely to be cut "dramatically" in the summer. However, that was not because of any job creation scheme but because the school leaving age was being raised to 16. And so vacancies that would normally have been filled by 15-year-olds would be available for those already out of work.
But some St Helens firms were not aware of the new law. Mr J. Morgan, the careers master at Parr Secondary, told the paper that he had already received five enquiries from small firms looking for 15-year-olds to recruit. "It struck me", he said, "that they just don't know there will not be any. I think some of them are going to have to scratch around for young people." And Harry Carr at Robins Lane Secondary thought this year there could be more jobs than applicants.
"See Our Windows For A Gay Glimpse Of Spring" was the strapline to Tyrers advert in the Reporter. And there was poetry too: "Boys and girls come out to play. And wear your clothes the Tyrers way. Dresses, shirts and trousers too. All designed just for you. So hurry, now – bring your friends. Come and see the Springtime trends."
With so much open water in St Helens, many dogs ended their days by drowning – either by accident or through design. The fire service had their hands full rescuing dogs in difficulties in the water – but sadly most were never claimed within 7 days and so were put down. Under the headline "A Pup Gets The Chance To Live…", the Reporter told of a happier outcome for one rescued dog:
"Men from St. Helens fire brigade this week saved a puppy from death by drowning – then from the threat of death. The firemen went into action when weeping children told them a terrified puppy was floating on rubbish in the polluted Sankey Brook. Leading fireman Eric Holland supervised the operations as fireman John O’Connell swarmed down a ladder secured to the bank to rescue the dog. Then another fireman, Ray Cotterill, of Newton Road, Parr offered the mongrel, called Major, a permanent home.
"Said Ray, 20: “I'd just returned from a fire call when I saw the pup, and I took to him straight away. I felt sorry for him. The last dog we rescued had been put down. I didn't want that to happen to Major.” Eric Holland said: “We sometimes get tired rescuing these dogs from the brook, knowing they are going to get put down.” And rescuer John O’Connell, 24, commented, “The dog was terrified but he let me help him. We took him to the station, gave him something to drink and washed him down. We were all made up when one of the lads decided to keep him.”"
The paper also described Mary Whitehouse's appearance in Sutton. One hundred people had turned up to Sutton Parish Hall in New Street to listen to a talk from the television clean-up campaigner. The general secretary of the National Viewers and Listeners Association had accepted the Rev. Paul Conder's invitation to participate in his new series of discussions.
Mrs Whitehouse appealed for more people to join her protests about TV programmes, warning her audience that Britain was approaching a point when sex would become a drug on which people would be hooked. The 62-year-old also called for action on films like Clockwork Orange, Last Tango In Paris and Straw Dogs. “Get on to your local authority and councillors and ask them: ‘Did you pass this?’ and ‘Did you see it?’”, she advised.
It was also revealed that St Helens had missed its house-building target for the last financial year because of strike action. A total of 1,125 homes were due to be built on the Beth Avenue estate, Gerards Bridge, Central Ward and Fingerpost / Park Road area developments but only 584 had been completed.
The Liverpool Echo on the 13th revealed that the speed limit on the St Helens section of the East Lancs Road was going to be raised. The limit between the railway bridge at Carr Mill and a point opposite Buttermere Avenue at Clinkham Wood would increase from 40 mph to 50.
And the section from Buttermere Avenue down to the Moss Bank traffic lights would be raised from 40 mph to 70. But St Helens Council's works committee had decided to ask the Department of the Environment not to introduce the speed changes until the Washway Lane underpass was completed, as that would lead to the elimination of traffic lights at Moss Bank.
On the 14th the Echo's Hughie Ross gave this review of a play at the Theatre Royal: "The play, Murder in Motley, had just got under way at the Theatre Royal, St. Helens when, after the crash of a tray falling in the circle, one of the players was found apparently shot on stage. From then on, the audience were ordered to remain seated, and a posse of police posted at all exit doors were there to see they obeyed. This novel opening to the performance by the Unnamed Players of St Helens worked so well that at the first interval hardly a soul left to visit the cafe and bars!"
And finally, on the 15th the pirate adventure 'The Light At The Edge Of The World' starring Kirk Douglas and Yul Brynner began a week's screening at the Capitol. And at the ABC Savoy down Bridge Street, 'Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs' was shown for seven days.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next week's stories will include the little girl whose heart stopped during a Parr fire, the DIY tattooing craze at St Alban's in Haresfinch, concern over the Holiday Moss tip in Rainford and more on the wrecking of the supposedly vandal-proof loos.
This week's 15 stories include Mary Whitehouse's appearance in Sutton, the Billinge Hill blasting row is resolved, how youth unemployment was being cut in St Helens, Central Secondary girls are praised for organising a pensioners' party, the Theatre Royal audience ordered to stay in their seats and St Helens fire brigade save a puppy from drowning – and then from the threat of being put down.
We begin on the 10th with a concert by the Dubliners at the Theatre Royal. That was probably the Irish folk band's first performance in St Helens since they were controversially "banned" 18 months before.
Then the theatre's manager, James Lovelace, had asked the Dubliners not to perform any Irish rebel songs.
However, the group refused to bow to what they saw as censorship and so two sold-out gigs had to be cancelled.
And then on the 12th the Paraguayan group Los Paraguayos performed at the Theatre Royal.
Also on that day striking St Helens transport staff were balloted as to whether they wished to return to work.
This week in the Crystal Suite of the Fleece Hotel an auction was held in which two financial institutions fought fiercely to buy some offices in Hardshaw Street.
The Trustee Savings Bank wanted solicitor Joseph Davies's old building next door to their existing premises in order to expand their operations.
And the Wesleyan and General Assurance Society hoped to be able to return to Hardshaw Street after being forced to leave in 1972 through the council's redevelopment plans. In the end the Wesleyan Society won with their bid of £31,450.
The dispute between Billinge Council and a St Helens quarrying firm returned to court this week.
In January 1972 the council had applied for an injunction to restrain the activities of Joseph Pickavance Ltd on Billinge Hill.
Their lorries were accused of depositing mud and dirt in Beacon Road and their loud explosions were said to rattle windows and cause cracks in walls. On one occasion a baby was described as being terrified out of its wits.
This week in the Chancery Court Pickavances gave an undertaking that vibrations from their blasting would not exceed a certain level and that the wheels of their lorries would be washed to prevent mud from being carried onto roads.
The firm also agreed to pay Billinge Council's legal costs of £3,500.
And Whiston Council voted this week to lower the age of eligibility for free bus passes and tokens by two years from the present minimum of 68.
The Reporter's lead story on the 13th revealed that the number of young unemployed persons in St Helens was likely to be cut "dramatically" in the summer.
However, that was not because of any job creation scheme but because the school leaving age was being raised to 16.
And so vacancies that would normally have been filled by 15-year-olds would be available for those already out of work.
But some St Helens firms were not aware of the new law. Mr J. Morgan, the careers master at Parr Secondary, told the paper that he had already received five enquiries from small firms looking for 15-year-olds to recruit.
"It struck me", he said, "that they just don't know there will not be any. I think some of them are going to have to scratch around for young people."
And Harry Carr at Robins Lane Secondary thought this year there could be more jobs than applicants.
"See Our Windows For A Gay Glimpse Of Spring" was the strapline to Tyrers advert in the Reporter. And there was poetry too:
"Boys and girls come out to play. And wear your clothes the Tyrers way. Dresses, shirts and trousers too. All designed just for you. So hurry, now – bring your friends. Come and see the Springtime trends."
With so much open water in St Helens, many dogs ended their days by drowning – either by accident or through design.
The fire service had their hands full rescuing dogs in difficulties in the water – but sadly most were never claimed within 7 days and so were put down.
Under the headline "A Pup Gets The Chance To Live…", the Reporter told of a happier outcome for one rescued dog:
"Men from St. Helens fire brigade this week saved a puppy from death by drowning – then from the threat of death. The firemen went into action when weeping children told them a terrified puppy was floating on rubbish in the polluted Sankey Brook.
"Leading fireman Eric Holland supervised the operations as fireman John O’Connell swarmed down a ladder secured to the bank to rescue the dog. Then another fireman, Ray Cotterill, of Newton Road, Parr offered the mongrel, called Major, a permanent home.
"Said Ray, 20: “I'd just returned from a fire call when I saw the pup, and I took to him straight away. I felt sorry for him. The last dog we rescued had been put down. I didn't want that to happen to Major.” Eric Holland said: “We sometimes get tired rescuing these dogs from the brook, knowing they are going to get put down.”
"And rescuer John O’Connell, 24, commented, “The dog was terrified but he let me help him. We took him to the station, gave him something to drink and washed him down. We were all made up when one of the lads decided to keep him.”"
The paper also described Mary Whitehouse's appearance in Sutton. One hundred people had turned up to Sutton Parish Hall in New Street to listen to a talk from the television clean-up campaigner.
The general secretary of the National Viewers and Listeners Association had accepted the Rev. Paul Conder's invitation to participate in his new series of discussions.
Mrs Whitehouse appealed for more people to join her protests about TV programmes, warning her audience that Britain was approaching a point when sex would become a drug on which people would be hooked.
The 62-year-old also called for action on films like Clockwork Orange, Last Tango In Paris and Straw Dogs.
“Get on to your local authority and councillors and ask them: ‘Did you pass this?’ and ‘Did you see it?’”, she advised.
It was also revealed that St Helens had missed its house-building target for the last financial year because of strike action.
A total of 1,125 homes were due to be built on the Beth Avenue estate, Gerards Bridge, Central Ward and Fingerpost / Park Road area developments but only 584 had been completed.
The girls of Central Secondary School (pictured above) were praised for organising a party for 50 pensioners. For three weeks lunchtime discos, film shows and other activities raised £11 to help pay for the party and the children also brought in groceries of their own. Cultural studies teacher Joan Young said:
"The party went off very well. The old people were given a meal. Then the children did song-and-dance routines and country dancing. There were also songs from the school choir. We hope to repeat the party next year."
The Liverpool Echo on the 13th revealed that the speed limit on the St Helens section of the East Lancs Road was going to be raised.
The limit between the railway bridge at Carr Mill and a point opposite Buttermere Avenue at Clinkham Wood would increase from 40 mph to 50.
And the section from Buttermere Avenue down to the Moss Bank traffic lights would be raised from 40 mph to 70.
But St Helens Council's works committee had decided to ask the Department of the Environment not to introduce the speed changes until the Washway Lane underpass was completed, as that would lead to the elimination of traffic lights at Moss Bank.
On the 14th the Echo's Hughie Ross gave this review of a play at the Theatre Royal:
"The play, Murder in Motley, had just got under way at the Theatre Royal, St. Helens when, after the crash of a tray falling in the circle, one of the players was found apparently shot on stage.
"From then on, the audience were ordered to remain seated, and a posse of police posted at all exit doors were there to see they obeyed.
"This novel opening to the performance by the Unnamed Players of St Helens worked so well that at the first interval hardly a soul left to visit the cafe and bars!"
And finally, on the 15th the pirate adventure 'The Light At The Edge Of The World' starring Kirk Douglas and Yul Brynner began a week's screening at the Capitol.
And at the ABC Savoy down Bridge Street, 'Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs' was shown for seven days.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next week's stories will include the little girl whose heart stopped during a Parr fire, the DIY tattooing craze at St Alban's in Haresfinch, concern over the Holiday Moss tip in Rainford and more on the wrecking of the supposedly vandal-proof loos.
Then the theatre's manager, James Lovelace, had asked the Dubliners not to perform any Irish rebel songs.
However, the group refused to bow to what they saw as censorship and so two sold-out gigs had to be cancelled.
And then on the 12th the Paraguayan group Los Paraguayos performed at the Theatre Royal.
Also on that day striking St Helens transport staff were balloted as to whether they wished to return to work.
This week in the Crystal Suite of the Fleece Hotel an auction was held in which two financial institutions fought fiercely to buy some offices in Hardshaw Street.
The Trustee Savings Bank wanted solicitor Joseph Davies's old building next door to their existing premises in order to expand their operations.
And the Wesleyan and General Assurance Society hoped to be able to return to Hardshaw Street after being forced to leave in 1972 through the council's redevelopment plans. In the end the Wesleyan Society won with their bid of £31,450.
The dispute between Billinge Council and a St Helens quarrying firm returned to court this week.
In January 1972 the council had applied for an injunction to restrain the activities of Joseph Pickavance Ltd on Billinge Hill.
Their lorries were accused of depositing mud and dirt in Beacon Road and their loud explosions were said to rattle windows and cause cracks in walls. On one occasion a baby was described as being terrified out of its wits.
This week in the Chancery Court Pickavances gave an undertaking that vibrations from their blasting would not exceed a certain level and that the wheels of their lorries would be washed to prevent mud from being carried onto roads.
The firm also agreed to pay Billinge Council's legal costs of £3,500.
And Whiston Council voted this week to lower the age of eligibility for free bus passes and tokens by two years from the present minimum of 68.
The Reporter's lead story on the 13th revealed that the number of young unemployed persons in St Helens was likely to be cut "dramatically" in the summer.
However, that was not because of any job creation scheme but because the school leaving age was being raised to 16.
And so vacancies that would normally have been filled by 15-year-olds would be available for those already out of work.
But some St Helens firms were not aware of the new law. Mr J. Morgan, the careers master at Parr Secondary, told the paper that he had already received five enquiries from small firms looking for 15-year-olds to recruit.
"It struck me", he said, "that they just don't know there will not be any. I think some of them are going to have to scratch around for young people."
And Harry Carr at Robins Lane Secondary thought this year there could be more jobs than applicants.
"See Our Windows For A Gay Glimpse Of Spring" was the strapline to Tyrers advert in the Reporter. And there was poetry too:
"Boys and girls come out to play. And wear your clothes the Tyrers way. Dresses, shirts and trousers too. All designed just for you. So hurry, now – bring your friends. Come and see the Springtime trends."
With so much open water in St Helens, many dogs ended their days by drowning – either by accident or through design.
The fire service had their hands full rescuing dogs in difficulties in the water – but sadly most were never claimed within 7 days and so were put down.
Under the headline "A Pup Gets The Chance To Live…", the Reporter told of a happier outcome for one rescued dog:
"Men from St. Helens fire brigade this week saved a puppy from death by drowning – then from the threat of death. The firemen went into action when weeping children told them a terrified puppy was floating on rubbish in the polluted Sankey Brook.
"Leading fireman Eric Holland supervised the operations as fireman John O’Connell swarmed down a ladder secured to the bank to rescue the dog. Then another fireman, Ray Cotterill, of Newton Road, Parr offered the mongrel, called Major, a permanent home.
"Said Ray, 20: “I'd just returned from a fire call when I saw the pup, and I took to him straight away. I felt sorry for him. The last dog we rescued had been put down. I didn't want that to happen to Major.” Eric Holland said: “We sometimes get tired rescuing these dogs from the brook, knowing they are going to get put down.”
"And rescuer John O’Connell, 24, commented, “The dog was terrified but he let me help him. We took him to the station, gave him something to drink and washed him down. We were all made up when one of the lads decided to keep him.”"
The paper also described Mary Whitehouse's appearance in Sutton. One hundred people had turned up to Sutton Parish Hall in New Street to listen to a talk from the television clean-up campaigner.
The general secretary of the National Viewers and Listeners Association had accepted the Rev. Paul Conder's invitation to participate in his new series of discussions.
Mrs Whitehouse appealed for more people to join her protests about TV programmes, warning her audience that Britain was approaching a point when sex would become a drug on which people would be hooked.
The 62-year-old also called for action on films like Clockwork Orange, Last Tango In Paris and Straw Dogs.
“Get on to your local authority and councillors and ask them: ‘Did you pass this?’ and ‘Did you see it?’”, she advised.
It was also revealed that St Helens had missed its house-building target for the last financial year because of strike action.
A total of 1,125 homes were due to be built on the Beth Avenue estate, Gerards Bridge, Central Ward and Fingerpost / Park Road area developments but only 584 had been completed.
"The party went off very well. The old people were given a meal. Then the children did song-and-dance routines and country dancing. There were also songs from the school choir. We hope to repeat the party next year."
The Liverpool Echo on the 13th revealed that the speed limit on the St Helens section of the East Lancs Road was going to be raised.
The limit between the railway bridge at Carr Mill and a point opposite Buttermere Avenue at Clinkham Wood would increase from 40 mph to 50.
And the section from Buttermere Avenue down to the Moss Bank traffic lights would be raised from 40 mph to 70.
But St Helens Council's works committee had decided to ask the Department of the Environment not to introduce the speed changes until the Washway Lane underpass was completed, as that would lead to the elimination of traffic lights at Moss Bank.
On the 14th the Echo's Hughie Ross gave this review of a play at the Theatre Royal:
"The play, Murder in Motley, had just got under way at the Theatre Royal, St. Helens when, after the crash of a tray falling in the circle, one of the players was found apparently shot on stage.
"From then on, the audience were ordered to remain seated, and a posse of police posted at all exit doors were there to see they obeyed.
"This novel opening to the performance by the Unnamed Players of St Helens worked so well that at the first interval hardly a soul left to visit the cafe and bars!"
And finally, on the 15th the pirate adventure 'The Light At The Edge Of The World' starring Kirk Douglas and Yul Brynner began a week's screening at the Capitol.
And at the ABC Savoy down Bridge Street, 'Snow White And The Seven Dwarfs' was shown for seven days.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next week's stories will include the little girl whose heart stopped during a Parr fire, the DIY tattooing craze at St Alban's in Haresfinch, concern over the Holiday Moss tip in Rainford and more on the wrecking of the supposedly vandal-proof loos.