FIFTY YEARS AGO THIS WEEK 11 - 17 MARCH 1974
This week's many stories include the rebellious householders in Derbyshire Hill Road, the daring robbery and kidnap in Sherdley Road, the sewer blockade in Harrison Street, hopes rise for the Saints player who'd fractured his skull and concerns are raised over the redevelopment of homes in Rainford.
We begin in the early hours of the 11th when a gang stole £23,000 worth of whisky from the BRS Depot in Sherdley Road in Sutton. Seventy-one year-old night watchman Tommy Bamber was kidnapped by the gang and later described his 5-hour ordeal to the press:
"The first I knew was when I heard a bang and two men rushed upstairs and into the room where I was. Before I could move they grabbed me by the back of my shoulders and forced me down to the floor. I hurt my knee. They told me I would not get hurt as long as I kept quiet and wasn't awkward. They pushed me into a van and put an old raincoat over my head so I could not see which way we were going. They took me to Liverpool and drove round for an hour or so before taking me to a council house.
"They sat me down on a chair and would not even let me get up for a cigarette. I was terrified. I did not know what they were going to do with me. They hooded me with the mac again and took me back to the van. They drove me for a distance and then we stopped. The two men got out with me and walked on either side of me along a road until we turned a bend.
"Before leaving they told me to keep walking and I would eventually come to a police station but there was none about. I had to raise the alarm at a newsagents." Later in the week two men were "helping the police with their inquiries" after being arrested in London with part of the loot.
At 8am on the 12th when workmen arrived in Harrison Street in Sutton to continue working on a sewer, they found their large digger blocked off by a car. It had been deliberately parked at the spot to prevent the men from excavating a 20 ft deep trench. The protest was part of local people's campaign to stop the sewer that went from Sutton Manor to Ashcroft Street from passing through their road because they believed the construction work was damaging their homes.
The sewer had been due to pass through Waterdale Crescent but was being re-routed through Harrison Street instead – and the residents wanted to know why. They also wanted a promise that damage said to have been caused to their homes would be fixed. Also in rebellious mood were householders in Derbyshire Hill Road in Parr. St Helens Corporation had decided to adopt some dirt tracks behind their houses.
These were locally known as "the Highways" and the council wanted residents to contribute to the cost of maintaining them. But this week a newly formed action group said they would fight against the charges, which in one case came to £547. Nora McHenry said the rates being imposed were excessive, adding: "I'm very annoyed. We're being asked to pay for a dirt track that no one uses."
But there was positive news on another row. Mothers of children at St Theresa's School in Sutton Manor had created a roadblock across Cannon Street after two children had been involved in accidents. The women stated that their blockade would not be lifted until the road was closed to traffic when their kids were entering and leaving school. But a meeting had now been scheduled for April 1st between the parents, police and the Road Safety Officer and it was hoped the matter would be resolved by restricting parking outside the school.
The St Helens Newspaper on the 12th had a shock exclusive for Saints fans. They announced that star players Billy Benyon and Tony Karalius had decided to quit the game in the light of the team's exit from the Challenge Cup. "I've had enough", said Billy. "I have played my last game for St Helens", declared hooker Tony. But it wasn't to be as both soon changed their minds.
On the 12th Edmundo Ros and his Latin American Orchestra performed at the Theatre Royal. Two days later The Stage newspaper described how the Corporation Street theatre planned to make some improvements, including the conversion of a cloakroom into an extra bar. The paper said the Theatre Royal was known locally as "Pilk's Theatre", as the glass firm ran it but received an annual £5,000 grant from the council.
Rainford had long been an urban district council with many responsibilities and powers. But as a result of local government reorganisation, the new St Helens District Council was taking over most of them. The new authority was now operating in shadow form and needed to know the state of its enlarged housing stock, although their actions in surveying them were causing concern.
On the 15th the Liverpool Echo reported that many people in Rainford had become very disturbed about a survey of property in the village. They were worried about the likelihood of compulsory purchase and redevelopment of their old homes. Councillor Tony Brown had told the District Council that old houses were part of the character of the village, adding:
"There is much concern in Rainford and I'm sure the same applies in other districts. When considering this matter I hope the Housing and Building Committee will pay closer attention to the fact that they are not only dealing with property, but with people."
The Reporter described how hopes were rising for Tony Atherton, the Saints ‘A’ team player who had been fighting for his life with a fractured skull in Walton Hospital. A priest had even given him the last rites. The 20-year-old from Grizedale Avenue in Clinkham Wood had been injured by a three-man tackle while playing against Leigh.
Surgeons had operated on Tony for three hours and removed four pieces of bone that had been pressing on his skull. But the Saints' centre's mother, Rebecca Atherton, told how she had already seen a big improvement in her son's condition. "It's like a miracle," she said. However, Tony's speech had been affected and he was still paralysed down one side.
Both his parents and girlfriend Bernadette Harrison had been constantly at Tony's bedside. Leigh secretary, John Stringer, told the Reporter: "We are all extremely distressed about this. But the lad who was sent off is convinced he's not to blame. He said he did not touch him."
There seemed hardly a week when the sulphuric acid-making Leathers Chemicals (pictured above) was not making the news in the Reporter. Usually the complaints concerned discharges from the Lancots Lane factory – but this week's story was of acid that had leaked from a tanker that had departed from the plant. The incident had taken place several weeks before when John Wills of Gaskell Street was cycling in Station Road in Sutton and the acid tanker had approached him.
"Just as it reached me I felt drops on my face and neck. I got off my bike and put my head down, but there was a terrible burning sensation", said Mr Wills. "I went to Providence Hospital for treatment, and later I found the acid had burned holes in my cap, jacket and trousers".
And a passing car driven by Michael White of Radstock Grove in Sutton Leach had also been damaged by the acid and needed repainting. Mr Wills said he had been off work for three weeks because of the burns and had lost his temporary job as a labourer at Bold Power Station. Councillor Jim Bond told the paper: "This chemical plant is a constant menace to the health and safety of local people." But Leathers continued with their dreadful PR by once again saying, "No comment", when contacted by the Reporter.
It was announced this week that taxi fares in St Helens were to rise by up to 28%. The St Helens Hackney Vehicle Proprietors Association blamed the increase on rising fuel costs. The old fare for journeys up to a mile was 18p plus VAT. This would now increase to 23p and the charge for each additional mile would be 16p instead of 12p.
Also this week Greenall Whitley announced compulsory retirement for their male licensees upon reaching the age of 65. However, women would have to step down from their jobs at the age of 60. But those licensees that were already older than 60 or 65 would not have to pack their bags immediately as the scheme would not apply for three years.
And finally, "The Jimmy Tarbuck Show starring Jimmy Tarbuck" was how the Theatre Royal's Reporter advert listed their attraction that took place on the 16th. Just how people might have been expecting the Jimmy Tarbuck Show to instead feature, say, Eric Morecambe or Frank Sinatra, I cannot say! – although Kenny Lynch was also on the bill.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the 28-year wait for a council house, a Parr streaker receives a big fine, the 95-year-old from Clinkham Wood who had her gas meter ripped out and why ex-miners were flocking back to the pits.
We begin in the early hours of the 11th when a gang stole £23,000 worth of whisky from the BRS Depot in Sherdley Road in Sutton. Seventy-one year-old night watchman Tommy Bamber was kidnapped by the gang and later described his 5-hour ordeal to the press:
"The first I knew was when I heard a bang and two men rushed upstairs and into the room where I was. Before I could move they grabbed me by the back of my shoulders and forced me down to the floor. I hurt my knee. They told me I would not get hurt as long as I kept quiet and wasn't awkward. They pushed me into a van and put an old raincoat over my head so I could not see which way we were going. They took me to Liverpool and drove round for an hour or so before taking me to a council house.
"They sat me down on a chair and would not even let me get up for a cigarette. I was terrified. I did not know what they were going to do with me. They hooded me with the mac again and took me back to the van. They drove me for a distance and then we stopped. The two men got out with me and walked on either side of me along a road until we turned a bend.
"Before leaving they told me to keep walking and I would eventually come to a police station but there was none about. I had to raise the alarm at a newsagents." Later in the week two men were "helping the police with their inquiries" after being arrested in London with part of the loot.
At 8am on the 12th when workmen arrived in Harrison Street in Sutton to continue working on a sewer, they found their large digger blocked off by a car. It had been deliberately parked at the spot to prevent the men from excavating a 20 ft deep trench. The protest was part of local people's campaign to stop the sewer that went from Sutton Manor to Ashcroft Street from passing through their road because they believed the construction work was damaging their homes.
The sewer had been due to pass through Waterdale Crescent but was being re-routed through Harrison Street instead – and the residents wanted to know why. They also wanted a promise that damage said to have been caused to their homes would be fixed. Also in rebellious mood were householders in Derbyshire Hill Road in Parr. St Helens Corporation had decided to adopt some dirt tracks behind their houses.
These were locally known as "the Highways" and the council wanted residents to contribute to the cost of maintaining them. But this week a newly formed action group said they would fight against the charges, which in one case came to £547. Nora McHenry said the rates being imposed were excessive, adding: "I'm very annoyed. We're being asked to pay for a dirt track that no one uses."
The St Helens Newspaper on the 12th had a shock exclusive for Saints fans. They announced that star players Billy Benyon and Tony Karalius had decided to quit the game in the light of the team's exit from the Challenge Cup. "I've had enough", said Billy. "I have played my last game for St Helens", declared hooker Tony. But it wasn't to be as both soon changed their minds.
On the 12th Edmundo Ros and his Latin American Orchestra performed at the Theatre Royal. Two days later The Stage newspaper described how the Corporation Street theatre planned to make some improvements, including the conversion of a cloakroom into an extra bar. The paper said the Theatre Royal was known locally as "Pilk's Theatre", as the glass firm ran it but received an annual £5,000 grant from the council.
Rainford had long been an urban district council with many responsibilities and powers. But as a result of local government reorganisation, the new St Helens District Council was taking over most of them. The new authority was now operating in shadow form and needed to know the state of its enlarged housing stock, although their actions in surveying them were causing concern.
On the 15th the Liverpool Echo reported that many people in Rainford had become very disturbed about a survey of property in the village. They were worried about the likelihood of compulsory purchase and redevelopment of their old homes. Councillor Tony Brown had told the District Council that old houses were part of the character of the village, adding:
"There is much concern in Rainford and I'm sure the same applies in other districts. When considering this matter I hope the Housing and Building Committee will pay closer attention to the fact that they are not only dealing with property, but with people."
The Reporter described how hopes were rising for Tony Atherton, the Saints ‘A’ team player who had been fighting for his life with a fractured skull in Walton Hospital. A priest had even given him the last rites. The 20-year-old from Grizedale Avenue in Clinkham Wood had been injured by a three-man tackle while playing against Leigh.
Surgeons had operated on Tony for three hours and removed four pieces of bone that had been pressing on his skull. But the Saints' centre's mother, Rebecca Atherton, told how she had already seen a big improvement in her son's condition. "It's like a miracle," she said. However, Tony's speech had been affected and he was still paralysed down one side.
Both his parents and girlfriend Bernadette Harrison had been constantly at Tony's bedside. Leigh secretary, John Stringer, told the Reporter: "We are all extremely distressed about this. But the lad who was sent off is convinced he's not to blame. He said he did not touch him."
"Just as it reached me I felt drops on my face and neck. I got off my bike and put my head down, but there was a terrible burning sensation", said Mr Wills. "I went to Providence Hospital for treatment, and later I found the acid had burned holes in my cap, jacket and trousers".
And a passing car driven by Michael White of Radstock Grove in Sutton Leach had also been damaged by the acid and needed repainting. Mr Wills said he had been off work for three weeks because of the burns and had lost his temporary job as a labourer at Bold Power Station. Councillor Jim Bond told the paper: "This chemical plant is a constant menace to the health and safety of local people." But Leathers continued with their dreadful PR by once again saying, "No comment", when contacted by the Reporter.
It was announced this week that taxi fares in St Helens were to rise by up to 28%. The St Helens Hackney Vehicle Proprietors Association blamed the increase on rising fuel costs. The old fare for journeys up to a mile was 18p plus VAT. This would now increase to 23p and the charge for each additional mile would be 16p instead of 12p.
Also this week Greenall Whitley announced compulsory retirement for their male licensees upon reaching the age of 65. However, women would have to step down from their jobs at the age of 60. But those licensees that were already older than 60 or 65 would not have to pack their bags immediately as the scheme would not apply for three years.
And finally, "The Jimmy Tarbuck Show starring Jimmy Tarbuck" was how the Theatre Royal's Reporter advert listed their attraction that took place on the 16th. Just how people might have been expecting the Jimmy Tarbuck Show to instead feature, say, Eric Morecambe or Frank Sinatra, I cannot say! – although Kenny Lynch was also on the bill.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the 28-year wait for a council house, a Parr streaker receives a big fine, the 95-year-old from Clinkham Wood who had her gas meter ripped out and why ex-miners were flocking back to the pits.
This week's many stories include the rebellious householders in Derbyshire Hill Road, the daring robbery and kidnap in Sherdley Road, the sewer blockade in Harrison Street, hopes rise for the Saints player who'd fractured his skull and concerns are raised over the redevelopment of homes in Rainford.
We begin in the early hours of the 11th when a gang stole £23,000 worth of whisky from the BRS Depot in Sherdley Road in Sutton.
Seventy-one year-old night watchman Tommy Bamber was kidnapped by the gang and later described his 5-hour ordeal to the press:
"The first I knew was when I heard a bang and two men rushed upstairs and into the room where I was.
"Before I could move they grabbed me by the back of my shoulders and forced me down to the floor. I hurt my knee. They told me I would not get hurt as long as I kept quiet and wasn't awkward.
"They pushed me into a van and put an old raincoat over my head so I could not see which way we were going.
"They took me to Liverpool and drove round for an hour or so before taking me to a council house.
"They sat me down on a chair and would not even let me get up for a cigarette. I was terrified. I did not know what they were going to do with me.
"They hooded me with the mac again and took me back to the van. They drove me for a distance and then we stopped.
"The two men got out with me and walked on either side of me along a road until we turned a bend.
"Before leaving they told me to keep walking and I would eventually come to a police station but there was none about. I had to raise the alarm at a newsagents."
Later in the week two men were "helping the police with their inquiries" after being arrested in London with part of the loot.
At 8am on the 12th when workmen arrived in Harrison Street in Sutton to continue working on a sewer, they found their large digger blocked off by a car.
It had been deliberately parked at the spot to prevent the men from excavating a 20 ft deep trench.
The protest was part of local people's campaign to stop the sewer that went from Sutton Manor to Ashcroft Street from passing through their road because they believed the construction work was damaging their homes.
The sewer had been due to pass through Waterdale Crescent but was being re-routed through Harrison Street instead – and the residents wanted to know why.
They also wanted a promise that damage said to have been caused to their homes would be fixed.
Also in rebellious mood were householders in Derbyshire Hill Road in Parr. St Helens Corporation had decided to adopt some dirt tracks behind their houses.
These were locally known as "the Highways" and the council wanted residents to contribute to the cost of maintaining them.
But this week a newly formed action group said they would fight against the charges, which in one case came to £547.
Nora McHenry said the rates being imposed were excessive, adding: "I'm very annoyed. We're being asked to pay for a dirt track that no one uses."
But there was positive news on another row. Mothers of children at St Theresa's School in Sutton Manor had created a roadblock across Cannon Street after two children had been involved in accidents.
The women stated that their blockade would not be lifted until the road was closed to traffic when their kids were entering and leaving school.
But a meeting had now been scheduled for April 1st between the parents, police and the Road Safety Officer and it was hoped the matter would be resolved by restricting parking outside the school.
The St Helens Newspaper on the 12th had a shock exclusive for Saints fans. They announced that star players Billy Benyon and Tony Karalius had decided to quit the game in the light of the team's exit from the Challenge Cup.
"I've had enough", said Billy. "I have played my last game for St Helens", declared hooker Tony. But it wasn't to be as both soon changed their minds.
On the 12th Edmundo Ros and his Latin American Orchestra performed at the Theatre Royal.
Two days later The Stage newspaper described how the Corporation Street theatre planned to make some improvements, including the conversion of a cloakroom into an extra bar.
The paper said the Theatre Royal was known locally as "Pilk's Theatre", as the glass firm ran it but received an annual £5,000 grant from the council.
Rainford had long been an urban district council with many responsibilities and powers.
But as a result of local government reorganisation, the new St Helens District Council was taking over most of them.
The new authority was now operating in shadow form and needed to know the state of its enlarged housing stock, although their actions in surveying them were causing concern.
On the 15th the Liverpool Echo reported that many people in Rainford had become very disturbed about a survey of property in the village.
They were worried about the likelihood of compulsory purchase and redevelopment of their old homes.
Councillor Tony Brown had told the District Council that old houses were part of the character of the village, adding:
"There is much concern in Rainford and I'm sure the same applies in other districts. When considering this matter I hope the Housing and Building Committee will pay closer attention to the fact that they are not only dealing with property, but with people."
The Reporter described how hopes were rising for Tony Atherton, the Saints ‘A’ team player who had been fighting for his life with a fractured skull in Walton Hospital. A priest had even given him the last rites.
The 20-year-old from Grizedale Avenue in Clinkham Wood had been injured by a three-man tackle while playing against Leigh.
Surgeons had operated on Tony for three hours and removed four pieces of bone that had been pressing on his skull.
But the Saints' centre's mother, Rebecca Atherton, told how she had already seen a big improvement in her son's condition. "It's like a miracle," she said.
However, Tony's speech had been affected and he was still paralysed down one side.
Both his parents and girlfriend Bernadette Harrison had been constantly at Tony's bedside.
Leigh secretary, John Stringer, told the Reporter: "We are all extremely distressed about this. But the lad who was sent off is convinced he's not to blame. He said he did not touch him."
There seemed hardly a week when the sulphuric acid-making Leathers Chemicals (pictured above) was not making the news in the Reporter.
Usually the complaints concerned discharges from the Lancots Lane factory – but this week's story was of acid that had leaked from a tanker that had departed from the plant.
The incident had taken place several weeks before when John Wills of Gaskell Street was cycling in Station Road in Sutton and the acid tanker had approached him.
"Just as it reached me I felt drops on my face and neck. I got off my bike and put my head down, but there was a terrible burning sensation", said Mr Wills.
"I went to Providence Hospital for treatment, and later I found the acid had burned holes in my cap, jacket and trousers".
And a passing car driven by Michael White of Radstock Grove in Sutton Leach had also been damaged by the acid and needed repainting.
Mr Wills said he had been off work for three weeks because of the burns and had lost his temporary job as a labourer at Bold Power Station.
Councillor Jim Bond told the paper: "This chemical plant is a constant menace to the health and safety of local people."
But Leathers continued with their dreadful PR by once again saying, "No comment", when contacted by the Reporter.
It was announced this week that taxi fares in St Helens were to rise by up to 28%.
The St Helens Hackney Vehicle Proprietors Association blamed the increase on rising fuel costs.
The old fare for journeys up to a mile was 18p plus VAT. This would now increase to 23p and the charge for each additional mile would be 16p instead of 12p.
Also this week Greenall Whitley announced compulsory retirement for their male licensees upon reaching the age of 65. However, women would have to step down from their jobs at the age of 60.
But those licensees that were already older than 60 or 65 would not have to pack their bags immediately as the scheme would not apply for three years.
And finally, "The Jimmy Tarbuck Show starring Jimmy Tarbuck" was how the Theatre Royal's Reporter advert listed their attraction that took place on the 16th.
Just how people might have been expecting the Jimmy Tarbuck Show to instead feature, say, Eric Morecambe or Frank Sinatra, I cannot say! – although Kenny Lynch was also on the bill.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the 28-year wait for a council house, a Parr streaker receives a big fine, the 95-year-old from Clinkham Wood who had her gas meter ripped out and why ex-miners were flocking back to the pits.
We begin in the early hours of the 11th when a gang stole £23,000 worth of whisky from the BRS Depot in Sherdley Road in Sutton.
Seventy-one year-old night watchman Tommy Bamber was kidnapped by the gang and later described his 5-hour ordeal to the press:
"The first I knew was when I heard a bang and two men rushed upstairs and into the room where I was.
"Before I could move they grabbed me by the back of my shoulders and forced me down to the floor. I hurt my knee. They told me I would not get hurt as long as I kept quiet and wasn't awkward.
"They pushed me into a van and put an old raincoat over my head so I could not see which way we were going.
"They took me to Liverpool and drove round for an hour or so before taking me to a council house.
"They sat me down on a chair and would not even let me get up for a cigarette. I was terrified. I did not know what they were going to do with me.
"They hooded me with the mac again and took me back to the van. They drove me for a distance and then we stopped.
"The two men got out with me and walked on either side of me along a road until we turned a bend.
"Before leaving they told me to keep walking and I would eventually come to a police station but there was none about. I had to raise the alarm at a newsagents."
Later in the week two men were "helping the police with their inquiries" after being arrested in London with part of the loot.
At 8am on the 12th when workmen arrived in Harrison Street in Sutton to continue working on a sewer, they found their large digger blocked off by a car.
It had been deliberately parked at the spot to prevent the men from excavating a 20 ft deep trench.
The protest was part of local people's campaign to stop the sewer that went from Sutton Manor to Ashcroft Street from passing through their road because they believed the construction work was damaging their homes.
The sewer had been due to pass through Waterdale Crescent but was being re-routed through Harrison Street instead – and the residents wanted to know why.
They also wanted a promise that damage said to have been caused to their homes would be fixed.
Also in rebellious mood were householders in Derbyshire Hill Road in Parr. St Helens Corporation had decided to adopt some dirt tracks behind their houses.
These were locally known as "the Highways" and the council wanted residents to contribute to the cost of maintaining them.
But this week a newly formed action group said they would fight against the charges, which in one case came to £547.
Nora McHenry said the rates being imposed were excessive, adding: "I'm very annoyed. We're being asked to pay for a dirt track that no one uses."
The women stated that their blockade would not be lifted until the road was closed to traffic when their kids were entering and leaving school.
But a meeting had now been scheduled for April 1st between the parents, police and the Road Safety Officer and it was hoped the matter would be resolved by restricting parking outside the school.
The St Helens Newspaper on the 12th had a shock exclusive for Saints fans. They announced that star players Billy Benyon and Tony Karalius had decided to quit the game in the light of the team's exit from the Challenge Cup.
"I've had enough", said Billy. "I have played my last game for St Helens", declared hooker Tony. But it wasn't to be as both soon changed their minds.
On the 12th Edmundo Ros and his Latin American Orchestra performed at the Theatre Royal.
Two days later The Stage newspaper described how the Corporation Street theatre planned to make some improvements, including the conversion of a cloakroom into an extra bar.
The paper said the Theatre Royal was known locally as "Pilk's Theatre", as the glass firm ran it but received an annual £5,000 grant from the council.
Rainford had long been an urban district council with many responsibilities and powers.
But as a result of local government reorganisation, the new St Helens District Council was taking over most of them.
The new authority was now operating in shadow form and needed to know the state of its enlarged housing stock, although their actions in surveying them were causing concern.
On the 15th the Liverpool Echo reported that many people in Rainford had become very disturbed about a survey of property in the village.
They were worried about the likelihood of compulsory purchase and redevelopment of their old homes.
Councillor Tony Brown had told the District Council that old houses were part of the character of the village, adding:
"There is much concern in Rainford and I'm sure the same applies in other districts. When considering this matter I hope the Housing and Building Committee will pay closer attention to the fact that they are not only dealing with property, but with people."
The Reporter described how hopes were rising for Tony Atherton, the Saints ‘A’ team player who had been fighting for his life with a fractured skull in Walton Hospital. A priest had even given him the last rites.
The 20-year-old from Grizedale Avenue in Clinkham Wood had been injured by a three-man tackle while playing against Leigh.
Surgeons had operated on Tony for three hours and removed four pieces of bone that had been pressing on his skull.
But the Saints' centre's mother, Rebecca Atherton, told how she had already seen a big improvement in her son's condition. "It's like a miracle," she said.
However, Tony's speech had been affected and he was still paralysed down one side.
Both his parents and girlfriend Bernadette Harrison had been constantly at Tony's bedside.
Leigh secretary, John Stringer, told the Reporter: "We are all extremely distressed about this. But the lad who was sent off is convinced he's not to blame. He said he did not touch him."
Usually the complaints concerned discharges from the Lancots Lane factory – but this week's story was of acid that had leaked from a tanker that had departed from the plant.
The incident had taken place several weeks before when John Wills of Gaskell Street was cycling in Station Road in Sutton and the acid tanker had approached him.
"Just as it reached me I felt drops on my face and neck. I got off my bike and put my head down, but there was a terrible burning sensation", said Mr Wills.
"I went to Providence Hospital for treatment, and later I found the acid had burned holes in my cap, jacket and trousers".
And a passing car driven by Michael White of Radstock Grove in Sutton Leach had also been damaged by the acid and needed repainting.
Mr Wills said he had been off work for three weeks because of the burns and had lost his temporary job as a labourer at Bold Power Station.
Councillor Jim Bond told the paper: "This chemical plant is a constant menace to the health and safety of local people."
But Leathers continued with their dreadful PR by once again saying, "No comment", when contacted by the Reporter.
It was announced this week that taxi fares in St Helens were to rise by up to 28%.
The St Helens Hackney Vehicle Proprietors Association blamed the increase on rising fuel costs.
The old fare for journeys up to a mile was 18p plus VAT. This would now increase to 23p and the charge for each additional mile would be 16p instead of 12p.
Also this week Greenall Whitley announced compulsory retirement for their male licensees upon reaching the age of 65. However, women would have to step down from their jobs at the age of 60.
But those licensees that were already older than 60 or 65 would not have to pack their bags immediately as the scheme would not apply for three years.
And finally, "The Jimmy Tarbuck Show starring Jimmy Tarbuck" was how the Theatre Royal's Reporter advert listed their attraction that took place on the 16th.
Just how people might have been expecting the Jimmy Tarbuck Show to instead feature, say, Eric Morecambe or Frank Sinatra, I cannot say! – although Kenny Lynch was also on the bill.
St Helens Reporter courtesy St Helens Archive Service at Eccleston Library
Next Week's stories will include the 28-year wait for a council house, a Parr streaker receives a big fine, the 95-year-old from Clinkham Wood who had her gas meter ripped out and why ex-miners were flocking back to the pits.