26th February 2026

Lollipop Patrols and Sensory Gardens: The Guardian Review

It was another busy Thursday on MIX 56 as Paul Smith sat down with Gareth Dunning, Deputy Editor of the Warrington & Knutsford Guardian, to dig into this week’s headlines.

From community battles to save local icons to heartwarming animal tales, here is what’s making the news in our patch this week.

Saving Our Smiling Faces

The big talking point this week is on page 23, and it’s one that has hit a nerve with parents across the region. As part of wide-ranging council budget cuts, the “school crossing patrols”—or lollipop ladies and men as we better know them—are under threat.

• The Cost of Safety: The council is looking to make a saving of £50,000 from the budget.
• Community Action: Petitions have already been launched in Penketh, Grappenhall, and Winwick as residents fight to keep their local patrols.
• More Than Just a Job: Paul and Gareth reflected on how these figures are part of the community fabric—often retirees who love the daily interaction and keep children safe from increasingly busy traffic.

A final decision is expected this Monday night.

Green Fingers at Daresbury Primary

On a lighter note, we headed over to Daresbury Primary School, where the playground has had a major upgrade. Gone are the “grim-looking ponds” of Gareth’s school days; in their place is a brand-new sensory garden.

The garden is designed to teach kids about sustainability and planting. Gareth even shared a success story of his own daughter bringing home a cucumber plant that provided a whole summer’s worth of salad! The project was made possible thanks to support from local developers working on the Daresbury expansion.

Nemo: The Ten-Year Miracle

Finally, we couldn’t resist a heartwarming animal story. We met Beth Fogg and her cat, Nemo.

Over a decade ago, Beth found Nemo as a stray in need of an expensive leg operation her family couldn’t afford. In a brilliant gesture, the vet offered a trade: he would perform the surgery for free if the family promised to give Nemo a forever home.

Ten years later, they are still best friends—and Beth has even commemorated the bond with a tattoo of Nemo on her leg!

Missed the chat? You can catch the full review with Paul and Gareth every Thursday on MIX 56.