The stories that were making the headlines 100 years ago

100 YEARS AGO

A THIEF made a risky move in Northwich this week by stealing a policeman’s bike whilst he ate his lunch.

The officer gave chase down Witton Street with little success as the criminal, believed to be in his early 30s, sped off and out of sight.

On-duty police found the bike dumped near to Neumann’s Flashes with a deflated tyre and no sign of the man.

The hunt was on for the mystery assailant but, with limited information, the police were not hopeful.

50 YEARS AGO

TWO residents in Lostock had a double celebration this week, marking their 90th birthdays and 60 years as next-door neighbours.

Thomas Ward and Barbara Roden had lived on Herbert Street since 1905.

The Guardian were contacted by another resident on the street, Mildred Green, to help them commemorate the two special milestones and reflect on the changes they have witnessed over the years.

Mr Ward, a former farmhand, and Mrs Roden, a housewife, said that little had changed other than the faces that come and go in the street.

25 YEARS AGO

CHESHIRE county councillors met to decide if Winsford and Northwich could benefit from a bus service run exclusively for women.

Fears of suffering a late night attack prompted women in the two towns to call for a solution to be met.

Successful schemes for safer transport had already been launched in Runcorn and Chester, with councils creating a safe, pre-booked, door-to-door lift service.

The meeting resulted in a trial scheme being planned for both areas at a cost of £5,000 for six months.

NORTHWICH police seized hundreds of counterfeit DVDs and CDs from a brother and sister in the town centre.

Officers stopped a car at 2am after a member of the public raised their concerns to the police.

More than 400 pirated copies of the blockbuster film Jurassic Park were found in the boot of their car along with thousands of unmarked CDs.

The pair were arrested and the Trading Standards department in Cheshire were informed of the incident.