HERE are the stories that made the headlines in Northwich 100, 50, and 25 years ago.

100 years ago

A REFERENDUM on war memorial plans saw voters come out in favour of supporting widows and children.

Almost a year on from the end of the First World War, the vote was put out to the heads of each Northwich household with five options available – a memorial hall (222 votes), provision for widows and children (859), recreation ground (123), statue (110), or workshops for disabled men (835).

More than half of households declined to vote.

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A GIRL tragically drowned in a water-filled hole caused by subsidence in Verdin Park.

The girl, 7, was playing with a friend when she saw a tin box floating in the water and slipped while trying to retrieve it.

She and friends had climbed under some railings to get to the hole.

A letter was sent out to all Northwich schools warning them of the dangers.

50 years ago

A WOMAN was attacked while sunbathing in her Hartford garden.

Police were searching for the man, described as 30 years old, 6ft tall, with grey hair and a flabby face.

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THERE were protests over a proposed interchange on the new M56 motorway at Stretton.

Campaigners called it 'totally unnecessary' in view of the proximity of Lymm and Preston Brook.

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SHOPPERS were shocked by the sudden closure of J.W. Coombs.

The department store in Witton Street was boarded up without notice by London-based owners Warren Stores.

25 years ago

A PARROT stolen from a Witton Street pet shop was returned to its owners after being spotted by an eagle-eyed customer.

Arni had been taken and sold privately to a man whose wife recognised him as the missing bird.

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A RALLYING cry to 'Save Vale Royal' was launched by the borough council, amid a Local Government Review's recommendation for a merger with Crewe and Nantwich.