THURSDAY, 22nd DECEMBER, 2011.

A MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL OUR READERS AND ADVERTISERS

Luca stars with Steele

Parking plan pulled Readers'ViewsPages16-18 Page 28

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What’s on... What’s gone...

Pages 23-24

River Dan rescuer

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The Club arsonist is ailed for 30 months

A man who tried to set fire to a town centre pub before cycling off with his shirt on fire has been sentenced to 30 months in prison.

Michael Morgan, (33), of 27a, West Road, in Congleton, was drunk when he torched The Club on Chapel Street, after filling p an empty drinks bottle with 90 pence worth of petrol from the Shell Garage on Clayton By Pass at 4.30am on 1st August.

The explosion that followed set the back of his shirt on fire, and he cycled away from the scene in flames.

He was sentenced at Chester Crown Court on Friday after admitting to one count of arson.

Morgan’s defence barrister said he had been “a complete idiot”.

Although the damage to the pub, a grade two listed building, was minimal, the court heard how the incident could have been much worse, and even threatened lives. Landlord Steve Ball and his family live in a property next to the pub.

Kim Holsam, prosecuting, told the court that on 31st July Morgan had been drinking in The Club before getting into a fight with another customer and was asked to leave.

At 4.25am he cycled to the Shell Garage and filled up an empty drinks bottle with petrol.

Mrs Holsam said: “He attempted to pay, but was told by the member of staff serving that he wouldn’t normally allow someone to fill a bottle with petrol. Mr Morgan said he needed it for his son’s mini moto and was sold the fueland given a receipt.

“CCTV at the pub shows that at 4.56am the defendant approached the front of the pub on his bicycle, pulled out a plastic bottle from his pocket and poured it on the porch area. He lit it, and the CCTV shows a bright flash.

• —Turn to back page.

Angels with smiley faces bring Christmas cheer

These angelic little actors at Woodcock’s Well Primary School played angels and snow flakes in their Mow Cop school’s Nativity, “The most disgruntled snowman”. For more festive photos, turn to page 22. (“Chronicle” photo. 5011a/11).

Wishing all our customers a Very Happy Christmas and a Happy New Year

BURNSGaragesLtdCanalStreet,CONGLETONCall:01260273553For your Sat Nav: CW12 3AA

It was with great sadness that the “Chronicle” learned shortly before going to press yesterday (Wednesday) of the death of Congleton Town Mayor Coun David Martin, following a short illness. He passed away yesterday morning. As well as being one of the most active town councillors and a dedicated mayor, Coun Martin was a veteran of the stage, having starred in dozens of performances at the town’s Daneside Theatre. Pam Mien, one of his theatre colleagues, said: “I can see him getting to the Pearly Gates and asking where the stage was.” A statement from the town council said he would be greatly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. (“Chronicle” photo. 5209/11).

JANTEX Furnishing Company

Est. 1975

Wish all their customers and friends a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

CHRISTMAS OPENING TIMES: Saturday 24th Open 10am - 1pm Wednesday, 28th Open 9am - 5pm Thursday, 29th Open 9am - 5pm Friday 30th Open 9am - 5pm Saturday 31st Open 10am - 1pm

Closed Sundays and Bank Holidays

WINTER

SALE STARTS WED 28th DECEMBER

Customer Car Park off Milk Street Salford Mill, Milk Street, Congleton, CW12 1JD

Tel: (01260) 271470/277662 jantex.co.uk Be inspired by our Quality Carpets, Fabrics, Blinds,

Rugs, Curtains (bespoke and ready made) etc.