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Thursday, 24 December 2009
MP's News Bulletin
Sentence Underlines "Lock Up" Warning
Police Officers say the case of a man who is beginning a lengthy prison for burgling 32 homes in Crewe underlines their "Lock your doors" warning.
All the burglaries carried out by Stephen Crimes were sneak-ins. He simply walked into the houses through unlocked doors.
Crimes, aged 36, was jailed for four years and three months by a judge at Chester Crown Court. He had pleaded guilty to two charges of burglary and asked for thirty similar offences, plus one offence of stealing from a car, to be taken into consideration.
All the burglaries were committed while Crimes was staying with various friends and acquaintances in Crewe. He had a home address in Tatton Close, Winsford.
Detective Constable Darren Hebden said, "In all these cases he simply walked into the house and took items he could carry easily, such as laptops, mobile phones, ipods, cash and cards.
"He specialised in the sneak-in burglary and he is not the only criminal doing that. Currently a third of all burglaries in this area are carried out by people who wander the streets and nip into people's gardens trying doors until they find one that is unlocked. In most cases the occupiers will be in bed, but even if they are in another room downstairs the burglar will take what he can and make a quick exit.
"We can only repeat our warning about this and encourage people to get into the habit of keeping doors and ground floor windows locked at all times. A check-round before you go to bed is vital, too. Crime prevention doesn't get much simpler than that!
"The sentence on Stephen Crimes means that a professional criminal with a long record will be removed from the streets for some time. The courts, like Cheshire Police, take burglary very seriously and only the fact that he was frank about the offences he had committed saved him from an even longer sentence.
"We and the rest of the Criminal Justice System are doing a lot of work to protect people's homes from burglars, but the responsibility does not stop there. Everyone has a duty to take reasonable precautions to protect their home."
Tuesday, 15 December 2009
Queens Park Bandstand
Monday saw the return of the Bandstand dome from being restored off site. It looked very good with the top done in gold leaf. The main posts have been restored and put in place and much of the roof has been done. The bandstand should now be finished in January 2010. Full details and more pictures on the main Queens Park Website The first bridge was due this week but has been put off until January but the whole park is moving a head at a great rate of knots.News the play area has been moved forward after public concerns and should now be rebuilt by Easter. Plans are in for the new cafe and work could start by march next year. The Boer war memorial base is to be dug up as the old base is buried under it and this will be restored along with the guns
Crime Advice
Last minute shoppers in Crewe and Nantwich are being urged “Don’t fall victim to a Christmas purse-dipper!”
Specialists will give crime prevention advice in the town centres, and hand out free bag alarms and purse bells.
Crime Reduction Adviser Mark Cotton said, “Pickpockets and bag snatchers see the Christmas shopping period, and especially the last few days of it, as a boost to their own particular trade.
“They can work among big crowds of people, and they know many of the shoppers will have their minds on other things. They can take full advantage of a lapse of concentration and a bit of carelessness.
“Police Officers and partners are putting a lot of effort into tackling town centre crime. Some officers are out and about in uniform as a deterrent. Others, in plain clothes, are identifying and arresting shoplifters and purse dippers. But shoppers themselves can beat these thieves. It just means taking a few simple precautions.
Those precautions will be highlighted by Mark and the Watch Co-ordinator, Hayley Goodwin, who are setting up advice stalls in both town centres.
Mark said, “We will also hand out some bag alarms and bells. These will be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and we will limit them to one per person. They are a useful crime prevention device. Anything which can raise an alarm if a thief tries to take a purse or bag, is a useful last line of defence.
“Keeping an eye on your cash and cards and making sure they are somewhere which is difficult for a thief to reach, is something we should all do at all times.
“Other criminals are busy at Christmas time, too. We are warning people who are out buying presents not to leave them on view in their cars. We have distributed postcards to shops which have a cartoon picture of a thief eyeing up cars loaded with presents, and carrying the slogan, ‘Display and You’ll Pay’.
“Having property stolen at Christmas time is particularly distressing. Having your bag, purse or wallet taken can also cause you a lot of inconvenience when you have to cancel your cards and set up new ones. At this time of year it can put a damper on what should be a really enjoyable occasion.”
Times/ dates of The Purse Dipping Campaign stalls are as follows:
Crewe: Tue Dec 22nd in The Market Centre 11am until 2pm
Nantwich: Wed Dec 23rd in Town Square 11am until 2pm
Advice to beat the Purse Dipper
v Walk with confidence. Avoid looking distracted or confused. Thieves target people who appear vulnerable. Be aware of what is going on around you.
v Be careful in crowded areas. Thieves often bump and jostle people as a distraction technique.
v Avoid carrying your wallet in a back pocket.
v Carry your bag and purse in front of you where you can see it. If the bag has a zip or flap, keep it closed.
v Never leave a purse or bag unattended on a supermarket trolley or shop counter.
v Be careful at cash machines. Pickpockets watch people collecting money to line up potential targets.
“Lock Up to Keep Christmas Merry”
Police Officers are warning people across East Cheshire, “Make sure your Christmas presents are not a twelve-day wonder”.
They say many recent burglaries have been linked to a lack of basic home security and people need to be more careful.
Detective Inspector Nigel Groom, in charge of Cheshire Police Eastern Area Pro-Active CID said, “The New Year period and January traditionally bring an increase in the number of burglaries.
Ask yourself how you will feel if the gifts which bring so much pleasure to you on Christmas morning are soon in the hands of a stranger who will probably turn them into cash to buy drugs?
“That new Wii console or laptop, or that glamorous jewellery the wife had for Christmas are all attractive to a criminal. So are some of the electronic games and other toys you bought for your children.
“At this time of year burglars have long hours of darkness to help them in their work. We are also finding increasingly that people are failing to take the most elementary precautions against burglary, such as locking doors.
“One in three of the area’s burglaries at the moment is a sneak-in. The criminal simply walks through an unlocked door or climbs through an open ground-floor window. Some of these burglaries are in the daytime when the family are in the next room. Others are at night when the family are asleep. Some people go to bed without locking up!
“In the past few weeks we have arrested some of the most prolific burglars but everyone has a duty to take reasonable steps to protect their home and their property.
“The basics are very simple. Firstly, make sure you keep outside doors locked whether you are in or out of the building and always check the locks before you go to bed. If you have a security alarm, make sure you it is set at night and whenever you go out.
“Bear in mind that a house that might be occupied is generally less attractive to a burglar. Leave a radio on when you are out and put a light on if it’s dark. Invest in a couple of timer switches to operate the lights if you are out for a long time.
“Keep an eye open for unexpected activity in your neighbourhood. Burglars will usually spend some time looking around to identify the most vulnerable property. If you see anything suspicious call the Cheshire Police Information Line 0845 458 0000.
“In some cases your Christmas present may not have been for the home. If you received a sat nav or another car-based device, like a CD player, leaving them in the vehicle when you park is another way to hand them to a criminal.
“If you want to keep them, take them out of the car when you park, and make sure you don’t leave behind the sat nav cradle or other signs that a sat nav was fitted. A thief can do a lot of damage breaking into your vehicle if he believes that a sat nav may be inside.
“If possible park in well-lit areas which are covered by CCTV and be aware of what is going on around you. Make sure you are not being watched.
“These precautions are all very basic and only take a few minutes of your time. If you don’t take reasonable measures to safeguard your property you will find your insurance company will refuse to pay up. Make a New Year resolution to make security a habit and start it now. It will mean you can enjoy the presents you received at Christmas 2009 throughout 2010.”
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Queens Park Meeting
STAKEHOLDER UPDATE DECEMBER 2009
The meeting was poorly attended maybe the dark cold night had something to do with it.
It was an interesting meeting with presentations by Lost Arts who are doing the Bandstand. We were shown the new design for the Cafe and Bowling club. Its hoped this can go before planning before Xmas and then tenders can be sought in the new year with work starting in March time.
One exiting piece of news is that the play area has been brought forward due to complaints and the horse and spider falling apart. Designed by children it will be divided into two areas one for very young children and one for older children. Its hoped it will be ready for easter next year so thats good new all round and it shows the council do take notice of people.
Its still hoped that the lake will be finished by March next year and open to the public at long last but some paths will have to be closed in the future for new paths to go in.
Chairmans report
Lake and Bridge Works (Tolent Construction)
Tolent have been on site for 11 wks following acceptance of their tender.
There has been a 6 day delay due to bad weather.
The Tolent site will close at Xmas from 18th Dec for 2 wks.
Works have focused on lake edges and islands plus preparations for bridge abutments and foundations etc.
The Inlet Bridge at the Tipkinder end of the lake is the first bridge to go in and it will arrive on site Tue / Wed next week, preparation works are ongoing.
All Lake Inlet walls have been repaired and repointed.
Gabion baskets all around the Burma Star Island to be faced with stone blocks. A stone sample has been agreed.
East and West Island walls have been completed but may be raised to allow fluctuations in water levels.
Works to modify bridge abutments are underway.
Broadwalk Bridge works on site for 3 days next week. This will be the last and largest bridge to be positioned estimate end of Feb. Footpath links will need to go in to facilitate all bridges.
Coronation Bridge - Completion is expected by the end of January - together with Burma Star Bridge.
Problem areas:
• Access roads require improving.
• Weather implications.
• Design modifications and approvals.
• Correction of Wrekin works where required.
BANDSTAND
Slight slippage of works largely due to discoveries on site and additional higher quality finishes which have been agreed. Matching of sandstone to closely match the original has been very successful.
A detailed update and explanation of how these structures are restored will be given by Domenic of Lost Art. The completion date will now be end of January 2010.
NB. Ian will be providing a detailed update on the Lake and Bridge works and progress with the bandstand.
PLAYGROUND
Rocking horse and spider's web removed due to safety implications see above.
An exciting consultation took place involving the Sir William Stanier Community School and their feeder school's i.e. children talking to younger children. The selection and design process is well underway. Additional monies via ex Mayor will be allocated specifically for the disabled element. A contractor will be selected early spring2010.
COUNTY LANDSCAPES
Curved railings are to be completed early in the New Year and the Gates will be the very last item due to heavy construction vehicles accessing the park to install the bridges.
EVENTING
A very successful community Youth Christmas Lantern Procession took place last Sunday. It attracted approx 300 people; we were very pleased with the response. Pupils of Pebble Brook, Monks Coppenhall, Edleston Road and Wistaston schools all participated.
Christmas Party – Personal Safety Advice
As Christmas and New Year approaches many of us go out with friends, family and workmates to celebrate over the festive period. Whilst out and about take a few sensible, generally common sense precautions, to ensure that you and your possessions stay safe over the party period.
Getting to & from your Venue
It is important to plan ahead for a night out. Decide how you are getting to the venue and home again afterwards before you leave home for the night. Always make someone aware of where you are intending to go and when you plan to return so someone else is aware of your plans for the night.
If driving: 1.) Keep your car in good condition and ensure that you have enough petrol for your journey.
2.) Try to park in well-lit or busy areas. If parking during the day, think about how the car park will feel after dark.
3.) Do not give lifts or accept lifts from people that you do not know
4.) Never drive if you have been drinking and do not accept a lift from someone who has.
Public transport: 1.) Try to wait in busy and well lit areas.
2.) Sit near to other people, near the driver if you are on a bus or near the guard if on a train.
3.) Put the money aside for your journey home at the start of your night so you aren’t caught short of the cash required for the journey
4.) If someone makes you feel uncomfortable, get up and move away
Taxis: 1.) Always pre-book your taxi at the start of the night and ensure that it is your taxi before getting into it.
2.) If you have pre-booked your taxi keep a note of the firm you are using and their phone number and leave it with a family member or friend.
3.) Always have the number of a couple of reliable taxi firms handy/on your phone.
4.) Avoid the temptation to take a minicab on the street even if you are having difficulty getting a cab - it is illegal for most minicabs to take passengers who have not pre-booked.
5.) If in any doubt, don’t get in the taxi.
At the Venue
1.) Keep an eye on your valuables. Don’t leave your handbag over the back of your seat and keep your purse and wallet close – busy venues can attract pickpockets.
2.) No one will look after your valuables as well as you! Don’t rely on someone else to watch your purse/phone whilst you go for a drink or to the toilet. Take them with you.
On the Street
1.) When visiting cash machines be aware of who is hanging around you and try not to make it obvious if you are withdrawing larger amounts of cash. If you feel uncomfortable, cancel the transaction and find another machine.
2.) It is extremely rare to be a victim of robbery but if someone tries to take something from you by force, it may be best to let them take it. If you decide to try and defend yourself be aware your attacker may be stronger than you. It is often better to run away and shout loudly for help.
3.) Try to look and act confident, look like you know where you are going and walk tall.
4.) Stay alert – don’t walk along listening to music or talking on your phone. This not only advertises that you have this item but means you are distracted and less aware if someone approaches to try and take the item.
5.) It is a common misconception that women are more likely to be targeted by thieves whilst out and about. In reality, young males, on their own are the most common targets for street crime. Whilst walking between venues, stay with your friends and try to steer clear of any confrontations. Keep valuables out of sight. If you feel threatened or are a victim of crime, ring the police immediately.
Friday, 4 December 2009
Crewe & Nantwich News November 2009
More Cannabis Farms Closed Police at Crewe urged people to report any building they suspect may have been turned into a cannabis farm, following the discovery of two in less than a week. Two hundred and fifty cannabis plants were seized from a house in Newfield Drive. Then 450 plants were recovered from a terraced house in Crewe town centre. The two crops would have produced cannabis with a street value in the region of £100,000.
Dealer Jailed A drug dealer from Crewe, found with nearly £14,000 worth of cannabis bush in his possession, was sent to prison for eighteen months. And a 20 years old man was sentenced to 21 months in a Young Offenders Institution after admitting possessing cocaine with intent to supply in Congleton town centre. Both men were caught when patrolling Police Officers became suspicious about their behaviour.
Superintendent Looks Ahead Superintendent Andrew Marsden, who has joined the Cheshire Police Eastern Area Leadership Team says Local Area Partnerships will play a key role in building confidence in local communities. “They are not a meeting, but an agency concept to get things done,” he says. Neighbourhood Policing Units and prolific and priority offenders are among Superintendent Marsden’s responsibilities in his new post. He has 25 years service with Cheshire Police, 23 of them spent in CID and in units tackling serious and organized crime. He says, “This is a very different role and I am really looking forward to it.”
Street Problems Tackled Police in Nantwich dealt with seven people after a series of street disturbances during a busy weekend. Three men were bailed to appear at court, another was given a formal caution and three others were issued with fixed penalty fines.
Eight Years for Stabbing A man has been jailed for eight years for stabbing another man in front of a group of people in Badger Avenue, Crewe. The man pleaded guilty to a charge of wounding with intent. Judge David Hale told him “You were out of control.”
“Disgraceful Behaviour” Resulted in Death A teenager from Nantwich who stole his mother’s car and knocked down and killed another young man has been sentenced to six years in a young offenders’ institution. Chester Crown Court heard that the seventeen years old had been drinking, beer, lager and alco pops before the incident in Winsford. An eighteen years old man who was a passenger in the car at the time of the collision was sent to a young offenders institution for three years. Judge Elgan Edwards told them, “This was a quite disgraceful piece of behaviour.”
Plus for Rural Patrol Security marking for bikes will be offered as part of the next “rural patrol” by Nantwich Neighbourhood Policing Unit. P.C. Sarah Marson and Police Community Support Officers Sharon Jones and Nick Jarvis will visit Wychwood, Wybunbury, Audlem and Wrenbury on December 12th. Sarah said, “We will provide face-to-face talks over a cup of tea for anyone who has any issues to discuss. Bike-marking is a useful ‘extra’ we can offer.”
MP's News Bulletin
WELCOME!
Welcome to this my thirty-first electronic news bulletin.
Remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions for me.
You can forward the bulletin on to your friends and family, who can sign up themselves by clicking here for my website.
I look forward to hearing from you!
Edward Timpson
Member of Parliament for Crewe & Nantwich
I have recently...
- Addressed & presented GCSE Awards to Sir William Stanier School in Crewe
- Presented St. Thomas More High School, Crewe, with OS Maps provided by Natural England
- Attended & spoke at St. Luke's Hospice's 'Light Up A Life' Remembrance Service in Crewe
- Attended a Christmas fund-raising open day at Nantwich Health Centre
- Attended a Homelessness Forum hosted by St. Vincent de Paul Society in Coppenhall
- Met with the Director of Railway Children regarding missing & runaway children
- Attended the All Party Group for Missing & Runaway Children
- Attended the Conservative Muslim Forum annual reception in London
- Attended a Royal British Legion Parliamentary reception
- Attended the launch of the Make Education Count Westminster Network in Parliament
- Hosted a Parliamentary dinner on Bingo with fellow MP's and representatives from the Rank Group Ltd.
- Sat on the Joint Commission for Human Rights in Parliament
- Sat on the Children, School & Families Select Committee in Parliament
- Questioned the Minister of State for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office over child rights strategy
- Met the Archbishop of Canterbury at the Advent Reception in Parliament
...This weekend I will be visiting the Nantwich Winter Wonderland with my wife Julia and children, where I will be opening the new Ice Rink at Residence Bar and judging the Best Dressed Christmas Stall Competition. I will also be attending the Musical Mayhem Cabaret in Crewe and the Wybunbury Conservatives' Christmas fund-raiser reception in Nantwich.
National Pandemic Flu Service Information
The National Pandemic Flu Service is a new self-care service comprising a dedicated website. It will allow people to check their symptoms and, if necessary, get a unique number which will give them access to anti-virals at a local collection point.
Visit: www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
Tel: 0800 1 513 100 or 0800 1 513 200 (textphone)
Nantwich MP Timpson faces "no issues" in expenses inquiry
Nantwichnews
Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has received the all clear from the team heading the inquiry into the MPs’ expenses scandal.
Mr Timpson received a letter this week from the head of the inquiry, the former senior civil servant Sir Thomas Legg.
And in it, Sir Thomas states that “Mr Timpson has no issues.”
This concludes the provisional findings that the inquiry had made back in October.
Sir Thomas’s final report is expected to be submitted to the Members’ Estimate Committee (MEC) in mid-December.
© Nantwichnews Blog
Crewe worker Kelly Harrison wins carer of the year award
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
A SUPPORT worker who looks after elderly people as well as caring for a disabled brother at home has won the Crewe and Nantwich Carer of the Year Award.
Kelly Harrison, senior support worker at Station House care home, won the trophy at the awards organised by Robert Smith and Son Funeral Services. A number of nominations were received and assessed by a panel of four independent judges.
The award was presented by MP Edward Timpson at a ceremony at Crewe Hall.
The judges commented: “This lady clearly has gone the extra mile, not only in her work caring beyond her job description, but also at home helping care for her brother who has a disability. She has shown a degree of empathy, which although evident in other nominees was particularly present with Kelly. She is a worthy winner.”
Mr Timpson said: “We are faced with an ageing population and the issue of care for the elderly is one which must be addressed. Carers are our unsung heroes and I am really impressed by the dedication and commitment they give so willingly.”
Mr Smith said: “I’m delighted to sponsor this award and I know the judges had an extremely difficult task in selecting a winner. All the carers in our community deserve recognition for the devotion they give to what can be a quite demanding role.”
Kelly won a glass trophy, bouquet of flowers and afternoon tea for two at Crewe Hall.
Most highly commended was Jean Dyde, a carer at Richmond Village in Nantwich.
Highly commended were Gill Corns, chef at Cypress Court care home Crewe and Karen Potts and Gemma Mitchell carers at Cypress Court, and Maggie Ramshaw, a carer at Brookfield House nursing home Nantwich.
© 2009 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Pantomime cast gets behind charity Santa Fun Run in Crewe
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
PANTO stars are urging Crewe residents to back this year’s Santa Fun Run to raise funds for terminally ill children.
The cast took time out from rehearsals at the Lyceum to join Hope House Hospice worker Alison Marsh to promote the event, which takes place on Sunday, December 13.
David Lonsdale, who plays King Bumble in this year’s panto, Sleeping Beauty, said: “Over the last few years I’ve visited a number of hospices and am always struck by what lovely, cheerful places they are.
“It’s well known how tight funding is for the hospice movement, so I would urge everyone to join in and contact the hospice to arrange sponsorship.”
The star of ITV’s Heartbeat has also said he will do his best to be at the event to see off the runners.
“I’ve got a matinee performance that day,” he said. “But if I can be there I will be. I will do my very best.”
Former Rainbow star Jane Tucker, who plays the good fairy Azuriel, said: “Anything to help with this sort of charity is good because it is so special.
“The work the hospices do is so special and this event should be supported.”
The run starts at 11am and is about one mile long.
Hope House is in Oswestry but caters for many families in the Crewe and Nantwich area who have children with life-limiting conditions. Staff want as many people as possible to take part.
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson was one of the first to sign up.
“I’m very much looking forward to the event,” he said.
“Hope House and the children they care for are such a good cause and the Santa theme will make it a little different from my last charity run.”
It costs £12.50 to register for the run but children are free and each adult can take along up to three children.
Each participant will receive a pack including their Father Christmas suit.
Every entrant is asked to raise £20 in sponsorship.
Anyone wishing to enter the race should call into the Hope House Shop in Market Street, Crewe, or phone 01691 671671.
Information is also available at www.santarun.org.uk.
© 2009 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Lady Verdin Trust dishes out the honours at Nantwich Civic Hall
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
STAFF at an adult education trust have been honoured for their hard work.
The Lady Verdin Trust, which provides support and care for adults with learning disabilities in Crewe and Nantwich, held a dinner and dance at Nantwich Civic Hall.
The evening included a presentation which recognised the hard work of many of the trust’s staff.
Edward Timpson MP presented 18 NVQ awards, while South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Dunning presented in-house training awards to 27 members of staff.
For the first time this year, two STAR Colleague Awards were presented by Cllr Roland Domleo.
Francis Cookson was named Team Member of the Year while Julie Thomas was crowned New Starter of the Year.
Pat Mellor, Phil Sinclair and Jean Noakes achieved 10-year service awards – and Susan Cole, who has worked with the trust since it started, achieved 25 years’ service.
The final award was presented to Susan Lady Barlow, who after 27 years’ service was retiring as a trustee.
The trust’s chief executive, Chris Chennell, said: “It was a wonderful evening.”
© 2009 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Might there be some fight left in the class war after all?
The Spectator
The Tories are in mild shock following PMQs, they never expected Cameron to get clunked like that. Brown is clearly going to try and use Tory inheritance tax policy to ram home the message that a Cameron government will be a government of the rich, by the rich, for the rich.
But the Tories are taking comfort from their belief that Brown’s ugly class war politics won’t work, pointing to how they failed in Crewe and Nantwich. But the attacks on Edward Timpson backfired, at least in part, because Timpson was a bad target. It is hard to portray someone as an out of touch, uncaring toff when their family have fostered 80 odd children and have a long history of local philanthropy. Considering this I think it would be premature to delcare class war totally ineffective because it failed against this particular candidate.
© 2009 The Spectator
MP opens academy
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
Local employer Gist, a supply chain specialist, has launched a specialist HR and training business, Gist People Services, to provide vocational training to its employees, suppliers, customers and competitors.
Edward Timpson, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, opened Gist People Services training academy in Crewe on Friday.
The academy provides Skills For Life adult education in literacy and numeracy – with the opportunity to gain a certificate equivalent to GCSE A grade.
NVQs, Skills For Life and CPCs are all offered including NVQs in Driving Goods Vehicles, Warehousing and Storage, Business Administration, Customer Service, IT, Management, and Team Leading.
Many of the assessors are Gist employees working as drivers and warehouse operatives, meaning that they can truly relate to the working environment and practices of those who are undertaking their NVQ or Skills For Life training (Numeracy and Literacy), an unrivalled standard of service.
Gist’s general manager Richard Watson said: “We’re fully committed to training and firmly believe that it is our people that make us a successful business.”
© 2009 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Unfair media advantage
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson this week expressed concern over clear evidence that independent local newspapers are struggling to compete with town hall publications and council newsletters.
He said that he was worried that local newspapers do not have the same level of resources at their disposal as taxpayer-funded council newsletters.
To tackle this problem his party have pledged for tougher rules on town hall publicity spending, and the liberalisation of local government data for commercial and voluntary use, as well as closely scrutinising council publications to make sure they don't exceed their remit.
Commenting Mr Timpson said: "Local papers, such as the Chronicle, bring communities together and are vital resources - they need to be able to compete on equal terms.
"Detailed and informative council papers are useful, but they shouldn't encroach on independent media, and drive them off the shelves. With these new rules, there will be room for both.”
© 2009 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Labour 'failing pupils'
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson is “disappointed” by the new Ofsted report which shows that millions of children in the UK are still being let down by the quality of their education.
“The report found that almost a third of schools, educating 2.3million children, are 'mediocre or worse', while almost half of Labour's ‘flagship’ academies are failing,” said Mr Timpson
The report goes on to detail a string of complaints from employers that many young people are leaving school without having mastered reading writing and arithmetic, the so-called 'three Rs'.
Ofsted says that a 'stubborn core of poor teaching’ was evident in thousands of schools, perpetuating the gap between pupils from wealthy and deprived backgrounds.
Commenting on the report Mr Timpson said: "Luckily here in Crewe and Nantwich we have some fantastic schools - Brine Leas was recently ranked 27th best secondary without a sixth form in the country.
"But this report shows that some schools, particularly in poorer areas, are failing our children badly.”
© 2009 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Nantwich homes could get energy work under Tory plans
Nantwichnews
Every homeowner in Nantwich could have the right to home energy efficiency work worth £6,500 under a Tory government.
That was the claim made by the party which plans to help households protect the environment and save money.
The idea, backed by Nantwich MP Edward Timpson, suggests there would be no upfront cost as the work will be paid for by savings on energy bills from improved insulation.
It will save families money and make Crewe and Nantwich’s homes warmer in winter, Mr Timpson said.
And he claimed that a typical home could see £30 a month knocked off its final bill.
The plan also includes working with councils like Cheshire East to promote a ‘points for recycling’ scheme.
Points are converted into vouchers for shops including Marks & Spencer and Costcutter, or into donations to charities. Households could earn up to £175 a year in vouchers.
Mr Timpson said: “The new plans to insulate people’s homes for no upfront cost and rewarding people for recycling will not only protect the environment, but also help families and pensioners in Crewe and Nantwich who are struggling to make ends meet.”
© Nantwichnews Blog
Trust Celebrates Staff Achievements
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
THE Lady Verdin Trust celebrated its annual dinner and dance at Nantwich Civic Hall on Thursday.
The group is an independent provider of support and care for adults with learning disabilities in Crewe and Nantwich.
Chief executive Chris Chennell, who hosted the event, said: “It was a wonderful evening and a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the Trust and its staff over the past 12 months.”
The event was attended by more than 300 people who work or are associated with the Trust and included an awards presentation.
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson supported the event by presenting NVQ awards to 18 members of staff.
Chief Executive of South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce John Dunning presented the Support Assistant General Awards, the Trust’s two-year in-house training programme, to 27 members of staff.
And, for the first time this year, two Star Colleague Awards were presented by Councillor Roland Domleo. Francis Cookson was named Star Colleague Team Member of the Year and Julie Thomas won the award for New Starter of the Year.
Other awards were presented in recognition of long service – Pat Mellor, Phil Sinclair and Jean Noakes achieved ten years service and Susan Cole, who has worked with the Trust since it started, achieved 25 years service.
The final award was presented to Susan Lady Barlow, who after 27 years service was retiring as a trustee.
© 2001-2009 Newsquest Media Group
Nantwich MP hits out over Ofsted education claims
Nantwichnews
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has hit out after a new Ofsted report shows millions of children are still being let down by the quality of their education.
It found almost a third of schools are ‘mediocre or worse’, while almost half of Labour’s flagship academies are failing.
It details a string of complaints from employers that many young people are leaving school without mastering reading, writing and arithmetic.
Ofsted blames a “stubborn core” of poor teaching in thousands of schools.
Mr Timpson said: “Luckily here in Crewe and Nantwich we have some fantastic schools.
“Brine Leas in Nantwich was recently ranked 27th best secondary without a sixth form in the country.
“But this report shows that some schools, particularly in poorer areas, are failing our children badly.
“When Tony Blair said ‘Education, Education, Education’ were his three priorities I doubt this is what he envisioned.”
© Nantwichnews Blog
MP Supports Local Newspapers
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson have pledged his support to local newspapers.
He has expressed concern over evidence that independent local newspapers are struggling to compete with town hall publications and council newsletters.
He said he was worried that local newspapers didn't have the same level of resources at their disposal as taxpayer-funded council newsletters.
To tackle this problem his party have pledged for tougher rules on town hall publicity spending, and the liberalisation of local government data for commercial and voluntary use, as well as closely scrutinising council publications to make sure they don't exceed their remit.
Mr Timpson said: "Local papers bring communities together and are vital resources - they need to be able to compete on equal terms.
"Detailed and informative council papers are useful, but they shouldn't encroach on independent media, and drive them off the shelves.
"With these new rules there will be room for both."
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5 ways to contact Edward Timpson
- By email: timpsone@parliament.uk
- On the web: edwardtimpsonmp.com
- By phone: 01270 501 725
- By post: 30 Victoria Street, Crewe CW1 2JE
- In person: Click here to see surgery times