Welcome ...
Welcome to this my 76th electronic news bulletin.
This last week saw the independent Institute for Fiscal Studies backing the Government's strategy for cutting the deficit.
The IFS report made it clear that the Government should resist calls to loosen fiscal policy. The IFS also said the Government's plan to deal with the deficit in the current parliament is 'a sensible strategy' and 'should be more credible with international investors' than Labour's slower plan.
The week has also been witness to dramatic scenes in Egypt. The Government has been clear about the need for a transition to a broader-based Government that will produce real, visible and comprehensive change. President Mubarak has made some proposals to the Egyptian people but ultimately the real test will be whether the aspirations of the Egyptian people are met. One thing we can be sure of is that the eyes of the world are watching.
Closer to home I have been encouraged by the dramatic risen in employer-led Apprenticeships in our area during the last year. I will write more on that next week, but it follows the good news about the fall locally in Job Seekers Allowance claimants I wrote about in my column recently.
Please 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.
Best wishes,
Edward Timpson
Member of Parliament for Crewe & Nantwich
I have recently ...
- Held a Constituency Surgery at my office in Crewe
- Helped launch an information poster for the homeless in Crewe & Nantwich with local volunteer group, Looking After The Homeless
- Supported a locally inspired national fundraising walk for Help For Heroes. To find out how you can join in with as well as sponsor the walk please contact: Glenn Lowe - glennlowe579@btinternet.com
- Supported our local newspaper, the Crewe & Nantwich Chronicle with their new campaign supporting the community
- Met with Cheshire Police Constabulary, with fellow Cheshire MPs, to discuss how we can support the police services across the county
- Attended a Heart UK reception in Parliament, to raise awareness of heart disease and early treatment
- Attended the British Airline Pilots Association in Parliament where I met with a commercial airline pilot from Crewe & Nantwich to help support the British aviation industry
- Visited Hackney Children's Services in London, as part of my cross-party inquiry with Lisa Nandy MP, into the educational attainment of Looked After Children
Photos & Video ...
- Edward supports Cancer Research campaign in Parliament
You can view all my photos and video at edwardtimpsonmp.com
MP raises Crewe nurseries closure in the House of Commons
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
THE plight of families who lost their deposits when three Crewe nurseries closed with less than 24 hours notice has ben raised in the Commons.
Families who paid for childcare at Pebble Brook, Underwood West and Monks Coppenhall daycare centres were left holding the baby after Excellence in Crewe, which ran them, went into administration. Many lost large deposits as well as childcare places when the nurseries closed.
Now Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has highlighted the issue during Business Questions.
He told the House: “Many families lost fees and deposits and had major disruption to their child care arrangements when the company running them went bust.”
He asked Leader of the House Sir George Young if the matter could be addressed to ensure better protection for families.
“May we have a debate to discuss how parents can be better protected, rather than being left exposed?”
Sir George said he would raise the issue with the relevant ministers.
Meanwhile parents have vowed to continue their fight to get back cash they had paid in advance.
Mum Belinda Canney is nearly £800 out of pocket and has moved her children to a nursery at Wistaston.
Her friend Nicola Heath said: “One of the parents went to a creditors’ meeting on Friday and we’re trying to get preferential creditors’ status.”
She added parents could not afford to lose money they had paid upfront and were meeting again tomorrow to see how best to progress the matter.
Meanwhile many of the staff who worked at the three nurseries are still seeking alternative employment after losing their jobs on Christmas Eve with one day’s notice.
One said she was still trying to come to terms with the devastation of losing her job at such short notice
© 2011 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson praises family support scheme
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson held a special surgery at Malbank School for parents and carers of vulnerable children.
Mr Timpson attended the Nantwich school’s weekly Chatterbox Club, which offers support, guidance and advice to the families of the children, together with craft activities and seasonal workshops.
A pilot scheme last year proved successful and now the school wants to offer families a wider variety of support and activities.
The MP was on hand to talk to children and parents about a range of subjects and answer any questions they may have had.
He also learnt about the wider engagement the group has with the local community, including visits to Richmond Village to provide companionship to residents there.
Mr Timpson said: “I was made to feel really welcome by the parents, children and staff, and enjoyed getting stuck into some personal and political issues in equal measure with the toughest questions coming from the younger element!
“It was obvious how much all those involved get out of the club both in terms of self confidence and social interaction.”
© 2011 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson backs radiotherapy awareness campaign
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson voiced his support for action on radiotherapy at an awareness-raising Cancer Research UK event in Parliament.
The event coincided with a Government initiative to improve the public’s understanding of the importance of radiotherapy.
Mr Timpson heard how radiotherapy has a bigger impact on curing cancers each year than all the new drugs put together.
The charity said a lack of awareness about radiotherapy’s importance is seriously hindering effective treatment in the UK.
Mr Timpson said: “Only 14% of UK people are aware that half of all cancer patients could benefit from radiotherapy.
“I’m concerned the UK is lagging behind other countries in making newer, more targeted radiotherapy technologies available to everyone.
“We need to work with the NHS and organisations like Cancer Research UK to tackle the inequalities in radiotherapy treatment in this country and make the service amongst the best in Europe.”
© 2011 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
MP quizzes health boss on South Cheshire ambulance services
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has quizzed Government bosses over the future of local ambulance services under the proposed NHS shake-up.
Mr Timpson, with Nantwich politicians and residents, has long been campaigning for better services for the town.
In response to Mr Timpson’s questions, Health Minister Simon Burns said:Š“Ambulance services will be commissioned through the GP consortia at the local level.
“What I think will develop is that just as ambulance services are currently commissioned for geographical areas in England through one Primary Care Trust, the consortia will appoint lead consortia to commission the services for that area.”
Speaking afterwards Mr Timpson said:Š“We may have won the battle in Nantwich, but the process really brought home to me the fact that it’s local people on the ground who know what’s best for their area.
“I’m pleased that the new Government is recognising that directing everything through Whitehall is not the answer.
“It’s local people and GPs, who can see the outcomes, who should be making the decisions.”
© 2011 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Words from Westminster
Edward Timpson, Crewe and Nantwich Chronicles
Amidst all the discussion of the nation’s economy this week, there’s been some good news for locally.
New statistics show that the number of people claiming Jobseekers allowance in our area is at its lowest in two years with 2,095 people are claiming the out of work benefit in Crewe and Nantwich. This is down from a high of over 2,600 in February 2010.
This means that only 3.2% of working age residents are claiming, a statistic which compares favourably to the North West at 3.9%, as well as the national average of 3.5%.
Crewe and Nantwich people have always been resilient in the face of hardship, and these figures show just how determined people are to stay in the job market, as well as reflecting the stability of the local economy.
According to our local Chamber of Commerce, our region is continuing to see growth and job creation despite recent uncertainty over the cuts and the New Year’s tax rises made necessary by the absolute need to pay down the UK’s critical levels of debt.
These are difficult times, and although there is no room for complacency, jobs are still there for hard-working people.
Round here people have never been afraid to roll up their sleeves and get on with life, so it’s great to see them getting back to work and showing that Crewe and Nantwich are very much open for business.
© 2011 Trinity News North West and North Wales
Edward Timpson MP Visits Malbank School In Nantwich
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson held a special surgery at Nantwich's Malbank School last week for the parents and carers of vulnerable children.
Mr Timpson attended the school’s weekly Chatterbox Club, which offers support, guidance and advice to the families of the children, together with craft activities, seasonal workshops, and time for sharing life experiences over coffee and cake.
A pilot scheme last year proved successful and now the school wants to offer families a wider variety of support and activities.
The MP was on hand to talk to children and parents about a wide variety of subjects.
He also learnt about the wider engagement the group has with the local community, including visits to Richmond Village to provide companionship to residents there.
Mr Timpson said: “I was made to feel really welcome by the parents, children and staff, and enjoyed getting stuck into some personal and political issues in equal measure with the toughest questions coming from the younger element!
“It was obvious how much all those involved get out of the club both in terms of self confidence and social interaction.”
© 2001-2011 Newsquest Media Group
Health Minister quizzed on NHS changes for ambulance service
Nantwichnews
Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has quizzed Health Minister Simon Burns on what the new restructuring of the NHS means for local ambulance services.
It comes after a long-runnung battle to allow Nantwich’s First Responder to retain blue lights, and to ensure extra ambulance cover for Nantwich and its rural surrounding villages.
Mr Timpson asked how the commissioning of ambulance services would work under the new GP commissioning regime.
Mr Burns said: “Ambulance services will be commissioned through the GP consortia at the local level.
“What I think will develop is that, just as ambulance services are currently commissioned for geographical areas in England through one PCT, the consortia will appoint lead consortia to commission the services for that area.”
Mr Timpson said: “We may have won the battle in Nantwich, but the process really brought home to me the fact it’s local people on the ground who know what’s best for their area.
“I’m pleased the new Government is recognising that directing everything through Whitehall is not the answer. It’s local people and GPs, who can see the outcomes, who should be making the decisions.”
© 2011 Nantwichnews
MP Timpson praises Malbank School Chatterbox Club
Nantwichnews
MP Edward Timpson held a special surgery at Malbank School in Nantwich for parents and carers of vulnerable children.
Mr Timpson attended the school’s weekly “Chatterbox Club” which offers support, guidance and advice to the families of the children.
It also stages craft activities, seasonal workshops, and time for sharing life experiences over coffee and cake.
A pilot scheme last year proved successful and now the Welsh Row school wants to expand the support and activities available to parents.
Mr Timpson spoke to children and parents about a wide variety of subjects and answered questions.
He also learnt about the group’s work in Nantwich, including visits to Richmond Village to provide companionship to elderly residents.
Mr Timpson said: “I was made to feel really welcome by the parents, children and staff.
“I enjoyed getting stuck into some personal and political issues in equal measure with the toughest questions coming from the younger element!
“It was obvious how much all those involved get out of the club both in terms of self confidence and social interaction.”
© 2011 Nantwichnews
Weston Primary's Chinese Links
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
WESTON Village Primary School in Crewe welcomed local MP Edward Timpson last week to tell him about a special project they are taking part in with a school in China.
The Crewe and Nantwich MP met with head teacher Barbara Mitchell and governors to learn about the school’s new link with a school in Xi’an in China.
A short presentation and exhibition had been prepared about the Local Education Authority visit to China, and about the mutual benefits of forging links with schools in other countries.
The project aims to widen children’s experiences of different cultures and to appreciate and understand the diversity in societies both at home and abroad.
Mr Timpson also met Jan Webb, a teacher at the school who has received national and international recognition for her work in establishing such projects.
Mr Timpson said: "Since my last visit to Weston Village Primary they have clearly been working hard on developing close links sit countries right across the world.
“The potential benefits to the pupils are huge, whether it be by improving their geographical, linguistic and cultural knowledge or simply giving them a connection with a child the other side of the globe.
“Congratulations must go to Jan Webb for incredible achievements in setting up one of the recognised best projects of this kind in the world.”
© 2001-2011 Newsquest Media Group
Concerns over Crewe nursery closures raised by MP Edward Timpson in House of Commons
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has highlighted the plight in the House of Commons of local families who lost cash and childcare places when three nurseries closed.
Parents who paid for childcare at Pebble Brook, Underwood West and Monks Coppenhall daycare centres in Crewe were left out of pocket and without childcare when Excellence in Crewe, which ran them, went into administration.
Speaking in the House of Commons last week Mr Timpson asked Leader of the House Sir George Young for a debate in Parliament to ensure better protection for families.
Sir George pledged to raise the matter with ministers at the Department for Business.
© 2011 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Spectacular scenes in Nantwich for Holly Holy Day celebrations
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
Spectacular scenes in Nantwich for Holly Holy Day celebrations
CANNON booms and musket fire filled the air in Nantwich on Saturday with the traditional Holly Holy Day celebrations.
Hundreds of troops from the Sealed Knot Society marched through the town and descended on Mill Island for the annual Battle of Nantwich re-enactment, watched by thousands of spectators.
The town had been bustling with street entertainment and educational tours in the run-up to the event, which organisers say was as good as it’s ever been.
Holly Holy Day Society chairman Shaun Cafferty said: “There were no significant hitches, the weather was reasonable and attendances were about the same as last year, which was a record year.
“Traders in the town said business was well up and a lot had put on special events or food which added to the ambience. It’s good that we gave them something they could take advantage of and they responded.
“The crowd was easy to manage this year. We’d worked on getting people on to Mill Island quicker when the battle gets going, and we’re indebted to the Rotary Clubs of Nantwich and Crewe and Nantwich Weaver for their help with stewarding.”
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson is a long-standing patron of the event.
He said: “I’m delighted that Holly Holy Day was such a success. This is good news for Nantwich people and Nantwich businesses.
“It’s great that our unique cultural offering can be so supportive of the local economy while keeping Nantwich on the map.”
As well as the parade and battle, there were performances by X Academy and Nantwich Players in the town centre, a Punch and Judy show, a children’s entertainer and 17th Century entertainment, including music and a musketry demonstration.
And plans for next year’s event will begin in just a few weeks when the Holly Holy Day society meets again.
Mr Cafferty said: “We’ll have a meeting in a few weeks and decide what worked and what could be improved for next year.
“A lot of people think Cheshire East or the town council pay for this event, but while we do get grant money from the town council, it’s the public turning up and paying and the input from local businesses that makes sure we can continue to stage this event each year.
“Next year it’s the 40th year of continual celebration of Holly Holy Day so we’ll try and turn that into a bit of a bigger show.”
Saturday was the first Holly Holy Day since the death of stalwart Melvyn Reynolds last year.
Mr Cafferty added: “It was nice for Melvyn in the last couple of years. He did a gradual handover and there were several years when he was ‘Mr Holly Holy Day’. He had to do everything himself at one point.
“Without him there wouldn’t have been that continuity and last year he had the luxury of enjoying the event without worrying about anything, and I’m glad we were able to give him that.”
© 2011 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
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
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