Incident in Underwood Lane

A sad incident happened in Underwood Lane at 3 o'clock when two fire engines Ambulances and Police cars block off the lane for an hour. An old man Les from Underwood Lane had a fire in his house its not clear how this started but he may have done it him self as he was drunk. Its a sad case as he lost his young daughter to Anorexia  a few years ago and he hasnt got over it. He lives alone and had to sell his house and should move to a flat any time now. This has brought back memories and he feels is leaving her behind. This has lead to depression and drinking he has also been coughing up blood and he fears he has cancer and is afraid to go to hospital so he drank. He has had similar incidents in the past few weeks and Police had to be called.

They got him out of the house but he refused to go to hospital and myself and others talked him around, he was holding onto this dog and the Police etc wouldnt do anything in case they got bit. The question now is what will happen they may section him to force treatment on him but then after 28 days he would be back again so its not the real answer. Last time the Police smashed his window to get in but it was never repaired which is a disgrace as he is a 74 year old man. We got him in the ambulance without the need for the Police to drag him in apparently he had been sleeping in the shed. Lets hope he is ok and get help his family are no were to be seen but you can bet they would turn up if he died

Homecoming for Olympian

 

Cheshire’s very own Olympic champion gymnast, Beth Tweddle, will be greeted with a colourful homecoming celebration this Sunday (September 2).

Hundreds of flag-waving well-wishers are expected to converge on the Pavilion, in Hurst Close, Bunbury, between 3pm and 5pm, when the Mayor of Cheshire East Council, Councillor George Walton, will announce the Council’s proposals to bestow upon her ‘Freedom of the Borough’.

The 27-year-old won her first Olympic medal at her third and final games earlier this month in what could be her last major competition before her retirement. 

Beth has made gymnastic history for Team GB during the London 2012 Olympics as Britain’s most successful female gymnast with an international career spanning more than14 years.

Cheshire East Council Leader Councillor Michael Jones will be among the guests to mark the Olympian’s achievements and will be making presentations.

There will also be a public question-and-answer session, as well as a barbecue, refreshments, ice cream and music.

Beth will also bring along her Team GB kit to display, as well as her medals, Olympic Torch and copies of her book for signing.

Academy Receives Boost as Paralympics Begin

Cheshire East Council has pledged huge support to special needs and disabled athletes right across the Borough, by finding them a brand new home.

The nationally-recognised Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sport and Arts was told it would be handed improved facilities and a brighter future, following a key decision during the Council’s recent Cabinet meeting.

The charitable academy, which has built up a centre of excellence for athletes over the last 20 years, will now move from Crewe’s Macon Way to the former Broad Street School premises within the next six months.

Council Leader, Councillor Michael Jones told the organisation: “You have been waiting far too long for a new home and this is unacceptable and I’m only too glad that we have been able to help.

“I intend to bring more facilities to Crewe for these athletes so that they can go on to reach their potential and make us proud here in Cheshire East.”

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care, added: “This is a truly inspiring academy and one which deserves so much recognition and support for all the hard work they have achieved in bringing so much joy to special needs and disabled athletes.

“We are delighted to hand over the former school building so that even more young people with setbacks in life can take up sports and go on to represent Cheshire East in prestigious competitions all over the world.”

Co-founders Iain Chalmers, 52, and partner Jane Whetnall, 56, from Wistaston, run the charity.

“This is fantastic news - we are truly grateful to Cheshire East Council for their help and support throughout,” said Iain.

“These improved facilities will mean that we can now raise our game even more and put Cheshire East firmly on the map for sports.”

Iain and Jane’s daughter, Vicky, 33, is currently the country’s top wheelchair sports acrobatics gymnast and is also a former Special Olympic world gymnastics champion, earning a host of national and international Special Olympics titles during her sporting career.

Her achievements, honed by weekly training sessions at the Academy, earned her an invitation to carry the symbolic Paralympic torch in Ellesmere Port last Saturday (Aug 25).

At just six-years-old, Vicky was involved in a tragic road accident in Crewe and the subsequent on-set of reflexive sympathetic dystrophy, a condition that leaves the victim in constant pain, left her wheelchair bound.

Like other talented athletes at the academy, Vicky benefits from a sense of personal achievement in overcoming her physical obstacles to compete at national and international level.

She said: “It’s just so amazing. We are so happy that the future of the centre is now secure and that many more youngsters can be inspired to live their dreams and reach their sporting potential.”

The academy has operated at the Council-owned premises on Macon Way in Crewe since 1993, but now it is estimated that around £300,000 worth of investment would be needed to bring the building up to standard.

It is hoped that their new home at the former Broad Street School, in the West Coppenhall and Grosvenor areas of Crewe, will be ready within the next six months, once the venue is adapted to become a community hub involving five proposed zones.

These would include:

Zone 1: Learning Expectations Achievement and Potential (LEAP) - this is the child development department of the academy that will specialise in supporting very young children with disabilities such as autism that effect their behaviour.

Zone 2: This will be a special zone for young people and young adults with special needs who would benefit from support with social life skills. It will also be used by the wider community for activities ranging from dance, youth clubs, reading groups and choir practice.

Zone 3: This will be a health and fitness wellbeing area where many different sports for children and young adults with and without disabilities can be developed. Sports include rhythmic and artistic gymnastics, sports acrobatics, team gym and even cheerleading. This will be fully wheelchair accessible. It will allow local schools to participate in fully integrated class activities. Special activity classes are to be run for young children with disabilities aged 18 months and over to help with their development, balance and coordination.

Zone 4: A community cafe will not only cater for academy users but will also be a meeting place for people in the wider community to come together.

Zone 5: There will be a community garden outside where adults with special needs will be taught basic gardening skills.

Crewe man served confiscation order for more than £1.3m

 

A man who was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment for drugs production offences has been served with a confiscation order for more than £1.3m.

At a Proceeds of Crime Hearing on 21 August 2012, Chester Crown Court heard how Don Han Le, 43, from Elmstead Crescent, had been involved in a string of cannabis factories across Crewe.

He first came to Crewe Neighbourhood Policing Unit′s attention on 31 August 2009 when officers were called to a disturbance at an address in Queen Street.

The allegation was unfounded, but on searching the property, officers discovered a cannabis farm and Don Le was the tenant′s landlord.

DC Lindsay Woofitt said: "We were alerted again to another disturbance at an address and came across a cannabis farm similar to the first set up. Again, there was a link to Le.

"As the investigation unfolded, detectives discovered more houses belonging to Le, being rented out by Le or being part owned by Le. In total, 18 houses linked him to drug activity."

Approximately 4,298 cannabis plants, plus approximately 6 kilos of cannabis "skunk" was seized by police, estimated to have a street value in the region of £694,700.

Several of the discovered cannabis factories used illegal immigrants as ‘gardeners′. Some were juveniles who after arrest were dealt with by social services.

Adult ‘gardeners′ were formally interviewed and a number were convicted for their part in the cultivation of the cannabis.

Detectives began to trace the other offenders connected to the drugs ring and were able to gather enough evidence to charge six men, including Don Han Le.

Le was charged with conspiring to produce class B controlled drugs and acquiring, using and possessing criminal property.

On 24 August 2011 at Chester Crown Court, he was sentenced to 7 years for the first offence and 2 years for the second, with the sentences running concurrently.

Cheshire Police′s Financial Investigation Unit then commenced a financial investigation against Le to deprive him of the profits of the enterprise.

Le must now pay just over £137,000 to the courts within six months or face a further two years and three months imprisonment.

DC Elaine McIver of the Financial Investigation Unit said: "This should serve as a warning to others that crime really does not pay.

"The confiscation order has been made and although Le does not currently have the assets to pay the full amount of the order he will owe that sum of money to the courts for the rest of his life until he can repay the full amount.

"The Financial Investigation Unit can conduct updated financial checks on people and if assets or the means to pay is identified in the future then Le will be taken back to court."

DC Lindsay Wooffitt said: "Cannabis factories have come to light from either members of the public informing the police of suspicious activities at a premises, or by police pro-actively raiding premises. We can′t emphasise enough the importance of the public′s vigilance and support in identifying suspicious activity to help us take drugs off the streets of Crewe and the neighbouring towns.

"We will continue our fight to stop the distribution and consumption of drugs to improve quality of life for residents and to ensure residents have their right to feel safe and be safe."

Anyone with any information about drug related crime is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101. Information can also be left anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Police seek witnesses to cyclist assaulting pedestrian in Crewe

 

Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault in Crewe which took place on the evening of Thursday 23 August 2012.

At 8.54pm a 54-year-old man was walking along Queen Street with his dog.

As he approached it′s junction with Richmond Avenue a cyclist who was behind him on the pavement rode past.

The victim advised him to get on the road and to get some lights on his bike.

The cyclist turned round and punched him in the face which caused a cut above his eyebrow.

The dog while trying to defend the victim, strained on its lead causing him to sprain his wrist.

The offender is described as white and approximately 20 years old. He was with another man who was also on a bike. They were accompanied by a small child.

Both men were wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information should contact PC Christopher Barnes at Crewe Police Station on 101 quoting incident number 980 of 23 August 2012.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Paralympic Flame "Inspirational" Says Chairman

Cheshire Police Authority Chairman Margaret Ollerenshaw said it was "a real privilege" to see the Paralympic flame carried from Cheshire Police Headquarters to a sports event in Winsford.

The flame, in a Davy lamp, arrived at headquarters in a Bentley car and was handed to local wheelchair athlete Jenny Wilson, the first of three flame-bearers to carry it to the NeuroMuscular Centre, a mile away. Police headquarters staff lined the side of the roads to cheer the lamp on its way.

At the centre, local clubs provided demonstrations of disability-inclusive sports, such as wheelchair basketball, cricket, tennis and football, archery, golf, and boccia.

Margaret Ollerenshaw said, "Seeing the courage and dedication which people with disabilities put into their sport and the pleasure they obviously get from it is inspiring. Even when the sport may not be at Olympian or Paralympian level, the approach is just the same.

"The Olympic spirit has touched us all and it has been a tremendous experience to be associated with it in any way.

"A few weeks ago thousands of people turned out to watch the Olympic Torch pass through Cheshire. I had the opportunity to visit the control centre where senior police officers and officers from local councils and other organisations worked together to make sure its journey was trouble-free.

"People enjoying the sight of the flame being carried through the streets probably had little idea of the amount of work going on behind the scenes. That is always true when events are well-organised.

"It was a marvellous example of the way the Constabulary and other agencies can combine their efforts to achieve success."

Crewe officers seize cannabis from woodland in Oakhanger

Crewe NPU officers acting on information from the public recovered a number of cannabis plants from woodland in Oakhanger on the afternoon of Friday 24 August 2012.

PC Andy Kent and PC Warren Davison received information from a member of the public that cannabis was being cultivated in woodland in the Oakhanger and Alsager area.

PC Andy Kent said: "After fighting through bracken up to six foot high and searching the woodland we found 10 cannabis plants that had been purposefully planted and were quite obviously being tendered to by someone.

"They are well off the beaten track and had grown quite successfully. Someone has spent a considerable amount of their time in these woods and may have been spotted attending regularly to the site which is off Taylors Lane."
PC Kent added: "Cannabis is a Class B drug and any person found cultivating it can face up to 14 years imprisonment at Crown Court.

"Crewe NPU are committed to tackling the increase in domestic cannabis growers and also larger scale operations. I would urge anyone with information about the person responsible for this cannabis crop to either contact PC Kent or PC Davidson at Crewe Police station on 101."

Information can also be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Council gets behind Cheshire East paralympians

 

Cheshire East Council is wishing all of its local athletes every success at the London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Disley’s Barney and Sarah Story and Colin Lynch, from Macclesfield, will be going for gold in cycling whilst Niki Birrell, from Knutsford, will compete in sailing.

Meanwhile, Richard Hennahane, who works for the Council’s adult services team as a senior information officer at Delamere House, Crewe, will be looking to be amongst the medals in archery.

The games begin on Wednesday (August 29).

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “What a fantastic achievement for all five of these competitors to be involved in the London 2012 Paralympics.

“I would like to take this opportunity to wish them all the very best of luck for the games and Cheshire East is right behind them all as they go for gold.

“This Council only just last week outlined its commitment to supporting sporting talent with disabilities in the area with an investment in the Cheshire Academy in Crewe.

“We are very proud of all our athletes and we hope to celebrate in style when they bring home their medals. We’ll do something special for them.”

Wistaston Village Cricket Club

Reporter Jonathan White

Matches took place at Wistaston Village Cricket Club - http://wistastonvillage.play-cricket.com/ - at the Eric Swan Recreation Ground on the afternoon of Sunday 26^th August 2012. The event was organised to celebrate the 40^th birthday of former Wistaston Village Cricket Club (WVCC) player Julian West. Julian’s father (Howard West) was a founder member and former captain of WVCC and also played for Yorkshire Colts and the Yorkshire 2nd XI. Julian travelled with his wife and three children from their home in Greenfield in Lancashire. His mother (Carol) and brother (Nicky) were also in attendance. His sister (Katie) was not able to attend as she was in labour at Leighton Hospital and later gave birth to a baby boy - a brother for Jessica! Around 100 people were present which included friends and family and WVCC founder members Rod Titus, Charles Fox and John White. There was a BBQ and refreshments along with a bouncy castle for the children. Julian was presented with a 40^th birthday cake and thanked everyone for coming.

Two Twenty20 matches were played. The first match - WVCC vs old Wistonian’s - was won by old Wistonian's. The second match - WVCC vs young Wistonian’s (Under 21s) - was won by WVCC. Bob Butland was the umpire.

The event was organised by Julian West and Kevin Jobbins. Kevin said, “We were blessed with fantastic weather. The ground was in prime condition. We were so pleased to see so many old friends and families.”

Wistonian’s interested in cricket were invited to a meeting at the Wistaston Memorial Hall on Thursday 22^nd April 1980. A group then played three friendly matches against the North West Farmers at the cricket ground behind the Peacock pub. The Wistaston team was captained by Howard West and won one and lost two of these invitation matches. In the match on 27^th July, NWF scored 109 and Wistaston were all out for 27! Progress has been made since then! At the general meeting held on 15^th April 1981 the following officers were elected:

- President - Maureen Elliot

- Chairman/Captain - Howard West

- Treasurer/Vice Captain - Roger Connerty

- Secretary - Charles Fox

- Committee members - Paul Hamer, Andrew Nicholson, Melvyn Nevitt and Mike Barnes.

Nine fixtures were arranged during 1981 against North West Farmers (2), Arley (2), Audley, Audlem, Haslington, Nantwich and Norton in Hales. From humble beginnings in 1980, the Wistaston Village Cricket Club, from 1998, has blossomed at the Eric Swan Recreation Ground into a thriving, successful and friendly organisation.

WVCC current teams consist of 1st XI, 2nd XI, 3rd XI, Friendly XI (Wombats), Under 9, Under 11, Under 13, Under 15, Under 18, Girls Under 13, and Girls Under 15. The Girls Under 15 team are Cheshire champions. Three girls play for Cheshire County girls team. A Ladies team will launch next year. Coaching takes place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during the summer. Winter outdoor nets (static and portable) are used from January to Easter. Please contact Kevin Robbins (Tel. 01270 663699) for further information.

The Nantwich Freerunning Park -

Reporter Jonathan  White

http://www.thenantwichfreerunners.org.uk/ - on the Barony Park in Nantwich was officially opened on Saturday 25th August 2012. The event featured parkour demonstrations, an opportunity to use the new facility and a smaller mobile facility alongside experienced ‘traceurs’ and obtain information about how to get involved locally and where to learn about parkour and freerunning. The Park was opened by professional freerunner Daniel Illabaca, who is one of the top practitioners of the discipline and a strong supporter of grass roots development of the sport. The facility places Nantwich at the forefront of ‘free running’ in the region and will hopefully attract local youngsters into the sport. The Park was built following a grant from Community Spaces (a grant fund provided by The Big Lottery and administered by Groundwork UK) and a grant from Nantwich Town Council.

For further information relating to the Nantwich Freerunners, please email tnfadmin@homecall.co.uk or phone 07580 006663 for further information.

Local Plan Consultation Begins in Crewe

 

The Local Plan consultation kicks off this Friday – and it’ll probably be one of the biggest investments Crewe residents can make in their area over the next 20 years.

The Local Plan will set out where future housing, jobs, roads, schools, leisure facilities, parks and green spaces to name but a few will be developed - and residents are being urged to take part.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Many people in the borough have seen controversial site allocation outlines.

“Instead of opposing things, I want to hear people say what they support, what they want to see happen in their communities.

“I want their views so that we can get it right and in order for that to happen, I genuinely need a robust consultation. The more people who participate, the better our Local Plan will be.”

Council David Brown, Deputy Leader and strategic communities’ portfolio holder, urged: “It will determine your future, that of your children and even your grandchildren’s.

“Please don’t miss this opportunity to take part in one of the most important blueprints of the future. Otherwise, decisions will be made based only on the replies we receive back and our aim here at Cheshire East is to reflect the views of as many people as possible.”

Crewe residents have already taken part in a Place Shaping Consultation which has now helped to shape the draft Crewe Town Strategy Consultation, which residents will be commenting on over the next four weeks. This will then feed into the final Cheshire East Local Plan which lasts until 2030.

During 2011, Cheshire East Council asked Crewe residents, workers, visitors and shoppers what they liked about the place.

Doctors, health centres and libraries, along with colleges and adult education were all features that people really liked. But there were issues too, with complaints about a lack of job prospects, the town centre and the traffic levels in the town.

So how should Crewe look by 2030? This is the big question the Local Plan Consultation will eventually answer so that residents are happy that any growth represents the area’s needs accurately.

Crewe is the largest town in south Cheshire and a major economic hub. It has a strong business base with real potential to improve its performance with regional significance.

• To have your say on the local plan log on to: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan or to find out more please visit Facebook or Twitter via our website.
• Consultation documents are also available at libraries in the six consultation towns which are: Crewe, Nantwich, Macclesfield, Knutsford, Poynton and Handforth.

• The consultation runs from August 31 until October 1 2012.

New Look for Police Dog Visits

Volunteers who report on the welfare of detainees in custody are to carry out welfare checks on Cheshire′s police dogs.

Cheshire Custody Visitors will take over the dog welfare visits from four Police Authority members when the Authority is disbanded in November.

Since 2002 members of the Authority have made regular visits to dog training grounds to check individual animals. They make sure the dogs are happy and fit, have adequate food and water and are not showing signs of stress. They also check the vans used to transport the dogs.

These "lay" visits are additional to routine checks on the dogs by vets and visits to the kennels at the handlers′ homes by the Dog Unit Manager.

The custody visitors call in at Cheshire′s three custody centres and report on the conditions in which detainees are held. They make sure that all the rules in respect of the detainees′ welfare and general care are being observed. They talk to many of the detainees and take up any requests or complaints.

Margaret Ollerenshaw, Chairman of Cheshire Police Authority said, "The dog visits help to ensure welfare standards are maintained. We did not want them to disappear when the Police Authority is replaced by a Police and Crime Commissioner in November. We spoke to the Custody Visitors and a number offered to take on this additional voluntary work.

"Although the circumstances of custody visiting and dog welfare visits are obviously very different, the aim is the same. They both provide an independent check on the well- being of their subjects and a message of reassurance to the community."

Care for vulnerable adults secured by Cheshire East Council

 

Cheshire East Council has intervened to ensure care for vulnerable adults is secure after the collapse of a private care provider.

Abacus Care (Cheshire) Ltd provided home care services to 67 people in the Macclesfield and Wilmslow areas – some of which have their care paid for by Cheshire East Council.

Those who are paid for by the Council either arrange it themselves via a direct payment or have it arranged for them by the authority. The rest pay for their own care privately.

The Council is putting measures in place to ensure that the safety and wellbeing of these customers is protected. The aim must be to ensure that these people are transferred to alternative providers with minimal disruption to them.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “I was made aware of the issue some weeks ago. Our first priority is that all our residents are looked after.

“Vulnerable people come first with this Council.

“It is never good news when an organisation of this type gets into financial difficulties. I can reassure everyone in Cheshire East that we have worked very hard to try and resolve financial issues with Abacus Care (Cheshire) over the previous months.

“Unfortunately we are in this position and our priority must now be to reassure our vulnerable residents and ensure their needs are met.”

The company, which ceased trading at 5pm on Thursday, was part of a franchise of the national Abacus Care Ltd, which has 26 franchises in total.

Duck Race

Reporter John White,

Wistaston Memorial Hall & Community Centre’s ‘Annual Duck Race and Children’s Model Boat Race’ plus charity stalls on Saturday 1st September 2012 at the Recreation Ground, Joey the Swan.

Sponsored by The Wistaston Community Council and by the Crewe Cine & Video Club.

Stalls open from 1pm.

Children’s Model Boat Race starts at 2:30pm.

Duck Race starts at 3:15pm.

Duck Race tickets on sale now = £1 each.

Duck Race prizes:

• First placed duck = £100 (plus a trophy donated by Les Fothergill, 2006 Wistonian of the Year)

• Second placed duck = £50

• Third placed duck = £25

For more information on Duck Race tickets please contact Maureen Bellis Tel. (01270) 663296.

Children’s Model Boat Race (maximum length of boat is 25cm) prizes:

• First place = £5 book token (plus a trophy donated by Herbert Locke MBE)

• Second place = £3 book token

• Third place = £2 book token

• Also a competition for the best designed boat – prizes £5, £3, £2.

For more information on the Children’s Model Boat Race please contact John White Tel. (01270) 661484.

If your organisation would like to have a stall free of charge please contact Glenys White Tel. (01270) 661484.

The proceeds will go to the Memorial Hall funds.

REMINDER: Do not lose your right to vote

 

INFORMATION BULLETIN

Cheshire East Council is reminding residents there are now three weeks left to fill in their ‘register of electors’ form which they should have received.

The 2012/2013 electoral register, used for voting and by credit reference agencies to check credit applications, will be published on October 16.

Canvassers will soon be visiting residents who have not yet responded to urge them not to lose their right to vote and to return their forms by mid-September.

The review is happening earlier than usual this year due to the first ever Police and Crime Commissioner Elections in November.

Due to this change, there will be no monthly electoral register updates prior to the register being published, so it is vital that residents fill in and return this form as soon as they can. People are reminded that it is a legal requirement to do so.

The form should be checked carefully, ensuring the names of all persons eligible to register are included on the form.

If the details on the form are correct and there are no changes to make, people are asked to confirm them online, by freephone or by post (details are printed on the form). A two-part household security number, also included on the form, is needed to complete this.

Adding or removing names, or amendments to existing information, needs to be done by post. An explanatory leaflet is included with the form.

Residents who have not received the form or who need further information should call the help desk on 0300 123 5016.

Police warn Crewe motorists to lock their cars

 

Police have issued a "lock your vehicles" warning after a number of thefts from unlocked cars in Crewe.

This month 21 cars have been targeted by opportunist thieves in the town; in 12 cases the cars had been unlocked.

DI Nigel Groom said: "The majority of incidents occurred overnight and are a clear case of an opportunist thief trying door handles in the hope of striking lucky.

"Sadly in Crewe, there appears to have been rich pickings as they found 12 cars unlocked and were able to take advantage.

"While we continue to crackdown on car thieves, we urge people to lock their cars up and report to police anyone acting suspiciously in their street.

"We also advise people never to leave cash or valuables in a parked vehicle and certainly not to leave anything of value on show."

DI Groom offers the following advice:

•Ensure your vehicle is locked and secure when it is unattended - even for a few seconds. Always activate the alarm and/or steering lock.

•Remove any valuable items - such as mobile phones, laptops and cash - from the vehicle. Do not be tempted to hide valuable items in the glove box or under seats.

•Remember to remove the sat nav and the fascia of car stereos - ensure you detach the cradle. Wipe away the mark from the windscreen that has been left by the suction pad - this is a tell-tale sign for thieves that a sat nav is being used in the vehicle.

•Record important information such as the make, model and serial numbers of any valuable property so that the property can be identified if it is ever stolen.

•Consider fitting a special anti-theft number plate to your vehicle. These plates will shatter or distort if they are forcibly removed making them unusable by thieves.

•Your car keys are also important so make sure you look after them and know where they are at all times.

•Try and park in well-lit areas where there are a lot of people around. If a garage is available for overnight parking, ensure that it is used whenever possible and that it is locked and secured.

Anyone with any information about vehicle crime is urged to contact officers from Crewe police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Cold Callers

The majority of householders are approached at some point by people trying to sell goods and services at the door or over the phone.  They can be trying to sell a variety of items or services and will have various sales techniques for doing so.
We are often asked in retrospect whether the person who was at a householder’s door was genuine.  Understandably, this can be difficult to ascertain as generally by the time we are asked the question the individual has left and people often have very minimal or no specific details about the caller, their company etc.  It is fair to say that there are many genuine companies who try and sell in this manner as well as people who are more unscrupulous.  Doorstep and telephone selling is also problematic as it often relies on people being pressured or persuaded into making snap decisions about things as they are confronted by someone at their door or on the phone there and then.  It is due to the above factors that we always advise that people never buy goods and services from the door or via the telephone. 
Please bear in mind the below advice when dealing with cold callers:
Ø        Remember it is Your House and these Individuals are Calling Uninvited!  You are under no obligation to speak to anyone who cold calls at your property.  If residents are concerned about opening the door to cold callers or people they do not recognise at the door then they do not need to do so.
Ø        Never Be Pressurised - Many cold callers are persuasive and may try to pressure sell items or to arrange appointments to attend at your address at a later date.  Remember this is a service you probably don't need (or you would have looked yourself) and if things look too good to be true then they usually are.  Companies will often try to make an appointment to attend at a later date.  By making an appointment you are in essence inviting the company into your home and this can raise further difficulties in terms of invalidating cooling off periods etc - always say no!
Ø        Don’t Be Taken in by Appearance – A person’s appearance such as gender, age, dress, mannerisms etc can often influence our initial reactions to a person.  Remember, just because someone is well presented doesn’t mean that they are genuine or trustworthy. 
Ø        Be Careful of Sob Stories – Some people who call at your door may try and push their goods and services by telling a home owner some kind of story to pull at their heart strings or think that the person deserves a break.  Common stories include individuals claiming to be ex-offenders working with the probation service to try and make good and turn their lives around and people with a sign claiming to have a disability or not speak English.  I can confirm that the probation service do not sanction individuals to try and sell items door to door, regardless of whether they flash an ID card or appear to be organised.
Ø        Research Your Own Companies - When You Need Them!  Don't fall foul of impulse buying over the door or phone.  When you require work carrying out on your property find your own company to complete the work.  Take recommendations from friends and family, get several quotes from different companies and choose a company that is registered with a trade organisation.
Ø        Take you Time – If anyone is contacted by what they believe to be a genuine company with an offer that can’t be refused, take your time.  This is particularly pertinent with telephone sales.  Don’t be pressured into signing up to anything on the spot along the lines of ‘if you want this you must agree now’.  Ask that the information to be sent in writing and tell them that you will get back in touch if you decide to pursue the offer.  This gives you time to step back and consider all your options, check any small print and discuss with family members.
Ø        Report Suspected Incidents Straight Away.  If you believe you or a family member has been a victim of rogue traders or are unhappy in any way please contact the police immediately via 101 or Trading Standards on 08454 04 05 06

Wiggins and Cavendish to race through Cheshire East

 

Residents will be able to come out and cheer on Olympic gold medallist and Tour de France winner, Bradley Wiggins, as he cycles through Cheshire East as part of the Tour of Britain.

Wiggins, along with fellow Team GB cyclist and World Champion, Mark Cavendish, will be passing through the north of the Borough on Monday, September 10, during the second stage of the race, which starts in Nottingham and ends in Knowsley.

The group of 100 cyclists will quickly descend into Cheshire East from the Peak District, passing through Gawsworth, Siddington, Marthall and Ollerton before a sprint stage in Chelford – the village where legendary British track cyclist, Reg Harris, is buried.

The race will then pass through Knutsford and High Legh before moving onto Warrington.

The cyclists are expected to make it to Cheshire East by 12 noon.

Thousands are expected to line the streets to support the cyclists who have become household names over a summer of remarkable sporting achievement.

The Tour of Britain is a week-long event that starts on September 9.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member in charge of communities and regulatory services, said:

“To have sporting stars such as Bradley Wiggins and Mark Cavendish racing through Cheshire East so soon after the Olympics is excellent news and I am sure that people will come out and show their support

“Cycling is an activity that is open to most people and it has obvious health and environmental benefits

“Hopefully, our current generation of children and young people will be inspired by our current crop of top cyclists and get on their bike.”

Fore more information go to: www.tourofbritain.com

Read all about it! – Cheshire East Libraries’ Readers and Writers’ Day line-up revealed

 

Keen readers and writers will get a chance to spend time with some of their favourite authors next month.

Cheshire East Council has unveiled the line-up of writing talent that will be on show at its library service’s Readers and Writers’ Day to celebrate books and reading.

Performance poet Tony Walsh – aka ‘Longfella’, who was ‘poet in residence’ at Glastonbury Festival 2011 – will host an afternoon of activities including an author panel and workshops at Macclesfield Library on Saturday, September 22,

The guest novelists and publishers taking part include:

● Kevin Duffy, from Bluemoose Books, an independent publisher, who will talk about the publishing process.  This is a great opportunity for writers to discuss new technologies and publishing;

● Helen Walsh, Warrington-born author now living in Liverpool. Go To Sleep is her third novel. Her first, Brass, published in 2004, won the Betty Trask Prize. Her second novel, Once Upon a Time in England, won a Somerset Maugham Prize;

● Alison Boyle, Preston-born author of From Pakistan to Preston, a fictional story about the artificial silk industry in the North. Alison is keen to share her book journey with us – showing how everyday life plays a part in writing and reading;  

● Emma Jane Unsworth, Manchester-based author, whose first novel, Hungry, The Stars and Everything, has just won the Betty Trask Prize. Emma Jane will talk about her debut novel;

● Sherry Ashworth, from Little Gem Publishers. Sherry is an author, publisher and lecturer. She will share her wide experience and love of reading in an inspirational and entertaining way.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member in charge of performance and capacity, said: “I would encourage avid readers and writers to get themselves along to this event as we have some excellent writers and publishers attending.

“They will be on hand for readings and workshops on the day and visitors will also be able to purchase books and get them signed by the authors at the event.”

Tickets, priced £10, are available from Macclesfield Library, Congleton Library, Crewe Library, Nantwich Library and Wilmslow Library. The event runs from 12.30pm to 5pm.

Tickets include afternoon tea from Macclesfield’s Cherry Blossom Bakery and an opportunity to round off the evening with a ‘meal deal’ offer from Fina Bar and Grill.

For more information about the event, visit Cheshire East libraries’ website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/libraries or ring Macclesfield Library on 01625 374000.

Police appeal for help in tracing missing Middlesex man

 

Hillingdon Police are very concerned for the safety of a man who is missing from Hayes in Middlesex.
Ian Beaver, aged 48 (31/10/63) was last seen around 13.00hrs of 21 August 2012 at his home address in Hayes. He left without taking his car or motorbike.

Ian is 5ft 10ins tall. He has collar length dark brown hair with facial stubble and is of slim build. He was last seen wearing; a maroon polo shirt with horizontal stripes and a ‘Airmax′ logo, black plain trousers, and black trainers.

He is believed to be suffering with depression.

He is known to enjoy spending time in woodland areas and open spaces.

Ian originally came from Stockport, part of greater Manchester area, and may have thoughts about returning there.

DI Stephen O′Connor of Hillingdon CID said: "We are very concerned for Ian′s welfare and urge him to contact his family or police as soon as possible. His wife and family are worried about him and wish him to return home. They need to know he is safe and well.

"I also appeal to the public to assist us in tracing him. If anyone has seen Ian or has any information on his whereabouts they are urged to contact police."
Anyone with information should call Hillingdon Police on 0208 246 1413 or dial 101.

Illegal Drugs Seized in Cheshire

 

Illegal drugs have been taken off the streets of mid Cheshire.

Police have seized around 1,500 tablets from an address in Winsford.

The tablets, which are a similar size and shape as an Ecstasy tablet, are pink and have the letter M embossed on them.

They were seized from an address in the town last month and forensic tests have shown that they contain the ingredient Methoxyamphetamine − PMA.

Investigations into where the drugs originated from are continuing.

DC Paul Nolan said: "This is a significant seizure that has resulted in a large amount of illegal drugs being taken off the streets. Our enquiries are continuing into where the drugs originated from and where they were intending on being distributed."

Warnings have recently been issued nationally regarding ‘Pink Ecstasy′.

This particular type of drug does not have the same effect or take effect as quickly as an ecstasy tablet and, as a result, users may be tempted to take more than usual to achieve a high − putting themselves at greater risk.

This latest seizure is part of ongoing efforts by Cheshire Police to crackdown on illegal drugs.

DC Nolan added: "We are committed to tackling drug related crime. Drug related activity is not acceptable and we will not tolerate any sort of behaviour that has a negative effect on the quality of life of the local community.

"We are sharing information regarding illegal drugs with other forces and are also working closely alongside health authorities to ensure that the dangers of this type of drug are highlighted.

"Information from members of the public is also vital in the fight against drug related crime and we would urge local residents to support the efforts of officers by passing on any information in relation to suspected drug use or supply in their area.

"We would also encourage anyone with any information specifically regarding ‘pink ecstasy′ tablets to come forward."

Anyone with any information about illegal drugs is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Grab your tickets for North West Women’s Enterprise Day event

 

Now is your chance to grab tickets to the region’s biggest business event for women.

Women from across the North West will be heading to Cheshire East for

North West Women’s Enterprise Day on November 16 – which includes a full programme of activities planned for the gathering at Cranage Hall, Cranage.

Tickets are now on sale but entrepreneurs are urged to get theirs quickly as the 250 places are likely to sell out fast.

People who attend will get the opportunity to share best practice, explore new ways of doing business, access specialist support and advice and make new contacts.

Cheshire East Council is the main sponsor for the event, which in 2010 and 2011 received Outstanding Impact Awards from Enterprise UK.

The keynote speakers this year are former Commonwealth Games Gold Medal-winning 800m runner Diane Modahl and inspirational business woman Sharon Bailey.

Diane successfully battled to clear her name after being wrongly accused of taking a performance-enhancing drug and went on to more track glory. Since then she has been active in a number of roles including setting up her own charitable foundation, which makes high-quality athletics coaching available to young people, particularly those in disadvantaged areas. Sharon left school at 16 with no qualifications – but went on to run her own successful company. 

Last year’s keynote speaker, Ruth Clemens, will also attend the event. Ruth was hugely popular last year and this year she will share the latest chapter in her business journey: From a trip to Rwanda with Save The Children to publishing The Busy Girl's Guide to Cake Decorating, it's been a hectic year.
Ruth was a finalist in the 2010 BBC2 series, The Great British Bake Off. This resulted in the launch of her business The Pink Whisk. She writes a popular baking blog, works with major UK brands on baking-related projects and recipe development, is a published author and also teaches a variety of baking courses.

Activities on offer at this year’s event include:

●          Eight inspirational speakers – talks from a range of high-profile speakers;

●          20 practical workshops;

●          Living library – borrow a person for 15 minutes to benefit from their expertise;

●          Hot Seat Sizzler – where our panel will tackle business challenges – live!;

●          Equality Diversity and Me – a panel discussion, which includes Shadow

            Spokesperson for Women and Equality Kate Green MP;

●          Artisans’ Avenue – enabling local artisans to showcase and sell their products;

●          Networking with more than 250 business women; and

●          Lunchtime Tapas – mini advice sessions over lunch.

Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, Councillor Jamie Macrae, said: “This event is an ideal opportunity for women to come together to share their experiences, develop new business relationships and inspire others.

“Cheshire East Council is committed fully to supporting both new and established businesses as much as we can – something which is of even more importance in the present tough economic climate.”

To book tickets to the event visit:

http://northwestwomensenterpriseday2012-eac2.eventbrite.co.uk

Alternatively, people can contact Cheshire East Council’s business engagement officer Jacqueline Wilson on 01270 685911.

For more information on the event, including updates on speakers and workshops people are advised to join the group set up on the LinkedIn website (www.linkedin.com). This can be done by searching for ‘NW Women’s Enterprise Day’.

'Nantwich Crossrail

Reporter. Jonathan White

A short track of narrow-gauge steam railway, offering free rides to the public, was temporarily setup outside St Mary's Church in Nantwich this afternoon (1-4pm, Sat 18 Aug). The event was to publicise a proposed 'Nantwich Crossrail' narrow-gauge railway link from Nantwich Methodist Church (http://www.nantwich-methodist-church.org.uk/) on Hospital Street to St Mary's Church. The route would extend the current track at the church to link Morrisons shoppers with the town centre. The steam locomotive used today - 'Mushy Pea' - was driven by Paul Durant who is a Methodist parishioner and South Cheshire Model Engineering Society member (http://www.southcheshiremes.com/). For further information on the railway link please contact Paul or Heather Durant on 01270 626168 or 07814508687. I’ve attached a photo from this afternoon of Paul Durant with 'Mushy Pea' and passengers, along with a map of the proposed 'Nantwich Crossrail' route.

Bogus Traders

Please be aware that recently there has been a spate of bogus traders operating in the area targeting vulnerable residents offering garden maintenance. Please could you inform residents of these activities and be mindful of residents who may be a potential target. On some occasions work has been promised with payments made and then these traders have not returned. On other occasions work has been carried out and overcharged.

Celebrations for Cheshire East’s A-level students

 

Cheshire East’s sixth formers are, once again, on target to achieve outstanding A-level results.

The area’s 1596 students received their results on Thursday, August 16.

Projections show that students have achieved a provisional pass rate of 98 per cent, which is in line with the national average, although marginally down on last year’s pass rate of 98.1 per cent.

Over a quarter of all students achieved grades A* to A (25.2 per cent) and over half (52 per cent) achieved an A* to B grade.

The provisional figures also show that Cheshire East’s sixth formers achieved an average points score of 767. This is up from 747 last year.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member in charge of children and family services, said:

“I would like to congratulate our sixth formers on another set of extremely impressive exam results and I wish them every success in the future, whatever path they may choose.

“This is always a nervous time of year for students and their families as they await the result of years of hard work. So I would like to thank parents along with teachers, school staff and governors for their support.”

Cookware scam warning from Cheshire East Council

 

INFORMATION BULLETIN

Residents are being warned to be on their guard against doorstep callers offering to sell cutlery and cookware.

The rogue traders claim to be from a European country and want to sell their goods before returning home. The more affluent areas of Cheshire East appear to be likely targets.

Residents in the Knutsford area have received visitors who claim they have been to a trade show at the NEC Arena in Birmingham and want to sell the remainder of their products.

The goods appear well presented and are labelled ‘St Moritz’. Residents have been told they are Swiss made when, in fact, they are made in China. The caller also allows people to pay by credit card with a card reader and asks for the amount to be paid in Euros.

Residents have paid as much as £1,500 for goods when the true value will be considerably less.

Reputable traders do not trade in this way and if you are offered such goods, please contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 08454 04 05 06.

Two killed after light aircraft crashes in Churton near Chester

 

At 8.55pm on Thursday 16 August CheshirePolice and other emergency services were called to the scene of a light aircraft carrying a pilot and passenger that had crashed in farmland near Churton, on the outskirts of Chester.
Sadly the two men onboard the aircraft, one from North Wales and a second man from Surrey, sustained fatal injuries. Their next of kin have been informed but formal identification has not yet taken place.
The Air Accident Investigation Branch have been informed. There were no other reported casualties.

Public invited to contribute to Police Road Death Investigation Policy

 

The public has been asked to have their say in the way police investigate road deaths in England and Wales.

The Association of Chief Police Officers is calling on the public to help shape police policy involving road death investigations.

A consultation will focus on police standards when responding, reporting and investigating, road traffic collisions and will influence an agreed policy and guidance published by ACPO.

ACPO’s last review of its Road Death Investigation Manual (RDIM) was carried out in 2007.

Assistant Chief Constable Sean White, ACPO lead for the investigation of fatal and life changing road collisions across England and Wales, said:

"The police service is committed to preventing and reducing the loss of life or serious injury on our roads.

"Long-term trends indicate that together with other agencies we are achieving that ambition. However, in 2011 in England and Wales on average five people still lost their lives on our roads every day, 63 people sustained serious injuries and hundreds of others suffered other injuries."

Reported road deaths have reduced from about 5,500 a year in the mid 1980s to fewer than 2,000 last year (2011).

Over the same period, reported road casualties have decreased from 240,000 to just over 200,000.

ACC Sean White encouraged the public to comment on how they would like to see police respond, investigate and report on road traffic collisions, including bereaved family and friends who have had firsthand experience of police involvement.

He added: "Families quite rightly expect their police service to prevent and reduce these collisions from occurring and in the unexpected event that it impacts upon them they are entitled to the best service and support to aid them through such difficult time.

"We are committed to listening to their experiences and views as well as those of partner agencies, and to updating and amending our policy and practices to keep pace with and, where possible, exceed expectations."

Julie Townsend, deputy chief executive at Brake, the road safety charity, commented: "We welcome this review of the Road Death Investigation Manual, and look forward to continuing to work with police to prevent crashes and support families whose lives are turned upside down by these tragic events. As a charity providing national support services to people affected by a road death or serious injury, we bear witness to the terrible devastation these collisions cause. It is critical these families get the help they need, and that we learn from collisions to prevent further tragedies; police work liaising with victims and investigating crashes is fundamental to this. We are proud to work with every force in the country to support road crash victims, and pleased to have this opportunity to develop that work further."

The consultation is open until 7^th September 2012 and comments can be made by filling out a consultation form via the Cleveland Police website: http://www.cleveland.police.uk/contact-us/ManualReview1.aspx or by writing to ACC Sean White via Cleveland Police Headquarters, PO Box 70, Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough, TS8 9EH.

Amy Aeron-Thomas, executive director of RoadPeace, the national charity for road crash victims, said: "A thorough investigation is essential for justice.

"Without it, there is no chance of understanding what caused the collision, if someone should be prosecuted, the victim should be compensated, or how risk can be reduced in the future.

"With road deaths outnumbering homicides by three to one and all of us using the roads, the importance of police collision investigation cannot be over overstated."

At the end of the review a draft, revised road death investigation strategy and guidance will be published that will aim to provide direction for the next five years.

Detectives appeal for witnesses following an altercation outside a Crewe pub

 

Crewe detectives are appealing for witnesses after an altercation outside a pub in Crewe.

At around 7.15pm on 7 August 2012 an altercation between two men took place outside the Eight Farmers Pub which is close to the car park of the Co-Op in Parkers Road.

A 28-year-old man had part of his ear bitten off during the incident.

DC Mike Rushton said: "CCTV showed that there were plenty of people around at the time, especially in the Co-Op car park, watching the altercation.

"In order for us to establish exactly what had taken place and to progress with our enquiries; we would urge anyone who witnessed this to contact us on 101 quoting incident number 857 of 7 August 2012."

A 23-year-old man from Nantwich has been arrested for a section 20 assault and released on police bail.

Police make further appeal following murder of Diana Lee in Cranage

 

Detectives are appealing for information following the discovery of a woman′s body in Cranage on Thursday 9 August 2012.
At 10.58am emergency services were called to an address in Byley Lane in Cranage, near Holmes Chapel, following reports of a fire. Firefighters extinguished the blaze and officers made a search of the house. The body of a woman, 54 year old Diana Lee, was found in the garage of the address.

A post mortem revealed the cause of death to be head injuries.
A 48-year-old man from Hale in Manchester was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has since been released on police bail pending further investigations.
Detective Inspector Steve Beddows from the Major Investigation Team said: "We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw any activity in the vicinity of the home address of Mrs Lee on the morning of Thursday 9th August before the arrival of the emergency services at 11am. The entrance to the address is approximately 50 metres before the main entrance to Cranage Hall Hotel on Byley Lane when approaching it from the direction of the A50. We also appeal to anyone who may have seen a man acting suspiciously near to a silver Corsa in Smith Lane, Mobberley, which was later identified as belonging to the victim and had been taken from her house. Firefighters were later called to as the car had been set alight."
Detectives are also keen to trace any members of the public who saw a man cycle off on a pushbike from Smith Lane, where the car was abandoned, towards Pepper Street in Mobberley between 10 and 11 am that day.

Patrols around the area have been increased to reassure the local community and police would like to reiterate that incidents of this nature are rare in the Cranage and Holmes Chapel areas.
Anyone with information should contact the Major Investigation Team on 101 quoting incident number 285 on 9 August 2012. Information can also be given anonymously be contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Help us to keep you healthy in Cheshire East

 

A plan which aims to improve people’s health is currently being drawn up – and Cheshire East Health and Wellbeing Board wants your help to build it.

Changes to the country’s health system now mean the Council has to set up this board, and with it, a new Joint Health and Wellbeing strategy for 2013-14.

It is anticipated that by 2029 the numbers of people aged 65 or over will increase by more than 50 per cent to 108,000 and those aged 85 or over will more than double to 20,000.

With this in mind, it is very important that the strategy is agreed so that the authority can seek to make improvements in Cheshire East.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care, said: “The strategy aims to improve health and wellbeing for people in Cheshire East and to reduce inequalities in health. Once agreed, we hope it will make a positive difference to people’s lives.

“We all want to feel fit, healthy and well and, at some point in our lives, we may need to access a service that will make us feel that way, inside and out.

“We need to work in a way that supports people in Cheshire East throughout their lifetime; to ensure they have the best start in life, to live well and to age well.

“The Health and Wellbeing Board is asking for your support to help us to achieve these priorities and we would welcome your ideas on how we can improve things.”

The Council invites all views, but there are particular factors that can influence a person’s health and wellbeing. These include:

· Where you live and the surrounding environment;

· Your economic circumstances;

· Your involvement with the local community;

· Lifestyle choices such as smoking, drinking, eating habits and physical activity;

· How safe your local area is; and

· Access to transport, shops and services.

These are particular areas people may wish to consider when they contribute their ideas on how the key priorities of the strategy might best be met.

The Government’s Health and Social Care Act 2012 states that each local authority needs to establish a Health and Wellbeing Board, which will bring together commissioners from the NHS, public health and social care.

These commissioners plan and buy local health care, social care and children’s services. 

To find out more about this consultation, visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/consultations or to request a paper copy, send an email to cpu@cheshireeast.gov.uk or call 01625 383750.

Save our Countryside

Keep it Green Crewe and Nantwich Campaign

In the last few weeks there has many letters in the local press apportioning blame for whom is responsible for housing developers wanting to build on large areas of our local Countryside and I am sure that after reading this letter, some people will feel the need to put pen to paper and fire off another letter.                                                   I agree that both central and local government must be held to account. But playing the blame game won’t save our countryside.                               I am sure that most people are fed up with seeing Councillors, former councillors, people who planning to stand at the next elections and members of political parties using the press to attack their political opponents, because while we are busy having a go at each other, the developers will be laughing all the way to the bank, as they continue to swallow up vast areas of our countryside.  The people of Crewe and Nantwich must start working together as one large action group to save our countryside. I ask people to the act now by joining the 'Keep it Green' Campaign, before it is too late!      
Keep it Green'                                                                                      Crewe & Nantwich Campaign                                                                          Save our countryside & green space for the benefit of all communities                 NO to overdevelopment                                                                        email: KeepitGreencampaign@hotmail.co.uk    twitter: https://twitter.com/KeepitGreen01      @KeepitGreen01                               Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/keepit.green.125                                                              
Councillor Derek Bebbington                                                                                  Leighton Ward                                                                                           

Grand Mad Hatters Tea Party'

Reporter Jonathan White (on behalf of Tony Mason)

A 'Grand Mad Hatters Tea Party' took place on 14th July 2012  at  Minshull's - http://www.minshulls.co.uk/ - in Crewe. The event was organised to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/

Minshull's donated 50p for each cup of tea and coffee purchased on the day, along with the proceeds from their cake sales. Grants Butchers also donated 50p for each pound of their sausages sold at Minshull's on the day.

Chris Barratt chairman of the Marie Claire Cancer Care South Cheshire Group said, "We were delighted with everyone's efforts. Together with the tea, coffee, cakes and sausage sales, along with a sale of donated jewellery we raised a grand total of £461.40.  The money will go towards providing home nursing care for cancer patients in our area."

Anyone able to spare a couple of hours to collect items for sale in our Marie Claire Cancer Care shops, please ring 0161 255 2800 (Fund raising office).

Detectives appeal for witnesses after woman's body found in

 

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following the discovery of a woman′s body in Cranage yesterday (Thursday 09 August 2012.)

At 10.58am on Thursday 9 August 2012 emergency services were called to an address in Byley Lane in Cranage following reports of a fire.

Firefighters extinguished the fire and officers made a search of the house. The body of a woman was found in the garage at the address.

DI Steve Beddows from the Major Investigation Team said: "We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw a man driving a silver Vauxhall Corsa on Byley Lane at about 10am on Thursday 09 August.

"Later in Smith Lane in Mobberley we would appeal to anyone who saw a man acting suspiciously next to a silver Corsa, which firefighters were later called to as it had been set alight.

"We also want to speak to anyone who saw a man wearing a green or grey jacket with the hood up cycle off from Smith Lane on a bicycle towards Pepper Street."

DI Beddows added: "We would also appeal to anyone who was in the Mobberley area on Thursday and may have seen a man acting suspiciously."

A 48-year-old man from Hale in Manchester has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

No formal identification has taken place. A post mortem is being carried out this afternoon.

Anyone with information should contact the Major Investigation Team on 101 quoting incident number 285 on 9 August 2012. Information can also be given anonymously be contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crime

I have looked through local incidents over the past week and can not find any crime trends over the past week relating to doorstep and burglary incidents.
However please see the below report released:

Police are warning the public to be vigilant following a spate of distraction thefts at local businesses in east Cheshire.

Over the past few months teams of thieves appear to have been targeting pubs, bars and more recently, offices in east Cheshire. Officers are trying to trace the offenders but in the meantime people are urged to be vigilant and keep valuables out of sight and secure.

In most cases the iPhone is the target of these thieves

They approach an unsuspecting member of the public and place a map or leaflets on the table, masking the iPhone, and engage their victim in conversation. They then pick up the map or leaflets along with the iPhone and make their escape.

More Specials Good News for Cheshire

Chairman of the Authority Margaret Ollerenshaw says a significant increase in the number of Special Constables is "good news for the people of Cheshire."

The Authority has been told that recruitment is on track to take the number of Specials over the 500 mark by April 2013. During 2011/12 the number of Specials in Cheshire increased by 81. The current total stands at 426.

Margaret Ollerenshaw said, "It is good to see that so many people are prepared to give up their time and help the Constabulary by volunteering as Special Constables. The Specials play an essential role and help to link policing even more closely to local communities.

"They are especially valuable in providing a visible police presence which deters the type of anti social behaviour which can affect people’s everyday lives and which causes a lot of concern.

"Their role isn’t confined to our town centres and neighbourhoods. For instance, Specials provide patrols on a Friday and Saturday night at the Countess of Chester hospital.

"I spent time with them recently on a Saturday night and was enormously impressed by their dedication and enthusiasm.

"Doctors, other hospital staff and patients told me they really appreciate the sight of the police uniforms around the hospital. They believe it plays a vital part in preventing violence and abuse, which we know can happen, especially in A&E departments on busy evenings. The Specials provide a great deal of reassurance for everyone there.

"That is just one example of the way Specials form part of the Neighbourhood Policing Teams. They receive the same training and have the same powers as police officers. The role they play is appreciated by the regular officers they work alongside.

"Specials provide an excellent example of people who are prepared to give their time and effort providing a real service to the community."

Cheshire officers applauded for their rescue efforts

 

A family fun day at Chester Racecourse on Sunday turned into a life saving operation as Sergeant John Forshaw and Constable Edward Newman had to rescue members of the public in extreme weather which saw flash floods develop within an hour. Chief Inspector Alastair Hinze was on patrol with his team to police this high profile event, which reported a record attendance last year. He remarked that "from 8am, the crowd was good natured, setting up gazebos and looking forward to a nice day ahead. The weather was absolutely fine but three races into the event, I noticed a storm coming in. There was immediate concern about the public in their large numbers, all running for shelter into confined spaces and people getting crushed so we were keen to contain the situation."

At approximately 3.20pm, a very heavy thunderstorm hit the area which caused extensive flooding across the entire site. Numerous incidents began to be reported to police within a very short period of time, many of which caused concern for the safety of the public. A spokesperson from Chester Racecourse reported that there were circa 36,000 people at the fun day, but an end to the racing was decided before the fourth race - after an inspection of the course by the stewards, when it was decided that racing should be abandoned owing to severe water logging.

In just 20 minutes, 28.2mm of rain fell on the course and it could not drain quickly enough which led to certain areas becoming extensively flooded in a short space of time. The racecourse suffered significantly worse due to its position and there was flooding at various parts of the course with toilets and stands up to 2-3 foot under water.

According to Sergeant John Forshaw, it was around 3.30pm, when a member of the public alerted him to the fact that there were people trapped in the toilets within the Dee Stand. He, along with his colleague Constable Edward Newman waded through water which was knee deep with raw sewage. The two officers acted without hesitation and along with the assistance of some of the racecourse staff, they made several rescue attempts with Sergeant Forshaw carrying out a young child of about 4 years old and an elderly man. Their efforts led to 10 − 12 people being rescued. John commented that "everything seemed to happen in 15 minutes" but he was pleased with the way that they had worked as a team, coping with every incident in a short space of time. This extended to reuniting lost children within the racecourse who were briefly separated from their parents.

The racecourse did remain open to ensure that people did not leave at once and cause traffic problems but flooding on New Crane Street and a burst main leading to closure of Old Dee Bridge created congestion problems. Chief Inspector Hinze maintained high visibility patrols around the racecourse and city centre to get the traffic flowing again.

Chief Inspector, Damien Smethurst who was in overall control of public safety on the day, praised the actions of all officers deployed to the racecourse, stating that the policing carried out by Chief Inspector Hinze, the control room and those on the racecourse was exemplary. "Not only did they face a difficult situation, in horrendous conditions, but they had a scenario which could have turned significantly more dangerous with forked lightning and severe downpours. The fact that only eight minor injuries were reported, none of which were serious, shows their ability to manage the safe and speedy exit of spectators. These officers acted without consideration for their own personal safety and they are a credit to the Constabulary."  For more information on Cheshire Police please go to www.cheshire.police.uk.

A Hundred Days and Counting

 

Cheshire Police Authority is providing firm foundations for the county′s first Police and Crime Commissioner, who will be elected in just one hundred days time.

Margaret Ollerenshaw, the Authority Chairman says, "We are working hard to prepare the ground for the Commissioner at the same time as maintaining ‘business as usual′ during the final countdown to this huge change in the way the Constabulary is governed.

"Over the past few years changes, including the strong emphasis on neighbourhood policing, have resulted in a steady and consistent reduction in the number of crimes and incidents of anti social behaviour in Cheshire. That standard has been maintained despite substantial savings in the budget.

"For some time now, we have been working to ensure that we leave a strong legacy for when the Commissioner takes over.

"Our preparations were reviewed in detail by Her Majesty′s Inspectorate of Constabulary and the Inspectorate gave our work an enthusiastic endorsement."

Act now to secure Superfast Broadband in your area

 

Cheshire East businesses and communities are being urged to join a growing campaign to secure superfast broadband in the borough by 2015, creating more jobs and wealth.

It is estimated that faster broadband will boost the whole of Cheshire’s economy by 1.3 billion over the next 15 years and create around 11,000 jobs.

The Government will soon make a decision about which areas will receive network investment – and Cheshire East could benefit, but only with your continued support.

To boost the bid and get behind Cheshire East’s campaign, register your demand at: www.connectingcheshire.org.uk . The more people that register, the better chance the Council has to influence the Government’s decision-making.

The campaign for ‘Better Broadband’ is being led by the Connecting Cheshire Partnership - made up of Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester, Warrington and Halton Councils.

The partnership has so far received more than £3m in government funding for the roll-out of superfast broadband, but needs up to £40m in order for the project to reach 100 per cent coverage.

Councillor David Brown, deputy leader and strategic communities’ portfolio holder, said: “Faster broadband is being installed in most towns, but many parts of Cheshire East are being left behind, especially our rural areas.

“We’re asking people to help stop the ‘digital divide’ and register their support on the website now.

“By registering, you will help ensure your community or business can be prioritised for investment.

“Faster broadband will benefit our residents and businesses, and getting behind the campaign will make sure that our voice is heard.”

 

Facts and figures (Source: Connecting Cheshire)

Across Cheshire East:

· Current broadband speeds across Cheshire East are around 8 per cent lower than the UK average of 7.3Mbps.

· Around 17 per cent of Cheshire East homes and businesses receive speeds of less than 2Mbps, mainly in rural areas.

· There are 106 telephone exchanges with over 1,555 telephone cabinets across Cheshire, of which in Cheshire East there are 46 telephone exchanges and 559 roadside telephone cabinets.

Across Cheshire as a whole:

· There are around 120,000 people in Cheshire – 15 per cent of the population have not used the internet yet.

· 96 per cent of internet users say the internet has improved their life.

· Six out of 10 adults now buy goods and services online.

· There are around 43,000 homes or businesses with broadband speeds around 15 times slower than superfast broadband.

· 50 per cent of businesses in rural areas are home-based compared with 26 per cent in urban areas.

· There are 479,000 premises with telephone lines.

· 440,000km of telephone lines across Cheshire.

The website: www.go-on.co.uk provides online help as well as

Help save our Countryside

Cheshire East Council has to put together a new local plan and within that plan it has to be demonstrated that there is both a 5 year supply of building land for new housing. Because of this, housing developers are asking for very large areas of the Countryside that surrounds Crewe and Nantwich be made available for building land. These areas include Shavington, Haslington, Wybunbury, Willaston, Weston, Wistaston, Coppenhall, and Bradfield Green. Within the Leighton ward, developers want to build 1600 new houses on an area so large, it practically wipes out all the countryside in that area, and when the developers have finished building in these areas, they will start looking for more parts of the countryside they can ruin.                                                                                                                                                            To be able to save the countryside, the Council needs to be able to demonstrate that local residents do not want building in the green gap or local countryside.                                                                                                                    From August 31st to October 1st the Council will be consulting the people of Crewe for their view on the local plan. Therefore I am asking the people of Crewe to help save our Countryside by responding to the consultation and calling for the Green Gap to be maintained and for the countryside within and around the Leighton ward to be declared Green Gap. If we do not respond to the consultation it is very likely our countryside will be lost forever.
You can respond to the consultation using the details below.                                          Residents can also contact me directly.                                                                     
E-mail:      ldfconsultation@cheshireeast.gov.uk                                                                             Post:       Freepost RSRX-YYYE-AYRS, Spatial Planning, Cheshire East Council, Westfields, Middlewich Road, SANDBACH, CW11 1HZ.                                                           Online:    Via the consultation portal at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan     
There is also an on-line petition save the green gap at   http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/34763
alternatively you can find it by searching for "Green Gap" on the epetitions website http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/     
Do nothing and we lose the countryside forever!                                                                                                                                                                                             
Derek Bebbington                                                                                                                                                   Cheshire East Councillor - Leighton Ward                                                                                                      Crewe Charter Trustee                                                                                                                                             Tel:    01270 522902                                                                                                                                                    E-mail: derek.bebbington@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Cheshire East chosen to pilot new learning scheme for adults

 

Residents will soon be able to have a much greater say on which adult learning courses are on offer in their community after Cheshire East was chosen to trial a new Government scheme.

Cheshire East Council teamed up with Cheshire West and Chester Council on a successful bid to trial the Government’s community learning trust initiative.

Community Learning in Cheshire (CLiC) is one of only 15 projects given the green light out of 78 entries nationally.

The one-year pilot will see local people decide what area of learning is most relevant to their own communities.

This could mean people in Crewe deciding that they want to focus on literacy, whereas people in Macclesfield could choose parenting or home improvement skills.

Local residents will be put at the heart of the new scheme, whether they are current learners or not, getting involved in the planning and decision-making.

CLiC will also benefit from the two councils working together, and with partners, to improve and deliver new ways of learning for adults who want to boost their skills.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member in charge of children and family services, said: “This new partnership will give more people the opportunity to learn and let communities decide what is important to them.

“Learning should be available to everyone, regardless of age, and I hope that people across Cheshire East get involved with this new project.”

Each of the pilots will be monitored by the Government’s department for business, innovation and skills.

Skills Minister John Hayes said: “Learning is the lifeblood of personal and economic growth in our local communities.

“By bringing passion, purpose and innovative thinking to the pilot scheme, the community learning trusts can change lives by transforming attitudes and abilities, bringing communities together to nurture the common good.”

For further information on adult learning course ring 01270 686531, or email: mylearning@cheshireeast.gov.uk