Commissioner launches victim survey

 

From 2014, the Ministry of Justice will transfer the commissioning of some victim services to Police & Crime Commissioners in England and Wales. Cheshire’s Commissioner, John Dwyer, wants to hear from victims of crime about their experiences of services they’ve received.

John Dwyer said: "Being a victim of crime can be a traumatic and sometimes life changing event. It’s vital for me to understand what experiences victims’ have had and what their needs and expectations are for the services that are provided both by the variety of victim services organisations.

"One of my priorities in my Police & Crime Plan was looking into and exploring victim and witness services. I want to pay particular attention to three main areas, these are: prevention, coping with the experience and recovery. "

Between April 2012 and March 2013 there were over 37,000 victims of crime in Cheshire, and each one had a different experience and different expectations from the Constabulary and other service providers.

Offenders choose to offend. Victims are chosen.

John added: "In an ideal world, I’d like to consult with every single victim in the county. That’s why the initial phase of my consultation will be a survey which will be sent out to victims over a variety of channels. This way I can gather the feedback and opinions from as many people as possible. In depth conversations will be had with victims to understand their feelings and experiences.

"I want victims of crime to be confident that they can receive the support they need to cope and recover from the ordeal they have faced."

The consultation period is now open. If you would like to give your feedback to the PCC about your experience, complete the survey that’s available on www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk

Awards for Long Serving Special Constables

 

Long serving Special Constables across Cheshire were honoured at an awards ceremony held at Cheshire Police headquarters last week (18^th September 2013).

Special Constabulary Chief Officer Brian Woodward presented long service awards for five years’ service to Lee Bellfield, Christopher Johnson, David Jones, Adam Langley, Steven Parry and Gary Rawlinson. Timothy Williams was also presented with an award for nine years’ service.

The evening’s highest accolades went to Mark Jones, Steve Jones and Richard Streets who each received an award for 19 years’ service.

Mark, 47 became a Special Constable in 2003 to help his local community. He said:

"I got involved because ultimately I wanted to help the community that I live in."

"I never envisaged being a Special for so long, but I have made some good friends and have seen no reason to stop."

"Myself and Steve (Jones) started together in Chester, and we have built up a good camaraderie."

Steve Jones, 58 added:

"Being a Special Constable is something that I always wanted to do and being able to help people, often when they are in distress, is incredibly rewarding."

"Over my nineteen years service I have seen many changes within the force and have had some great experiences."

The evening saw the attestation of thirty-three Special Constables. In front of family and friends, they all read the oath of allegiance and received their warrant cards from Magistrate Gillian Becket.

Addressing the audience, Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer honoured the dedication and service given by the Special Constabulary:

"It is an honour to be here to recognise the commitment and dedication of our Special Constabulary. These are people who generously give of their spare time to work alongside regular officers and play an active and vital role in tackling crime and maintaining public safety."

"We are working towards the goal of doubling the Special Constabulary by the end of my term in office and I have been delighted about how supportive the community has been."

The ceremony also saw the Passing out Parade of twenty-two Special Constables, who received certificates to mark the completion of their training. They will continue to work on operational duties within the community.

The Special Constabulary is a voluntary body to help the regular police force in meeting the policing needs of the community. Their roles include providing highly visibility patrols and helping to police major incidents and events. They provide a vital link in the partnership between the police service and the public.

To find out more about becoming a Special Constable, including frequently asked questions and details of the recruitment process, please visit the Cheshire Police website jobs page or use the following link to get to the Special Constabulary pages www.cheshire.police.uk/jobs/special-constables.aspx.

Lucky Gamble for St Luke’s Superdraw Winners

St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice supporters  Terry and Barbara Gamble’s luck is clearly in after winning a brand new car, the grand prize in the hospice’s Silver Anniversary Superdraw, which raised over £40,000 for patient care.

Mr and Mrs Gamble, from Northwich, drove away in their grand prize - a new ‘63’ plate Fiesta Zetec, supplied by local Ford car dealership Cliff Dickenson & Son -  on Friday 20 September, won for the price of just a £1 raffle ticket.

As part of the hospice’s packed calendar of events to commemorate 25 years of providing invaluable care to the Mid and South Cheshire community, 25 winners were selected from the annual Super Draw, with Mr and Mrs Gamble winning the top prize.

Mr and Mrs Gamble picked up the keys from St Luke’s promotions manager Claire Langston and Chris Winward of Cliff Dickenson & Son, sponsor of the competition.

Long-time supporters of the hospice, the couple were delighted to be the lucky local winners.

Terry, a retired aircraft engineer, said: “We were so shocked to find out we had won. I’m still amazed.

“The car is a perfect fit for us now that I’m retired and I’m delighted to hear the draw has raised so much for St Luke’s. We’ve been supporters for a long time and it really is a wonderful local cause.”

St Luke’s Claire Langston said: “A huge congratulations to Mr and Mrs Gamble on their fantastic win. The hospice looks after so many people in the community so we’re delighted to be able to offer such a prize to lucky local winners in our special 25^th anniversary year.

“The Draw has raised more than £40,000 for the hospice which will go straight back into paying for care services so it’s an amazing success.

“Thank you to all the people who bought a ticket and special mention goes to Cliff Dickenson & Son of Winsford, our local Ford dealership, www.cliffdickinson.co.uk. Their on-going support for us with the car prize and also the additional use of a promotional vehicle to spread the word at community events is invaluable.”

Cliff Dickenson & Son managing director Mr Chris Winward said the company was proud to help the hospice, a cause they have regularly supported since 2004.

Chris, who is celebrating 25 years with the company, said: “Our company has been based in the town since 1927 and many of our customers work at or have been patients at the hospice so it is incredibly important to everyone in the local area.

“It’s my 25^th anniversary with the company and St Luke’s 25^th year, so what better way to mark the occasion than with a wonderful and successful fundra

2013 Slazenger South and Mid Cheshire Tennis League Presentation Afternoon.

The photo features (l-r) - Paul Unwin, Jonathan White, Alastair Bain, Jonathan Braithwaite (Team captain), Chris Raiswell.

Reporter. Jonathan White, Wistaston

The 2013 Slazenger South and Mid Cheshire Tennis League Presentation Afternoon recently took place at Hartford Tennis Club - http://hartfordtennisclub.co.uk/.

The afternoon also included two tournaments - open doubles and veterans doubles - and was enjoyed by dozens of players from a variety of local clubs.

Refreshments were followed by presentation of trophies from the league competitions. Local winners included Wistaston, Nantwich and Wrenbury.

League Chairman Dave Clarke said, "I would like to thank Hartford Tennis Club for hosting the event, the people who produced the fantastic refreshments, and the league officers for their sterling work throughout the year. I would also like to thank  all the clubs who attended and congratulate the divisional winners."

The full list of 2012-13 winners is:

SUMMER LEAGUES

Ladies Division 1 - Nantwich A

Ladies Division 2 - Congleton C

Ladies Division 3 - Holmes Chapel B

Ladies Division 4 - Hartford E

Men's Division 1 - Congleton A

Men’s Division 2 - Nantwich A

Men’s Division 3 - Wistaston A

Men’s Division 4 - Tarporley A

Men’s Division 5 - Hartford F

Mixed Division 1 - Congleton A

Mixed Division 2 - Hartford A

Ladies Knockout - Nantwich A

Ladies Handicap Knockout - Hartford E

Les Hoff Men’s Knockout - Congleton A

Les Beckett Men’s Knockout - Acton Bridge

Jane Astbury Mixed Knockout - Congleton A

Dave Clarke Veterans KO - Hartford

Stonelake Shield Sporting Award - Chris Charlesworth (Audlem)

WINTER LEAGUES

Division 1 - Alsager A

Division 2 - Tarporley A

Division 3 - Nantwich B

Division 4 - Tarporley B

Division 5 - Audlem B

Ray Jones Knockout - Alsager

Barbara Smith Knockout - Tarporley B

SPRING LEAGUES

Division 1 - Nantwich A

Division 2 - Wistaston A

Division 3 - Holmes Chapel A

Division 4 - Wrenbury B

Division 5 - Wistaston C

Run, Cycle, Scoot or Rollerblade for St Luke’s Santa’s Day Out

St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice is inviting energetic supporters to help paint Cheshire’s Oulton Park Racing Circuit red and white by taking part in its popular annual Santa’s Day Out on Sunday, 8 December.
Organisers are hoping to make this year’s fun-filled event the biggest and best yet by inviting local people and business teams to sign up, don their Santa suits and run, walk, bike, rollerblade or even scoot around the iconic racing track, all in aid of the hospice.
This year, there will also be a full Christmas market packed with food stands and gifts, plus an array of attractions and games for the whole family from 11noon-3pm, with the dash starting at 12 noon.
The hospice’s head of event management Jane Thompson said: “We can’t wait to see the track brimming with the famous red and white outfit. We’re looking for supporters, families and corporate teams to make this the best event yet.
“This year we will have even more categories. Along with Dashing Santas, Strolling Santas, Biking Santas and Rollerblading Santas we will be having Scooting Santas. 
“You can complete the 5k circuit at your own pace returning to a well deserved certificate.”
All adult Santas get a full Santa suit and youngsters will get a set of fun Christmas headwear.
Entry to the event is £12 for adults and £5 for Children.
Jane added: “In an attempt to increase our numbers we are not insisting on sponsorship as part of the package.  You can chose to take part just for fun.
“However if the hospice is close to your heart and you can fundraise, we have lots of ways you can do so and we do hope our fantastic supporters will take part in aid of the hospice’s invaluable work.
“If you can raise £100 a person or £150 a family for St Luke’s then we will refund your personal registration fee.”
Contact Jane Thompson at St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice on 01606 555688 or jane_thompson@stlukes-hospice.co.uk for more information or to register your interest.

Waste Reduction Volunteers Needed

 

Would you like to learn how to shave £100’s of pounds off your shopping bill? Cheshire East Council is hosting a training day to show people how to do just that and become a Waste Reduction Volunteer (WRV) for the Council.

Over a month the average family throws away £50 worth of food because most of the waste that ends up in our black bins is dinner table scraps. In fact, food waste makes up over a third of an average Cheshire East bin.

All Waste Reduction Volunteers receive a day’s training from the Council and are then invited to ‘spread the word’ about home composting and the national Love Food Hate Waste programme at local events, schools and community projects.

The Council would like to hear from people who want to take part in a day’s training in Macclesfield on Saturday, October 12.

Volunteer Sally Hoare, from Wilmslow said, “Being a volunteer has lots of benefits and I’ve met some great like-minded people.

“I am passionate about doing my bit to help save the planet and enjoy talking about ways to reduce food waste at events throughout the year. I would definitely recommend it”.

Councillor David Topping, Cabinet member in charge of environmental services, said: “This is fun, engaging and extremely worthwhile.

“Not only will your efforts help divert needless amounts of food and organic waste from going to landfill, the training will also help people plan their food shopping more carefully and save money in the long term – up to £50 per month for a family of four.”

“I would urge anyone with an interest in the environment and some time to spare to consider becoming a Waste Reduction Volunteer.”

Volunteers will receive training, travel expenses and membership of the WRV reward scheme. Anyone interested in becoming a WRV should visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/recycling to sign up, or telephone the project coordinator on: 01270 686094 for more information.

CREWE & DISTRICT TABLE TENNIS PREMIER LEAGUE NETS RENEWS SPONSORSHIP DEAL WITH THE TRAVEL VISA COMPANY

 

The rapidly-expanding and award-winning Crewe-based international visa specialist, The Travel Visa Company, is serving up another success after renewing its sponsoring deal with the Crewe & District Table Tennis League.

The new sponsorship deal will see the Crewe Hall based company, the preferred supplier to the UK's leading travel providers, continue as the league’s main sponsor for the 2013/2014 season.

The South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year, which employs 14 people at its HQ, is hoping to mark the renewal by winning the league with its very own team and go one better than its second place finish last year.

As the season begins, Karen Taylor, co-founder of The Travel Visa Company, said: “We’re passionate supporters of local sport and many of our team are a dab-hand with a table tennis bat!

“We have a joint team with Bentley Motors in the league and we’re very much looking forward to the new season and going head-to-head with South Cheshire’s best again.”

“We believe that, as a part of the South Cheshire community, it’s important that we do our best to support the great and active sporting community around us.”

John Dawson, Crewe & District Table Tennis League’s finance manager and The Travel Visa Company visa specialist, added: “On behalf of the league, I’m thrilled to have confirmed the renewal of this sponsorship deal and look forward to an action-packed season.”

The Travel Visa Company, has a turnover of over £1.2 million and an unrivalled reputation of supplying effective and efficient visa applications to both business and tourist travellers, is currently consolidating its market leading position with the opening of a specialised corporate visa department.

With 14 years experience of providing tourist visas and longstanding relationships with Embassies, High Commissions and Consulates in London, Birmingham and Manchester, the company has just launched a dedicated corporate division operation, to provide a bespoke service for UK companies in both the international export and import markets.

The company’s expert team will provide an exclusive and unbeatable service for all clients, personally collecting visas directly from embassies and delivering them to businesses and homes around the UK.

Specialising in both tourist and business travel to India, China, Russia and Africa, the Travel Visa Company, founded by Karen Taylor and Ray Ward in 2005, currently employs 14 staff at its Cheshire head office.

For further information on The Travel Visa Company, visit www.thetravelvisacompany.co.uk.

Telephone:01270 250 590

Time is running out for UTC ‘sign up’

 

Time is running out for prospective students to express an interest to study at Crewe’s prestigious University Technical College when it opens its doors in 2015. More than a hundred young people have so far ‘signed up’ and the Council is hoping to attract many more.

The UTC will cater for 14-19 year olds who want to pursue careers in engineering and high skill manufacturing, working with major local employers to develop gold-standard vocational qualifications.  The funding application will be submitted on October 4, 2013 to the Department for Education, so local youngsters are urged to express an interest before then.

Major local employers have offered their support, such as Bentley, Siemens, Network Rail, Oliver Valves, the Council and OSL Rail – the fastest growing rail engineering company in Europe, ensuring that students receive world-class skills in fields like electronics, engineering and construction, computer-aided design and modelling.

The £10 million UTC will, pending DfE approval, be built on the site of the old Victoria School building on Meredith Street and will eventually cater for 600 students.

Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council Councillor David Brown said: “The UTC concept is proving popular and now is the time for any young person looking to become an engineer or to work in high-skill manufacturing to get in touch and express an interest in studying there. When you sign up it’s not binding, but it allows us to get in touch with people when enrolment begins next year as we expect demand for places to be high.

“The UTC has a huge amount of support from major local employers offering a bridge between school and work for hundreds of young people locally.

“It will enable employers to grow their own workforces and provide sustainable, high skill jobs for many years, ensuring Crewe develops into the engineering centre of the north west.”

Man wanted on recall to prison

Police are appealing for the public′s help in tracing a man wanted on recall to prison after failing to adhere to his licence conditions.
Ronald Anderson, 53, was released from prison in May 2013 after being sentenced in 2008 to an indeterminate sentence for public protection with a minimum period of 60 months in prison for sexual offences against children.
The terms and conditions of his licence upon release from prison require him to not have contact with children under the age of 16 and to reside at a fixed address in the Sandbach area. On 15 September 2013, he failed to return to this address and an alert was raised.
Anderson had been to visit a family member in the Norwich area prior to his disappearance. A number of inquiries are ongoing to trace him.

Anderson is described as white, 5ft 11in tall of medium build with short grey hair, blue eyes, a grey goatee beard, glasses and a North West accent.

He has tattoos on both arms. On his left lower forearm he has the name PAUL with a large black spider′s web above. On the outside of his right forearm he has a snake wrapped around a knife and on the inside of his forearm he has a dragon.
Anderson is considered a risk to children he has contact with and anyone with any information about his whereabouts is urged to contact police on 101.

Letter to the editor

I am concerned that the main Crown Post Offices in both Crewe and Macclesfield are to close and the service will be moved to a, yet to be named, retailer in the town centres by April 2014.The Crown Post offices in the two biggest town centres in Cheshire East are well used and  there must be a doubt that a town centre retailer can cope with the additional demand and customers that will result from the transfer. Queues are already a problem at peak times and this can only get worse if post officer users have to compete with shop's existing clientele to get served. Also if the retailer closes down, what happens to the post office? For example, the post office in the Shopping City in Runcorn in Cheshire was moved to W H Smith two years ago and now that W H Smith has closed down and the post office with it. People will have to travel over two miles for an alternative post office. I would not want that to happen in Crewe or Macclesfield.

The post office say that existing staff will be protected  but it is obviously a matter of great concern because their workplace is being closed down and the terms and conditions of any new role offered  are uncertain. The danger is that  skilled and experienced staff will be lost and replaced by inexperienced staff on the minimum wage. That can only result in a reduction in service to customers and that would not be acceptable.

yours faithfully
Cllr Brian Silvester

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor

Cheshire East Council

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Twitter @CllrBSilvester

Cheshire East Council (CE) must take urgent action to ensure that more of their vulnerable children are cared for in the Borough and not in some far flung place.

Maps compiled by the Department of Education show that over half (54%) of cared for children are sent to far flung care homes by CE This percentage is twice as high as CheshireWest,Warrington,Wirral and Lancashire. In Shropshire it is 33%.

There are a variety of reasons why it is not a good idea to house vulnerable children a long distance from their family home. A series of reports ordered in the wake of the Rochdale sexual exploitation scandal highlighted how children sent far from their familiar support networks of family and friends could be more vulnerable to grooming rings. The families of the cared for children find it difficult to visit the children when they are housed in a faraway place. It is more difficult for social workers to observe and assess the progress of the children they have responsibility for. Also it is more expensive to have children in these far flung  homes.

This latest criticism comes only months after a damning OFSTED report on the Child Protection arrangements in CE. The report stated that, 'Not even minimum standards were being met in this crucial area of child protection'. It further stated that 'children, young people and families experience poor recognition of risk, delays and inconsistent management decision making. This increases the children and young people's potential risk of harm.

It is obvious that considerable improvement is required in the way that vulnerable children are housed and protected in CE.

Man dies on M62

 

Two lanes of the M62 eastbound are in the process of being re-opened following a fatal incident this morning.
At 2.45am on Wednesday 25 September 2013, police were called to a report a man had fallen from a bridge on the M62.
Officers went to the scene where a man had fallen from a bridge and collided with a lorry.
Tragically the man, aged 30, from the Warrington area, died at the scene. His next of kin have been informed.
The east bound carriageway of the M62 towards Manchester was closed between junctions 10 and 11 following the incident near Croft interchange in Warrington. The Highways Agency is in the process of opening lanes 2 and 3 but one lane will remain closed.
The westbound carriageway is unaffected and is open but the area is very and motorists are advised to avoid the area.

A man who died on the M62 this morning, Wednesday 25 September 2013, has been formally identified.
Lance Dickenson, aged 30, from the Croft area of Warrington died after falling from a bridge and colliding with a lorry on the eastbound carriageway.

Hate Crime Conference – steps in the right direction

 

On 23 September a hate crime conference was held at Cheshire Constabulary HQ in Winsford. Its purpose was to bring a variety of different agencies together under one roof. With the main topic of conversation being; ‘how to encourage more people to report incidents of hate crime’.

The conference was attended by a variety of different organisations including; local authorities, the NHS, Fire service, and a variety of charities. Whilst the speakers included; Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, Bernard Byrne (the Crown Prosecution Service hate crime prosecutor for Cheshire and Merseyside), and Adrian Derbyshire (a paralympian).

ACC Purdie said: "We have seen an increase of 18% of people reporting hate crime. We want this figure to increase as victims become more confident when reporting crimes to the police. By holding this conference, I wanted to speak to a variety of agencies to find out how we can encourage more people to report these crimes to the Constabulary. "

John Dwyer said: "I want to make sure that the service victims of hate crime get from Cheshire Constabulary is the best. Speaking to a variety of people at the event and discussing some of the incidents that they’ve heard about or been involved in is harrowing to hear.

It’s important that the police hear about any form of hate crime that you or someone you know has experienced. If they’re not made aware of it, they are unable to help. I can assure you that you will be listened to, and such crimes will be thoroughly investigated.

Our success in terms of prosecution is significant, 100% of those prosecuted for disability hate crime, for example, have been found guilty."

John added: "On Friday, I’m launching my victim survey, asking victims of crime to give me honest feedback so I can help shape services in the future. If anyone would like to give me their feedback, I would be extremely grateful."

More information about the victim survey can be found on www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk

Open letter to the people of Cheshire from Cheshire's Police and Crime Commissioner

 

TOTALLY WASTED

Research showed that in the North West more than £947 million was spent in 2010/11 handling an estimated 47,000 alcohol related crimes, 34,183 alcohol related violent crimes and 863 alcohol related sexual offences.

Of the incidents our Officers attended over the last 70 days, they recorded that; 40% of antisocial behaviour, 11% of crime and 20% of reports for someone′s safety had alcohol as a factor. Local Alcohol Profiles for England 2011/12 show that in Cheshire over 5,500 crimes could be attributed to alcohol (based on the calculation from the Government Strategy Unit).

As the elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire it is incumbent on me to draw to your attention how much of your policing resources are being ‘Totally Wasted′ by officers having to respond to incidents where alcohol is a cause. This weekend alone in one of our towns we had 9 arrests, issued 18 notices directing people to leave the area to prevent disorder and recorded 34 other incidents that were alcohol related, all requiring a police response.

There have been many changes to licensing laws to try to address the issues and change society′s attitude to alcohol. Changes to the licensing laws in 2005 enabled many towns to relax opening times, allowing bars to continue serving late into the early hours of the morning. This was intended to promote a continental culture and prevent the traditional last orders flashpoints, but in areas has bred competition, causing them to open later and later. It is not uncommon for them to still be trading after 5am.

The culture and impact, especially amongst drinkers of ‘preloading′, drinking copious amounts of cheap alcohol at home before their night out, has increased and is now the norm. Bars compete to increasingly have cheaper and cheaper drinks promotions - inviting people to come out earlier, stay out longer and consume more alcohol. ‘Fresher′s Week′ is a focus for new custom. The result is more drunkenness, disorder and violence in our towns. The demand is seen across public services not only by the police but also in our hospitals, ambulance service, fire service and local authorities, all of whom are left to deal with the consequences of alcohol abuse.

How responsible is it to encourage people to pay a £5 entry fee give 5 drinks for 5 pence or 9 drinks for £9.95 or ‘Dice Nights′ where you roll a dice, throw an odd number and get the round for free?

You may have seen the coverage this week in the press and on our Twitter account to coincide with ‘Fresher Week′ to help people keep safe. The pictures show people totally wasted in our towns this weekend - vulnerable to causing and being victims of crime.

This is sadly a picture replicated across the country. The TOTALLY WASTED campaign is not to highlight specific areas, but to put a spotlight on the impact of alcohol and to change the attitude we have, that this type of behaviour is acceptable and stop it being seen as ‘a good night out′.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer

Acoustic Alchemy II' gig on Saturday 21st September 2013.

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

An array of talent from Cheshire and Stoke-on-Trent converged on The Vine pub - http://www.spanglefish.com/thevineshavington/

-  in Shavington for 'Acoustic Alchemy II' on Saturday 21st September 2013. The free acoustic gig consisted of soloists and groups with performances from Sam Lyon, the John Macleod band, Jon Tarplee, Dayve Dean and United Breaks. United Breaks headlined the evening with Neil Smith on guitar/lead vocals , Nick Bayes on bass guitar, Tim Kirwin on saxophone, and Tom Seals on keyboard. United Breaks played a thirteen track setlist which climaxed with Chuck Berry's Johnny B. Goode and Stevie Wonder's Superstition. A packed audience was treated to a quality evening of entertainment.

Wildlife Volunteer's Wanted

The Queens Park is home to a lot of wildlife and we are seeking volunteers to help with the wildlife. The wildlife is slowly returning after the restoration and new wildlife appear all the time including Grebe, Heron, Jay, Cormorant King Fisher. We hope to build on this by creating a park that will attract wildlife by providing a favourable environment for them. A new group has formed to help with the wildlife and have a Facebook page. There has been a dedicated group of people who visit the park daily to feed the ducks and check on their needs for many years.

Our aim is to try to get more planting to encourage  a more diverse  wildlife population. Check on the wildlife recorded the wildlife ideally with pictures, educate people to look after and respect the wildlife and provide education to schools that visit the park.

Anyone can join us  but we need photographers, people with knowledge of all sorts of wildlife and wildlife habitat and on occasion we will need muscle to complete some projects. People dont have to turn up at specific times but be able to come when they can make sure the wildlife is protected and yobs dont smash nests as has happened in the past when swan and grebe eggs have been destroyed. If you love wildlife this is the place to be we are also looking at Tipkinder Wood to see what can be done there as well contact us here  or visit the website queensparkcrewe.com 

Police release CCTV images following investigation into sexual assault in Crewe

Police have released CCTV images of a man who may be able to help police investigating an allegation of sexual assault in Crewe.

The incident happened in an alleyway down the side of the Barrel Pub off Nantwich Road in the early hours of 25 August 2013.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident and are continuing to appeal to anyone who witnessed what happened, or was in the area at the time and has seen anything significant, to get in touch.

Officers are keen to trace a man who was in the area at the time who may have important information that could help police with their enquiries.

DS Jim Boulton said: "We are urging this person to come forward as they may have important information.

"Similarly, anyone who may be able to assist in progressing these enquiries should contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 175 of 25 August 2013 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111."

Man charged with knife point robberies in Crewe, Macclesfield and Staffordshire

 

Cheshire Police have charged a 35-year-old man with three knife point robberies.

Detectives working closely with colleagues in Staffordshire charged Nicholas Andrew Overton with the knife point robbery at the CoOp in Haslington which happened on 12 September 2013; a knife point robbery in Park News in Brown Street, Macclesfield which happened on 30 August 2013 and a knife point robbery at the Wine Cellar in Oulton Road, Stone in Staffordshire which happened on 8 September 2013.

He was also charged with being a temporarily released prisoner from HMP Thorn Cross in Warrington being unlawfully at large.
Overton was arrested in the early hours of Thursday 19 September 2013 at an address in School Crescent, Crewe.
A 38-year-old woman was also arrested on harbouring an escaped prisoner. She has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

Overton will appear at Crewe Magistrates on 20 September 2013.

Family pay tribute to their beautiful little boy following tragic collision in Alderley Edge

 

The family of an 11-year-old boy who tragically died in a collision in Alderley Edge have paid tribute to him.

Flynn Morrissey from Sandbach was a passenger in a silver Ford Focus travelling towards Wilmslow when a red Porsche Cayman travelling in the opposite direction was in collision with it. Sadly he died at the scene.

The family said: "Our beautiful little boy has fallen asleep. Flynn is always in our hearts. His mischievous energy and vibrancy will always live on."

The collision occurred at 8.07am on Monday 16 September 2013 on the A34 Congleton Road, Alderley Edge.

Police are investigating the incident and are appealing for witnesses.
Sergeant Andy Dennison said: "We would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision who hasn′t yet spoken to police and also anyone who saw either of these vehicles travelling between Manchester and Alderley Edge around that time."
Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 123 of 16 September 2013.

Exercise your right to become a trustee

 

Cheshire East Council is enhancing the way leisure services are delivered and is now looking for trustees (directors) to head up the new ‘Everybody Sport & Recreation Trust.

The new trust will come into being in early 2014 and will replace the current delivery model of Council-run leisure centres and swimming pools and leisure development services. The aim is to improve services with a greater focus on improving the health and wellbeing of the young and vulnerable.

A total of 11 trustees will be appointed to the board and the deadline for applying is 12 noon on October 7.  It is hoped the board will be in place by Autumn 2013.

Trustees should demonstrate a high level of interest in sport, recreation and health and be able to attract inward investment and have the ability to work as part of a team.

Council leader Michael Jones, who has overseen the creation of this new sports delivery model, said: “This is a truly exciting time for the Council. The way we deliver services will mean that our communities will benefit from a much more inclusive leisure service.

“The newly appointed trustees should represent the views of residents and the business communities, so will need to be a people person with business acumen and links in the business and local community.”

Further information on the service and to apply for a position visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/leisureoptions.

Police arrest man wanted on suspicion of armed robbery in Crewe

 

Police have arrested Nicholas Andrew Overton who officers wanted to speak to in connection with an armed robbery at the CoOp in Haslington on 12 September 2013.

Overton was arrested in the early hours of Thursday 19 September 2013 at an address in School Crescent, Crewe.

A 38-year-old woman was arrested on harbouring an escaped prisoner. Enquiries are continuing.

Watchdog praises ‘high standard’ of Council’s youth offending service – as new figures show sharp fall in youth crime

 

A top watchdog has hailed the ‘high standard’ of Cheshire East Council’s youth offending service – and new figures show it is also helping slash teenage crime.

The independent HM Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) report comprehensively praised the Council team’s core work of reducing offending, protecting the public and safeguarding young offenders. It also praised the ‘enthusiasm’ of managers and staff.

It comes as new figures reveal Cheshire East saw its offending rate for youngsters fall markedly in the past year.

In 2012/13 the percentage of youngsters aged 10-17 who offend was 0.7 per cent. This compares with 1.1 per cent last year and a current national average rate of 1.3 per cent.

The number of first offenders also fell sharply by 34 per cent in the same period, from 644 offences to 438.

A key role of the Council’s youth offending service (YOS) is to work with youth justice partners to identify youngsters at risk of entering the criminal justice system and successfully divert them away from anti-social behaviour and crime.

Penny Kay, the Council’s head of youth engagement, said: “This is great news. Lower levels of youth crime and anti-social behaviour incidents are the result of excellent partnership work.”

The HMIP report identified Cheshire East’s YOS key strengths as:

● An ‘investigative approach’ to assessments that ensures information is checked thoroughly and acted upon;

● Managers ensure staff have the right tools to enable young people to complete their sentence;

● Excellent innovative work involving partnership agencies;

● Staff ‘work hard’ to help young people complete their court orders;

● Case managers are ‘particularly good’ at building relationships with young people and undertaking home visits to help ‘understand issues thoroughly’.

Only one area for improvement was identified – to reduce sometimes excessive background information used in initial assessments.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of children and family services, said: “This fantastic result is very welcome news for residents of Cheshire East and is a credit to the real commitment of our youth offending service staff.

“Ensuring that all our teenagers get opportunities to make a positive contribution is vital. Effective responses to young offenders are essential for keeping our communities safe.

“The youth offending service has delivered high-quality and innovative services for many years and this report is an excellent endorsement of their work. The benefit this brings to all aspects of need within our children’s and families service is immeasurable, in particular our vulnerable and potentially-vulnerable children. I am grateful to all the team for being such a proactive partner.”

The HMIP report highlighted for praise two innovative schemes introduced by the YOS to reduce the risk of reoffending by young people.

The ‘My Change Plan’ – a child-friendly planned intervention strategy completed with the young person – was described in the report as ‘an excellent initiative to get young people to recognise and take ownership of the work they need to do to stop offending’.

While Project 17, a joint scheme with Cheshire Probation Trust to support the successful transition of young people from youth justice to adult probation supervision, was praised by inspectors as showing ‘excellent examples of joint working with young people’. Project 17 also won recognition as a finalist in a national justice awards scheme.

Tony Crane, the Council’s director of children’s services, said: “I am delighted at this excellent outcome for the youth offending service. It is well deserved by a team that have worked hard to make continuous improvements to their practise. They are never complacent and always look to develop their approaches to challenging young people.

“This is welcome evidence that our decision to develop a plan to join up our services to concentrate on prevention, whilst allowing us to develop a high-quality and responsive service to youth crime, was the right approach for Cheshire East.”

Police appeal to public in search for man wanted for armed robbery

Police are appealing for the public′s help in tracing a man wanted on suspicion of carrying out an armed robbery at the CoOp on Crewe Road in Haslington on 12 September 2013.

Nicholas Andrew Overton (35) is believed to have connections in the Crewe, Macclesfield and Staffordshire area and may be linked to a blue green Audi A6 which has the registration plate V990 DBB.

He is also wanted for failing to return after day release from HMP Thorn Cross on 22 August 2013.

DI Robert Hassall said: "We would urge anyone who has seen this man or knows of his whereabouts not to approach him directly but to contact police on 999."

Anyone with information about his whereabouts can also call police on 101.

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

‘All Change for Crewe’ as Cheshire East Council sets out ambitious growth strategy for town

 

A major new economic strategy from Cheshire East Council aims to make Crewe the “premier location in the North West region for advanced manufacturing and engineering” by 2030, exploiting the town’s connectivity and record of innovation to drive future growth.

The 50-page strategy, All Change for Crewe:

High Growth City, has five key priorities. These include developing Crewe as a world-class hub for the automotive and rail industries; making the town a UK centre of excellence in employer-led skills; positioning Crewe as a market leader in renewable energy; spearheading a £500 million infrastructure programme for the town and preparing key land assets to support future economic growth.

Unveiled this week by Cheshire East Council Leader, Michael Jones, the strategy aims to build on the recent announcement from Crewe-based Bentley Motors that will see £1 billion invested in new product development - including manufacturing Bentley’s new luxury SUV - creating 400 jobs directly and up to a thousand through the local supply chain.

Part of this will see a new University Technical College built in Crewe, focusing on engineering and design skills, creating a pipeline of new young engineers from the town and surrounding areas. The UTC already has the buy-in from Bentley, Siemens, engineering services company OSL and Manchester Metropolitan University.

Crewe has also been confirmed as one of just a handful of nationally significant centres for the extraction of geothermal power and Cheshire East’s Cabinet has agreed to conduct a feasibility study of a key site in the town. Hundreds of jobs are expected to be created in the renewable sector over coming years as the council develops the town as a deep geothermal energy centre.

The strategy also aims to provide the right mix of sites to drive employment and balanced housing growth in Crewe, ensuring the right types of development opportunities are in position to support sustainable growth going forward.

Cheshire East Council Leader, Cllr Michael Jones, explained: “Crewe really is on the cusp of a major renaissance. Our All Change for Crewe strategy is leading the transformation of the town, capitalising on its rail and engineering heritage, but also supporting growth in exciting new industries and technologies.

“The town’s unrivalled connectivity means Crewe has a unique opportunity to become a gateway between the economies of northern and southern England, with more than six million people living within an hour of the town.”

He added: “The strategy is ambitious – but certainly realisable – and by 2030 we aim to make Crewe a nationally significant economic centre and one of the leading advanced engineering and manufacturing centres in the country.”

Potential Local Plan Sites Unveiled

 

Cheshire East Council has unveiled its proposed development sites for potential inclusion in the final Local Plan later this year.

The planning blueprint, which has been three years in the making following five extensive and thorough public consultations, will set out proposals for new employment sites, homes, road infrastructure projects, as well as new schools and green spaces.

Within these proposed sites, there is less than 1 per cent of the green belt sacrificed to accommodate new developments across the whole borough.

Leader of Cheshire East Council Councillor Michael Jones said he was determined to ensure that the Council’s proposed Local Plan will be one of the best in the country.

He said: “We’ve listened and we’ve acted. The proposed selection of sites will support not just the Council’s vision for sustainable growth, but most importantly the people’s vision too.

“Rather than increasing the size of villages in the north and south, we are proposing a new village called the North Cheshire Growth Village in Handforth East.

“There are some difficult decisions to make but we believe that what we are now proposing will set out a solid blueprint for our future that will protect us from speculative and opportunistic developers, many of whom place profit before principles.”

The Local Plan is a legal document, the process of which must prove to be highly robust if the Planning Inspectorate is to approve next year.

This stage of the Local Plan, entitled the ‘Core Strategy’, will be lodged with the Planning Inspectorate around the end of the year.

Councillor Jones added: “A sound Local Plan is our best defence against unwanted development and this should not be rushed.

“It is a highly legal process and there must be no doubt that the public are fully engaged and are able to make the necessary representations to influence the process.

“I am proud to say that the consultation responses – more than 28,000 of them – have indeed helped this Council shape the Local Plan to this stage.”

As part of the Local Plan vision, £1billion will be invested into the road infrastructure to ensure connectivity across the Borough promotes business and employment opportunities.

Loss of the greenbelt was a contentious issue for many campaign groups, but it now looks as if less than 1 per cent of the greenbelt will be developed. The Council’s Brownfield First policy has ensured that the borough’s greenbelt will be protected as much as possible.

The proposed Core Strategy sites of the Local Plan will now go to the Council’s Strategic Planning Board on September 26^th for comment and consideration. The Board will also be asked if they consider further public consultation is necessary.

The final Core Strategy Local Plan will then be completed and presented to a future meeting of full council. To receive email alerts on the next stages of the Local Plan go to: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan.

To have your say on the next stage of the Local Plan visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan. Any public representations made at this stage will go direct to the Planning Inspector via this link.

CREWE COMPANIES LINE UP FOR CHARITY FOOTBALL MATCH

 

Revving up for the match: Gateway’s general manager, Alex Walker.

Two Crewe businesses are warming up for a charity football match to raise money for Children in Need.

A starting XI from local Peugeot dealership, Gateway Motor Company, will line up against a team from Mornflake, Crewe Alexandra’s official shirt sponsors, on Saturday 28^th September.

Locals are being welcomed down to Cumberland Arena, on Thomas Street, for a 6.30pm kick off and Children in Need mascot, Pudsey Bear, will be on hand to collect donations.

Children in Need is the official partner for Peugeot UK and its dealer network, and Gateway Motor Company is fundraising throughout 2013 to help raise vital funds for the cause.

Gateway’s general manager, Alex Walker, said: “We’re a dealership full of footy fans and we wanted to host a charity match to kick off our fundraising for Children in Need.

“The match looks set to be an exciting encounter and we’re more than ready for the match. We’d love to see our family, friends and customers on the sidelines to cheer us on and dig deep for charity on the night.”

For more information and to help raise money for Children in Need, please contact Gateway Crewe on 01270 587711, visit the dealership on Crewe Gates Industrial Estate or visit http://dealer.peugeot.co.uk/gateway-motor-company-crewe.

Cheshire Police target uninsured drivers

 

Cheshire Police are warning that if you drive a car without insurance, you risk a heavy fine and even losing your car − permanently.

As of September 16, 102 cars have been seized by Cheshire officers as part of a month-long operation to target uninsured drivers.

And those cars all face being crushed and taken off the roads.

Research shows there could be as many as 20,000 people driving on Cheshire′s roads without any insurance.

This means 20,000 people who causing problems for law-abiding citizens every day. If you as a fully insured driver are involved in a collision with an uninsured one, you could end up paying the price.

And even if that doesn′t happen, uninsured drivers are causing you headaches − it is their presence on the roads that drivers your insurance bill up every year.

Chief Inspector Richard Reeves said: "Throughout September officers across Cheshire are focussing on making sure these people are caught and dealt with appropriately in a bid to get the message home that driving without insurance is not and will not be accepted.

"The increasing cost of insurance premiums is affected by the number of claims made every year from people who have been involved in collisions with uninsured drivers."

The cost of being caught has also increased, though − the fixed penalty fine recently went up by £100 to £300. What′s more, seized vehicles not reclaimed by their owners within 14 days can be crushed or sold at auction, with any proceeds re-invested in frontline policing.

Richard added: "Being involved in a road traffic collision is stressful enough but to then learn that the other driver is not insured just adds further upset and complications to the whole process. I know it is a crime that most law abiding citizens are concerned about and I would encourage anyone who suspects a person is driving without insurance to contact police and we will use the powers we have to make sure they are dealt with appropriately."

If you know of someone who is committing insurance fraud, you can contact the Insurance Fraud Bureau to report them by telephone on 0800 422 0421, or online at www.insurancefraudbureau.org/report. You can also contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

The penalties for driving without insurance:

• Vehicle seized by police

• £300 fixed penalty

• £150 plus £20/day to recover the vehicle

• Six penalty points and/or disqualification

• PLUS proof of insurance before the vehicle can be returned

• Seized vehicles which are not claimed within 14 days can be sold or crushed

A video is now available on Youtube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gt5Za1bmTM8&feature=share&list=UUp-pEMRqM2y4NAdz-qtdoGw

Superheroes Assemble as Blue Bell MINI Crewe hosts action-packed #MININotNormal Fun Day

Blue Bell MINI Crewe welcomed South Cheshire’s finest aspiring superheroes as it hosted its action-packed #MININotNormal family fun day recently.

The Gateway dealership also launched a trio of exciting competitions to mark the exciting new national #MININotNormal campaign, celebrating the iconic brand’s innovative, quirky and endearing legacy.

Blue Bell MINI welcomed aspiring Supermen and Wonder Women, aged 2-11, who were ready to save the world in their finest capes and costumes. To get them in the crime-fighting spirit, the youngsters were treated to face painting, an array of fun and games, refreshments, and also got a sneak peek at three special MINIs wrapped in the unmistakable outfits of Spiderman, The Hulk and Batman.

Children were invited to take part in a national colouring competition to design their own ‘Not Normal’ MINI, to be in with a chance of winning a sensational three night family holiday to Lapland to meet Santa and, on top of that, have their very own ‘Not Normal’ MINI brought to life.  The competition is still open and the closing date is 18 October.

On the big day, the showroom hosted a fancy dress competition with the winner receiving a cinema voucher worth £40. The winner was George Hughes, aged 4, from Chester.

MINI Brand Manager Paul Legerton commented: “We were thrilled with the success of the action-packed #MININotNormal fun day.

“The #MININotNormal campaign celebrates the quirks and innovation that set MINI apart from and above the competition. The superhero theme was the perfect way to be different.

“MINI’s incredible competition for a trip to Lapland proved really popular and we were thrilled to welcome so many young superheroes and their families.”

The Blue Bell team is now giving people the chance to win another incredible prize, as its incredible superhero cars will be touring around Cheshire.

If you spot them, make sure you take a picture and tweet it to @BlueBellMINI using the hashtag #MININotNormal. The winner of the prize draw will win an annual cinema pass for two.

The closing date for the national MINI Lapland colouring competition is 18 October. The top prize is a three night holiday for a family of two adults and two children. The winning #MININotNormal car design will also be produced by MINI. Second prize is a boot full of MINI goodies worth £200.

To find out more visit www.bluebellcrewemini.co.uk, call 01270 214800 or visit the dealership at Gateway, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6YY.

Cheshire Police focus on alcohol harm prevention

 

Cheshire Police will be taking part in a national initiative this week to raise awareness about the harm that alcohol can do in communities and the impact alcohol-related incidents and crime has on police resources.

With the rise in alcohol abuse amongst young people, there will be a number of initiatives taking place. Licensing officers will be making visits to licensed premises and talking to licensees about underage drinking, warning them that they could face fines or the possibility of losing their licenses if they sell alcohol to the underage. But equally, those who buy alcohol on behalf of underage youngsters will also be fined.

Assistant Chief Constable Janette McCormick said:

"We want to use this week to highlight the harm caused by alcohol and how this can impact on communities where much of violent crime is alcohol-related. "Totally Wasted" places a focus on wasted "police time" in that police have to deal with alcohol fuelled violent crime and anti-social behaviour during the night time economy which is an increasing problem in towns and cities. Alcohol harm messages are also being delivered via our local officers to fresher′s fairs and alcohol talks to local schools and colleges across the county."

Police officers and staff will deliver ‘Totally Wasted′ into college and university fresher′s fairs where many young people are moving away from home for the first time. ‘Totally Wasted′ is Cheshire Police′s alcohol awareness initiative - which educates young people to the dangers of alcohol abuse. It educates young people around the harm that alcohol causes and delivers key alcohol messages in the form of face to face alcohol talks to schools and colleges and universities.

Alcohol abuse can ‘totally waste′ public service time and tax payers′ money by tying up vital police resources on patrol; in custody suites and is responsible for many emergency hospital admissions. Cheshire Police officers and staff will be focusing on operations and initiatives that target those people who abuse alcohol and commit crime or anti-social behaviour and bring them to account for their irresponsible actions.

Cheshire Police are saying "don′t totally waste your money, drinking to excess not only wastes your money, it can affect your behaviour and your memory putting you at risk and in danger of becoming a victim of crime, getting involved in anti-social behaviour or committing a crime. If you are planning a night out, and see a police officer on the street, make sure that your night isn′t totally wasted by a night in a police cell."

Throughout the week the police will be releasing information on incidents they are called to deal with via their Twitter feed which will enable people to build an insight into just how many incidents that officers and staff from Cheshire Police are called to deal with that are alcohol-related, and local officers will be tweeting across the neighbourhood policing units and from custody suites.

To follow what happens throughout the week, search on #alcoholharm and #totallywasted. You can read more information about ‘Totally Wasted′ by visiting upbeat.uk.com.

Family fun day at Cheshire Police Headquarters!!

This weekend, Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service will be hosting an action-packed day at Cheshire Police Headquarters. After attracting an attendance of 5,000 visitors last year, this event draws the crowds and will have plenty to see and do for parents and for children.  

The Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Community Engagement Day will be held on Sunday, September 22nd from 11am to 4pm, and is free to attend. The day will feature a whole host of attractions highlighting the specialist skills needed to work for the emergency services.

Chief Constable David Whatton said "The police are often seen on the television - in both dramas and documentaries - but this is your chance to see what we do, from local community policing through to tackling organised crime and dealing with riots. You will be able to see how we work alongside Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to make sure you are safe and feel safe."

Fire fighters will be demonstrating how times have changed when dealing with a road traffic collision and how complex a road traffic collision can become when involving a range of vehicles.

Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock said "Cheshire′s fire fighters are trained to deal with a wide range of incidents, and Cheshire Fire Authority continue to invest in new vehicles and equipment to ensure we can support our fire fighters when responding to emergencies."

In addition to the demonstrations, budding detectives will have the chance to solve a cyber crime in the exhibition hall, piecing together evidence to help find a missing child; and you will have the opportunity to find out what it takes to become a fire fighter.ced

http://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/

The Cheshire Police and Fire and Rescue Service Community Engagement Day is at Cheshire Police Headquarters on Oakmere Road, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 2UA.

A full list of events will be available on cheshire.police.uk and cheshirefire.gov.uk.

Police appeal for witnesses following fatal collision in Alderely Edge

 

Police are appealing for witnesses following fatal collision in Alderley Edge.

At 8.07am on Monday 16 September 2013 police were called to a collision on the A34 Congleton Road, Alderley Edge.

A Porsche Cayman had been in collision with a Ford Focus which had been travelling in the opposite direction.

The three occupants of the Ford Focus were taken to Hospital to be treated for their injuries. One of the passengers, an 11-year-old boy from Sandbach was taken to Manchester Royal Children′s Hospital with serious injuries. Sadly,he died a short time later.

The driver of the Porsche was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital to be treated for his injuries.

Road closures are in place while emergency services are working at the scene.

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 123 of 16 September 2013.

Over half of cared for children in Cheshie East are sent to far-flung care homes

 

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester says that Cheshire East Council (CE) must take urgent action to ensure that more of their vulnerable children are cared for in the Borough and not in some far flung place.

He said,' Maps compiled by the Dept. of Education show that over half (54%) of cared for children are sent to far flung care homes by CE (See link below) This percentage is twice as high as CheshireWest,Warrington,Wirral and Lancashire. In Shropshire it is 33%.

A series of reports ordered in the wake of the Rochdale sexual exploitation scandal highlighted how children sent far from their familiar support networks of family and friends could be more vulnerable to grooming rings. It is more difficult for social workers to observe and assess the progress of the children they have responsibility for. Also it is more expensive to have children in these far flung  homes.

This latest criticism comes only months after a damning OFSTED report on the Child Protection arrangements in CE. (See below) The report stated that, 'Not even minimum standards were being met in this crucial area of child protection'. It further stated that 'children, young people and families experience poor recognition of risk, delays and inconsistent management decision making. This increases the children and young people's potential risk of harm.'

It is obvious that considerable improvement is required in the way that vulnerable children are housed and protected in CE.'

Cllr Brian Silvester

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor

Cheshire East Council

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Twitter @CllrBSilvester

Wistaston Jubilee Tennis Club Finals Day.

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

The Wistaston Jubilee Tennis Club (WJTC) Finals Day took place on Sunday 15th September 2013 on the two courts behind the Wistaston Memorial Hall & Community Centre on Church Lane.

Alastair Bain (WJTC Chairman) introduced the presentation of trophies in the main hall of the Memorial Hall:

- Junior round-robin tournament final: Jack Whalley beat George Raiswell. Shield presented by Alastair Bain (WJTC Chairman).

- Most Improved Junior: George Raiswell. Shield presented by Alastair Bain (WJTC Chairman).

- Men’s Singles Final: Jonathan Braithwaite beat Paul Ellis 6-4, 6-3. Frank Tew-John White Cup presented by John White (Honorary Life Member).

- Men's Doubles Final: Jonathan White and Paul Unwin beat Adrian Dunning and Bradley Evans 6-1, 6-3. Howard West Memorial Trophy presented by Margaret Maddock (Honorary Life Member).

- Veterans Doubles Final: Bill Heath and Roy Birtles beat Marilyn Tomkinson and Eric James 6-0, 6-2. Trophy presented by Alice Chalwin (Club President).

- Open Doubles Final: Diane Mayman & Jonathan Braithwaite  beat Nick Green & Carl Boffey 6-1, 6-2. Wistaston Community Committee Cup presented by Bill Heath (Treasurer).

- Members of Wistaston A received shields for winning Spring Division 2 and Men's Division 3 in the South and Mid Cheshire Tennis League: http://www.smctennis.co.uk/

Refreshments were provided by members of the club, under the supervision of Alice Chalwin and Margaret Maddock.

All the photographs have been uploaded to http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathanawhite/sets/72157635546757941/

For WJTC membership details please contact Bill Heath (Tel. 01270 560471).

Wistaston residents hand over ‘SAVE THE GREEN GAPS’ petition to Council Leader

Representatives from Hands off Wistaston and Wistaston Parish Council have met up with their Ward Councillors Margaret Simon and Jacquie Weatherill, at Cheshire East Council’s Headquarters in Sandbach, to hand over their petition to save our local Green Gaps to the Council Leader.  The petition entitled ‘Protect existing Green Gap land in the Crewe and Nantwich area from development’ had been supported and signed by over 2000 local residents. Members of Hands off Wistaston (HOW) had gained support for it at local clubs and associations and they had also had people queuing up to sign it at a street stall they recently held in the centre of Nantwich.

The message that we need to save our local Green Gaps has struck a chord with residents of Crewe and Nantwich as they are coming under increasing pressure from developers rushing to get in planning applications on them before the emerging Cheshire East Local Plan is in place.  The Green Gap Policy was adopted by the former Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council to keep our towns and villages apart from each other in order to help them to retain their identities.

HOW’s Peter Carton says;

“We had absolutely no problem collecting 2000 signatures in a very short time because local people feel so strongly about the possibility that their Green Gaps might disappear.  No-one is keen to see Crewe, Nantwich and the villages in between joined up”.

Councillor Michael Jones says;

“I am delighted to accept this petition and I thank the Wistaston representatives and their Ward Councillors for all their hard work.  The  more that people are prepared to show their anger at speculative developers the harder I am prepared to fight to help them.  It is clear that Green Gaps are very important to residents.  We are all in this together we must stop unplanned, unwanted and unsustainable development.”

Wistaston Ward Councillor Margaret Simon says;

“Wistaston residents have been really up against it from unscrupulous developers in recent months, just about every green field in the area between Church Lane and the Middlewich Road is currently being speculated on.  They are not on their own either, many of our local villages have developers making applications on land that is currently prime agricultural land making up our Green Gaps.  This petition will help our Council Leader, Michael Jones, to demonstrate how strongly people feel about unwanted development in the Crewe and Nantwich Green Gaps.”

 

Wistaston Ward Councillor asks for residents to make their feelings known about application to build up to 170 homes on land off Moorfields, Willaston

I would like to draw your readers’ attention to an application which has been made by Richborough Estates to build up to 170 homes on land off Moorfields, Willaston.  This land is behind Crewe Road, Wistaston and between Wistaston Road, Willaston and Moorfields.  Clearly this application affects people who live in both Wistaston and Willaston Parishes.  This application is in a Green Gap.  The former Borough of Crewe and Nantwich adopted the Green Gap Policy to help to keep the towns of Crewe and Nantwich apart from our villages which, in turn, helps them to keep their own identities.  Local action groups Hands off Wistaston and the Willaston Green Gap Action Group and Parish Councils in both Wistaston and Willaston have been working really hard to get the message out that our Green Gaps must be protected.

It would be helpful if local residents of Wistaston and Willaston could feed in their concerns about this application either by emailing them to planning@cheshireeast.gov.uk

or by going online to Cheshire East’s website and logging them on to the application via the Environment and Planning section using 13/3688 as the reference.  Anyone wishing to write in should write to case officer -

Daniel Evans

Development Management

PO Box 606

Municipal Buildings

Earle Street

CREWE

Cheshire

CW1 9HP

It is really important that you feed in comments to any individual planning application that affects you.  It is so easy to leave it to someone else to comment and voice objections but if everyone does that then the strength of local feeling cannot easily be judged. 

Margaret Simon

Cheshire East Councillor for Wistaston Ward

South Cheshire Model Engineering Society open day.

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

South Cheshire Model Engineering Society held their annual open day on Saturday 14th September 2013. This free event took place on their premises at the rear of the Peacock Hotel, Crewe Road, Willaston CW5 6NE. There were model steam and electric train rides, a display of larger gauge locomotives, a demonstration of equipment used by the hobby engineer of yesteryear in 'Mike's Shed', a photo display of the history of the Society along with refreshments served by Society volunteers in the Clubhouse, whilst further refreshments were available outside from the Wilson House Scouts http://www.wilsonhousescouts.org.uk/ . The event was enjoyed by hundreds of visitors and the rain stayed away all day. The Society currently has eighty members and meets on the first Tuesday of every month at 7.45pm in their Clubhouse. For further information relating to the Society please visit: http://www.southcheshiremes.com 

Nantwich Eats' exhibition at Nantwich Museum

Reporter J White

Nantwich Museum is hosting a 'Nantwich Eats' exhibition until 26 October 2013. The exhibition is free entry and traces the story of food shopping in Nantwich over the past 100 years and includes numerous information boards, exhibits, a screen displaying archived photographs and a children's trail. There are also food tours (£2 per person) and an events programme (various prices). Nantwich Museum opening times are Tues-Sat 10:30am-4:30pm. For further information please visit http://nantwichmuseum.org.uk 

Police appeal for witnesses following shop robbery in Haslington

 

Police are appealing for witnesses following a robbery at a shop in Haslington.

Shortly before 8.44pm on Thursday 12 September 2013 a man entered the Co-Op on Crewe Road in Haslington and selected a pint of milk. He then approached the counter and gave the cashier a £1 coin.

As the shop assistant opened the till he produced a 6 inch knife and leaned over the counter to take cash from the till. The shop assistant attempted to stop the man from taking the money, but the offender escaped with a quantity of cash.

The offender is described as white, 25 to 30-years-old and had an English accent.

He was wearing black trousers, a hooded top with the hood up and dark rimmed glasses.

A dark coloured Audi was seen in the area at the time, and enquiries are continuing to locate the car.

DC Andy Dixon said: "We are looking at the possibility that this is linked to the robbery at Bargain Booze in Gresty Road last week and the recent incidents in Macclesfield.

"We would urge anyone with information to contact police in order to help us with our enquiries."

DC Dixon added: "We would advise shopkeepers to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police."

Anyone with information should contact DC Andy Dixon on 101 quoting incident number 906 of 12 September 2013.

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

CONCERN OVER TRANSFER OF CROWN POST OFFICES TO RETAIL OUTLETS

 

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester has expressed concern that the main Crown Post Offices in Crewe and Macclesfield are to close and the service will be moved to a, yet to be named, retailer in the town centres by April 2014.(See below)

He said," I am concerened because the Crown Post offices in the two biggest town centres in Cheshire East are well used and  there must be a doubt that a town centre retailer can cope with the additional demand and customers that will result from the transfer. Queues are already a problem at peak times and this can only get worse if post officer users have to compete with shop's existing clientele to get served. Also if the retailer closes down, what happens to the post office? For example, the post office in the Shopping City in Runcorn in Cheshire was moved to W H Smith two years ago and now that W H Smith is closing down and the post office with it. People will have to travel over two miles for an alternative post office. I would not want that to happen in Crewe or Macclesfield. The post office say that existing staff will be protected  but it is obviously a matter of great concern because their workplace is being closed down and the terms and conditions of any new role offered  are uncertain."

Cheshire Ethical Finance Charity Care2Save

Cheshire Ethical Finance Charity Care2Save Takes #ChangeYourWorld Message to Global Leaders Thanks to Smallwood Schoolchildren

Cheshire-based charity pioneers behind the UK’s revolutionary and rapidly-expanding website and service, Care2Save.co.uk, are launching a global campaign to inspire the world’s most influential figures.

Care2Save founder Andrea Fragata Ladeira is reaching out to world leaders with the #ChangeYourWorld campaign in support of the trailblazing charity, established to create a new long-term income stream for good causes around the world by changing the way we, the UK consumers, shop.

Unique #ChangeYourWorld introductory packages, wrapped with inspiring and colourful pictures by pupils at Smallwood Primary and Hartford High School, will soon be arriving on the doorsteps of the likes of David Cameron, Richard Branson, Bill Gates and Simon Cowell.

The growing service, launched earlier this year, is about to dramatically increase its range of products and services available with more than 50 established high streets retail, financial, travel and energy companies– including the likes of Debenhams, Boots, House of Fraser, WH Smith, Laura Ashley Monarch, BT, O2 and Energyhelpline.com – set to be added to its existing home and contents insurance offer from 1 October.

In an extraordinary move, every penny due to the not-for-profit Care2Save – that’s 100% of the commission usually pocketed by a company for introductions - is given to charities.

80% is given directly to any registered charity of the consumer’s choice. The remaining 20% also goes to charity, in the form of the Care2Save Charitable Trust, which will distribute all profits to hospices and palliative care projects in the UK and around the world.

And the additional cost of this donation to the customer? – nothing.

The Winsford-based charity’s founder and CEO of the Care2Save Charitable Trust, Mrs Fragata Ladeira, aged 40, is confident the cause can fundamentally reshape the way we give to charity.

Andrea spent her early childhood in Nepal, first in Kathmandu, and later amongst the farm huts of Pokhara, where her parents were doing missionary work. She believes her desire to make a difference can be traced back to her time there. This has manifested in her determination to transform the way we, the public, give to charity.

Andrea commented: “I look back and I think my experience in Nepal has certainly shaped my character and outlook on life. I was just a little girl when my parents made the inspirational decision to go out there to help people.

“While I did witness the very worst of abject poverty, open sewers and families living in squalor, I also encountered incredible human kindness and compassion.

“Our goal at Care2Save.co.uk is to encourage the people of the UK and around the globe to change the way they buy products and give to charity.

“We are reaching out to the world’s decision markers in order to change our world.”

As Andrea helped put the finishing touches to the introductory boxes from the charity’s base in Winsford, Cheshire, she added: “We can’t wait for the packs to go out to world leaders with the imagery of a better world provided by the children at both Smallwood Primary and Hartford High School which is incredibly moving.

“It is becoming more difficult for charities to raise the money they need to continue making a difference. The generous people of the UK want to give and continue to do so but we are all feeling the effects of the economic downturn.

“Added to which Government funds are stretched and decisions about where services can be cut are being made all over the country.

“Ask yourself - if you have to buy insurance to protect your home, and buying through the pioneering Care2Save service gives you a great product at a competitive price, and also allows you to give a gift that makes a real difference to the charity you love, why wouldn't you do that?

“As a charity Care2Save has no shareholders to pay, a completely transparent and low cost structure, and is governed by a board of trustees who volunteer their time and expertise.

From 1^st October the range of products and services available through the www.Care2Save.co.uk website will expand dramatically.

New ways for consumers to support their favourite charities include:

· Financial - As well as home buildings & contents insurance, you’ll soon be able to buy motor and life insurance as well as mortgage and loan products through our Financial Services partner Reach Financial Services Ltd.

· Retail – You will soon be able to shop at dozens of online stores including BHS, Coast, Debenhams, Boots, House of Fraser, WH Smith, Laura Ashley and Waitrose.

· Travel – You’ll be able to book your tickets through The Trainline, flights through Monarch, holidays through Easyjet and Expedia and hotels through LateRooms and Marriott and much more.

· Communications – You’ll be able to buy broadband and communication products from, amongst others, BT, O2 and Orange.

· Energy – You’ll be able to find the most competitive energy deals through comparison website Energyhelpline.com.

For more information about Care2Save visit www.Care2Save.co.uk.

Man charged with burglary in Nantwich

 

Police have charged a Winsford man following a house burglary that took place on the morning of September 8 in Manor Road North, Nantwich.

John Joseph McNally, 39, of Bakers Lane, Winsford was charged with burglary and attempted burglary of two homes which took place between 07:45 hours and 08:10 that morning. He will appear before Chester Crown Court on 3rd January 2014.

Police are keen to speak to anyone who may have been in the area at the time and who saw anyone behaving suspiciously. The area was busy with people attending the Food Festival and the Nantwich triathalon that morning.

Anyone who can offer any information should contact DC Lisa Bebbington on 101.

Free Website health check Tool for Cheshire Businesses

 

ContractStore.com has devised a free and easy-to-use, confidential website health check, http://www.contractstore.com/healthcheck, to make sure all Cheshire businesses websites are up to date with the latest regulations.
The check is designed to flag up any issues the site might have in regards to a number of areas: from the correct display of company registration details to the use of cookies and collection of site visitor data.
Giles Dixon, founder and managing director of ContractStore, explains: “There is a maze of regulations for businesses online, and for busy SME business owners, it is often difficult to keep abreast of the latest rulings and best practice approach when it comes to making sure your website is fully compliant.
“At present, there may not be much strict enforcement, however it’s better to be in a position where you are exercising good practice, and you can give your customers the sense of professionalism and reassurance that they need when they visit your website. This is particularly important if you are selling goods or services online as the last thing you want is a complaint from Trading Standards officials.
“We

have

launched the simple free questionnaire tool which will give you a website healthcheck score and a customised checklist so you can get your site up to date and make sure it complies with the regulations.”
It’s quick and easy to take part, simply go to: http://www.contractstore.com/healthcheck
ContractStore.com provides legal document templates for download, helping businesses to protect their interests and reduce legal costs. The site also publishes articles and guidance notes along with news and updates from legal sources.
Giles Dixon is an English solicitor, with over thirty years' experience of drafting and negotiating commercial and construction contracts in the UK and overseas.  He has long been convinced that there is a quicker and simpler approach to the delivery and supply of most contracts, and he is an active proponent of the use of plain English in legal documents.
For more information on ContractStore.com visit www.contractstore.com

18th ‘Annual Community Duck Race and Children's Model Boat Race’

Reporter John White, Crewe

18th ‘Annual Community Duck Race and Children's Model Boat Race’ (Sat 7-9-13)

The 18th ‘Annual Community Duck Race and Children's Model Boat Race’ took place on Saturday 7th September 2013, at the Joey the Swan Recreation ground in Wistaston.

The event, which was sponsored by Wistaston Community Council and the Crewe Cine & Video Club, was officially opened by the Wistaston Rose Queen (Naomi Barker) and her Attendant (Poppy Bellingham). Members of the Hall's management committee organised the event. 59 model boats were entered into the Children's Model Boat Race and 800 duck race tickets (£1 each) were sold and entered into the Duck Race.  All proceeds go to the new curtains fund at the Wistaston Memorial Hall & Community Centre, Church Lane, Wistaston. There were also twelve stalls featuring local charities and organisations. Several hundred people attended the event, which took place in glorious sunshine. The Wistaston Memorial Hall’s committee sincerely thank all those who helped to make the event a success in many ways, which raised £600 for the new stage curtains.

Here are the results in full:

Children's Model Boat Race (59 model boats entered):

a) Best designed children's model boat (judged by Wistaston Rose Queen, Naomi Barker and her Attendant, Poppy Bellingham):

1st – Natalie Rea with her boat 'Huckleberry Finn' paddle steamer

2nd – Charlotte Rea

3rd – Chloe and Jessica Brereton

b) Children's Model Boat Race (organised by India Sloan):

1st – Millie Worthington - wins £5, plus trophy donated by Herbert Locke MBE.

2nd – Isaac Fowler

3rd – Fin Davison

Duck Race (800 tickets sold):

1st – No. 118 – Joan Evanson - wins £100, plus trophy donated by Les Fothergill.

2nd – No. 175 – Barbara Ray - £50.

3rd – No. 657 – Kerry Hodgekiss - £25.

Bill Heath provided commentary on both races.

Event organiser John White said, "This was another successful community enterprise for Wistaston. The Memorial Hall's officers worked so hard to run the event. People who visited were most generous to buy so many tickets. I was pleased to hear that the stall holders and charities did well. The children were excited and enthusiastic to see their boats in action. It was a quacking great success. We were fortunate with the weather. So many people helped to set up and take down the equipment; we thank them all. The £600 raised will complete the necessary shortfall in paying for the new stage curtains in the main hall. We can't wait for the 2014 Duck Race on Saturday 6th September."

All photographs by Andrew Feltham. They have all been uploaded to http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathanawhite/sets/72157635487334462/

John White

Chairman

Memorial Hall’s Management Committee