Stop Press…Men Wanted

 

Enlist Your Mates & Dazzle the Ladies on the Dance Floor!

St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice has put out a call to action out to local homes, businesses and sports clubs in their search for men to join for their ‘Strictly Learn to Dance’ challenge.    

For Cheshire gents inspired to take the lead from Ben Cohen of BBC’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ acclaim then here’s a chance to rally your mates, up your dancing ante, and become champions of the dance floor.

For those ready to take on the challenge, training for the competition is set to start, although places are limited so make sure you sign up soon.

You will also be raising money for St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice - supporting their invaluable work in caring for people from Mid and South Cheshire suffering from cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. The hospice is a non-profit making organisation, funded by primarily from voluntary contributions. So, to join in the fundraising drive whilst improving your fitness and having fun, take these three simple steps:-

Step one - put on your dancing shoes and attend dancing tuition to hone those skills.

Step two – ask your friends and family to sponsor you.

Step three – become the next St Luke’s Strictly Learn to Dance superstar!

If you don’t have a partner to whirl gracefully around the ballroom with, there will be plenty of other dancers keen to pair up and learn with you. Or if you are a couple who would both want to take on the challenge, now is your chance to get involved as Strictly Learn to Dance competition returns for what promises to be another spectacular year.

Weekly 45-minute Rock n Roll and Waltz tuition will soon begin every Wednesday evening. This is given free of charge by Mark & Holly from Dancebasics dance school in Crewe.

All the practice and training will pay off, culminating in an extravagant Grand Finale Show at Nantwich Civic Hall on Sunday 18 May, during which a panel of judges will observe the couples as they dance, and crown the winning couple the ‘dancing king and queen’.

Participants will be asked to register and commit to raise a minimum sponsorship of £600 per couple.  Tickets for the Grand Finale will be on sale from late April to raise money for the St Luke’s Hospice, which cares for sufferers of cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Nicola Jepson, Senior Fundraising Events Co-ordinator said: “St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice’s Strictly Learn to dance has been a huge success in past years, raising over £40,000 for the hospice and we hope this year will be bigger and better than ever before.

If you’re keen to get involved in ‘Strictly Learn to Dance’ contact Nicola Jepson at St Luke’s Hospice on 01606 555684 or email:nicola_jepson@stlukes-hospice.co.uk.

Action call to stop flooding problems in Gresty Lane, Rope

 

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester is calling on Cheshire East Councill (CEC) to take action to stop the ongoing flooding problem in Gresty Lane, Rope.

He said,"Last weekend the lane had to be closed again due to flooding.I have written to CEC to call  for a long term solution to the problem 'The land raising by the dumping of soil by Rope Garden Nurseries,  adjacent to the road and the brook, is not allowing the water to get away and is a major factor in the flooding that occurs on a regular basis in Gresty Lane, whenever there is any weight of rain. Also the parking of the Nursery's vehicles on the grass verges means that they have been destroyed. Parking should not be allowed on these verges and they need to be re-instated.

Please let me know what you plan to do to ensure that this ongoing problem does not keep repeating itself and that the verges are restored and protected from any future damage.'

CEC are now investigating to see if any planning enforcement can be taken over the  raising of the land.

Cheshire East Council and the Cheshire Police are failing to monitor the effectiveness of CCTV

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester is calling for more effective monitoring of CCTV to ensure that value for money is being achieved for local Council taxpayers.

He said," Cheshire East Council (CEC) has over 250 CCTV cameras across the Borough and the annual budget is £585,000 or over £2000 per camera per year. One of the main purposes of CCTV is to provide images of people who might  be able to help the Police with inquiries. I was amazed to find out that neither CEC or the Police record the number of crimes that have been cleared up by the use of CCTV images.(See below)

I am calling for  this information to be collected so the effectiveness of the CCTV can be monitored. It is not right that CEC is spending over half a million pounds a year of Council taxpayers money on CCTV and basic information like this is not being collected. I am also calling for the images obtained of people who could help with inquiries to be made more widely available to the public so they can help with the identification process. They should  displayed in public buildings and in the local media. At the moment you rarely see requests to help with identification.

CCTV is very expensive and CEC must ensure that value for money is being obtained and the most effective use is being made of the images obtained."

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons) (Photo attached)

UK Independence Party Councillor

Cheshire East Council

11 Rimsdale Close

Rope,Crewe

CW2 6RS

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Twitter @CllrBSilvester

Facebook Cllr Brian Silvester

Winter Wellbeing – free advice on energy bill costs

 

Cheshire East Council and its partners are offering a range of advice and support to residents on how to keep warm, well and safe this winter.

This week, we look at how residents can cut down on their energy costs.

Everybody knows that energy prices are on the rise – and it can seem like a minefield finding the cheapest or best option.

However, there is help at hand. An advice line is now available to residents in Cheshire East, offering help to reduce energy bills and keep warm this winter.

The Save Energy Advice Line is provided by the Energy Project Plus charity and will provide free, expert and impartial advice to householders.

Advice includes:

· Ways to use energy more efficiently in the home;

· Switching energy tariffs;

· Grants to help with the cost of installing energy-saving measures, such as insulation or a new boiler; and

· Support with investigating if there are any payments householders may be entitled to, which help towards paying energy bills and help with fuel debt.

With the ‘big six’ energy companies announcing price rises that will add £100 to the average bill, it is more important than ever to look at ways to bring the cost of energy down.

Peter Owen, chief executive at Energy Projects Plus, said: “Small actions can add up to big savings. Householders shouldn’t feel as though they are stuck with higher bills. There are lots of things people can do to bring costs down –  and we’re here to help.”

Councillor Janet Clowes, Winter Wellbeing spokeswoman, said: “I am delighted this service is on offer to residents. Rising fuel bills are a concern for many this winter, so I would encourage residents to contact the Save Energy Advice Line, to find out what help and advice is available and see how much they can save.”

Energy advisors are on hand from Monday to Friday (9am to 5pm). For free, impartial and expert advice on reducing your energy bills and keeping warm this winter call the Save Energy Advice Line on 0800 043 0151.

A safe and smoke-free environment for all

 

Public Health Cheshire East in partnership with local NHS Trusts and Heart of Mersey, is launching a new public health campaign to end smoking on hospital premises.

From February 3, 2014 people who use NHS services, visitors and NHS employees, will not be able to smoke in the following NHS trust premises and grounds: The Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Wirral University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and East Cheshire NHS Trust.

Heather Grimbaldston director for Public Health Cheshire East said: “Tobacco smoking is the main cause of preventable and premature death in the UK – and the NHS spends £2.7bn a year treating smoking-related illnesses.

“I am delighted that these local NHS Trusts are taking this approach to protect the health of people who use, and work in, their services. The benefits of not smoking during a hospital stay are considerable and include shorter hospital stays, lower drug doses, higher survival rates and fewer complications - to name but a few.

“Allowing smoking within hospital grounds is not supporting people who use NHS services to manage their nicotine dependency and it gives confusing messages. No level of smoking or second hand smoke is safe. The NHS has encouraged people not to smoke on their premises for some time, but the message now is clear: ‘you can’t smoke in these hospital sites’.

“We will support people with their nicotine dependency and encourage people to access specialist support services. Hopefully many people will go on to give up smoking for good and fully realise the health and social benefits of this.”

The move coincides with the publication in late November of public health guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). This guidance recommends that all NHS hospitals and clinics take appropriate action to create a safe, smokefree environment for all.

If you would like support to stop smoking, please contact the Cheshire East stop smoking service on 0800 085 8818 or log on to www.stop-smoking-cheshire.co.uk.

Council secures five-year housing supply to protect against speculative developers

 

Cheshire East Council has taken a major step forward in its fight against unplanned, unsustainable and unwanted housing development.

Cheshire East Council has published its latest assessment of housing land supply in the Borough – which shows that the authority now has more than a five-year supply of housing land, inclusive of a crucial five-per cent buffer for choice and competition.

It means Cheshire East’s countryside should now be better protected against unsustainable development.

Cheshire East Council Leader Councillor Michael Jones said it signals the Council’s determination to continue its fight to fend off unplanned, unsustainable and unwanted development in the Borough and protect the best of our countryside.

The latest assessment takes account of all the latest information and available data – and includes all evidence on housing completions and planning permissions up to December 31, 2013.

The assessment recognises the results of appeal decisions in the autumn, which concluded that the Council could not demonstrate a five-year supply of housing at that point and takes on board many of the comments made by the Planning Inspectors. It also follows consultation with the Housing Market Partnership, in December, on methodology and sources of supply.

Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones said: “The latest assessment published today shows that Cheshire East responded robustly to the Government’s call to meet the need for more housing.

“It shows that we have granted numerous planning permissions and there are many more sites now under construction. This demonstrates that land is being made available to provide the housing that the Borough will need in future, while protecting the countryside and green belt.

“There are many variables in the calculation of housing land supply but we have been careful to take on board many of the outcomes of the recent planning appeals.

“We have included a five per cent buffer for choice and competition because, historically, Cheshire East has always been a healthy housing market area.

“We actually have just over a 20 per cent buffer on housing supply. However, we do not believe that a larger 20 per cent buffer is appropriate because past delivery was artificially weakened by the regionally-imposed moratoriums imposed on Congleton and Macclesfield boroughs, which prevented us from delivering more homes over the last decade. Cheshire East should not be penalised for that – as it was beyond its control.

“We hope that the current rash of speculative planning applications for housing will now start to ebb away and that the development industry will work constructively with us to secure the effective implementation of new Local Plan.

“It will also help save taxpayers money from the legal costs of fighting planning appeals, because we will have demonstrated a five-year housing supply as a crucial barrier to unplanned, unwanted and unsustainable developments.”

The five-year-housing supply report will go before a meeting of the Council’s Strategic Planning Board next week (February 5).

The five-year housing requirement is 8,311 homes (inclusive of a five per cent buffer) and the identified supply is 9,757 homes – equivalent to 5.87 years. The Housing requirement is based on the figures in the former North West Regional Spatial Strategy.

Ongoing incident: Fire at Hutchins Crewe

 

Incident Id: 1307

Date/Time: 27/01/2014 - 14:21

Address: Herbert Street in Crewe.

Attendance: two fire engines from Crewe, one from Sandbach, one from Holmes Chapel and one from Middlewich.

Details

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Firefighters were called to a report of smoke coming from the area of Herbert Street in Crewe.

When they arrived crews found that the incident involved three commercial greenhouses.

There are currently five fire engines at the scene dealing with the incident.

People living nearby are advised to keep their windows shut to avoid homes being filled with smoke.

Further updates will be issued as the incident progresses.

Update 15:00

The incident is at Hutchins on Herbert Street. Fire crews have set up what we call 'water curtains' to protect the neighbouring properties, which have been evacuated as a precaution. The incident does involve a high voltage electricity cable and crews are liaising with Manweb.

Update 15:30

Crews are continuing to fight the fire which is giving off thick black smoke. People should continue to keep their windows and doors closed to prevent it from entering homes and property.

Sydney Road has been closed.  This incident is likely to cause significant disruption and so people are advised to avoid the area.

Update 16:00

Firefighters have made good progress in tackling the fire. A further three fire engines have been sent to the scene.

Further updates will be issued as the incident progresses.

Video

Firefighters tackling a large fire in Crewe

Update 17:00

The incident is still ongoing. Manweb have had to turn the power off to a number of homes on Herbert Street and Foxholme Court, Crewe. Those residents affected are being advised to go to the Sydney Arms Pub where more information will be available.

Update 17:30

Sydney Road remains closed at this time.  Hopefully it will be open again soon but avoid the area at the moment. Thanks for your patience everybody we know this incident has caused some disruption. We’re doing all we can to deal with it.
The firefighting is going well although we expect to be at the scene for some time to come.

Update 19:30

All road closures in the area have now been lifted although a police cordon remains in place in Herbert Street. Electricity in the area continues to be affected as engineers have had to isolate some supplies to allow firefighters to completely extinguish flames on the site.

Crews working with engineers from Scottish Power to make safe the telegraph pole and transformer on the site. Cordon reduced to 50 metres.

Update 20:15

The number of fire engines at the scene is being reduced down to two. Police are allowing nearby residents back into their homes as Scottish Power continue to work on restoring electricity supplies.

Local church members offered free refreshments

Cheshire East commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day

 

Cheshire East Council held a poignant service of remembrance to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

The move followed a personal initiative by Council Leader Michael Jones, announced last month, to make the date an annual commemoration by the authority.

Councillor Jones, Cheshire East Council Mayor Councillor Dorothy Flude and Mayor of Sandbach Councillor Mike Benson led more than 60 members of the public and civic dignitaries representing communities from across the Borough at the Holocaust Memorial Day Act of Remembrance, at Sandbach Town Hall, today(Monday, January 27).

The ceremony included the reading of a poem, a violin performance of John Williams’ ‘Remembrance’ by Congleton High School Year 10 pupil Eloise Smith, the lighting of memorial candles by people who attended and the observing of two minutes’ silence.

Councillor Michael Jones said: “This was a solemn occasion when the people of Cheshire East joined together symbolically as a community to bear witness, remember and say ‘never again’.

“Sadly, humanity is still scarred by the belief that race, religion, disability or sexuality makes some people’s lives worth less than others.

“We must never forget these genocidal crimes, or their innocent victims, and we must challenge ourselves to learn the lessons of the past to help create a better and more humane future.”

Holocaust Memorial Day has taken place on the same date since it was introduced in 2001. January 27 was chosen as that was the date when the Nazis’ notorious Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated by Russian troops in 1945.

The Holocaust resulted in the annihilation of six million Jews, two million Gypsies, 15,000 homosexual people and millions of others by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.

Sadly, since 1945 there have been other attempted genocides across the world – including Rwanda, Cambodia and Bosnia – and these are also commemorated on Holocaust Memorial Day.

The Battle of Nantwich & Winter Fayre’

 

Reporter Jonathan White

The Battle of Nantwich & Winter Fayre’ took place in and around Nantwich town centre and on Mill Island on Saturday 25th January 2014. The event is organised by The Holly Holy Day Society - http://www.battleofnantwich.co.uk - in association with the Sealed Knot re-enactment society.

Holly Holy Day traces back to the 17th century and the four year long first English Civil War between Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and the Royalists (Cavaliers) loyal to Charles I. This year is the 370th anniversary of the original battle, which took place on 25 January 1644. It is the 42nd time the re-enactment has taken place.

There was also a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial to commemorate people who died in the Civil War Battle of Nantwich and other battles. The 1644 battle was re-enacted on Mill Island and was followed by a prize-giving ceremony of the Rose Bowl for the best regiment, which this year was won by the Earl of Manchester's Regiment.

Other related events included a Farmers Market, face painting, a Living History demonstration, 17th century music, a horse parade, street entertainment, a book signing, a pillory re-enactment, Redshift Radio, X-Academy, Nantwich Players, Morris dancers, Civil War Tours, and a musketry demonstration.

Despite heavy rain, with a spell of thunder, lightning and hail, the day was enjoyed by thousands of people.

 

I have uploaded all my photographs to Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathanawhite/sets/72157640173362394/

Your chance to have influence – join Cheshire East's citizens’ panel

 

Now is the chance for more people to get involved to help shape the future of Cheshire East.

Cheshire East’s Citizens Panel is recruiting new members – who will help inform the Council’s decision making and monitor performance.

Every two years the panel, which has 3,000 members and is called Influence Cheshire East, is refreshed by one third with new recruits.

Cheshire East Council is urging those residents aged over 18, who receive an invitation randomly in the post, to complete the form and become a member of the Citizens Panel. The authority is particularly keen to increase the number of younger residents involved.

Panel members will have the opportunity to influence services such as education, social care, waste collection and the environment.

Cheshire East Council is committed to the government’s ‘Localism’ agenda, which puts strong emphasis on involving local people in the development of local services

Councillor David Brown, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council and Cabinet member in charge of strategic communities, said: “The opinions, ideas and values of people who live and work in Cheshire East are crucially important to us.

“The selected members will help ensure the panel is representative of the Borough’s population as a whole and will ensure residents have a loud and clear voice that will help shape the Council’s policies and priorities and identify how we can improve services further.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who took part in our previous panels and who have made very important contributions so far.”

The panel was created in 2011 and has members from all over the Borough – the youngest member to be recruited so far was 18 and the oldest 98.

Those selected to become panel members would be asked to complete a survey – either online or on paper – two or three times a year. Each survey contains about 40 questions and should take about 20 minutes to complete.

We may also invite members to attend focus groups to discuss topics relevant to the Council.

People interested in joining the citizens’ panel should complete and return their recruitment questionnaire by Friday, February 14.

Further information about the panel can be viewed at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/influence

Do You know this man?

An appeal has gone out regarding the identification of the below male:

Date of Incident: 29th Nov 2013
Location of incident: Co-op, West St, Crewe

Man wanted in connection with shoplifting from the Co-Op, Crewe. Can you help us to identify him?

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service e-Newsletter

Welcome to the January edition of the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service e-Newsletter.

Date: Friday, January 17, 2014                                                                                      

New Year’s resolution - test your smoke alarms every month

Make a new year’s resolution: test your smoke alarms on the first of every month in 2014 – and beyond. January is an opportunity for a fresh start, please make safety top of the list. Please make sure that you have enough smoke alarms in the home and that they work. It only takes a few seconds and saves lives.
Find out more about smoke alarms

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Cheshire Fire Cadets Win National Award

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Cadets from Congleton, Runcorn and Sandbach have won a national road safety award as part of a campaign to help save young lives. Representatives from the Cadet units were presented with their award at Brake’s annual reception at the Houses of Parliament on January 14.
The 2young2die awards, co-ordinated by road safety charity Brake and sponsored by young driver insurance provider iKube, encourage young people to get creative and promote life-saving road safety messages to peers and their wider community through powerful campaigns
Find out more about Cheshire Fire cadets winning a national award

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Winter driving

Winter is the season requiring most care and preparation if you are to stay safe on the roads.
The British winter is unpredictable. Bad weather can strike suddenly, so please make sure you are prepared for the conditions. Please prepare yourself and your car for winter driving.
Prepare yourself and your car for Winter Driving

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Candle safety

Candles in the home are now a popular way to add relaxation. Candles play an important role in birthdays, family gatherings, religious festivals and other special occasions. Candles, oil and incense burners, like any naked flame, can cause a fire in your home, particularly where there are children. Please read our safety tips that will help you to use candles safely.
Find out more about candle safety

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Chinese New Year

Many people across Cheshire will be celebrating Chinese New Year on Friday 31st January 2014. Chinese New Year is the longest and most important celebration in the Chinese calendar. If you are celebrating, please celebrate safely and take care to avoid the risk of accidental fires.
View fire safety advice for Chinese New Year

Call to scrap undemocratic Cabinet system in Cheshire East

 

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester has signed a UKIP petition http://www.ukipdaily.com/sign-epetition-fight-local-government-cabinet-system/#.UuFO3S_7Sr8.twitter calling on the undemocratic Cabinet system in Cheshire East (CE) to be scrapped. The petition states,

'In the year 2000,Tony Blair’s government introduced a new Local Government Act. This Act had the effect of focusing far too much power in the hands of a Council Leader and a few of his hand picked colleagues. The practice, know as the Cabinet System, denies the vast majority of elected Councillors on Borough and County Councils to be involved in what are often crucial decisions. The Cabinet System, which is often lucrative for members of the Cabinet, should be disbanded, and British Councils should revert to the democratic system that was in place prior to the year 2000. This would enable all Councillors to participate in the best interest of their constituents.'

Brian said," The present 10 members of the CE Cabinet makes nearly all the decisions that matter and the remaining 72 Councillors are left with very little decision making powers.

The Cabinet almost always rubber stamps what the Leader wants because their place in the Cabinet is dependent upon the Leader and if they cross him they are removed from the Cabinet. The Leader of the Council is virtually a dictator in a system that is supposed to be democratic.The Cabinet system puts far too much power in the hands of one person.

I  have experienced both the committee system and the Cabinet system in my local government career and there is no doubt that the committee system is far more democratic. All Councillors are involved and have a vote. Provided that Committees have powers to make decisions without further reference to the Full Council there is no reason why the committee system can't be as efficient as the Cabinet in decision making."

Another old building bites the dust

Once again part of Crewe history was destroyed  as the old black and white building in Crewe Works West St was knocked down along with other building on site. Why cant Crewe keep its historic buildings do we have to destroy everything?

Child sexual exploitation campaign launches across Cheshire

Agencies across Cheshire who are involved in safeguarding young people and work together to protect young people at risk of child sexual exploitation, have launched a campaign called ‘The more you know, the more you see’.

The campaign aims to create debate among young people, professionals, parents and other people responsible for caring for young people, about how to spot the signs of child sexual exploitation.

As part of the campaign, schools across Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester, Halton and Warrington will be working to raise awareness of child sexual exploitation among children and their parents.

Ian Rush, Chair of Cheshire East Safeguarding Children Board, said: “Society is increasingly aware of the risks associated with child sexual exploitation, but more needs to be done to ensure parents, carers, teachers and young people themselves understand the dangers and can spot the warning signs.”

Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member for children and family services, Councillor Rachel Bailey, added: “Protecting children from harm is of course everyone’s number one priority. The best way of doing that is by being open about child sexual exploitation, discussing the risks and equipping young people and those looking after them with the right information so they can avoid becoming victims.”

Cheshire East Council’s director of children’s services, Tony Crane, said: “The campaign aims to give practical advice and information to help shine a light on a problem that has remained in the dark for too long. The case studies emphasise the very real difficulties facing young people today and help them recognise a potential abuse scenario.”

DCI Nigel Wenham of Cheshire police said: “Ensuring young people are familiar with the signs of child sexual exploitation will help them to make positive decisions about relationships and warn them about relationships with people who may want to manipulate and control them in order to sexually exploit them.

“If child sexual exploitation can be talked about openly in the home, at school, with friends, with family and those charged with caring for young people, then they will be able to trust those people around them and be able to break free by seeking the vital help they need.”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Dwyer added: “We now want parents and those who care for some of our most vulnerable children in our communities to play their part. Child sexual exploitation is a hidden crime which can go unnoticed but causes untold damage – both physical and mental  on young victims caught up in its web, leaving them scarred for life.” 

Both children and their parents are being urged to visit the campaign website, www.knowandsee.co.uk. This features profiles of three young people who have been victims of sexual exploitation. Their stories really bring home the trauma of child sexual exploitation and what signs to look for.

There are many agencies across the county engaged in the campaign, including schools, local authority and health workers, police officers and people whose role it is to help youngsters in tough situations. Catch22, is one such organisation. It is a charity that provides support and advice for young vulnerable people.

Hundreds of Young People Sign up to HS2 Campaign

 

A campaign by Cheshire East Council to attract an HS2 hub station at Crewe has seen support from hundreds of students.

Young people from South Cheshire College and Manchester Metropolitan University were given the chance to have their say when the Council’s campaigns team paid them a visit earlier in the week.

The students were asked to fill out a feedback form in support of the ambitious proposals, which are backed by Network Rail, and more than 500 jumped at the opportunity to sign up

The bid for an HS2 hub station would mean thousands of extra jobs for local people, expanding the horizons of younger people and providing access to the capital city in less than an hour.

Council Leader Councillor Michael Jones said: “This campaign is all about sending an important message to the Government, that Crewe is the best place to create a gateway to the north and south of the country.

“We’re delighted that so many local young people are behind the campaign. After all, this will be the generation that will benefit the most out of these ambitious plans.

“We want to increase the opportunities for young people and ensure that we don’t have a ‘drainbrain’ problem, where home-grown talent goes elsewhere, seeking work and a better lifestyle.”

The Council is planning to launch a university technical college in Crewe in 2015, where engineers of the future will be trained up.

It would cater for youngsters between 14 and 19, who want to pursue careers in engineering and highskill manufacturing, working with major local employers to develop gold-standard vocational qualifications.

Pending approval from the Department of Education, the £10 million UTC will be built on the site of the old Victoria School building, on Meredith Street, and will eventually cater for more than 600 pupils.

MP’s 146 Bulletin

Friday, 17 January 2014

Welcome

Welcome to this, my 146th news bulletin.

As I've said before, 2013 brought a real boost for employment, business, and infrastructure in our area. The local economy is looking up. We're doing our bit to help improve the lot of the United Kingdom as a whole, and benefiting from it too.

And we're very much part of that wider, national picture. A large part of what I'm asked to vote on in Westminster is national policy, and it's important that I keep you informed about that too.

So, as we take stock of the last 12 months, and look forward to 2014, here are some of my national policy highlights of 2013.

January – Government to hold an In-Out referendum on Europe to let Britain decide

The Prime Minister pledged to give people a say on Britain’s relationship with the EU in a referendum in 2017.

February – Government secured a cut in the EU’s budget, saving taxpayers money

The Prime Minister secured the first ever cut to the EU budget, saving hardworking taxpayers hundreds of millions of pounds each year.

March – Government freezes fuel duty to help families and businesses alike

The Budget froze fuel duty, saving hardworking families an average of £7 every time they fill up their tank. A further freeze was announced in December’s Autumn Statement.

April – Government cut tax for 24 million people, saving the typical taxpayer £590

An increase in the untaxed personal allowance made 24 million people better off, and cut income tax entirely for 2.4 million people.

May – Government cut National Insurance for businesses, making it easier to employ people

We announced a £2,000 cut in jobs tax. 450,000 small businesses will now pay no jobs tax at all – including many corner shops, grocers and other businesses the community relies on.

June – Government put families on the lowest energy tariffs automatically, saving them up to £160 a year

The Energy Bill, which passed the Commons in June, requires energy suppliers to switch people to the lowest tariff available, giving people more peace of mind about, and control over, their outgoings.

July – Government started the Benefit Cap to help fix the something-for-nothing culture

Rolled out from July, the Benefit Cap means no out-of-work household can claim more than the average working family earns.

August – Government gave £500 million to Accident & Emergency departments

In August we announced £500 million to help A&E departments prepare for this winter so that hardworking people can access safe and reliable emergency care whenever they need it.

September – Government funded 46,000 new school places to help young people get on in life

93 new Free Schools opened, delivering 46,000 new school places, and giving young people the opportunity to reach their full potential.

October – Government's Help to Buy Scheme started getting young people on to the housing ladder

In just one month, over 2,000 people were accepted for a Help to Buy mortgage. Most applicants are first time buyers, young, and have a roughly average household income.

November – Government ending benefits tourism for EU immigrants

In November, the Prime Minister announced that EU migrants will have to pass much tougher tests and wait for three months before they can apply to claim out of work benefits.

December – Employment hits a record high

In December the Office for National Statistics announced that there are now a record 30 million people receiving a pay packet each month – giving them the chance of a secure future for themselves and their families. Crewe and Nantwich has also seen its share of this success, with a reduction in both overall and youth unemployment.

And as we move into 2014, you can be sure of my continued commitment to keep working hard for and on behalf of all of you, so that the real progress we've made together is built on in the year ahead.

Edward Timpson MP
Member of Parliament for Crewe and Nantwich

Please remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions for me, or if there is anything I can do to assist you.

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Locally, I have...

• Attended the first public performance of the play "We Were There", at the Nantwich Players Theatre.  This inspirational modern drama was written, directed and performed by a group of children from St Thomas More Catholic High School.
• Addressed the general meeting of Crewe and Nantwich Open Minds, the important local mental health charity.
• Visited Mecca bingo in Crewe.
• Welcomed the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith, to the YMCA in Crewe.
• Met with Tracey Bullock and John Moran, the Chief Executive and Chairman at Leighton Hospital, to catch up and discuss how I can best support the Hospital in 2014.
• Held two of my regular advice surgeries - please get in touch if you would like an appointment to speak to me about any issue or concern.

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Photo News

Earlier this month, I brought Iain Duncan Smith MP (right) to visit the YMCA in Crewe. The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Iain Duncan Smith's interests in Government include social action projects as a way to help communities flourish and to assist those most in need.

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Community News

New cinema project for Nantwich

The Dabber: Nantwich Methodist Church is launching a new a community cinema project in Nantwich this weekend.

The project, called ‘Nantwich Family Films @ 4′, will be officially opened on Sunday by Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson.

The project has received funding from Nantwich Town Council, Nantwich Rotary Club, The Rank Foundation, The Co-Operative Community Fund, Chester & Stoke on Trent Methodist District Families Fund and Cheshire South Methodist Circuit. Films will be screened on the third Sunday of each month, with this Sunday’s screening being Disney’s ‘Wreck it Ralph’.

Screenings will take place at 4pm, with doors opening at 3.45 pm.

Family tickets, which cover up to two adults and four children are just £10 per family, and individual tickets cost just £3. Refreshments will be on sale at low cost and face painting is also available from 3.15 pm for those who would like to get into the spirit of the film.

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'Check charities before donating'

MP urges people to make sure causes are legitimate

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has urged people to check they are giving charity donations to legitimate causes.

Almost all collections are genuine, but some people will try to abuse the generosity of others for their own gain. The public has a key part to play in keeping charities accountable by using the resources available to them, though nearly half of adults never make any checks when approached by a collector for a charitable donation.

Asking for ID, looking for the FRSB 'give with confidence' tick and checking the Charity Commission online register are all simple checks the public can carry out to ensure their money goes to the right cause.

Mr Timpson said: "Christmas is a key period for charitable giving, with many charities relying on money raised during the winter months to fund vital services throughout the year.

"Donors give generously, but increasingly questions are being asked and concerns raised with the FRSB about the legitimacy of fundraising campaigns."

This is an extract of a longer article from the Crewe Chronicle.  You can read the full article by clicking here.

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Timpson applauds school success

Crewe Chronicle: Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson visited Wistaston Green Primary School to see the improvements made to the school which Ofsted has rated as ‘outstanding’ in all areas.

Mr Timpson, who visited the school just before the Christmas holidays, was impressed by the changes which had taken place since his last visit.

The Crewe primary school is planning to convert to an academy in the near future.

Headteacher Linda Davis said: “Edward enjoyed singing carols with the Year 3 children, helping reception children to make Christmas decorations and observing the Year 6 teacher climb a ladder to test prototype parachutes.”

Wistaston Green was branded the eighth worst primary school in the country in 2008 when it was put into special measures after failing an Ofsted inspection. Since then the school has undergone a remarkable transformation.  It came out of special measures after 40 weeks with a good Ofsted report.

Most schools are only deemed satisfactory after coming out of special measures and it normally takes double that time. Last year Wistaston Green was rated as outstanding in all areas.

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Store welcomes VIP visitors

Nantwich Chronicle: Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson visited a Nantwich supermarket to see how they are supporting a local charity. Mr Timpson met staff at Sainsbury’s to learn of their activities supporting the Wingate Centre in Wrenbury.

His visit coincided with another VIP visit from Sainsbury’s company secretary, Tim Fallowfield as Leighton Hospital fundraiser Laura Bailey also collected toys donated by customers during a store appeal.

Fundraisers included carol singing by the Brine Leas School Choir as Nantwich Rotary Club visited with its Christmas Float on December 20.

All funds go to the Wingate Centre, for which Sainsbury’s has so far raised £3,000.

Mr Timpson said: “It’s great to meet the team and hear about their upcoming plans to support the local community. Involving residents in a Christmas singalong will bring everyone together and create a really festive atmosphere.”

Store manger Ian Sutton added: “Sainsbury’s prides itself on being a great place to work and we are really proud to show Mr Timpson how active we are in the local community.”

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5 ways to contact Edward Timpson

• By e-mail: timpsone@parliament.uk
• On the web: www.edwardtimpson.com
• By phone: 01270 501 725
• By post: 30 Victoria Street, Crewe CW1 2JE
• In person: Click here to see surgery times

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Another day and another U-turn by Cllr. Jones

 

  Another day and another U-turn by Cllr. Jones, the Leader of the  Cheshire East Council. He does so many, he must be practising for the next season of Strictly Come Dancing.

The latest example of a complete about turn is over fracking. First of all he proudly states that 'the people of Cheshire East have our assurance that there won’t be any fracking in our Borough.' Within 24 hours he had to withdraw it because anybody with an ounce of knowledge about how Local Government works knew it was a promise that could not possibly be kept.

The Council can't pull up the drawbridge and say they wil not accept any applications for fracking. Councillors are not allowed to pre-determine applications, they must consider each one on their planning merits. If a fracking application meets the Council's planning policies and all the necessary  safeguards are in place  the Council will have to pass it. If they don’t, the applicant will simply go to appeal and gain permission. The Council would probably be liable to pay a large amount of damages, which would have to be paid by the Council taxpayers.

Cllr Jones should stop shooting from the hip and begin acting like a responsible Council Leader should. Cllr Jones has a habit of going round the Borough spreading promises, like confetti, that he knows he can't keep. He tells people what he thinks they want to hear, even though what he promises them is totally unrealistic.

If companies want to invest in the Borough and create jobs and prosperity he should  not be closing the door on them before there is an opportunity to consider what is being proposed. The  interests of local communities need to be protected but you do not do that by making empty promises which it is obvious cannot be delivered on.

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons)

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Twitter @CllrBSilvester

Facebook Cllr Brian Silvester

HOSPITAL ASKS FOR PUBLIC COOPERATION

 

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (MCHFT) is asking for the help of the local community as increased numbers of patients are being admitted to Leighton Hospital in Crewe.  There have also been further increases in the number of patients being admitted with symptoms of Norovirus

With the number of admissions currently exceeding the average for this time of year and the number of Norovirus cases, the Trust is encouraging members of the public to only use its Emergency Department for serious and life-threatening conditions such as heart-attacks, strokes, serious accidents and breathing difficulties. 

Other less serious conditions can be treated through the variety of healthcare services available in the community or on the high street, as promoted in the NHS ‘Choose Well’ campaign.

The ‘Choose Well’ campaign is a national initiative which aims to give people information so that they know where to go in the first instance to get fast, expert advice when they need it, and how to help themselves if they have a common illness or ailment.

Self-care is often the best choice to treat common illnesses and complaints such as coughs, colds, sore throats, upset stomachs and aches and pains, all of which can often be treated with a well-stocked medicine cabinet and plenty of rest.

For expert advice and treatment, without the need to wait for a GP appointment, local pharmacies are able to provide a confidential service, as can NHS 111 and the NHS Choices website (www.nhs.uk). NHS Choices can also help you to locate your nearest NHS services such as GPs, dentists and pharmacies.

For further information on the local Choose Well campaign, please visit the NHS South Cheshire Clinical Commission Group (CCG) website (www.southcheshireccg.nhs.uk/choose-well/choose-well) or the NHS Vale Royal CCG website (www.valeroyalccg.nhs.uk/choose-well/choose-well).

ISSUED BY

MID CHESHIRE HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

For further information, please contact the Communications team

on 01270 273827 or email communications@mcht.nhs.uk

(office hours only).

Outside of office hours, please contact the Main Switchboard on

01270 255141 and ask for the Senior Manager on Call.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

CHKS Top40 Hospital 2013

CHKS Most Improved 2012

HS2 ‘Yes’ bid could help attract tram trains

 

A Cheshire East Council bid for a new HS2 hub station for Crewe could also attract brand new tram trains.

A series of tram train links, including new bus routes, could be built across the town to ease the growing levels of congestion.

Cheshire East Council has launched a campaign urging people to say ‘Yes’ to HS2, if it means Crewe gets a new hub and a new train station. The current train station would be turned into a local tram train link.

It would mean journey times to employment sites, such as Bentley and the Cumberland Arena, as well as the proposed HS2 hub, would be greatly improved.

For the first time, the Council has released graphics showing how the town’s traffic problems could be transformed by a mini-tram network and improved bus links.

People are being urged to back the campaign and leave their supporting comments at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/hs2

Councillor Michael Jones explained: ““Crewe is unique in that it offers a gateway to the north and south of the country and already has a rich heritage embedded within the railway industry.

“We need to regenerate the town centre and bring people in as well as improve the retail offer. To do this we need better transport links.

“The future is extremely bright for Crewe but effective travel links and a high-quality retail offer is vital and we believe this could be the answer.”

The HS2 bid for a hub station in Crewe is being driven and backed by the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership and the Local Transport Body, which Cllr Jones chairs.

Network Rail supports the bid for an HS2 hub station, meaning travel to the capital could be achieved in under an hour.

Cheshire East will remain ‘fracking free’

 

Government proposals to develop the shale gas industry will be “welcome” to some councils across the country – but are not right for Cheshire East.

The measures, unveiled today, include allowing councils to keep 100 per cent off the business rates for shale gas projects, rather than the usual 50 per cent.

Also, the shale gas industry has promised communities £100,000 for test drilling at potential sites and a further 1% of the revenues if deposits are discovered.

Shale gas is extracted through the controversial fracking technique, which involves deep-drilling with a mixture of water, sand and chemicals in order to release hard-to-reach deposits of shale gas.

Although the British Geological Survey estimates there may be 1,300 trillion cubic feet of shale gas in the north of England, Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones has confirmed that there won’t be any fracking projects in Cheshire East.

Cllr Jones explained: “Let me be clear, there are parts of the country where local councils will welcome ministers’ offer to benefit from shale gas extraction, however our main focus as a council is on the exciting potential for geothermal technology in Crewe.

“We believe this is a ‘game-changer’ for the borough, providing renewable heat and energy on a significant scale and we are in talks with the government to help us develop the site.”

He added: “Fracking may well be a useful technology for other areas and good luck to them if it is, however the people of Cheshire East have our assurance that there won’t be any in our borough.”

The Council is also investigating the use of other renewable technologies such as advanced thermal treatments, which process solid waste, to reduce carbon emissions and introduce a step change in local energy production.

Views sought on Crewe’s Lifestyle proposals

 

Members of the public are being encouraged to share their views on the ambitious proposals for a Crewe Lifestyle Centre at Christchurch car parks.

The lifestyle centre is a ground-breaking concept that could see a host of vital community services housed under the same roof, with improved health and wellbeing at its core.

A public engagement exercise has begun at Crewe Library today (Monday, January 13) and will run until Wednesday, January 22.

The whole project team will be available on January 22, between 2pm and 7.30pm, to answer any questions personally.

During the engagement, residents are being encouraged to look at the proposals and fill out a feedback form.

Cabinet member for health and wellbeing Councillor Janet Clowes said: “It’s really important that we develop this ambitious project with as much local insight as we can possibly gather – so all your views are important.

“The lifestyle centre offers an exciting opportunity to help address the serious health issues that exist in Crewe and will form an important part of the Council’s wider joint health and wellbeing strategy designed to reduce avoidable premature deaths and health inequalities, where they occur in Cheshire East.

“We want to know what you think of the proposals and how we can improve them so that the community can have the health and wellbeing facilities that will best meet their needs and address the fact that some people in Crewe actually die a whole decade earlier than residents in other parts of the Borough.

“In addition, the lifestyle centre will complement proposals for a new cultural quarter in the town, with a new state-of-the-art library proposed within the lifestyle centre.”

The proposed lifestyle centre will house an eight-lane 25m pool, plus a large teaching pool, sports courts, modern, fully-equipped fitness suites, large multi-use spaces for use by the community and children and adult social care services.

The centre is aiming to be at the technological forefront in terms of environmental sustainability - bringing down the costs of services CEC provide.

Council Leader Councillor Michael Jones added that the new site had undergone extensive investigations for its suitability.

He said: “By the end of the month, we hope to be able to submit a planning application to see if this site is a real possibility.

“The planning process will have to take into account a number of factors, including highways.

“We really want local people to be fully engaged with what’s going on and that’s why we’ve launched the engagement process, where people can make suggestions and say what they think about the proposals. We will also be working closely with local members.”

• Artists’ impressions of the project are now available for the public to view at Crewe Library. More information can also be found on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/CreweLifestyleCentre or by visiting: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/crewelifestyle

75 more houses proposed in the Green Gap in Willaston.

 

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester is opposing plans to  build 75 more houses in the Green Gap around Willaston,off Cheerbrook Road. (See letter and plan attached)

He said, " The residents of Willaston must be getting punch drunk with all the housing applications that are coming in for the open countryside and green gap that surrounds the village. The Leader of the Cheshire East Council (CEC)  spoke at a public meeting in Willaston last year and promised to protect the green gap but since then two applications have been passed in the green gap and two more are pending. The residents of Willaston will rightly feel totally let down by the current leadership of the Council

I believe there are good planning reasons to refuse this application when it comes in even though there is not a 5 year housing supply and a Local Plan in place. I strongly feel that applications like this should be refused. It is detrimental to the open countryside, impinges massively on the green gap between our towns and is unsustainable. Also the idea that it is anticipated that the site will be accessed from the A51, Nantwich by-pass via a standard right turn lane junction is frankly insane. The by pass is a very busy road where there are already a lot of accidents. The railings at the Cheerbrook roundabout have only recently been repaired after several accidents and there was a fatal car accident close to where the proposed access is proposed in the last few weeks."

Cllr Silvester,

We do not carry out any consultation for EIA screening opinions. For EIA scoping opinions we only carry out consultation with the relevant consultees in accordance with the EIA Regulations (usually the Environment Agency and Natural England).

In this case a decision was not issued within the required time period and the applicant has appealed to the SoS for a decision. Basically the SoS will need to determine whether an EIA is required and for this he will consider:

- If the development is of more than local importance

- If the development is proposed for particularly environmentally sensitive or vulnerable location (SSSI, National Parks, AONB’S, World Heritage Sites, scheduled monuments)

- If the development has any unusually complex of potentially hazardous environmental affects.

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons)

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor

Cheshire East Council

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Twitter @CllrBSilvester

Facebook Cllr Brian Silvester

WITTER’S FIELD PLANNING APPLICATION REFUSED

 

Wistaston residents are overjoyed that Cheshire East’s Strategic Planning Committee have unanimously turned down the Gladman application to build up to 300 homes in the Green Gap on land off Church Lane, Wistaston known locally as Witter’s Field.  The decision was made at the Council’s Strategic Planning Board meeting held in the Municipal Buildings, Crewe last Wednesday afternoon.  The decision to refuse was based upon it being in the Open Countryside and because it would erode the Green Gap between Crewe and Nantwich.  This application attracted over 1300 letters of objection from local people and a petition with 2000 signatures was also presented to the Council Leader, Councillor Michael Jones, to protect the Crewe and Nantwich Green Gaps.  Green Gaps are vital to help to retain the individual character of our Crewe and Nantwich towns and villages.

Wistaston Ward Councillor Margaret Simon, who spoke at the meeting says;

“I emphasised the importance of Witters Field to our Wistaston Community saying that it has been used for a variety of recreational purposes for generations.  I also pointed out that the excellent local Primary Schools in Church Lane and Willaston are full as are the Nantwich High Schools and that would cause a problem with parental choice as they would not be able to accommodate children from any new Wistaston developments.  The Portfolio Holder, Cllr Rachel Bailey, happens to be a member of the Committee and she picked up on this and has asked for more work to be done on the evaluation of local school places.”

Cllr Jacquie Weatherill who also spoke says;

“I argued that that this field is Grade 2 agricultural land and it is also in Open Countryside which happens to be in the Green Gap.  It is the overwhelming opinion of the local community that this land should be treasured and not built on.  The Council and we Councillors should strive to prevent urban sprawl into strategic open gaps.  The Green Gap is there to ensure the two towns of Crewe and Nantwich are not merged.”

Parish Councillor Joyce Bond says;

“I explained the Highways difficulties to the Committee and there were comments from Members acknowledging that this was a problematic location to want to site access to a development.”

Peter Wainwright who spoke on behalf of Hands off Wistaston says;

“I was delighted to hear that during the week before the meeting the Committee had paid an impromptu visit to Witter’s Field.  They had been able to see for themselves that the field was of great importance as an amenity to the village and mattered greatly to the Health and Wellbeing of the Community.  The site is not sustainable for development the infrastructure around it will not support it.”

Gladman, the development company wanting to gain planning permission on the land, were not represented at the meeting.   Councillors and residents are waiting to hear if they will be taking the application on to Appeal with the Planning Inspectorate.

Borough Councillors, Parish Councillors and Hands off Wistaston representatives would like to publicly thank everyone who, in any way, has joined in with the campaign to help to fight this application and to remind them that their continued support is vitally needed if they are to keep Wistaston safe from unplanned, unsustainable and unwanted development.

South Cheshire ABC are hosting a Boxing Night

South Cheshire ABC are hosting a Boxing Night at Nantwich Civic Hall on Saturday 1^st February 2014. The event takes place from 6pm to 11pm and will feature around twelve bouts of amateur boxing. There will also be a charity raffle and auction of boxing memorabilia. Tables of 10 can be booked for £150, which includes a special guest photo. Tickets can also be purchased on the door. Please phone 07720381977 or 07766418547 for further details.

Cheshire East holds ceremony to mark Holocaust Memorial Day

 

Cheshire East Council is to hold an act of remembrance to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

The move follows a personal initiative by Council Leader Michael Jones, announced last month, to make it an annual commemoration by the authority.

Councillor Jones and Cheshire East Council Mayor Councillor Dorothy Flude will lead civic dignitaries representing communities from across the Borough at the Holocaust Memorial Day Act of Remembrance, at Sandbach Town Hall, at 11am on Monday, January 27, 2014. Members of the public are warmly invited to attend.

Holocaust Memorial Day has taken place on the same date since it was introduced in 2001. January 27 was chosen as that was the date when the Nazis’ notorious Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated by Russian troops in 1945.

The Holocaust resulted in the annihilation of six million Jews, two million Gypsies, 15,000 homosexual people and millions of others by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.

Sadly, since 1945 there have been many other attempted genocides across the world and these are also commemorated on Holocaust Memorial Day.

Councillor Michael Jones said: “This will be a solemn occasion when the people of Cheshire East as a community join together symbolically to bear witness and remember.

“We recognise that humanity is, sadly, still scarred by the belief that race, religion, disability or sexuality makes some people’s lives worth less than others.

“We gather to bear witness to the horrors to which such evil beliefs can lead humanity. Genocide does not come out of a void – it’s a steady process, which can begin if discrimination, racism and hatred are not checked and prevented.

“This service is not just about remembering the victims of the distant past and honouring the survivors. Other attempted genocides, mass killings and so-called ethnic cleansing have blighted countries and communities across the world since the Nazi Holocaust, including Cambodia, Rwanda, Darfur and indeed in the heart of Europe again in Bosnia.

“We must never forget these crimes – or their innocent victims – and we must challenge ourselves to use the lessons of the past to inform our lives today.”

The act of remembrance will include readings, lighting of candles to the victims of genocide and a two-minute silence, followed by the tolling of a bell.

Members of the public are invited to attend and can obtain more information by phoning Council officer Martin Smith on 01270 686012.

Call to make new jobs local

      

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester has welcomed  the news that pie maker, Wright Food Group, is to create more than 100 new jobs in Crewe.

He said," I have asked Cheshire East Council  to talk to Wright's to get them to commit to taking on local unemployed and possibly some apprenticeships, like B&Q did, when they opened their big store in Weston Road. I expressed hope that efforts will be made to take on local people who are out of work and not people from outside area or country. I hope that talks along these  lines between the company and the Council are successful."

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons)

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor

Cheshire East Council

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Twitter @CllrBSilvester

Facebook Cllr Brian Silvester

Nantwich playing fields investigations complete – no further action needed

 

Cheshire East Council is pleased to announce that no further work is required at the Barony playing fields, in Nantwich, to investigate the potential contamination issues.

In June this year, the authority announced it was carrying out tests to detect any potential land contamination after it was decided that further investigation and more extensive soil sampling was required at the site – a former clay pit and domestic refuse tip.

This followed a risk assessment and screening of all the known landfills in the whole Cheshire East area.

Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, the Council has an obligation to investigate all land which is potentially contaminated as a result of its previous use. The aim is to ensure that all land is suitable for its current use.

Soil tests showed that no significant health risks were found at the Barony. Groundwater assessments proved there are no significant pollution risks and risks posed by bulk gases were found to be low.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cabinet member in charge of communities and regulatory services, said: “We have taken numerous steps to investigate this site to ensure that there are no significant hazards to site users or the local community, as any responsible local authority should.

“I am delighted to say that park users and residents should enjoy using the park as they always have.

“We inherited the playing fields from the previous Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council, which granted permission for the site to be used as playing fields. However, the health of users and residents is a priority for the Council, therefore these investigations were necessary.

“We were never aware of any major issues or problems with pollution but it was important that we ensured that this was entirely the case. As with all of our sites, we will continue to review this site in light of any new evidence or information.”

For further information, visit the council website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk and click on ‘environment and planning’ and then ‘environmental health’.

Elvis Presley

Paul Larcombe, who is an Elvis Presley tribute artist from Crewe, http://www.purepresley.com/ , appeared alongside other Elvii on The One Show - http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b007tcw7 - on BBC One on Wednesday 8th January. There were fourteen Elvis to represent 2014 and the fact that King of rock 'n' roll would have been 79 years old on 8th January 2014.

Council pays tribute to former ‘dedicated’ councillor

 

The Leader of Cheshire East Council has paid tribute to a dedicated Labour councillor who died last week.

Councillor Peter Nurse, 78, from Nantwich, died after a sudden heart attack on Friday, January 3.

Cheshire East Council has lowered its flags in honour of Councillor Nurse, who represented the Crewe West ward. He leaves behind three children and two grandchildren.

Councillor Michael Jones said: “Peter was a dedicated member and always fought for what he thought was right.

“He was a vocal presence at Cabinet meetings and was always ready to challenge the issues that he believed in. He was a tough, but very principled political opponent.

“He will be sadly missed and our sympathy goes to the family at this difficult time. No doubt they will be comforted by the fact that this special man left a trail of good work behind him.”

Councillor Nurse was first elected to the former county council in 1981, where he served until  2009. Before that he was a parish councillor and a member of Staffordshire County Council.

He was also a member of the Police Authority from 1994 to 2009, serving as chairman for seven years. In 2011, he was elected on to Cheshire East Council and he then rejoined the Police Authority.

Councillor Nurse was chairman of the Cheshire Education Committee for many years and served on the governing body of a number of schools and colleges, including as chair of governors at South Cheshire College.

He stood for Parliament on two occasions and also for election to the European Parliament.

He was involved for a number of years with the Local Government Association and County Councils Network, serving on a number of committees.

Councillor Nurse was also a very active member of the Co-operative movement and was a former director of United Co-op and of the Co-operative Group.

He was a former vice-chairman of the national Co-operative Party and a past secretary of the North Staffs and East Cheshire Co-operative Party. Before his retirement, Peter was a principal lecturer at Staffordshire University.

The funeral will take place at St Mary’s Church, Nantwich on Tuesday, January 21, at noon and the family say everyone is welcome to attend.

Call for dedicated Special Constables for every village in Cheshire East

 

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester has approached the Cheshire Police Commissioner, John Dwyer about his  pledge that each village in Cheshire would have a Special Police Officer. He said," I think this is an excellent idea, that costs very little and is a good way to get more 'Bobbies on the Beat', which is what residents want to see. It is also a deterrent against crime and anti social behaviour.

I am pleased that 100 Specials have been recruited and 100 more are in the pipeline. I look forward to Specials  being dedicated to my villages of Willaston and Rope and all the other villages in Cheshire East. I would appeal to residents to consider applying to be a Special because it is a great way to put something back into your community. Hopefully enough will be recruited to ensure that all the residents, in all the towns and villages in the Borough, are able to see a Special Police Constable in their area."

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons) (Photo attached)

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor

Cheshire East Council

CW2 6RS

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Twitter @CllrBSilvester

Facebook Cllr Brian Silvester

Boost for towns as Cheshire East Council extends free parking

 

Motorists will enjoy free car parking in three more towns as part of a new initiative by Cheshire East Council.

From this week, parking on three car parks in the towns of Congleton, Macclesfield and Wilmslow will go free of charge.

This follows on from the suspension of charges on Thomas Street car park, in Crewe, towards the end of last year.

The latest car parks to have parking charges suspended are:

● Park Street, Congleton;

● Hibel Road, Macclesfield; and

● Remenham/Chapel Street, Wilmslow.

As with Thomas Street, these car parks are located outside the main town centres and offer parking for longer-stay visitors without ‘blocking’ parking bays needed for town centre customers.

In each case, the car parks are currently not heavily used and, therefore, charging has not been effective in covering operating costs. 

Because of their location, suspension of charges on these car parks should help release pressure on central car parks.

Cheshire East will monitor the results of this suspension, especially on the usage of other car parks in each town, on a monthly basis.

Councillor David Topping, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of environment, said: “I am pleased to announce the extension of this initiative, which is designed to help our businesses during what I realise are difficult trading conditions on the high street.

“We also want residents to have the opportunity to spend time in their local town without having to pay for parking. I hope that our motorists and businesses will notice the difference and feel the benefit.”

Cheshire East also currently offers parking free of charge after 3pm each day on seven car parks across the Borough.

Cheshire East Council says ‘Yes’ to HS2 and ‘Yes’ to Hub Station in Crewe

 

A “once-in-a-century opportunity” to reinvigorate Crewe as a major rail capital is in sight – if proposals for a brand new hub train station are accepted.

Cheshire East Council is supporting the proposed new high-speed rail line – HS2 – subject to the proposal delivering a new hub station for Crewe and the highest standards of mitigation and compensation for residents and businesses affected by the route of the line.

The creation of a new hub station and track layout for Crewe – paid for by Network Rail – could accommodate a new stop for HS2 – with the prospect of up to seven services to London every hour.

The proposal would create £1.5 billion of transport benefits and a further £1 billion of economic value for the local economy, creating up to 60,000 new jobs.

A paper setting out the case for a new hub station as part of the HS2 proposals is set to go before Cheshire East’s Cabinet on Tuesday [January 7].

Council Leader Michael Jones said: “HS2 is a once in a century opportunity and just as Crewe was the original railway town, so we will be again if these proposals are accepted.

“Given Crewe’s unique 360 degree connectivity, there is a compelling case for a new hub station allowing us to fully maximise the benefits of HS2 as well as provide more capacity for local passenger services and extra freight, freeing-up space on our roads.

“We have been in detailed talks with Network Rail and other partners about this to make sure the proposals are costed and robust and I am pleased that they are. We have now written to the Transport Secretary setting out our vision and backing it up our detailed analysis.

“The consultation on the HS2 route is the right time to make this case, so we are urging the people of Cheshire East to say ‘Yes’ to HS2 and ‘Yes’ to a new hub station for Crewe.”

Drivers in Sandbach urged to use proper parking spaces

 

There is enough car-parking in Sandbach, but it needs to be used in a more efficient way in future.

This is the conclusion of a new study by Cheshire East Council, which has completed a review of parking in the town, in partnership with Sandbach Town Council and the “No 2 Parking Charges Group” (N2PCG).

Rather than making significant changes to control measures, drivers will be encouraged to adapt their parking behaviour to make best use of the spaces available in order to improve footfall for local businesses and organisations and to protect and enhance the vitality of the town.

Sandbach Councillor Barry Moran explained: “The review found that many short stay spaces on Scotch Common and in Green, Welles and Bold Streets, were being filled by long stay parkers.

“Analysis showed that more than 30 per cent of vehicles using the limited stay waiting bays were staying all day. While on Scotch Common, nearly half the vehicles were staying all day.

“Clearly this has the effect of reducing space for shoppers and short stay visitors to the town, hurting our retail prospects.

“We don’t want to wave a big stick in terms of enforcement, but we do want to actively encourage drivers to park in the most appropriate places for the benefit of all visitors to Sandbach.

“Drivers staying all day should be using Westfields, Chapel Street or Lower Brookhouse Drive Car Parks.”

The review has led to new directional signage being installed to assist drivers in finding the correct car park to suit their visit - and parking enforcement officers will still be on-hand to ensure drivers stick to the notified waiting times.

In addition, new signs on Scotch Common indicate to drivers that spaces should only be used for stays of up to two hours maximum (although some exceptions can be made for evening parking) in order to free-up spaces for shoppers and visitors.

Cllr David Topping, Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, added: “The review set out to identify how well the supply of spaces and parking management matched demand for the residents of Sandbach.

“What became clear is that the town is adequately served. In addition, by choosing where to park according to their specific needs, car-driving residents and visitors can help the town continue to be a viable and prosperous centre without the need for more spaces or more controls”.

Police warn they will act if obstruction by parked vehicles does not stop.

 

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester has welcomed the threats from the local Police to residents to stop obstructing the highways and footpaths in Meadow View and Wistaston Road, Willaston.

He said," I have been pressing the Police to take action for some time.They have now sent out letters to all the residents in the area. (Attached and also see photos below showing irresponsible parking at the junction of Meadow View and Wistaston Road) I hope the Police are good to their word and do not hesitate to hand out fines to the minority of thoughtless motorists who are parking their vehicles in a dangerous way.

At my initiative Cheshire East Council (CEC) have agreed to carry out a parking  review in the area and implement it. Parking provision has been a chronic problem in the centre of Willaston for many years. To make matters worse CEC have allowed Meadow View to be developed without adequate parking provision for the houses and this has just exasperated the situation. Recently some buses had to divert from the centre of the village because the congestion was so bad they could not get through with the bus."

Cllr Brian Silvester ( Photo attached)

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor

Cheshire East Council

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Twitter @CllrBSilvester

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