Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service will be hosting an action-packed day at Cheshire Police Headquarters.

The fun filled event, which is free for all the community takes place between 11am and 4pm on Sunday 17 May.

There will be interactive displays and exhibitions that will give you the chance to see the complex nature of the work we do and how the two emergency services work together to protect the community.

Staff from both emergency services will also be on hand to answer questions and give advice on staying safe and preventing crime.

Chief Constable Simon Byrne said:

This will be my first open day here in Cheshire and it will give me the opportunity to show you what we do, from local community policing through to tackling organised crime and dealing with riots. You will be able to see how officers and staff from the police and fire service work together to protect the community and reinforce the message that we’re here for our communities.

Chief Fire Officer Paul Hancock added,

This is the seventh Joint emergency Service Open Day and it’s been very well attended in the past. This year we hope it will once again give the public an insight into the work we do, but more importantly help to educate people around the dangers of fire and about driving safely on our roads.

Vintage and modern fire and police vehicles will be showcased and there will be displays in the main arena throughout the day. Fire and police search and rescue dogs will also be in attendance.

For children there will be free activities including face painting, a climbing wall, craft area and circus workshop as well as a treasure hunt to keep them occupied. Refreshments, including hot and cold food, will also be available to buy. The address for the Joint emergency Open Day is:

Cheshire Police HQ,
Clemonds Hey,
Oakmere Road,
Winsford,
CW7 2UA

Parking is available around the site from 11am to 4pm.

Crewe station’s new entrance up for four awards

 

The project which gave birth to Crewe’s new railway station entrance has been shortlisted for a clutch of major awards.

The Crewe Rail Exchange scheme was completed in 2014, thanks to a partnership between Cheshire East Council, Network Rail, Virgin Trains, Balfour Beatty and Jacobs.

It has been shortlisted for the ‘effective partnerships award’ by the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT) – a national prize.

It is also in the running for the ‘integration and collaborative working award’ and Cheshire, Wirral and Warrington ‘project of the year’ in the North West Regional Construction Awards.

Cheshire East Council has also been shortlisted for ‘client of the year’ in the same awards after being nominated by Balfour Beatty.

The new entrance, which includes 254 parking spaces, sits on Weston Road and offers improved access to the station (including disabled access), a new lift and enhanced taxi and cycle facilities.

Caroline Simpson, executive director of growth and prosperity at Cheshire East, said: “I am delighted that we have been recognised for the Crewe Rail Exchange project, both nationally and regionally.

“The new entrance is great for Crewe and has helped to improve access into and around the railway station.

“It opens up a new public subway to the platforms, meaning there is now an additional way of getting into the station.”

Andrew Ross, Cheshire East Council’s strategic highways and transport manager, added: “This is all down to some fantastic work from the team involved and they deserve to be recognised and win awards.”

The entrance sits on the site of the former Royal Mail office and cost £6.5m, funded by the Department for Transport, Cheshire East Council and Defra’s ‘Access for All’ programme.

The North West Regional Construction Awards take place in Manchester on Thursday, June 4. To find out more and to see the shortlists for the awards, visit www.constructionawardsnw.co.uk/shortlist.html

The CIHT Awards 2015 follow on Tuesday, June 9, in London. More information is available at www.ciht.org.uk/en/events/ciht-awards

Cheshire East residents urged to support VE Day events

 

 

Tea dances, street parties and other themed events are set to take place across Cheshire East when the country celebrates the 70th anniversary of VE Day.

And residents with memories of the historic day are being urged to share their stories.

The Victory in Europe anniversary falls on Friday, May 8, and will be commemorated and celebrated in Cheshire East in a number of ways.

Commemorative events, including wreath-laying, will take place at three locations around the Borough, in Crewe, Knutsford and Macclesfield.

Similar ceremonies will be held around the country, including a special service of remembrance at the Cenotaph in London, which will be followed by a huge concert the following day.

In Cheshire East, communities are being encouraged to play their part to mark the occasion, in whatever way they wish.

A jubilee-style street party is planned for Crewe where the Market Hall will be decorated with bunting.

Community choirs, bands and local radio will be playing some wartime favourites and residents who remember the historic occasion will be encouraged to share their memories.

Residents in care homes and sheltered living accommodation will be able to turn back the clock with special events planned and residents in the town can enjoy tea dances at St Barnabas Church Hall.

Bunting-making workshops are already in full swing.

Primary school children from St Mary’s ‘Peace Choir’ together with Crewe Community Gospel Choir, will entertain party-goers in the town centre.

The celebrations will kick off at noon and finish at 4pm. 

Cheshire East Council head of communities Steph Cordon said: “It’s open house.  Anyone can come along and it’s free.

“We hope people will join in the spirit of the occasion and dress up in wartime dress.

“But it is important to remember that this was a special occasion tinged with enormous sadness for thousands of families who lost loved ones at home and abroad.”

And in Macclesfield, volunteers have organised a family fun afternoon from 1pm at Banbury Park, Hurdsfield, while on Sunday, May 10, Cheshire Streetwise, a community interest company, are holding a VE Day-themed afternoon tea party between 1.30pm and 3.30pm at the Elim Centre.

Mike Suarez, Chief Executive of Cheshire East Council said: “It is important that this anniversary is marked in the appropriate way and we hope that as many people as possible will join in events taking place in their community.

“Our older generation who experienced the war, will have bittersweet memories, with so many people losing loved ones.

“But we hope they will be able to join in and share their recollections and help to make this a memorable occasion.”

“In 1945 VE Day injected an immediate feeling of euphoria across the country, owing to the huge sense of relief that the war was now over. People partied and celebrated and we have planned events to celebrate as well as commemorate.”

The brief civic ceremonies will be staggered with the first event being held outside Macclesfield Town Hall, followed by a second ceremony at Tatton Park and a third in Memorial Square, Crewe.

The first will take place at 10.45am, the second at noon and the event in Crewe at 1.15pm and will involve civic leaders and the Royal British Legion.

Addresses will be given which will include acknowledgement of the huge loss of life in the Second World War and its impact on the nation as a whole.

A member of the Cheshire Youth Theatre read the moving speech made by Winston Churchill at the VE Day celebrations in London.

While Churchill praised the courage and resolve of the British people, he also reminded the country that Britain was still at war with Japan and that fighting continued in the Far East in a conflict which continued until August.

The surrender of Admiral Donitz, following Hitler’s suicide, ended years of misery and fear for the UK, where half a million homes had been destroyed by bombing raids.

Ninety-two thousand civilians were killed, while the battlefields, air and sea hostilities claimed the lives of 357,116 service men and women.

Spontaneous dancing and singing in the streets across the country demonstrated the enormous relief felt by the people, relief tinged with sorrow at the loss of so many young lives.

Paid charity workers to be strictly controlled in Cheshire East town centres

 

Face-to-face paid charity fundraisers operating in Cheshire East will be strictly controlled in future, following the signing of an agreement with the organisation that manages complaints.

Known as ‘chuggers,’ paid charity fundraisers operate in busy high streets or door to door and persuade members of the public to give financial support to a charity by signing up to a direct debit.

Macclesfield, Crewe, Congleton, Nantwich, Wilmslow and Knutsford town centres will have strict limits on the numbers of fundraisers allowed to operate at a specific time, the days of the week they can be present and the streets they can work in.

Cheshire East Council has signed a site management agreement with the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association, which operates a code of fundraising practice and seeks to ensure the street fundraisers comply with the agreement.

Fundraisers must not pressure or pester potential customers, follow them in the street, stand within three metres of a shop doorway, cashpoint, pedestrian crossing or station entrance.

They must be satisfied the customer is not under the influence of drink or drugs, or is unable to give informed consent through illness.

The PFRA organisation has more than 120 recognised charities signed up to the code, which is self-regulatory.

Cheshire East Council has joined over 100 other local authorities applying similar controls.

Steph Cordon, the Council’s head of communities, said: “We have had far too many complaints from retailers and businesses, also members of the public, who say they are suffering inconvenience because of the presence of face-to-face fundraisers in their town centre.

“We want our town centres to be welcoming places and people should not feel deterred by the presence of paid charity workers and businesses should not suffer because customers are put off visiting their shops.”

The new protocol for controlling street fundraisers will come into effect on June 22, when charities will be told which days of the week and where their representatives can operate.

The site agreement does not apply to volunteers making traditional coin collections.

Crewe hearing centre invites community to take a test as part of campaign for better understanding this Deaf Awareness Week

 

A Crewe hearing centre is appealing to the local community to support the town’s deaf or hard of hearing population and pop in to book a hearing test to mark this year’s national Deaf Awareness Week (May 4 - 10).

Specsavers Hearing Centre in Market Street is supporting the UK Council on Deafness’ annual campaign, and is committed to raising local awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by the deaf or hard of hearing.

According to the UK Council on Deafness, one in six people in the UK are deaf or hard of hearing.

Nearly 3.7million people of working age have hearing loss, 135,000 of which are severely or profoundly deaf. Furthermore, over 45,000 children in the UK are deaf.

Matthew McDonnell, hearcare director at Specsavers Crewe, says: ‘We’re extremely proud to support the UK Council on Deafness.

‘It’s vital that everybody understands the challenges faced by those with hearing difficulties, challenges which often leave people feeling frustrated, embarrassed, isolated and unconfident.

‘The majority of those who are partially deaf or hard of hearing can be assisted with the help of a hearing aid, but it’s thought that up to a million people who would benefit from wearing one remain undiagnosed having failed to get their hearing regularly checked.

‘Remember it’s important to have hearing checks as regularly as you would have a sight test, which is recommended every two years. This becomes even more important past the age of 55 when age related hearing loss is most likely to occur.’

The theme of this year’s Deaf Awareness Week is ‘Connect and Communicate’. The UK Council on Deafness offers the following advice to help people communicate appropriately with those who suffer from hearing loss. When speaking with a deaf person it is important to:

· Face the person when you are speaking to them, don’t turn away

· Speak clearly without shouting

· Repeat yourself if necessary

· Never say ‘it doesn’t matter’

· If that person doesn’t understand you, don’t give up

· Write it down or draw a picture

To book your next appointment at Crewe Specsavers call the store on 01270 250707 or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/crewe.

For more information on the UK Council on Deafness visit http://deafcouncil.org.uk

Fairerpower signs up 1,000 customers in just three weeks

 

Fairerpower, Cheshire East Council’s new energy supplier, signed up its 1,000^th  customer less than a month after it was launched.

The landmark was passed when Mr. Martin Johnson, 54, switched to the new service, which offers one of the most competitive tariffs in the region.

To mark the occasion, Mr Johnson was presented with a hamper of delicious Fairtrade goodies by Julian Cobley, Cheshire East Council’s head of investment. 

Martin, who lives in Congleton, said: ‘I found out about Fairerpower through Cheshire East’s press release, and registered an interest in it.

“I was very pleasantly surprised when they quoted me some £220 less per year for dual-fuel than what I was currently paying, so it made sense to switch.

“The whole process was very easy, and I found the Fairerpower staff to be very friendly and helpful. I would advise any Cheshire East residents to give it a go and see how much they could save.”

Sixty per cent of Fairerpower’s customers have never switched before and so far, the new service has saved Cheshire East residents an average of £250 each (see note 1).

Fairerpower, set up in partnership with OVO Energy, opened for business on March 16 offering gas and electricity tariffs which aim to be cheaper than those of the bigger energy firms.

The Fairerpower service is available to people living in all Cheshire East postcodes.

Mike Suarez, Cheshire East Council’s Chief Executive, said: “The new company has got off to a great start. Importantly, it is helping people who need it most – those who have been paying too much for their energy but have never switched.

“We are proud that so many of them have benefited from this initiative. The Council does not get any money out of Fairerpower, in fact we are investing in it. The return we get on that investment is the savings we are achieving for residents.”

Fairerpower customers will get:

• Potential average savings of £196 a year (see note 2);
• Ability to fix contracts for 12 months;
• No exit fees;
• 3 per cent Interest Reward paid on all credit balances, up to £1,000 (see note 3);
• Award-winning customer service.

Customers who pay by monthly direct debit can switch to Fairerpower now. Pay-as-you-go customers will be able to sign up from the end of April and an offer for businesses is due to launch in the summer.

Fairerpower’s energy and customer services are provided by OVO Energy, the Council’s partner. OVO came top in 10 out of 12 categories in the uSwitch Energy Awards 2014, including Supplier of the Year.

To find out how much you can save and how to switch, please go to www.fairerpower.co.uk

Cheshire East Highways looks to recruit local people

 

Prospective employees can find out what it’s like to work for Cheshire East Highways at a recruitment day in Crewe on Thursday, April 30.

The event has been organised by Ringway Jacobs, the Council’s contractors, and will be held in the Alexandra Suite at Crewe Alexandra Football Club between 2pm and 7pm. Anyone interested is invited to come in at any time during these hours.

It will provide an opportunity for job seekers to meet hiring managers, talk with team members, find out more about the service and express an interest in working for Cheshire East Highways.

Numerous vacancies will be available over the coming weeks in a variety of areas from design and engineering to works delivery and support functions. These are based throughout the Cheshire East area.

Candidates who can contribute to the safe and efficient delivery of the highways maintenance service and help make a difference to their local community are encouraged to attend and apply to join the team.

Entry level roles being advertised include those for apprentices and graduates on structured training schemes.

Apprentices work on a flexible placement scheme in areas such as highways maintenance and street lighting delivery, as well as business administration, finance and civil engineering.

They fulfil operational roles on the road network and office-based roles in support functions, supplementing on the job training with college studies.

Other posts to be advertised at the event include civil engineers, permit technicians, an asset strategy officer, technical support officer and senior asset technicians. The flood risk team are also seeking land drainage and surface water flood risk management specialists.

Operational roles are also being advertised for highways maintenance operatives (preferably HGV qualified), qualified street lighting electricians, HIAB/crane operators and a senior site supervisor.

Roles within support functions such as finance, commercial and business administration are also available, so the event may be of interest to local people with a non-engineering background.

Chris Shields, Service Leader for Cheshire East Highways said: “This is an exciting time to bring new talent into the service as we continue to deliver improvements throughout Cheshire East.”

This free to enter event is open to all.  Those interested in attending are encouraged to register by emailing their contact details to recruitmentday@cheshireeasthighways.org

Council moves to acquire key site for scheme to transform Crewe town centre

 

Crewe town centre could be set for its most significant development scheme in decades.

Cheshire East Council has contracted to purchase the Royal Arcade site which includes the bus station and 26 retail units along Queensway and Victoria Street.

The decision on the acquisition was expected to be reported to the Council’s Cabinet meeting today (April 21).

The bold move follows years of speculation since plans for the Delamere Place retail and office scheme stalled in 2009. 

Caroline Simpson, executive director of economic growth and prosperity, said: “In recent months we’ve been developing a regeneration delivery framework for the town centre to understand the role that Cheshire East Council can play in giving our residents a town centre that they deserve.

“We’ve already secured millions of pounds of investment for the town centre through the new Lifestyle Centre and the University Technical College which will both open in 2016.

“This is the latest piece in the jigsaw and builds upon strong interest expressed through leisure operators, who share our vision for Crewe and our belief that we can forge a role for the town centre that is based on it being a destination for families to spend quality leisure time.”

Options for redeveloping part of the site, which could include additional leisure attractions, such as a new larger cinema, restaurants, a hotel, car park and a remodelled bus interchange, are now being considered.

Julian Cobley, the Council’s head of investment, added: “We will look at all options including the potential for bringing in a development partner to ensure that any scheme balances viability with our aspirations that this site can act as a catalyst and bring even more investment into the town. 

“The Council is keen to work with existing occupiers within Royal Arcade and will shortly be embarking on a consultation with local residents and businesses on our regeneration delivery framework, to ensure we’re making the most of our key assets and opportunities in the town centre.”

Benefit fraudster who claimed to be hard-up is left with £18,000 bill

 

A woman is facing a bill of more than £18,000 after she falsely claimed to be hard-up in order to obtain benefits.

Amy Wilkinson, 28, of Mardon Close, Knutsford, applied for housing benefit and Council Tax benefit in April 2011, saying that she was on a low income, was living in a privately-rented property and needed assistance with her rent and Council Tax bills.

She also made a claim for income support to help her and her daughter as she had no other income.

However, investigators from Cheshire East Council’s benefit fraud investigation team and the Department for Work and Pensions found she had failed to declare that her mother owned the property for which she was claiming housing benefit.

They also discovered that Wilkinson’s partner had joined her household in January 2012 and had been supporting her and the family financially.

Over a two-year period, she received a total of £17,604 in state benefits that she was not entitled to.

Wilkinson admitted two charges of dishonestly making false representations in order to claim housing benefit, Council Tax benefit and income support when she appeared at South and East Cheshire Magistrates Court (on Wednesday April 15, 2015).

Magistrates sentenced her to 24 weeks’ imprisonment suspended for 24 months and ordered her to pay costs of £675 and a victim surcharge of £50.

In addition to the sentence, Wilkinson will have to repay in full the benefits that she fraudulently obtained.

The prosecution was brought by Cheshire East Council’s legal team.

Steph Cordon, Cheshire East Council’s head of communities, said: “It is a big mistake for fraudsters to think they can get away with claiming benefits they are not entitled to.

“They risk ending up with a criminal conviction for a serious offence of dishonesty and being ordered to repay the money they have falsely claimed.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy towards benefit fraud because we are determined to ensure that the benefits system works for people who really need help.”

Residents can report people they suspect of benefit fraud by calling free on the confidential fraud hotline number 0800 389 2787. There is no need to give a name and calls are treated in the strictest confidence.

Alternatively, suspected fraud can be reported through the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

Councillor wins another battle against a housing development in the green gap in Willaston.

 

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor Brian Silvester is delighted that another battle against a housing development in the green gap in Willaston has been won.

See here http://doc.cheshireeast.gov.uk/NorthgatePublicDocs/07690877.pdf

Brian said,” The proposal was to build 5 detached houses behind 44 Cheerbrook Road. (See plans attached above).

I am glad it has been  refused because it is in the open countryside and the green gap, it is tandem development and the access down the side of the existing house was too narrow. The proposal was also unsustainable.

In the last year Conservative Councillors passed a housing application for 21 houses in the green gap off Cheerbrook Road in Willaston. Recently an application for 100 houses off Cheerbrook Road has been refused. We will have to be ready for a possible appeal for that and for this smaller application. Local people are getting punch drunk with application after application in the village. The sooner we have a Council that can deliver an Adopted Local Plan and a five year supply of housing, the better.It is about time that local people were in charge of development in their community and not the developers.”

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons)

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor

Cheshire East Council

11 Rimsdale Close

Rope

CW2 6RS

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Text     07760147609

e-mail Cllr.Brian.Silvester@gmail.com

www.twitter.com/cllrbsilvester

www.facebook.com/CllrBrianSilvester

Sandbach Transport Festival 2015

Reporter Jonathan White, Crewe

The 25^th anniversary Sandbach Transport Festival - http://www.sandbachtransportfestival.co.uk/ - took place over the weekend of Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th April 2015.

This free event included live music on The Cobbles, BBQ/Hog Roast by Sandbach Round Table, entertainment in the park including children’s funfair, a Thomas the Tank Engine road train, zorbing and birds of prey, a Sandbach Fire Station Open Day, an art festival at the Masonic Hall, a classic car show on Scotch Common (Saturday), and also on Scotch Common there was a large vehicle display featuring trucks, buses, classic and vintage cars, motorbikes, tractors, miniature steam engines and bicycles. There was no parade this year due to roadworks taking place nearby at Junction 17 of the M6 motorway. Numerous shops and pubs were open in the town over the weekend. Over 20,000 people were estimated to have attended the event which took place in warm and dry weather.

I’ve uploaded my photos to Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathanawhite/sets/72157651645543870/

Cheshire East holds ceremony to mark centenary of tragic Gallipoli Campaign in the First World War

 

Cheshire East Council is to hold an act of remembrance to mark the centenary of the bloody Gallipoli campaign of the First World War.

Senior representatives of Cheshire East Council will lead civic dignitaries at the ceremony at Congleton War Memorial on Saturday, April 25, at 10.15am. Members of the public are warmly invited to attend.

The poignant event is being held on Anzac Day, in memory of the many thousands of Australian and New Zealand Army Corps troops, as well as British and other Allied servicemen, who died in the doomed campaign on Turkey’s Dardanelles coastline.

The Gallipoli Campaign of April 1915 was championed by then First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill. Its aim was to strike a decisive knockout blow against Germany’s ally, the Ottoman Empire, and hasten the Allies’ victory.

However, the beach-landing assaults quickly ran into difficulties, with troops pinned down on the heavily defended and difficult coastline terrain. The Allies eventually withdrew after eight months of fighting and heavy casualties. About 350,000 troops in total, from both sides, were killed or wounded.

Mike Suarez, chief executive of Cheshire East Council, said: “This will be a solemn occasion when the people of Cheshire East can gather together as a community to remember the fallen of all sides in that terrible campaign in the Great War.

“More than 550,000 Allied troops participated, and this will be an occasion to recognise the sacrifices made by people from so many countries during the campaign, to show our gratitude and respect and to remember the bravery shown on all sides of the conflict.”

The act of remembrance will last about 20 minutes. The event is one of many centenary ceremonies being held as part of the Council’s Cheshire East Reflects programme to commemorate events from the Great War of 1914-18.

For more information about Cheshire East Reflects, visit: http://cheshireeastreflects.com/

Speeding in Rope Lane

I am calling for action to prevent speeding in Rope Lane, Rope. A recent survey showed over 40% of vehicles were speeding and this is totally unacceptable, as well as being dangerous. Rope Lane is one of the main routes from Shavington to Crewe and to the Shavington High School. It is very narrow in parts and in places there is no footpath. The Borough Council want to erect a Pelican Crossing in Rope Lane, near to the junction with Bankfield Avenue, to assist school children and residents to cross this busy and dangerous road. Students at the High School are so concerned about highway safety that they have started a campaign to have the crossing introduced as a matter of urgency. I am pursuing this issue with the Highways Department and the Police. I am calling for the crossing to be put in place and for more signs and road markings to show the speed limit. I have called on the Police to carry out speed checks at the busy time in the morning and afternoon/evening. Those that speed should be apprehended and fined to deter further speeding. I also call on all motorists to keep their speed down so we can we can keep the road casualties down.

 

I welcome the news that two of the main roads through Willaston are to be resurfaced. Along with the Parish Council I have been campaigning for Wistaston Road and Wybunbury Road  to be resurfaced for some time. They are two of the main routes through the village and are heavily used. As a consequence  there are many potholes and much damage to the roads, so the sooner the resurfacing is done the better. The roads are to be micro asphalted. Micro Asphalt surfacing is the application of a 25mm thick bitumen slurry over the existing surface to provide a new running surface.  It is designed to reseal the existing road surface, fill in the cracks and level out any divots to produce a smoother ride. It is used mainly in the more populated areas of the Borough, any removed lines are replaced within days of application.  Laying the material is very weather dependent and is only applied in the dryer months.

According to the Cheshire East Council’s web site the current maintenance backlog is put at £88million for roads and £22 million on footways. Based on current funding levels roads in Cheshire East can only be expected to be renewed every 122 years and footpaths every 277 years. This is obviously totally unacceptable and is also short sighted because over the last two years the Council paid out £141,000 in compensation because they failed to fill pot holes, as they are required to do. UKIP Councillors are pressing for more to be spent on our roads and footways. We could do with a few less failed grandiose plans in Cheshire East and instead the money saved being used to fill in the ever increasing number of potholes.

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons)

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor

Cheshire East Council

11 Rimsdale Close

Rope,Crewe

CW2 6RS

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Text     07760147609

www.twitter.com/cllrbsilvester

The Wistaston Singers.

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston.

The Wistaston Singers performed a fund-raising concert on the evening of Thursday 16^th April 2015 at St Mark’s Church in Shavington. Phil Houghton was the Musical Director and also introduced each song and soloist. The programme included soloists Chris White (ukulele), Phil Houghton (church organ) and Ann Farrington (piano). Ann was also the accompanist for the evening.

The choir sang Get Me to the Church on Time (Lerner & Loewe), Goodbye, Dolly Gray (Barnes), Phantom of the Opera - Music of the Night (Lloyd Webber), Keep the Home Fires Burning (Novello), One Voice (Manilow), All in the April evening (Roberton), Queen compilation (Brymor), Pack Up Your Troubles (Powell), My Fair Lady compilation (Lerner & Loewe), Can You Feel the Love Tonight (John), If You Were the Only Girl, In the World (Ayer), Love Changes Everything (Lloyd-Webber) and A Clare Benediction (Rutter). Fifty people were in the audience. Refreshments were served during the interval. The £346 raised at the concert will go to St Luke's Cheshire Hospice (Shavington Support Group).

Musical Director Phil Houghton said, “We were delighted to sing at St Mark’s Church and thank them for their hospitality. The choir introduced some of their new material for this year’s season. It was an evening that was enjoyed by all and we thank everyone for their support.”

 

The Wistaston Singers were originally formed by members of the choir at St Mary's Parish Church, Wistaston in May 2000 and now number over forty members singing four-part harmony music. The choir perform a variety and eclectic choice of music ranging from choral church music and anthems, Gilbert and Sullivan items, music from the shows, music from modern composers such as John Rutter encompassing from the 15th century to the 20th century. They perform up to five concerts a year at various venues in south Cheshire. The choir is also available to perform at weddings in the area. The choir rehearse weekly in the parish rooms of St Mary's Church, Nantwich on a Wednesday evening from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. New members are welcome and further details may be obtained from Choir Secretary Jill Oakes, Tel: 01270 662940 and email:jillandjohnoakes@uwclub.net

Wreath laid to remember a Crewe war hero on the 100th anniversary of his death

 

Two Wistaston residents, Joyce and Graham Rawlings, laid a wreath for Harry Burnadine Rawlings on the 100th anniversary of his death in the First World War on the 30^th of March 2015. See photo below.  Harry was born in Crewe and at one time lived in Rigg Street with his brother Walter.

Cllr Brian Silvester said, “It is wonderful  that a war hero can be remembered in this way, 100 years after his death. I attended the service and it was a very moving occasion. I would like to thank Joyce and Graham for  arranging this tribute to a Crewe war hero  who gave his life, so we could be free to live our lives. The ultimate sacrifice.”

Joyce said, “I have supported the British Legion Poppy Appeal for many years, having a cross and poppy laid outside Westminster Abbey to commemorate my grandad, George O’Brien, who was killed 2 months before mam was born.  We have commemorated grandad, Lewis Albert Payne from Tasmania, and Harry Burnadine.  We have pledged to 3 more – one each year until 2018.  Lewis Albert was no relation but we were asked to commemorate him – which we did – and we made contact with his relatives in Tasmania and New South Wales.  A pity we could not find any relatives of HB.”

If anyone needs/wants to speak with Joyce, best time is afternoons.  01270 668835

Sandbach Transport Festival – Temporary Road Closures

 

Cheshire East Council is alerting residents and visitors to local road closures for the Sandbach Transport Festival later this month.

The following roads will be closed on both Saturday April 18 (2015) & Sunday April 19:

● High Street, Sandbach (7am-5pm) – from the junction with Old Mill Road to the junction with Hightown/Congleton Road;

● Congleton Road, Sandbach (9am-6pm) – from the junction with Offley Road to the junction with Bradwall Road;

● Green Street, Sandbach (10am-6pm) – from the junction with Cross Street to the junction with Congleton Road;

● The Commons, Sandbach (6am-6pm) – from the junction with Wellbank Road to the junction with Congleton Road;

In addition, the following roads will be closed on Sunday April 19:

● Welles Street, Sandbach (6am-6pm) – from the junction with Congleton Road to the junction with Bold Street;

● Bold Street, Sandbach (10am-6pm) – from the junction with Bradwall Road to the junction with Welles Street.

Location Map - view on http://roadworks.org/?tm24586

Pedestrian access to any premises situated within the temporary closure will be maintained at all times. Vehicular access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and residents where possible.

The closure is necessary for Sandbach Transport Festival to take place.

This notice will become operative on Saturday April 18 2015 for a period of 5 days or for such less time as is necessary to enable the event to be held.

If you have any enquiries relating to the works please contact Cheshire East Highways on telephone 03001235020.

Rugby World Cup 2015 Tickets

Action Fraud, together with the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau and the City of London Police, are working in partnership with Rugby World Cup 2015 organisers to disrupt those entities seeking to sell Rugby World Cup 2015 tickets without permission from the official provider.
We would like rugby fans and the general public to be aware that they should only purchase tickets from official sources and avoid being scammed.
Purchase tickets from an official source and avoid losing your money.

• England Rugby 2015 Limited (“ER2015”) is the organising committee of Rugby World Cup 2015, due to take place in England and Cardiff from 18 September 2015 until 31 October 2015. Rugby World Cup Limited (“RWCL”) is the Tournament owner of Rugby World Cup 2015.  
• RWCL/ER2015 wants to ensure that the public is not misled, by unauthorised ticket sellers, into believing they have purchased genuine Rugby World Cup 2015 tickets.

Where can you buy official match tickets? 

• Tickets for the general public may only be purchased from ER2015 via official website at: https://tickets.rugbyworldcup.com

Where can you buy Official ticket-inclusive hospitality packages?

• These can only be purchased through the official hospitality programme, operated by Rugby Travel & Hospitality Ltd (“RTH”) at www.rugbyworldcup.com/hospitality.

Where can you buy Official ticket-inclusive Supporter Tours (i.e. travel packages)?

• RTH has appointed a number of Official Travel Agents (“OTAs”) from across the globe to provide official Rugby World Cup ticket-inclusive supporter tours and a list of such OTAs is available at: http://supportertours.rugbyworldcup.com/travel_agents_list.aspx).

How do you ensure that you are buying Rugby World Cup 2015 match tickets, supporter tours or hospitality packages from an official channel?

• To check whether a company or a certain website is an official Rugby World Cup 2015 channel, use the ‘Official Checker’ tool which is located at www.rugbyworldcup/buyofficial.

Can you buy official Rugby World Cup 2015 tickets, supporter tours or hospitality packages elsewhere, other than as outlined above?

• There is no guarantee that Rugby World Cup 2015 tickets (and/or ticket inclusive packages) purchased from any source other than RWCL, ER2015, RTH  (or those listed above) are genuine tickets (and/or ticket-inclusive packages).
• Fans who purchase tickets and/or ticket-inclusive packages from unauthorised sellers run the risk of paying over the odds for a non-existent ticket, ending up disappointed by not getting to see the match they paid to see, and risk having their personal and credit card details stolen for use in other crimes.

Points to note about unauthorised activity:

• It has been shown from the 2012 Olympics and other major events in the UK that ticket touts are often linked with other forms of criminality.
• The unauthorised sale, or offer for sale, of Rugby World Cup 2015 tickets (and/or ticket-inclusive packages) may constitute an infringement of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 or Fraud.
• All official Rugby World Cup 2015 tickets are subject to ER2015’s ticket terms and conditions, located at: http://www.rugbyworldcup.com/ticketing/t-c
• Tickets are STRICTLY NON-TRANSFERABLE and MUST NOT BE SOLD OR OFFERED, EXPOSED OR MADE AVAILABLE FOR SALE, OR TRANSFERRED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED. ER2015 reserves the right to cancel without refund any tickets which ER2015 reasonably believes have been or are intended to be resold, offered, exposed or made available for sale, or transferred or otherwise disposed in breach of the ticketing terms and conditions.
• Any person attempting to use Rugby World Cup 2015 tickets which have been resold in breach of the ticket terms and conditions risks being refused entry to or ejected from the relevant match venue.

How do I report unauthorised use of Rugby World Cup assets?

• To report the sale of unauthorised general public tickets, please contact ER2015 at legal@england2015.com.
• To report the sale of counterfeit Rugby World Cup 2015 tickets or the unauthorised sale of ticket-inclusive supporter tour/hospitality packages, please contact rwcrightsprotection@img.com

TICKETS PURCHASED OR OBTAINED FROM ANY OTHER SOURCE SHALL BE VOID AND MAY BE SEIZED OR CANCELLED WITHOUT REFUND OR COMPENSATION.
Action Fraud will be replicating this alert on a regular basis, leading up to the 2015 Rugby World Cup to prevent members of the community being affected by this type/similar fraud. Please bear with us until September 2015.

Pioneering venture to share records will improve care of vulnerable

 

An innovative scheme to permit health and care professionals to share information will help save the lives of the vulnerable and frail by avoiding delays and the risk of confusion.

Described as a ‘game changer’ in its approach to meeting the needs of vulnerable, older and frail people, the Cheshire Integrated Digital Care Record is a partnership project involving Cheshire East Council, health trusts and clinical commissioning groups across the County.

It will enable health and care professionals to take more timely and appropriate actions when dealing with a resident or patient who is new to them.

The new system will integrate health and social care records without compromising confidentiality and data protection.

It will ensure the speedier sharing of information between GPs and hospital consultants, with vital information including social care needs also available.

As an example, it would mean that an accident and emergency consultant at Leighton Hospital could be able to view the GP and social care record of an older person who had suffered a fall and who, unknown to them, may also be suffering dementia.

Valuable time could be saved by having immediate access to medical records, medication or care plans.

The new scheme is funded through all partner agencies including a grant of over £1m from NHS England and incorporates the Council’s health care partners:

· NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG

· NHS South Cheshire CCG

· NHS Vale Royal CCG

· Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

· East Cheshire NHS Trust

· The Christie NHS Foundation Trust

· Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

Cheshire West and Chester Council, the West Cheshire CCG and the Countess of Chester Hospital are also involved in the new digital record policy, ensuring a consistent approach across Cheshire.

Lorraine Butcher, Cheshire East Council’s Executive Director of Strategic Commissioning said: “Putting residents first by mobilising care and support services around them and in response to their needs is how the Council and its partners will help people to live well and for longer.

“It is an opportunity to affect a real step-change in how we and our partners can work better together to ensure the needs of all our residents and patients are met more quickly.”

Tracy Bullock, Chief Executive of Mid Cheshire NHS Foundation Trust said:

“I am very pleased that we are a part of this essential and exciting project, as it will lead to real improvements in the quality and safety of care that we are able to provide to our patients”

The Chief Executive of East Cheshire NHS Trust John Wilbraham said: “As a combined hospital and community trust with staff providing care in a wide range of environments, we fully appreciate how vital integrated health and care records are.

“As a result, I wholeheartedly welcome this project and we look forward to working with Cheshire East Council and our other local partners to help the new system further increase the quality and efficiency of the care we deliver to our patients.”

The Wistaston Singers?

Reporter  Jonathan White, Wistaston

The Wistaston Singers are holding an ‘Evening of Entertainment’ this Thursday 16^th April at 7:30pm in St Mark’s Church Hall, Shavington. Tickets = £6 and include tea/coffee and biscuits. Proceeds in support of St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice. For further information please contact Shirley Bailey 665819 or Elizabeth Davies 662536.

Cheshire East Council to invest £7m to upgrade street lighting

 

Cheshire East Council has successfully secured funding for major improvements to the Borough’s street lights.

The Council is set to invest more than £7m in 2015/16 to upgrade over 11,000 street lights using the latest light-emitting diode (LED) technology.

It will also replace nearly 2,500 columns that have reached the end of their serviceable life.

The money is coming from Salix Finance, which works with public sector organisations to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. 

Salix provides interest-free loans with repayments covered from the energy savings achieved by the project.

Paul Traynor, strategic commissioning manager for highways at Cheshire East Council, said: “The Council has a duty to look at all options to reduce its carbon emissions and to tackle increasing energy costs.

“Upgrading existing lanterns to LED will not only reduce our carbon emissions but will also deliver a better quality of light for residents, cut ongoing maintenance costs and significantly reduce our energy bills.”

Cheshire East set to back Jodrell Bank’s bid to stay a world leader

 

Cheshire East Council is set to invest £1m as part of a support package to keep the Jodrell Bank Observatory at the forefront of global scientific research.

Currently, Jodrell Bank is competing to retain its status as the headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project for another 50 years after the end of the existing contract, which has only four years left to run.

Retaining headquarters status is estimated to be worth £1billion in private sector investment and will help to secure an additional 200 jobs on the site near Goostrey.

The Council’s Cabinet will be asked next week to approve £1m of capital funding to pay for a package of activity and support that will focus on connectivity and asset enhancement.

The proposed work will only go ahead if Jodrell Bank retains its status as headquarters of the SKA, which is a multinational project to create the world’s largest radio telescope.

Cheshire East’s support will also unlock more than £100m of funding from the European Regional Development Fund, Heritage Lottery and the further education sector.

The University of Manchester is already investing £16m toward refurbishment of the Grade 1 listed assets on the site and more than £19m is being sought from HLF and ERDF to build a new visitor pavilion and gallery space.

Caroline Simpson, the Council’s executive director for economic growth and prosperity, said: “The Council has set out a clear action plan to develop and grow the technology and science corridor in the area and Jodrell Bank plays a key part in this plan.

“The Council is committed to supporting the growth and success of the Jodrell Bank site as a unique asset in the Cheshire Science Corridor, and we continue to work closely with partners across the Manchester city region to develop the site’s record in hosting world-class science and visitor activities.” 

The Council also plans to put in place a Local Development Order for the Jodrell Bank site which will allow for a simplified planning process.

And it wants to work with partners to establish an international school to support the growing workforce attracted by the Borough’s cluster of science and technology-based industries.

Council secures key support for Crewe and Middlewich regeneration plans

 

Cheshire East Council is set to join forces with the company that owns the UK’s railway land in order to draw up a regeneration plan for Crewe and Middlewich.

London and Continental Railways Limited (LCR) has offered to support the Council’s efforts to develop a growth strategy based on Crewe becoming the location for a hub station on the proposed HS2 high-speed rail network.

LCR, controlled by the Department for Transport, specialises in the management, development and disposal of railway property assets, in particular where they are associated with major infrastructure projects.

The Council’s Cabinet will be asked next week to approve the signing of an agreement to work with LCR on the regeneration plan for Crewe and Middlewich, which will involve identifying strategic sites closed to the proposed station. A joint venture could also be set up to secure funding and acquire land to assemble development sites.

The two organisations would also work on an inward investment strategy targeting the private sector and partner with other government agencies.

Cabinet is being asked to release £200,000 from the existing budget allocation for Crewe High Growth City to fund work on the regeneration plan.

Caroline Simpson, Cheshire East Council’s executive director of economic growth and prosperity, said: “Even though the Crewe HS2 hub station isn’t confirmed, the offer of support to the Council is very welcome.

“Having the insight and experience of LCR is extremely attractive and they would bring direct access to key government departments and agencies.”

Cheshire East Council has campaigned for the past four years to secure the hub station, resulting in a recommendation by HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins that the station should be built at Crewe by 2026, much earlier than originally envisaged.

The Four Eagles Grand Opening Monday 13th

The new Hungry Horse pub the 4 Eagles is now getting ready to open on the 13th with a menu for all the family. Its in  Dunwoody way Crewe 07762 791723 They have their own Face Book Page so you can get more details from there. The pub was opened today by Mischa Leake the local here whose parents are trying to raise money for her operation. As she is at school on Monday when the pub opens for business she opened it today, but dont worry there will be a grand opening on Monday at 11 o'clock so make a note diary

Mischa Leake opens the Four Eagles Crewe

Its a major event for the West End as its the first new pub in about 20 years all we have seen is pubs close in the area so there is a lot of excitement at the opening with reasonable priced meals and children friendly. Above the children's area has a massive tv for them to watch children's programs.   

It also has a new round bar a first for the group and a big TV carrying all the sports channels including BT Sport

Another first he groups is the electronic sign which is the first in the country for this group

All the staff have been in training for weeks to make sure you have an enjoyable stay

The plaque in the pub for the opening

Would you believe these foods are all low fat?

I have put a lot more photos on The Four Eagles Facebook page

Cheshire East offers grants to create more Neighbourhood Plans

 

Cheshire East Council is offering grants to communities which want to create Neighbourhood Plans to give them greater local control over the scale and location of proposed developments.

The Council is inviting towns and parishes to apply for up to £7,000 to fund work needed to draw up their plans.

To be eligible, local councils’ plans must complement Cheshire East’s Corporate and Local Plans.

The Council believes that Neighbourhood Plans, set up under the Localism Act 2011, allow people to protect the characteristics they value in their own town or village.

Sandbach and Bunbury were the first parishes to publish their emerging Neighbourhood Plans.

Nineteen more parishes across the Borough have formally started the process and 50 parishes and town councils have expressed an interest in getting their own emerging plans in place.

Once community groups and local organisations have published a Neighbourhood Plan, there is a six-week public consultation exercise before it is adopted.

In some cases, the High Court has recognised the importance of Neighbourhood Plans and overturned planning appeals in favour of residents.

Residents and local councils can obtain more information about Neighbourhood Plans by visiting the Cheshire East web site at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/neighbourhoodplanning

£450,000 funding boost for rural transport in Cheshire East

 

Cheshire East Council and its partners are stepping up their efforts to improve how residents get around rural areas after securing £453,144 in funding.

It was the fourth largest allocation from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) £7.6m Total Transport Pilot Fund. Cheshire East Council will use it for feasibility studies to see how public sector road passenger transport can be improved in rural areas.

About half of Cheshire East’s 372,700 residents live in rural villages and towns.

Caroline Simpson, executive director of economic growth and prosperity at Cheshire East Council, said: “Our bid, Transport & Rural Integration in Cheshire East (TRICE), demonstrates the importance of developing a viable rural transport network for the 50 per cent of our residents who live in rural areas.

“Many of these residents rely on passenger transport services.

“The money will help to identify what scope there is for integration across road passenger transport services commissioned by the public sector, including home-to-school transport, local bus support and non-emergency patient transport.

“It provides a great opportunity to work with partner organisations, particularly clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), to explore how to co-ordinate and integrate transport resources.

“This will ensure our transport is more efficient, of better quality and is more effective at meeting the needs of residents.”

Both the NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG and South Cheshire CCG backed the Council’s bid.

Neil Evans, commissioning director of the NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG, said: “The opportunities brought by this fund will further support and enhance the existing work currently under way by all health and social care partners in eastern Cheshire.

“It will not only support work to improve the experience of accessing health and care services, remove unnecessary duplication of resources – which can be reinvested into local care – but also improve the outcomes experienced by our patients, carers and residents.”

Call for action after survey shows that over 50% of vehicles are speeding in Willaston

 

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor Brian Silvester is calling for action to stop speeding down Park Road, Willaston in his Ward.

He said, “Over 50% of vehicles  are speeding and this is simply unacceptable.(See attached) Park Road is one the main routes into Willaston. The road is winding and narrow and in parts there is not a footpath for pedestrians. I am pressing for more road signs, more road markings and speed indicator signs to emphasise the need to motorists to slow down before someone is killed. I appeal to motorists to be responsible when they are driving down Rope Lane and keep their speed within the 30mph speed limit. I am also calling on the Police to set up speed traps so that speeding drivers are fined and others are deterred. I recently spoke to the Chief Constable on a Radio Stoke phone in to ask for the Police to take more action.”

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons)

Willaston and Rope Ward UKIP Councillor

Cheshire East Council

11 Rimsdale Close

Rope

CW2 6RS

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Text     07760147609

e-mail Cllr.Brian.Silvester@gmail.com

www.twitter.com/cllrbsilvester

www.facebook.com/CllrBrianSilvester

Cheshire East funds service to help rough sleepers

 

Cheshire East Council is working with YMCA Crewe to help get rough sleepers off the streets.

In 2012, the council launched the No Second Night Out service, which has been funded in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The service supported 140 Cheshire East residents and saved them from having to spend more than one night sleeping rough. 

Now the council has recommissioned the service and following a procurement process, YMCA Crewe has been awarded the contract.

No Second Night Out (NSNO) aims to provide between three and seven nights’ accommodation for people who have slept rough for the first time or are about to do so.

In that time, staff from the YMCA will work intensively with the individual and try to find longer-term accommodation for them. 

This can be achieved with the help of private landlords, registered housing providers and supported housing providers.

Initially, four beds will be available throughout Cheshire East, which will hopefully be increased to five over the next 12 months.

Karen Carsberg, strategic housing manager at Cheshire East Council said: “This service has proved its worth as a way of intervening at an early stage to prevent people from becoming rough sleepers. This means that people who are going through difficult times are given a chance to get their lives back on track.”

Richard Holmes, Development and Quality Manager of YMCA Crewe, said: “We have supported the NSNO scheme since its inception three years ago  by providing  temporary accommodation for over 200 people.  

“This contract helps us not only to continue that but to support people to find permanent housing so that their homelessness is a thing of the past.”

Benefits cheat ordered to do 100 hours unpaid work

 

A woman cheated the benefits system out of more than £24,000 by falsely claiming to be a lone parent on a low income.

But Paula Mullock, 29, received a suspended prison sentence and was ordered to do community work after her fraud was uncovered by investigators from Cheshire East Council’s benefit investigations team and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Mullock, of Royce Close, Crewe, admitted four charges of dishonestly failing to notify a change in circumstances that she knew would affect her entitlement to Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Income Support.

Magistrates sitting at South and East Cheshire Magistrates Court in Crewe on March 30 heard that an investigation into Mullock’s claim found that her partner had joined the household in November 2010 and had been supporting her and the family financially.

Despite this, she continued her claim as a lone parent for another three years and six months by providing false statements to the DWP.

As a result, Mullock received £24,694.38 in benefits that she was not entitled to.

Magistrates sentenced her to 18 weeks imprisonment suspended for 12 months and 100 hours unpaid work for the community. She was also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £80 and costs of £85.

Steph Cordon, Cheshire East Council’s Head of Communities, said: “It is a big mistake for fraudsters to think they can get away with claiming benefits they are not entitled to.

“They risk being prosecuted and ending up with a criminal conviction for a serious offence of dishonesty.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy towards benefit fraud because we are determined to ensure that the benefits system works for people who really need help.”

Residents can report people they suspect of benefit fraud by calling free on the confidential fraud hotline number 0800 389 2787. There is no need to give a name and calls are treated in the strictest confidence.

Alternatively, suspected fraud can be reported through the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

Inspector agrees timetable for local plan

 

A timetable has been set for the Cheshire East Local Plan Examination that takes into account the forthcoming local and national elections.

The Council now has until the end of July to submit additional evidence.

Importantly, the timetable allows the Council to hold engagement sessions after the elections. 

Staging these during the pre-election period is problematic because of the restrictions that apply to public bodies. 

During the pre-election period, local authorities are barred from organising meetings at which candidates may make political statements.

A letter from the Planning Inspectorate said that the inspector leading the examination “fully understands the difficulties that the Council may have in convening engagement meetings with neighbouring authorities (and others) during the forthcoming election period”.

Caroline Simpson, executive director of economic growth and prosperity, said: “We welcome the agreed timetable because it avoids conflict with the busy election period.

“We look forward to submitting our revised evidence base in July and resuming the examination at the end of the summer.”

54-hour operation sees railway bridge installed over Crewe Green Link Road

 

It took 54 hours of precision and careful non-stop work – but a new railway bridge has been installed successfully as part of the Crewe Green Link Road project.

Weighing in at 2,000 tonnes, the bridge was driven into place during the Easter weekend after six months of construction.

The Crewe-to-Derby railway line was closed for just over two days to allow the 38-metre bridge to be put in place and the painstaking operation was complete by 4am on Easter Monday.

It is a key milestone in the construction of the 0.7-mile road, which will reduce congestion in and around the town.

It will run between the A500 Hough-Shavington bypass and the A5020 – creating an alternate bypass for Crewe, improving access to the A500 and M6. It will also help unlock the potential of two major employment sites at Basford and help facilitate the creation of up to 12,500 jobs over 20 years.

The bridge allows the new road to go underneath the railway line.

Caroline Simpson, executive director of economic growth and prosperity at Cheshire East Council, said: “This was a very complex operation and required all hands to the pump.

“Our contractor did an excellent job in ensuring this key stage in the project was completed successfully and on time.

“The Council is pleased that work is progressing well on the road and, once complete, it will allow traffic to move around Crewe rather than directly through the town centre and Nantwich Road.”

A rig vehicle with 128 wheels on either side was needed in order to take the weight of the bridge and carry it 45 metres towards the railway line before lowering it into place.

Work on Crewe Green Link Road started at the end of August 2014, and is due to be completed by the end of this year. It is one of a number of projects to support Crewe’s economic development over the next 20 years and will benefit residents and businesses.

Paul Colman, chief executive of South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “Businesses have been telling us for a long time that the movement of people, staff and goods within South Cheshire is really important to them.

“This project will hopefully alleviate some of the pressure on the town centre and take people on the ring road around Crewe.”

Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival

Reporter Jonathan White

The 19th Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival - http://www.nantwichjazz.com/ - took place over the Easter weekend.

Over 40,000 people attended the Festival over its five day period (Thursday 2nd to Monday 6th April 2015) with over 100 performances at sixteen venues in Nantwich.

Entry to the majority of the festival pub gigs was via a £7 wristband.

Headline acts included Thea Gilmore, Andy Fairweather, Connie Lush, FM, The Blues Band, King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys, and The Stumble. Musical genres included jazz, blues, swing, pop and rock. Over £1 million is estimated to have been injected into the town’s economy.

The Eagle Has Landed

The new Hungry Horse pub the 4 Eagles is now getting ready to open on the 13th with a menu for all the family. Its in  Dunwoody way Crewe 07762 791723 They have their own Face Book Page so you can get more details from there.

The Eagle outside is fantastic and well worth a good look and they have a great play area for the kids. More details  closer to the opening date

Smithy Lane Road Closure at Leighton Hospital

Smithy Lane Road Closure at Leighton Hospital which will begin on Good Friday (3rd April).

The essential works are necessary to connect a new electricity substation, situated near to Leighton Hospital’s A&E department, to the main electricity network in order to enable current and future hospital developments. To accommodate these works, Smithy Lane is due to close from 12.01am on Friday 3^rd April 2015 for approximately four weeks.

For the first week

Staff, visitors and patients travelling to the hospital in their own vehicles will be re-directed to the Middlewich Road entrance (Entrance 3) located near the Treatment Centre.  For vehicles usually entering Smithy Lane via the mini roundabout, a diversion will be in place via Flowers Lane which will then require a left-turn at the junction with Middlewich Road.

Once on-site at Entrance 3, those vehicles wanting to reach A&E will be directed to the road on the right, driving past Urology and South Cheshire Private Hospital, leading to the car park outside A&E.  All other patients and visitors will be directed to the usual public car parks via a dedicated and defined route through the main staff car park – this route will be clearly sign-posted at all times and will also be manned throughout the day.

For the remaining period*

After the first week, it is anticipated that both the A&E and Main Entrances will become accessible again for all vehicles, although only via the Middlewich Road end of Smithy Lane (the Flowers Lane / mini roundabout end will remain closed for the duration of the works).  Once these entrances become available again, the diversions past South Cheshire Private Hospital and through the staff car park will cease as they will no longer be required.

As there will still be a partial closure of Smithy Lane, clear signage will continue to be on display around the major routes into and around the hospital advising of the alternative routes.

*please note that the partial reopening and the exact timings associated with it are subject to change

Emergency Access

Please be assured that ambulances and other emergency vehicles will continue to have access to A&E and Maternity at all times. 

Buses, Pedestrians and Cyclists

It is expected that access to the Main Entrance will be maintained for buses, pedestrians and cyclists during the works.

For the duration of the works, it is recommended that patients and visitors allow for extra journey time to and from Leighton Hospital.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused as a result of these essential works and to thank patients, visitors and Members in advance for their patience and understanding.

Grants on offer to help Cheshire East’s flood victims

 

Flood victims in Cheshire East can now apply for grants to help protect their property in the future.

Homes and businesses flooded between April 1, 2013 and November 30, 2013, could be eligible for a grant of up to £5,000 to install equipment to safeguard their properties.

Available through Cheshire East Council, the government’s Repair and Renew Grant (RRG) scheme will pay for a wide range of flood protection measures for property owners who meet the eligibility criteria.

These can include everything from moving electrical fittings and airbrick covers to waterproofing walls, altering floors and installing a driveway barrier.

Council officers will be contacting the owners of a small number of homes and businesses in areas known to have flooded during this period, to inform them of the financial help available.

But the Council wants other residents or business owners who were affected to be aware that assistance may be available.

Home or business owners who feel they might be eligible and want further information can:

§  Email: floodgrantce@cheshireeast.gov.uk;

§ Telephone 01244 973869;

§ Write to Joint Cheshire Emergency Planning Team, Cheshire East Council, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach CW11 1HZ;

§ Download the flood grant application form at: http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/environment/community_safety/emergency_planning/flood_grant.aspx

It is advisable not to buy any flood resistance measures before an application is approved by the Council. Any costs before approval are incurred at the applicant’s own risk.

Those who have already paid for installation of flood resilience equipment can make a retrospective application but will be required to demonstrate that they were flooded in the eligible period, to produce proof of expenditure and to show that it represented value for money.

Applications must be submitted by May 31, 2015 and all works purchased, installed and grant claims submitted by August 31, 2015.

Cheshire East elects Callum and Joe to UK Youth Parliament

 

Adult voters have to wait until May 7, but Cheshire East’s young people have elected two of their own to join the UK Youth Parliament.

Seven candidates went to the electorate of 11 to 18-year-olds with campaigns on tackling mental health, the living wage, votes for 16-year-olds, youth provision and homophobia. 

Nearly 6,400 voted in the annual ballot and the two successful candidates were Joe McBride,15, from Wilmslow and Callum Coleman, 17, from Crewe. 

The other candidates: William Bloor, Libby Frobisher, Jack Karimi, Amber Sparks and Hannah Wallace become their deputies. 

Voters judged domestic abuse, employment including apprenticeships and the minimum wage, mental health and transport to be their top priorities.

Speaking after the results were announced at Sandbach Town Hall, Callum Coleman said: “I'm proud of being part of what Cheshire East Youth Council has achieved over the last year, the elections were a great example of our progress. I'm now excited to continue and improve on this work as a Member of Youth Parliament.”

Joe McBride said:  “I’m really looking forward and working with a collection of lovely young people and adults and making a difference to the lives of young people and taking every opportunity I’m given.”

Tony Crane, Director of Children’s Services at Cheshire East Council said:  “I’d like to congratulate the incredible achievement of all the young candidates.  

“We, as a local authority, are working closer with more young people than ever before so we can better understand what services they need. 

“We now have a fantastic set of young people who will help us these deliver these services.  Well done and I look forward to continuing to hear their views in the future.”

The UK Youth Parliament has 600 Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) who are elected annually. In the past two years, one million young people have voted.

MYPs organise events and projects, run campaigns and influence decision makers on the issues which matter most to young people.

They meet once a year at the UK Youth Parliament Annual Sitting and are the only group besides MPs to sit in the main House of Commons chamber.

Joe and Callum will replace outgoing Cheshire East MYPs, Victoria Gower, from Haslington near Crewe, and Zainab Tejan-Cole from Macclesfield.

Joe and Callum are also members of the Cheshire East Youth Council (CEYC), which was established in April 2014 with the aim of giving a voice to the young people in the area.

The Youth Council currently has hundreds of members. It is run by young people and supported by national charity The Children’s Society. 

Hazel Mayamba-Kasongo, participation worker at The Children’s Society, said: “I want to congratulate Joe and Callum on their superb achievement in being elected to the Youth Parliament by their peers – and I know they will be fantastic ambassadors for Cheshire East nationally.

“But I also want to congratulate the other candidates who will become their deputies and thank our outgoing MYPs, Victoria Gower and Zainab Tejan-Cole, for all their hard work.

“We often hear stories nationally about how people are switched off from the democratic process and sceptical about the ability of elected representatives to make a difference to their lives.

“The amazing turnout of well over 6,000 11 to 18-year-olds in this election proves that is not the case among our young people.”

Anyone aged 11-21 who would like to join Cheshire East Youth Council should email hazel.mk@childrenssociety.org.uk or visit Facebook and search for Cheshire East Youth Council.

Firm hit with £10,000 bill for running unauthorised tip

 

A landfill company must pay a fine and costs totalling nearly £10,000 after ignoring a legal notice issued by Cheshire East Council.

It follows unauthorised landfill and tipping operations that were carried out on land adjacent to Tollgate Farm on Linley Lane, Alsager.

After receiving complaints, the Council issued a temporary stop notice on April 4 last year.

Stop notices are issued under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and are designed to prevent building work or other activities being carried out without planning consent.

But when the unauthorised operations continued, a decision was taken to prosecute Talke Land Reclamation Limited, the company running the tip.

After a trial at Crewe Magistrates Court on Thursday, March 26, the company was found guilty of breaching the terms of the notice. It was fined £7,000 and ordered to pay the Council's legal costs of £2,789.69 in full.

Caroline Simpson, Cheshire East Council’s executive director of economic growth and prosperity, said: “In this case operations on site continued, despite the fact that a formal stop notice had been served.

“We take breaches of planning control very seriously and will not hesitate to take appropriate action against developers who continue to flout planning regulations.”

Connecting Cheshire serves up superfast boost for business

 

Businesses in Cheshire East can take advantage of two schemes to help them reap the benefits of superfast broadband.

Small and medium-sized businesses could get grants of up to £3,000 to upgrade to a superfast or ultrafast broadband connection through the Connection Voucher Scheme, which is available at 31 business parks and estates in the Borough.

And eligible businesses have until May 1, 2015 to register for the free Superfast Business programme to receive 12 hours of expert business support on topics such as social media and purchasing the most appropriate business software.

The Connection Voucher Scheme, run as a partnership between Cheshire East Council and Manchester City Council, provides grants of up to £3,000 to cover the capital and equipment costs of upgrading a broadband connection. Funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the scheme brings the very fastest internet speeds within the reach of smaller organisations.

The process is simple and straightforward. After receiving a voucher, companies only have to pay VAT, anything over £3,000 and the monthly subscription fee for their new broadband connection. A voucher can be claimed by an individual organisation, or several can apply as a group, through a landlord or agent. For more information and to check availability visit www.connectionvouchers.co.uk/

The Connecting Cheshire Superfast Business Programme has provided over 10,000 hours of free support to more than 600 companies in Cheshire and Warrington since its launch in 2013.

It offers free workshops, masterclasses and one-to-one consultations from industry experts to help businesses get the most out of digital technology. For more information visit: www.ccbusiness.co.uk, email info@ccbusiness.co.uk or call 0300 123 1696.

Julian Cobley, Head of Investment at Cheshire East Council: “The businesses that have taken advantage of the support available to them are already predicting growth that would boost the Cheshire and Warrington economy by more than £2m.

“With the addition of Connection Voucher scheme, we’re delighted to be extending the range of support available to businesses through the Connecting Cheshire project.”