Crewe News: July 2015

Wednesday, 29 July 2015

Appeal and information regarding cat injured by air-gun pellet

This is a message sent via The Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network (England & Wales). This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary

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Message sent by

Lawrence Price (Police, PCSO, Crewe LPU East PCSO)

Cheshire Constabulary appeal for information regarding the use of an air-weapon to injure a 4-5 year old cat (photo attached) in the Mablins Lane area of Crewe. The cat was found injured by concerned residents on Wednesday 22^nd July 2015 and the owner of the cat has not been traced. The cat is currently receiving veterinary treatment and will be housed at Stapeley Grange RSPCA center in coming days for them to try and rehome the cat.
We appeal for anyone with any information regarding the owner of the cat to make contact with PCSO Nigel HOBBS at Cheshire Police quoting incident 787 23/07/2015. Also anyone with any information regarding how the cat came to suffer such an injury is urged to contact Cheshire Constabulary on 101.

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Victoria Fearnley (Police, PCSO, Crewe LPU Centre PCSO)

This is to inform you that unfortunately a spate of burglaries have recently occurred in the Haslington and the Sydney area of Crewe. The incidents have occurred throughout July.
I would like to take this opportunity to point out that the Crewe Local Policing Unit, which covers both the town centre and the large rural area surrounding it, experiences a very low number of domestic house burglaries.
In an effort to ensure it is an isolated incident we would ask you to review your home security and take sensible precautions like checking all premises and outbuildings are secure, house alarms set and vehicle keys stored away etc.
If you have seen any suspicious persons, vehicles or have any other information, please contact us on 0845 458 6370 referring to this letter. Or call in to Crewe Police Station between 8am-8pm Monday to Saturday and 9am-6pm on Sunday.
Your call will be dealt with in complete confidence and the information you supply may help us to further reduce burglary and other offences in your area.
Your local beat officers are PC Nick Moore and PCSO Jess Street and PCSO Anthony Burn.

Message sent by

Victoria Fearnley (Police, PCSO, Crewe LPU Centre PCSO)

Officers are appealing for information following a theft at Meadowbrook cemetery-Items were removed from the graveside between 6-11th of July. Any information on 101 quoting ref number: CC15200800 for the attention of PC Hawkins #Unacceptable

Sandbach Park - ‘one of the best in Britain’

Sandbach Park is one of the very best in the UK – according to the annual Keep Britain Tidy Awards.

The park is among a record-breaking 1,582 parks and green spaces that have received a prestigious Green Flag Award – the mark of a quality park or green space.

A Green Flag flying overhead is a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible standards, is beautifully maintained and has excellent facilities.

In 2011, the Sandbach Park steering committee started its programme of improving the facilities within the park with the installation of a junior play area for children up to 15 years of age, containing five items of equipment and seating.

The toddlers’ play area then followed within the sensory garden area along with new picnic tables to replace the old toddler equipment that was badly damaged by fire.

Between 2013 and 2014, seating was renovated and a new wetland habitat area was established for wildlife.

A newly-created bespoke boardwalk was constructed not only as a viewing area but a platform for pond dipping or just to sit and enjoy nature.

Kevin Melling, managing director of Ansa Environmental Services Ltd, the company that maintains Sandbach Park on behalf of Cheshire East Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive a Green Flag Award for the first time for Sandbach Park.

“It recognises and highlights that people in Sandbach are benefitting from a green space of the very highest quality.

“We really appreciate all the hard work the volunteers have put into this project in partnership with ourselves to achieve this prestigious award. Ansa will also continue to provide award winning services to the residents of Cheshire East. ”

Also winning Green Flag awards in the area were Bollington Recreation Ground; The Moor, Knutsford; Brereton Heath Local Nature reserve; Congleton Park and Teggs Nose Country Park.

International Green Flag Award scheme manager, Paul Todd, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another record-breaking year for the Green Flag Award scheme.

“All the flags flying this year are a testament to the efforts of the thousands of men and women, both staff and volunteers, who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.”

The announcement of this year’s winners comes in the same week that thousands of people up and down the country are enjoying Love Parks Week (July 24 to August 2), an annual celebration of Britain’s fantastic green spaces and the community groups that bring them to life.

SEAHORSE SWIMMING CLUB SUMMER GALA

Seahorse's annual 'community games' event took place on 25th July 2015 with a fun session at Crewe swimming pool followed by a disco and buffet at the Purple Onion (Lady Verdin Trust) Drop In Centre.

The event was for people with disabilities and their friends and families, as part of the community games, which are aimed at bringing communities together by taking part in sporting and cultural activities inspired by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The event was attended by The Mayor of Crewe Town Council, Councillor Dennis Straine-Francis who was pleased to see everyone enjoying themselves. He was also part of a judging team at the disco when a HATWALK competition took place. The staff at the Crewe Baths and the Purple Onion helped make the event a success and Peter and Helen Shields provided slush-ice, to cool everyone down at the disco!

"There was fun with plenty of laughter in the pool and at the disco. The HATWALK competition saw some excellent summer hats and the Mayor of Crewe Town Council gave prizes to Paula Latham and Colette Tyre whose bright and colourful hats gave us a real flavour of summer." - Gareth Roberts, Secretary.

Pictures attached showing some of the swimmers with the Mayor of Crewe Town Council and the Mayor with some of the participants in the HATWALK competition.

“Very proud moment” for grandson of Great Train Robbery victim as Jack Mills Way in Crewe is unveiled

The grandson of one of the drivers who was attacked in the notorious Great Train Robbery has described a road naming ceremony in Crewe today (Monday, July 27) as a “very proud moment”.

Ian Mills unveiled a street sign as part of the launch of Jack Mills Way – a £7m road linking the A500 at Shavington with Gresty Road in Crewe – in tribute to his grandfather Jack who was hit around the head during the heist which took place in August 1963.

Jack Mills was the driver that day, along with David Whitby – both from Crewe. Mr Whitby was also attacked, with the pair bravely resisting the robbers before being overcome by force and thuggery. Both men survived but the impact was felt for the rest of their lives.

Now, Cheshire East Council is remembering Mr Mills with the official naming of the road, which is long-awaited and is expected to help relieve traffic congestion in and around the town.

Ian said: “It was a very proud moment for myself and the rest of the family to honour my grandfather in this way.

“It has taken a long time for this to be recognised, 52 years in fact. Along with the naming of a railway engine ‘Driver Jack Mills’ back in December 2014, it is fantastic for the family and our friends.

“It is just a shame my dad is not around to see it.”

Crewe and Nantwich MP, Edward Timpson was on hand to cut the ribbon at the ceremony before lorries from Crewe company, Morning Foods drove along the route as the first to officially use Jack Mills Way.

Councillor David Brown, Deputy Leader and highways portfolio holder at Cheshire East Council, paid tribute to Ian’s grandfather.

He said: “It was under terrible circumstances that Mr Mills become known to so many but I am delighted that we are able to pay tribute to him in some way, and to do so in his home town.

“The road itself is excellent news for Crewe as it will provide improved local and strategic links to Crewe and Nantwich as well as the A500 and M6. It will ease traffic on the existing roads in the area and offer relief to other routes into Crewe, such as the A5020 and Weston Road.

“It also opens up 35 hectares of employment and housing sites on Crewe Commercial Park, which is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs and boost the economy by an estimated £40m.

“It goes to show our commitment to helping this town to grow and thrive again.”

The Council successfully lobbied the DfT for ‘pinch point’ funding for the road, which was delivered in partnership with developer, Goodman.

Ian Pritchard, Development Director at Goodman UK Logistics, said: “Goodman is pleased to announce the completion of the new road and landscaping work at Crewe Commercial Park and we hope these improvements will continue to attract businesses and employment to the site.

“Crewe and the wider North West region has become a significant economic hub over the past few years thanks to a mixture of public and private investment.

“We look forward to any new announcements in the delivery of HS2 and the Crewe hub station, which would no doubt further improve the region’s infrastructure and help to the make the idea of a Northern Powerhouse a reality.”

The Council also intends to pay tribute to David Whitby with the opening of the Crewe Green Link Road in the coming months.

Jack Mills Way will be open to the public later on this evening (Monday, July 27).

Council crackdown nets two more benefits fraudsters who falsely claimed more than £4,800 of taxpayers’ money

Cheshire East Council has secured yet another successful prosecution of two more benefits cheats who fraudulently claimed more than £4,800 of taxpayers’ money.

Both offenders have been sentenced by magistrates and will now have to repay the illegally-obtained benefits in full.

Lucia Chimalova, 34 and Michal Chimal, 35 both of Norton Street, Macclesfield appeared before South and East Cheshire Magistrates Court on 21^st July. Each pleaded guilty to one charge of making a false representation to obtain Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.

Magistrates sitting at Macclesfield heard that Lucia Chimalova had claimed Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit from November 2012 on the basis that she was a single person on a low income and needed financial support from the Council to help pay her rent and Council Tax having separated from her husband Michal Chimal.

Chimalova actively maintained her claim as a single person for nearly 18 months before investigators from Cheshire East Borough Council’s Benefit Investigation Team discovered that Michal Chimal had been living with her and providing financial support.

The court was told that Chimal had lived with Chimaolva continuously and that the claim for benefits made in November 2012 was false.

In submitting and maintaining the false claim Chimalova and Chimal pocketed £4801.32 in Housing and Council Tax Benefit that they had no entitlement to.

In addition to having to repay in full the overpaid benefits magistrates ordered Chimalova to complete 180 hours unpaid work and Chimal was sentenced to an 18 week curfew operating from 5pm to 5am daily. Additionally Chimalova and Chimal were both ordered to pay costs of £675 and a victim surcharge of £60 each.

Cllr Les Gilbert, Cabinet member for communities, said: “This is another example of how Cheshire East Council will not tolerate benefit cheats.

“I’d urge people who may be thinking of trying to cheat the system to not bother. You will be caught and successfully prosecuted. There are plenty of ways the Council can support you so please contact us rather than try and cheat the system.”

During this year, 38 people have been prosecuted, 29 issued with administrative penalties or fines and 28 more cautioned for benefits offences and Blue Badge misuse.

If you think someone is committing benefit fraud, you can ring the confidential freephone fraud hotline on 0800 389 2787. You don’t have to give your name and your call will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Alternatively, you can report suspected fraud via the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

Over 85s to get free telecare and Council to cut other care fees

Over 85s living alone in Cheshire East will get free telecare support while many other older people may find their charges for social care packages reduced.

The review of charges and services was carried out following a public consultation exercise earlier this year and the recommendations were approved by Cabinet this week.

Cheshire East Council plans to implement the changes later this year.

Cllr Janet Clowes, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for adults, health and leisure said: “As a residents first authority we are concerned to protect the health and safety of our older people and those people requiring personal care support and assistive technology.

“Our mission statement is that no one will ever pay more than they can reasonably afford for care and support.”

The Council has 5,500 residents receiving some home care assistance such as washing, dressing, cooking and eating.

The review of charges and services is a result of new guidance to local authorities contained in the Care Act, which came into force in April 2015.

The Act also empowers councils to charge carers for some services they receive from their local authority.

However, Cheshire East has chosen to waive this option so that carers do not have to pay and instead receive full support from the council.

Councillor Clowes said: “Many of us will need care and support at some point in our lives and most of us will pay at least something towards the cost of our care.

“Everyone’s individual circumstances are different and so we will determine this on a case by case basis through financial assessment.

“We have chosen to reject the discretionary power to charge carers as we feel they should not be further burdened with extra costs when looking after a loved one.

“Although some people may find they will pay more for the care they receive, over 4,000 residents – a significant proportion of the residents we support – will be paying less or will see no change in the fees that they pay.

“And over 85s living alone will receive free telecare assistance in their homes so that they can be better protected and not feel that it is a service they cannot afford to have.

“This is extremely good news for those people and demonstrates our commitment to looking after the vulnerable and older members of our population.”

The Council’s Adult and Social Care team carried out an extensive consultation and public engagement exercise at the beginning of the year.

The key recommendations relating to free telecare for over 85s and no charges for carers, came from an all-party task and finish group sub-committee and were endorsed by Cabinet.

The review is intended to achieve fairness and equity in the charging system and to ensure that no one is financially disadvantaged because of their needs.

Fairerpower shoots and scores with Nantwich Town FC sponsorship deal

Fairerpower, the energy scheme launched by Cheshire East Council in March with great success, has scored a major goal by signing a sponsorship deal with Nantwich Town FC.

The deal sees Fairerpower become shirt sponsors for the ‘Dabbers’ in a two-year deal.

In addition, Fairerpower will sponsor several match balls, have a page within the programme and have signage around the ground and the 3G pitch.

Nantwich finished 15^th in the Evostik League last season and recently beat fellow Cheshire East side, Macclesfield Town FC in a pre-season game.

Councillor Dave Brown, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council and board member of Fairerpower, said: “We are excited to be shirt sponsors for Nantwich Town FC this season and looking forward to being partners in their success.

“Nantwich has a strong and loyal following in the community and that’s what we are seeking to achieve with Fairerpower which aims to gives residents access to cheaper, fairer energy.”

Jon Gold, Director of Football Operations at Nantwich Town FC added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Fairerpower in such a great initiative and scheme that will help our supporters, their friends, families and the wider community save money on their energy expenses and we look forward to developing this partnership further over the coming seasons”.

The sponsorship of Nantwich is one of four football club sponsorships Fairerpower will be making this season with Crewe, Congleton and Macclesfield also benefiting.

Fairerpower recently signed up its 2001^st customer since it launched in mid March this year. Fairerpower offers four different types of tariffs: a pay monthly tariff (Fixed and Variable) which is saving customers on average £2451 a year, a Pay As You Go tariff which is currently saving customers on average £1672 a year and a business tariff3 aimed at small retail business, cafes and small professional service firms.

Caption: Caption: Tony Davison (left), Chairman of Nantwich Town FC and Cllr David Brown, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council and board member of Fairerpower

Thursday, 23 July 2015

A Charity Football Match

Reporter Jonathan White

A Charity Football Match to raise money for Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research is taking place on Saturday 8th August 2015 at the Cumberland Sports Ground (all-weather pitch), Thomas Street, Crewe. The 11-a-side match is 'Aidan FC' vs 'Leukaemia FC' and kick off is at 2pm. Price = £10 per player, which includes refreshments. Please support this local fund-raising event. For further information please contact Aidan Reid: 07863631288

MP’s 164th news bulletin.

This month the government launched its productivity plan. Called 'Fixing the Foundations: Creating a more prosperous nation', it sets out to do what it says on the tin.
It is designed to ensure that we have the growth in productivity necessary to deliver rising living standards and provide a better quality of life for people here in Crewe and Nantwich and across the country.
Growth comes either from more employment, or higher productivity. We were exceptionally successful in the last Parliament at increasing employment. Unemployment fell in Crewe and Nantwich in that time by an astonishing 58 per cent, and this has been a major source of growth. But over the longer term it is essential that we achieve higher productivity.
The UK has a long-term productivity problem, which has been made worse by the financial crisis. If the UK could match the productivity of the USA, our national output would rise by 31 per cent: around £21,000 a year for every household in the UK. I believe that this is a prize worth striving for.
The drivers of productivity are well understood: a dynamic, open, enterprising economy supported by long-term public and private investment in infrastructure, skills and science.
Here in Crewe and Nantwich we are playing our part in that. I have fought hard for serious investment in infrastructure across road, rail and public services. The Basford West spine road will open later this month as the latest example.
Cheshire East Council have been focussing heavily on science in the north of the borough, and, where we are in the south, on promoting engineering.
Also local skills and training for work have never been more important: locally we have seen record apprenticeship numbers, a new University Technical College soon to open, and the new Rail Exchange Training Academy to boot. A nation flourishes when it uses the full skills of all its people in all parts of the nation.
The challenge has not been to understand what to do; the challenge has been to be bold enough as a country to take the difficult decisions required. This Government is determined that Britain does take these decisions.
That is the only way to ensure rising living standards and a better quality of life for our citizens. It is a major part of delivering our ambition that Britain becomes the richest of all the major economies by 2030, fuelled by full employment.

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.

The Big Sing at Nantwich Skoolzfest

Photo: The Big Sing at Nantwich Skoolzfest
I'm proud to have opened the SkoolzFest Big Sing at the Nantwich fete, as patron. Congratulations to all of the children who took part!

Since my last e-mail, I have...

Visited the out-of-hours GP service at Leighton Hospital, to see at first hand how the service is helping patients outside of normal office hours.
Opened the 'Big Sing' at Nantwich Skoolzfest, part of the very successful fete this year.
Met together with the headteachers of Crewe primary schools, to talk about the issues facing local schools as we go towards a new academic year, and to help represent their views to the Government.
Spoken with Janet Haddock-Fraser, the newly appointed Provost at MMU Cheshire's Crewe campus.
Held two of my regular constituency advice surgeries.

Open until the end of July is Cheshire East Council’s consultation on the future regeneration of Crewe town centre. This is an important chance for all residents and users of the town centre to have your say on the Council’s plans for Crewe, and to contribute ideas of your own.
You can read what the Crewe Chronicle has to say about the consultation, or read the Council’s regeneration plans in full and complete an online version of the questionnaire.
There is a supply of paper copies of the consultation available at my office on Victoria Street, so please feel free to drop by and pick one up. Don’t forget to have your say by the end of the month!

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edwardtimpson.com

Wednesday, 22 July 2015

Advanced Fee Fraud Alert

Subject: Advanced Fee Fraud Alert

This is a message sent via The Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network (England & Wales). This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)

(Please do not reply directly to this email, please use the Reply button at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has been alerted to an Advanced Fee Scam whereby mainly persons of Asian descent are targeted by the suspects who cold call the victim, purporting to be from the Home Office UK Visa and Immigration department, and inform them that a case has been received by the department against the victim, sometimes with a request to deport.
A request is then made for money to be paid mainly by Ukash vouchers or MoneyGram. Occasionally, money is requested to be paid into a bank account.
Also on occasion, victims have been asked to provide bank account details.
A telephone number is given which is a genuine contact number for the Home Office to give the call a form of legitimacy.
The UK Visa and Immigration department would not make any request for payments in this form.
Protect yourself:

Never respond to any such communication;
Any unsolicited contact followed by a request for an advance payment/fee is a good indication that someone is trying to defraud you. Do NOT pay any fees unless you are 100% of what you are paying for!!!
Never, ever disclose your bank details.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone 0300 123 2040.

Tuesday, 21 July 2015

Cheshire East cuts its cloth to better meet residents’ needs

Cheshire East Council is aiming to make big savings from empty buildings and unneeded sites by selling off surplus assets – to reinvest in frontline services.

The Council is questioning whether it should continue to own some of its buildings as more and more services are delivered by ‘working without walls’.

A new Strategic Asset Management and Delivery Plan, backed by Cabinet today (July 21), calls for the creation of a Corporate Property Board to test whether assets should be retained or sold off as surplus to requirements.

The plan sets a target of raising £25m from asset sales in 2015/16 and calls for a rationalisation programme to save a further £1m in business rates.

Council Leader Councillor Michael Jones said: “Property is the Council’s second largest cost after the staff, so future efficiency savings must use assets as a driver for change.

“We need to identify where services are best delivered, challenging the need for assets and ‘working without walls’ – where officers use mobile technology and do not have their ‘own’ desk in a council building. It’s about working smarter to deliver for our residents.”

Councillor Don Stockton, Cabinet member in charge of regeneration and jobs, said: “We want to rationalise our assets base by adopting a more strategic approach across the whole or Cheshire East.

“Our property assets need to be geared to meet the Council’s objectives of putting residents first by supporting community services in a sustainable and cost-effective manner.

“We should also look at releasing underused land and buildings to stimulate growth, regeneration and jobs.”

A report from Caroline Simpson, the Council’s executive director of economic growth and prosperity, said the new plan, which will replace one drawn up in 2009, was needed to reflect the changed circumstances in which the Council is now operating.

She said the Council would continue to use the innovative Engine of the North joint venture, which has a significant role in rationalising the Council’s estate but would review its current structure to give it sufficient capacity ‘to drive forward and deliver the challenging agenda of asset rationalisation and asset release’.

The Council owns more than 2,350 land and property assets worth a total of more than £485m, which cost £17m per annum to manage. It also has an annual capital building programme worth between £15m and £20m.

The strategy acknowledges that many of the diverse land and property assets held by the Council, such as offices, leisure centres, libraries, residential accommodation, and cultural venues are an important part of the Borough’s economic and social fabric.

It calls on the Council to reduce running costs and improve the environmental credentials of its buildings and to encourage service providers to co-locate and collaborate.

The plan says the Council should work more closely with other bodies by creating a Public Sector Property Board to help with strategic discussions about service delivery.

Cabinet today approved the plan and authorised officers to implement it.

Council set to create innovative new company to boost skills and jobs

Cheshire East Council is set to create another innovative new ‘arms-length’ company to boost skills in the Borough’s workforce and help businesses and productivity grow.

A full review of the Council’s skills and growth services is to be completed with a view to potentially creating a wholly-owned company that would improve services to residents and businesses, grow income and productivity and reinvest profits – providing more for less to local residents.

The Council has already successfully launched several wholly-owned arms-length companies. These are Council-owned and controlled – and continue to put residents first.

They are free to operate in different ways that will mean we, as a Council, can deliver more for less and achieve greater innovation and entrepreneurialism for the benefit of residents.

Councillor Don Stockton, Cabinet member for regeneration and assets, said: “By bringing employers closer to training and skills providers at a local level we can realise economies of scale, address skills shortages and develop employment opportunities, ensuring every resident has the opportunity to work, and every business has the opportunity to thrive.”

A report by Caroline Simpson, executive director of economic growth and prosperity, which was backed by Cabinet today (July 21), highlights that the government spends £100m on skills in Cheshire East every year but only one per cent is channelled through the Council.

Although the Borough has a highly-skilled workforce and low unemployment overall, there are pockets of deprivation where action is needed to tackle long-term unemployment and increase productivity of firms.

The report says a Council-owned company would make the labour market function better, maximise growth in high-value employment and get more residents into work, reducing long-term unemployment and Neets (people not in employment, education or training).

Cabinet today (July 21) called for a business case and recommended options to be drawn up by August, with a view to making any necessary changes by January 1, 2016.

The review will take in six core services with a combined budget of £4.5m, whose work covers:

● Skills, training and advisory services (such as youth advisory service, youth offending teams, Neets, lifelong learning, 14+ skills, adult educational needs);

● Employment services (such as apprenticeships, placements and links with national and local delivery partners like Jobcentre Plus and Total People;

● Business growth (such as business engagement, inward investment, high-growth business, business rates, strategic employment sites) and links with chambers of commerce and local business groups/networks, developers and investors;

● High-growth programmes (such as science, energy and technology).

The Council’s other wholly-owned arms-length companies, which seek to deliver a ‘best fit’ approach are: Tatton Enterprises Ltd; Engine of the North; Orbitas bereavement services; Ansa environmental services; Transport Service Solutions Ltd; CoSocius joint council services for ICT, human resources and financial services. Everybody Sport and Leisure Trust was also created by the Council as a charitable trust set up to deliver leisure services in Cheshire East.

Ready…pedal…go! Council launches consultation into cycling strategy

Cheshire East Council is seeking the views of local residents and cyclists on the way forward for cycling across the Borough.

The Council has recently launched its draft cycling strategy and would like feedback from residents on its vision for the future of cycling in Cheshire East.

The draft strategy has been written following initial engagement with local cycling groups, which has been very positive in helping to shape this document.

The survey, which will take about five minutes to complete, can be done online at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/cycleconsultation . Paper copies are also available from various locations including all Cheshire East libraries and customer service centres. The consultation runs from July 13 until September 14.

The vision for cycling in Cheshire East, outlined in the draft cycling strategy, is to enable more people to cycle in safety, more often and with confidence for everyday and leisure journeys. The aim is to promote the health and wellbeing of residents and to help improve the quality of where we live – as well as support economic growth.

The team at Cheshire East is keen to hear from everyone, whether you ride for occasional leisure or regularly as part of a commute, or even if you don’t ride at all but might like start using your cycle.

Councillor David Brown, Deputy Leader and Cabinet member for highways, said: “We’ve put a lot of work into this draft cycling strategy and it’s important we get people’s views on it. As a Council we are committed to helping our residents live well and for longer as well as making Cheshire East a green and sustainable place to live.

“Helping people to get out and cycle more will help us achieve those outcomes.”

When all the comments are collated, all feedback will be taken into account in the final version of the cycling strategy, which will be available online at the Cheshire East website.

Council ‘shifts gear’ and goes electric – to boost greener transport and cleaner air in Cheshire East

Cheshire East Council is to trial electric vehicles in a bid to boost greener transport and cleaner air.

Councillor Les Gilbert, the Cabinet member for communities, yesterday (July 20) authorised officers to seek a 75 per cent Government grant to fund replacing its four staff ‘pool’ cars with clean, green, more reliable and cheaper-to-run electric vehicles. And the move will save local Council Taxpayers money too.

A report to Cllr Gilbert revealed hi-tech electric cars will cut vehicle running costs by nearly a third, reduce maintenance bills and also improve uptake by staff because of improved quality and reliability.

The Council will also encourage staff to use the new electric pool cars, which the report says would save the Council about £5,284 per vehicle over five years, compared to replacing them with conventional vehicles – meaning a total saving of more than £21,000 in the period.

Cllr Gilbert said: “This decision is really good news for the environment and puts this Council in the vanguard of encouraging modern, greener transport across the Borough and beyond.

“It is also about putting our local residents first and tackling issues at their root – as electric vehicles produce zero emissions (at the tailpipe) and help improve the air quality of our towns and thus the health of our local communities.

“This project, in conjunction with our recent decision to provide five recharging points across the Borough, further demonstrates that the Council is leading by example, encouraging business travel using zero or ultra-low emission vehicle technology.”

The Council also recently secured a separate Office for Low Emission Vehicles (Olev) grant to provide electric vehicle recharging points for local road users, as well as the Council’s proposed electric fleet.

Electric vehicle (EV) technology is relatively new but the number of electric vehicles in the UK has risen in the last two years from 3,500 in 2013 to 15,500 in 2014 – and the expectation is for that figure to keep on growing and growing.

One of the biggest barriers to people taking up this technology is the lack of a public charging network and the Council receives regular enquiries about EV infrastructure.

The Olev grant has enabled the Council to provide six 50kV rapid charging units – two each in car parks in Congleton (Princess Street), Wilmslow (South Drive) and Nantwich (Love Lane). The units are operated by a third party.

These units can recharge a vehicle from ‘empty’ up to 80 per cent charge in as little as 20 minutes. The sites have been chosen as they are close to destination points such as supermarkets and coffee shops, where drivers can wait for their vehicle to charge.

There are also five 7kV fast-charging units located at Council offices at Macclesfield Town Hall, Westfield’s in Sandbach, Delamere House in Crewe and the Library Car Park in Crewe (two units). The latter can also be used by members the public.

Based on 8,000 miles a year usage, the running cost (fuel only) of an electric vehicle is 3p a mile compared to 8p a mile for conventional fuel vehicles.

Council’s new powers to clean up anti-social trouble spots

The days are numbered for rowdy, anti-social people who inflict misery on communities in Cheshire East including the use of drugs in public places, legal highs, alcohol abuse, noise nuisance and joy riding.

Cheshire East Council’s communities and enforcement teams are poised to take advantage of new powers to apply Public Space Protection Orders and issue on-the- spot fines to individuals who breach an order.

The new measures, introduced by the Government last year to help local authorities and police to crack down on troublemakers, could be applied in at least five identified areas in the Borough, where residents have repeatedly complained about regular anti-social behaviour.

The Council may also invoke powers to close premises it considers to be the source of public nuisance and disorder, under proposals set to be voted on at a Cabinet meeting next week.

The new powers under the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Police Act 2014 will eliminate the need for court proceedings or civil action and permit Cheshire East to empower its officers to take immediate action.

This could apply to environmental protection officers, trading standards, planning, housing officers and even park rangers.

Police will have the same powers under the Act.

This news will bring relief to long-suffering neighbourhoods where residents have had to put up with car racing in car parks, open drug taking, loud music and intimidating behaviour by gangs.

The Council intends that conciliatory discussion and mediation in some instances may help to avoid the need for tough action.

However, five parts of the Borough have been identified as potential targets for the new Public Spaces Protection Order.

These are in Poynton, Macclesfield, Crewe (2) and Alsager.

The same powers will also enable the Council to tackle the growing public concerns surrounding psychoactive substances, otherwise known as legal highs, both in public open spaces and shops.

Further legislation, currently going through Parliament, will also enable the Council and the police to take action against anyone involved or suspected of being involved in the supply of psychoactive substances.

Cheshire East Council leader Michael Jones said: “These are tough new measures which we intend to enforce robustly on behalf of the decent residents and families of Cheshire East who do not wish to have their lives disturbed day after day by gangs and individuals who have no thought for others.

“But I would stress that there are often young victims as a result of this trend in the use of legal highs and peer pressure from gangs and it is those young people that I want my Council to reach out to - to help them to lead normal and healthy lives and receive the support they need.”

Cllr Les Gilbert, Cabinet member for communities, said: “We are a ‘residents first’ authority and we believe in doing all within our power to protect our residents from anti-social behaviour and the distress that can cause.

“We are ensuring that we have processes in place to deal with the impacts of legal highs, unwanted and undesirable gang behaviour in public open spaces and all types of anti-social nuisance that affect the quality of life of our residents.”

Cheshire East Council is working closely with Cheshire police and other partners to draw up effective protocols in order to progress a timetable for introducing the new powers at the earliest opportunity.

Crewe sun-seekers urged to stay safe and stylish by avoiding inadequate sunglasses

SPECSAVERS Crewe is warning people about the dangers of wearing sunglasses that do not provide adequate UV protection and is urging sun-seekers to stay safe this summer.

The increase in the hours of sunshine during the summer means the risk of UV damage is higher.

Excessive UV exposure, over a period of time, can cause or accelerate the development of cataracts or macula degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in later life. It can also cause unhealthy and permanent changes to the front of the eye which are cosmetically undesirable.

And while most people are aware of the effect of sun damage to their skin, many do not consider the potential impact on their eyes.

Michael Elleray, optical consultant at Specsavers in Market Street, says: ‘We talk to people about their eye health every day, and most simply do not consider sunlight as a factor that may cause serious, irreversible damage.

‘People slather themselves in sun cream, then lie back and look up to a bright, sunny sky, not realising that there is a very real danger of serious, lasting damage to their eyes and vision.

‘Similarly, many people buy sunglasses without considering whether they offer adequate protection against UV rays. Many sunglasses are designed with fashion, rather than safety, in mind.

‘Sunglasses should bear the CE kite mark and offer 99-100 per cent UV protection, which is indicated on labelling with the mark UV-400. Consumers should be aware that the price, darkness and tint of the sunglasses do not necessarily have a bearing on the strength of the protection offered and that labels should always be checked.’

The team at Specsavers Crewe can check the suitability of sunglasses this summer and offer advice and answer any questions regarding summer eye health. By raising awareness of the importance of choosing the right sunglasses, staff hope that the number of people damaging their eyes will be reduced.

The team can also talk people through the wide range of prescription sunglasses available and give details of the current special offers on prescription sunglasses. Alternatively, the team can advise contact lens wearers whether they are currently wearing a contact lens that blocks UV and, if necessary, how to swap to a UV blocking contact lens.

Specsavers stocks a wide range of designer prescription sunglasses for all tastes and age ranges. Its designer ranges include the brands Converse, French Connection, Boss Orange, Red or Dead, Tommy Hilfiger, Karen Millen and many more. These can be bought with or without prescription lenses, and can be worn with contact lenses.

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

Fund-raising garden party in Wistaston, South Cheshire.

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

A Garden Party in aid of Diabetes UK took place on the evening of Wednesday 8th July 2015 at 6 Westfield Drive, Wistaston. Sheena & Ken Sambrook once again allowed their house and front & back gardens to be used for this annual event, which always takes place on the second Wednesday in July.

Sheena and Ken who also organised the event are President and Treasurer respectively of the Crewe and South Cheshire Voluntary Group of Diabetes UK: http://crewe-and-south-cheshire.diabetesukgroup.org/ .

Entrance was 50p and included a coffee or tea, whilst strawberries, cakes, greetings cards and plants were also available for sale, along with bring & buy and raffle stalls.

Over eighty people attended over the course of the evening, which included Mayor of Cheshire East Council, Councillor Hilda Gaddum, along with the recently crowned Wistaston Rose Queen (Rachel Astbury) and her Attendant (Chelsea Horne).

Ken Sambrook said, "We would like to thank everyone who has supported the event. £690 was raised which is a fantastic total."

Ken we are always amazed at the wonderful support we receive from friends in the local community that makes the evening such a great success enabling us to continue to support diabetes uk.

All proceeds will go to support newly diagnosed children and adolescents with diabetes to allow them to attend one of several educational residential holidays held around the United Kingdom. The residential allows them to integrate with other young people with diabetes and share experiences, which may assist them to learn to control their condition. On average the Crewe and South Cheshire Voluntary Group raises £7,500 per year for Diabetes UK.

The next local event in aid of Diabetes UK is a Coffee Morning at Nantwich Parish Rooms (St Mary's Church, Church Lane, Nantwich) on Saturday 25th July 2015, 10am to 12 noon.

RHS Flower Show set to be another bloomin’ success

The RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park is set to be another great success with over 300 delicately-created displays and garden features.

And once again local organisations, including Reaseheath College and Cheshire Gardens of Distinction, have dug deep into their wealth of talent and skills to create potentially award-winning designs.

The five-day event begins at Tatton Park next Tuesday and organisers are anticipating attendance figures to top 80,000.

Sustainability and greening the grey parts of Britain are the main themes of the show with a message that too many gardens – front and back – are being concreted over.

Garden designers, students and volunteers have been busy for several days preparing their displays which are situated in 29 themed gardens across the site.

The team from Reaseheath College, Nantwich, are putting the finishing touches to their displays, one of them using old bottles to emphasise the sustainability message.

And Tatton Park’s own garden team are looking east for their inspiration.

The park is famous for its Japanese garden - but it’s China that provides the theme for the team entry this year.

The ‘Mother of Gardens’ showcases the great botanical gift China has given the world.

Gardens would be very different places otherwise and Tatton’s is no exception.

The team have produced a Chinese house with dove tree, bamboo, hibiscus, kiwi fruit and buddleia and it is certain to be an eye-catching attraction for the show’s many visitors.

The staff from Connecting Cheshire are also creating their own exhibit, drawing on the organisations work delivering fibre optic broadband to homes across Cheshire for their design theme, while aspiring young designers are putting their talents on show.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for communities, said: “We at Cheshire East Council are extremely privileged to be able to host this wonderful event at Tatton Park, an award-winning visitor attraction.

“It truly represents the Chelsea of the North and we hope that all gardening enthusiasts will come along.

“But you don’t have to be a gardener to enjoy the RHS Tatton experience.

“Tatton Park is a wonderful venue for this event and there is so much more to do once you are here.

“The RHS Flower Show provides us with an opportunity to showcase our own amazing gardens as well as the many other historic and fascinating features of Tatton Park.

“We are very pleased that the Royal Horticultural Society has once again shown its commitment to the Borough and Tatton.

Caroline Simpson, Cheshire East Council executive director of economic development and growth, said: “It is a joy to see the RHS Flower Show become a regular feature in our summer calendar in Cheshire East.

“It is a huge boost to the visitor economy and we are delighted to be able to host this event year on year.”

RHS Show manager Chris Hulewicz, said: “The RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park is known for its inclusive and supportive approach to gardening and landscape design.

“With all of these clever designs, as well as an array of allotments and Grow Your Own exhibits on display, we hope visitors will leave the show motivated to turn their own patch of grey Britain green.

“Tatton Park is wonderful. We are surrounded by this landscape of trees and this really adds to the vista.”

In addition to the many professionally designed displays, there are also entries from schools and charities.

The BBC is covering the show with live broadcasts and a number of celebrity gardeners and designers will be attending.

Flags at half-mast for Bosley victim

Cheshire East Council is flying its flags at half-mast as a mark of respect for the person known to have died in the Wood Flour Mill tragedy at Bosley near Macclesfield.

Flags on municipal buildings in Crewe, Macclesfield and Sandbach have been lowered and the Leader of the Council, Michael Jones is urging all other businesses and organisations in Cheshire East and Staffordshire Moorlands, that have a flag to do the same.

Teams from the Council are continuing to work closely with the community and the various agencies to offer and provide support, help and guidance wherever required.

Rescue teams are still trying to locate three other missing people following Friday’s explosions and fire.

Anyone in need of help and advice can call the Council helpline number 0300 123 5034.

At least two offers of employment have been made by local companies and the Council is working hard behind the scenes to identify other potential employment opportunities for some 50 people who will have lost their jobs as a result of the incident.

A drop-in centre has been set up at the Bosley St. Mary’s Primary School, Leek Road, Macclesfield SK11 0NX where members of the community can seek help and advice about benefits, employment opportunities and housing.

‘Single mum’ benefits cheat faces £15,000 bill for fraud

A woman faces a bill for more than £15,000 after she claimed benefits while keeping it secret that her live-in partner was supporting the family financially.

Emma Bebbington, 39, claimed housing benefit and income support for nearly two years after failing to disclose that her partner was living with her.

By falsely claiming that she was a lone parent on a low income, she received £14,785 before her lies were uncovered by Cheshire East Council’s benefit investigations team.

Bebbington, of Gallantry Bank, Bickerton, Malpas, admitted three charges of failing to tell Cheshire East Council of a change in her financial circumstances while she claimed housing benefit, Council Tax benefit and Council Tax support.

South and East Cheshire Magistrates, sitting at Crewe (on July 8) heard that Bebbington had maintained these benefit claims until December 2014. It was then that Cheshire East Council’s fraud investigation team uncovered Bebbington had a partner who had been living with her and supporting her financially since February 2012.

Magistrates sentenced Bebbington to a 12-month community penalty and ordered her to do 80 hours’ unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £250 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

In addition, Bebbington will have to repay in full all the monies she fraudulently obtained.

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

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet member for communities, said: “Cheshire East is an enforcing Council and we are committed to stopping fraudsters from helping themselves to taxpayers’ money to which they are not entitled.

“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.

“So far this year, our benefit investigations team has identified £772,492 in fraudulently claimed housing benefit, Council Tax benefit, jobseekers’ allowance, income support and employment support allowance paid by Cheshire East Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

“All of these monies are repayable by the offenders and this Council will ensure they are repaid.

“During this year, 36 people have been prosecuted, 23 issued with administrative penalties or fines and 26 more cautioned for benefits offences and Blue Badge misuse.

“Anyone who thinks they can get away with claiming benefits they are not entitled to is making a very big mistake – and they will find themselves worse off as a consequence.

“They risk ending up with a criminal conviction for a serious offence of dishonesty and a big bill to pay back all the money they have falsely claimed.”

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 strictest confidence.

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

Council opens drop-In facility at Bosley Primary school for residents

Cheshire East Council is opening a drop-in facility for people affected by the incident at Bosley from 2:30pm today in Bosley St Mary’s Primary school, Leek Old Rd, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 0NX.

Council specialists will be on hand to provide advice and support on matters related to housing, employment and benefits.

In addition, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be on hand to provide advice.

The Council has been working closely with the community to successfully provide accommodation for those families who have been displaced by the disaster within the village and its immediate area.

Cheshire East Council is also working with Staffordshire Moorlands Council to ensure residents who live over the border but work at the site, are fully supported.

Zoning in on nurturing next generation of life-science world-beaters

Proposals for new ‘zones’ to nurture the next generation of hi-tech science sites have been put to Ministers by a group of top industry and public sector leaders – including Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones.

The group has been developing an innovative new policy to support the life science industry. It follows a meeting with Minister for Life Sciences George Freeman earlier this year.

The report of the group, chaired by Cllr Jones and drawn from across the country, proposes new Science Opportunity Zones – which would be applied to the most successful and promising life-science sites across the UK.

The new zone status would be a new step in the partnership between industry and government to support the growth of the life-science sector and builds on many of the strengths of the existing Enterprise Zone programme.

The report reviews experiences from the development of leading life-science sites across the country and considers how the status could be used to support them by mobilising key stakeholders, facilitating planning, attracting investment and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The proposals come as Cheshire East Council last week welcomed news of further Government investment in the bioscience industry at Alderley Park.

After submitting the report, Cllr Jones said: “Given our recent experiences in successfully supporting the next chapter of growth at Alderley Park, we have been able to work with colleagues from industry and other local authorities to look at the collective lessons we have all faced and to look at the best examples from other countries.

“Science Opportunity Zone status is a way that we can make sure that our best life-science sites are able to grow and that, crucially, they can compete with the very best sites globally.

“I commend the work of my colleagues from the private sector and local authorities in Kent and Dover for their support in developing these exciting proposals.

“This is just another demonstration of Cheshire East Council’s absolute commitment to supporting the life-science sector, both here in Cheshire East and more widely.”

The Chancellor, George Osborne MP, unveiled a £5m fund to kick start a new research programme in pharmaceuticals and technologies at Alderley Park when he visited the research centre last week.

The Tatton MP said the best of the UK’s businesses, scientists, clinicians and engineers will work side-by-side in the new ‘catapult in medicines technologies.’

The programme will further boost the economic recovery of Alderley Park and play a key role in the bioscience element in the vision for the Northern Powerhouse.

Cheshire East Council has a 10 per cent stake in the Manchester Science Partnership which aims to build on Alderley Park’s international reputation as a centre of excellent in the world of bioscience and life science research and development.

Friday, 17 July 2015

ARCHAEOLOGY FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 25 YEARS WITH THE AGE OF METAL

The Sandstone Ridge Trust is hosting a 3 day event at Beeston Castle to celebrate 25 years of the CBA as part of this years festival of Archaeology. Visitors can explore the prehistory of Beeston Crag with a guided tour of the site, whilst learning about Cheshire during the Stone and Bronze age’s with costumed living history displays.Hands on ancient crafts workshops suitable for all the family include stone carving and casting. Displays throughout the day on 21st, 22nd and 23rd July from 11 am to 4 pm with guided tours of the site at midday and 3 pm. Usual admission charges to the castle.

The Trust’s contribution to the festival is a legacy event from the previous Habitats and Hillforts landscape partnership .You can learn more about its work and current project ‘Ridge, Rocks and Springs’ whilst exploring the prehistory that lies beneath the iconic medieval castle at Beeston. Costumed living history displays bring the distant past to life with replica tools and everyday items from prehistory.Youngsters can discover artifacts in our sandbox excavation or have a go at carving a mold for a cast replica axe head. Ever had the urge to scratch your name? Then come along and feel free to add to our graffiti stone or carve a letter, make a cord or start a fire! A great day out to kick start the summer holidays with a mix of crafts, experimental archaeology and discovery set among the stunning views of the Cheshire Ridge.

Gary Ball, Project coordinator for the event said “ this is a great opportunity to learn and have fun whilst exploring Cheshire's prehistoric past. It is one of many such events as part of the Council for British Archaeology festival and we are pleased to be taking part .The event is a partnership, with English Heritage, Reaseheath college ,the Grosvenor museum and Cheshire museum services and sees volunteers, agencies and professional heritage suppliers working to create a unique event. We hope it brings history to life whilst entertaining and informing the visitors.”

Details are on our website at www.thesandstoneridgetrust.co.uk

Venue details www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/beeston-castle-and-woodland-park/

Contact infosrttrust@gmail.com

Rio 2016 Olympics Lottery Scam Alert

This is a message sent via The Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network (England & Wales). This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)

(Please do not reply directly to this email, please use the Reply button at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has received intelligence regarding two new Lottery Fraud letters/email attachments (Scam 1 & Scam 2) using the 2016 Rio Olympics as a theme.
The scams try to trick people into believing they have won the following:
Scam 1: An online lottery prize of £650,000 and a trip to Brazil to watch the Olympics as the recipient’s email address was chosen out of a possible ten million at random.
Scam 2: An online lottery prize of £820,000 and a trip to Brazil to watch the Rio Carnival and the Olympics as the recipient’s winning numbers 8 17 34 38 42 and 51 were selected.
In order to collect the winnings the recipient is requested to contact:
Scam 1:
Mr Dima Robert
MillMan Street, WC1N 3JB. London A5200.
Tel: +447035973561
Email: RioOlympics2016@represnetative.com
Scam 2:
‘UK Pay out Officer’
Email:paymaster-office@bol.co.br
+44 7937428753
Protect yourself from lottery fraud

Never respond to any such communication. If you have not entered a lottery then you cannot have won it.
Official lotteries in other countries operate in much the same way as the UK’s National Lotto.
No official lotteries that we know of contact people to tell them of their win.
We do not know of any official lottery operators who ask for fees to collect winnings. Any request for a fee payment is a good indication that someone is trying to defraud you.
Never disclose your bank details or pay fees in advance.
If they have provided an email address to respond to, be very suspicious of addresses such as @hotmail.com or @yahoo.com or numbers beginning with 07 because these are free to get hold of.
Genuine lotteries thrive on publicity. If they ask you to keep your win a secret, it is likely to be a fraud.
Many fraudulent lotteries have bad spelling and grammar – see this as a warning that fraudsters are at work.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone 0300 123 2040.

FiRELiNK eNewsletter for July 2015 from Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service

This is a message sent via The Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network (England & Wales). This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service

(Please do not reply directly to this email, please use the Reply button at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Ashley Lawton (Cheshire Fire , Administrator, Cheshire Fire)

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

Five year strategy - 2015 to 2020

We have made significant progress in recent years on improving the safety of residents and businesses across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.
Our previous four-year strategy enabled Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to deliver savings of nearly £5 million between 2011 and 2015, while still maintaining the overall downward trend in incidents and emergencies.
The challenge over the next five years will be even harder as it becomes more difficult to maintain improvements in community safety at the same time as the need to make savings increases.

Find out more about our Five year strategy - 2015 to 2020

Alarms4life - Smoke alarms for rented properties

Landlords across Cheshire are being urged to act now to ensure they are ready for new safety laws aimed at saving dozens of lives a year.

New regulations are expected to come into effect from October 2015, subject to parliamentary approval.

Find out more - Smoke alarms for rented properties

Toddler's dress sets on fire due to candle

A toddler from Ellesmere Port was left badly burnt after a candle set light to her dress.

Her mother now wants to warn other parents of the danger of using candles around children.

Find out more - Toddler's dress sets on fire due to candle

Summer safety

Stay safe during the summer months, use the links below to access fire safety tips and advice:

Fire Station open days

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service fire stations will be holding free fire station open days over the next couple of months.

Find out more - Fire Station open days

Your local fire station

Find out about your local fire station - where it is, what open days or special events they are holding and how to get in contact with them.

Find out more - Your local fire station

Tuesday, 14 July 2015

Fake Designer goods

People looking for a cheap designer bargain online are being targeted by fraudsters advertising fake designer goods. The items received are usually cheap and inferior counterfeits of handbags, clothes and sunglasses amongst other things.
The general rule is ‘if it looks too good to be true then it probably is.’ Designer products sold at heavily discounted prices are an immediate sign that something isn’t quite right.
What can you do to protect yourself?

Where possible, buy from well-known, High Street retailers. If you've never heard of a firm, or it is based overseas, be sceptical.
Avoid paying by cheque or bank transfer. Use PayPal or a credit card as they will give you additional protection.
Search the internet. Type the website you are buying from and look for reviews of what others customers are saying about the company. Bad customer service feedback usually finds their way online quite quickly.
Check for spelling mistakes or poor grammar on websites as this may suggest the website has been put together by a fraudster.
Sign up to Action Fraud Alert at https://www.actionfraudalert.co.uk/ to keep you updated with what’s going on.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone 0300 123 2040.

Council ramps up crackdown on sky lanterns ‘menace’

Cheshire East Council has ramped up its crackdown on ‘sky lanterns’ and is to ban them from all licenced events in the Borough.

Cabinet member for communities Councillor Les Gilbert is set to ban the launch of candle-lit ‘Chinese’ lanterns as part of the conditions of any hire and event licences granted by the authority. At a portfolio holder meeting next week (July 20) he will also remind people and shopkeepers of the dangers posed by these airborne hazards.

‘Chinese’ or sky lanterns consist of a paper-covered wire or bamboo frame and an open flame heat source which can float in the sky for long distances. When they land they can pose a serious threat to livestock, property and farm machinery.

The burning lantern remnants can start fires, endanger lives, destroy property, distress wildlife, pets and farm animals and cause unsightly littering.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Council Cabinet member for communities, said: “These lanterns are a menace and causing real misery to farmers, their livestock and wildlife.

“Cheshire East is an enforcing Council that puts local residents first. We have listened to the concerns of local people and will impose a ban on sky lanterns being launched from any of the events licenced by the authority.

“I would also remind the public of the dangers sky lanterns pose and ask for their vigilance and support to protect our local communities from the stress and negative impacts of this thoughtless fad, which can do so much harm.

“If people breach the terms and conditions of an events licence, then we will be minded to refuse to grant them a licence in the future.”

The Council’s trading standards officers will also pass on the message to shopkeepers that they should promote an alternative to sky lanterns – and inform them they are banned from Cheshire East -licenced events.

Keith Brooks, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s head of protection and prevention, said: “Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service does not support the use of sky lanterns and asks members of the public and event organisers to refrain from using them.

“While these lanterns are undoubtedly a popular and beautiful sight, the potential damage they can cause is significant.”

Landowners have called for a ban on sky lanterns in the UK following cases of livestock being injured or killed from eating lantern parts or getting entangled in the wire frames.

The Chief Fire Officers Association called for an urgent review on their use following a huge fire in Smethwick, West Midlands, in 2013, which took 200 firefighters and 39 fire appliances to control and extinguish. Video footage showed a sky lantern was the cause.

Spain, Malta and Austria have already banned the use of sky lanterns. Tesco stopped selling sky lanterns in 2012.

Council listens to strong response from residents at Crewe regeneration events

Residents and businesses turned out in force for the first ‘Your Town, Your Choice’ consultation events in Crewe this week.

More than 85 suggestions were put forward by visitors at the residents’ event at Crewe Lyceum on Monday afternoon and by the local business community on Monday evening.

Passionate residents were keen to see better road infrastructure in and around Crewe, more entertainment and leisure venues in the town centre and for the bus station to be vastly improved but not moved from the centre of the town.

There was also desire from some resident to retain some of Crewe’s heritage in any redevelopment.

People are being asked to fill in a questionnaire as part of the consultation and more than 500 of these have been completed online since the beginning of the month.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “I have said before that Crewe is on the cusp of its most significant transformation ever – but it is important that we get it right.

“We must not promise and then not deliver. This is the best chance Crewe has had for regeneration in 30 years.

“I thank everyone who has given us their thoughts so far. We are a listening Council that puts residents first and we will be considering everyone’s comments.”

Mike Christelow, of Wistaston, who was one of more than 60 residents in attendance on Monday afternoon, said: “I think the Council’s intentions are very positive and make a real bold statement, which is exactly what Crewe needs. I think the delivery of these intentions will remain a very significant challenge. It won’t be a simple thing but it is what is needed.

“I’d like to see the development of more cultural and entertainment opportunities in the town centre. A cinema, theatre and leisure activities, hotel and investment in education are things that might turn Crewe into more of a destination town in its own right.”

William Snook, of Edleston Road, added: “I’d like to see better access to Crewe by road and more nightlife attractions in the town for the younger generation to enjoy – as most are going to Nantwich, Chester and Manchester for a night out.

“Some more diverse pubs and clubs could bring in some more revenue to Crewe and keep our town as modern and fresh as possible.”

People have until the end of July to take part in the consultation and there will be a further residents’ event at the Crewe YMCA, on Gresty Road, next Monday evening (July 20), from 6pm until 8pm.

The event will take a slightly different format to Monday’s sessions in that there will be a presentation at around 6.15pm, followed by break-out group sessions to garner feedback.

Attendees should register in advance by email at: amy.beasley@cheshireeast.gov.uk or call her on 01270 685705.

Those attending will be able to pick up a questionnaire about the redevelopment of the town. The Council wants as many people as possible to fill it in, either on paper or online via the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/crewetowncentre.

Questionnaires can also be found in Crewe Municipal Buildings, Crewe Library, Delamere House, Edward Timpson’s office on Victoria Street, Rimini café on Queensway and Crewe Lyceum.

All those completing the survey can enter a prize draw to win a VIP family ticket to the Hollywood Special Effects Show at Crewe Lyceum Theatre.

More funding for Council’s work with complex families

Cheshire East Council has secured a second phase of funding thanks to its success in working with complex families.

The Council has successfully transformed the lives of 585 families through support and intervention measures aimed at overcoming problems and challenges that have held them back.

The Cheshire East programme, known as Family Focus, has brought about a significant reduction in youth crime and anti-social behaviour, improved school attendance and assisted many adults into employment.

Louise Casey, the Government’s ‘Troubled Families’ Tzar met members of the various teams together with Council Leader Michael Jones during a recent visit and praised the council for its achievements.

The Troubled Families programme was announced in 2012 with a national target of getting 120,000 families out of poverty, crime and other social and family issues that impact on their lives.

The Cheshire East Family Focus team will now receive more funding to roll out a second phase of the programme, which is partly funded on a results basis and partly through grants.

The Council expects to assist nearly two thousand families by 2020, and will continue its work with the police, DWP, health Services, social services, schools and social and private landlords.

Council Leader Michael Jones said: “Supporting people into work, steering them away from crime and helping them to be less dependent on benefits has to be good for them and for our residents.

“We are delighted that Louise Casey has shown faith in us to continue this programme.

“After I was re-elected in May, I said publicly that I wanted to do more to tackle the adverse impact of social pressures and chaotic family life on young people.

“Too many of our young people are carrying dark thoughts of self-harm triggered by low self-esteem and the Cheshire East family service programme that we have developed has made great strides in restoring proper life balances to so many people.

“But the work does not end here!”

In March, the Department for Communities and Local Government announced that since 2012 the Troubled Families programme had helped more than 105,600 families that had benefitted from the support they received from local authorities and the net saving to the taxpayer was in the order of £1.2billion.

The programme is aimed at benefitting families that meet a number of criteria including lack of employment, domestic abuse, crime and anti-social behaviour, poor school attendance and children known to various agencies delivering early help services and social care.