Fly Tipping

A group on Facebook are trying to clean up Crewe and stop fly tipping which is a major problem. We have reported before on the Mother and Baby Unit in Oxford St which houses new born babies were for the past 12 months rubbish is tipped twice a week at least. In warm weather it then gets flies and maggots from the nappies and food waste. Environmental health say its nothing to do with them and its not a health risk how they can say that when its new born babies a few feet away?

The problem has been reported many times to ANSA, local councillor and wardens. The CEC send a van every week to pick u the rubbish how much does that cost the tax payer? The wardens come and there is evidence who is doing this but they claim they cant prosecute every other council does so we not CEC? A complaint has gone into the council on this matter as they dont have to live with this mess every week and they should be taking action.

Its the same in other areas of Crewe and its down to the fact the CEC dont take action and of course the people who fly tip. One problem is a lot of foreign people live in the areas and they think its acceptable or dont know any better in this case its down to wardens to trace them and educate them. The other side is a cost one if your poor maybe on the dole and get a new bed what do you do with the old one? You dont have a car and if you ask CEC to remove it they charge you and as you cant afford that your only option is to dump it which often turns into a fire as people set them on fire and in the west end there have been some really bad fires over the years. You used to be able to report rubbish on a free phone number but now you dont know what your paying for.

The CEC also create the problem if you put the wrong stuff in a recycle bin they wont take it and people dont understand they then come along and take the bin away so what happens then people have no bin so what do they do you got it fly tip

Report from Bob Jackson

This is an update that I posted on  www.facebook.com/groups/Creweflytipping.

"On Tuesday 19th January Gary Palin and myself went to the Crewe Town Council meeting and took advantage of the public speaking session. We presented the feelings expressed on this Facebook page and our own. I would say that we felt that we had unanimous support from the Town Councillors for the issues that we raised and it was suggested that we attend a Cheshire East Council meeting. This morning we went to the Environment Overview and Scrutiny meeting at Cheshire East headquarters and again took advantage of the public speakers slot. We gave a presentation to the committee expressing feelings from what we have learnt over the last week. We put forward proposals but no discussion took place. However, we were then invited to address the Fly Tipping Task Force meeting this afternoon where discussion did take place and we learnt how to proceed. The key at the moment to progress this issue is to keep the photos coming in and we must report all instances via the Council web site."

There is a partition at www.change.org/p/eliminate-fly-tipping-in-crewe

and the signatures rose from 213 to 220 since the article that appeared in this weeks Crewe Chronicle. Either Crewe residents are not aware of what's going on or they don't care. I'd like to believe that they do not know.

Elderley and Disabled left stranded

I have sent this to the Borough Council.
"The public right of way through the Victoria Centre from Meredith St Crewe has been blocked off because of the development of the UTC College.This is a severe inconvenience to those who live in that part of Crewe.They have to make a very long detour to walk into town and this is almost impossible for some of the elderly residents. Was this closure advertised? If so, please let me know when and what was the response? Can anything be done to restore the right of way through the site as soon as possible?"

Cllr Brian Silvester

UKIP Councillor

NHWN Our News January 2016

Subject: NHWN Our News January 2016

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Neighbourhood and Home Watch Network

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

Message sent by

Catherine Dunn (NHWN, Administrator, England & Wales)

Dear Neighbourhood Watch member,
This is the January edition of Our News. To download the full pdf click here.

Message from the Chair:
May I take this opportunity to wish you all a safe and secure 2016. The New Year is always a time when we make resolutions for the year ahead. Some will already have been shredded and consigned to the recycling bin. My resolution was to help someone every day feel safer in their home or when they are out and about in their community. So far so good… (Read more)

Q is for door safety:
On October 1st last year Document Q of the Building Regulations came into force. Just three months later, its impact is being felt far and wide – especially by burglars who are finding the latest generation of front and back doors nigh on impossible to breach. (Read more)

Win an ABS lock upgrade for your home:
To be in with a chance of winning a full Avocet ABS lock change for your home worth £200 simply send the answer to the question below, along with your name, address and daytime telephone number to nhwcompetition@avocet-hardware.co.uk. Closing date for entries is 10 February 2016.
QUESTION:
When did Document Q come into force?
ANSWER:
???
For more information about Avocet and its ABS locks visit:
www.abs-secure.co.uk. Hint: the answer can be found in this article!

Introducing Patlock:
Designed to deter and stop would-be intruders, the Patlock provides extra security and instant peace of mind for the homeowner. (Read more)

Ourwatch.org.uk gets a new look:
We are delighted to announce our refreshed website in line with the new branding unveiled at the Way Ahead for Neighbourhood Watch event in December. (Read more)

Police & Crime Commissioner elections:
The next Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) elections will be held on 5 May 2016. As a Neighbourhood Watch member you are probably already aware of your PCC and what their role entails. (Read more)

NHW logo licensing arrangements:
As you will notice, the well-known Neighbourhood Watch roundel has had a bit of a face lift! We hope you like it. The changes aren’t huge, but we think it makes the logo look fresher and more contemporary while remaining completely recognisable. (Read more)

Tell CQC about the care in your local neighbourhood:
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) and Neighbourhood Watch have joined forces to help improve the quality of health and social care in local communities. (Read more)
Best wishes,
Catherine Dunn
Campaigns, Events & Database Manager, NHWN

Timeshare Recovery Room Fraud

Subject: Timeshare Recovery Room Fraud

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)

 

Message sent by

Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) is warning people of the dangers of Recovery Room fraudsters targeting former victims of Timeshare fraud.
Recovery Room Fraud refers to a scam whereby fraudsters contact the victims of previous frauds, often by way of cold calling them, and claim to be able to recover previously lost funds. In July 2014 the Financial Services Authority (FSA) estimated that 30% of people who had lost money through Investment fraud would also fall victim to a Recovery Room fraud.
When Recovery Room fraudsters target victims of timeshare frauds they usually claim to be a legal professional or a representative of a government agency (normally within the country where the original timeshare property was based) in order to legitimise the scam. The fraudsters know personal details about the victim and their previous investment which gives them credibility. They claim that the advanced fees requested are for ‘local taxes’ or ‘litigation costs’ incurred during the recovery of the funds. It is suspected that the persons behind Recovery Room frauds are often the same people involved in the original scams even though these crimes may have occurred years earlier.
Initially, a small fee, typically in the region of £200-400, is requested by the fraudsters which they often claim is refundable as part of a ‘no-win no-fee’ basis.  The fraudsters rely on the victims seeing this as a nominal fee compared to the amounts lost, which often run into the tens-of-thousands of pounds, and therefore worth paying if it facilitates the return of their money. Once paid, various excuses are made by the fraudsters to explain delays in the recovery of the funds.  Subsequently, further larger amounts are then requested by the fraudsters.  Needless to say, no refunds ever materialise and no money is ever recovered.

Protect Yourself

• Never respond to unsolicited phone calls – if in doubt, hang up.

• Always check that the details of the organisation or company contacting you (such as website, address and phone number) are correct – the fraudsters may be masquerading as a legitimate organisation.

• Don’t be fooled by a professional looking website as nowadays the cost of creating a professional website is easily affordable.

• Be wary of any firms or individuals asking for advanced fees.

• Consider seeking independent legal and/or financial advice before making a decision.

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

Cheshire East holds poignant service to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day

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

Council Deputy Leader Councillor David Brown and Cheshire East Mayor Cllr Hilda Gaddum led civic dignitaries representing communities from across the Borough at the Act of Remembrance at Sandbach Town Hall, at 10.30am today (Weds, January 27).

Around 75 people, including dozens of members of the public, attended the ceremony. The Council decided in 2013 to make this an annual commemoration by the authority.

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

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

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

Cllr Brown said: “This was a very poignant and necessary occasion for remembrance and reflection on man’s inhumanity to man.

“This ceremony allows communities and individuals from across Cheshire East to join together, symbolically, to remember these human tragedies and bear witness.

“Tragically, as the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and Jakarta make all-too-painfully clear, humankind is still blighted and brutalised by beliefs that religion, race, political outlook, disability or sexuality make some people’s lives ‘worth less than others’.

“We come together each year to bear witness to the unspeakable horrors to which such unacceptable and evil beliefs can lead. The road to genocide is a gradual journey – which can begin if discrimination, dehumanisation and hatred are not prevented.”

The act of remembrance included readings, music, lighting of candles to the victims of genocide and two-minutes’ silence, followed by the tolling of a bell and prayers.

Flautist Toby Brady, a year 11 pupil of Sandbach School, played the theme from the Holocaust film Schindler’s List during the ceremony and Sandbach Mayor Cllr Gill Merry read the poem ‘First They Came’ by Pastor Martin Niemoller.

A Hebrew prayer was read out by Rabbi Chanan Atlas, of the Yeshurun Hebrew Congregation, of Cheadle and Gatley, in Cheshire.

Site investigation to conclude on Middlewich site

 

Cheshire East Council is completing a site investigation on a potential new waste transfer station in Middlewich.

For the last five months the former Ideal Standard factory site has been cleared, with the land being prepared for final checks which started on Monday January 25.

The location was originally commandeered by the Ministry of Defence during the First World War and for this reason, and those of public safety, we are taking the precaution of checking for munitions.

Specialists were present on Monday January 25 as the presence of phosgene chemicals manufactured during the First World War were looked for as a precautionary measure.

Councillor Sam Gardner, Cheshire East Council portfolio holder for open spaces said: “The application to build a new waste transfer station in Middlewich went through the due planning process and was approved by the Strategic Planning Board.

“A number of sites across the Borough were looked at and the Middlewich site was considered the most suitable due to its central location”.

The final stages of these checks began on Monday and for any updates visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/environmentalhub or call our contact centre on 0300 123 5014 and select option 3.

Report warns against risks of drinking alcohol

 

Cheshire East are encouraging residents to think more seriously about their levels of alcohol consumption and the impact that this has on their wellbeing.

A new report published this month by the UK Chief Medical Officer Professor Dame Sally Davies says ‘drinking any amount of alcohol regularly can cause harm to health’.

The expert group that produced the guidelines, following an alcohol guidelines review looked at new evidence about the potential harms of alcohol that has emerged since the previous guidelines were published in 1995. The guidelines are out for consultation until 1 April.

Alcohol consumption is one of the main health issues in Cheshire East. The Borough has one of the highest proportions of alcohol-related hospital stays in under 18s in the North West region, as well as a higher proportion of regular drinkers compared to England as a whole.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of health and care in the community said: “It is important that our local residents understand the risks and the harm of drinking alcohol, not only to their own health and wellbeing but also the social impacts within our local community.”

The report recommends the following:

• There should be a single weekly guideline for men and women of 14 units (14 units is equivalent to a bottle and a half of wine or five pints of five per cent strength ABV export-type lager);

• People who drink as much as 14 units per week, should spread this evenly over three days or more;

• There is no safe drink level – meaning any drinking may cause harm to health;

• Pregnant women are to avoid drinking throughout their pregnancy to avoid harm to the baby:

Dr Heather Grimbaldeston, Cheshire East’s Director of Public Health; welcomed the recommendations form the report and said: “Alcohol is a significant risk factor for a number of physical health conditions such as cancers and liver cirrhosis, as well as mental health conditions.

These new recommendations will shape the development of local, targeted alcohol prevention services that will help reduce harm caused by alcohol across the Borough.”

To read the full report visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/489797/CMO_Alcohol_Report.pdf

Information wanted

Subject: Information wanted

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

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

Message sent by

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

Crewe police are appealing for witnesses after a woman was attacked by a man in Badger Avenue.

At around 3pm on 15 January 2016 a 29-year-old woman was walking along Badger Avenue, Crewe towards the junction of Ford lane.

As she walked past a telephone kiosk at the junction of Ford Lane she was grabbed by a man who was inside the telephone kiosk and an attempt was made to drag her back towards the kiosk. The victim managed to get away and alerted police.

The offender had in his possession a knife at the time and the victim received a minor injury.

Officers investigating the motive for the attack believe it may have been the intention to commit a sexual assault.

The offender is described as white with dark brown eyes and of medium build and average height. He was wearing a black woolly hat, a scarf which covered his face, dark trousers and black gloves. The victim described him as having a foreign accent. 

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 546 of 15 January 2016. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Battle of Nantwich

Reporter Jonathan White, Crewe

‘The Battle of Nantwich & Winter Fayre’ took place in and around Nantwich town centre and on Mill Island on Saturday 23rd January 2016.

The event is organised by The Holly Holy Day Society - http://www.battleofnantwich.co.uk - in association with the Sealed Knot re-enactment society.

Holly Holy Day traces back to the 17th century and the four year long first English Civil War between Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and the Royalists (Cavaliers) loyal to Charles I. This year is the 372^nd anniversary of the original battle, which took place on 25th January 1644. It is the 44th time the re-enactment has taken place.

A variety of events took place around the town during the day with a parade from Malbank School and at Nantwich Market Hall, St Mary's Church, Nantwich Bookshop, Nantwich Museum, Pillory Street, the Town Square and Mill Island.

There was entertainment from The Funky Choir, Josh Whittaker, Benjamin Stubbs, Sean Clark-Wilkinson, Wistaston Young Drama Group, Nantwich Players, Domesday Morris Dancers, and the Plough Witches. There was also a Living History demonstration and a horse parade. The Museum held Civil War Tours, a musketry demonstration led by Sealed Knot, children’s activities and 17^th century music from Forlorne Hope.

There was a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial on the town square to commemorate people who died in the Civil War Battle of Nantwich and other battles.

The 1644 battle was re-enacted on Mill Island, followed by Mayor of Nantwich, Councillor Andrew Martin presenting the Rose Bowl to the best regiment won by the King's Lifeguard.

Thousands of people enjoyed the event which took place, despite recent heavy rainfall, in dry weather.

Free training to boost local business people’s bids to win deals

 

Cheshire East Council is to hold a series of free workshops to help business people learn how to win public sector contracts.

The Council’s award-winning procurement training events are targeted at local businesses, charities and social enterprises.

The aim is to show small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) how to ‘get started’ in the bid process and how to produce a tender for local and central government work. The workshops are suitable for businesses new to the tendering process or looking to improve how they tender. 

Councillor Paul Findlow, Cheshire East Cabinet member in charge of performance, said: “Tendering for a public sector contract can be a daunting prospect and these free workshops provide excellent guidance to help businesses develop their bids.

“We are always interested in receiving tenders from local businesses and organisations and these workshops can significantly help to simplify and demystify the process.

“We are keen to support local firms and businesses and work to ensure as many services as possible are provided locally. As a local authority, we are committed to working with others to deliver quality services and value for money for the people of Cheshire East.

“We want to encourage even more local businesses to get involved in working with not only Cheshire East Council but also other public sector bodies. It is vitally important, as more than £300bn of services are procured by the public sector each year.”

The annual figure for procurement for Cheshire East is £260m.

The latest procurement workshops, which aim to cover the whole process from start to finish, are:

● Let’s get started – on Tuesday, February 23;

● The ‘invitation to tender’ process – on Tuesday, March 1.

The first workshop is an introduction to the tendering process, which will show how the framework for public sector tendering operates, how to navigate it and how to prepare for tendering opportunities.

The second workshop will explain the best-practice procedures and structures that you should put in place in your organisation to make sure your bids are as professional as possible and also how working in consortia can provide further opportunities.

People that attend will also be asked if there are other business areas in which the Council could potentially offer advice and support.

The free workshops are conducted by award-winning Melanie Bryan, from WhyNotChange – an organisation which helps businesses tender for public sector contracts. Melanie won the best social enterprise partnership award in the Prime Minister’s Big Society Awards 2011.

Both workshops will take place at Riverside, Mountbatten Way, Congleton, CW12 1DY. Each event starts with refreshments and bacon rolls at 7.45am for a prompt 8am start. The sessions finish at 11am.

Places are strictly limited and businesses are advised to attend both events in order to get the most benefit and understand the whole process.

To book a place on the latest workshops, contact Cheshire East Council on 0300 123 5001 or email: Danielle.Stanway@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Grass Verges

I am pressing  to have the grass verges, destroyed by vehicles who frequent the nearby Rope Garden Nursery in Gresty Lane,Rope, re-instated and then protected from further damage. See e-mail and photo.

The verges have been in a terrible state for a long time and the Borough Council have refused to take action despite repeated requests from me.The verges are an unsightly mess and action is required.

Cllr Brian Silvester 

UKIP  Councillor

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: brian silvester <cllr.brian.silvester@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jan 12, 2016 at 2:57 PM
Subject: Fwd: Fw: Verges
To: andrea.bickerton@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Andrea,

             Please see photo of grass verge destroyed by vehicles who frequent the nearby Rope garden nursery in Gresty Lane.When will the verge be re-instated and  then protected so this can't happen again?. Also one of the bollards by the chicane in Gresty lane has been knocked down.

Regards, Cllr Brian Silvester

Cheshire Police

What is going on with Cheshire Police? Last year they increased the Police Council Tax by 2% and in the process rejected a very substantial Government grant. Wouldn’t it had been better to accept the grant and not increase the Council Tax?

In his Autumn Statement 2015 Cheshire MP George Osborne announced that there would not be any further cuts in Government funding for the Police. We then had the announcement that Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire were to merge their headquarters in Winsford, which will SAVE £1.5m a year.

Despite all this the Police have come again with their hand out, asking for a further 3% increase in the Police Council Tax. This comes at a time when Crime in Cheshire continues to fall, with Cheshire police recording the fourth largest reduction in recorded crime across England and Wales in 2014/15.

Next door Staffordshire are not increasing their Police Council Tax so I see no reason why Cheshire Police should be raising their Council Tax yet again.

In April the Council Tax bills will be sent out and we can expect increases in the Police,Fire and Borough and possibly Town/Parish Council Tax. Most people are not getting increases in their salary/wages .They have to cut and scrape around to pay their way. 

It is a pity that Cheshire Police, and all the others who are increasing their Council Tax, are not doing more to live within their means without annual increases in the amounts we are forced to pay them.

Yours faithfully,

Cllr Brian Silvester

UKIP Councillor.

Volunteers complete new countryside pathway

 

Volunteers celebrated the completion of the largest ever volunteer task undertaken by Cheshire East ranger service.

More than half a kilometre of high-quality, all-weather countryside pathway was officially opened by Councillor Sam Gardner at Borrow Pit Meadows, Alsager.

Volunteers, together with Cllr Gardner, celebrated the completion of the new pathway in a ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by a walk along the new path. The project began last May and was completed recently after 800 volunteer hours had been committed to the project.

Care4CE countryside volunteers, alongside the voluntary conservation groups of Congleton and District and Crewe and Nantwich supported by individual helpers, moved more than 240 tonnes of stone, laid more than 500 metres of geotextile membrane and used 1,700 nails to fix 240 path edge boards either side of the new path, which was surfaced with recycled materials.

Care4CE countryside volunteers provided the bulk of the time work for the pathway project and are extremely proud of their achievement.

Councillor Gardner, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of open spaces, said: “The completion of this important linking pathway is a great example of officers from different areas of the Council working together, alongside many volunteers, to provide a real asset for the benefit of the community.”

The landscape of Borrow Pit Meadows is managed by the Cheshire East ranger service which, working closely with colleagues in Ansa environmental services, has turned the closed landfill into a nature reserve and recreation area for local people and visitors.

Cllr John Hammond, chairman of Ansa, said: ‘Borrow Pit Meadows is a former landfill site managed by us. We are hugely appreciative of the time and effort that ranger Alistair Wright and the volunteers have put into upgrading the footpath. This is a great facility for the local community.”

Circular pathways through different wildlife habitats provide interest throughout the year. The Borrow Pit Meadows link to the Salt Line, a linear trail for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Gateways provide access for all, enabling wheelchair users, mobility scooters and people with prams to enjoy the facility.

The Forestry Commission English Woodland Grant Scheme part funded this project.

To find out more about Borrow Pit Meadows, visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers and follow the link to the Salt Line and Borrow Pit Meadows page.

Open evening event to showcase new UTC offer in Crewe

 

Potential students and their parents are invited to attend the latest Crewe Engineering and Design University Technical College open evening this week.

The event on Thursday (January 21) at MMU Cheshire Campus, on Crewe Green Road, Crewe CW1 5DU, is the latest in a series of events to highlight to the local community new educational and training opportunities in the town.    
Running from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, the event will give people the opportunity to find out more about the different educational paths offered by the UTC, learn about the application process and talk to partners supporting the school – including Cheshire East Council.          
Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of children and families, said: “I am delighted to see the interest in the Crewe UTC, which reflects the commitment to deliver engineering skills in Cheshire East.

“The UTC is a really exciting initiative and will be a flagship educational institution to help provide and nurture the skills and experience of our young people for generations to come.

“The Council is fully behind the UTC and we are supporting our partners and working with all our local schools to promote it as widely as possible and deliver a workforce that will have the confidence and skills to match the needs of Cheshire East’s growing modern economy.”

The event will feature a number of interactive displays for those interested in science, technology, engineering and maths (Stem subjects), giving a first glimpse of some of the projects students could work on in the future.  
The event has generated a growing number of applicants and enquiries for the limited number of places available for 14–18 year old students starting, Year 10 and Year 12, from September 2016.         
The UTC will train 800 students aged 14-18, who want to pursue careers in industries like automotive, rail and advanced manufacturing. It will be built on the site of Victoria Community Centre’s Oakley Building, on West Street.

The UTC is a partnership between Cheshire East Council, Bentley Motors, Manchester Metropolitan University, Siemens, Bosch, OSL Rail, Chevron Racing, Optical 3D, GE (General Electric), South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce and hi-tech firms Leoni and James Walker.

For more information about Crewe Engineering and Design UTC visit: www.utccrewe.co.uk

The South Cheshire George Formby Ukulele Society

Reporter J White

The South Cheshire George Formby Ukulele Society - http://www.crewegeorgeformby.com - was founded in 1994 and performs a concert at the Wistaston Memorial Hall (Church Lane, Wistaston) on the fourth Friday of every month throughout the year. There are no membership fees to pay to attend a concert and the entrance fee is just £1 to cover the cost of hall rent and light refreshments. 

The 2016 concerts all start at 7:30pm prompt and take place on 22^nd January, 26^th February, 25^th March, 22^nd April, 27^th May, 24^th June, 22^nd July, 26^th August, 23^rd September, 28^th October, 25^th November, and 23^rd December.

There are also rehearsal sessions, to which new ukulele players are always welcome, also at Wistaston Memorial Hall, on the third Tuesday of every month throughout the year. The 2016 rehearsal sessions start at 7:30pm and take place on 19^th January, 16^th February, 15^th March, 19^th April, 17^th May, 21^st June, 19^th July, 16^th August, 20^th September, 18^th October, 15^th November, and 20^th December. If you would like to learn to play the ukulele then free tuition is given during these sessions.

Society Founder Brian Edge said, "I encourage anyone to attend one of our Concerts or rehearsal sessions which take place throughout the year. You will be made to feel most welcome. Feel free to bring a friend along with you; you are sure to have a pleasant surprise."

For further enquires please contact D. Dodd on 01270 581920 or email: peterdodd9@aol.com

 

The Andrews Panto & Plays Society (TAPPS)

Reporter Jonathan White, Crewe

The Andrews Panto & Plays Society (TAPPS) performed the pantomime 'Jack and the Beanstalk' at St Andrew's Church Hall, Bedford Street, Crewe in mid-January this year.

In the panto Jack exchanged his cow for some magic beans. The beans grew overnight into a beanstalk which Jack climbed, arriving at a magical land ruled over by a Giant.

Jack and the Beanstalk featured a wonderful mixture of performers, music and dance routines and general pantomime traditions. There were also refreshments during the interval and a raffle.

The pantomime profits will be shared between St Andrew's Church restoration fund, St Andrew's Church Hall for additional lighting, and Cancer Research UK.

TAPPS Panto Director Fred Allman said, "The cast and crew put a lot of effort into this production over the past several months. We hope that everyone enjoyed our annual pantomime. We are very grateful to Tesco Crewe, Hall Smith Whittingham solicitors, Crewe Alexandra Football Club and Goodes Decor for their generous sponsorship. Our next project is a variety show to be staged in early June."

TAPPS was formed in November 2014 and this was their second pantomime, following 'Little Red Riding Hood' in January last year. Along with stage productions TAPPS also have a social side which includes theatre visits, country walks and dining out.

If you are interested in joining TAPPS please contact Fred Allman on telephone number: 07968829999.

Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service January 2016 E-Newsletter - Firelink

Subject: Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service January 2016 E-Newsletter - Firelink

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

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Review of 2015

2015 was a busy year for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, not only for incidents but for the wealth of work in our communities and businesses our crews, advocates and support staff carried out.  Watch the work we do with younger people in the county, along with awards the Service has won. 

Watch our review of 2015

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Could you be an on-call firefighter?

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is recruiting for on-call firefighters at the following fire stations: Alsager, Audlem, Birchwood, Bollington, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Frodsham, Holmes Chapel, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Malpas, Middlewich, Nantwich, Northwich, Poynton, Runcorn, Sandbach, Stockton Heath, Tarporley, Wilmslow and Winsford.

Could you be an on-call firefighter?

We're looking for enthusiastic individuals with common sense, the ability to work as part of a team and able to deal with physically and emotionally demanding situations. Qualifications aren't necessary, applicants just need to be at least 18 years old and physically and medically fit with good hearing and eyesight.

Potential recruits also need to be able to their local Fire Station within five minutes of home or work and have a real interest in the fire and rescue service and helping in the community. The role attracts an average income in the region of £5000 a year.

Find out more - On-call firefighter recruitment

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Make time for your home’s unsung heroes - Test your smoke alarms today

The Government has launched a new Fire Kills advertising campaign featuring friendly smoke alarms which will tell the public to make time for their home’s ‘unsung heroes’ by testing their alarms once a month.

A working smoke alarm can buy you valuable time to get out, stay out and call 999. But just half of all householders who own a smoke alarm say that they test it’s working on a regular basis. You’re four times more likely to die in a fire without a working smoke alarm, but only half of the people who own an alarm say they take the time to check it regularly.

We’re encouraging Cheshire residents to make sure they test their smoke alarms this month and get into the habit of testing them each month as they can save lives.

Find out more - Make time for your home’s unsung heroes

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Winter driving - be prepared in case bad weather strikes

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

Find out more - Winter driving

INFORMATION BULLETIN RE: Winter gritting

 

Cheshire East Council highways teams have been busy treating the 1,090 kms Cheshire East road network in response to the rain, sleet and snow along with freezing temperatures that have been seen over night.

High level routes to the east of the Borough were gritted yesterday at 2pm and 8pm with all routes (high level routes and all priority routes across the borough) treated at 2:30am and again at 6am into the morning travel peak.

These gritting plans were made in response to forecast intermittent snow and rain.

Gritters and snow ploughs continue to work on the A54 and A537 this morning.

These roads have been closed since yesterday morning due to excess water on the road as a result of recent high levels of rainfall, which has reduced the effectiveness of several salt treatments.

We are seeing widespread ice in the freezing conditions in these locations and are working to make these roads safe again. Motorists are asked to bear with the highways teams whilst this work is done.

Mow Cop is part of the Council’s high level gritting routes and has been treated four times since yesterday afternoon.

Although highways have been busy treating the network, the excessive rainfall seen in Cheshire East over the last few weeks has saturated roads.

Combined with freezing temperatures, this may lead to isolated patches of ice and motorists are advised to drive carefully.

More freezing conditions are expected for this evening and gritting plans will be made in accordance with the weather forecast. Keep up to date with our gritting plans by following @CEC Highways or visiting cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways.

Stay ahead of the weather as the cold snap hits

 

Cheshire East Council and its partners are offering a range of advice and support to residents to stay warm this winter.

As the weather becomes colder we are encouraging local people to be good ‘winter neighbours’.

Older people or those with heart or breathing problems may need your help during the cold spell. Checking to see that a home is warm enough is quick and straightforward. Living rooms should be heated to 21C and bedrooms to 18C.

Local charity Energy Projects Plus is working with the Council to provide residents advice on energy efficiency, information on insulation grants, switching energy suppliers and managing fuel debt. The charity can be contacted on 0800 043 0151. Information about heating repairs can be found at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/homerepairs or by ringing 0300 123 5017.

There are winter warning signs the Council has highlighted that we can all be on the lookout for which indicate something might be wrong. Check for milk being left out, post left in a letterbox or the curtains being drawn and lights left on during the day.

A home being left in darkness and dogs barking are other common signs that something is amiss. Checking your neighbour has enough food and medicines could also make a big difference and help them avoid going out in very cold or icy conditions.

Councillor Janet Clowes Cabinet member in charge of health and care in the community, said: “With falling temperatures and dark nights residents may be worried about their own ability to cope, or concerned about another adult or child. Therefore, I am appealing to all members of the public to pass on the key information we are sharing about staying safe this winter to their friends and family.”

Cheshire East Council and its partners are here to help. The winter pages on our website provide a wealth of advice and we urge residents to contact us, either by email or phone, if they have concerns. Residents can help friends and neighbours who do not have internet access by downloading and printing off information from the website and giving it to them.

The following advice helpline numbers may also be useful:

•             Adult safety – 0300 123 5010 (office hours) or 0300 123 5022.

•             Family support – 0300 123 5033.

•             Child safety – 0300 123 5012 (office hours) or 0300 123 5022.

•             Domestic abuse assistance – call the Cheshire East domestic abuse hub 24/7 on 0300 123 5101.

Cheshire East highways continue to monitor weather conditions and our gritters will be despatched to treat the Borough’s roads when required.

For further winter-related advice, please visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter

Gritting teams swing into action to deal with cold snap

 

Cheshire East Council’s highways team is deploying gritters across all main routes, as the borough is hit by the first significant cold snap of winter.

Following recent heavy rain, plummeting temperatures over the next week are set to increase the risk of ice on our roads.

Snow is also forecast on higher ground in the east of the borough towards the end of the week.

The team’s fleet of 19 vehicles is responding with nightly gritting of 1,090km of primary roads. They will be in action every night until at least early next week.

Precautionary gritting is carried out to stop ice forming on main routes, while snow is dealt with using specialist equipment such as snow blowers and snow ploughs.

Meanwhile, all-terrain quad bikes with attachable snowploughs and towable gritters are deployed on footways and roads with restricted access.

The Council’s winter maintenance season began in October but the mild and wet weather has meant the gritters have rarely been needed. Gritting teams were only deployed twice in the whole of December – compared to a monthly average of 15 trips.

Councillor David Brown, Deputy Leader for Cheshire East Council and Cabinet member in charge of highways, said: “This week is winter as we expect it to be. December, with persistent wet and mild weather, was exceptional.

“For the gritters to have been deployed less than a handful of times by Christmas was very unusual. Instead, our highways teams had issues such as heavy rain and flooding to contend with.

“Because of all the rain we have had recently, which is still pouring off open land and hillsides and onto our roads, there is a real risk of ice over the next few days as this surface water freezes.

“Our gritting teams will do their job and reduce the risk of roads icing, but we still ask residents to drive with extra care during these difficult conditions. Put safety first to ensure an accident free journey home.”

Visit the Highways and Roads page on the council website to track gritting vehicles as they treat the Borough’s roads.

Gritting routes, salt bin information and tips for travelling during winter can also be found on the council website.

Gritting decisions will also be communicated on Twitter @CECHighways.

Cheshire East highways’ team can be contacted by calling 0300 123 5020.

The Andrews Panto & Plays Society (TAPPS)

Reporter Jonathan White, Crewe

The Andrews Panto & Plays Society (TAPPS) are performing 'Jack and the Beanstalk' at St Andrew's Church Hall, Bedford Street, Crewe on Friday 15th & Saturday 16th January 2016 - 7pm each day with a matinee on Saturday at 3pm.

Tickets: Adults = £5, Children =£2.50. Family ticket (2 adults/2 children) = £12. Please note: no tickets will be available on the door.

TAPPS was formed eighteen months ago and this is their second pantomime. Their first pantomime last year raised £1,100. Money from this year’s pantomime will go to the St Andrew's Church restoration fund and charities.

Pantomime organiser Fred Allman said, "The cast and crew have put a lot of effort into this production over the past several months. We hope that people enjoy our annual pantomime."

For more information and to book tickets please phone 07908819848 or 01270-652638.

Home Watch Warning Cold Calling 8 January 2016

Subject: Home Watch Warning Cold Calling 8 January 2016

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

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

Message sent by

Liz Biddle (Police, Community Engagement Officer, Chesh Engagement Unit)

Dear Home Watch Coordinator
I am writing to all Cheshire coordinators following 2 reports yesterday (Wednesday 7th January 2016) where cold calling tactics were used to sell residents large amounts of unwanted fish.  The 2 reports were for the Macclesfield and Alderley Edge area.
In recent weeks there have been further incidents where cold callers have been paid sums of money, after persuading residents that roofing and similar building work needs to be done.
Offering garden services and tree cutting are further examples of cold calling tactics where excessive sums of money may be asked for and the work done is poor value for money, incomplete or not done at all.  
Please take this opportunity to remind scheme members not to buy from cold callers at the door and encourage them to push back if they feel they are being talked into an unwanted sale.
Cheshire police would like you to use these examples to remind residents living in your scheme area, who may be vulnerable, not to be talked into buying items at the door by persuasive cold callers.  They should adopt a 'healthy suspicion' towards anyone coming to their door who they do not know, or are not expecting a visit from.
Cheshire police and Trading Standards are continually working together to offer advice and  warnings to the public and to track down criminals who continue to use these tactics.
You can help us by:-
Reminding vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives about cold calling; using current examples like those mentioned above to ensure they are prepared for 'an unexpected knock at the door'.
Reminding them they can call the police by dialling 101 if they are concerned.
Encouraging neighbours to report suspicious people or vehicles; passing vehicle registrations and descriptions of vehicles and people who you suspect may be targeting vulnerable residents.
If you believe there is a crime in progress - ring 999.
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Cheshire East asks government to do more to ‘get Britain building’

 

Cheshire East Council is to ask the Government to do more to ‘get Britain building’ – to boost housing supply and relieve the pressure on greenfield sites.

The authority is to write to ministers and meet with local MPs in a bid to persuade the Government to get developers to deliver housebuilding on land where they already have planning permission.

It follows frustration that some developers are ‘land-banking’ large plots with planning approval for houses and seeking to snap up more greenfield sites – waiting until the market picks up, rather than building homes to meet housing needs. Other sites have seen very slow rates of building completion, for a variety of reasons.

The Council’s move follows the Government’s announcement this week (January 4) that it will boost housing supply by directly commissioning smaller developers to build 13,000 new homes this year on publicly-owned brownfield land on five sites in the South East – with up to 40 per cent being affordable ‘starter’ homes.

This is part of a wider range of government initiatives aimed at ‘getting Britain building’.

The Government announcement of a £1.2bn fund to build 30,000 affordable ‘starter homes’ on underused brownfield land over the next five years is welcome news. However, it is only fraction of Communities Secretary Greg Clark’s commitment to see 2000,000 starter homes built by 2020.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of the Local Plan, said: “I welcome the announcement of these measures, which will deliver much-needed starter homes around London.

“Nevertheless, I believe we need to turn the spotlight on to volume housebuilders and press them to deliver the homes that they have permission for. For too long now we’ve heard arguments from housebuilders about a shortage of land to develop on. 

“Cheshire East has responded to that argument and granted permission for more than 12,500 homes since 2012, yet only 3,300 homes have been built over this period. It’s clear that housebuilders are not delivering the homes that they themselves say there is such demand for.

“The top eight housebuilders, who are responsible for 50 per cent of new homes in the UK, need to be given incentives to build more as they are the companies with the capacity and capability to do so. If they can’t or won’t, the Government should put measures in place to encourage them or enable smaller housebuilders to fill the gap.”

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cabinet member in charge of housing and planning, said: “It should not be possible for developers to press for more countryside to be released for housing development when there is clearly a healthy supply of development land. We have to question and challenge the way we deliver homes in the Borough.

“We seem to be locked into a system where the delivery of new homes is largely dictated by a limited number of large housebuilders. The reality is that they largely control the supply of new housing and if they choose not to bring forward sites very quickly there seems to be very little that we can do.

“Government should consider introducing regulations that tie housebuilders to achieving acceptable build rates or, if they do not, lose their planning permissions.”

The Government has reformed the planning system to require more land to be released for development but there seems to be no equivalent emphasis on getting builders to increase the rates they build new homes.

Council Chief Executive Mike Suarez said: “The failure of developers to bring sites forward quickly where planning permission has been granted makes it more difficult for the Council to achieve the required five-year deliverable housing land supply.

“This in turn results in further pressure to release additional unplanned development sites on the edges of our towns and villages – to the frustration of local residents. This cycle creates significant planning pressure without real housing growth which is the worse of all worlds.”

Cllr Bailey added: “There seems to be no defence to this argument with Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans being set aside by planning inspectors in appeal decisions to grant yet more and more sites for housing.”

Courier Scam

Subject: Courier Scam

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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 courier scam is when fraudsters call and trick you into handing your cards and PIN  or cash to a courier on your doorstep. There are many variations of the scam, but it usually follows this method:

• A fraudster will cold call you on a landline, claiming to be from your bank or the police. They state their systems have spotted a fraudulent payment on your card or that they have a suspect in custody for fraud relating to your account. In order to reassure you that they are genuine, they often suggest that you hang up and ring the bank/police back straight away. However, they don’t disconnect the call from the landline so that when you dial the real phone number, you are actually still speaking to the fraudster.
• They then may either ask you to read out your PIN or type it on your phone keypad, suggest that you make a bank transfer to them to ensure safe keeping of your money or in some cases ask you to visit your local banking branch to withdraw cash. They may also ask for details of other accounts you hold with the bank or financial service provider.
• Finally, they either provide details for you to make the bank transfer or send a courier/state a police officer will attend to collect your bank cards and/or the cash. The fraudster will have then obtained your name, address, full bank details and potentially your card and PIN.

Protect Yourself:

• Your bank will never send a courier to your home
• Your bank and the police will never collect your bank card or cash
• Your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN
• If you receive one of these calls end it immediately

If you have handed over any details to the fraudster, call your bank and cancel your cards immediately.​If you want to call your bank, then do it from another telephone.

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

Council hails foster parents’ lifetime dedication to care

A couple who have fostered more than 20 children have been recognised with a long-service award from Cheshire East Council.

Ann and Arthur Frost were among those recognised at a ceremony in Congleton where 25 awards were presented to foster carers across the Borough in recognition of the way they improve the lives of young people.

Ann and Arthur, who live in Alsager, are currently fostering twin boys with Down’s syndrome who have been with them for about 12 years.

Ann said their dedication is ‘simply borne from a love of helping young people.’

She added: “We love children and get a lot of satisfaction with our job as foster carers.  We can’t see our house without children and can see a real difference in some of the children we’ve fostered over the years.

“Some children didn’t know what Christmas was until they came to us and now they enjoy it as normal.”

Husband Arthur added: “We’ve had our ups and downs over the years but we’ve always had support from the Council’s fostering team.  We’ve enjoyed what we’ve done and still keep in touch with many of the children we’ve fostered.”

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member in charge of children and families said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the brilliant service of our foster carers. For 33 years, Ann and Arthur have shown an outstanding commitment to fostering children and I can’t thank them enough for everything they have done. Around 300 children and young people need a foster home in Cheshire East each year ranging from anything from one day a week, every week, to every day for the remainder of their childhood and beyond.

“Our foster carers look after the most vulnerable children, often at short notice and at times of crisis. Foster carers are a highly-dedicated group of people, many who have worked for Cheshire East Council for years and who have dedicated their lives to caring for and nurturing children in need.”

Cheshire East Council would like to hear from couples who wish to foster and who, like Ann and Arthur, can offer a loving home to a child.

If you are interested in fostering in Cheshire East, visit our website at: www.foster4cheshireeast.co.uk or attend the next Fostering information evening on January 11, 2016, from 6.30pm at Cledford House, Middlewich CW10 0DB

Council calls for new recruits to mentor and inspire young people

 

 

Cheshire East Council and its partners are looking to recruit people to become mentors to help inspire the next generation.

If you are enthusiastic, dedicated and have a passion for working with young people – then this scheme needs you!

In February (2016), Alsager School, Crewe’s King’s Grove School and Eaton Bank Academy, in Congleton, will each run a Twista Connect programme – which aims to improve the journey through school, raising aspirations and creating opportunities for young people. 

And this inspirational project is looking to recruit 50 volunteer mentors.

Mentoring provides a unique opportunity for people to contribute to the personal development of a young person. It can take many forms, from giving a ‘mentee’ access to information and experience in a particular profession to helping them academically with study advice and supporting them within an exciting programme of activities.

Mentors will also develop their own skills by becoming a mentor. The mentoring relationship is special and allows both parties to develop skills which are of benefit to them both personally and professionally.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of communities, said: “The Twista programmes have been hugely successful and play an important part in helping many teenagers find their feet and develop their confidence and skills as they embark on the transition between school and the work place.

“Many older people don’t fully realise just how valuable their life experience can be to others – especially the young – and yet they would love to give something back.

“I would strongly recommend and encourage anyone who might be interested in this to get in touch and find out more. It’s only a few hours’ commitment a month and could make a real and lasting difference to the life of someone else.”

The Twista Connect project seeks to encourage mentors from a wide range of ages, backgrounds and life experience, who can spare a few hours a month. The one common trait is a desire to see others succeed.

Feedback from students who have completed the programme have been superb with many highlighting it’s positive influence on their confidence, grades and ability to overcome the many problems encountered by teenagers.

Assistant Chief Constable of Cheshire police Mark Roberts said: “Cheshire Constabulary are proud to endorse Twista as a true representation of the acronym for ‘Together We Inspire Striving To Achieve’. 

“By working with partner agencies over two school terms, the programme centres around introducing new ways of thinking and personal decision making to improve attitudes, behaviour and self-esteem in young people.   

“At a time when some young people are most vulnerable and susceptible to negative influences, Twista works to build close connections with people in the community, in the school, with mentors and peers. 

“Prior success shows that with the support of positive relationships throughout the structured programme, those fully engaged on the programme have reaped results that have improved the life outcomes and aspirations for students involved.”

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Twista mentor or more about the scheme, please contact: Twista@cheshire.pnn.police.uk

Fairerpower saves residents more than £1m on energy bills

 

A company set up by Cheshire East Council to help local residents reduce their energy bills has saved households more than £1m in just 10 months.

More than 4,000 people have signed up to buy their gas and electricity through Fairerpower, a partnership between the Council and Ovo Energy, since its launch in March. Cheshire East residents who have switched to Fairerpower are saving an average of £245 on their annual fixed-tariff bills.¹

They include retired grandmother Tricia Canavan, of Macclesfield – Fairerpower’s 4,000th customer in Cheshire East – who is expected to save £288 a year on her pay monthly tariff dual fuel bills.

Tricia, who was presented with a hamper as a prize for being the 4,000th Fairerpower customer, said: “I’d been thinking about changing my energy supplier for a while but I wanted somebody I could trust.

“The change to Fairerpower will make a real difference to my bank balance, as it offers one of the most competitive tariffs in the area. Receiving the hamper in the lead-up to Christmas was a most welcome surprise and a real bonus.”

Fairerpower was set up by the Council to negotiate competitive energy deals that can be passed on to customers.

The massive savings achieved so far have put money back into local people’s pockets and are also helping to tackle fuel poverty.

Councillor Rod Menlove, board member of Fairerpower and Director of Cheshire East Energy, said: “Fairerpower is shaking up the energy market across Cheshire East. We are building trust through award-winning customer service while securing cheaper and fairer prices for local residents.

“This was our promise when we started and we are delivering and giving people a cheaper and more sustainable alternative to the ‘big six’ suppliers. This also helps the local economy with the £1m savings being fed back into the local community.

“New customers can benefit even further by helping introduce their friends and family -  with both parties rewarded with a free £20 Amazon gift voucher.²

You can’t say fairer than that.” 

Switching to Fairerpower is easy and is an option for all 170,000 households in the borough. As of December 2015, the scheme has been extended to allow residents living in Chester West and Chester to become Fairerpower customers.³

Fairerpower is a non-profit-making company, which is owned by Cheshire East Council. It is the first local authority in the UK to sell power since the gas and electricity supply system was nationalised in 1948.

Anyone interested in saving money on their fuel bills can visit fairerpower.co.uk to find out more.

Mothers and babies in Danger

A women with a baby in a double buggy was forced onto the road due to this caravan being parked on the footpath in Ford Lane Crewe. As a result of this the baby was nearly hit by a car as she had to come out behind the caravan to cross the road.

 

The high way code says

Rule 244

You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it. Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs.

The Highways Act 1980 (section 66) included an obligation on councils to “provide in or by the side of a highway … a proper and sufficient footway as part of the highway in any case where they consider the provision of a footway as necessary or desirable for the safety or accommodation of pedestrians.”
A caravan must be lit if it’s parked on the highway overnight, with the nearside facing the pavement with rear lights facing oncoming traffic.
Parking caravans on the street can cause a number of problems, for example they may:

block the street illegally
be a safety hazard to pedestrians, particularly children
prevent or limit access for other vehicles
block windows and shut out daylight
be an eyesore
be dangerous, for example if they are unstable or have gas cylinders attached
If a caravan is illegally parked or is causing a problem, Council officers will investigate to find the owner and see why it is parked on the street. The owner will be asked to remove the caravan and will then be sent a notice requiring it to be moved within 14 days (a copy will be attached to the caravan)

This matter was raised on 12th December to local councillor IRENE FASEYI who lives very close. It has been reported to the Wardens on 3 occasions and they have not even replied to the emails or taken any action or reported back. It has been reported to the Police who say its down to the Council and wardens to take action on this matter.

One has to consider are there gas bottles stored in the caravan , is it insured if it fall or causes an accident can they pay legal cost and compensation. Experts say a caravan must be parked level but this isnt as its half on the pavement and they say that makes it dangerous.

The issue is on going with a lively debate on Twitter the bottom line is if someone gets killed or hurt who do they sue the council, Police owner?

Council’s ‘Knock Knock’ campaign drives home safety message to Borough’s children

Children at 25 schools across Cheshire East can start 2016 feeling proud after taking part in a Borough-wide safety campaign themed around the dangers of doorstep callers.

Cheshire East Council’s trading standards team has, once again, delivered a major project in schools to alert children to the need to keep doors and windows locked and to be wary of bogus callers and suspicious visitors.

The ‘Knock Knock’ campaign is run in schools each year by the Council’s trading standards officers who, in 2015, involved nearly 800 children in presentations and an arts competition. This resulted in the creation of a colourful calendar carrying important messages around doorstep safety.

More than 240 year five and six pupils entered the calendar competition and 36 of the entries were chosen to form the 2016 calendar.

One of the judges, Councillor Les Gilbert, Cabinet member for communities, said: “Once again standards were very high and the task of judging the best entries was extremely challenging.

“As a Council, we have been running this campaign for five years now and it is clear that it is extremely effective in getting important personal safety messages across to people young and old.

“I would like to express my personal thanks to all those schools and pupils who took part and wish you a happy and safe new year.”

All pupils who submitted an entry received their own calendar, with the winning entries also receiving a certificate and a water bottle in a presentation ceremony during school assembly.

Overall winners were chosen from schools in Crewe, Poynton, Macclesfield and Wilmslow and included: Bollington Cross, Dean Valley, Leighton Academy and Lostock Hall.

Pupils were also encouraged to give calendars as Christmas presents to elderly relatives, who can often become unsuspecting targets for rogue doorstep callers.

For more information and to download a copy of the calendar visit www.knockknockwhosthere.net