Parking incentive announced for Crewe town centre

 

Free parking after 12pm on Saturdays is being offered until Easter in Crewe town centre as part of a package of initiatives to encourage more shoppers and visitors to the town.

Cheshire East Council is lifting charges at all nine of its Crewe town centre car parks from noon on each Saturday between February 4 and April 15, inclusive.

The parking incentive is part of a package of initiatives devised by Crewe Town Centre Working Group to support retailers and increase footfall in the town.

The car parks included are:

· Victoria Centre (Asda) – 482 spaces;

· Oak Street – 127 spaces;

· Chester Street – 109 spaces;

· Wrexham Terrace – 102 spaces;

· Delamere Street – 99 spaces;

· Civic Centre (beneath the former Library) – 90 spaces;

· Gatefield Street – 63 spaces;

· Lyceum Square – 60 spaces; and

· Holly Bank – 45 spaces

Councillor Don Stockton, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We know that the post-Christmas period can be a difficult time for retailers and we’re keen to support them.

“We hope this incentive will increase the number of shoppers visiting the town centre on Saturdays and encourage them to spend more time in the shops and markets and at other attractions, such as the lifestyle centre and Lyceum Theatre.

“Although we already have car parks that are always free, such as Thomas Street, we hope that this incentive encourages those visiting Grand Junction Retail Park – once they have reached the maximum permitted parking time there – to visit the town centre and park for free in the afternoon.”

The free parking incentive will be monitored and evaluated to assess its effectiveness in increasing footfall within the town and the benefits seen by businesses.

Councillor Stockton added: “In addition to this parking incentive, work is ongoing to improve the overall shopping environment of the town centre and a number of initiatives have already been undertaken, including a ‘deep clean’ of the pedestrianised area and the installation of colourful window vinyls in some of the shop units that are not currently occupied.”

The town centre working group includes Cheshire East Council, Crewe Town Council, Ansa, Edward Timpson MP’s office, South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, Market Shopping Centre, Grand Junction Retail Park, Lyceum Theatre and South Cheshire College.

Councillor Stockton said: “We hope to announce further initiatives to bolster confidence in the town centre in the coming weeks.”

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson said: "I've been campaigning for the reintroduction of free parking incentives in Crewe town centre to encourage more local people to visit, and I'm delighted that Cheshire East Council has come up with the goods. 

"This will give our town centre a real boost as part of a wider, renewed effort by the council to make Crewe town centre a more attractive place to shop and do business."

Cheshire East commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day

 

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

Council chief executive Mike Suarez, Cheshire East Mayor Councillor Olivia Hunter and Mayor of Sandbach Councillor Keith Haines led more than 70 members of the public and civic dignitaries representing communities from across the borough at today’s Holocaust Memorial Day Act of Remembrance, at Sandbach Town Hall.

The ceremony included readings of testaments from survivors of genocide, a musical performance by pupils of Sandbach School, the lighting of memorial candles and the observing of two minutes’ silence.

Holocaust survivor Peter Kurer gave a powerful and poignant talk about the role the Quaker movement played in helping him and many other Jewish people flee the Nazis’ brutal oppression and escape to Britain before the outbreak of the Second World War.

Cornet player William Dakin, a year 13 pupil from Sandbach School, was accompanied by John Barker on piano for a performance of ‘On With The Motley’, by Leoncavallo. Additional music was performed on trumpet by Sandbach School year nine pupil Tom Palethorpe.

The Rev Thomas Shepherd, vicar of St Mary’s Church, Sandbach, read a prayer to conclude the ceremony.

Mike Suarez said: “So much of our ability to remember the Holocaust and subsequent genocides is due to those that survived and spoke out. They have done this through their testimony, through poetry, other literature and art.

“We should listen, read and understand what they went through. This is particularly important as there are very few people left who survived the Nazi Holocaust.

It is important that we remember – which is why we hold events such as this.

“Today’s ceremony was a solemn occasion where the people of Cheshire East joined together symbolically, as a community, to bear witness, remember and say ‘never again’.

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

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

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

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

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

This is the fourth year the council has held an annual Holocaust Memorial Day commemoration, which it first held in 2014.

MP’s 173rd news bulletin...

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to this, my 173rd news bulletin...

Local Growth Fund announcement for Crewe town centre

Crewe is to benefit from a major funding boost following this week's announcement that the Government has awarded Cheshire East £10m to support its town centre regeneration plans.

This funding, to be allocated over four years, is part of the Government’s £43.3m injection into the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) area, and is a sub-region share of a total £556m investment for the Northern Powerhouse, split between the region's 11 LEPs.

Nationally, this has been the most competitive round of the regional Growth Deal yet; more than three times oversubscribed, with LEPs submitting high-quality proposals worth £5.9 billion. No LEP was entitled to a particular share of this funding, and those LEPs which have demonstrated the strongest understanding of local economic priorities, have strong, accountable governance structures, and have shown an ability to attract substantial private sector investment have been rewarded most highly.
This further funding commitment builds on the £7.7 billion the Government has already awarded to LEPs, and is a crucial part of the Government’s agenda to drive growth and devolve power to local areas - with decisions being made by those who know their local area best, and supporting the Government’s commitment to build an economy that works for everyone.

Edward Timpson MP
Member of Parliament for Crewe and Nantwich
Please remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions, or if there is anything I can do to assist you.

On Monday, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, used her first regional Cabinet meeting to launch proposals for a modern Industrial Strategy to build on Britain’s strengths and help drive growth across the whole of the country.

You can find out more about these initial proposals - including the Government's 'ten pillars' for industry and growth - and contribute to the public consultation via the following links:

Industrial Strategy - Green Paper

Public consultation on the Government's Industrial Strategy proposals

Recently, I...

• Met with the Secretary of State for Transport, Chris Grayling MP, to discuss the development of HS2, Phase 2, and how it can best deliver for the people of Cheshire
• Made representations to the School Standards Minister, Nick Gibb, about proposed funding for Cheshire East as part of the Government's National Funding Formula.
• Discussed support for young people leaving care and the work of the Young Lives Foundation – a children’s charity committed to improving the lives of vulnerable and disadvantaged children and young people in Kent & Medway - with Helen Grant MP and Clive Emson.
• Appeared before and responded to the Children and Social Work Bill Committee.
• Welcomed Nell (Eleanor Alexandra Timpson) to the family!
• Held my regular advice surgeries in Crewe and in Nantwich.

I'm delighted to announce the birth of Nell (Eleanor Alexandra Timpson), on Monday 23rd January 2017. Very many thanks again to the amazing midwife team at Leighton Hospital Maternity Unit.

Jobs & Apprenticeships Fair  - MMU Cheshire, 9 February 2017
MMU Cheshire:
On 9 February 2017, Manchester Metropolitan University (Cheshire) will be hosting a FREE apprenticeship and jobs fair.
Up to 30 high profile North West employers and organisations will be in attendance, and MMU careers staff will also be on hand to offer advice and support.
You can find out more information, and register your attendance, visit:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/crewe-apprenticeship-jobs-an…

INFORMATION BULLETIN

 

SAFETY WARNING – Cheshire East Council identifies ‘unsafe’ motorcycle helmets

Cheshire East Council has identified three models of motorcycle helmet it believes to be unsafe to use.

The products do not comply with UNECE Regulation 22. People are urged to cease using the products immediately and contact the supplier.

The Affected Helmets are:

● Qtech/Jix Open Face Crash Helmet Model OP02, also known as Q102

All of the affected helmets are known to be labelled on the chin strap with E9-05.1769 and E9-05.1952.
This helmet has been recalled by the importer. Anyone who has one of these helmets is advised to STOP USING THE HELMET IMMEDIATELY and contact the supplier for further information.

● Qtech/Jix Full Face Motorcycle Helmet Twin/Sun Visor Model A5005, also known as Q5005
All affected helmets are known to be labelled on the chin strap with E9-05.1679
This helmet has been recalled by the importer. Anyone who has one of these helmets is advised to STOP USING THE HELMET IMMEDIATELY and contact the supplier for further information

● Qtech/Jix Flip up Motorcycle Helmet with Double Visor Model A113 also known as Q113
All affected helmets are known to be marked on the chin strap with E9-05.1793
This helmet is subject to a recall notice which has been issued by Cheshire East Council to the importer. Anyone who has one of these helmets is advised to STOP USING THE HELMET IMMEDIATELY and contact the supplier for further information.

Fairerpower hosts free ‘financial detox’ event to help you save money

 

People are being urged to drop in and have a chat to see if they can start saving on their bills in 2017

Energy supply company Fairerpower is hosting a New Year Detox event at Nantwich Town Football Club, between 10am and 2pm on Saturday (January 28).

The free event will give anyone the chance to meet providers of mobile, broadband, energy, insurance, banking and more – to help seek out the best deals.

So, why not also check your insurance, mobile and banking services at the New Year Detox event to see if you can save money elsewhere?

Confirmed attendees at the event include RBS, EE, Fairerpower, Connecting Cheshire and County Insurance. Fairerpower is a partnership between Cheshire East Council and Ovo Energy.

For more details contact Lauren Tobin at: lauren.tobin@cheshireeast.co.uk or ring 01270 371195.

Dont Drink and Dial

Subject: Dont Drink and Dial

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary

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Jess Street (Police, PCSO, Crewe LPU East PCSO)

Good Morning Residents,
Crewe police are supporting the Force’s week long campaign targeting drivers using mobile phones. As from 1^st March  the penalty for using a mobile phone will double to 6 points and attract a £200 fine. Newly qualified drivers (first two years ) as a consequence will have to retake their tests again.
Please don't be tempted to use your mobile phone while driving and remember to stay safe!
Kind Regards,
PCSO Jess Street

Reminder: Payment Diversion Alert

Subject:

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Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

Payment diversion alert 
Fraudsters are emailing members of the public who are expecting to make a payment for property repairs. The fraudsters will purport to be a tradesman who has recently completed work at the property and use a similar email address to that of the genuine tradesman. They will ask for funds to be transferred via bank transfer. Once payment is made the victims of the scam soon realise they have been deceived when the genuine tradesman requests payment for their services.
Protect yourself

• Always check the email address is exactly the same as previous correspondence with the genuine contact.
• For any request of payment via email verify the validity of the request with a phone call to the person who carried out the work.
• Check the email for spelling and grammar as these signs can indicate that the email is not genuine.
• Payments via bank transfer offer no financial protection; consider using alternative methods such as a credit card or PayPal which offer protection and an avenue for recompense.

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.

Local Growth Fund announcement for Crewe town centre

 

Crewe is to benefit from a major funding boost following today’s announcement that the government has awarded Cheshire East Council £10m to support its town centre regeneration plans.

Allocated to be spent over the next four years, the government’s Local Growth Fund grant has been awarded following a bid to support regeneration plans called ‘Crewe - High Speed-ready Heart’.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “I am very pleased that the council has secured this funding as it enables us to take our plans for the regeneration of Crewe further forward which is going to be vital if we are going to deliver the full benefits that HS2 can bring to the borough.”

The £10m funding is part of the government’s £43.3m injection into the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) area. This is the sub-region’s share of a total £556m investment for the Northern Powerhouse, split between the region’s 11 LEPs, unveiled today by Prime Minister Theresa May.

Councillor Don Stockton, cabinet member for regeneration at Cheshire East Council, said: “This council has already secured more than £50m in recent years to deliver major infrastructure schemes and key town centre projects in the town, such as the Lifestyle Centre and university technical college, which both opened in 2016.

“The additional funding from the government will further assist Crewe in becoming HS2 ready.”

Councillor Bailey added: “While this is a great start to the new year for Crewe, we are not complacent and must work extremely hard to realise the town’s potential. 

“Our conversations with the business community and the government give us confidence that we’re on the right track, and our collaborative approach with local stakeholders such as the town council and chamber of commerce will be crucial in driving forward Crewe’s transformation.

Cheshire Police say Lock it or Lose it after burglary spate across the county

Subject: Cheshire Police say Lock it or Lose it after burglary spate across the county

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary

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Dan Hind (Police, Media, Chesh Engagement Unit)

Cheshire Police are urging residents to lock it or lose it following a number of burglaries across the county.
The simple step of locking your door whether you’re in, or out, is vital in keeping opportunist thieves from your door.
Between 13 and 15 January 2017 police received a number of reports of burglaries in the north and east of the county. Out of the seven burglaries five of the properties were unlocked at the time.
Superintendent Peter Crowcroft said: "It’s important to take some time to assess your current security measures at home and see if they could be improved. However, the first rule of crime prevention, and you might think is obvious, is to keep the door locked and secure, whether it is your home, shed or outbuilding. That applies whether you’re in or out.
“We all have busy lives and some things get overlooked and locking the door seems to be one of them, giving opportunist thieves access to your hard earned goods. So take the time to check, have you locked your door?
“You might think it’s okay to leave the door unlocked because you’re in the house, but that doesn’t stop brazen thieves who often sneak in unnoticed, undeterred that you’re home.
“As well as locking your doors and windows, we also advise you don’t leave valuables, or keys, near windows where they can be seen from the outside. It’s an added incentive for a burglar if he knows there’s something good on offer before he goes in.
"And if you see anyone acting suspiciously, call police on 101 and report it. You may be doing your neighbours − or yourself- a big favour.”
You can make your house look lived in and keep your home safe and secure, by taking a few simple steps:
• Consider using a timer to set your lights and radio to come on while you’re out
• Make sure all your doors and windows are secure
• Don’t leave valuables including purses, handbags and car keys on display or near external doors
• Don’t leave keys near the door or in view
• Consider security marking valuable items with your house number and postcode with a UV pen, or mark it using property marking kits which consist of a traceable liquid to forensically mark valuables

Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service January 2017 E-Newsletter

Subject: Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service January 2017 E-Newsletter - Firelink

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Ashley Lawton (Cheshire Fire , Administrator, Cheshire Fire)

Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service January 2017 E-Newsletter - FiRELiNK

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

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Smoke alarms save lives

Buying and fitting smoke alarms could help you to save your home and the lives of your family. They should be fitted on every floor. You are four times more likely to die in a house fire if they do not have a smoke alarm.

You should also fit carbon monoxide detectors if your property has a solid fuel burning appliance. Solid fuel burning appliances include things like coal fires and log burning stoves.

For more information - Smoke alarms

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Cold weather - home fire safety tips

During the current cold weather, please keep yourself warm but stay safe by following our safety advice:

• Heater fire safety tips

• Chimney fire safety tips

• Candle fire safety tips

• Cooking fire safety tips

Are your elderly friends and relatives safe?

Spare a thought for elderly relatives, friends and neighbours too. Are they as safe from fire as they could be?

Visit the Age Concern website for more information on winter safety: Age Concern website

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Fire Fit volunteers required to work with young people

We're looking for volunteers with an interest in sport and nutrition to work with children and young people. Fire Fit volunteers will work with our Fire Cadet units, RESPECT programmes and Prince’s Trust Team members to deliver healthy eating and active sessions.

For more information - Fire Fit volunteers required to work with young people

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Young people wanted for Prince's Trust Programmes

We're recruiting for Prince's Trust team members in Chester, Ellesmere Port, Halton, Winsford, Crewe and Macclesfield.

Aged 16 to 25? Unemployed? Want to gain new skills and develop existing ones, to help you get back into employment, or education?
For more information - Young people wanted for Prince's Trust Programmes

Warning issued to vulnerable residents

Subject: Warning issued to vulnerable residents

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary

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Dan Hind (Police, Media, Chesh Engagement Unit)

Officers are warning residents to be vigilant following an incident involving a bogus caller in Chester.
During the incident, which occurred on Wednesday 11 January in the Hoole area of Chester, an elderly man was targeted by cold callers who claimed to be builders and told the man that his roof needed to be repaired.
The builders then told the resident that he could do the repairs, but in order to do so he would need to be paid in advance. The resident handed over an initial deposit for the work, but was then asked to provide an additional £6,000, which had to be paid in cash.
The victim then went to his local bank to withdraw the money, but thankfully the alarm was raised by a member of staff and the money was not passed over to the cold caller.
Inspector Karen Jaundrill said: “Following this incident I would like to appeal to the local community to look out for elderly relatives, friends and neighbours to help reduce the likelihood of someone else becoming a victim.
“I would also like to remind all residents about the importance of people not letting anyone into their home who calls unexpectedly and if you have a chain, always use it. Make sure you ask for identification and if they provide it, close the door and check the number, but most importantly, if you have any doubts about them being genuine, don′t let them in and ask them to come back later when you are not alone. Any suspicious activity should be reported to police.”
There are a number of simple steps that residents can take to protect themselves their families, friends and neighbours, these include:
• Check the identity of callers by calling the company they claim to be from. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory, online or provided independently by your service provider. Do not use any telephone numbers provided by the caller − they may be bogus.
• Telephone a neighbour or friend nearby to come along and check out the caller before you open the door to them.
• The "Waterboard" has not existed for 28 years; turn away anyone purporting to be from it.
• Keep cash in the bank where it is secure.
• Consider storing valuable jewellery in bank deposit box - contact your bank for details.
• Keep doors locked and windows secure at all times.
• Ensure that if you do let somebody in to your home, that you close the door behind them − distraction burglars often work in teams, while you′re distracted another person may sneak in through an open door.
• If somebody asks for your help, needs to make a telephone call, needs a drink or wants directions, don′t feel pressurised into letting them in. Help through a closed door; refer them to a younger neighbour or call to ask someone to assist.
• Not sure? Don′t open the door.
Residents are advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Cheshire Police on 101. Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For more information and advice visit the Cheshire Police website: http://www.cheshire.police.uk.

INFORMATION BULLETIN: GRITTING

 

Cheshire East Highways have been working to ensure that the borough’s road network remains safe in response to cold temperatures and snow showers that have been seen overnight.

All gritting routes have been treated on three separate occasions since yesterday – at 2pm, 8:30pm and 3am. Around 400 tonnes of salt has been used to treat the network during this period.

Following consultation with the police, the A54 from the Bosley crossroads up to the A537 and the A537 Cat & Fiddle itself were closed yesterday afternoon and remain closed due to ice and snow conditions. We have continued to grit and plough these roads through the night, to ensure that they can be reopened at the earliest opportunity. 

All other roads remain open, but drivers are being advised to leave longer for their journey this morning, and drive with caution in line with the road conditions.

Hand gritting on pavements in higher footfall areas is also being undertaken in the following town centres this morning to help keep them as clear as possible:

· Macclesfield;

· Disley;

· Middlewich;

· Wilmslow;

· Alderley Edge;

· Congleton;

· Poynton;

· Alsager;

· Crewe; and

· Nantwich.

We continue to monitor weather conditions closely, and we are prepared to deploy a further treatment to all routes, if required. Keep up to date with our gritting actions by following @CECHighways on Twitter.

Surveys to be carried out in fly-tipping ‘hotspots’ in Crewe

 

Crewe residents living in fly-tipping ‘hotspots’ are to be surveyed as part of an action plan to decrease the amount of waste illegally dumped on the town’s streets.

The digital surveys commenced this week and are being carried out in six targeted ‘zones’, reaching around 1,000 properties in total.

Representatives from Cheshire East Council, ANSA – a council arms length company – and Cheshire Police will be making the visits and primarily discussing how residents currently manage their waste, how much of an issue they think fly-tipping and poor waste management is in their area and also making sure they have all the appropriate information in relation to this.

The six zones include the following streets (either whole or in part):

1) West Street – from the Goddard Street junction to the Dunwoody Way junction;

2) Richard Moon Street, Richard Street, Samuel Street and West Avenue;

3) Brooklyn Street, Furnival Street, Nelson Street, Nile Street, Stalbridge Road, Walthall Street and Westminster Street;

4) Derrington Avenue, Edleston Road, Electricity Street, Lawton Street, Maxwell Street and Myrtle Street;

5) Catherine Street, Chambers Street, Gresty Road, Hewitt Street, Nantwich Road and South Street; and

6) Alton Street, Gainsborough Road, Ruskin Road and Walthall Street.

Councillor Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities and health, said: “This pilot focuses on six zones in Crewe which have been identified from intelligence and the reporting of incidents.

“We take the issue of fly-tipping very seriously and whilst we are an enforcing council, we also want to engage with residents to identify their issues and educate and support them in implementing solutions.

“These surveys are one way in which we can achieve this and we want to work with the community to deliver change and stamp out fly-tipping.”

Letters are being delivered to residents who live in the zones to notify them of the surveys, which will take place during evenings over the next six weeks.

As part of the programme of work, they will also be given information and materials to support them in disposing of waste correctly. For residents whose first language is not English, return visits with translators will be arranged.

The survey is part of a 12-month pilot in Crewe where repeat offenders and hot spots will be targeted. The action plan is also linked to the ‘Connected Communities’ approach, a two-way partnership between the council and Cheshire East’s communities to improve wellbeing and self-reliance, as well as reduce social isolation.

Cllr Bates added: “We want there to be a community approach to keeping Crewe free of fly-tipped waste and for residents to have pride in where they live. We also want people to report offences to us so we can take action.

“During the surveys, you will have the opportunity to discuss any concerns in private, and we will ensure information is fed back to the relevant agency for action.”

If you see evidence of fly-tipping, please report it online by visiting www.cheshireeast.gov.uk and searching for ‘street cleansing, litter and fly-tipping’, or call 0300 123 5021.

Cheshire a true cultural destination – official!

 

Cheshire was given a huge boost today with recognition from Arts Council England and Visit England that the county should be recognised as a true cultural destination, on a par with other major counties and cities including London, Liverpool and Stratford.

The three unitary authorities, Cheshire East, Warrington, Cheshire West and Chester, will share a £300,000 grant to enable them to work strategically with the tourism sector under the ‘cultural destination’ banner.

With all three borough’s enjoying increasing popularity and a strengthening visitor economy, the successful bid for funding is seen as an injection of faith and confidence in the county’s cultural and tourism industries.

Leader of Cheshire East Council, Rachel Bailey, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded funding to promote Cheshire and Cheshire East as a cultural destination and we look forward to delivering our three-year programme.

“Cheshire already enjoys a visitor economy worth nearly £3bn, while across the county our cultural venues and organisations make a huge contribution to our quality of place and offer many reasons to visit.

“The announcement of cultural destination funding is a real vote of confidence in our strength and potential.

“It will help to support closer working between the two sectors that will contribute to our economic growth through both the cultural and visitor economies.”   

Cheshire East Council acted as the lead applicant for the funding pot and the announcement was made by ACE on Tuesday (January 10).

All three authorities were able to prove they had the partnership capacity to meet several criteria.

These included an increase in the numbers and range of people experiencing the arts and culture in local destinations to boost the visitor economy, increased income leading to greater sustainability and resilience for culture and tourism businesses, repositioning of culture as a prominent part of the visitor offer and a commitment from public and private sector partners to continue working in partnership to support cultural tourism.

The bid document set out a number of objectives to strengthen and develop the cultural and visitor offer across the county.

Cheshire East will be the lead accountable body and chair of a consortium to drive forward the development of a cultural and tourism strategy, while Marketing Cheshire will be the destination management organisation tasked with undertaking management of the consortium, delivering agreed activity between partners and the development of branding.

Core partners include Cheshire West and Chester Council, Culture Warrington, Storyhouse, Cheshire Rural touring Arts, Tatton Park and the National Trust. There is also a wider group of delivery partners, including cultural organisations, venues and tourism destinations.

The consortium will determine the annual events programme and how to support venues and organisations to benefit from the wider programme of cultural and tourism activity. 

JOINT STATEMENT RE: Cheshire East schools funding

 

Issued on behalf of Cheshire East schools, Members of Parliament and Cheshire East Council

A delegation of ten people from Cheshire East schools, the local authority and MPs met with Minister for Schools Nick Gibb yesterday (Monday), to discuss the recent proposals from the National Funding Formula.

The delegation comprised: Fiona Bruce MP; David Rutley MP; Antionette Sandbach MP; Cllr Rachel Bailey, Leader Cheshire East Council; Jacky Forster Director of Education CEC; John Leigh, headteacher Sandbach High School; David Hermitt, headteacher Congleton High School; Sara Burns, headteacher Sandbach School; Richard Middlebrook, headteacher Alsager School and Ed O’Neill, headteacher Eaton Bank Academy.

The meeting with the minister was a result of the speech by Fiona Bruce MP in the Commons in December, highlighting the difficulties faced by schools in Cheshire East following the recent announcement of the national funding formula.

It had been hoped that, after several years of poor funding, the borough’s schools would have received a greater contribution and this was discussed with the minister. 

Cheshire East Leader Rachel Bailey said: “I acknowledge the work and support of our local MPs and schools. Cheshire East Council is committed to continue to work with schools to develop options to present to the minister as part of the consultation.

“This is to ensure we protect the outstanding education and skills offer across Cheshire East.

“Our children and young people have a right to at least the same minimum national curriculum offer and opportunities which other similar schools and authorities will have.

“We are extremely proud of all our schools and we wish to do all we can to help them to continue to deliver the very high standard of education that has rewarded many of our schools with good or outstanding Ofsted ratings.”

After hearing of the many concerns expressed by the delegation, the Minister gave a clear commitment to work with the local authority, Cheshire East schools and MPs to explore a number of potential avenues to address the current funding situation as part of the ongoing consultation process, which would continue until March.

The meeting was described as focused and productive, the minister listened to the  range of reasoned points, including the inequality of the proposed funding, the seriously damaging effect on curriculum provision, the attendant drop in teaching standards, vastly reduced extra-curricular opportunities for children and the economic reality of the unsustainable financial viability of schools in Cheshire East.

The minister indicated a clear commitment to work with headteachers, the local authority and MPs to explore a number of potential exceptional circumstances that have created an anomaly.

Free digital skills training sessions at Crewe Lifestyle Centre

 

Cheshire East Council is joining forces with Bentley Motors to provide digital skills sessions at Crewe Library in Crewe Lifestyle Centre.

Designed for anyone who wants to learn how to make the most of the internet and using their laptop, tablet, PC or smartphone, the one-hour workshops offer a relaxed and friendly way to gain confidence and new skills.

The sessions are designed to increase residents’ digital skills and to help them feel confident about using computers.

Connecting Cheshire, which is managed by the council’s arms-length Skills and Growth Company, has worked with Bentley to deliver the sessions as part of a digital inclusion programme launched six months ago.

A team of enthusiastic Bentley graduates, undergraduates and apprentices host the sessions, followed by an afternoon drop-in session to help residents use their devices. The Bentley trainees undertake volunteer work as part of their workforce development.

The topics for the next three sessions at the library are:

● January 16, 10am-11am – Learning more about eBay

● February 20, 10am-11am – An introduction to social media

● March 20, 10am-11am – The ‘internet of things’

To make a booking, call Crewe Library on 01270 375295 or book online at:

www.eventbrite.co.uk and search under ‘Connecting Cheshire’.

Councillor George Hayes, chairman of the Skills and Growth Company, said: “Digital skills have become essential for everyone, regardless of age or occupation. These sessions provide a great opportunity to gain experience and confidence in a supportive and informal learning environment.”

Residents express increasing satisfaction with services as council business model goes from strength to strength

 

Builders, bus users and the bereaved are among the many that have benefited from improved council services, according to a report on the expanding network of wholly-owned companies operated by Cheshire East Council.

Research carried out in 2016 found increased satisfaction levels among residents, with refuse collection outperforming previous feedback results.

A report to the council’s CERF board (Cheshire East Residents First) shows that all seven of the council’s wholly-owned operators are performing well and, in most instances, beyond expectations.  

The group of companies is forecasting an overall profit of £612,000.

Overall satisfaction with council services, among its 374,000 residents, has risen again during 2016.

In 2010, soon after the council came into existence, satisfaction was rated at just 42 per cent.  In 2014 it was 54 per cent.  And in 2016 it rose to 58 per cent.

Councillor David Brown, deputy leader and chairman of Cheshire East Residents First, said: “This demonstrates that the business model, set up by the council, for delivering a number of council services is proving to be extremely successful.

“We will continue to deliver new initiatives that benefit our residents and businesses, increase the level of public satisfaction and ensure that our council taxpayers are receiving value for money.”  

The council’s environmental services company Ansa outshone previous achievements, with a 90 per cent public satisfaction rate for its waste collection, a significant increase of 15 per cent on 2014.

The company was a finalist in the national recycling awards and has retained the ROSPA gold award for the third year running for its health and safety training. 

It also secured a Green Flag award for Queen’s Park in Crewe and is now looking to attain heritage status for the park.

Established on April 1, 2016, the Skills and Growth company enjoyed a robust start to its first six months of trading and is forecasting an operating profit in its first financial year.

Supporting business and job creation opportunities, the company is delivering several highly successful schemes including Fairer Power, Connecting Cheshire Broadband, the Greater Manchester and Cheshire East Science and Innovation Audit and development of the Cheshire Science Corridor Enterprise Zone.

Generating an estimated £21.4m to the local economy, the company has engaged with 85 businesses and helped to create 250 high value jobs. 

Skills and Growth are playing a lead role with several projects including the Bentley Masterplan, the Life Sciences Opportunity Zone, Digital 2020 and young people’s survey.

The company has also established Cheshire East Energy joint venture with Engie, to explore the potential for district heating and other energy schemes. 

Orbitas is able to facilitate low-cost funerals and maintains the borough’s cemeteries and crematoriums.

It has launched a webcasting initiative that will allow relatives and friends, unable to attend a cremation service, to view the proceedings online.

‘Deceased Online’ is another online service allowing residents to trace ancestors buried in the council’s cemeteries.

The company’s handyperson service, offering inexpensive repair work for older and disabled people, recorded a 100 per cent customer satisfaction rate.

TSS (Transport Service Solutions) met the challenge of the GHA Coaches demise head on after the Wrexham-based operator folded overnight.

Within 24 hours TSS had restored 75 per cent of lost services and kept schools and families informed through social and broadcast media.

TSS operates a fleet of low-emissions vehicles, which have enhanced the customer experience and improved reliability for school contracts.

Customer satisfaction levels have hit 86 per cent.

Keeping the borough’s residents active and healthy, Everybody Sport and Recreation has passed another milestone, welcoming 2.8m customer visits – an increase of four per cent.

Membership has grown by more than 25 per cent to 11,000 in 2015-16.

The trust has witnessed a 10 per cent rise in swimming learners, while the opening of the £15m Crewe Lifestyle Centre, with 3,000 members, set a new benchmark in leisure facilities in the borough.

A recent survey found Cheshire East residents to be the most active in the North West.

Delivering a sense of place for the borough and our residents, Engine of the North continues to address challenging projects around land assets and spatial planning.

Engine of the North has undertaken public consultations on the master plans for a North Cheshire Garden Village at Handforth to provide 1,650 homes, including open space amenities, also for the south Macclesfield development area – to include a link road for the south of the town – an estimated 1,000 homes and 4,000 square metres of retail and employment land.

Bringing the council’s strategic land assets to the market is the company’s key role and it is also addressing the urgent need for affordable starter homes and speed of delivery in the borough.  Pilot schemes are coming on stream, which will use the latest modular systems for their construction.  

Civicance – the planning and construction advisory service – continues to grow, with the company developing partnership working with other local authorities.

Applying its expertise in site inspection work, plan checking and building regulations, Civicance is able to offer cost-effective and streamlined support to builders to enable a high standard of construction work in house building and commercial schemes.

It has also produced its own guide to home renovation to assist the DIY enthusiast and home maker.

In its first year of operation it recorded a turnover of £1.5m and exceeded its targets for delivering planning applications, inspections and land charge searches.

Cheshire East Council commissioned all these successful service providers and now has seven alternative service delivery vehicles (ASDVs) – one of these – Everybody Sport and Recreation operates as a separate trust and runs all the council’s leisure and sports amenities.

This body has a council member as its chairman, while the other six ASDVs are wholly-owned companies of the council and have a board of directors and a chairman, who is also a member of the council. 

Council seeks candidate for audit and governance role

 

Cheshire East Council is looking to recruit a resident to sit on a committee that supports good governance and financial standards at the local authority.

The audit and governance committee provides an independent and high-level focus on the audit, assurance and reporting arrangements that support good governance and financial standards.

The committee will meet approximately six times in 2017/18 and candidates will be expected to serve for four years. 

Councillor Gordon Baxendale, chairman of the audit and governance committee, said: “We are looking for a person with a keen interest in local government. We would welcome applications from people with experience in financial management, organisational governance and an understanding of the roles of internal and external audit.

“Providing constructive challenge, as part of the committee, supports the council’s ambition for open and transparent government.”

Candidates interested in joining the committee should be completely independent and not be politically active or have a relationship with a councillor or a member of the authority’s staff.

The closing date for applications is Friday, February 10, 2017. Further information about the committee can be found at:  www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/auditgovernance

Those interested in applying should contact the council’s principal auditor, Josie Griffiths, by phone on 01270 685860, via email at: Josie.Griffiths@cheshireeast.gov.uk or by post at:
Josie Griffiths – principal auditor
Cheshire East Council

Internal audit

First floor (Westfields)

c/o Municipal Buildings

Earle Street

Crewe

CW1 2BJ

The Andrews Panto & Plays Society

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

The Andrews Panto & Plays Society (TAPPS) are performing ‘Cinderella’ at St Andrew's Church Hall, Bedford Street, Crewe on Friday 13th & Saturday 14th January 2017 - 7pm each day with a matinee on Saturday at 2pm.

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 in 2014 and this is their third pantomime. Last year’s 'Jack and the Beanstalk' pantomime raised £1,100. Money from this year’s ‘Cinderella’ pantomime will go to the St Andrew's Church restoration fund and charities.

Pantomime organiser Fred Allman said, "This is a traditional-style panto for all the family. 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.

Garden village will bring new homes and opportunities in north of the borough

 

Cheshire East Council has welcomed the government’s backing for 14 garden village developments across the UK, including an imaginative scheme at Handforth.

The emerging master plans for the scheme, which will be subject to planning approvals, could see the development of some 1,650 new homes in the north of the borough, including affordable and starter homes for young people, family houses and tailored accommodation for older people. 

It will also include ‘self-build housing plots’ for the adventurous who want to design and construct their own homes.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, chairman of Engine of the North, the council-owned company which is developing the masterplan, said: “This is an innovative approach to residential development, which will lead to new and sustainable communities complete with  the required infrastructure, such as schools, health facilities and sports and leisure amenities.

“We are pleased the government has given the green light to this concept of development and we feel the site at Handforth is an ideal location.

“There is a need for new homes in the borough and across the country as a whole.”

The 102 hectare site is situated off the A34 to the east of Handforth Dean, and has been allocated within the council’s updated Local Plan, broadly endorsed by the planning inspector.

Seventy hectares of land are owned by the council and Engine of the North will work in collaboration with adjoining landowners and stakeholders to bring forward this exemplar village development.

The garden village would involve extensive areas of green landscaping with trees and open spaces, incorporating new green transport links, cycle ways to existing transport hubs, and nearby shopping centres.

Council to give free training to boost local businesses

 

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

The award-winning procurement training events are being provided by the council’s arms-length Skills and Growth Company and 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 both local and central government work. The workshops are suitable for businesses new to the tendering process or looking to improve how they tender. 

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

● Let’s get started – on Tuesday, February 14;

● The ‘invitation to tender’ process – on Tuesday, February 21.

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.

Councillor Paul Findlow, Cheshire East Cabinet member for corporate policy and legal services, said: “Tendering for a public sector contract can seem a daunting prospect and these free workshops provide excellent, practical guidance to help businesses develop their bids.

“We are always interested in receiving tenders from local businesses and organisations and these free 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 of our quality services as possible are provided locally while continuing to deliver value for money for the people of Cheshire East.

“It is important as Cheshire East spends in the region of £260m of public money annually on contracts, supplies and services with third parties.”

Both workshops will take place at: East Cheshire Chamber Offices, 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 business@skillsandgrowth.co.uk

Fake Amazon emails claim you have placed an order

Subject: Fake Amazon emails claim you have placed an order

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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)

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Message sent by

Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

Action Fraud has received several reports from victims who have been sent convincing looking emails claiming to be from Amazon. The spoofed emails from “service@amazon.co.uk” claim recipients have made an order online and mimic an automatic customer email notification. 
The scam email claims recipients have ordered an expensive vintage chandelier. Other reported examples include: Bose stereos, iPhone’s and luxury watches.
The emails cleverly state that if recipients haven’t authorised the transaction they can click on the help centre link to receive a full refund. The link leads to an authentic-looking website, which asks victims to confirm their name, address, and bank card information.
Amazon says that suspicious e-mails will often contain:

• Links to websites that look like Amazon.co.uk, but aren't Amazon.co.uk.
• Attachments or prompts to install software on your computer.
• Typos or grammatical errors.
• Forged (or spoofed) e-mail addresses to make it look like the e-mail is coming from Amazon.co.uk.

Amazon will never ask for personal information to be supplied by e-mail.
You can read more about identifying suspicious emails claiming to be from Amazon by visiting https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=201489210
To report a fraud or cyber crime, call us on 0300 123 2040.

Join the Conversation

Subject: Join the Conversation

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary

(Please do not reply or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

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

Join the conversation on funding for your police service
David Keane, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, is urging residents and businesses across the county to join the conversation on funding for their police service.
Between 3 and 24 January 2017, residents and businesses will be able to give their views on whether funding for Cheshire Constabulary should be maintained at current levels or reduced.
A number of public consultation roadshows have been arranged across the county to enable the Commissioner and his team to gather views from as many people as possible.  However, in addition to the consultation, there is also a short online survey.
This is your chance to let the Police & Crime Commissioner know your thoughts on whether he should be protecting funding for local policing.  The survey will only take a couple of minutes, so please get involved and join the conversation by taking part and giving us you views using the link attached >>> Join the conversation survey
Further details can be found at www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk

Have your say on Bentley Motor’s ambitions for its Crewe site

 

People are being urged to ‘have their say’ on a development framework which outlines how the long-term future of the Bentley factory in Crewe could look.

Drawn up by Bentley Motors in consultation with Cheshire East Council, the framework provides a platform to deliver a modern, advanced manufacturing operation in the future which will be more efficient, secure and productive.
The ambition is to create a campus-style site which could potentially grow and expand in line with the company’s ambitions.

Now we want your views! A public consultation on the development framework begins today and runs online until 5pm on February 14.

As part of this consultation, Bentley Motors will host two drop-in events at its Legends facility, on Sunnybank Road, Crewe CW2 8WD, on:

● Thursday, January 12, from 3pm to 8pm;

● Saturday, January 14, from 10am to 2pm.

Councillor Don Stockton, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Bentley Motors is of tremendous importance to the local, regional and national economies and so we would really welcome the views of residents and businesses on the proposed future Bentley masterplan.

“More than 4,000 people are employed directly by the company, which provides many apprenticeship opportunities locally. It is also Crewe’s largest single employer, accounting for more than £1billion of UK exports each year – so it is important we get this document right.

“It is important that residents are consulted and I would urge people to get involved and take a little time to fill in the consultation documents online.”

The campus would locate manufacturing, design, research and development, engineering operations and boosted security in a single integrated site with ‘seamless connectivity’ to enable ‘the efficient flow of people, goods and services’.

Managed by the council’s arms-length Skills and Growth Company, the framework aims to set out the key design, development and planning policy considerations which will be used in the determination of potential future planning applications relating to the site.

Bentley Motors’ aspirations for its expanded site would require the closure of parts of Pyms Lane and Sunnybank Road to the public. However, no decision has been taken on these proposals, which will form part of the consultation. Any future change to road access would require submission of a planning application and be subject to the normal planning consent process.

The council’s household waste recycling centre at Pyms Lane is also within the long-term ambition for the campus. There are no plans to close this centre and any future change to the facility would have to be consistent with the household waste and recycling requirements of Crewe and would require a future approval.

Most of the land identified within the campus ‘vision’ is owned by the council and any change would be subject to detailed future negotiations.

Once the public consultation ends (February 14), the development framework will be reviewed and potentially amended. This document will then go before cabinet in the spring for a decision on whether or not to endorse it.

To take part in the consultation – and view the draft development framework document and FAQs – visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/bentleymasterplan

Drink and Drug Driving Update

Subject: Drink and Drug Driving Update

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary

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Message sent by

Jess Street (Police, PCSO, Crewe LPU East PCSO)

Good Morning Residents and a very Happy New Year to you all!
Here is just a quick update regarding our drink and drug driving operation which took place over the festive period - the arrest figures have now been released:
Across the Crewe policing area, 31 drivers were arrested for drink driving, joint highest with Warrington and sadly a 60 % increase on last years arrest total. An additional 18 were arrested for drug driving, a 15 % reduction on 2015 arrests and 2^nd highest area across the County behind Macclesfield.
Stay safe in 2017,
Kind regards,
PCSO Jess Street
Crewe LPU

Still time to apply for volunteer custody visitor role

Subject: Still time to apply for volunteer custody visitor role

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire

(Please do not reply or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Lisa Cooper (Police, Police Staff, Cheshire)

David Keane, the Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, is currently looking for volunteers to fulfil the role of custody visitor.

Custody visitors are members of the public who visit one of the three police custody suites in Cheshire to check on the conditions and welfare of the people being detained within police custody.  They are impartial and independent of the police service.

If you are interested in knowing more about custody visiting, details are available on the Commissioner’s website where there is also a role profile of one of the current custody visitors available to read.

To apply to become a custody visitor, download an application pack from the website or email your name and address to police.crime.commissioner@cheshire.pnn.police.uk or telephone 01606 364103 for an application pack. 

If you have any questions regarding the role, contact the Governance Officer on 01606 364005.

The closing date for applications is Monday 9th January 2017.

Boxing Day Walk

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

Over twenty local walkers and dogs enjoyed a gentle stroll on Boxing Day 2016.

The event was organised by Helen Gould, a member of the Wistaston Community Council, and the route lasted for ninety minutes over 2.56 miles of glorious fields in Wistaston.

Beating the bounds of Wistaston will ensure that the public footpaths may be used by the public for another year - this is an old bye-law for all villages and towns.

Helen Gould said, "It was the best turnout ever on a beautiful morning in Wistaston. We all enjoyed the chat and met some new dog walking friends. We hope to see you all again on Boxing Day in 2017.”

The Wistaston Community Council organises the annual Wistaston Fete, Flower and Produce Show, Christmas Concert and November Fireworks Display. They are keen to attract new helpers to help organise the Wistaston-based events. Please visit http://www.wistastoncommunity.co.uk/ for further information if you would like to join.