Don't lose your voice in the General Election – on June 8!

 

Cheshire East Council is calling on people to ensure they don’t lose their voice in the upcoming General Election.

And the message is: If you can’t vote, you haven’t got a voice.

If you are not registered, you could miss out on being able to vote in the General Election on Thursday June 8.

Polling cards will be posted to registered electors in the coming weeks. If you have not received your polling card by Tuesday May 16, you should contact the council to ensure you are registered to vote. 

Alternatively, if you are not already registered you can register to vote via the government’s Gov.UK website at: www.gov.uk/registertovote

The deadline to register to vote is Monday May 22. Cheshire East Council is actively supporting the Electoral Commission’s drive to boost voter registration.

Cheshire East Council’s acting chief executive Kath O’Dwyer, who is the Returning Officer for elections in the borough, said: “Casting your vote is the lifeblood of a healthy democracy – and you can’t vote if you aren’t registered.

“It is really important that people don’t miss out on the opportunity to vote and thus have a voice on the local, national and international issues that affect the lives of us all.

“Voting gives you a say on the sort of parliamentary representation and national government that will form to make decisions that will shape our future here in Cheshire East and indeed across the nation.

“The fact is, if you haven’t got a vote, you haven’t got a voice. So, I would urge everyone of voting age to take just a few minutes to ensure that they are registered to vote.

“Anyone looking for more information will likely find the answer to their questions at: www.yourvotematters.co.uk and they can get in touch with the team here at Cheshire East Council, if they have any further queries.”

If you have not received your polling card by May 16, ring the council on: 0300 123 5016.

Anyone who is not yet registered to vote should apply now at: www.gov.uk/registertovote. Anyone who was registered to vote at the EU Referendum does not need to re-register in order to take part in the 2017 General Election – providing your details have remained the same

Remember: registering to vote does not mean you have to – it just means you don’t lose out on the opportunity to do so.

Other voting deadlines to be aware of:

● The deadline to apply for a postal vote is 5pm, Tuesday May 23.

● The deadline to apply for a proxy vote, where a voter nominates a trusted person to cast a vote on their behalf, is 5pm, Wednesday May 31.

On polling day, Thursday June 8, polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm.

Information about voting at this election is available at: www.yourvotematters.co.uk

Weight management service opens to support Cheshire East families

 

Cheshire East Council is launching a new weight management service to help overweight primary-age children get healthier.

Let’s get movin’ is an exciting new referral programme funded by Cheshire East Council and delivered by Everybody Sport and Recreation.

The national child measurement programme, NCMP, has been established in the UK since 2005 for parents worried about their child’s weight.

The purpose of the NCMP is to measure the height and weight of children at all state-maintained primary and middle schools. It is a mandatory service, which was taken over by local authorities in 2013.

The weighing and measuring is undertaken by a qualified health professional with reception and year six children, unless parents decide to opt out of the service.

Councillor Liz Durham, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “It is a really positive step that we are now able to refer parents and guardians to a designated programme that will work for them to get healthier outcomes for themselves and their families.

“Previously, we have been able to offer advice and signpost them to some degree but having this service available to those that need that support is a significant, positive step.”

Let’s get movin’ is open to all young people aged 4-18 and their families in order to support them to make lifestyle changes to help them reach and maintain a healthy weight.

All parents and guardians of the children being weighed and measured are notified by schools that a health professional will visit and provide this service. The visits will take place between Easter and the school summer holidays.

The Rotary Club of Nantwich,

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

The Rotary Club of Nantwich, in association with The Rotary Club of the Himalayan Gurkhas, staged a musical night in The Fairfax Suite function room at Nantwich Town Football Club on Saturday 22^nd April 2017 to raise funds for victims of the tragic Nepal earthquake.

More than 9,000 people died and 22,300 were injured in the disasters which struck two years ago in April 2015.

900,000 homes were destroyed or left uninhabitable, 3.5 million people left homeless, and 52,000 classrooms obliterated, leaving more than 1 million children out of education.

The Rotary Club is now raising money to help the people of Ghanpokhara repair and restore their earthquake-damaged drinking water source. Villagers currently have to trek four hours on foot for water. However, when completed, the project will provide a drinking water supply to 27 households and benefit 165 people and their domestic cattle.

In January, Nantwich Rotarian Sarah Perris visited Golmaraja School in Sindupalchok, a five and a half hour off-road journey from Kathmandu, to see how funds already raised by the Nantwich Club are being spent by the Rotary Club of the Himalayan Gurkhas.

The fund-raising music concert featured a variety of talent from Nantwich and further afield. Nantwich-based singer/songwriter Tim Lee played guitar and sang his own songs and material from other artists.

Somerset group 'Vervain', a six-piece Celtic Folk band mixing traditional tunes and original songs, created a diverse mix of the old and the new in an exciting and modern way.

Nantwich-based three-piece group ‘Vavoom!’ played a range of covers including Elvis, Eddie Cochran, Gene Vincent, The Ramones and Led Zeppelin.

John Crowe, Chairman of the Rotary International Committee said:  “We are aiming to raise £3,000 to bring water back to the people of Ghanpokhara and the funds raised at the music evening has taken us halfway towards that goal. In addition a great night was had by all, thanks to the amazing performances of all our musicians. You will see us at local car boot sales over the coming months raising further funds - the sooner we can get to £3,000, the sooner we can get this critical water source repaired and our thanks go to everyone who supported us on Saturday night.”

 

Local Plan moves forward with latest consultation on blueprint details

 

Cheshire East Council is launching a consultation on the third and final part of its blueprint for development in the borough up to 2030.

The authority’s Local Plan Strategy sets out the strategic framework for development and has been broadly backed by a planning inspector, subject to some necessary changes.

A secondary Site Allocations and Development Policies’ ‘issues document’ – which provides much of the detail – has also just completed a six-week public consultation.

Now the council is seeking views on the third component of its development blueprint – the Minerals and Waste Development Plan Document (MWDPD).

This allocates sites and areas which will enable the council to meet its identified minerals and waste needs. It also sets out detailed policies to guide planning application decisions in the borough and includes a related ‘call for sites’.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “Now that the Local Plan Strategy is nearing completion we want to press on and complete the third and final, more detailed stage of the plan and a related call for potential sites, relating to both waste and minerals

“It is relatively early days in this particular element of the process, so I would encourage all who have an interest in the areas of waste and mineral deposits – and who care about the future of our borough – to get involved in the consultation.

“The Local Plan is the council’s most important tool for shaping development in Cheshire East to 2030, so I would encourage people to take the time to share their views.”

The latest Minerals and Waste Development Plan Document will be subject to a six-week consultation starting on Monday (April 24). Following this, an initial draft plan will be prepared and further consultation will follow.

In the meantime, the document launch is accompanied by a ‘call for sites’ so the council can gain an up-to-date picture of what land is potentially available for future development. Landowners and developers with sites and areas suitable for minerals or waste purposes are being asked to put them forward during the consultation process.

The consultation documents will be available, from Monday April 24, from Cheshire East Council customer service centres and all Cheshire East libraries. They can also be viewed and downloaded from the council’s consultation portal. Further information and links to the documents are on our website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan

People can take part in the new six-week consultation from Monday, April 24 until 5pm on Monday June 5, 2017 by returning their representation forms as follows:

● Online: Via the consultation portal at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan

● Email: To localplan@cheshireeast.gov.uk

● By hand: At the Council Offices, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach CW11 1HZ

● By post: Cheshire East Council, Spatial Planning, Westfields, C/O Municipal Buildings, Earle Street, Crewe CW1 2BJ.

If you require further copies of representation forms or guidance notes, or if any of the consultation documents go missing, please contact the council’s spatial planning team at  localplan@cheshireeast.gov.uk or on 01270 685893.

Council launches ‘No Rubbish Excuses’ campaign

 

Cheshire East Council has launched a hard-hitting campaign to help reduce the amount of waste illegally dumped on the borough’s streets and encourage more residents to take pride in their towns and villages.

‘There are NO RUBBISH excuses’ was officially launched in Crewe this week as part of the council’s efforts to tackle fly-tipping, littering and dog fouling.

The campaign sends a firm message to those who commit environmental crimes that the council is stepping up its fight against them.

It also encourages more people to come forward with information about fly-tippers and to report incidents through the council’s official channels, as well as offering support and education to residents on how to dispose of waste responsibly.

Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for communities and health at Cheshire East Council, said: “Fly-tipping, littering and dog fouling are disgusting and crimes – and will not be tolerated in Crewe or anywhere else in Cheshire East.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to dispose of waste correctly and we are grateful to the vast majority of our residents, and to the various community groups, who do play their part in helping to keep the borough clean and tidy.

“We want to engage with residents to identify their issues around waste disposal and educate and support them in implementing responsible solutions.

“However, we are an enforcing council and clear in our position that we will take action against those who continue to drop litter, dump rubbish and fail to pick up after their dogs. There are no excuses for their behaviour.”

‘There are NO RUBBISH excuses’ is a Cheshire East-wide campaign but much of the activity is being focused on Crewe as part of the Crewe Neighbourhood Action Plan, a pilot project to tackle issues that are important to the local community.

In Crewe itself, the campaign is primarily targeted at six fly-tipping ‘hot spot’ zones and its launch coincides with three public meetings, which have been organised to discuss the key outcomes of a digital survey around waste disposal. The survey was carried out with about 1,000 residents, who live in the fly-tipping hot spot zones.

The public meetings, to which all Crewe residents are invited, will take place at the following times and locations:

· Thursday, April 20 – West Street Baptist Church,  6pm-8pm;

· Tuesday, April 25 – Alexandra Suite, Crewe Alex Football Club, 6pm-8pm; and

· Wednesday, April 26 – Hope Church, Derrington Avenue, 6pm-8pm.

Cllr Bates said: “Over the last 12 months, it’s estimated to have cost the council £204,000 to clear up fly-tipped waste and carry out enforcement action across the borough – money which I’m sure residents would prefer was being spent elsewhere.

“We hope our residents, landlords, business and community groups will all get behind our campaign and do their bit to keep Crewe and the rest of the borough clean.

“It’s also important that residents report fly-tipping and other environmental crimes directly to us, using the official channels, online via: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/norubbishexcuses or by calling 0300 123 5011.”

Do you look after someone? Who is looking after you?

 

Residents in Cheshire East who look after relatives or family friends are being invited to a free drop-in event to learn more about the support available to them.

The event will take place at Crewe Lifestyle Centre on Tuesday, April 25, from 1pm-4pm, and will act as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for carers to obtain information and advice from a host of provider services.

It has been organised by Cheshire East Council, NHS Eastern Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), NHS South Cheshire CCG, Care4CE and Crewe Town Council.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for adult care and integration, said: “This free event will provide our residents with a great opportunity to talk to organisations which provide services and support for people in different caring roles.

“Sometimes it is difficult to find out what help there is available across Cheshire East, so we wanted to bring everything together under one roof.”

It’s hoped the event will attract people who do not yet identify as being a carer, so they can be introduced to the support they deserve to receive.

Dr Paul Bowen, clinical chair of NHS Eastern Cheshire CCG, said: “We’re working with our partners in the Caring Together transformation programme to achieve our shared ambition of ensuring that all carers are valued and supported.

“This is vital as there are more than 21,000 people in Eastern Cheshire who identify themselves as being unpaid carers – and the real figure is likely to be much higher.”

Councillor Benn Minshall, chairman of the community plan committee at Crewe Town Council, added: “Carers are often unsung heroes in any community and sometimes aren’t aware of the support they can access. 

“The town council is delighted to support the event and to help assist carers to have the opportunity to meet and talk to others about services which are available to them.”

There will be refreshments provided at the event and the nearest parking is available at the county courts and Oak Street car parks, where there is a short-stay option of two hours, which can be reimbursed at the lifestyle centre reception.

Katy Brownbill, senior communications manager for NHS South Cheshire CCG and NHS Vale Royal CCG, added: “Engaging with our local population is something the CCG is passionate about.

“Events such as this are a great way for us to work with carers from our local communities to understand their needs and to clearly demonstrate the ways in which we’re working with our health and social care partners to support them.”

Cheshire East chalks up boost for first choice primary school places

 

Cheshire East Council has worked with local schools to offer first preference places for more than 92 per cent of primary school applicants this year.

The figure (92.18 per cent) is an increase of nearly four percentage points on last year’s figure of 88.53 per cent. In total, almost 98 per cent (97.95 per cent) of Cheshire East residents are being offered a place at a school of their choice for September 2017. This is up by one per cent on last year.

Councillor Liz Durham, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “These are excellent figures and good news for parents and their children. Cheshire East’s schools have a national reputation for excellence, with 94.4 per cent rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.

“It is most pleasing to see that almost 98 per cent of applications get a local school of their choice with more than 92 per cent getting their first choice.”

Councillor Rachel Bailey, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “To be able to say that such a high proportion of parents have been given their first choice of school for their child is further recognition of our first-class education service we have here in Cheshire East. Moreover, I believe our education team has attained this fantastic achievement in a very challenging landscape.

“We know that access to a school of choice is a very important issue for families and our record demonstrates, yet again, that Cheshire East offers a quality environment which is a great place to both live and to learn.”

● Further information on primary school place decisions for September 2017 is available on the council’s website at:

http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/schools/admissions/september-2017-allocations.aspx

Cheshire East backs ‘Great Get Together’ to honour murdered MP

 

Cheshire East Council is supporting one of the nation’s biggest summer events to honour the memory of murdered MP Jo Cox.

The Great Get Together will be held on Saturday and Sunday June 17-18 and the council is encouraging residents across the borough to join together in their communities to share food, conversation and celebrate what we all have in common.

The weekend will mark the first anniversary of Batley and Spen MP Jo’s murder, on June 16, 2016. The council has made £15,000 available for community groups to apply for grants of up to £100 to come together and hold street parties.

The council will waive the fees for licensing and road closures for these special community events. Please note that we need community groups to respond as soon as possible if they would like a road closure – as statutory guidelines require applications by this Friday (April 21) to allow the necessary notices and processes to be undertaken in time.

The council will also organise two community events that weekend, one in Westminster Park, in Crewe, on Saturday, June 17 – making the link with Westminster in London and the tragic events that took place during the terror attack on March 22 in the capital. The other event will take place in West Park, in Macclesfield, on Sunday, June 18.

Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for communities and health, said: “I am really pleased that we are able to support The Great Get Together and that the great Cheshire East community will come together, hold street parties and other events in memory of Jo Cox. We all know of Jo for her campaigning around diversity and human rights but she also got people talking about loneliness in our communities, which is an issue for all people no matter what your age or background.

“Social isolation can be more damaging to health than smoking, so I would really encourage people to either organise an event or go along to one in your area – perhaps take someone who you know who doesn’t get out a lot or someone who could benefit from meeting new friends and neighbours.

“Connected people are happier and healthier and I can’t think of a better tribute to Jo than for us all to connect and celebrate living in our local community.”

It is hoped that The Great Get Together will be the biggest event of its kind since the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

To apply for a grant to hold a street party:

For more information about holding a street party and to make a grant application, visit the council’s website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/get-together

Street Party Road Closures – deadline April 21:

Please note that the timescale for applying for road closures is extremely tight and we need applications by midnight on Friday April 21. Please apply via the council’s website at: http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways_and_roads/highways-licences-and-permits/the-great-get-together-road-closures-for-street-parties.aspx

Crewe Passion Play

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

Crewe Passion Play took place in Crewe town centre on Good Friday (14th April 2017).

The play was organised by Love Crewe - http://www.lovecrewe.co.uk/ - which is composed of several churches serving the Crewe area.

The re-enactment recreated the sequence of events from the entry to Jerusalem, the Passover Meal, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Crucifixion to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The event lasted two hours and began with a gathering prayer at St Mary’s Church, then weaved around Crewe town centre, including Victoria Street, the Square and Market Street, before concluding at Victoria Square.

Each sequence was narrated, contained hymns and was accompanied by guitarists. Hundreds of people attended the event.

The event was supported by Crewe Town Council, WHSmith, and Manchester Metropolitan University along with volunteers and on-lookers.

Celebrations will take place in local churches over the Easter weekend.

I have uploaded all my photos to a Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathanawhite/albums/72157680563124491

The 21st Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival

reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

The 21st Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival - http://www.nantwichjazz.com/ - takes place over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.

Organisers expect 40,000 people to attend the festival during its five day period - Thursday 13th to Monday 17th April 2017 - with 150 bands performing at twenty venues in Nantwich. Musical genres will include jazz, blues, swing, pop and rock.

Entry to the majority of festival pub gigs is via an £8 wristband. There are also ticketed events.

Headline acts include Geno Washington, Ruby Turner, Mike Sanchez, King King, Connie Lush, The Beat, and Elaine Delmar.

Electronica tribute band 'Electro 80s' - http://www.electro80s.com/ - performed on the opening night at The Studio Nightclub & Entertainment Venue http://www.facebook.com/studionantwich . Their concert took place in front of a capacity five hundred people. Electro 80s performed a two-hour set recreating songs by artists including Gary Numan, OMD, Visage, Tears for Fears, Kraftwerk, A Flock Of Seagulls, Howard Jones, Erasure and Depeche Mode. Nigel Woodhouse, Director of Operations at The Studio said, "It is fantastic to have Electro 80s back again this year. It is great to have so many people reliving their youth to the unmistakable sounds of the 80s. We hope that visitors also enjoy the numerous other bands we have on offer over the weekend".

The Nantwich App for Android and Apple devices can be downloaded for free by searching for 'The Nantwich App' from the relevant app store. It provides a full guide of all events and news via push notifications.

The festival is sponsored by Nantwich Town Council, Matthew Clark, Stella Artois, Hall Smith Whittingham Solicitors, and The Crown Hotel.

The Railway Hotel - http://www.railway-hotel.org/ - on Pillory Street will provide their own live entertainment over the Easter weekend, with free entry to all events.

The festival is projected to inject over £1 million into the town’s economy.

Wonga Data Breach

Subject:

---

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

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

Message sent by

Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

Wonga has confirmed a data breach where up to 250,000 accounts have been compromised. The incident is now being investigated by the police and has been reported to the Financial Conduct Authority.
Wonga has updated their website with further information and confirmed that they are contacting all those affected and are taking steps to protect them, but there are also some things you can do to keep your information secure.

Here’s what you can do to make yourself safer:
If any of your financial details were compromised, notify your bank or card company as soon as possible. Review your financial statements regularly for any unusual activity.
Criminals can use personal data obtained from a data breach to commit identity fraud. Consider using credit reference agencies, such as Experian or Equifax, to regularly monitor your credit file for unusual activity.
Be suspicious of any unsolicited calls, emails or texts, even if it appears to be from a company you know of. Don’t open the attachments or click on links within unsolicited emails, and never disclose any personal or financial details during a cold call.
If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime, please report it to us: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud

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

Subject: Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service April 2017 E-Newsletter - FiRELiNK

---

This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service

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

Message sent by

Ashley Lawton (Cheshire Fire , Administrator, Cheshire Fire)

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

---

Our plans for 2017/18

Cheshire Fire Authority published has now published the Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) for 2017/18. 

Every year Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service publishes an Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP). This plan is about improving public safety, reducing the number of emergency incidents and saving lives.  The plan contains a list of proposals and plans for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service for 2017 to 2018.

Find out more - Our plans for 2017/18

---

Changes to the way we respond to automatic fire alarms

Businesses are advised that we have now changed the way they we respond to all Automatic Fire Alarms (AFAs). We will not respond to any AFAs at the majority of business premises (including schools) unless a caller at the building reasonably believes that there is a fire. 

AFAs from premises where there could be people sleeping, such as care homes, hospitals, private dwellings, hotels, hostels, halls of residence, very high risk industrial sites and high rise buildings will continue to get an emergency attendance.

Of the total number of AFAs attended in 2015/16, just over 1% of the calls required any firefighting action.  AFAs cost business time, money and divert firefighters from genuine emergencies and other duties. They also put road users and pedestrians at risk as fire engines respond at speed on blue lights.

Find out more - Changes to the way we respond to automatic fire alarms

---

Search and rescue dog Bryn awarded PDSA Order of Merit

Bryn, our extraordinary search and rescue dog, has been honoured by leading vet charity PDSA for his devotion to duty in some of the world’s most challenging regions.

Border Collie Bryn becomes the latest recipient of the prestigious PDSA Order of Merit - the animals' OBE.  Bryn’s award is in recognition of his exemplary service as a search and rescue dog, working with Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and UK’s International Search and Rescue Team.

Find out more - Search and rescue dog Bryn awarded PDSA Order of Merit

---

It's motorbike season! Ride safely

We've recently seen an increase in the number of motorbikes on British roads, and as a result of this there has been an increase in the number of motorcyclists that have been hurt on Britain's roads in recent years.

We are working with motorcyclists across Cheshire to reduce the number of casualties on the roads.

Find out more - It's motorbike season! Ride safely

---

Drowning prevention - be water aware

Around 320 people drown in the UK every year and thousands more suffer injury, some life changing, through near-drowning experiences.

Many people that drown just happen to be near water - such as runners, walkers and anglers. 

We are asking people to be ‘Be Water Aware’ - Don't assume you're not at risk of drowning because you don’t intend to go in the water.

Find out more - Drowning prevention - be water aware

---

Bank Holiday safety advice

Please put safety first over the Bank Holiday weekend - use the links below to access tips and advice on road safety, barbecue safety DIY safety, caravan safety and camping safety.

• Barbecue Safety

• Camping Safety Advice

• Caravan Safety

• Countryside Safety

• DIY Safety

• Road Safety

Have a safe and enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend.

Find out more - Bank Holiday safety advice

We would like your views if you have been a victim of crime in the last 12 months

Subject: We would like your views if you have been a victim of crime in the last 12 months

---

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)

Victims’ Voice Survey 2017
Have you been a victim of crime in the last 12 months? Do you want to share your views on your experiences of victim services and the justice system?
If so then Police & Crime Commissioner David Keane is urging you to join the conversation as part of Victims Voice 2017.
David said: “It is vital that victims of crime have a strong voice on policing and crime. As Commissioner I am committed to representing victims and I am continuing to invest heavily into services to support victims across the county.”
“This is your final opportunity to give us your views. So, please join the conversation”
The research, which is being completed independently on behalf of the Commissioner, will help to shape the future of victim’s services in Cheshire. The online survey is open until April 30th and can be accessed via https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/victimsvoicesurvey and should take no more than 10 minutes or so to complete.
This is your chance to make your voice heard.

Additional funding approved for Crewe Green Roundabout scheme

 

Cheshire East Council is to set aside an additional £2.4m to fund one of the most important road improvement schemes in Crewe.

A revised estimate of the overall cost of £7.4m has been approved by the council’s Cabinet today (Tuesday). The original estimated cost of the scheme was prepared in June, 2016, and based on a limited level of project design and since then the scope and extent of the overall work required has now been fully evaluated following public consultation.

The project is already part-funded – £3.3m – by the Local Enterprise Partnership and further funding will come through the National Productivity Investment Fund plus developer contributions.

Major improvements to the Crewe Green Roundabout are expected to begin towards the end of 2017 and will remove a traffic pinch-point which has frustrated motorists and commercial vehicles travelling between the town, Haslington, Middlewich, Sandbach and the M6 motorway.

The scheme, which will see the removal of traffic signals and the widening of junctions to increase traffic flow, is predicted to unlock land for 570 new homes and create some 750 new jobs.

Removing the bottleneck will make a significant contribution to the further economic development and growth of Crewe and help to drive forward further infrastructure projects including a HS2 hub station.

Councillor David Brown, cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “In agreeing this additional level of funding, the council can move ahead with its plans to relieve Crewe of an extremely frustrating traffic bottleneck.

“This is good news for motorists and business, the local economy and environment.”

The council will also press ahead with tying up the legal requirements for preparatory work and procurement for the installation of a new two-lane rail bridge at Sydney Road in Crewe, another major pinch-point for the town.

Discussions will begin with statutory undertakers and with Network Rail.

The £10.5m bridge replacement scheme is due to commence in autumn/winter 2018. The present single-lane bridge crosses the Crewe to Manchester line and carries a strategic B road route to Leighton Hospital. Traffic is signal controlled.

Both the Crewe Green Roundabout project and the Sydney Road Bridge scheme will be coordinated to minimise disruption as far as possible.

The council has recently completed a public engagement exercise which resulted in positive feedback and favourable comments on the proposed design and the plans for the replacement of the Sydney Road rail bridge and the roundabout enhancement scheme at Crewe Green.

Will you be the first to discover, the one to uncover, the SECRET STORIES of Tatton Park?

 

Visit Tatton Park this year and discover fascinating places, secret spaces, stories and special treasures never seen before.  With a year-long programme of activities, visitors will be able to join our curious cat, Old Tom, his nosey bird sidekick, Parker, to find out about the people, places and things that make Tatton Park so special.

In the Mansion, travel back through the Egerton family line to discover a home of history and mystery. Uncover the behind-the-scenes life of four generations of Egerton children and learn about a servant’s role in times gone by. Let Old Tom help you to explore and discover the clues for our special trail sheet to help solve the Mansion mystery.

Where gardens bloom through garden gates, unearth the secret life of a famous 19^th century gardener – Wyatt’s potting shed will be open to visitors for the first time.  Discover the story behind the Garden’s Tower, one of the oldest buildings at Tatton – why was it built and who decided to live in it?  See the dark dungeon and a Maasai servant’s skull – a bizarre memory of the last Lord Egerton’s time spent in Kenya.  Visit the fishing hut, a favourite haunt of his and relax in one of his favourite hidden spaces in the tranquil Japanese Garden.

Dig deep into the secrets of farming life with your guide, Mary the hen.  Learn about the sheep scanner, the cattle hoof trimmer and horse dentist. Can you guess the secret object each used to help them? Find out what’s inside Tabitha the Shire Horse’s tummy, keep an eye out for our secret spycam and discover our exciting plans for the ‘Field to Fork’ story coming in 2018!

For history and mystery, travel back in time at the medieval Old Hall (reputed to be haunted!) uncovering 500 years of occupation.  On secret dates throughout the year, discover the remarkable residents from the Lord of the Manor to a humble mole catcher, who made this ‘hidden gem’ their home. 

At a place where wildlife walks and trees talk, join the rangers on secret walks discovering unexplored areas of the Parkland not normally open to visitors. Follow Tatton’s wonderful wildlife caught on hidden camera and shared via regular tweets.

Special Events and Learning Courses

Ready to know more...? Enjoy themed events this year, from ‘Unlocking the Secrets of the Japanese Garden’ to ‘The Secret Life of Trees’. Solve the mystery of Lord Egerton’s missing gold in our first-ever secret sleepover in the Tenant’s Hall! What will you pack in your picnic basket for our Secret Garden Picnic?   

For dates and more information on these events, visit www.tattonpark.org.uk/events

Discover more at Tattonpark.org.uk/secretstories

#secretstories