Crewe Town Council putting lives at risk update Walker st Crewe

Crewe Town Council and their tenants

Back in April I posted this video of the terrible state of the ally rear of Walker St which is caused by the rubbish and bushes from the Walker St allotments. People in the st cant get down their own alley as half of it is blocked and dangerous brambles which can rip your eye out there is also permanent water in the alley which may come from the allotment and could contain anything.

Both CTC and Allotments have refused to tidy it. To solve the problem I did several FOI act requests which CTC illegally refused but the ICO has now been involved and the request has been fulfilled.

The CTC response below from that we can see several breaches of the lease

o Maintain in good and substantial repair all the boundary structures of the Premises

· The tenant

o shall comply with all requirements of Environmental Law

o is not to do or permit to (sic) anything that would or may cause any Hazardous Materials or Waste to escape, leak or be spilled or deposited on the Premises or discharged from the Premises or migrate to or from the Premises be spilled or deposited on the Premises or discharged from the Premises or migrate to or from the Premises

Given the breach of tenancy what are CTC going to do about this ie clear the bushes etc and charge the allotments or fine them of force them to make the area free of rubbish and sort the water out?

The Ford Lane allotment has CCTV by law they must register with the ICO and they can be prosecuted and receive a massive fine if they don’t. The ICO has confirmed they have no record of it being registered and will be looking into taking action. The allotments were asked for the registration number but refused to reply. So that again is in breach of the lease

· The tenant shall not use site security personnel, guard dogs or CCTV cameras unless written permission has been granted by the landlord whose consent is not to be unreasonable withheld or delayed and which is in accordance with the Tenant’s Security Policy and insurance cover.

Crewe Town Council response: Under the terms of the lease:

· The Tenant is to

o Insure against public and employer’s liability

o Keep the Premises neat tidy and cultivated in a manner appropriate to its use as an allotment made available to the public

o Maintain in good and substantial repair all the boundary structures of the Premises

· The tenant shall not use site security personnel, guard dogs or CCTV cameras unless written permission has been granted by the landlord whose consent is not to be unreasonable withheld or delayed and which is in accordance with the Tenant’s Security Policy and insurance cover.

· The tenant

o shall comply with all requirements of Environmental Law

o is not to do or permit to (sic) anything that would or may cause any Hazardous Materials or Waste to escape, leak or be spilled or deposited on the Premises or discharged from the Premises or migrate to or from the Premises

Get set for the ‘Space Chase’ Summer Reading Challenge with Cheshire East Council

Cheshire East libraries are looking forward to celebrating the 20th annual Summer Reading Challenge which begins on Saturday 6 July.

The theme this year is ‘Space Chase’ – an out-of-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the moon landings. As children read their way through six library books of their choice over the summer, they will collect stickers and solve clues to help them to complete their mission folder.

The Summer Reading Challenge is designed for children aged 4-11. Every child who finishes is awarded a special certificate and a medal. There is also a mini challenge for pre-school children so that they can join in the fun too.

Joanne Shannon, Cheshire East Council library services manager, said: ‘We have always been very proud of the number of children in Cheshire East who join the Summer Reading Challenge. 

Last year more than 6,500 children took part across Cheshire East making us one of the highest participating authorities in the North West. This year we hope to welcome all our existing participants back, along with any new children to the scheme.”

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities, said: “I have supported the Summer Reading Challenge for a number of years, it is a fantastic way to keep children entertained and engaged during the summer holidays as well as igniting their imagination and building on their vocabulary in preparation for the new school year. This year’s theme will, I’m sure prove very popular among budding space enthusiasts.”      

Cheshire East libraries have so many fun things to do for free and they are great places to visit at any time of year particularly during the long summer holidays. There are lots of exciting events planned to run alongside the Summer Reading Challenge.

These include space-themed creative arts sessions, a variety of digital and craft activities, workshops with Chester Zoo Safari Rangers and local astronomical societies and much more.

In addition, Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre has generously provided ‘kids go free’ vouchers for Summer Reading Challenge participants.

Space Chase launches in Cheshire East Libraries 6 July – 7 September.

Distraction Thefts

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Police are encouraging the public to be extra vigilant as thieves target shoppers across the county.
Offenders are known to visit cafes and supermarkets to target women on their own – believed to be aged 60 and above – to steal their items and money.
Thieves will often be working in pairs or groups where one will distract the victim while the other steals from them.
While local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will be patrolling public areas, cafes and supermarkets as well as providing prevention advice to charity shops, police are keen to remind the public to also be on their guard.
The local community can help protect themselves from thieves by following these simple steps.

• Do not leave your handbag hung over the shopping trolley or unattended at any time.
• Make sure your bag has a secure zip fastening and for added security, secure your purse inside a zipped pocket inside the bag to help protect against thieves reaching inside your bag or purse to search for valuables.
• If you are approached by a stranger in unusual circumstances in or around a supermarket, do not engage with them, particularly if they ask for directions or change. Be firm with them, walk away, and report any suspicious activity to the police.
• When using a chip & pin device or ATM, always shield your number with your hand.
• Avoid using cash machines that appear to have been tampered with, or where groups of people are hanging around.

Superintendent Peter Crowcroft: “These thieves are driven by opportunity and target women who are on their own in a café or shopping in the supermarket. We have also noticed how they tend to steal from those who are aged 60 or over. To help deter thieves and provide reassurance to the local community local officers will be carrying out regular patrols and giving advice to local shops. I would also encourage the public to make elderly friends and neighbours aware of these thieves and if possible to purchase purse bells, which can be a great deterrent.”
Anyone who sees anyone acting suspiciously or has any information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

It’s bliss – council’s marriage service toasts second top award!

Cheshire’s East Council’s marriage service has been voted ‘best in the north-west’ for the second year running.

Against tough competition, the registration service wowed the judges at the North West Wedding Awards held at The Mere Golf Resort and Spa, near Knutsford hosted by County Brides Magazine.

The service, which registers births, marriages and deaths and conducts marriage ceremonies, collected the award for best ceremony provider for its civil ceremonies.

The award recognises the quality of service provided in the wide range of romantic, licensed locations across the borough where a record 1,760 ceremonies were carried out between March 2018 and April 2019.

Including register office marriages, the service conducts more than 2,000 ceremonies a year at more than 80 approved venues, including some of the finest country hotels in the UK. It helps to deliver around £32m to the rural economy and almost 1,700 ceremonies are already scheduled for the forthcoming year.

Seventy per cent of couples who tie the knot in Cheshire East live outside the borough, suggesting that Cheshire East is becoming more and more popular for its registration service and the range of appealing venues.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for corporate services, said: “To win the same award twice in a row is a fantastic achievement for our team who work tirelessly to deliver a seamless service, helping to make the most important day in a couple’s life a day to remember.

“I want to congratulate our team on this award and thank them for all their hard work in helping to maintain the high standards of service we aim for in Cheshire East.”

Julie Hobson, a superintendent registrar, said: “Cheshire East has many splendid wedding venues and our team of registrars go that extra mile to deliver the perfect ceremony so that couples have a day to treasure all their lives.”

Long-delayed traffic lights to be installed in Wistaston

Reporter Jonathan White
Traffic lights will finally be installed at the A530 (Middlewich Road)/Wistaston Green Road junction in Wistaston in forthcoming weeks with work due to be completed during July 2019.
The traffic lights are adjacent to The Rising Sun Inn and the new Bellway ‘Kingfisher Reach’ housing development, https://www.bellway.co.uk/new-homes/north-west/kingfisher-reach .
The Cheshire East Highways roadworks will involve temporary traffic lights, along with the closure of Wistaston Green Road on 1st and 2nd July 2019 for resurfacing work, https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways_and_roads/roadworks/latest-roadworks.aspx
The months of delays prior to the roadworks have been caused by severe issues on site with uncharted services and defective highway drains.
Frustrated motorists have already had to comprehend with roadside barriers and cones narrowing the road at the junction, ramps, and temporary traffic lights. The closure of Wistaston Green Road earlier this year forced some motorists to take an unofficial detour through The Rising Sun Nurseries business premises to avoid a much longer journey.
Completion of the roadworks will come as a relief to road users who have vented their anger and frustration on local social media relating to numerous difficulties including entering and exiting the busy & notoriously dangerous A530 (Middlewich Road), and the potholes, ruts, protruding grids, mud and a concealed entrance on Wistaston Green Road.
There are also concerns amongst local residents that road sections in Wistaston may become accident black-spots on completion of the two new housing estates - ‘Kingfisher Reach’ and nearby ‘Wistaston Brook’ - which will add hundreds of additional vehicles to the village.

Local author launches her debut novel in Nantwich

Reporter  Jonathan White, Wistaston

Karen Kelly, aged 51, from Wistaston launched her debut novel ‘Lillian White’s Journey’ at the Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge, 46 High Street in the centre of Nantwich on Friday 14th June 2019.
In ‘Lillian White’s Journey’, on the morning of her wedding, Lillian White awakes with a hangover from hell, a naked stranger and no recollection of the previous night. As her eyes become focused the panic sets in as the once intimate, romantic Bridal Suite resembles the aftermath of a wild, drunken party. Unread messages flood her inbox from her soon husband-to-be but with only hours to spare, can she still go through with the wedding?
Mum-of-two Karen is a former cabin crew member for major airlines, although her book is not based on her many years in the airline industry. She has also run a pub and B&B, lived overseas, is fairly well travelled and worked as a fitness instructor including Zumba classes.
Karen thanked Copy-Editor Sian-Elin Flint-Freel for all her support and knowledge that helped to bring the novel to life. Karen also gave a special thanks to her illustrator, Mark Wilcox, who designed the novels front cover and who also became a mentor as her wobbles frequently rose to the surface.
Karen, currently a successful blogger and volunteer radio presenter, said, “It’s been a long journey but finally all my hard work has paid off, I still can’t quite believe it!”
Denise Lawson from the Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge said, “What a great event. Karen was brilliant and book sales were phenomenal, no stock left at the end of the evening. Thank you again to all our loyal customers and many first timers who came to a book launch at Nantwich Bookshop.”
‘Lillian White’s Journey’ is available for purchase from Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge priced £8.99 and available to order online at Amazon and Waterstones.
For further information please contact Karen Kelly https://www.facebook.com/karenlindakelly/ or Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge via phone: 01270 611665, email: info@nantwichbookshop.co.uk

MID CHESHIRE HOSPITALS CHARITY HOSTS SOUTH CHESHIRE CHAMBER FINAL FRIDAY

Businesses turned out in force to a breakfast networking event hosted by the Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity in conjunction with South Cheshire Chamber.

The charity based at Leighton Hospital, teamed up with the Chamber to welcome representatives from more than 40 Crewe and Nantwich companies.

Carole Salmon, MCH Charity Community Fundraiser said: “The Chamber has a busy and active programme of networking events and as members we were honoured to be the venue for the May Final Friday”. “It was a perfect opportunity to showcase how support from our local businesses community is vitally important to the work that we do.”

Jon Barnes, Operations Manager at South Cheshire Chamber added: “The Final Friday at Mid

Cheshire Hospitals Charity was a huge success. The team were incredibly informative and

helpful, and through the stories they told the large audience it was clear they really care

about the change they are making”.

The charity team demonstrated the use of Reminiscence Interactive Therapy Activities (RITA) unit which have been funded by donations to the Everybody Knows Somebody – dementia appeal. These have already having a very positive impact on the wards to calm, engage or entertain people living with dementia.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals charity are keen to support more local groups and businesses with their fundraising. Whatever you choose to do, they can support you through your fundraising journey and can offer lots of resources and support to help make whatever you do a huge success. For more information contact Carole Salmon, Community Fundraiser on 01270 273248 or carole.salmon@mcht.nhs.uk.

Police issue warning

Reporter J White
Police issue warning after children risk their lives to climb on scaffolding at Wistaston building site
Police have issued a warning after trespassing children risked their lives to climb on scaffolding at the building site of the Bloor Homes ‘Wistaston Brook’ housing development off Church Lane in Wistaston.
Youths were seen jumping over security fences before scaling the scaffolding and police have warned children not to risk their lives by entering the site and treating it like a playground.
A Cheshire Police spokesman said, “Patrols responded to reports of kids climbing on scaffolding at the Bloor Homes building site in Wistaston… We cannot emphasise how dangerous these types of working construction sites can be, especially with the reports detailing them scaling the scaffolding!”
On completion Bloor Homes at Wistaston Brook will be a mixture of two-, three-, four- and five-bedroom houses, with three-bedroom houses starting from £199,995. The estate is being built on the former Witters Field farmers field and public recreation area.

Wistaston Village Fete

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston
Wistaston Village Fete took place on the afternoon of Saturday 15th June 2019. This annual event is organised by the Wistaston Community Council and took place at Wistaston Church Lane Academy, Church Lane, Wistaston, by kind permission of the Academy.
The event began with a procession from Wistaston Memorial Hall along Church Lane led by Scottish Piper Reg Flower, followed by Wistaston Scout group’s Beavers, Cubs and Scouts carrying the Union Flag, and St Mary’s Rainbows, Brownies and Guides. The procession also included this year’s Wistaston Rose Queen (Charlotte Shaw) in a modern Rover 75 car and retiring Wistaston Rose Queen (Poppy Bellingham), retiring Attendant (Lyla Manfredi) and this year’s Attendant (Lucia Kemp) in a Rover Tourer 1914 vintage car. The procession was supported by Pochin Construction and Dutton Contractors for the fourth year running.
Once the procession had arrived at the Academy’s school hall Dane Chaplow (Chairman, Wistaston Community Council) thanked Academy Principal Mr Bancroft for allowing the Council to use his premises and also thanked his staff, participants, volunteers, sponsors and the general public for supporting the Fete.
Master of Ceremonies Ken Sambrook then introduced retiring Rose Queen (Poppy Bellingham) who thanked Wistonians for their support and stated that the magnificent sum of £1,168.90 had been raised for Save the Children during her year of office.
St. Mary's Wistaston Rector Mike Turnbull then passed the crown and sash from Poppy to this year's Rose Queen, Charlotte Shaw. Charlotte stated that her chosen charity this year is Parkinson’s UK and the local Crewe & District Branch of Parkinson’s UK.
This year’s Wistonian of the year, John Wood, then officially opened the Fete.
Mayor of Cheshire East Councillor Barry Burkhill, accompanied by his wife Mayoress Sue Burkhill, thanked everyone for attending and hoped that they enjoyed the event.
The Fete's theme this year was Space, as it is 50 years since man landed on the Moon. The children’s fancy dress competition was won jointly by Florence and Purdy with their fabulous Moon Girl and Rocket Girl costumes respectively.
Bob Squirrell setup and monitored the sound system in the Arena which hosted a performance from Rock Choir. In the school hall there was entertainment from the Wistaston Church Lane Academy Choir.
On the front playground there was a classic vehicle display featuring cars by Austin Healey, Armstrong Siddeley, Porsche, Triumph, Bentley, along with a Morris Commercial lorry and a Francis Barnett motorbike. There was also a Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service appliance.
There were thirty-two stalls on the field representing local organisations and charities, as well as a children’s funfair. Refreshments were available in the school hall and outside from the Wistaston Scout group.
The event took place in a mixture of sunshine and showers weather and was enjoyed by several hundred people.
Admission to the Fete was by donation and proceeds from the gate receipts and Wistaston Community Council stalls will go towards other Wistaston village events, such as the Flower and Produce Show, Spring and Christmas Concerts, and the November Fireworks Display. The Wistaston Community Council always welcomes new members to help organise next year’s Fete, as well as the other Wistaston-based events. Please visit http://www.wistastoncommunity.co.uk/ or search Wistaston Community Council on Facebook for further information.

Council fits solar panels to boost green energy and help save money and the environment

Cheshire East Council has fitted energy-saving solar panels to the roof of its waste transfer HQ.

The £220,000 investment at the authority’s environmental hub, in Cledford Lane, Middlewich, run by arms-length company Ansa, will be paid back in just over six and a half years.

The investment shows the authority’s commitment to sustainable energy production and the reduction of carbon emissions to net zero by 2025.

The 728 solar panels will reduce the running costs of the site by 15 per cent – saving £33,000 a year from its energy bill (a total of 201,000kWh). The 229kW system will also slash emissions of CO2, a major ‘greenhouse’ gas, by 100 tonnes a year.

The electricity from the solar panels helps reduce costs of energy used to power the air filtration systems in the building, which is maintained under negative pressure with fast closed doors and activated carbon air filtration to ensure the highest environmental standards at the site.

A key priority for the council has been to reduce the consumption of energy and the carbon footprint of council-owned buildings. This will release valuable funding to support vital front line services for residents.

Councillor Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration said: “This is significant move by the council to adopt renewable innovations that reduce our running costs, help us play our part in protecting and improving the environment and provide maximum value for residents.

“We will continue to seek to identify green technologies to help improve the sustainability of council buildings across the borough, wherever it is cost effective.”

Councillor Brian Roberts, cabinet member for highways and waste, said: “This hub site is already contributing to helping the environment by reducing landfill and facilitating the generation of electricity outside the borough from waste. This latest investment in solar panels makes great economic and environmental sense and it benefits everyone.” 

Councillor Quentin Abel, the council’s environment champion, said: “This is an excellent project that is part of the council’s commitment to develop a wider strategy to become carbon neutral by 2025 and to contribute to carbon reduction across the borough.”

Upon his election as leader of Cheshire East Council in May, Councillor Sam Corcoran called for local action to help tackle ‘the emergency of climate change’.

A notice of motion tabled by Cllr Corcoran, which was seconded by Cllr Abel and backed by a unanimous vote of full council, called for a Cheshire East environmental strategy to be brought forward ‘as a matter of urgency’.

The motion also called for the council to be carbon neutral by 2025 and said the local authority ‘will work to encourage all businesses, residents and organisations in the borough to reduce their carbon footprint – by reducing energy consumption and promoting healthy lifestyles’.

Cheshire East Council leader appoints new ‘cycling and walking champion’

Cheshire East Council’s leader has appointed a new ‘cycling and walking champion’ – to help spearhead moves to get more people more active.

Councillor Sam Corcoran announced at today’s meeting of cabinet that independent Councillor Suzie Akers Smith has been appointed to the post.

The ‘cycling champion’ will work to promote cycling for all age groups across the borough. She will also work with cabinet and senior officers to help focus council policies to put cycling at the heart of the planning and design of the borough’s streets, communities and green spaces.

The authority’s ambition is a ‘step change’ in the take up of cycling by residents of all ages across Cheshire East – with a focus on encouraging more people to cycle safely and walk more often with confidence for everyday journeys and leisure, especially into and out of town and village centres.

Incorporating walking into the role will enable the thinking around sustainability, connectivity and accessibility – especially for wheelchair users, pushchairs and mobility scooters.

Cllr Corcoran said: “I am passionate about the well-recognised benefits of cycling and walking for our environment, communities, local economy and our health and wellbeing – and I know that Cllr Suzie Akers Smith is equally passionate on this subject.

“This council is committed to enhancing and delivering a cycling strategy to deliver a high-quality and safe cycle network so that people of all abilities will be able to travel by bike around the borough. I know that Suzie will be a great champion of this cause.”

Cllr Akers Smith said: “I am proud to be appointed the council’s cycling and walking champion and am passionate about the importance of getting more people to travel by bike on safe cycle networks and walk more for journeys under a mile.

“I am really looking forward to working with colleagues across the political spectrum to work towards delivering a truly cycle-friendly network of routes to connect people and places across the borough. This cycling network will be crucial to connect more people to jobs, skills, schools, key services and leisure opportunities across Cheshire East.”

Cllr Corcoran added: “Cycling has many benefits and is certainly a good investment – as the UK government estimates that for every £1 invested in cycling, £5.50 is returned in social benefit.

“The research is very clear: by cycling and walking regularly, our residents and visitors will be healthier, happier and wealthier – and it’s great for businesses, the visitor economy and the environment too.”

Tatton Park visitors to see further improvements as council invests in stableyard project

Cheshire East Council is to invest £1.55m in the refurbishment of the stableyard area of Tatton Park, a popular focal point for visitors.

The 1,000-acre park, in Knutsford, is the jewel in the crown of the borough’s cultural heritage and leisure offer and the council’s cabinet has now approved the next step in the ‘Tatton Vision’ investment programme – which is to implement a stableyard project.

The stableyard project is part of a wider investment programme to enhance the welcome and visitor experience, which includes a new visitor arrival building – currently under construction. Benefits will include improved access and landscaping, new toilet facilities, additional events space and a facility for seasonal activities such as theatre, outdoor markets and exhibitions.

The stableyard serves as a focal point for many of the 800,000 visitors the park receives each year and the project will significantly enhance the visitor welcome and experience, encouraging them to stay longer and return.

The park is managed by Cheshire East Council on behalf of the National Trust, which has approved the plans to sustain this significant heritage asset.

Councillor Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “The borough is extremely fortunate to have an award-winning visitor destination such as Tatton Park and it is vitally important that we continue to invest in this facility and build on the current visitor offer.

“The park plays an important role in the life of Cheshire East, making an important contribution to the visitor economy, while offering conservation and environmental benefits alongside educational, cultural and commercial objectives.”

Plans for the phased improvements to the park were first approved, in principle, by the council in June 2016, with planning permission granted the following year.

Purcell Architects, one of the country’s leading specialists in heritage restoration, have been commissioned to develop initial designs and today’s approval by cabinet means the authority can now progress the stableyard project.

Council’s climate change strategy boosted by proposed new fund

Cheshire East Council’s climate change strategy could soon receive a welcome financial boost as a result of a new fund.

The council and Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (C&WLEP) will access a £20m fund from the European Union, some of which could be used to support schemes to develop renewable sources.

The new urban development fund will provide loans to support investment in property development for companies focusing on research and innovation excellence, including in relation to the green economy.

It is proposed that £8m, the largest portion, would be allocated for eco-initiatives such as the production and distribution of renewable sources, £7m for research and innovation and the remainder for developments relating to entrepreneurship, new firms and incubator business.

Working with the C&WLEP, the council will act as ‘guarantor’ for the fund, to be administered by the enterprise partnership across the Cheshire and Warrington sub-region.

Cheshire East Council’s cabinet previously approved the setting up of an urban development fund and now cabinet has delegated authority for establishing all legal requirements and agreements.

Although much of the administration work will be carried out by the LEP, only a local authority can access the fund under its rules of governance.

Cheshire East Council deputy leader Craig Browne said: “It is a known fact that important property development projects for start-ups and innovators can fall on stony ground, simply because entrepreneurs cannot access the financing they require.

“The council is pleased to be asked to act as an accountable body and take on the role as entrusted entity for this fund. It will enable the local enterprise partnership to evaluate and assist those developers supporting innovation and green businesses.

Philip Cox, chief executive of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The Cheshire sub-region has a wealth of talented entrepreneurs and innovators and the urban development fund will act as a catalyst and incentive for those businesses and start-ups to develop their projects with confidence, knowing they can access the necessary funding for the building they require.”

The new urban development fund will build on the success of the £12.1m Growing Places Fund, which has made six loans to businesses, four of which have already been repaid.

HOSPITAL CHARITIES LAUNCH 2019 NHS BIG TEA CAMPAIGN

NHS charities across the country will once again join together to celebrate the anniversary of the launch of the NHS and to raise awareness of the work they do to support NHS Trusts every day of the year.
The NHS Big Tea campaign runs between 24 June – 7 July and is an opportunity for people to join together to ‘raise a cuppa’ to the NHS whilst raising funds for their local NHS charity.
Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, based at Leighton Hospital, Crewe, will be holding a tea party for patients, staff and supporters on Monday 1 July. They are also encouraging local businesses, individuals and groups to hold their own events throughout the campaign. Some of those who have already signed up include: Asda, Crewe; Richmond Retirement Village, Nantwich, and Crewe Alexandra Football Club. Staff from Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are also getting involved with the Urology Outpatients department and Orthopaedic Department Administration Team already signed up.
Emma Robertson, MCH Charity Manager, said: ‘Getting involved with the NHS Big Tea campaign is a fantastic way to show your support for the NHS and your local NHS charity. We were really pleased with the support we had from our local communities in 2018 and we’re hoping this year will be bigger and better. It’s easy to sign up through our website and we’ve created a resource pack for supporters which is full of things to help promote and run their event. We’re also keen to hear from companies who may be able to donate items or support for our tea party so we can put on a great day for our patients, staff and fundraisers.’
The national NHS Big Tea media launch will take place on Thursday 13 June 2019 at St. George’s Hospital, London on their helipad. Charles Venn, star of Casualty and Strictly Come Dancing, has agreed to take part in the NHS Big Tea photo shoot with Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, the first Chief Midwifery Officer for England. Dr Ranj (best known for ITV This Morning, as a resident doctor; CBeebies show ‘Get Well Soon’ from 2012 to 2015, as well as co-hosting ITV Save Money: Good Health alongside Sian Williams and a celebrity dancer of Strictly Come Dancing in 2018) is also hoping to be part of the launch.

Dave Pearce entrances Nantwich with trance anthems

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

Radio and club DJ Dave Pearce brought his ‘A Night of Trance Classics’ tour to Studio Nantwich, Castle Street in Nantwich on Friday 7th June 2019.
The creator and original presenter of BBC Radio 1's Dance Anthems, Dave Pearce has been a driving force in the UK Dance Scene for many years. He's sold over 1 million mix compilation albums in the UK with multiple top 5 UK Chart positions. He's held residencies in Ibiza, Ministry of Sound in London and BCM in Mallorca. He's played at all the major dance festivals including Creamfields and has been featured three times in DJ Mag's Top 100 DJs chart.
His set was packed full of the dance anthems including tracks from Faithless, ATB, William Orbit, BT, Tiesto, Sash!, Moby, Dario G, Fatboy Slim, Moloko, and The Chemical Brothers.
Local DJs Daz Bailey and Alan Woodhouse warmed up the crowd with floor filling tracks before Dave Pearce’s performance.
Speaking before his gig Dave Pearce said, “This is my first visit to Nantwich - it is great to perform at Studio Nantwich. I look forward to playing some of the tracks from my new album along with other trance anthems. I hope everyone has a fantastic night.”
Nigel Woodhouse, Director of Operations at Studio Nantwich said, “It’s been a honour for us at the Studio to have such a well-respected dance DJ that is the legendary Dave Pearce. His trance classics have helped to make him one of the most successful DJs of the last three decades - bringing trance to the masses. The date was also very special to us as it is the same week he officially launched his new compilation album, Trance Anthems 2, and we managed to see him play his awesome set before he played it in Ibiza etc. We are hoping this is the start of more and more huge DJs playing in our club over the coming 12 months”.
The 55-track compilation album ‘Dave Pearce Trance Anthems 2’ is out now via CD, download and streaming.
For information relating to future events at Studio Nantwich, please search Studio Live Nantwich on Facebook.

Courier Fraud Alert

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Courier Fraud, Bogus Police and Bank Officials Alert
What you need to know
Individuals have been receiving phone calls from people claiming to be a police officer or banking official
The suspect will say either:

• There has been fraudulent activity at the victims’ bank and the staff at the bank are involved, the victim is then asked to withdraw money to either keep it safe or assist the police with their investigation
• A business such as a jewellers or currency exchange is fraudulent and they require the victims’ assistance to help secure evidence by purchasing jewellery or exchange a large amount of currency to hand over to the police
• The victims’ card has been compromised and used to purchase goods by a suspect, the victim is requested to withdraw their money to keep it safe or hand over their bank card to the police

What you need to do
​​​​​​​Your bank or the police will never:
Occasionally the victim will be told to dial a non-emergency extension of ‘161’ to receive confirmation of the individual’s bogus identity, the bogus official will advise the victim to lie about the reason for the withdrawal or purchase if challenged by staff, as the staff member is involved in the fraud
A courier attends the victim’s home address to collect the goods the same day Often the victim is given a code word for the courier as a way of authentication

• Phone and ask you for your PIN or full banking password
• Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping
• Ask you to transfer money out of your account
• Send someone to your home to collect cash, PINs, cards to cheque books

Message Sent By
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

Online Vehicle Sales Alert - The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau

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What you need to know
Fraudsters have been advertising vehicles and machinery for sale on various online selling platforms, this includes vehicles and machinery used by the agricultural industry.
The victims, after communicating via email with the fraudster, will receive a bogus email which appears to be sent by a trustworthy third party, often PayPal or Escrow.
The emails are designed to persuade victims to pay upfront via bank transfer rather than through a protected payment method via the website. The victim pays the deposit before visiting the seller to collect the goods, believing there is a ‘cooling off’ period to reclaim the payment if they change their mind.
This gives victims the false sense of security that their money is being looked after by this trustworthy third party, when in fact, it is not and the money has gone straight to the fraudster.
It is vital that the public exercise caution when receiving emails or messages of this nature.
What you need to do

• Never transfer money for a vehicle you haven’t seen in person.
• Avoid paying for the vehicle by bank transfer as it offers you little protection if you become a victim of fraud. Instead, use a credit card or payment services such as PayPal.
• If you’re purchasing from a company or person you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first, or ask friends and family for advice before completing a purchase.

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Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

Cheshire East acknowledges latest consultation from HS2

Cheshire East Council has acknowledged the announcement from HS2 Ltd that they will consult, for 13 weeks, on changes to the phase 2b design (Crewe to Manchester).

The changes, which include two refinements to the route in Cheshire East, will also see two community events hosted by HS2 Ltd.

The ‘phase 2b design refinements consultation’, which will be run by HS2 Ltd on behalf of the secretary of state for transport, seeks to give communities the opportunity to formally respond to significant changes to the HS2 designs that were published at the end of 2018.

The two proposed design changes in Cheshire East are:

● A temporary (approximately seven years) construction railhead and permanent maintenance facility south of Ashley; and

● Works at High Legh that would allow two future connections to Northern Powerhouse Rail, which aims improve rail connectivity across the north.

HS2 Ltd will hold information events, close to the affected areas in Cheshire East. Information and members of its team will be available on the following dates:

● 26 June, 2pm-8pm, at Mere Court Hotel, High Legh;

● 12 July, 2pm-8pm, at St Peter’s Assembly Rooms, Hale.

Over the coming weeks, the council will review the information that has been published and develop its response to the consultation, which ends on 6 September 2019.

The council will work with the local community to understand the key concerns. Any issues raised, will inform the consultation response to government and HS2 Ltd.

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “I would encourage residents, businesses as well as communities to look at the information and attend the information events hosted by HS2 Ltd. This is an important opportunity to voice your opinions to them.

“Whilst we recognise the benefits HS2 could bring to the whole of Cheshire East, with the right solution for Macclesfield and the Crewe Hub, we must ensure that its construction and operation delivers the highest standards of environmental protection, government compensation and mitigation for the impact it will cause to our residents and countryside.

“We will continue our work with local communities to try and secure the best possible outcome for Cheshire East.”

The consultation documents are available on the government’s website at https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/hs2-phase-2b-design-refinement-consultation

HS2 Ltd have a 24-hour helpline and email address for those who would like to ask any questions about the consultation, or scheme in general ring 08081 434 434 or email hs2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

HMRC Alert

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What you need to know

• Action Fraud has experienced an increase in the reporting of malicious calls and voicemails, to members of the public purporting to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

• Fraudsters are spoofing genuine HMRC telephone numbers to deceive their victims over the phone. The fraudsters state that as a result of the victim’s non-payment of tax or other duty, the victim is liable for prosecution or other legal proceedings in order to settle the balance. The fraudsters suggest victims can avoid this, by arranging payment to be made immediately by methods such as bank transfer or by purchasing iTunes gift cards.
• If the victim is hesitant or refuses to comply, the suspect makes a threat such as immediate arrest, sending bailiffs to the victim’s address or, in some cases, deportation.
• Often, the period for which the tax is allegedly due is distant enough to guarantee the victim will have little, if any, paperwork or ability to verify the claims. Once the money is paid the suspects sever all contact with the victim.
• In genuine cases, HMRC will initially make direct contact with you via post/letter and potentially follow up that letter with a phone call at a later date.
• If HMRC contact you via telephone they will quote the reference number on the initial letter you should have received. HMRC will not discuss something you are not already aware of, like a tax investigation, and will NOT demand immediate payment.

It is vital that the public exercise caution when receiving messages or telephone calls of this nature.
What you need to do

• Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and contact details), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Instead, contact the company directly using trusted methods such as a known email address or phone number.
• Legitimate organisations wouldn’t ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using an iTunes gift card, or any other type of voucher. If you’re contacted by anyone that asks you to do this, you’re likely the target of a scam
• Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot.
• Report Phishing attempts. If you receive a call, text or email of this nature and have not lost money, you can report this as phishing to Action Fraud

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Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)