Cheshire East residents are reminded about changes to bin collections over Christmas and the New Year

Cheshire East residents are being reminded that there will be no garden waste collections between 23 December and 3 January.  

Cheshire East Council has reduced this break in service from 11 weeks last year to just two weeks this year, which is great news for residents. Although the suspension has been scaled back, a small shut down is still required to enable the service to focus on silver and black bin collections. These may contain more waste and recycling than usual due to the Christmas and New Year period.

There will be changes for any resident who has a collection that would fall on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day, these are:

● Wednesday 25 December (Christmas Day)

Silver bins (recycling) due to be emptied on this day will be emptied on Monday 23 December.

Black bins (household waste) due to be emptied on this day will be emptied on Tuesday 24 December;   

● Thursday 26 December (Boxing Day)

Silver bins (recycling) due to be emptied on this day will be emptied on Friday 27 December.

Black bins (household waste) due to be emptied on this day will be emptied on Monday 30 December; and  

● Wednesday 1 January (New Years Day)

Silver bins (recycling) due to be emptied on this day will be emptied on Tuesday 31 December.

Black bins (household waste) due to be emptied on this day will be emptied on Thursday 2 January.

Information about these changes is detailed on calendars that were sent to all households at the end of October. This information is also available online at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/bins

Ralph Kemp, Cheshire East Council’s head of environmental services said: “I urge all residents to make sure they are prepared for the suspension to garden waste collections, the last collection date for this year will be 22 December. During the shutdown residents can take their garden waste to any of the Cheshire East household waste recycling centres.

“Some households will find that they are also affected by changes to waste and recycling collections due to the Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day bank holiday. Please check the reverse of your collection calendar for full information or check the information on our website.”

Household waste recycling centres are located in Alsager, Bollington, Congleton, Crewe, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Middlewich or Poynton. These are open every day except Christmas Day. More info can be found at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/bins

A new ‘Waste Watchers’ app can be downloaded from the Apple or Google Play stores, which gives advice, collection day information and news about all collection services. Users can also sign up for alerts, such as notifications about unforeseen additional changes to collections due to bad weather.

Information and reminders about the changes will feature on Cheshire East Council’s website and social media pages. Please follow @CheshireEastCouncil on Facebook and @CheshireEast on Twitter to keep up-to-date.

Don’t forget – your new food waste recycling service starts in the new year

Cheshire East Council reminds residents that their new food waste recycling service will start in January.

From 6 January 2020, a six-eight week roll out period will take place, where residents with a garden waste bin will receive a small green food caddy. Caddies can be used in the kitchen to collect food waste, which can then be transferred to the garden waste bin for recycling.

Residents can start recycling food waste with their caddy as soon as they receive it. An initial supply of biodegradable liners will be provided with the caddy. However use of these is optional.

Once the caddy is full, the food waste goes directly into the garden waste bin along with garden waste, with or without a liner. Food waste needs to be collected in the garden waste bin as the council is not able to collect from caddies – these are purely for kitchen use, to transfer food to the garden bin

Garden waste bins will be collected every two weeks. Residents should refer to the new collection calendars that were sent to all households, for details of their collection schedule. Copies of these calendars can also be downloaded at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/bins

The council is committed to making our community a greener, cleaner place and has acted on residents concerns about recycling and food waste. This recycling service will reduce the amount of food going to waste and make a difference to our environment.

Councillor Brian Roberts, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and waste, said: “From January, collected mixed-food and garden waste will be taken to a special processing plant in Crewe, where it will be recycled into compost, which is used in horticulture and agriculture.

“I have been trialling use of the food waste caddy myself for a number of weeks. I had a few initial reservations on odour but I am pleased to say these reservations quickly disappeared. The system could not be simpler, with no smell from the food waste. It also made me really think about how much food I waste and what methods that I could put into place to reduce this.

“We are pleased to offer this new food waste recycling service but continue to encourage residents, to explore ways of reducing food waste though our ‘Love Food, Hate Waste Campaign’.

“We encourage those with space to continue to compost at home with suitable garden and vegetable peelings. We also want to thank residents for all they are doing to reduce waste and reuse or recycle where possible.”

Full details of the new service and what can and can’t be put into the food caddy were shown in the resident’s magazine – The Voice. This magazine arrived with households in November and within this is an eight-page, pull-out-and-keep food waste booklet.

A copy of this magazine is available on the council’s website at:   www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/thevoice

A new ‘Waste Watchers’ app can be downloaded from the Apple or Google Play stores, which gives advice, collection day information and news about food waste and all waste collection services. Users can also sign up for alerts, such as notifications about a missed collection due to bad weather.

The recent changes to bin collection days across Cheshire East were in preparation for this new food waste recycling service and to make improvements and efficiencies to the collection services.

Residents are urged not to place food waste in their garden bins until they receive the caddy in the new year.

Information and reminders about the collection changes and the new service, starting in January 2020, will feature on Cheshire East Council’s social media pages. Please follow @CheshireEastCouncil on Facebook and @CheshireEast on Twitter to keep up-to-date.

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

Firelink Enewsletter - December 2019

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

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Have your say on our draft plans for 2020/2024

Cheshire Fire Authority has published its draft Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) covering the period from 2020 to 2024.
The plan provides information on the risks facing Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and details how the organisation is structured and operates to mitigate these risks. It also details how Cheshire Fire Authority is funded and outlines plans over the next four years. Have your say by filling out a short survey on our website.
Find out more - Read our draft plans for 2020/2020 and have your say

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Review of 2019

We've had a busy year across the Service, and as 2019 draws to a close we take a look back at some of the work we've done over the past year.
Watch our video review of 2019

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Christmas safety

Give Santa a helping hand this Christmas by following his Christmas safety tips. Many of the things we enjoy during this festive period, such as the fairy lights, candles, paper hats and decorations, can all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken.
Find out more - 12 days of Christmas - fire safety tips

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Don't drink and drive

The annual Christmas Drink Drive crackdown in Cheshire has been launched with a warning to motorists for the festive period.
The key message to drivers is: If you are driving don't drink! If you plan to have a drink this Christmas, please leave your car at home.
Find out more - Don't drink and drive

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Safety Central now has even more in store for visitors

Lifeskills education at our award-winning learning centre has become even more interactive thanks to a generous early Christmas present from a major national retailer.
Working with its construction partners, the Co-op has installed a realistic new mock convenience store at Safety Central in Lymm.
It will be used to teach thousands of schoolchildren, young people and community groups about a range of important safety and lifestyle issues, including healthy eating, food labelling, age restrictions on certain products and the impact and implications of shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
The investment of over £30,000 has created a lifelike set featuring shop fittings, signage, a counter and a working till that you would expect to find in a real Co-op store.
Find out more - Safety Central now has even more in store for visitors thanks to major national retailer

Message Sent By
Ashley Lawton (Cheshire Police / Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Administrator, Corporate Communications)

The CAT 107.9FM Proudly Announce Sunday Night at the Lyceum

The Cat Community Radio are proud to announce a very special evening of live entertainment at the Crewe Lyceum Theatre on Sunday February 9th starting at 6pm. ‘Sunday Night at the Lyceum’ will be a spectacular evening of entertainment with all money raised through ticket sales being used in support of The Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity for the Lost Little Ones Baby Bereavement Suite

‘Sunday Night at the Lyceum’ will feature a live performance from your favourite dysfunctional family as featured on The Cat breakfast and drive time shows, The Bradshaws together with some of the best local artists, musicians and performers.

Tickets are now available from the Lyceum Box Office and https://crewelyceum.co.uk/ and would make a great Christmas present. Adult tickets are £15, Children £8.50, Concessions £12.50 and a family ticket for two adults and two children only £40.

Chris Cadman MD said, “I’d like to thank Crewe Mayor, Benn Minshall for helping us to launch ‘Sunday Night at the Lyceum’. The Cat 107.9FM are delighted to be staging this specular variety show at this iconic venue for what we hope will be both a fantastic fundraiser, as well as an enjoyable and memorable night of entertainment featuring many well-known local artists and performers including a special live performance from radio’s much-loved family “The Bradshaws.”

Carole Salmon, Community Fundraiser at Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity said “Sadly every year many families suffer the pain and trauma of baby loss. We know how important it is to provide these families with the time and space to create precious memories with their baby that will need to last a lifetime. By supporting ‘Sunday Night at the Lyceum’ you will help Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity to provide the funds to create a dedicated suite and outside space on the labour ward for bereaved parents. This will allow parents to stay together for a few hours or days with their baby in a comfortable, non-clinical environment and provide outside space where families can relax in the fresh air and spend quiet time together away from the rest of the ward.”

Weston Christmas Light Display 2019 is revealed - and it’s bigger and better than ever!

After months, weeks, days and hours preparing and planning this year’s Weston Christmas Light Display, it has finally been revealed.
The big switch on took place on Sunday 1^st December and once again Graham Witter has transformed his family home into a magical Winter Wonderland to raise money for The Donna Louise Hospice. 
This is the seventh year that Carters Green Farm in Weston has been decorated with tens of thousands of twinkling lights and decorations by Graham Witter and his family, in memory of Graham’s late sister Jessica.
Graham said “I’m so pleased with the 2019 display, it simply looks stunning. I have added several new animated silhouettes to the garden village scene, added more lights to the house and have designed my own stunning Christmas Tree, which is a brand-new feature this year. It’s always a bit nerve-wracking when we do the big switch-on, but I’m delighted that everything went well. To have seen so many happy faces enjoying the display already makes the months of planning and erecting the display worthwhile.” 
Everyone across our community is welcome to visit the Weston Christmas Light Display this December, where they’ll be able to visit Santa’s Grotto, indulge in a #festiveicecream and have a #sleighselfie with Santa, not forgetting having photo’s at the magnificent light display.
Graham added, “I hope the local community will come along to enjoy this year’s light spectacular, it doesn’t cost anything to visit, we just ask for a donation to our chosen charity, The Donna Louise Hospice, a place which is close to mine and my family’s hearts”
Graham first started the display six years ago to raise money for The Donna Louise where his sister received respite care. In that time he’s raised an incredible £92,310 to help local children and young people with life-limiting conditions, who are supported by the Hospice.
He added, “I’m really hoping to pass the £100,000 fundraising milestone this year – that would be a massive achievement. I feel so proud to continue this festive fundraiser in Jessica’s memory and know she would have laughed and smiled at all these magical lights and decorations.”
The Weston Christmas Light Display will shine bright every evening until 28th December, from 6.15pm – 9pm, at Carters Green Farm, Jack Lane, Weston. Santa will visit every Friday, Saturday, Sunday evening and each night the last few days before Christmas. Everyone’s welcome!
For more information email info@westonlightdisplay.co.uk

Victorian Steampunk Christmas’

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston
The inaugural ‘Victorian Steampunk Christmas’ took place in Crewe over the weekend of Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th December 2019 in association with Crewe Town Council.
The event took place on Lyceum Square and at Crewe Heritage Centre on the Saturday and moved entirely to Crewe Heritage Centre on the Sunday due to the forecast of poor weather.
There were numerous Steampunk memorabilia trade stalls, a salt plate photography studio, craft workshops, a Steam Wars exhibition with a Steampunk re-imagining of Star Wars, refreshments, live festive entertainment and a Steampunk Santa.
Crewe Heritage Centre was open to visitors including the Crewe North Junction signal box, the Advanced Passenger Train, static locomotive displays and miniature railway rides.
Despite windy weather on Sunday the event was enjoyed by several hundred people, many of whom had travelled from across England to attend.
For further information relating to Steampunk please visit: https://www.asylumsteampunk.co.uk/

Council prosecutes woman whose stairlift business lost pensioners more than £50,000

Cheshire East Council’s trading standards team has secured a successful prosecution against a business woman who left several elderly customers more than £50,000 out of pocket.

Belinda Rogers, of Devonshire Drive, Alderley Edge, took huge deposits from her customers but failed to deliver stairlifts to some customers or installed products that were faulty. 

Rogers, who ran Britannia Homelifts from offices in Congleton, received a six months’ suspended prison sentence and must pay £50,350 in compensation to people she had let down, plus £500 compensation to each of three customers who suffered distress after their lifts failed to arrive. She was also ordered to carry out 100 hours’ unpaid work.

She was also disqualified from being a company director for 10 years and ordered to pay £7,500 in prosecution costs. Her prison sentence was suspended for two years.

The case represents one of the most distressing cases the council’s trading standards team has had to investigate and involved support from other trading standards teams around the country.

Rogers, who advertised her business nationally, appeared at Chester Crown Court on 28 November for sentencing and was told by the judge Mr Justice Ian Dove that she displayed ‘dreadful’ business incompetence, had caused financial distress to her customers, had let old people down and demonstrated a litany of failures.

She pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to contravening professional diligence, an offence under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008.

The court was told of eight instances where customers had paid substantial deposits – from £7,000 to £13,500 – for stairlifts and through-the-floor domestic lifts intended to assist people with mobility difficulties. Some lifts were not delivered at all and those that were delivered developed faults and could not be used or were not fit for purpose.

One 96-year-old, who lost £11,000, had a hole cut in his floor but waited 18 weeks for his lift only to learn the business had gone bust. When another elderly customer refused to pay the balance until repairs were made, the company instead deactivated his lift, which the local council condemned as a fire hazard owing to its location in the house.

An elderly woman – who paid a £8,000 deposit – was left with a hole in her floor for two months and never received her lift or a refund. She had to sleep downstairs.

Another elderly woman paid £6,365 but the lift installed had no stop mechanism and she suffered falls from the equipment as a result. She was also forced to sleep downstairs for five months, suffering ‘significant’ impact on her health and wellbeing.

Although three customers were reimbursed via their credit card chargeback scheme, others lost substantial sums when the company went into liquidation. Rogers said the day-to-day running of the business was delegated to staff and she relied on her managers. She said staff had not followed procedures. The court heard she would sell property to reimburse all those who lost money.

After the hearing Frank Jordan, Cheshire East Council’s acting executive director of place, said: “This was a lengthy, and at times, distressing investigation by our trading standards officers and I wish to thank them for bringing this case to court and ending the highly irregular and insensitive business practices of this company.

“The council would also wish to express its sympathy for these elderly, vulnerable adults who have lost huge sums of money as a result of the incompetence of this individual.”

Mary Nash, daughter of Dr John and Rosemary Gittus, from Alcester, Warwickshire, said: “My father died early this year, aged 87. He never recovered from the distress this had caused him.  It has been desperately distressing and all the people affected by this have been elderly and vulnerable people.

“I am eternally grateful to Cheshire East trading standards for the hard work they have carried out to bring this matter to court.”

Rogers had been previously disqualified for two years in 2018, when her business collapsed. However, the council has succeeded in securing a further disqualification owing to the scale of the distress and financial loss to her customers.

Winter Wellbeing – prepare your home for winter

Cheshire East Council and its partners are offering a range of advice and support to residents on how to keep warm, well and safe this winter.

This week, we remind people that there are numerous checks that can be completed, which can minimise the effects of bad weather.

Our advice includes:

● Insulate pipes and drain off outside taps to prevent frozen pipes;

● Know where your stop tap is and make sure you can turn it on and off with ease;

● If you are going away, consider asking a friend or neighbour to check on your house regularly. That way, if you have a burst, it will be discovered early;

● Leave your heating on if the weather is forecast to be freezing;

● Insulate your loft or walls to keep the heat in. Free and impartial advice about energy saving measures, grants and discounts is available from the Cheshire Green Doctor on 0808 168 3547 or visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/helpwithheating;

● Fit draught proofing to seal any gaps around doors and windows;

● Get your boiler serviced regularly by a qualified engineer. Remember, for gas boilers, check that your engineer is Gas Safe registered. Oil-fired heating needs servicing too;

● If you don’t have central heating in your home, check to see if you are eligible for a grant at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/helpwithheating;

● Be prepared for clearing ice and snow this winter – have a snow shovel, brush and grit or salt ready;

● If a member of your household is of pensionable age, has a disability, has a chronic illness, has hearing and/or visual difficulties or you have a child under eight-years-old, you may be eligible for free or priority services. You can contact your energy supplier to check;

● If electricity supplies go down in your area, do not assume that your supplier knows – call them and have your name, postcode, house number and telephone number handy and;

● If you have a burst pipe, collect the water in a bucket and switch off your central heating. Turn off your stop tap and turn on your sink taps to drain your water system.

Do not touch wiring or switches which you suspect may have been affected. If in doubt, turn off your electricity at the mains and call a plumber. For more information, contact United Utilities on 0845 746 2200 or visit: www.unitedutilities.com

Dr Matt Tyrer, Cheshire East Council’s acting director of public health, said: “We know that winter can be a daunting time of the year for some people but there are simple things that residents can do themselves, to help them stay warm, well and safe.

“For those that do need a little extra help, there is lots of support out there and we’ll be issuing advice and information throughout the winter period.

“I’d also like to encourage residents to keep an eye on friends, family members and neighbours during the colder weather, as some people can find it quite isolating.”

For further winter-related advice including information about getting your flu jab, visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk and scroll down to the winter wellbeing section.               Advice can also be found on the council’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/cheshireeastcouncil and on Twitter @CheshireEast

Residents can help friends and neighbours, who are unable to access the internet, by downloading and printing off information and giving it to them.

'Xmas Fair’

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

The 64th Cancer Research UK 'Xmas Fair’ took place at Wistaston Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Wistaston on Saturday 30th November 2019. This annual event was organised by the Crewe & Nantwich Cancer Research UK Group.

There were numerous stalls with children’s games, tombola, cakes, chutneys, cheese & pickles, sweets, chocolate Santa’s, books, toiletries, plants, a wine tombola, a teddy tombola, Christmas cards and Cancer Research UK merchandise. The café had a new menu this year serving the usual drinks and snacks and bacon baps. Children were able to visit Father Christmas and receive a present from him.

£4,180.80 was raised at the event, with match funding to follow and this will go to Cancer Research UK: http://www.cancerresearchuk.org . Cancer Research UK pioneers life-saving research to bring forward the day when all cancers are cured.

A representative from Crewe & Nantwich Cancer Research UK Group said: “The long-term support of our committee and friends is crucial to the continued success of Cancer Research UK. We are very fortunate that, once again, the local community has supported us so well by either attending, or giving up their time to help, or donating items for us to sell. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped us to achieve this fantastic amount. We hope to see you again next year.”

If you would like to learn more about the work of the Crewe & Nantwich Cancer Research UK Group or would like to volunteer at any of their events please contact Lesley Rowlands, Treasurer, on 07496756447. Alternatively, you may wish to look at our Facebook page Crewe & Nantwich Cancer Research UK Group. Donations may be made, at any time: https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/unite/crewe-and-nantwich-committee

Don’t miss out on making your postal vote count

Cheshire East Council is urging people to return their completed postal vote in plenty of time before General Election day.

Postal voters are being asked to complete and return their postal ballot documents at the earliest opportunity.

People are being advised to follow the instructions enclosed in the postal vote pack carefully. For a postal vote to be valid, electors must return both the ballot paper and the correctly completed postal voting statement.

Postal voters need to complete the postal voting statement accurately, with their date of birth and signature.

The deadline for postal votes to be received is 10pm on election day on Thursday 12 December. However, please complete and return your postal vote papers as quickly as possible, because sufficient time must be allowed for these to be returned through the post before the deadline.

Kath O’Dwyer, acting returning officer for the four parliamentary constituencies of Crewe and Nantwich, Congleton, Macclesfield and Tatton, said: “I would urge everyone who has opted for a postal vote to fill in their pack and return it as soon as possible – and not leave it until the last minute.

“It is really important for the health and vitality of our democracy that people, who are eligible, exercise their right to vote and have their say on the issues that affect us all – and that they don’t miss the deadline to make their ballot count.

“If you don’t vote, you don’t have a voice – so I would urge everyone, who is eligible, to take the time to vote and be heard.”

The deadline to apply for a proxy vote, where a voter nominates a trusted person to cast a vote on their behalf, is 5pm on Wednesday 4 December. Completed forms must be received by the Cheshire East Council elections team before this deadline.

Anyone looking for more information about voting should visit the website: www.yourvotematters.co.uk

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

On polling day, Thursday 12 December, polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm. Information about voting at this election is available from the Electoral Commission at: www.yourvotematters.co.uk

Winter Wellbeing – have you had your flu jab?

Cheshire East Council and its partners are offering a range of advice and support to residents on how to keep warm, well and safe this winter.
This week, we are encouraging residents to get their flu jab as soon as possible.

While some people might think influenza is a bad cold, ‘flu’ can actually be a severe illness that can lead to serious complications.

People at increased risk of severe illness if they catch flu are older people, the very young, pregnant women, those with long-term health conditions – particularly chronic lung or heart disease – and those with a weakened immune system.

The flu jab is the single most effective way to protect yourself and those around you.

While most healthy people generally recover within a week, flu can lead to serious complications, like pneumonia, which require hospital treatment. Every year, thousands of people die from this preventable disease.

As the flu bug changes every winter, it is very important that people are immunised each year, as the flu jab protects against the latest strains circulating.

The best time to get vaccinated is before the flu season starts, so please speak to your GP surgery or pharmacy about getting the vaccination as soon as possible.

Those eligible to receive a free flu vaccination on the NHS are:

● People aged 65 or over;  

● All pregnant women;

● People living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility;

● Those in receipt of a carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill;

● People aged from six months to less than 65 who have certain medical conditions;

● All two and three-year-olds (nasal spray vaccine); and

● All children in school reception class and school years one-six and up to the age of ten years (nasal spray vaccine).

Parents of young children are strongly recommended to make sure that their children have had their free flu vaccination. For children aged two to ten years, it is quickly done with a simple nasal spray instead of a jab.

Dr Matt Tyrer, health protection lead at Cheshire East Council, added: “Flu is a highly-infectious disease with symptoms that come on very quickly, especially fever, tiredness and aching joints.

“Both adults and children can be very ill with flu and can spread it to others even before they become unwell. Children are also ‘super-spreaders’ of flu, so vaccinating them can protect more vulnerable members of the community, especially older people.”

Residents who come into contact with anyone who has a weakened immune system and health and social care workers are also urged to protect themselves and those around them, by having the jab.

For advice and information about the flu vaccination, speak to your GP, practice nurse or pharmacist or visit: www.nhs.uk/staywell/

For further winter-related advice, visit: www.facebook.com/cheshireeastcouncil and www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter

Residents can help friends and neighbours, who do not have internet access, by downloading and printing off information from the website and giving it to them.

Don’t lose your voice on election day – check the location of your local polling station

Voters are being urged to check the location of their local polling station – so they don’t lose their voice in the General Election.

Cheshire East Council will be responsible for running 280 polling stations across the whole borough, where votes can be cast on 12 December 2019.

Voters can check on their polling cards, which will identify which polling station they should visit to cast their ballot. Any residents affected by changes to polling stations have also been written to by the council, informing them of where they will be able to vote.

Cheshire East Council’s acting chief executive Kath O’Dwyer, who is the acting returning officer for Cheshire East, said: “I would urge all voters to check the location of their local polling station before election day. It is worth bearing in mind that there are a small number of our usual polling station venues unavailable due to refurbishment, repair works or unforeseen circumstances.

“It is really important for the vitality of our democracy that people, who are eligible, exercise their right to vote and have their say on the issues that will affect us all.

“If you don’t vote, you don’t have a voice – so I would urge everyone, who is eligible, to take the time to vote and be heard.”

The deadline to apply for a proxy vote, where a voter nominates a trusted person to cast a vote on their behalf, is 5pm on Wednesday 4 December. Completed forms must be received by the Cheshire East Council elections team before this deadline.

Anyone looking for more information about voting should visit the website: www.yourvotematters.co.uk

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

On polling day, Thursday 12 December, polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm. Information about voting at this election is available from the Electoral Commission at: www.yourvotematters.co.uk

Have you had your say on the council’s environmental plan?

Cheshire East Council has a live consultation on its environmental strategy and is urging everyone to have their say on its priorities and vision for the future before it closes on Sunday 1 December.

Six ambitious priority areas have been developed, following the council’s declaration of a climate change emergency. They are:

● Cheshire East will be a carbon neutral council by 2025;

● Waste and pollution will be reduced;

● Air quality will improve;

● Increase sustainable transport and travel;

● Sensitive and sustainable new development; and

● Protect and enhance our natural environment.

Paul Bayley, director of environment and neighbourhood services for Cheshire East Council, said: “We welcome any comments on the strategy and our commitments to meet the challenge of climate change and reduce carbon emissions. We have an ambitious target of being carbon neutral by 2025.

“However, the council only accounts for one per cent of the carbon emissions across the borough of Cheshire East. We also want to work with our partners, communities, businesses and residents to help them reduce their carbon emissions and welcome any suggestions for how we can do this.”

The consultation can be accessed by visiting: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/consultations

Queens Park Crewe November 2019

Cheshire East residents are thanked for their patience during bin collection changes

Cheshire East residents are thanked for their patience and assistance following recycling and waste collection day changes.

New collection routes and schedules took effect from 4 November and saw many residents across the borough have a change in collection days.

As a result of these changes some residents experienced a longer than usual gap between waste collections. This disruption to their service was for the first few weeks only as the new routes bed in and is why any additional side waste, of up to three bags, was removed.

Any current missed collections need to be reported to Cheshire East Council using the form online available at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/bins. A collection will then be made within five working days where possible, however it may be slightly longer during this early stage of such a major change to the service.

Additional collection lorries have been added to help with demand and crews may be collecting on Saturday’s until the revised collection service becomes fully established.

Ralph Kemp, Cheshire East Council’s head of environmental services said: “The recent bin collection service alterations are our biggest change in a ten year period and has involved changing routes, staff rotas and resident collection days.

These changes have been necessary to achieve long term efficiencies and to prepare for the new food waste recycling service that is being introduced in January. I’d like to thank residents for their patience during these changes.”  

There will be some changes to collections over the Christmas and New Year bank holidays. There will be no garden waste collection between 23 December and 3 January. This information is detailed on new collection calendars that were sent to all households at the end of October.

The new bin collection route information and Christmas and New Year bank holiday changes are available to download from the Cheshire East Council website www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/bins

Information and reminders about the changes will feature on Cheshire East Council’s website and social media pages. Please follow @CheshireEastCouncil on Facebook and @CheshireEast on Twitter to keep up-to-date.

Celebrate music at Tatton Park this Christmas

Don’t forget your singing voice - audience participation is a must!

If you’re struggling for gift ideas or just fancy a glittering night out in one of Cheshire’s stately homes, tickets are on sale for the Christmas Concerts at Tatton Park. Your evening includes a visit to the fairytale Christmas Mansion, a festive drink and delicious sweet treat before each concert.

Northern Chamber Orchestra, Friday 13^th December at 7pm

The wonderful Northern Chamber Orchestra will treat you to a medley of classical music and this year, they are accompanied by the Choir of St Nicholas Catholic High School, Northwich. Feel free to sing along to your favourite carols! Tickets are £25 for adults and £15 for under-18s. To book call 0161 247 2220 or visit ncorch.co.uk

Roberts Bakery Brass Band, Saturday 14^th December at 7pm

Expect a varied programme from the ever-popular Roberts Bakery Brass Band, including traditional pieces, solos and upbeat compositions by their world-renowned Musical Director, Paul Lovatt-Cooper. Tickets are £18 per person. To book call 01625 374400 or visit eventbrite.co.uk

Firelink Enewsletter - November 2019

Firelink Enewsletter - November 2019

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

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Joint Emergency Services Christmas Carol Concert

Join our emergency service teams next Tuesday, December 3, for a free Christmas Carol Concert at Chester Cathedral.
The evening promises something for all the family with renditions of festive favourites sung by the heavenly voices of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Choir, North West Ambulance Service Choir and children from Stapeley Broad Lane Primary School.
Cheshire Constabulary band will also be there playing brass and drums to entertain the audience.
The Cathedral doors open at 7pm for the concert, which starts at 7.30pm and everyone is welcome to attend.
Find out more - Joint Emergency Services Christmas Carol Concert

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Five-year-old girl alerts family to house fire

The parents of a five-year-old girl who alerted her family to a fire in their home in the middle of the night are urging others to learn from the ‘terrifying experience’.
The fire at a house in Boleyn Close, Blacon, near Chester, was caused by an electrical fault involving a razor that had been left charging on the upstairs landing overnight.
Find out more - Five-year-old girl alerts sleeping family of house fire in Blacon

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Could you be a paid on-call firefighter?

We are recruiting for paid on-call firefighters at the following fire stations: Alsager, Audlem, Birchwood, Bollington, Frodsham, Holmes Chapel, Knutsford, Macclesfield, Malpas, Middlewich, Nantwich, Northwich, Penketh, Poynton, Runcorn, Sandbach, Stockton Heath, Tarporley, Wilmslow and Winsford Fire Stations.
Could you be an on-call firefighter?
We're looking for enthusiastic individuals with common sense, the ability to work as part of a team and able to deal with physically and emotionally demanding situations. Qualifications aren't necessary, applicants just need to be at least 18 years old and physically and medically fit with good hearing and eyesight.
Potential recruits also need to be able to reach their local fire station within five minutes of home or work and have a real interest in the fire and rescue service and helping in the community. The role attracts an average income in the region of £5000 a year.
Find out more - On-call firefighter recruitment

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Is your chimney ready for the winter?

With the arrival of the colder, winter months, people will begin to start using open fires and their chimneys again.  In order to keep you and your family safe from fire, you need to take necessary steps such as ensuring your chimney is swept regularly, depending upon what fuel you burn, and we would urge all householders to have a working smoke alarm in their home.
Find out more - Get your chimney ready for the winter

Survivors stand up, speak out and lead the way on domestic abuse

Agencies from across Cheshire East came together at an event recently to hear and learn from those directly affected by domestic abuse.

The event was held to acknowledge White Ribbon Day, which raises awareness of domestic violence across the world.

Across Cheshire East partners work together to offer a ‘whole family’ domestic abuse service, delivered by Cheshire East Council’s specialist domestic abuse teams and the charity MyCWA. This service helps people, including men and boys, who are harmed, along with perpetrators and children and young people who often witness the abuse.

During the event, survivors bravely shared their experiences and explained how they often feel afraid, confused and disbelieved.

Nancy, a survivor, said: “The biggest tool a perpetrator has is silencing us. You need the key to unlocking it. Please don’t assume you know or understand how it feels.

“Not feeling believed or listened to is the biggest weight on a victim’s shoulders and feeling understood will allow us the confidence to speak out.”

Kate Rose, head of safeguarding at Cheshire East Council and chair of the multi-agency Cheshire East Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership, said: “Today we have heard from many survivors of domestic abuse, who have been so brave in standing up and speaking out about their experiences. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone but it’s a massively under-reported crime as it tends to happen behind closed doors.

“This event is an example of how the partnership wants to lead the way by offering a wide range of training for professionals, with the aim of providing support at an earlier stage, before victims reach crisis point.

“When you’re in an abusive relationship, you might not recognise it to begin with. Sometimes those around you, including employers, friends and family are the first to see the warning signs and the impact this may be having.

“What happens behind closed doors doesn’t have to stay there. If you, or someone you know, is in a relationship that doesn’t feel quite right – I urge you to get in touch.”

If you are affected by domestic abuse, or concerned for someone else, call 0300 123 5101 at any time or visit: www.openthedoorcheshire.org.uk. If you need support with a sexual violence incident, call the rape and sexual abuse support centre on 0330 3630063 or visit: www.cheshiresarc.org.uk

In an emergency, always call 999.

Weston Christmas Light Display – The Big Switch On

Press Night – Monday 2^nd December, 6.30pm, Carters Green Farm, Weston, Crewe. Graham Witter (and Santa!) will be available for interviews and photographs.

While many people are just beginning to think about Christmas, for Graham Witter and his family their planning began back in the summer, as the family have already spent months preparing for this year’s Weston Christmas Light Display.

This December, the family will once again transform their family home into a magical Winter Wonderland with thousands of twinkling lights and decorations, to raise money for The Donna Louise Hospice for Children and Young People.

This is the seventh year that Graham has organised the display, in memory of his sister, Jessica, who had a great fascination for colour, light and sound and received respite care at The Donna Louise Hospice. 

Over the last six years, he has raised a breath-taking £92,310 for the families, like his, who rely on The Donna Louise for a range of care, support and respite services. And, thanks to Graham’s hard work, and months of planning, the Weston Christmas Light Display gets bigger, better and more animated every year with tens of thousands of bulbs across the display including almost two thousand on the Christmas tree alone!

Graham said, “Although it takes months of hard work to organise, plan and erect the display, as well as night after night standing outside throughout December, I can honestly say that I absolutely love doing this community event. It makes me really proud to know that the light display will support so many local families who use The Donna Louise and is something organised in December that sits in the heart of our local community.  

“I particularly enjoy all the planning and it’s always exciting to come up with new ideas to make the display better and more creative each year. I also enjoy working closely with many local businesses and building partnerships that will help ensure the continued success of the light display. This year I’m delighted that many local businesses are continuing to support the light display and I feel that this demonstrates they are very proud to be involved with my fundraising efforts.”

The event is now a festive favourite in the diaries of many local families, and last year more than 15,000 people visited the display throughout December, helping Graham to raise a phenomenal £26,760!

The opening evening for this year’s light display will be on Sunday 1^st December at 6.15pm. This year’s light spectacular is promised to be even bigger and better than ever before, as visitors will be able to have a #sleighselfie with Santa, enjoy the festive music, visit Santa’s Grotto and indulge on a #festiveicecream!

Simon Fuller, Chief Executive of The Donna Louise, added, “Over the last six years Graham’s support for The Donna Louise Hospice has been truly outstanding. He’s raised more than £92,000 through his hard work, time and dedication to the Weston Christmas Light Display, which has made a huge difference to hundreds of local families.

“I visited the Light Display myself for the first time last year and was totally blown away by just how much effort goes in to it by Graham and all his amazing volunteers. I’ll be attending again for this year’s lights switch on and I’m really looking forward to it. I hope the local community will once again support Graham to make this year’s event another huge success.”

The Weston Light Display will shine bright between 1^st – 28^th December (6.15pm-9pm) at Carters Green Farm, Jack Lane, Weston. For more information email info@westonlightdisplay.co.uk

Jayne Dono

Relationship Assistant

The Donna Louise Hospice for children & young people

1 Grace Road, Trentham, Stoke on Trent, ST4 8FN

Tel: 01782 654444   

01782 654440 (switch) | 01782 654444 (fundraising) | 01782 654441 (fax)

jayne.dono@thedonnalouise.org (email) | www.thedonnalouise.org (web) 

SEAHORSE SC SUPPORTS CHILDREN IN NEED

Members of Seahorse Swimming Club, which caters for people with disabilities, raised £166.60 for Children in Need during their swimming session. The swimmers were dressed in yellow T-shirts in the pool and after swimming they enjoyed some delicious Pudsey fairy cakes, which had been made by volunteer Elaine Evans and her daughter Helen, who swims at the Club. Swimmer Sam Foster made some yellow loom bands and a duck race raffle was also held.

“The Seahorse members look forward to supporting Children in Need, which they have done for the last few years, by having lots of fun in the pool while dressing up in yellow for the occasion. The after-swim cakes go down well with everyone and the duck race raffle rounds off a night of fun for a fantastic cause.” – Gareth Roberts (Secretary).

We’re ready for Christmas, down at the Farm

Meet Father Christmas

Meet Father Christmas and his helpful elves in a cosy grotto at Tatton Park’s Farm, a holiday tradition for lots of families. Entertainers, storytelling and face painting will keep little ones busy or they can run-off their excitement in our woodland play area and build a winter den.

Want to feel Christmassy?

If you’re after a full-on festive feeling, head to our animal nativity in the stable, where our rare breed farm animals are joined by our resident reindeer, Dancer and Prancer. Sing carols accompanied by brass bands and choirs, with a mulled wine in one hand and mince pie in the other.

Make magical reindeer food in the Mill

Back by popular demand…sprinkle some magic in our renovated Mill and make your own bag of reindeer treats to take home. Years ago the Mill was used to produce feed for the Farm animals…this year you can weigh out festive feed ready for your special Christmas Eve visitors!

Our rare breed regulars

The Farm is home to many Rare Breed animals not just at Christmas, but all year round. Come and meet our Clydesdale horses, Tamworth pigs and Leicester Longwool sheep. An animal adoption pack from the Farm can make a unique Christmas gift.

Christmas Farm opening times:

Saturdays and Sundays 11am – 4pm (last entry 3pm)

30 Nov – 1 Dec, 7 – 8 Dec, 14 – 15 Dec and 21 – 22 Dec 2019

Prices:

v £7 for adults and £6.50 for children (includes a gift from Father Christmas) No booking required.

v £7 vehicle park entry applies (walkers and cyclists enjoy free parkland entry)

v Prices apply for National Trust members to this special seasonal event

More information at www.tattonpark.org.uk/christmas or call 01625 374416

Cheshire East Council announces new food waste recycling service starting in January

A new food waste recycling service for Cheshire East residents will start in January 2020.

From 6 January, people will start to receive a small green food caddy. This will enable food waste to be separated easily from the rest of everyday household waste.

Residents can start using their caddy as soon as they receive it. An initial supply of biodegradable liners will be provided with the caddy. However use of these is optional.

Once the caddy is full the food waste goes directly into the garden waste bin along with garden waste, with or without a liner.

Garden waste bins will be collected every two weeks. Residents should refer to the new collection calendars, that were sent to all households, for details of their collection schedule. Copies of these calendars can also be downloaded at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/bins

The council is committed to making our community a greener, cleaner place and has acted on residents concerns about recycling and food waste. This recycling service will reduce the amount of food going to waste and make a difference to our environment.

Ralph Kemp, Cheshire East Council’s head of environmental services, said: “The council is committed to providing increased opportunities for recycling and to treat waste more sustainably. Recycling food waste rather than disposing of it in your black bin is the right thing to do, as it enables us to recycle it into high-quality compost and return the organic matter to the soil. 

“From January, collected mixed food and garden waste will be taken to a special processing plant in Crewe, where it will be recycled into compost, which is used in horticulture and agriculture.

“We are pleased to offer this new food waste recycling service but continue to encourage residents to explore ways of reducing food waste though our ‘Love Food, Hate Waste Campaign’. We encourage those with space to continue to compost at home with suitable garden and vegetable peelings.

“We also want to thank residents for all they are doing to reduce waste and reuse or recycle where possible.”

Rotting food waste produces methane, which contributes to climate change. It costs twice as much to dispose of food waste in a black bin – ­ as it does to recycle food waste.

Full details of the new service and what can and can’t be put into the food caddy are shown in the resident’s magazine  – The Voice. This magazine will start to arrive with households from 18 November and within this is an eight page, pull-out and keep, food waste booklet. 

A new ‘Waste Watchers’ app can be downloaded from the Apple or Google Play stores, which gives advice, collection day information and news about food waste and all waste collection services. Users can also sign up for alerts, such as notifications about a  missed collection due to bad weather.

The recent changes to bin collection days across Cheshire East were in preparation for this new food waste recycling service and to make improvements and efficiencies to the collection services.

Residents are urged not to place food waste in their garden bins until they receive the caddy in the new year.

Information and reminders about the collection changes and the new service, starting in January 2020, will feature on Cheshire East Council’s social media pages. Please follow @CheshireEastCouncil on Facebook and @CheshireEast on Twitter to keep up-to-date.

Council’s building control team celebrates ‘excellence’ award for space research HQ

Cheshire East Council’s building control company, Civicance, is sharing in the celebrations following a national building excellence award for the new headquarters for the Square Kilometre Array at Jodrell Bank.

The wholly-owned arms-length company is responsible for overseeing compliance with building regulations and worked closely with the builders and architects throughout the process, creating the global HQ for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).

Ian Bunn, managing director of Civicance, said: “I am extremely proud to have been involved in working with the architects, Hassell, and builders, Sir Robert McAlpine, in creating this exceptional building, which has such international and scientific significance on the world stage.

“There were a number of challenges for the architects in view of the special nature of the site, near Holmes Chapel, and we are pleased that the judges have recognised the quality of build and design, which will become another landmark feature for the borough.”

The SKA is a multi-national project involving 13 national members committed to building the world’s largest radio telescope in two countries – Australia and South Africa – with the nerve-centre located in Cheshire East, at the site of the famous Lovell Telescope.

The award for best large commercial project was given to the SKA at the Local Authority Building Excellence awards in London.  It beat several other major projects from around the country for technical innovation, sustainability, safety and design. The award was presented in front of 800 building industry professionals at an event in London.

Cheshire East Council has contributed to delivering the SKA global headquarters, alongside partners, including the University of Manchester and the UK government.

The judging panel of industry experts said the building was a ‘superb’ example of high-quality commercial design, exceeding building regulations, minimum requirements and providing an attractive, state-of-the-art working environment.

Frank Jordan, Cheshire East Council’s executive director of place and acting deputy chief executive, said: “I congratulate the SKA team, builders, architects and Civicance on this remarkable achievement. It is a real feather in our cap to have such a prestigious and important research project with its headquarters here in Cheshire East.”

The SKA global HQ will host around 150 staff from around the world, who will oversee the construction and operations of what is considered one of the most ambitious science endeavours in modern times. Construction of the SKA begins in 2021 and promises to ‘revolutionise our understanding of the universe’.

Are you registered to vote? Don’t miss the deadline

Cheshire East Council is urging people to ensure they are registered to vote – so they don’t miss out on having their say in the General Election.

The deadline to register to vote – or to apply for a postal vote – is Tuesday 26 November.

And the message from Cheshire East is: If you’re not registered and you can’t vote – you haven’t got a voice.

Polling cards have been posted to registered electors. If you have not received your polling card by Monday 18 November, you should contact the council by ringing 0300 123 5016 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

Cheshire East Council’s acting chief executive Kath O’Dwyer, who is the Acting Returning Officer for elections in the borough, said: “There are just a handful of days left for people to register to vote or to apply for a postal vote in the General Election – so don’t leave it too late.

“A healthy democracy needs actively engaged voters – and you can’t vote if you aren’t registered.

“It is important that people cast their ballot and don’t miss out on the opportunity to have a voice on the local, national and international issues that affect the lives of all of us. So, I would urge everyone of voting age to take just a few minutes to ensure that they are registered to vote.”

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 4 December. Completed forms must be received by the Cheshire East Council elections team before this deadline.

Anyone looking for more information about voting should visit the website: www.yourvotematters.co.uk

Anyone who is not yet registered to vote should apply now at: www.gov.uk/registertovote

Anyone who was registered to vote at the local council elections last May will not need to re-register in order to take part in the 2019 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.

On polling day, Thursday 12 December, polling stations will be open between 7am and 10pm. Information about voting at this election is available from the Electoral Commission at: www.yourvotematters.co.uk

Council urges all interested parties and communities to join in flood resilience planning

Cheshire East Council is urging communities, landowners and partners to come together to help tackle the scale and extent of future flooding incidents across the borough.

The recent spells of intense rainfall on already waterlogged ground, coupled with high river levels, has brought about unprecedented episodes of flooding across the borough.

The council is appealing to farmers and all landowners to clear ditches and culverts and improve land drainage. It is taking measures on its own land to improve drainage, where necessary, while the council’s highways and environmental services teams have stepped up gully cleaning and street sweeping.

Across Cheshire East, it is estimated that more than 35,000 homes and business premises are located in areas where there is a recognised risk of flooding and all property owners have a responsibility to carry out their own measures to protect their homes and property without causing any interference with neighbouring properties.

Emergency planning teams from the council and other agencies are already working with communities affected by recent flooding events. Many residents and communities, including parish and town councils, provide support and help to each other, to build resilience, and share knowledge and strategies for dealing with flood emergencies.

The joint Cheshire emergency planning team works with town and parish councils to develop a community emergency plan to provide advice and direction, build resilience in communities and enable residents and councils to coordinate their own actions and responses.

Frank Jordan, Cheshire East Council’s executive director for place, said: “It is important that we all work together to better prepare for the kind of flooding events we have experienced in the borough.

“We recognise that in some parts of the country, as well as in our borough, residents have experienced severe flooding incidents and have seen damage to their property and been forced to leave their homes or have been seriously inconvenienced by the closure of local roads.

“Naturally, we want to do all we can as a council and flood authority to try to minimise that risk here in Cheshire East but we would urge all home and property owners to check the flood risk map which shows the identified flood risk areas in the borough.

“We are working with a number of our partner agencies and organisations, including the Environment Agency, United Utilities, the Canal and River Trust, farmers and landowners.

“We are asking all landowners to take whatever steps they feel appropriate to help minimise the risk of flooding to properties, to roads and footways. If necessary, the council does have the power under the Land Drainage Act 1991, to compel landowners to do this.”

Cheshire East Council continues to work within national planning policy guidelines regarding new development and flood risk to make sure that the risk of flooding is properly considered and reflected in planning decisions.

For all information relating to flooding, how to prepare for flooding and the risk of flooding visit: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/planning/flooding/flooding.aspx

Or the government flood line: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/warnings

The national flood risk map can be viewed here: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/long-term-flood-risk/map

Cheshire East Council’s highways teams are geared up for winter

Cheshire East Council’s highways teams are fully prepared to keep the borough’s road open and safe ahead of winter.

A fleet of 21 new gritters will be on standby around the clock following a significant investment in vehicles. They contain innovative technology to make them safer, more efficient and produce lower emissions.

Salt stocks have been replenished ready to treat Cheshire East’s road network. Gritting routes are planned and include the high-level roads to the east of the borough, where snow and ice tend to have the most severe impact in extremely cold weather.

Weather conditions are monitored closely and the gritting team will treat up to 1,200 kilometres (750 miles) of road when wintry conditions are forecast, in order to keep key routes and services running as normal.

The gritters, which feature location trackers enabling members of the public to track them live online, will be on standby 24 hours a day, seven days a week from October until the end of April.

Paul Traynor, head of highways at Cheshire East Council, said: “Our winter season can stretch over a six-month period, so it was vital that our gritters are ready and our salt stocks remain high.

“Winter weather can be extremely unpredictable, so we monitor the weather forecast closely to ensure that our gritting routes are treated at the right time. We also urge residents to take great care when driving or walking when it’s icy or snowing.

“Although we treat nearly half of Cheshire East’s road network, we cannot ensure that all roads will be completely clear of snow or ice, so please take care – especially on untreated roads.”

Residents can keep up to date with gritting decisions by following the @CECHighways twitter account. Cheshire East’s gritting vehicles can also be tracked as they treat the network at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways

Further information about Cheshire East Council’s winter service and guidance on travelling during winter can be found at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways

Cheshire East Highways can also be contacted on 0300 123 5020.

Once upon a Fairy-tale Christmas Mansion….

 

Tatton tradition and make-believe magic

If you’re looking for a fairy-tale Christmas this year, Tatton Park’s Mansion has been transformed into a magical celebration of ten much-loved fairy tales.

Experience the impressive state rooms and fascinating servant’s quarters as never before. Visitors will be immersed in a dazzling world of forest green, ruby red, golden thread and snow white. Marvel at fantastic fairy-tale themed rooms, beautiful Christmas decorations and festive floral displays from the end of November right through to 5^th January 2020.

Who is the fairest of them all?

Follow the Fairy Godmother’s trail through the Mansion to discover creative interpretations of legendary stories, entertaining costumed characters and the chance to make special wishes for your perfect Christmas.

Dare to join Little Red Riding Hood in the yellow Drawing Room or stroll through a sparkling wintry forest to find Snow White’s enchanted mirror to ask “Who is the fairest of them all?” Rapunzel, with her long blonde hair cascading down the Grand Staircase, might just be the answer!

A favourite for all ages is Beauty and the Beast in the atmospheric Library, exquisitely illuminated with glittering candelabra. Continue along the trail to Aladdin’s golden palace, richly decorated with Arabian rugs, and then find the password to uncover Ali Baba and his 40 thieves, veiled in mystery in the Music Room.

Calling all Prince and Princesses - will the slipper fit?

The story of Cinderella is a highlight of the visit. Children can wear a crown and have their photo taken beside the Pumpkin Carriage, before everyone tries on her slipper for size, just in case it fits!

The fascinating Servant’s Quarters pay homage to the timeless tales of Hansel and Gretel - with a magnificent Witch’s gingerbread house in the Kitchen alongside Goldilocks and the Three Bears making mischief in the Scullery! Don’t forget to conjure some spells with the Fairy Godmother in her magic pantry before you enjoy your homemade festive treat as you bid farewell.

Christmas Mansion opening times:

11am to 3pm

26 - 29 Nov and 3 - 5 Dec

11am to 8pm

Fri 6 Dec

12 to 4pm

Weekends from 30 Nov to 8 Dec

Fri, Sat, Sun from 13 – 29 Dec

31 Dec – 5 Jan 2020

Prices:

v £10 for adults and £7 for children (ages 4-15).

v Pre-booked friends and family groups of 15 or more can benefit from discounted rates of £9.50 per adult and £5.50 per child.

More information at www.tattonpark.org.uk/christmas or call 01625 374416

Decarbonisation of the Northern Powerhouse

Covering a growing population of 15.3 million, home to over a million businesses and with an economy totalling £329bn, the Northern Powerhouse forms the very spine of the North of England.

As such, it is a region absolutely pivotal to the future of the UK, and for meeting central government’s ambitious objectives – particularly around environmental issues. Core cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle are vital in the strive towards a government target of net zero-carbon emissions by 2050.

Climate change has been a talking point for some time now, as we see our environment shift in this modern era, but until now there has been difficulty bringing all the necessary key voices together in one place to take note, and action.

To address this need for discussion, the EvoNorth conference has prioritised decarbonisation as one of its key agendas as it returns to Manchester for a second year.

Taking place at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground in Manchester, EvoNorth is a two day exhibition, conference and evening dinner which will run between March 4 and 5.

The conference will look to unite leaders from the public and private sector to collaborate, share exciting innovation and collectively build a stronger Northern Powerhouse, improving the outlook and opportunities across the North of England.

Hundreds of delegates will be in attendance at the event, which features speeches from high-profile politicians, business leaders and academics, including notable names such as Joe Howe, executive director and professor at the Thornton Energy Institute and chairman at North West Hydrogen Alliance, and Dr Tom Knowland, head of sustainable energy and climate change at Leeds City Council.

The event will see contributions from major businesses and key decision-makers, as EvoNorth looks to support and drive forward the conversations and progress made towards key agendas, including decarbonisation and a wider commitment to protecting the environment.

EvoNorth also sees a black tie networking dinner in the evening of March 4, allowing decision makers and business leaders to meet and exchange details.

The evening dinner will also see an exciting panel discussion around small businesses, with speakers including Matthew Fell, chief UK policy director from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Ken Cooper, managing director of the British Business Bank.

Henri Murison, director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: “We want a Northern Powerhouse by and for the North. EvoNorth is an opportunity to unite and work together to achieve our shared goals and visions.”

Edna Robinson, chair of the Big Life Group, Trafford Housing Trust and The People’s Powerhouse, said: “EvoNorth is vital to the North, because it’s an opportunity to come together to look at how we create a really positive future.”

Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry MP, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Cognitive Publishing to the Northern Powerhouse Partners Programme – our growing coalition of private and public sector organisations who proudly champion the strengths of our region.

“With exciting publications and events like EvoNorth bringing together leaders and academics from across our region, they are well placed to support us in turning our Northern Powerhouse vision into a reality.”

Home to 30% of the UK’s renewable energy, and half of the country’s nuclear projects, the North of England stands at the forefront of achieving these carbon reduction goals.

The region led the first industrial revolution and is now looking to again move the UK into the next era of significant industrial advancement. A low carbon future has the potential to provide the North of England with thousands of jobs.

But, such steps require investment. Local organisations and collaborations must ensure their supply chain is operating sustainably, while carbon-producing infrastructure needs updating, improving or even replacing.

All of this progress requires honest, face-to-face conversation which the EvoNorth conference looks to facilitate. Across the two days business leaders and policy makers across the region will be able to come together to ensure the North plays a leading role in our net zero carbon future.

For more information about attending, exhibiting and other profile enhancing opportunities contact the team on 0161 833 6320 or at www.publicsectorexecutive.com/EvoNorth

Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge

Reporter Jonathan White

Local TV director David Parker is giving an illustrated talk entitled ‘Laurie Lee - The Lost Recordings’ at the Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge, 46 High Street in the centre of Nantwich on Thursday 21st November 2019.

The talk will include reflections on love, landscape, writing, poetry, childhood, music and much more from the voice of Laurie Lee - one of the great English writers of the last century.

In 1994, the year of his 80th birthday, Laurie Lee shared his memories of an 'eventful' early life in a series of interviews with the film maker David Parker. It was quite a coup, as Laurie did not 'do' television!  In the recordings he talked with sublime eloquence about his life in the Slad Valley, and the influence of the landscapes and memories of his childhood on his subsequent writing.  In this session David, who grew up in Crewe, will introduce the recordings, and using extracts from them reveal what they tell us about one of England's finest chroniclers of our times.

‘Laurie Lee - The Lost Recordings’ is out now on DVD and audio CD. 'Laurie Lee - Down in the Valley - A Writer's Landscape' edited by David Parker is published by Penguin.

David Parker grew up in Crewe and knows Nantwich very well. He is an award-winning television programme maker whose credits include, ‘Mud, Sweat and Tractors’, ‘Shooting the War’, ‘The Golden Age of Steam’ and ‘The Golden Age of Canals’ for the BBC and ‘Flying Scotsman with Robson Green’ for ITV. He was the producer of Johnny Kingdom's programmes about Exmoor for the BBC and is author of ‘Johnny Kingdom's Wild Exmoor’ (Halsgrove 2016).

Tickets are £7.50 per person and include delicious snacks and a £2.50 discount against purchase of David's book on the night. There will also be a cash bar. Doors open at 6:30pm for a 7pm start.

Other author events in the near future at the Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge:

-Tuesday 12th November (new date) - Local author Anne Draper will come and talk about her book 'Audlem Remembers'.  This book is an attempt to tell the stories of the 41 men from Audlem who lost their lives in WWI, and the sacrifice they made. Tickets are £7.50 per person and include our delicious snacks and a £2.50 discount against book purchase on the night.  Doors open at 18:30 for a 19:00 start.

-Wednesday, 13 November – ‘A Cosy Storytime With Green Bean & Friends’ (10:30-11:30am) - Green Bean & friends, take children on an adventure of learning and understanding, highlighting key vocabulary and identifying areas of interest for children. Suitable for babies to children aged 5 years.  Free entry.

For further information please contact Nantwich Bookshop & Coffee Lounge via phone: 01270 611665, email: info@nantwichbookshop.co.uk , or Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NantwichBookshopCoffeeshop/

End of Crewe's Historic Wall

Halloween

Reporter Jonathan White
I saw several ghoulishly good Halloween houses on 31st October in Crewe and Nantwich this year.
They were all a spooky sight, but I particularly liked the houses on Capenhurst Avenue (donations to St Luke’s Hospice) with its ‘Mellorgeddon’ of hanging corpses, monster maze and two real pigs heads!; Nevis Drive with pumpkin wall projector and inflatables; Barn Croft Road (donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities) with ghost rider, giant spider & web and projectors showing Sirens and amazing talking pumpkins; Selworthy Drive (donations to Cancer Research) with its numerous skeletons including two pushing a supermarket trolley!; Mossford Avenue with a huge inflatable Mummy; Prunus Road (donations to the British Heart Foundation) ‘Asylum’ with convincing actors playing different characters for screams including a creepy doorman, possessed girl, man in a cage, Hannibal Lecter and a surgeon sawing off a child’s leg without aesthetic!; two houses on Verdin Court (donations to RSPCA Crewe and Nantwich District) with their hanging heads and graveyard; and Fox Covert Way with an inflatable Frankenstein archway, graveyard and scary noises. A special mention also to the annual window displays at Blitz Fireworks on Hightown in Crewe - always terrifyingly good!
In Nantwich a house on Welsh Row featured pumpkins, skeletons, witches, and a spider; whilst the Police dressed the front of their station with plenty of pumpkins and treats donated by Sainsbury’s: https://twitter.com/PoliceNantwich/status/1189953418221309954
Dozens of families dressed up to trick or treat with costumes including ghosts, witches, headless men, skeletons, corpse brides, prisoners, zombies, Pennywise from horror novel It, and even an inflatable dinosaur!
Local events during the Halloween period included a Nantwich Spooktacular fireworks display at Nantwich Show Ground, ghost walks from Nantwich Museum and children’s Halloween parties at The Woodside (Wistaston).

Nantwich Mayor selects VIPs to turn on Nantwich Christmas Lights

Following his search for guests of honour to turn on Nantwich’s Christmas lights, the Mayor of Nantwich, Councillor Arthur Moran has been inundated with nominations.
The Mayor received so many very worthy applications making it a very difficult decision to choose just a small selection, but after careful consideration he has selected five young VIPs to join him on the switch-on stage this year.
Those selected truly are inspirational having gone through more in their short lives than what many of us endure in a whole lifetime.
The Mayor commented: “I’m delighted that I have been able to offer a little joy to some of the town’s most deserving youngsters this year. I would like to thank all those who have nominated, it was such a difficult decision as each and every one was a worthy candidate.”
Preparations for the big night are now well under way. The Mayor and Christmas tree sponsor Applewood Independent’s Managing Director David Pritchard joined one of the VIPs, Cara Morris, in town for a test of some of the lights ahead of the event.
Cara will press the button with Lily-May Arden, Mason Taylor, Meghan Kewley and Georgy Capener.
Proceedings on Friday 15^th November will start at 12 noon when the mini-market sets up along Churchyardside with a selection of gifts and treats.
An array of entertainment will then follow on the stage in the town square from 4pm onwards, including a set from UK Bjorn.
A guest appearance will be made by Father Christmas, before the lights switch on and spectacular firework display from Blitz Fireworks around 7pm.

Local midwife to skydive for baby bereavement suite appeal

A midwife at a local hospital will skydive to raise money for a baby bereavement appeal.
Michelle McKay, Midwife at Crewe’s Leighton Hospital, will step out of her comfort zone on Friday 25 October to raise money for Mid Cheshire Hospital’s Charity’s ‘Lost Little Ones’ baby bereavement suite appeal.
Michelle is hoping to raise £1,250 for the appeal to aid those parents going through baby loss. She has chosen to skydive as it is ‘completely out of her comfort zone’, but admits it is nothing compared to what some parents go through.
The Lost Little Ones appeal will help MCH Charity provide the funds to create a dedicated suite and attached outside space on the labour ward at Leighton Hospital for people experiencing baby loss.
The suite will allow parents to stay together for a few hours or days with their baby in a comfortable, non-clinical environment to spend quiet time together away from the rest of the ward.
Michelle, from Haslington, Crewe said: “I am raising funds as I have witnessed the heartache of parents whose babies have been born sleeping. As a midwife the experience stays with us long after.
“I cannot imagine the pain experienced and want to help ease that in any way. My nephew was born sleeping in March this year. I can't explain how hard this has been for my brother and sister-in-law.”
Jenny Butters, Head of Midwifery at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which manages Leighton Hospital, said: “I am really proud that Michelle is doing something extraordinary to raise funds for this worthy cause. We know how important it is for parents to spend precious time with their babies and we want to make the environment as comfortable as possible for them at this difficult time.
“I am really grateful to Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity, together with our staff, for supporting this amazing appeal and look forward to the coming months of fundraising and the realisation of the new bereavement suite.”
If you have been inspired by Michelle’s story you can donate to her Just Giving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/michelle-mckay3?utm_campaign=pfp-share&utm_content=Michelle-McKay3&utm_medium=fundraisingpage&utm_source=Facebook
The Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity is keen to share information about how local groups and organisations can be supported in their fundraising efforts by them. Contact Carole Salmon, Community Fundraiser, on 01270 273248 / 07467 687998 / carole.salmon@mcht.nhs.uk for further information.

Cheshire East seeks views on governance of town and parish councils

Residents are being asked to share their views on the governance arrangements for all town and parish councils in Cheshire East.

This survey, which went live today (28 October), will inform a review being undertaken across the borough by Cheshire East Council.

The council is responsible for the governance and electoral arrangements for the 186 town and parish council wards in 135 town and parish councils, which cover the whole borough. This community governance review (CGR) will include:

● Town and parish boundaries;

● Numbers of town and parish councillors;

● Grouping of parishes; and

● Warding.

As part of this process, the council wants people’s initial views on how they feel current governance arrangements for town and parishes are faring and whether there is a need for change – and why?

People are being urged to take part in a pre-consultation survey on the council’s website. It seeks to gather information, which will support the development of community governance proposals for formal consultation in 2020.

The overarching purpose of this review, which is in accordance with the Department of Communities and Local Government and Local Government Boundary Commission for England guidance, is to ensure that community governance arrangements ‘continue to reflect local identities and facilitate effective and convenient local government’.

Councillor Joy Bratherton, chairman of Cheshire East Council’s community governance review sub-committee, said: “As part of this review we need to hear people’s views on how effective current town and parish arrangements are at meeting local needs and any suggestions as to how this could be improved.

“The present arrangements predate the formation of Cheshire East and we are mindful that there has since been considerable change to the population, its distribution and to the borough’s settlements.

“The survey will feed into the overarching review, which offers the opportunity to ensure that the tier of parish governance is fit for purpose for the future. I would urge people to take part in this pre-consultation survey and share their views via the council website    at: https://surveys.cheshireeast.gov.uk/s/CGRPartOne/”

Paper copies of the survey can also be obtained from local libraries or Cheshire East Council’s customer service offices at Macclesfield Town Hall, The Municipal Buildings in Crewe and Westfields in Sandbach. The survey runs until 31 January 2020.

Government guidance advises that it is good practice to hold a review of town and parish governance every 10-15 years. The last was done before Cheshire East Council was created in 2009.

Cllr Bratherton, added: “Nothing is changing yet, as the review is a complex task and any changes proposed under the CGR would follow extensive public consultation – including with town and parish councils and other stakeholders. The aim is to complete the process well before the scheduled local elections in May 2023 – and there certainly won’t be change for change’s sake.”

The Cheshire East community governance review does not include the electoral arrangements for borough council or parliamentary seats. These would be the responsibility of Whitehall (the Local Government Boundary Commission and the Boundary Commission for England, respectively) and are not currently proposed.

For more information about CGR visit the council webpage at:

https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/community-governance/community-governance-reviews.aspx

Queens Park Crewe October 2019

The Return of Trance Classics’

Reporter Jonathan White
Legendary radio and club DJ Dave Pearce made a triumphant revisit to Studio Nantwich in Nantwich on Friday 18th October 2019 with a ‘The Return of Trance Classics’ gig.

Dave made his inaugural visit to the town and Studio Nantwich on Castle Street in June this year, when his concert was enjoyed by hundreds of fans.
The creator and original presenter of BBC Radio 1's Dance Anthems, Dave has been a driving force in the UK Dance scene for many years.
He has sold more than one million mix compilation albums in the UK with numerous top five UK chart positions.
Dave continues to tour the world playing his sets and has held residencies in Ibiza, Ministry Of Sound in London and BCM in Mallorca.
Dave’s set was packed full of the dance anthems including tracks from ATB, BT, Dario G, Faithless, Fatboy Slim, Moby, Sash!, Tiesto, Moloko, The Chemical Brothers, and William Orbit.
Local DJs Daz Bailey and Alan Woodhouse warmed up the crowd with floor-filling tracks prior to Dave Pearce’s performance.
Nigel Woodhouse, Director of Operations at Studio Nantwich said: “It was fantastic to welcome Dave Pearce back to Nantwich. He is by far one of the best DJs of the iconic decade of dance - the ‘90s. He was very keen to come back as he felt the people that attended his first show in June were so passionate about the music and was keen to entertain them all again. I was both a customer and a club operator in the ‘90s and I can say in my twenty-six-year career in this industry the ‘90s were without doubt a very special time for clubs and music. Nantwich is a fantastic town with so much going on for a town of its size. I am both proud and lucky to live here and be part of it.”
The 55-track compilation album ‘Dave Pearce Trance Anthems 2’ is out now via CD, download and streaming.
Dave Pearce’s free weekly one hour podcast ‘Delirium’ featuring the hottest EDM, Progressive and Trance is available to download and stream: http://www.davepearce.co.uk/podcast/
For further information relating to Studio Nantwich, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/StudioLiveNantwich/

Cheshire East residents will start to receive new bin collection calendars

Cheshire East residents are being reminded that their recycling and waste collection days may be changing from 4 November.

New collection schedule calendars will start to arrive from 21 October. 

These calendars have been posted to all households to give advance notice of the possible changes. These will detail a new collection schedule and the new time of 6.30am to have their bins ready for collection.

Most residents will be affected by the upcoming changes – however some may find their collection days remain the same. 

The alterations to collection days will allow Cheshire East Council, along with Ansa -Cheshire East Council’s arms-length environmental services company, to maximise the efficiency of their collections by using less vehicles over a working day. This will deliver best value to residents.

These changes are also in preparation for a new food waste recycling service, which will be introduced in January. Full details of this will be provided in the next few months.

The new collection calendar details key dates for residents to be aware of, these are:

· 4 November – changes to recycling and waste collections will take effect and bins need to be at their collection point from 6.30am;

· 23 December to 3 January – we have increased our garden waste bin winter collections to now only stop collecting between these dates;

· If your recycling or waste bin is due to be emptied on the Christmas and New Year bank holidays, please see your calendar as your collection days will change.

Councillor Brian Roberts, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and waste, said: “The council is committed to improving the recycling and waste collection service for residents. These changes will allow our vehicle rounds to make our bin collections more efficient and prepare us for the new food waste service, which is being introduced in January.” 

Residents are reminded that they may be asked to place their bins out on new days from 6.30am and are encouraged to keep their new calendars safe, to remember the new dates for waste and recycling collections.

Information and reminders about the changes will feature on Cheshire East Council’s social media pages. Please follow @CheshireEastCouncil on Facebook and @CheshireEast on Twitter to keep up-to-date.

The new bin collection route information will display on the Cheshire East Council website, when they take effect from 4 November, at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/bins  Current collection routes and information will show until this date.