Queens Park June 29021

Road Safety

Road Safety

---

A reminder to drivers, we are aware that many of the side streets do not have driveways, leaving no option to park your vehicle partly on the footpath.
We have received complaints from residents of having to walk onto the road pushing their prams as there has not been enough access left for them to get through.
This is extremely dangerous to Wheelchair users, prams etc.
Many Thanks
Pcso Probin Crewe Central

Message Sent By
Penny Probin (Police, Community Support Officer, Crewe LPU)

---

Cheshire East Virtual Pride returns this August!

Cheshire East Virtual Pride is returning for its second year, with this year’s event taking place on Saturday 14 August from 2-6pm.

On the day, viewers will be treated to an eclectic mix of interviews, music, competitions, performances and information supporting the LGBTQ+ community, with live presenters featuring throughout the day.

Special guests at the event include Doncaster-based band Bang Bang Romeo and singer Sam Callahan, with further acts still to be confirmed.

Crewe-based prestige brand Bentley Motors, will once again be sponsoring the event, alongside Crewe Town Council.

This will be the fourth Cheshire East Pride event hosted by the council, following two successful live events at both Tatton Park, Knutsford and Queens Park, Crewe, and the first Virtual Pride event hosted online last year.  

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Following the success of last year’s event, we are delighted to once again be hosting Cheshire East Virtual Pride.

“This event is the perfect opportunity to celebrate diversity and equality in all members of our community, regardless of gender, sexuality, age, disability, religion, race or socio-economic background.

“Promoting the rights of our LGBTQ+ community, and ensuring their voice is heard, is hugely important to us. This event is a further step in the right direction in ensuring we all reside in a fair, open and equal borough, where every individual is represented, and every voice is heard.

“I look forward to watching the programme of events on Saturday 14 August, as we have some fantastic entertainment lined up on the day.”

Councillor Marilyn Houston, member champion for equality, diversity and inclusion, said: “This announcement of our Cheshire East Pride event comes at a time when our LGBTQ+ residents are very much at the forefront of our mind – during Pride month.

“For the occasion, we’ve been flying the Pride flag outside our corporate buildings, to mark the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots and to help highlight the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights worldwide.

“I’m delighted that we can offer residents the chance to tune into this year’s virtual pride event, and have no doubt this will be a fantastic event which will help lift the spirits of our community, after an extremely challenging 15 months.”

For the latest updates on Cheshire East’s Virtual Pride event, visit the Pride in the Park Facebook page and don’t forget to tune in on the Cheshire East Virtual Pride YouTube channel on the day.

is Your Vehicle Road Ready?

is Your Vehicle Road Ready?

---

Good afternoon,
Your vehicle must be insured, taxed and hold a current MOT to be out in the road. This to some may seem quite obvious, however many drivers are caught every day without one of the above.
To find out when your tax and MOT is due, you use the Government website.
If your vehicle is not currently being used it must be SORN this can also be found on the Government website.
Your insurance documents for vehicle will show you when your next renewal is due.
Please do not presume that a payment has been made or that your policy has automatically renewed, it is your responsibility to check.
It is the law to comply with this.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
PCSO Lizzie Jolley 22582

Message Sent By
Lizzie Jolley (Police, PCSO, Crewe PCSO Haslington & Rural Villages in Cheshire East)

Home Security

Home Security

---

Warm weather shouldn't mean that your security is compromised.
Here are 5 simple steps that you can take to ensure that your property is safer this summer.
1. If you must keep your front door open to allow a draft in, put the latch on. If you haven't got, a trip to B&Q for a latch may improve your security!
2. Lock the front door if you're in the back garden, especially if the door is out of view. Do the same for the front garden with the back door.
3. Lock the windows when you go out. It may be tempting to leave them open to allow the house to air, but it also allows for intruders an easy access.
4. Do NOT hide a key under a rock for relatives to get in easier for BBQ's and parties. Invest in a decent combination key safe which can be put in a safe place on your property.
5. Ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye out on your property if you are going on holiday. Always secure your property, including all windows when you go away.
Many Thanks
Pcso Penny Probin Crewe Central

Message Sent By
Penny Probin (Police, Community Support Officer, Crewe LPU)

Covid Vaccine Passport Scam

Covid Vaccine Passport Scam

---

Dear Jan
We have been made aware of a Covid Vaccine Passport scam email going around that purports to be from the NHS and informs recipients that they can apply for their “Digital Coronavirus Passports”
Clicking on the link within the email, takes you to a convincing but fake NHS website that asks for personal and payment details. (for an admin fee)
The website has since been taken down, but in case similar emails/websites appear can you please circulate the attached alert to your residents, members, groups and mailing lists.
And just to reiterate, your vaccination status is obtained FREE through the NHS App, website or by calling the NHS on 119.
More information can be found on the gov.uk website; 
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/demonstrating-your-covid-19-vaccination-status-when-travelling-abroad
Please note that any Phishing scams can be reported to  SERS (Suspicious Email Reporting Service):  report@phishing.gov.uk
Best wishes
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team
Neighbourhoood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349

Message Sent By
Cheryl Spruce (NWN, Head of Membership and Community Engagement , National)

Bike Safety Operation

Bike Safety Operation

---

Good afternoon,
We are currently in the process of setting up our next bike operation, this will include the following work :-
Day 1
- We will be giving Traffic Offence Report's (TORS) offence code 0005 (Pedal cycle - no specified obligatory -We will be giving TORS for cycles riding on a pavement 0002 (Riding Pedal Cycle On Pavement)
-We are also hoping to give out sets of lights again to bikes that pass through a particular location on your patch.
Day 2
Bike Marking with BTP PCSO– We will be using Bike Register to record this.
East (Haslington & Alsager – Morning) (Crewe East, Leighton & Crewe North)
Day 3
School Bike Safety Talk’s – The local Ward PCSO will be covering this for their own area and will be arranging this with local schools.
Day 4
Dr Bike – We have kindly been offered to run DR Bike sessions for our local communities, this is like a mini Bike MOT to check on breaks, tyres and other safety aspects for the bikes. This will kindly be offered by Recycle Cycles in Crewe.
We are hoping that the work that we do around bike safety will help local residents to be safer in our local community and will reduce the amount of risks for cyclists and other road users.
We will keep you updated of dates for events and times in your area.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
PCSO Lizzie Jolley 22582

Message Sent By
Lizzie Jolley (Police, PCSO, Crewe PCSO Haslington & Rural Villages in Cheshire East)

Could You Spot A Scammer - Please Feedback Your Experiences

Could You Spot A Scammer - Please Feedback Your Experiences

---

Good evening,
What makes a good scam/scammer? (Find out to avoid these circumstances where possible!)
A caller may pretend to know information about you, and they may also use leading questions to gain more information from you.
They may appear overly helpful and this may lead to you feeling that they are trustworthy.
Scammers often gain your telephone number or email through other scam artists and this can result in them sounding familiar, for example when they call addressing you with your first name.
A good scammer may pretend to know your interests and again this can allow the situation to be more believable.
We just hope that this message, this evening makes at least one person think twice before they give out any private information and fall victim to a scam.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
PCSO Lizzie Jolley 22582

Message Sent By
Lizzie Jolley (Police, PCSO, Crewe PCSO Haslington & Rural Villages in Cheshire East)

Has The Pandemic Made Us More Or Less Aware of Online Risks?

Has The Pandemic Made Us More Or Less Aware of Online Risks?

---

Dear Jan
Along with our Cyberhood Watch partner, Avast, we have launched a new survey to understand whether the Covid-19 pandemic has changed our attitudes towards certain aspects of cybersecurity and privacy since the first lockdown in March 2020.
The findings from the survey will be used to inform ongoing Cyberhood Watch awareness initiatives for the Neighbourhood Watch community and draw attention to important cybersecurity and privacy topics though the media to help UK citizens improve their knowledge of, and protection from, cyberthreats.
The survey of 16 questions will take you less than 5 minutes to complete and all answers are anonymous. It is open from today and will close on Sunday 27th June 2021. If you’d like to take part, please follow the link below:
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XSYQQTD
Thank you very much in advance for your support in the fight against cybercrime in the UK.
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH NETWORK, Central Support Team
Follow us.. ourwatch.org.uk / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Neighbourhoood Watch Network is a charity registered in England & Wales, CIO no: 1173349

Message Sent By
Central Support Team (NWN, Neighbourhood Watch Network, England and Wales)

Cheshire East identified as Covid-19 Enhanced Resource Area

Government has today announced that Cheshire East has been identified as a ‘Enhanced Resource Area’ to help combat the rapid rise of the Delta (Indian) variant across the borough.

This variant is more transmissible than previous variants and cases are rising in other areas of the north west, including Cheshire West, Greater Manchester and Lancashire, which have also been placed into this category, along with a growing list of areas across the country.

Designation as an Enhanced Resource Area is not a local lockdown or a return to a tiered system. It means the council can access a range of support and guidance to address rapidly rising infection rates. This can include driving vaccine uptake for eligible people, the possibility of requesting military aid, additional testing support – including schools testing, and other assistance and support. 

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council said: “We welcome any additional practical support in our fight against Covid in Cheshire East.

“This new designation from government recognises the prevalence of the Delta variant and the rapidly increasing rates in the borough and it very much reflects the measures we have been putting in place locally over the last few weeks as local data showed us that infections were rising.

“For example, we have worked with the Department of Health and Social Care and Sodexo to bring in additional testing capacity.  We are working closely with schools around testing and other measures such as face coverings.  And I, with the other Cheshire council leaders, have written to the Secretary of State for Health about vaccines.

“My key ask is for additional vaccination supply. Cheshire’s vaccination programme has been a great success so far and we stand ready to ramp up vaccinations which are currently constrained by the supply available to us.”

Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, Councillor Craig Browne, said: “This announcement acknowledges the reality of the situation in Cheshire.  I want to reassure our residents that if we all keep on doing the right things to protect our families, friends and local communities, we will get on top of this.

“This includes hands, face, space, fresh air - get vaccinated and if you do test positive or develop symptoms to immediately self-isolate and order a home PCR test kit. We know these simple measures are effective. It’s only by doing these things, working together, and supporting each other, that will we minimise any further long-term ill-effect on our local economy and communities who have already paid such a hefty price”.

Testing and vaccinations will – in combination with guidance such as washing hands, wearing a face covering, maintaining social distance, and meeting people from other households outdoors where possible – help control the spread of this variant.

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “We have seen cases of the new Delta variant of coronavirus increase dramatically over the last couple of weeks in Cheshire East, in particular significant outbreaks related to hospitality and catering establishments, retail outlets and in our schools. 

“Having seen the substantial increase in transmission in our Greater Manchester neighbours and increasingly across the north west, it was sadly only a matter of time before the spread was to be seen across Cheshire given our strong links with work, travel and friends and family.

“We know the importance of the vaccine programme, with all the current evidence suggesting the massively positive protective benefits of having both doses of the vaccine in helping prevent serious illness and hospitalisation of the new Delta variant.

“We will therefore be asking for significant increases in the vaccine supply for our communities and much-improved access to vaccination sites and pop-up clinics across our borough, alongside greater levels of testing and self-isolation support.”

Anyone aged 25 and over (and aged 23 and 24 from Tuesday 15 June) is invited to book their Covid-19 vaccine. Visit: www.nhs.uk/covidvaccine

There are significant outbreaks in the Macclesfield and Crewe/Nantwich areas and all residents are being asked to get a Covid-19 test called a PCR test, - especially those in customer facing roles and those in the 18-39 age group, whether they have symptoms or not or have been vaccinated.

To book a test visit: www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test  and select 'My local council or health protection team has asked me to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms' or call 119.

In addition, all residents in the borough are asked to take no-symptoms COVID-19 tests, called Lateral Flow Tests (LFTs) twice a week.

For full information on where to get tested or pick up home testing kits visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid-testing

Over 5M Suspicious Emails Reported

Over 5M Suspicious Emails Reported

---

Phishing remains the most successful attack vector for cyber criminals targeting individuals and businesses.
Cyber criminals love phishing. Unfortunately, this is not a harmless riverbank pursuit. When criminals go phishing, you are the fish and the bait is usually contained in a scam email or text message. The criminal’s goal is to convince you to click on the links within their scam email or text message, or to give away sensitive information (such as bank details). These messages may look like the real thing but are malicious. Once clicked, you may be sent to a dodgy website which could download viruses onto your computer, or steal your passwords.
As of 30 April 2021, over 5.8 million emails were reported to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS). The tool, which was launched by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the City of London Police last April, allows the public to forward suspicious emails to an automated system that scans it for malicious links. Since its launch, over 43,000 scams and 84,000 malicious websites have been removed.
What are the most common phishing scams?
The most commonly spoofed organisation reported in phishing emails was TV Licensing, with victims of these emails reporting losses totalling £5.3m. The majority of losses occurred as a result of victims following malicious links in the emails and inputting their personal information into what they thought was the legitimate TV Licensing website. Shortly after, they would receive a call from criminals impersonating bank staff who was able to convince them that their bank accounts were compromised and persuaded them to transfer all of their money to a new ‘safe’ account. Some of the other most commonly impersonated organisations included HMRC and DVLA. We also received more than 40,000 suspicious email reports relating to COVID-19.
How you can protect yourself from phishing messages.
Fake emails and text messages can sometimes be difficult to spot and criminals are constantly getting better at finding ways to make them seem more authentic. Email address spoofing, for example, is just one of the tactics criminals will use to try and make their fake emails look real. Here are some tips you should follow to protect yourself, and others, from scam emails and text messages:
1: Be cautious of messages asking for your personal information. Official organisations, such as your bank, should never ask you for personal or financial information via email or text message. If you receive a message and you want to check that it’s legitimate, you can call the organisation directly using a known number, such as the one on a bank statement or utility bill.
2: Report suspicious emails. If you receive an email you’re not quite sure about, you should report it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) by forwarding the email to: report@phishing.gov.uk. Your reports will help government and law enforcement agencies to remove malicious emails and websites.
3: Report suspicious text messages. If you receive a suspicious text message, you can report it by forwarding the message to 7726. It’s free of charge and enables your mobile network provider to investigate the origin of the text and take action, if found to be malicious.
4: Report fraud. If you’ve lost money or provided personal information as a result of a phishing scam, notify your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud.
For more information on how to protect yourself from fraud and cyber crime, please visit: actionfraud.police.uk/cybercrime
Thanks for reading! If you found this information useful, please help us spread the word by forwarding this email to your friends.

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

Council warns of Covid increase ahead of government announcement

Cheshire East Council is warning residents and businesses to not let their guard down as Covid cases rise following the relaxing of step 3 restrictions last month.

The increase is mainly affecting those residents in the 10 to 39 age group and the council is continuing to support schools, hospitality venues and housing associations across the borough and particularly in the most affected areas.

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “Unfortunately after the easing of lockdown restrictions on 17 May, and some residents dropping their guard, we are now seeing a worrying increase in positive Covid-19 cases right across the borough, typically of the Delta (Indian) variant of concern.

“We are not asking residents to change their behaviour, but to continue to adhere to the guidance of hands, space, face and fresh air and to get tested regularly, even if they have had one or both vaccinations.

“For parents or carers of children and young people still attending school after the half term break this is even more important. I am urging all parents to continue to do the right thing and if their child feels unwell or begins to display any symptoms of Covid-19, to keep them off school and to get tested as soon as possible.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council adults and health committee chair, said: “Faced with the prospect of restrictions ending in a few weeks, now is not the time for any of us to stop doing all of those things which have so far kept us safe throughout the pandemic.

“Wearing a mask indoors, washing our hands, keeping 2m apart and choosing to meet in outdoor spaces are steps each of us can easily take.

“If you are offered the vaccination, I would strongly urge you to accept it and do the right thing for yourself and for Cheshire East. It’s in our hands if we want to return to normal but for the next few weeks, we have to adhere to the guidance”.

The council has a range of testing options for residents including local testing sites in Crewe or Macclesfield whether you have symptoms or not, the deployment of mobile testing units, or residents can collect home-testing kits from the swab squad teams. More information on all of these options, can be found by visiting: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid-testing

Home Security

Home Security

---

Good Afternoon
We hope you are well.
There has been a few burglary's in the Crewe area, so we are asking that our residents lock their doors even when they are in their properties.
Now that we are easing out of Lock down many residents are becoming more trusting leaving doors propped open or unlocked for family to come and go. This is fine if the door is in view but please be mindful of doing this when the access cannot be seen.
Any further Crime Prevention advice please don't hesitate to get in touch.
To report any concerns, please always call 101 0r 99 always in an emergency
Thank you for your time
PCSO Lorraine Meggs

Message Sent By
Lorraine Meggs (Police, Community Support Officer, Crewe LPU)

May 2021 - Firelink Enewsletter

May 2021 - Firelink Enewsletter

---

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

---

Two firefighters honoured with Queen's Commendation for Bravery

Two firefighters from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service have been honoured with a Queen’s Commendation for Bravery.
Nigel Quarmby and Colin Burgess were recognised with the commendation for their efforts in rescuing a woman from the River Mersey in 2018.
Read more - Two firefighters honoured with Queen's Commendation for Bravery

---

Weed burner warning following fire in Ellesmere Port

Firefighters are warning people of the dangers of using weed burners in their gardens following a fire in Ellesmere Port.
The recent fire was caused by a homeowner using an electric device to kill weeds at the edge of his garden.
The weed burner ignited a wooden fence separating his garden from a neighbour’s address.
The fire quickly spread to the neighbour’s wooden shed that was up against the fence.
The resulting blaze destroyed the fence and the shed.
It spread to the exteriors of the houses at both addresses, as well as to a brick-built shed in the neighbour’s garden, before being extinguished by firefighters with hose reel jets.
The blaze caused significant damage to both addresses and firefighters are urging people to be cautious when using such garden gadgets.
Read more - Weed burner warning following fire in Ellesmere Port

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

May half term Scarecrow Festival celebrates lockdown heroes

This year’s Scarecrow Festival is dedicated to inspiring individuals and local heroes during the coronavirus pandemic. Head to Tatton Park’s Gardens or Farm this half term and see if you can find your hero.

Meet Marcus Rashford, teachers Ms Spendlow and Miss Williams and Aldi’s Hand Sanitiser – in scarecrow form!

Over 100 children from local primary schools have contributed their hero suggestions or drawings. Three winning designs are being made into scarecrows for the festival: Elodie Jeffries age 8 nominated Manchester United football player Marcus Rashford, for his work in supporting free school meals during lockdown. 7-year-old Josh Borradaile-Falp nominated two of his hero teachers and Elliot age 10 nominated Aldi’s hand sanitiser! Some schools have been busy choosing, designing and making their own scarecrows, so look out for those too on your visit.

Scarecrow outfits donated by hero’s employers

When you see the dozens of scarecrows dotted throughout Tatton Park’s Gardens and Farm, you’ll notice that they’re all very well dressed! This is due to kind uniform donations from companies and local employers – look out for Royal Mail posties, Virgin train workers, DPD delivery and Arriva bus drivers to name a few, Manchester United FC has even donated a football kit and our wonderful volunteers have provided NHS workers outfits !

Family fun this half term

The Scarecrow Festival runs throughout half term from Saturday 29^th May to Sunday 6^th June. See if you can you spot all your favourite heroes in amongst the beauty of the Gardens and animal fun down at the Farm. Parkland Entry and tickets for the Gardens and Farm can be booked online at www.tattonpark.org.uk. Please note that social distancing measures are still in place and tickets are limited, so book ahead to avoid disappointment!

Other than festivals, is there still a need for scarecrows?

Scarecrows have a long history, dating back thousands of years. Simon Tetlow, Tatton Park’s Head Gardener says “Scarecrows are still a valuable addition to any vegetable garden. Yes, they’re traditional and low tech, but they really help in deterring crows, pigeons, and even squirrels. These pesky garden invaders can do a lot of damage to young plants especially at this time of year.”

Scarecrow Festivals remain popular events up and down the country, but the name ‘scarecrow’ varies from place to place. On the Isle of Skye, they’re known as Tattie Bogals, in Berkshire it would be Hodmedod, Mommet in Somerset, Mawkin in Sussex, and in Scotland it’s a Bodach-rocal or ‘old man of the rocks’.

Testing can help stomp out Covid in Cheshire East

A recent outbreak of Covid-19 in an area of Cheshire East has highlighted the important part local residents can play in helping to stomp out the virus through regular symptom-free testing.

Regular lateral flow testing was successful in identifying a cluster of cases in Handforth where targeted testing revealed over 40 cases in just 10 days. This shows how quickly Covid can still spread and how important regular testing is to keep on top of outbreaks.

The initial positive case had only minor Covid-19 symptoms, however the virus very quickly spread to a number of others. Effective test reporting and contact tracing enabled the council to quickly contain and manage the outbreak before it spread further.

Additional testing has been provided in Handforth alongside a range of other testing options for residents.

Dr Matt Tyrer, Director of Public Health for Cheshire East Council said: “Covid-19 case numbers are now generally lower and therefore more manageable. We have a robust plan for dealing with outbreaks, which involves increased testing in areas of concern or where outbreaks have occurred.

“We know that in certain areas in England surge testing has started and this is in response to significant outbreaks of new variants, most recently connected to the Indian Variant. In Cheshire East we will do all we can to prevent the need to do mass surge testing and to lower the risk of having significant outbreaks. We are therefore closely monitoring the picture with our northern neighbours, who have double the case rate compared to Cheshire East.

Cheshire East Council leader, Councillor Sam Corcoran said “The Cheshire East Swab Squad visited several busy areas in Handforth handing out home testing kits. In just a few days, the team gave out over 900 lateral flow kits in the area. I would like to personally thank all of those people who took kits and chose to act responsibly and support our attempts to stamp out Covid in Cheshire East.

“We have already seen that despite that initial fast rise in Handforth we have brought that relatively minor spike under control with additional testing provision, which is great to see, and shows that keeping each other safe really is “in our hands.”

Cheshire East Council deputy leader, Councillor Craig Browne said “Around one in three people with Covid-19 have no symptoms so residents really do have a crucial role to play by simply testing regularly. People sometimes refer to testing as trying to find the needle in the haystack but that is exactly what the test & trace team at Cheshire East Council are trying to do because one case can very quickly escalate into a large outbreak.”

The council has a range of testing options for residents: via visiting a testing centre or to collect home-testing kits for asymptomatic tests, and several testing sites available for tests for those with symptoms. These can be found by visiting www.Cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid-testing

Regular testing is still important for those people who have had their first, or even second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine as despite having higher immunity against the virus, you can still catch it and pass it to others.

Cheshire East Council has created a self-isolation support guide and can offer a range of support for anyone who is required to self-isolate following a positive test.. Details can be found at https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_information/coronavirus/self-isolation-support.aspx

For more advice and information follow the council’s social media pages, visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/cheshireeastcouncil and Twitter at: @CheshireEast