Welcome to this my twenty-nineth electronic news bulletin.
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Edward Timpson
Member of Parliament for Crewe & Nantwich
I have recently...
- Attended Brine Leas High School Awards Evening in Nantwich
- Attended the re-opening of the Shavington Leisure Centre in Shavington
- Attended the Lady Verdin Trust Annual Awards Ceremony in Nantwich
- Attended the Cheshire East Council Citizens' Advice Bureau annual general meeting in Crewe
- Attended the South Cheshire Community Council reception in Crewe
- Held a Community Street Stall in Crewe
- Officially started the Crewe's Missiles Club 'Pink Run 2009' fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness in Crewe
- Asked the Secretary of State for Defence about support for Crewe and Nantwich veterans affected by nuclear weapons testing
- Attended the Crewe & Nantwich Lions Club fireworks display in Queen's Park, Crewe
- Attended the Your Champions Awards celebrating local heroes
- Met with the Crewe & Nantwich Samaritans in Crewe
- Sat on the Children, Schools & Families Select Committee
- Sat on the Joint Commission for Human Rights
- Spoken in the House of Commons on the Coroners & Justice Bill
- Met with representatives from the National Headteachers' Association & the General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers
- Met with representatives of the National Union of Students and Manchester Metropolitan University regarding the cost of higher education
- Sat on the Committee of Selection's Fourth Delegated Legislation Committee
- Attended the After Adoption national annual general meeting in Manchester
- Attended the Virgin London Marathon reception in Parliament
I also attended the Cheshire East Council and Royal British Legion Remembrance Day Services in both Crewe & Nantwich.
General Election Information
Although the General Election has yet to be called, council officials in Crewe and Nantwich are already working hard to make sure that all eligible residents can have their say on polling day.
Electoral Registration Office staff will be sending forms to households over the Autumn to compile a new electoral register that will be the basis for next year’s elections, including the local elections in England in May.
By completing and returning the form Crewe and Nantwich voters will be making sure they will be able to have their say on what matters to them.
For more information visit www.aboutmyvote.co.uk.
National Pandemic Flu Service Information
The National Pandemic Flu Service is a new self-care service comprising a dedicated website. It will allow people to check their symptoms and, if necessary, get a unique number which will give them access to anti-virals at a local collection point.
Visit: www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu
Tel: 0800 1 513 100 or 0800 1 513 200 (textphone)
MP meets Transport Secretary to discuss future of Crewe Station
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has met the Transport Secretary to discuss the future of Crewe Station.
Mr Timpson met Lord Adonis at the town’s station where they discussed the various problems it faces which, a spokesman said, mainly related to lack of funding for major works involving wholesale redevelopment of the site or a move to another site.
Mr Timpson discussed Cheshire East Council’s plans for Crewe and where the station might fit into that.
He said Lord Adonis was keen to hear more after the initial phase of consultation by the council had taken place.
The two politicians agreed to meet again once it was clearer where the station might fit into future regeneration plans for Crewe.
Mr Timpson said: “The station is a community and commercial facility and Lord Adonis and I, despite our political differences, want it to succeed.
“I’m glad he recognises, as I do, the bigger picture the station has to fit into regarding regeneration in Crewe. However, in the meantime I remain in close touch with Network Rail and Virgin Trains about shorter term works to improve the station environment.”
© 2009 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
MP Supports Poppy Appeal
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson last week showed his support for the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal by visiting volunteers at Crewe Station.
Since 1921 the annual appeal has aimed to raise money for current and ex serving people.
One of the many young people who have given up time to support the Poppy Appeal this year is 15 year old Cadet William Patterson who is a member of the 100 (Nantwich) Squadron, Air Training Corps.
He is keen to help raise money to support the appeal, and has been up as early as 6am collecting donations at Crewe Railway Station.
Speaking after Mr Timpson's visit, Stuart Kay of the Royal British Legion in Crewe said: "I am amazed and delighted by the response we have received this year and would like to thank all those who have donated their time and money to this important cause."
He went on: "I would also like to thank Sam Dixon, the station manager, who has given permission for us to sell poppies at Crewe station this year, and indeed to all those organisations who so generously allow us to use their premises."
Mr Timpson emphasised the importance of the appeal, saying: "I have a deep gratitude to all our servicemen and women, both past and present, who have protected our country.
"Those serving in Afghanistan at the moment are doing so in the proud tradition of previous generations, and they deserve all our respect and support."
© 2001-2009 Newsquest Media Group
'Tell us the figures' call
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
Edward Timpson, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, has told Gordon Brown to stop dragging his feet over a new law which requires the Government to detail how much taxpayers’ money is spent locally – and in every other part of the country.
The new law, called the Sustainable Communities Act 2007, was passed by Parliament with wide cross-community support from local and national organisations.
It aims to give people the power to decide how their cash is spent locally and requires a regular breakdown of spending by central Government departments and quangos.
© 2009 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Tory proposals to help drivers
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has added his weight to national calls to put the brakes on illegal clampers.
Following the announcement of the Conservative Party’s proposals to cut congestion and disruption on roads, Mr Timpson said it is important to stall rogue wheel clampers.
He said: “Under this Government, getting around has become a daily grind. Drivers have to avoid endless roadworks, rogue clampers extorting cash and speed cameras designed to raise money rather than improve safety.
“Conservatives will use practical, common sense measures to tackle congestion that is costing our economy millions. There should be more openness on how transport decisions are made that affect people’s lives.”
The proposals call for clampers to be forced to abide by a strict code of conduct covering penalties, release fees and conditions.
The proposal states: “Each firm will also have to be part of an officially recognised trade association, such as the British parking Association, who will be required to censure or suspend membership from firms who deviate from this code.”
© 2009 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Nantwich MP fights for new law for local taxpayers
The NantwichNews Blog
Nantwich taxpayers may soon find out how much of their money is actually spent on the town, under a new law.
MP Edward Timpson said the new law, called the Sustainable Communities Act 2007, was passed by Parliament with support from local and national organisations.
It aims to give people the power to decide how their cash is spent in their area.
It also requires a regular breakdown of spending by central government departments and quangos in new “Local Spending Reports”.
Mr Timpson claims Ministers have been trying to water down the new law by applying it only to councils and NHS Primary Care Trusts.
He said: “It’s time for the Government to show us the money, and tell Crewe and Nantwich residents how much of their money is actually spent in our area.
“At the moment unelected quangocrats spend almost £4,000 a year per household in Crewe and Nantwich. Local people deserve far greater say in how their money is spent.”
© Nantwichnews Blog
Family Fun Day Proves A Hit
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
A CRIME-fighting venture, called Not In My Neighbourhood, has proved a real success in South Cheshire.
Residents across the area have been taking to the streets this week in a series of events about tackling crime and anti-social behaviour.
Thousands of people up and down the country are all joining forces with crime-fighting professionals and local councils for a week of community action.
In Crewe, a family fun day took place at the Frank Webb Avenue play area.
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson joined in the activities when he tried guessing the weight of a giant pumpkin.
© 2001-2009 Newsquest Media Group
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson chats to pupils at Parliament
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
A GROUP of GCSE pupils from Ruskin Sports and Languages College met with Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson during a recent visit to the Houses of Parliament.
Mr Timpson found time to have a chat with the pupils after their tour of Parliament last month.
After the tour Ruskin College teacher Michael Vitalis said: “Everybody from Ruskin thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the Houses of Parliament and the students especially enjoyed the question and answer session with Edward.
“They found it really interesting, and thought it was a great opportunity to discuss the things that are important to them with their MP.”
And Mr Timpson was equally enthusiastic.
“I always enjoy meeting young people from Crewe and Nantwich, especially when they come down to Parliament and I get a chance to explain some of the things I do during the week’” he said.
“Whenever I meet people of this age I am always amazed by how interested and well-informed they are. It completely dispels the negative stereotypes that all our kids are apathetic.”
© 2009 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Early riser sells his poppies with pride
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
A young air cadet has been getting up at the crack of dawn to sell poppies at Crewe Railway Station.
Cadet William Patterson, 15, a member of the 100 (Nantwich) Squadron, has been up as early as 6am collecting donations.
Stuart Kay of Crewe Royal British Legion said: “I’m amazed and delighted by the response this year and would like to thank all those who have donated their time and money to this important cause.
“I’d also like to thank station manager Sam Dixon for giving us permission for us to sell poppies at the station and all the organisations who generously allow us to use their premises.”
Edward Timpson MP said cadets such as William are a shining example of the respect shown by most young people for veterans of previous generations.
Mr Timpson emphasised the importance of the appeal and said: “I have a deep gratitude to all our service men and women, both past and present, who have protected our country.
“Those serving in Afghanistan at the moment are doing so in the proud tradition of previous generations, and they deserve all our respect and support.”
© 2009 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Not in My Neighbourhood
Crewe Blog
Plenty going on over the last week, in particular the Not in My Neighbourhood Week events around Cheshire East. Residents across the area are taking to the streets this week in a series of events about tackling crime and anti-social behaviour. Thousands of people up and down the country are all joining forces with crime-fighting professionals and local councils for a week of community action. In Crewe, there was a Family Fun Day at the Frank Webb Avenue Play Area. Crewe and Nantwich MP, Edward Timpson, joined in the activities when he tried guessing the weight of the giant pumpkin.
© Crewe Blog
MP Looks To Crewe's Rail Future
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
LORD Adonis, the Secretary of State for Transport, met with MP Edward Timpson at Crewe railway station on Friday to discuss the future of the aging terminal.
The pair started by recognising the problems the station faces, focussing on a lack of funding for major works involving wholesale redevelopment of the site or a move to another site.
The Crewe and Nantwich MP talked of Cheshire East Council's plans for Crewe, and where the station might fit into that.
Lord Adonis was keen to hear more after the initial phase of consultation by the council had taken place.
Both politicians recognised the potential of the site to generate investment and a commercial dividend for Crewe and its surrounding areas.
They agreed to meet again once it was clearer where the station might fit into future regeneration plans for Crewe.
Mr Timpson said: "The station is a community and commercial facility, and Lord Adonis and I, despite our different political backgrounds, want it to succeed.
"I am glad he recognises, as I do, the bigger picture the station has to fit into regarding regeneration in Crewe.
"However, in the meantime I remain in close touch with Network Rail and Virgin Trains about shorter term works to improve the station environment."
Also discussed were the National Railway Skills Academy, which Mr Timpson and Pete Waterman are keen to see based in Crewe, and Mr Timpson's wish to see the electrification of the Crewe to Chester line go ahead as soon as possible.
© 2001-2009 Newsquest Media Group
MP Presses For New Law
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
SOUTH Cheshire MP Edward Timpson this week demanded Gordon Brown stop dragging his feet over a new law.
The change would compel the Government to tell people how much taxpayers’ money is spent in Crewe and Nantwich, and in every other part of the country.
The new law, called the Sustainable Communities Act 2007, was passed by Parliament with wide cross-community support.
It aims to give local people the power to decide how their cash is spent in their area.
It requires a regular breakdown of spending by central government departments and quangos in new ‘Local Spending Reports’.
Mr Timpson said: “It’s time for the Government to show us the money and tell Crewe and Nantwich residents how much of their money is actually spent in our area.
“At the moment unelected quangocrats spend almost £4,000 a year per household in Crewe and Nantwich.
"Local people deserve far greater say in how their money is spent.”
© 2001-2009 Newsquest Media Group
Nantwich MP Timpson calls for police form-filling to be cut
The NantwichNews Blog
Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has called on the Government to cut back on mountains of form filling faced by local police officers.
He told Parliament how Nantwich residents had been working in partnership with the police to combat drug crime.
But then quizzed Home Secretary Alan Johnson on how he was going to reduce the amount of administration police have to face.
The Home Secretary said a report by Jan Berry, former head of the Police Federation, was being drafted to identify how “administrative burden could be reduced to the absolute minimum.”
Afterwards, Mr Timpson said: “I am pleased the Home Secretary acknowledges his Government has a problem to solve.
“But this is taking too long, and there is always some report or inquiry that has to be concluded before real action is taken.
“Why not take pragmatic action now? Only the other day I heard from a local policeman who said much of his job could be done by a secretary. He wanted to fight crime, not fill in forms!”
© 2009 NantwichNews
Crewe pays its respects on Remembrance Sunday
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
WAR veterans joined serving soldiers, civic dignitaries and children on Sunday as Crewe paid its respects to servicemen and women who lost their lives in two world wars and more recent conflicts.
Soldiers from the First Battalion of the Mercian Regiment marched through the town centre to the War Memorial at the Civic Square.
They were joined by war veterans, members of the Royal British Legion, representatives of the Territorial Army as well as cadets from all services.
Cheshire East Mayor Margaret Simon took the salute and Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson took part in the wreath laying ceremony.
Alan Brereton, chairman of the Crewe branch of the Royal British Legion, said: “It was wonderful to see so many people turn out to pay their respects. There was a lot of members of the public. And all the cadet services were there, sea, air and army, and the scouts and guides movement were very well represented.
“It was nice to see a lot of younger people there.”
The parade was led by the United Co-operative 2000 Band.
The service on the Civic Square was taken by the Mayor’s chaplain, Father Charles Razzall.
The Act of Remembrance was followed by the bugler sounding the Last Post before the two minute silence was observed at 11am. After the chaplain read the Kohima Epitaph the bugler sounded Reveille.
“The turnout was tremendous and it was wonderful so many people paid their respects,” said the mayor.
“It was such an honour for me to be the first Mayor of Cheshire East at the ceremony in my own local area.”
At Haslington too elderly and young marched side by side as they remembered those who were killed serving their country.
Like the people of Crewe they were also praying for the safe return of those soldiers still serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Local resident Lee Allen said: “There was big turnout of all ages. Everyone wanted to pay their respects.”
© 2009 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson donates shoes to wheelchair charity
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has put his best feet forward for charity at the Mecca Bingo club.
Mr Timpson handed over a pair of shoes to the Phoenix Leisure Park club’s Heels for Wheels campaign on Friday.
The donated footwear will help raise money for young people’s mobility equipment.
Club manager Gill Clark said: “It's fantastic to get such high profile local support and we’re very grateful for Mr Timpson's donation.
“We’ve set up a collection point in the club for people to drop in their old footwear and are looking forward to collecting mountains of shoes – but we’d advise customers to bring an extra pair to wear home, and while playing a game of bingo of course!”
Since January 2008, Mecca bingo clubs across the country have raised almost £500,000 for the campaign.
The money raised by each club is used regionally – ensuring that a disabled young person local to each club enjoys the freedom and independence that a new powered wheelchair or adapted trike provides.
© 2009 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.
Strike Action To Defend Crewe Jobs
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
WORKERS at Crewe company Fujitsu are to take strike action this week to defend their jobs.
More than 80% per cent of Unite union staff at the computer giant's Crewe office have voted to walk out over plans to freeze pay and close their final salary pensions.
The news comes days after the Japanese-owned firm, which employs more than 300 people at its base on Crewe Business Park, announced plans to cut up to 1,200 job because of the recession.
Unite spokesman Kevin Davies said: "We are expecting to take three days strike action in Crewe, Manchester, Warrington and sites nationally in a dispute over jobs, pensions and pay.
"Strike action will commence tomorrow (Thursday November 12) with picketing at a number of sites."
Union bosses met with Fujitsu on Monday to determine what action would take place.
Some 4,000 employees in the main defined benefit pension plan are being hit by the company's plans.
Union chief said Fujitsu intends to force this through by dismissing employees after the end of the consultation period in November, and offering them employment on new contracts which are unchanged except in relation to pensions.
The union estimates that the proposed pension scheme change would reduce the total pay package of each employee by typically around 20%.
A unite spopkesman added: "The company imposed a pay freeze on UK staff earlier this year just a week before it was due to take effect, withdrawing promised pay rises to employees.
"In late August, Fujitsu announced proposals for 1,200 redundancies in the UK and has since put 6,000 people at risk of redundancy, amounting to 50% of its UK workforce."
Peter Skyte, Unite national officer for IT and communications, said: “Unite members are asking why they should lose their jobs and tighten their belts when last year the company paid out about £150m to shareholders and around £1.6m to two directors as compensation for loss of office.
“Fujitsu remains a highly profitable company and our members are insisting that the company must treat them fairly and increase pay, provide decent pensions, and consult meaningfully to minimise job losses and avoid compulsory redundancy.”
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson said he has been in touch with Fujitsu and would be keeping a close eye on developments.
The strike action comes as further bad news for Crewe's economy, following news last week that train firm Bombardier is to axe a fifth of its workforce.
The firm is to halt breakdown repairs at its Crewe Works by the end of the year.
Bosses entered a 30-day consultation period with workers and unions after announcing 69 jobs are to go at the West Street works.
© 2001-2009 Newsquest Media Group
TA Training U-Turn
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
SOUTH Cheshire MP Edward Timpson has applauded the Government climb-down over plans to drastically cut training for the Territorial Army.
On October 15, the Government announced that weekly and monthly Territorial Army training would be cut by £20 million – wiping out training for tens of thousands of Territorials.
This represents a third of the Territorial Army’s annual budget.
However, following sustained public and political pressure, the plans were scrapped.
Since 2002, some 20,000 reservists have seen active service in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Balkans, most of them from the TA.
But cuts over the last twelve years have seen numbers in the TA fall from 57,000 to 35,000.
Mr Timpson said: “Our reserves need all the support they can get, both in terms of training and equipment.
“We should not send a single soldier into battle if we cannot say that everything possible has been done to prepare them.
“Why would any young man or woman walk in to our local TA office if they are not absolutely confident that their Government supports them 100%?”
© 2001-2009 Newsquest Media Group
MP Calls For Action On Nuclear Test Veterans
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has called for action from the Government regarding British nuclear test veterans.
Between 1952 and 1967 the UK carried out a number of tests of nuclear weapons in the Pacific Ocean and in Australia, involving more than 20,000 servicemen.
Some 30% of men involved in the tests have since died, mostly in their 50s.
Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Timpson said: “In Crewe and Nantwich there are a number of veterans who were affected by the British testing of nuclear weapons in Australia and Christmas Island during the 1950s and 1960s.
“Will the Secretary of State tell the House what progress has been made, as part of the investigation into the health needs of those nuclear-test veterans, with the follow-up to the Rowland report on chromosomal damage, as the Ministry of Defence promised?”
Kevan Jones, Minister for Veterans, responded: “The British Nuclear Test Veterans Association has been meeting my officials to scope the study.
“We are now putting it out to tender, to ensure that we get a competent organisation to undertake it, and I will keep the House informed as that work goes on.”
Following the exchange, Mr Timpson added: “It seems bureaucracy is getting in the way of common sense.
"Many other countries, including the USA, recognise that they did wrong by their nuclear test veterans and have compensated them properly.
"The radiation injuries these men have suffered are just as important as combat wounds suffered in Afghanistan or Iraq today, and should finally be recognised.
"How much longer do they have to wait?"
© 2001-2009 Newsquest Media Group
Nantwich MP Timpson applauds Territorial Army climb-down
Nantwichnews
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has applauded the Government climb-down over plans to drastically cut training for the Territorial Army.
The Government announced in October that weekly and monthly TA training would be cut by £20 million – wiping out training for tens of thousands of Territorials.
But after sustained public and political pressure, the plans were scrapped.
Mr Timpson said: “Our reserves need all the support they can get, both in terms of training and equipment.
“We should not send a single soldier into battle if we cannot say that everything possible has been done to prepare them.
“Why would any young man or woman walk in to our local TA office if they are not absolutely confident that their Government supports them 100%?”
Since 2002, 20,000 reservists have seen active service in Afghanistan, Iraq and the Balkans, most of them from the TA.
Fourteen Territorials have died and 550 Territorials are currently serving on the front-line in Afghanistan.
Cuts over the last 12 years have seen TA numbers fall from 57,000 to 35,000.
© Nantwichnews Blog
MP Welcomes School Shake-Up Plans
Crewe and Nantwich Guardian
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has responded enthusiastically to plans outlined by Shadow Children's Secretary Michael Gove, to reform the schools system.
The plans aim to give every child the kind of education currently only available to the well-off, by recruiting the brightest young people into teaching, and giving power back to head teachers.
Mr Timpson said: "In my work as MP I have met many very talented teachers here in Cheshire who often find themselves drowning under rules and regulations.
"We need to give power back to the head teachers to set their own agendas depending on what is best for their specific school."
© 2001-2009 Newsquest Media Group
5 ways to contact Edward Timpson
- By email: timpsone@parliament.uk
- On the web: edwardtimpsonmp.com
- By phone: 01270 501 725
- By post: 30 Victoria Street, Crewe CW1 2JE
- In person: Click here to see surgery times
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