Welcome ...
Welcome to this my 63rd electronic news bulletin.
Its been another enjoyable week spent in Crewe & Nantwich. I've again had lots of visits & events this week. Its great to get out and about in the constituency.
Remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions for me.
You can forward the bulletin on to your friends and family, who can sign up themselves by clicking here for my website.
Best wishes,
Edward Timpson
Member of Parliament for Crewe & Nantwich
I have recently ...
- Hosted & addressed the national charity After Adoption at their fundraising dinner, in Parliament
- Attended the 54th Community Pride Awards evening, in Nantwich Civic Hall, where Nantwich won the top prize for community pride
- Visited Pear Tree Primary School in Nantwich, to join in with their Macmillan Coffee Morning run by parents from the PTA
- Helped bag pack with other volunteers in Asda, Crewe to help raise money for Older Persons Appreciation League (OPAL)
- Met with newly recruited staff at the revamped Currys/PC World store at Grand Junction in Crewe
- Attended Acton Amateur Operatic Society's performance of The Slipper & The Rose, at the Lyceum Theatre in Crewe
This weekend I will be...
- Officially opening the Weston Allotment Group's allotments
- Holding an Information Street Stall, in Nantwich
Photos & Video ...
You can view all my photos and video at edwardtimpsonmp.com
Crewe man claims bank statements not delivered since closure of sorting office
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
A CREWE man is demanding answers from Royal Mail after not receiving any bank statements since the Weston Road sorting office closed.
Derek Walley, of Elm Close, Wistaston, says his wife Joanna is still waiting for a bank statement which was posted in Crewe on August 13. His own statement, posted on September 8, hasn’t arrived either.
Before the Crewe sorting office closed, they usually arrived within a couple days of posting.
Mr Walley said: “With something as important as bank statements it is worrying. If someone has been taking money out of my account, I wouldn’t know without the statement. If that has happened are Royal Mail going to take responsibility?”
The matter regarding Mrs Walley’s statement has already been taken up by Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson.
He wrote to Royal Mail’s chief executive Moya Greene expressing his concern.
Ms Greene assured him the matter is being looked into. Since then Mr Walley’s own bank statement has not been delivered.
He told the Chronicle: “I read the story in the paper (last Wednesday) about the lady not getting her medical results and Royal Mail said in that to contact their customer services and gave the number. I rang the number and they weren't interested and eventually hung up on me.”
Mr Walley is the latest in a number of people to contact the Chronicle with complaints about post not being delivered since Crewe mail centre closed and the work and staff were transferred to Warrington.
At the time of the planned closure, staff at Crewe predicted these difficulties, but Royal Mail pressed ahead with the closure.
Mr Timpson said: “I am disappointed to hear that, despite assurances to the contrary, the postal service my constituents receive is worsening and that Royal Mail are not providing adequate customer service. I will be writing to their chief executive to express my concern and seek clarification of the problem.”
A Royal Mail spokesman said: “Any customer experiencing problems with their mail delivery should contact Royal Mail Customer Services on 08457 740 740 so that we can investigate.
“We apologise if Mr Walley had some difficulty contacting Royal Mail Customer Services and one of our advisors has now made contact with him to discuss his complaint in detail.”
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Nantwich Food & Drink Festival 2010
Seniors Today Magazine
Whew! ‘Great Fire’ – an appositely-named, new beer to toast this year’s event
ALL tastes are catered for in 2010′s festival – and that includes those with a thirst for ‘real ale’!
An exclusive beer – brewed locally in Stapeley – will be ‘on-tap’ throughout the festival weekend, as part of a CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) event at Nantwich Cricket Club.
Made to a secret recipe by the Woodlands Brewing Company, the bottled beer has been named ‘Great Fire’ after the infamous blaze which devastated Nantwich in 1583.
One of the first to try it was Crewe and Nantwich MP, Edward Timpson, when brewer, John Skeaping, and directors from Nantwich Food and Drink Ltd. (the festival’s organising body) staged a launch in the town centre.
Commented Festival Chairman, Graham Fenton: “The Nantwich Show saw the launch of Nantwich blue cheese, so we asked the Woodlands Brewing Company if they could come up with a new beer, especially for the weekend.
The CAMRA event runs alongside a packed programme of activities that will turn Nantwich town centre into a magnet for not only serious ‘foodies’, but everyone who appreciates good food and drink.
“The big difference about this year’s event, of course, is that it is free: we didn’t want cost to be an issue, preventing local people from enjoying a fabulous festival and all the associated activities on their doorsteps,” said Graham.
“Everything is taking place in the heart of Nantwich, with its streets and the Square providing a truly-picturesque back-drop.”
© 2010 Seniors Today Magazine
Training Academy Launched At Wychwood Park
Crewe Guardian
A NEW training academy for young people has been launched in Crewe this week.
Cheshire East Council has joined forces with the De Vere Academy of Hospitality to offer local 16-24 year olds not in education, employment or training, the chance to work in the hotel and catering industry.
Monday saw the official launch of the Hospitality Academy at the DeVere Hotel at Wychwood Park.
With support from the council’s economic recovery task group and the National Apprenticeships Service, 73 apprentices are now working towards careers in the industry.
The apprentices were chosen, by De Vere Academy, on their potential and enthusiasm rather than educational qualifications or experience.
The academy opened its doors to the first group of apprentices earlier this month. The second intake will begin their training on November 15 and the third on January 24.
The apprentices are paid the national rate of around £100 per week and all are provided with a uniform and their meals during the course.
Cheshire East Council Mayor Gordon Baxendale, attended the launch along with local MP, Edward Timpson.
Councillor Jamie Macrae said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who has a passion for the hotel or catering industry.
“This course is about gaining a vocational qualification and learning essential life skills.
“I hope all the apprentices go on to enjoy successful and fulfilling careers in these industries.
“This is about recruiting local, talented people and helping them reach their potential.
“Adding to the skilled workforce here in Cheshire East can only benefit the local economy in the long-term.”
© Newsquest Media Group 2010
Achievement awards for Bentley workers
Crewe Chronicle
ABOUT 150 workers from Bentley in Crewe have been presented with achievement awards.
The awards recognised their achievements in learning and development and included NVQs, business improvement techniques, degrees, numeracy and literacy.
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson presented the awards and said:Š“The efforts of the workers to better themselves and their business off their own backs is both refreshing and impressive.
“Bentley has shown what can be achieved through hard graft coupled with valuable support from families at home.”
© Trinity Mirror 2010
Edward Timpson MP Backs Crewe's Bombardier Plant In Parliament
Crewe Guardian
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson spoke in Parliament last week about railways and the Inter-city Express Programme (IEP).
Mr Timpson said the contract for IEP was awarded by Labour to Japanese firm Hitachi, when Bombardier could easily have been carried out refurbishment work of existing rolling stock.
And he drew railways minister Theresa Villiers’ attention to a report by Sir Andrew Foster, which said that not all alternatives to the current IEP programme had been considered.
Mr Timpson asked: “Is the minister considering carefully Sir Andrew Foster's conclusion that he is not convinced that all credible alternatives to IEP have been identified?
"He sets out the case in his report for a short-term IC125 refurbishment, which would be both cost-effective and technically feasible.
“The skills, buildings and infrastructure enabling that work to be done already exist in places such as my constituency of Crewe, where Bombardier can already carry out that work.”
In her response Ms Villiers admitted that the Government was evaluating the current IEP programme in light of the report.
She also said she was aware of the possible alternatives for the refurbishment work.
She said: “In accordance with Sir Andrew's recommendations, the Government are reviewing all the credible options in light of value for money, affordability and their compatibility with the plans for further rail electrification.”
“The alternatives include the possibility of refurbishing and extending the life of the existing InterCity 125 rolling stock.”
Speaking after the debate Mr Timpson said: “In these difficult times when all Government spending is under review, it could be far more sensible for the nation to refurbish existing trains to a high standard, rather than pay Japanese workers to build new ones.
"Crewe and Bombardier is perfectly placed to carry out that sort of work with its skilled workforce, and someone needed to point that out.”
© Newsquest Media Group 2010
Transport secretary hears fresh plea to keep IEP
RailNews.co.uk
MOVES to save the £7.5 billion Intercity Express Programme are being stepped up, as a delegation of business leaders from the north east of England meets the transport secretary Philip Hammond to urge him not only to continue the project, but to place the Hitachi assembly plant in their region.
It is reported that between 500 and 800 jobs would be directly created, with further benefits for suppliers.
The Japanese prime minister has already made his own bid to keep IEP going, by making a direct plea to David Cameron.
Agility Trains, the consortium led by Hitachi, was named as the preferred IEP bidder as long ago as February 2009, but confirmation was delayed by the financial crisis, the changing stance of the former Labour government on electrification, and the imminence of a general election.
A partnership of Bombardier and Siemens is still the official reserve bidder.
Even though there is no contract yet, regional competition to gain from improvements to the Intercity fleet is becoming fiercer.
While a group of business leaders from County Durham are telling the transport secretary that the IEP assembly plant should be built at Newton Aycliffe, the MP for Crewe and Nantwich, Edward Timpson, has been setting out an alternative.
He told the Commons in a Westminster Hall debate on 15 September that the cheaper option of upgrading the Mk3 fleet, which has been outlined by Sir Andrew Foster in his IEP report, not only deserves consideration but that the major refurbishment contract should be awarded to the Bombardier works in his constituency.
Meanwhile, MPs in South Yorkshire are still lobbying for the IEP assembly plant to be built at Tinsley in Sheffield, although this site has been ruled out by Agility Trains itself, leaving Newton Aycliffe and Deeside in North Wales on their shortlist.
Delegations not withstanding, the uncertainty over IEP seems set to continue for a while, with no decision to be expected in advance of the government's announcement of the Spending Review, which is due on 20 October.
©railnews.co.uk
Shavington garage receives perfect score in Trading Standards assessment
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
Shavington garage receives perfect score in Trading Standards assessment
THERE was double celebration for a garage owner when his business was awarded a 100% in a Trading Standards mystery shop on the day his wife gave birth to their second baby boy.
Thrilled Chris Meredith was in hospital awaiting the birth of their new arrival, Charlie, as a Trading Standards appointed mystery shopper visited his garage, ABP Motorsport in Shavington, and awarded it full marks in every aspect of service.
Posing as a customer with a Mazda MX5 in need of a service, the official assessed the garage on its service from the initial phone call made to book in the car through to the greeting in reception, standard of workmanship, site image and overall customer satisfaction along with locating various introduced faults on the car.
Chris, who lives in Nantwich, said: “This is the first time a garage within the Trading Standard’s Golden Spanner scheme has achieved a perfect 100% result.
“We’re over the moon because not only is this an amazing achievement, but it also beats our 2008 result of 97% which put us ahead of all the motor traders and service and repair centres that subscribe to the scheme across Cheshire.
The 100% result is the latest in a series of accolades for the Newcastle Road business. In 2009 it scooped the Motorcodes Golden Garage award for best garage in the North West and earlier this year it was named the CAT Magazine Garage of the Year 2010.
Chris, 37 added: “We aim to treat all customers and cars the same, be it a Fiat or Ferrari, and get every single job right and welcome mystery shop results as a true gauge of our abilities.”
Crewe and Nantwich MP, Edward Timpson said: “They are a great example showing how professionalism and good customer service combine to make a successful business.”
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Local MP wowed by musical talent
Crewe TV Blog
Audience members were treated to a special concert at Crewe Hall last week as part of the South Cheshire Young Musicians Composer of the Year awards. Among those who attended the event was special guest Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson. He then presented the trophies for young composer of the year during the interval. South Cheshire Young Musicians (SCYM) was set up in 2006 aiming to give young people an opportunity to practice and perform in front of a live audience. The group holds concerts all over Cheshire, including regular events at Crewe Hall and Wrenbury Hall.
Speaking after the event Mr Timpson said: “The quality and standard of music played was simply superb. It was a real treat as well as a great advert for the wealth of musical talent we have amongst young people in our area. Much credit must go to David whose infectious enthusiasm has inspired many young people to stretch their musical ability to the limit.”
For more information about upcoming concerts, or how to get involved visit http://www.scym.co.uk/
© Crewe TV Blog 2010
Edward Timpson Opens School Offices
Haslington Online
Last Friday Edward Timpson MP paid a visit to Haslington Primary School to open the new school’s office and reception area which has had a complete refurbishment, making the area more accessible for the children and disabled visitors. He enjoyed a tour of the school, meeting pupils and answering some unusual questions about life as an MP. After cutting the ribbon, Mr Timpson took tea with the staff and governors, taking time to learn about the exciting new projects the school has in store for the coming academic year.
Mr Timpson has taken a personal interest in Haslington Primary School since his first visit in June 2009. He has seen the school’s new leadership team making significant improvements to the school over this time and he has attended milestone events such as the opening of Haslington Preschool within the school grounds.
Mr Timpson said that it was a pleasure it is to see the improvements made to the school and was interested in how the curriculum has developed to offer a wider range of opportunities for the children. During his tour, Mr Timpson noted the many structural improvements to the school that have taken place. He was shown the new Early Years and Key Stage One practical area – complete with new sand, water and construction play equipment. Mr Timpson told staff and Governors that it was lovely to see the school environment developing in a way that reflects the staff and pupils’ great pride and enthusiasm in the learning that takes place within it.
© Haslington Online 2010
MP Timpson hands out South Cheshire Young Musicians awards
Nantwich News
Audience members were treated to a special concert as part of the South Cheshire Young Musicians Composer of the Year awards.
And Nantwich MP Edward Timpson was among the crowd to attend the event where he presented trophies for young composer of the year during the interval.
South Cheshire Young Musicians (SCYM) was set up in 2006 aiming to give young people a chance to practice and perform in front of a live audience.
The group holds concerts all over Cheshire, including regular events at Crewe Hall and Wrenbury Hall, near Nantwich.
Mr Timpson said: “The quality and standard of music played was simply superb.
“It was a real treat as well as a great advert for the wealth of musical talent we have among young people in our area.
“Much credit must go to David (Ketley) whose infectious enthusiasm has inspired many young people to stretch their musical ability to the limit.”
For information on concerts or how to get involved visit www.scym.co.uk
© Nantwich News 2010
Edward Timpson MP calls for rail contract to go to Crewe-based Bombardier
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
EDWARD Timpson is urging the Government to re-think plans to award a big rail contract to a Japanese company – and give it to Crewe-based Bombardier.
Speaking in the Commons last week, the Crewe and Nantwich MP said the Inter-city Express Programme (IEP) was awarded by Labour to Hitachi “when Bombardier could easily have carried out the rolling stock refurb”.
He drew Railways Minister Theresa Villiers’ attention to a report by Sir Andrew Foster which concludes that not all alternatives had been identified and fully considered.
Mr Timpson said: “Sir Andrew sets out the case for a short-term IC125 refurbishment, which would be both cost-effective and technically feasible.
“The skills, buildings and infrastructure enabling that work already exists - at Bombardier.”
Ms Villiers admitted the Government was re-evaluating the IEP programme in light of the report. She said she was aware of the possible alternatives.
Mr Timpson said later:Š“In difficult times when all Government spending is under review, it’s far more sensible for the nation to refurbish existing trains to a high standard, rather than pay Japanese workers to build new ones.”
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Words from Westminster
Edward Timpson, Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
Having recently spoken in the House of Commons about the decline of competitive sports in our schools, I was intrigued to watch the current TV programme ‘Gareth Malone’s Extraordinary School For Boys’.
In it, children are actively encouraged to embrace competition in an effort to excite, stimulate and engage them in their own education and development, as well as move them away from the risk averse culture that surrounds them.
This is important, as children need to, and want to, challenge themselves, and through challenging play they learn to manage risk, whilst at the same time explore more fully the physical and social worlds around them.
Sadly I hear all too often that health and safety regulations have prevented rather than promoted this positive and important part of a child’s upbringing.
In Crewe and Nantwich we have some superb voluntary groups and clubs that offer children and young adults that chance to compete with others and challenge themselves through adventure, whilst helping equip them for adulthood.
In recent visits to the Brownies and Air Cadets in our local area I have seen for myself the opportunities they bring to young people in building their confidence and self-reliance, developing their own skills and learning the value of their community.
However, much of the great work is being affected by the bureaucratic hoops, complex paper-based risk assessment forms for normal every day activities, costly insurance requirements, and multiple Criminal Records Bureau checks that can put people off volunteering for the benefit of the young.
Adults have a duty to keep children safe and protect them from genuine threats. That needn’t be at odds with providing these groups with the space and the freedom to flourish.
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Customers enjoy big summer fun day
Crewe Blog
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson and Deputy Mayor of Cheshire East Council Roger West joined hundreds of families in an afternoon of free fun and activities at the recent Wulvern customer summer fun day at the Oakley Building, Victoria Centre, Crewe. Organised by local affordable housing provider Wulvern, residents basked in the sunshine whilst enjoying free activities and events including bouncy castle, rodeo sheep, games and sports events. Customers also gave their views on what Wulvern’s annual report should include and look like. They also got involved to help improve and shape the services Wulvern offers. Customer Involvement Manager, Alison Hyde said: "We were delighted that so many customers came along to join in the fun and give us their views - there was a real feeling of community spirit.”
There will be another opportunity for customers to give their opinions at a series of “Going Local” roadshows being held across Crewe and Nantwich. For further information please contact the Customer Involvement team on 01270-503588.
© 2010 Crewe Blog
MP calls for rail contract to go to Bombardier at Crewe
Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle
More jobs axed at Bombardier's Crewe Works
EDWARD Timpson is urging the Government to re-think plans to give a major rail contract to a Japanese company and instead give the work to Crewe-based Bombardier.
Speaking in the House of Commons last week, the Crewe and Nantwich MP highlighted the fact that the contract for Inter-city Express Programme (IEP) was awarded by Labour to Japanese firm Hitachi, “when Bombardier could easily have carried out refurbishment work of existing rolling stock”.
“The skills, buildings and infrastructure enabling that work to be done already exist in places such as my constituency of Crewe, where Bombardier can already carry out that work,” Mr Timpson said to Railways Minister Theresa Villiers.
© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd
Hope for Bombardier?
Crewe Blog
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson was in action again in Parliament last week speaking in a debate about railways and the Inter-city Express Programme (IEP). In his time as MP Mr Timpson has maintained close contact with Bombardier, and has spoken on behalf of its Crewe workforce in the House of Commons on a number of occasions. Last week he again highlighted that contract for IEP was awarded by Labour to Japanese firm Hitachi, when Bombardier could easily have been carried out refurbishment work of existing rolling stock. He drew Railways Minister Theresa Villiers’ attention to a report by Sir Andrew Foster that concluded that not all alternatives to the current IEP programme had been identified and fully considered.
Mr Timpson asked: “Is the Minister considering carefully Sir Andrew Foster's conclusion that he is not convinced that all credible alternatives to IEP have been identified? He sets out the case in his report for a short-term IC125 refurbishment, which would be both cost-effective and technically feasible. The skills, buildings and infrastructure enabling that work to be done already exist in places such as my constituency of Crewe, where Bombardier can already carry out that work.”
In her response Ms Villiers admitted that the Government was evaluating the current IEP programme in light of the report. She also said she was aware of the possible alternatives for the refurbishment work. She said: “In accordance with Sir Andrew's recommendations, the Government are reviewing all the credible options in light of value for money, affordability and their compatibility with the plans for further rail electrification. As my hon. Friend points out, the alternatives include the possibility of refurbishing and extending the life of the existing InterCity 125 rolling stock.”
Speaking after the debate Mr Timpson said: “In these difficult times when all Government spending is under review, it could be far more sensible for the nation to refurbish existing trains to a high standard, rather than pay Japanese workers to build new ones. Crewe and Bombardier is perfectly placed to carry out that sort of work with its skilled workforce, and someone needed to point that out.”
© 2010 Crewe Blog
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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