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Tuesday 28 June 2011

SCHOOL CLOSURES DUE TO INDUSTRIAL ACTION:

 

The latest notifications of schools that will be wholly closed for pupils on Thursday, June 30, are as follows:

PRIMARY (39):

Adlington (Macclesfield)

Ash Grove (Macclesfield)

Astbury St Mary’s (Congleton)

Bexton (Knutsford)

Brereton (Sandbach)

Calveley (Nantwich)

Cledford (Middlewich)

Cranberry (Alsager)

Dean Oaks (Wilmslow)

Excalibur (Alsager)

Gainsborough (Crewe)

Hermitage (Congleton)

Highfields (Nantwich)

Hungerford (Crewe)

Ivy Bank (Macclesfield)

Lower Park (Poynton)

Mablins Lane (Crewe)

Marlfields (Congleton)

Marton (Congleton)

Nether Alderley (Alderley Edge)

Oakefield (Crewe)

Pear Tree (Nantwich)

Pebble Brook (Crewe)

Pikemere (Alsager)

Prestbury (Prestbury)

Sandbach (Sandbach)

Shavington (Crewe)

St John the Evangelist (Macclesfield)

St Mary’s (Congleton)

St Mary’s (Crewe)

The Berkeley (Crewe)

The Dingle (Sandbach)

The Quinta (Congleton)

Underwood West (Crewe)

Vine Tree (Crewe)

Weston Village (Crewe)

Wilmslow Grange (Wilmslow)

Woodcock’s Well (Congleton)

Wybunbury Delves (Nantwich)

SECONDARY (4):

Middlewich

Ruskin (Crewe)

Sir William Stanier (Crewe)

Kings Grove School (Crewe)

SPECIAL (1):

Springfield

PARTIAL CLOSURES

PRIMARY (21):

Acton Primary (Nantwich)

Alsager Highfields

Ashdene  (Wilmslow)

Audlem St James (Nantwich)

Beechwood (Crewe)

Black Firs (Congleton)

High Legh (Knutsford)

Hollinhey (Macclesfield)

Hurdsfield (Macclesfield)

Little Bollington (Macclesfield)

Millfields (Nantwich)

Mobberley Primary (Knutsford)

Monks Coppenhall (Crewe)

Park Royal (Macclesfield)

Rainow primary (Macclesfield)

St Vincent de Paul (Knutsford)

Stapeley Broad Lane (Nantwich)

Weaver (Nantwich)

Wheelock (Sandbach)

Willaston (Nantwich)

Wyche (Nantwich)

SECONDARY (9):

All Hallows (Macclefield)

Alsager

Fallibroome Academy (Macclesfield)

Poynton

St Thomas More (Crewe)

Sandbach Boys

Sandbach High School

Tytherington (Macclesfield)

Malbank (Nantwich)

SPECIAL (1):

St John’s Wood (Knutsford)

Saturday 25 June 2011

Cheshire East working to stamp out doorstep crime

Photo 1

Primary school pupils are being given tips from Cheshire East Council on how to help themselves and their families be safe if bogus callers come knocking at the door.

The authority’s consumer protection and investigations team is offering Year 6 children an interactive presentation to help raise awareness of ‘safety at the door’ to prevent doorstep crime.

An activity booklet for pupils has also been drawn up, as well as an educational website called ‘Knock Knock, Who’s There’, which has been developed to provide resources for children, parents and teachers to learn about doorstep safety together.

Children are also made aware of buying goods from shops or over the internet. The aim is for youngsters to learn and pass on their education and knowledge to others including parents, grandparents, carers and elderly neighbours and relatives.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “Consumer rights, advice and education are vitally important issues for everyone.

“This long-term campaign helps to prepare children in case of bogus calls but it also aims to make them wary of buying goods and services, either in a shop or over the internet and how the rules and regulations apply and what to do if things go wrong.

“Sessions in Sandbach and Knutsford have been a great success so far and we will then be looking to roll the project out across the rest of Cheshire East in the coming years.”

Consumer protection and investigations is now welcoming interest from other primary schools who would like to benefit from the presentation.

For interested schools, the team will meet with them to discuss pupils’ needs before officers begin their work.

One officer will undertake a lesson on doorstep crime and bogus callers at the door, whilst another will undertake a presentation on consumer rights when purchasing goods and services.

Following the lessons, pupils will be provided with an activity booklet and asked to design, draw or paint a landscape A4 poster showing a key message learnt during the visit.

Councillors and officers will then judge which are the top 12 entries and place them on to a calendar for the following year.

Calendars will then be printed around December time, so that pupils can pass them on to elderly residents or relatives as a Christmas present.

For more information, call 01270 685900 or visit www.knockknockwhosthere.net

Motorcycle Rider Assessment Day


South Cheshire Advanced Motorcyclists will be holding the next Motorcycle
Rider Assessment event on Saturday 25th June between 10:00 and 16:00. These
events are proving to be very popular for motorcyclists from the Northwest,
North Wales and West Midlands. This event will once again be held at the
Broxton Picnic area on the junction of the A41 and A534.


Members of the group will be on hand to discuss any riding or capability
matters with the public and our accredited Observers will be undertaking
free assessment rides. The observed rides will last approximately 45 minutes
and will include pre and post ride briefings. There is no charge for the
assessment rides, simply turn up and register. All motorcyclists are
welcome, but they must have passed their full Motorcycle test before they
are eligible for Advanced Motorcycling Guidance.


All Cheshire East residents will qualify for a 50% discount on the cost of
The I.A.M.'s Skill for Life course provided by South Cheshire Advanced
Motorcyclists. Other discounts may be available for Staffordshire and
Cheshire West residents.


For further information, please contact Bob Morris at
<mailto:bob.morris@southcheshiream.co.uk> bob.morris@southcheshiream.co.uk
or call 01270 766384

Full details are available on the group website at
<http://www.southcheshiream.co.uk> www.southcheshiream.co.uk


MP’s news Letter

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my 86th electronic news bulletin.

This week the Prime Minister has spoken with President Obama and I welcome his announcement to draw down the US troop surge from Afghanistan.

The surge by the US and international partners, supported by an increase in the number of Afghan army and police, has reversed the momentum of the insurgency and created the right conditions for security responsibility to begin to transfer to the Afghans from July.

We will keep UK force levels in Afghanistan under constant review. We have already said there will be no UK troops in combat roles in Afghanistan by 2015 and, where conditions on the ground allow, it is right that we bring troops home sooner.

We remain side by side with Afghanistan and our international partners to achieve a military and political solution in Afghanistan that will allow the Afghan people take full responsibility for their own sovereignty and national security.

This comes only days before Armed Forces Day which will be held this Saturday, 25 June 2011.

It’s an opportunity to do two things. Firstly, to raise public awareness of the contribution made to our country by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces, Secondly, it gives the nation an opportunity to Show Your Support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families and from veterans to cadets.

Please 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

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I have recently ...

  • Held a Constituency Surgery at my office in Crewe
  • Asked the Transport Secretary in the House of Commons how we can help British businesses avoid losing out to cheap foreign contracts, read more here
  • Been interviewed by local blog 'Love Nantwich', read more here
  • Waved the start flag at this year's Weaver Wander
  • Held a meet and greet at Wychwood Village Hall
  • Recorded a personal messge for TACT, the UK's largest fostering and adoption charity
  • Visited the Autism Network on Prince Albert Street in Crewe, to see the recent changes made to facilities and services

...This weekend I will be

  • Visiting the Customer Service Centre of Cheshire East Council
  • Visiting the Life Education Centre at Gainsborough Primary School
  • Visiting the Salisbury Estate to meet local residents and hear their concerns

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COMING SOON: Community News

Coming soon...

I will be showcasing the best local news stories from your own community on my website, in my office and eNewsletter.

I invite you to send me your good news stories from your community, so we can highlight the hard work of our local Volunteers, Community Stars and Fundraisers!

Look out for new announcements at www.edwardtimpson.com

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Photos & Video ...

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  • Edward Waves-off the Weaver Wander

You can view all my photos and video at edwardtimpsonmp.com

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Virgin London Marathon 2011

Main Content Inline Small

Raising money for Parkinson's UK in Crewe & Nantwich

In April I completed my 9th marathon, raising money for Parkinson's UK Crewe Branch.  There's still time to sponsor me on my webpage and help support a great organisation!

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MP blames Labour for exporting massive railway contract overseas

Crewe Chronicle

Rail contract fury

THE decision to award a vital train contract to a firm overseas - placing British jobs at Bombardier in Crewe and Derby at risk - has infuriated local MP Edward Timpson.
“This is the wrong decision,” he said, adding: “I’m angry and Bombardier's employees and management have my sympathy.” (See letters pages 16 &17).

Mr Timpson said affected Conservative MPs in Cheshire, Derbyshire and Staffordshire lobbied hard against the decision but European law was against them.
“In 2008 it was the Labour government that set unfair terms for this long bidding process. It priced Bombardier out of the market before they had even started and tied the hands of the Coalition Government under European law.”

He continued: “Labour sent the economic benefits of Inter City Express train manufacture to Japan and has now sent the economic benefits of the Thameslink train manufacture to Germany. They’ve learned nothing!.
“It's no wonder a railway constituency like Crewe and Nantwich chose to end its love affair with Labour. Gordon Brown may have wanted ‘British jobs for British workers’ but he never put his money where his mouth was. And this is the result. Again!”

© 2011 Crewe Chronicle

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Football centre raised in House

The Sentinel

MP EDWARD Timpson has asked the Government to intervene in the closing of the Crewe Alexandra Girls Centre of Excellence after the Football Association decided to withdraw funding. 

The Conservative MP for Crewe and Nantwich raised the issue in the House of Commons with Hugh Robertson, Parliamentary under secretary of state for culture, media and sport.

Mr Timpson asked him to "take it up personally" with David Bernstein, the chairman of the FA.

The club was a casualty of the FA's decision to reduce their centres of excellence from 52 to 30 for next season.

It means Crewe will also lose their £34,000 funding from the FA.

© 2011 The Sentinel

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Petition Handed In Against Coppenhall Plans

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian

PROTESTERS against the controversial £50m housing development in Coppenhall have handed in a petition of more than a thousand signatures to Cheshire East Council. 

Compaigners insist the Taylor Wimpey development of 650 houses on land off Remer Street will lead to gridlock on the area’s roads and overwhelm the local infrastrusture.

Local councillor Peggy Martin, who handed in the petition with fellow councillor David Newton, is meeting with local MP Edward Timpson about the issue on Friday morning.

She said: “The plans have now gone in to the council and we are expecting the meeting either in July or August.

“Everyone in the area is against this development.

“It is beautiful countryside they are talking of builidng on and once it is gone we will never get it back. There must be much more suitable sites around Crewe.

“We are just hoping that Cheshire East Council will listen to people who actually live in the area.”

Campaigner Robin Poste, a Remer Street resident, said: “We have about 1,800 signatures so far, but have until the end of the month to add more.

“If you look at the report from the developers, you would get the impression that not many people turned up for the consultation meetings. In reality they were packed with local residents against the plans.

“The developers have asked people who live outside the area for their views and produced a biased opinion based on that.

“People are more upset knowing that than they were before.

“Nobody on the area wants this development, the plans would see us sandwiched between two main roads at the front and at the back.

“The developers keep saying it is for the community. But which community is it for? Certianly not the one that is here already.”

Mr Poste added that the seven-year building plan will have an adverse effect on the community and properties due to vibration and pollution.

As developers Taylor Wimpey submitted the proposals to the council, a spokesman said: “I’m really encouraged to see that there is a good level of local support for our proposals.

“I understand that some concerns have been expressed and we fully expect a level of opposition from residents living in close proximity to the site.”

The application was backed by South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive John Dunning, who endorsed the plans for the economic benefits it would deliver for the town.

© 2011 Crewe & Nantwich Guardian

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5 ways to contact Edward Timpson

Youngsters take centre stage to showcase their talents

CEYT youngsters in action

Cheshire East youngsters are coming together to take centre stage and showcase their talents.

The first-ever Cheshire East Youth Theatre (CEYT) ‘Celebration’ will see all three groups that make up CEYT put on a show-stopping performance at Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre on Saturday, July 16, at 6pm.

The event, run by Cheshire East Council, is an ideal occasion to celebrate the blossoming talents of the youth theatre.

About 90 youngsters are looking forward to the memorable opportunity to perform at the Lyceum – and for some it will be their first time treading the boards.

Cheshire East Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “This is a really vibrant and talented youth theatre group and the celebration at the Lyceum will be an exciting and memorable opportunity for its members to showcase their talents.

“Youth theatre is an incredible experience for the tutors, performers and audience alike. I’d urge as many people as possible to come along to support this show and celebrate these youngsters’ achievements.”

CEYT, which is based at the Lyceum, for young people aged five to 18, recently branched out to create two new youth theatre groups in Alsager and Sandbach. 

The Lyceum Youth Theatre has four age groups, five to seven; eight to 10; 11 to 13; and 14 to 18, based in the theatre’s rehearsal room. Alsager Youth Theatre, based in Alsager Community Church Hall, and Sandbach Youth Theatre, based in Sandbach Town Hall, are both for youngsters aged seven to 11.

The groups help young people build a range of theatre skills including improvisation, voice and speech, characterisation and movement. It also teaches youngsters how to work effectively as a team, develop communication skills and build self confidence.

Members get the chance to attend workshops and tread the boards of Crewe’s Lyceum stage – as well as perform at other local venues and regional festivals.

CEYT is extremely popular and has a reputation for imaginative performance work. No previous experience is necessary and there are no auditions needed. 

CEYT teenage member Imogen Traynor-Barry Said: “Performing at the Lyceum is immense and I look forward to it every year. We work hard throughout the term for this and I can’t wait.”

Tickets for the celebration event, priced £5 for adults and £3 for concessions, are available from the Lyceum’s box office on 01270 537333.

Anyone interested in joining Cheshire East Youth Theatre should ring co-ordinator Hayley Lindley on 07709180296 or email her at: ceyt@cheshireeast.gov.uk

The CEYT autumn term runs from September 5 to December 14 and costs £40 (£20 concessions) per person for the term.

Weston and Basford Parish Council playing its part in making Cheshire East safer

 

Weston and Basford residents are benefitting from a positive working partnership between their two local councils.

Cheshire East and Weston and Basford parish councils have developed a community resilience plan, which is designed to protect parishioners in major emergencies and serious incidents.

The emergency planning team at Cheshire East believes it is important for town and parish councils to assist the Borough so that it can help to identify which local resources can be best used to tackle potential problems like severe winter conditions, floods or flu pandemics.

The Weston and Basford Parish Council community resilience plan identifies local resources and hazards in the parish but, more importantly, will assist Cheshire East in identifying vulnerable people at the time of an emergency.

It is hoped that more town and parish councils will now come forward and work with the Borough and Cheshire police and offer assistance to help keep Cheshire East well prepared in case of emergency.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “Identifying vulnerable people in a crisis is not something Cheshire East can achieve on its own.

“The authority adopts a ‘top down’ approach by referring to internal records on vulnerable people and by seeking assistance from partner agencies. But it cannot always account for changes in circumstances and someone who may not be vulnerable today, could be tomorrow.

“This is where Weston and Basford Parish Council plays a vital ‘bottom up’ role in identifying vulnerable people, through local knowledge and community links.

“Cheshire East strives to be an excellent council and to work with others to deliver for its residents and I do hope that more councils will now look into how they can assist us.”

The Council does not have a set method for developing these plans and is inviting parish and town councils to devise their own way of operating or to adopt an existing plan.

Councillor John Hammond, ward member for Haslington, said: “Community involvement is key to the success of these initiatives. We must identify those who will need the most help, should an emergency situation develop.

“This is about thorough planning and preparation. I am confident the people of Weston and Basford will continue to lend their support to this important partnership.

“At the same time, may I take this opportunity to congratulate Weston and Basford Parish Council for once again displaying great initiative in being the first parish council in Cheshire East to develop such a plan, which hopefully others will now follow.”

A community resilience plan template is available at: www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk which includes weblinks to potential grants.

For more information, call emergency planning officers Martin Grime on 01244 973866 or Jim Robinson on 01244 973789.

Thursday 16 June 2011

Great West St floods Part 2

WeststImage056

Some time ago we reported on the floods in West St every time it rains.

What makes West St different its not long ago that over £44000 was spent doing up the street with new pavements and road. The contractors have clearly failed to do a proper job on this and have set the angles wrong so the water doesnt drain away and most of it is in the disabled bits. I feel sure they should be made to come back and correct the cockup.

Well they cam back for a week and fixed it wrong they made it worse. I took these pictures today after some rain not a lot.

The first one shows the whole of the road is now flooded at the top of Ford Lane and cars are likely to aquaplane if their tyres are not correct

WeststImage057

Closer to the bike shop you see the water never makes it to the grid

WeststImage058

Same again the water follows the disable slots and never get to the gridWeststImage059WeststImage060

Now wait for winter if we get the ice again we can let West St out as a ice rink

Saturday 11 June 2011

Mps News Bulletin

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my 84th electronic news bulletin.

Nine weeks ago, the Government announced a pause in the plans for the modernisation of the health service. The Future Forum is now working on its report for the Government. The NHS is the most important thing to Britain's families. We have an institution - a precious idea - that says we are in this together; looking out for each other.

I know this government will never, ever take risks with the NHS. That is why they are increasing investment in the health service by £11.5 billion over the next four years - investment opposed by Labour. The NHS will remain free at the point of delivery, and based on need, not ability to pay, no matter who you are.

But the NHS needs to change. It needs to change to make it work better today, and it needs to change to avoid a crisis tomorrow. With the pressures of an ageing and increasing population, new technologies and rising costs - the NHS has to adapt and improve.

Doing nothing is not an option.

Please 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

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I have recently ...

  • Held a constituency surgery at my office in Crewe
  • Met with players and parents from Crewe Alexandra Girls Centre of Excellence to discuss the campaign against the FA's decision to end their licence
  • Attended the Clarendon Court Care Home open day in Nantwich
  • Met with local GP's to listen to their views on reform of the NHS
  • Spoken to Redshift Radio, based in Crewe, about life as an MP and what I enjoy in my free time
  • Met with the Leader of Cheshire East Council, Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald to discuss ongoing local council projects in Crewe and Nantwich
  • Met with local Scouts at the House of Commons Speaker's reception in Parliament
  • Spoken on the floor of the House of Commons during the Munro Report debate on securing outcomes for children in care. view here

...This weekend will be attending and throwing the opening pie at the Wybunbury Fig Pie challenge 2011

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COMING SOON: Community News

Coming soon...

I will be showcasing the best local news stories from your own community on my website, in my office and eNewsletter.

I invite you to send me your good news stories from your community, so we can highlight the hard work of our local Volunteers, Community Stars and Fundraisers!

Look out for new announcements at www.edwardtimpson.com

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Photos & Video ...

Main Content Inline Small
  • Edward opens the new playground at Weston Village Primary School

You can view all my photos and video at edwardtimpsonmp.com

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Virgin London Marathon 2011

Main Content Inline Small

Raising money for Parkinson's UK in Crewe & Nantwich

In April I completed my 9th marathon, raising money for Parkinson's UK Crewe Branch.  There's still time to sponsor me on my webpage and help support a great organisation!

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Edward Timpson MP Visits Scout Camp

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian

THE South West Cheshire Scout Group’s 25th anniversary camp in Blakenhall was attended by local MP Edward Timpson last week.

Mr Timpson received a guided tour of the weekend long camp celebrating the local organisation’s 25 years of scouting in Cheshire.

The event showcased South West Cheshire’s achievements over the last quarter of a century and had activity stands for all ages of Scouts.

Mr Timpson said: “Scouting is a great way for young people to get involved, meet people and learn new skills.

“The Scouting organisation is one of our nation’s great institutions and a leading example of the community in action. I’m always pleased to get involved and lend my support.”

A group of local Scouts from Crewe and Nantwich will be joining Mr Timpson at a special reception in the Houses of Parliament next month, hosted by the Commons Speaker John Bercow MP.

© 2011 Newsquest Media Group

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Crewe grave thefts prompt security review of cemeteries

BBC News

A review of security will be carried out at Cheshire cemeteries after items were stolen from young children's graves in Crewe.

It could lead to the introduction of CCTV cameras in many of the county's graveyards.

One mother told BBC Radio Stoke that thieves took two stone angels from her baby daughter's memorial.

The area's Conservative MP, Edward Timpson, called the perpetrators "mindless idiots".

Mr Timpson, the MP for Crewe and Nantwich, is now calling for the local community to work together to tackle the thefts.

"It's going to need some strong support from the council and the police, and from the wider community, to ensure that those mindless idiots who've done this - whether it's through stupidity or through vindictiveness - are deterred from doing it again."

'Way of coping'

Heidi Norman from Crewe was 34 weeks' pregnant when her baby, Jorgie Jasmine, was stillborn last September. She is buried in the Teddy Bear Garden at Crewe Cemetery.

"I come here every day to visit my little girl and bring her flowers, windmills, just to make it look nice. It's just a way of coping really," she told BBC Radio Stoke.

Natasha Nuttall, founder of the local arm of the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society (Sands), said it was one of several thefts she had been informed of so far this year.

Councillors have now agreed to meet Ms Nuttall and other parents affected to discuss the possible installation of CCTV cameras.

Peter Hartwell, from Cheshire East Council, said: "We do need to survey visitors again about the use of CCTV and see what support there is for that now."

He also suggested that if the support is overwhelmingly in favour of cameras, there is a chance that they could find their way into many more of the county's cemeteries.

A Cheshire Police spokesman said there had been only one reported theft incident from the cemetery but urged people to contact the force if they had been affected

© BBC 2011

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Sky's the limit for Nantwich business

Crewe & Nantwich Chronicle

A FAST-EXPANDING Nantwich business has officially opened its new premises with the help of Edward Timpson MP.

The Green Electrician, a Solar PV specialist, welcomed the Crewe and Nantwich MP to its site on Green Lane in Wardle to give him a tour of the new offices and warehouse.

The business has increased its work force from four employees to 30 in just over a year and is supported by a fleet of vehicles and a training facility.

Operations director David Young OBE said: “This is a very exciting time for the business and the solar industry in the UK.

“Since the launch of the Government’s feed-in tariff incentive in April last year, we have seen installations in this region more than triple.

“The returns of over 10% make solar panels a great financial and environmental investment for businesses and homeowners.

“We’re currently growing at a rate of one new job every week and are employing local electricians, roofers, surveyors as well as office staff.”

For details visit www.thegreenelectrician.co.uk or call 01829 261 765.

© 2011 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.

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Bench unveiled in Nantwich town centre

Crewe & Nantwich Chronicle

A DIABETES UK support group has installed a bench near to St Mary’s Church in Nantwich.

The bench has been positioned on Monks Lane and was unveiled by Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson on behalf of the Crewe and South Cheshire Voluntary Group.

Group president Sheena Sambrook said: “The suggestion of a bench came about when a group of elderly people making their way from the market area to the Bowling Green car park were overheard commenting on the fact that there were many seats on the other side of the church but none where they were that they could rest on the way back to their cars.”

The cost of the bench, which has been dedicated to the group and its late members, was raised by a group supporter who competes in marathons.

Sheena added: “We’re very grateful to Edward and the people of South Cheshire for all of their support.

“In 2010 we sent £5,000 to Diabetes UK Research Projects and supported recently diagnosed young people and their families to attend either residential holidays or support weekends.

“In 2011 we’ve already supported seven youngsters to the sum of £2,440.”

© 2011 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd.

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Crewe And Nantwich MP Backs School Fundraiser

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian

LOCAL MP Edward Timpson has helped fundraisers at Haslington Primary School in Crewe raise money for McDonald House at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

The Crewe and Nantwich MP joined staff, pupils and parents at the event to raise money for the facility at the world famous children’s hospital. Mr Timpson was accompanied by his children and met with pupils and parents helping to raise cash.

McDonald House was opened in 1993 to accommodate families of critically ill children at the hospital.

Over the past 18 years the unit has accommodated 13,000 families completely free of charge and relies on voluntary donations for all its funding.

Mr Timpson said: “McDonald House is an absolutely incredible institution and I’m proud to see everyone at Haslington Primary School doing their bit to help support their work.”

© 2011 Newsquest Media Group

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Children's Minister takes fostering questions at APPG

Family Law Week

Minister marks the start of Foster Care Fortnight

Young people with experience of care put questions about foster care to a panel of experts and politicians at the All Party Parliamentary Group on young people last week.

Children's Minister Tim Loughton, Chief Executive of the Fostering Network, Robert Tapsfield, two care experienced young people and a foster carer responded to questions and issues raised.

The APPG, chaired by Edward Timpson MP, takes place every month and is organised by the Who Cares? Trust, a charity supporting children in care. The focus of this month's meeting was on foster care as it fell during Foster Care Fortnight, the Fostering Network's annual awareness campaign to raise the profile of fostering and encourage more people to foster.

Robert Tapsfield said:

"There are more and more children coming into care and thousands more foster carers with the right skills and experience are needed across the UK, particularly to look after teenagers."

To mark the start of Foster Care Fortnight, Children's Minister Tim Loughton said:

"Foster carers are the unsung heroes of our care system. They do a fantastic, selfless job helping children build stable relationships that last into adulthood. The shortage of foster carers is a particular concern, especially for teenage children. We support and fund Foster Care Fortnight to help get more people to come forward to be foster parents.

"We have also developed a new Foster Carers' Charter this year so that foster parents know what help and support they can expect from local authorities. I encourage all local areas to sign up, use it to recruit more foster carers and improve local fostering services."

© Law Week Limited 2011

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Diversity Is Key For Crewe Live Festival

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian

CREWE Live 11 promises to be the most diverse celebration of music ever staged in the town.

Organisers are expecting the biggest ever turnout for the event, which takes place over four days (May 27 to 30) in 12 venues across the town on the Bank Holiday Weekend.

The festival will feature around 130 shows with an exciting mix of upcoming acts and headliners including Funeral For A Friend, Twisted Wheel, Jettblack and Kid British.

With the town’s carnival not happening this year organisers hope the event, which is mostly free, will fill the void left in Crewe’s calendar.

The venues involved include The Bank, The Box, The Brunswick, Dantes, The Duke of Bridgewater, The Express, The Imp, Oddies, Square One, The Stage Door, The Waldron and Woodies Bar.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson said: “I realise that the carnival is unlikely to go ahead which will be a disappointment to a lot of people.

“However I am sure this event will be a great success and will demonstrate Crewe can put on an event to match more established ones in the area.”

Volume spokesman Toby Robinson said: “We’ve got something like 130 shows over the four days – which rivals any festival in the country.

“Obviously it’s taking place in the town’s pubs and clubs instead of in a field, but that holds its own benefits for the town and its visitor economy.

“And hopefully it’ll be a cracking atmosphere throughout the four days, with people touring from venue to venue.

“That’s the main concept behind the event, very much like the Camden Crawl event in London – basically it’s like any other festival but it happens in your local pub and you get to sleep in your own bed!”

© 2011 Newsquest Media Group

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Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson is interviewed on RedShift Radio

Crewe Chronicle

CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson paid local radio station RedShift Radio a visit.

He was interviewed by Dr Gav and Bizzy Lizzy and spoke fondly of his number one role as a dad and huge passion for marathon running and fundraising.

Coming from a family which have fostered more than 90 children during the last 30 years, Edward talked about his cross-party enquiry into the educational attainment of looked-after children.

Insights were also shared about the typical week of an MP both in Westminster and at home in his constituency.

© 2011 Crewe Chronicle

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Official figures show Crewe had worst postal service in mainland Britain last year

Crewe Chronicle

CREWE had the worst postal service in mainland Britain over an entire year – according to Royal Mail’s own report.

Figures just released reveal between March 2010 and March this year, an average of 85.4% of first class post in the CW postcode area reached its destination the next day, compared to a national average of 93%.

Only the remote Scottish island regions of Hebrides and Lerwick came off worse.

The figures have come as no shock to union bosses who had always argued the closure of the Crewe sorting office and implementation of new working practices would have a devastating effect on the town.

A union source said: "There was no doubt there was going to be an impact with the mail centre closure. We warned Royal Mail. Coupled with new delivery methods, which are very stressful because of the way they were implemented, it was obvious Royal Mail would struggle."

The company says the conditions were challenging given ‘the worst weather in living memory’ and the ‘operational changes’ at the Crewe delivery office last year, and says if exceptional conditions are taken into account then 87.4% was delivered in Crewe.

It claims the introduction of new collection and delivery practices will help improve the statistics.

But Royal Mail workers fear the poor service could be repeated in Crewe.

"The new system was based on quiet weeks so when we get to busy periods we could see the same sort of problems again," said the union spokesman.

Although there was a slight improvement in delivery rates over the last quarter (January to March), they are still considerably worse than this time last year.

It is residents and businesses in Crewe who have had to bear the brunt of the ‘unacceptable service’ over the last year.

South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce manager Paul Colman said: "The Chamber received many complaints from its members during this period and the disappointing results come as no surprise.

"Businesses rely heavily on the Royal Mail service and any delays in receiving cheques through the post can cause enormous cashflow problems, specifically for small businesses.

"However, we’ve not received any complaints recently, so we hope the delays in the postal service from Royal Mail have now been rectified."

MP Edward Timpson was also disappointed with the figures and said: "This represents a period of unacceptable service by Royal Mail locally, as I have been quick to point out to them at regular intervals.

"However, it’s historical data, and I very much hope the drastically reduced number of complaints that I receive about the Royal Mail is representative of an overall improvement in service. Time will tell.In the meantime, constituents should contact me if they have concerns."

Royal Mail’s North West regional operations director Steve Leach said: "Royal Mail is currently undertaking one of the largest transformations in UK industry. The implementation of these changes is challenging and we’re learning some valuable lessons."

He added Royal Mail was "committed to delivering a high quality to all customers in this area", and said: "We’re sorry for any difficulties experienced by our customers."

© 2011 Crewe Chronicle

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Hundreds turn up for Haslington Fun Day

Crewe Chronicle

HUNDREDS of people attended this year’s Haslington Fun Day to make it one of the most successful events yet.

The fun day, which is organised by the Neighbours Charity, is now in its eighth year.

Judy McNeill said: “It all came out of what we did for the millennium celebrations. That was so successful we decided to do something each year. We started a couple of years after that.”

The event was officially opened at 11am on Saturday by Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson.

Music was provided by the Winterley Brass Band and one of the highlights of the day was the ever-popular dog show which, this year, was won by Coal, a Newfoundland.

Several stalls were on display.

The aim of the event is to give local groups and charities the chance to promote awareness of what they do, as well as to help them raise funds.

Lee Allen said: “It was a super day with lots of people attending. The winner of the best stall was the Croft Preschool with its clown theme.”

© 2011 Crewe Chronicle

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Hundreds enjoy South West space camp

Cheshire Scouts

The South West Cheshire District Scout camp might have taken place in Blakenhall, but more than 900 participants were transported to the farthest reaches of the galaxy.

This bi-annual event had a Space theme this year, and Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Leaders enjoyed a fantastic weekend with glorious camping conditions allowing everyone to take part in a wide range of varied activities during the fun-packed weekend.

Activities included an aerial runway, gun run, caving simulator, backwoodscooking, merry go round and a slippery slope as well as exhilarating inflatables, climbing, archery and a 'science blast lab' for all manner of experiments.

The camp was visited over the weekend by Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson and East Cheshire Mayor & Mayoress Gordon and Felicity Baxendale who were keen to get in on the fun.

Carl Shore, Camp Leader and Organiser said: "It was a fantastic weekend

and I hope everyone had a much fun as myself and the rest of the organising team. I'd also like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who helped make the camp such a success."

© 2011 Cheshire Scouts

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Olympic Torch Bearers From Crewe And Nantwich Wanted

Crewe and Nantwich Guardian

CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson is urging residents to nominate local champions in the search for Olympic torchbearers, announced by the London Olympic Organising Committee.

The Organising Committee, chaired by Lord Coe, this week launched a search for 8,000 torchbearers to carry the flame to the Olympic Stadium for the opening ceremony.

The flame will travel over 8,000 miles for 70 days with 90% of the torchbearers being members of the general public.

Nominees are required to provide 150 words on why they are nominating an individual and evidence about how someone has gone beyond their ‘personal best’ in any walk of life.

Nominees can be as young as 12 and will be considered by regional judging panels across the country.

Mr Timpson said: “The search for London 2012 torchbearers is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of Britain and best of Cheshire.

“I hope lots of people from Crewe and Nantwich will nominate people they know who have truly given their personal best and may be a leading light in the community.

“I want to encourage everyone to participate in this once in a lifetime moment.”

Crewe’s MMU Campus has been approved as a pre-games training camp for national teams.

The nomination process will be open until June 29 and is available via www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelay or by calling 0800 111 6448.

© 2011 Newsquest Media Group

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Residents suffered worst postal service in Britain last year

The Sentinel

RESIDENTS and businesses in South Cheshire suffered the worst postal service in mainland Britain last year.

Latest Royal Mail figures show postal workers in the CW area delivered 85.4 per cent of first-class mail on time during the year to March.

That is even worse than the KW postcode in the far north-east of Scotland, which is exempt from Royal Mail's targets because it is so remote. There, 86.5 per cent of first-class post was delivered on schedule.

Nationally, an average of 91.4 per cent of first-class post arrived on time, against a Royal Mail target of 93 per cent.

In Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, 90.1 per cent of first-class post was delivered on time during the year.

Royal Mail bosses said the "extraordinary" combination of the coldest December in 100 years and the "unprecedented" closure of UK airspace because of volcanic ash hit delivery performance.

In Crewe, the town's sorting office was closed last year and the firm has admitted that such "operational changes" also played a part.

Steve Leach, regional operations director for the North West, said: "Royal Mail is currently undertaking one of the largest transformations in UK industry and introducing new practices to our collection, processing and delivery operations. The implementation of these changes is challenging.

"The latest quality of service figures in the CW postcode area over the past year indicate that we are delivering 87.4 per cent of first-class items the next day if the exceptional conditions of last year are taken into account."

The Crewe sorting office was closed in August and operations from the Weston Road depot were transferred to Warrington, along with 600 jobs.

Both Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson and South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce wrote to Royal Mail to complain about postal delays since the office was shut.

Last night Mr Timpson said: "This represents a period of unacceptable service by Royal Mail locally, as I have been quick to point out at regular intervals.

"However, it is historical data, and I hope the drastically reduced number of complaints I've recently received about the Royal Mail is representative of an overall improvement in service."

Royal Mail said it achieved its national 93 per cent on-time first-class delivery target with the impact of the severe weather and the volcanic ash cloud stripped out.

Both Mr Leach and Paul Jobling, regional operations director for the Midlands, paid tribute to employees' work during a challenging year.

In a joint statement, they said: "Royal Mail's performance in the face of exceptional challenges last financial year is a tribute to the determination and dedication of our postmen and women.

"We are sorry for any difficulties experienced by customers. We did everything possible to deliver their mail in the face of prolonged spells of extreme winter weather and the unprecedented closure of UK airspace."

The firm invested £20 million in additional transport, 20,000 extra recruits 18,000 additional deliveries during the winter weather.

© 2011 Associated Newspapers Limited

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5 ways to contact Edward Timpson

Crime warning

Please be aware that  a couple of people rung in yesterday (09/06/2011) to report that they have had a doorstep caller at their premises trying to sell items from a bag.  This is something to be mindful and aware of even if they haven't currently been reported in your area as such callers may try to sell items in towns within Cheshire East in the future.
In Shavington, Crewe at approx 11:45 a male was reported as knocking loudly on the door stating that he was from the job centre and selling stuff.  He left the premises and about half an hour later a male returned to the property.  The residents felt the caller was intimidating and described the male as being in his 20's, carrying a rucksack and wearing a badge.
In Winterley, Sandbach at approx 18:20 a male knocked on the door of a property claiming he was part of a government scheme and proceeded to try and sell items from a bag.  This male was described as being tall, mid 20's, short red hair, brown fleece jacket, with a lisp and carrying a dark rucksack.  The male became quite aggressive when the resident informed him that they did not have any money prior to leaving.
Due to the varying descriptions it is impossible to ascertain if the male described above is the same male or if there have been two separate males involved in the different areas.
Please remind members that no genuine agency would send out callers to knock on your door and sell items in this manner.  Even if callers have an ID badge they will not be genuine - with modern technology it can be simple to produce a realistic looking identification badge as most people only tend to take a glance at such items anyhow.  If you have any vulnerable members in your scheme please keep a particular eye out for them with regards to individuals knocking at their doors in this manner. 
If anyone notices any suspicious or out of the ordinary behaviour in their area please contact the police via 0845 458 0000 asap.

Community kitchen garden to be set up in Crewe

 

Future careers in food could soon be shaped with the help of a community kitchen garden which is coming to Crewe.

St Barnabas Church Hall, in West Street, will host the £55,000 project which will provide plots to grow fruit and vegetables in an environmentally-friendly and sustainable way.

The aim is to reduce food miles and carbon footprints by growing produce locally, whilst providing educational grounding for people who might consider a job in food or horticulture.

The ‘kitchen’, to be sited in the church hall garden, will be launched on Friday, June 10 at 6.30pm when Crewe Mayor, Councillor Roy Cartlidge, will cut the first sod.

Father Powell, of St Barnabas Church Hall, and other church elders and guests will also be present.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “The introduction of this garden will make better use of the outdoor area at the church and also improve access for the disabled.

“It will prove useful to various community groups and luncheon clubs and also introduce local schools and students to possible career choices and opportunities within the horticultural and food sectors.

“We aim to be an excellent council and work with others to deliver for Cheshire East.”

The garden, which is National Lottery-funded, is being created by the Enterprise Education Alliance (EEA), which specialises in working with local communities and schools to create gardens of this type.

The EEA is working closely with Cheshire East Council’s local engagement team on the project.

Councillor Roy Cartlidge, ward member for Crewe St Barnabas, said: “I am pleased to see that this garden will have educational value as well as being environmentally-friendly and I congratulate the local engagement team on this project.”

Produce will be sold to the community at affordable prices and money raised from will fund the garden in future years.

Friday 10 June 2011

Path clear after 8 months thnks to Brian Silvester

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Those of you who follow our news or walk to the Queens Park via the alley between West St and the park will remember that for the last 8 months we have tried to get the path cleaned as it was very dangerous with brambles blocking the path.
Well after Brian Silvester has been fighting the council since last September its now safe to walk there at long last

Governance review to be held in Crewe

 

The people of Crewe will soon be asked if they would like a town council.

It is the second time the idea will have been considered after it was rejected following a ballot of the people of the town in January last year.

Following a meeting of Cheshire East Council’s constitution committee, councillors voted to support a review of the unparished areas of Crewe.

A sub-committee, which will conduct the review, is currently being formed and is expected to begin its work in July.

It will be tasked with looking at the best way to secure the views of local people. The review will seek to ensure that future arrangements for Crewe reflect the interests and identities of the community.

Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This is a very important topic for the people of Crewe and they will soon be faced with the question – do they want a town council?

“When this happens, I would strongly encourage people living in Crewe and those with an interest in the town to make their views known.

“This authority is always open to ways to give the people of Cheshire East more choice and control over services and resources and all feedback received will be taken into consideration to ensure the decision taken reflects the wishes of the people of Crewe.”

Further information will be given on the progress of the review as it proceeds.

The constitution committee has also agreed to review governance arrangements in Macclesfield once the review for Crewe is complete.

Celebrity chefs to wow Nantwich and South Cheshire Show

James Martin

Two of Britain’s most distinguished celebrity chefs will be cooking up a storm at this year’s Nantwich and South Cheshire Show.

James Martin and Gino D’Acampo are the star names at the country’s largest one day show at Dorfold Park, Nantwich, on Wednesday, July 27.

The popular pair will be giving the 30,000-plus expected visitors some lively demonstrations in the huge 70,000 sq ft Cheese Marquee – believed to be the biggest temporary structure in Britain.

Adrian Lawrence, show secretary, said: “We always attract big names to the Nantwich and South Cheshire Show and this year is no exception.

“These celebrity chefs are very popular with the British public and I am sure the crowds will be hugely entertained by them both.

“Their demonstrations are of a very high standard and food lovers will be sure to find some very useful tips from them.”

Martin, 38, who presents BBC1’s Saturday Kitchen, first appeared on TV in 1996 on Ready, Steady, Cook and made a name for himself as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing during the autumn of 2006.

Italian-born D’Acampo, 34, appears regularly on ITV’s This Morning and was the 2009 winner of I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!

They will also be on hand to meet visitors and sign autographs at the show, which runs from 8am-8pm.

Also featured at the show will be 12 hours of continuous ring displays, from show jumping, heavy horses, cattle, sheep, dogs, falconry and gundog displays and jazz music, as well as the world-renowned Nantwich International Cheese Awards.

Advance tickets are £13 (adults), £9 (senior citizens) £4 (juniors), £35 (family). Call 01270 537359 to order, entrance will be dearer on the day.

For more information, visit www.nantwichshow.co.uk

Sunday 5 June 2011

Queens Park opening event

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You can click on the picture for a full screen view

Friday 3 June 2011

Cheshire East lives put at risk as they do nothing

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The above is the new flats in Goddard St reported to the council on 5th of April the holes of which there are a few are up to two feet deep and if you fall down them in the dark you will certainly break something but nothing has been done. Is it to much for them to tip some hard core in it if they cant get the owner to do something?

DSCF2973

This fence report to the council in August 2010 this site has never been touched for months and is becoming more dangerous daily as the fence falls regularly. The area is used by children going to and from school and lots of old people the two most at risk groups. Those spikes are potentially killers and at night the alley is very dark and you wont see them until its to late. The local councillor Irene.Faseyi@cheshireeast.gov.uk over 15 days ago but she doesn't respond to emails for weeks

Several very dangerous sites have been reported to the council and when it comes the the publics health and safety the council seem to do nothing if its a serious matter. The above dangers are still there months after they have been reported and they are getting more dangerous by the day but the council are taking no action on them.

Another footpath closed by dangerous brambles also has had no action. If anyone is hurt and want to seek compensation from the council for failing in their duty of care I can provide evidence of their lack of action in these matters

Car Thefts Warning

Please be aware that there have been a number of Theft 
from Vehicles within the Crewe, Nantwich and Congleton
Neighbourhood Policing Areas over the last couple
of weeks.  There is not a specific pattern and incidents
tend to be spread out over the areas.

On several occasions entry has been gained via insecure doors.
Please remind members of the importance of double checking
 that their vehicles are secure when left unattended. 
 The majority of us have good security on our
vehicles but this is undermined when doors are left insecure and provides
an opportunist thief with an easy entry point to take your items.  It is
also important to remove items from show within your vehicle - even
seemingly inexpensive items.  As well as items such as sat navs, cd's,
money and tools, thieves have also been known to take items such as old
coats, handfuls of loose change, sunglasses etc from vehicles.  If you have
items such as lunch boxes wrapped in carrier bags or inexpensive items
(such as a gym kit) in a rucksack it is also important to remove these.
You may know that the item in the bag is of no value but an opportunist
thief may take the time to break in to see what is in the bag or rucksack.

There has also been an incident whereby the number plate has been stolen
from a vehicle.  An easy solution for anyone wishing to add extra security
to number plates is anti tamper screws which can be obtained from DIY
stores or via the internet.  These are a low cost solution to anyone who is
concerned about this type of crime.

The majority of thefts from vehicles take place during overnight periods
when there is less natural surveillance and offenders are afforded the
cover of darkness.  If anyone is out and about during this period please
look out for anyone acting suspiciously and report and out of the ordinary
behaviour to the police at the time via 0845 458 0000.  If a crime is in
progress please ring 999.

Road Resurfacing Welcomed

  

Willaston and Rope Councillor Brian Silvester has welcomed the news that part of Gresty Lane is to be resurfaced on the 6th June. He said," We have had two very bad winters and the cold has had a damaging impact on the lane. Parts of Gresty Lane are badly potholed and I have been pressing for action for some time. I am pleased that Cheshire East Council  are now going to take action to resurface the road. I am sure that all the users of the road will be very pleased."

The lane will be resurfaced from 15 Gresty Lane towards Eastern Road and Rope Lane.

Disabled children’s picture exhibition goes on tour

Hannah Kelly aged 15 who took part in the transition project

A touring photographic exhibition will be stopping in Crewe, Macclesfield and Wilmslow from next week.

Disabled children, who have used Cheshire East Council’s Aiming High service, will be showing off some of the pictures they have taken as part of a professional photography project.

The mini tour will stop at Shavington Leisure Centre, near Crewe, from June 6-20; Macclesfield Library from June 27-July 9 and Wilmslow Library between July 12 and 25.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and families, said: “This touring exhibition will provide a platform for the children to show how proud they are of their work and some of it is truly excellent.

“It also celebrates all that has been achieved so far by Aiming High in Cheshire East, which gives disabled children the opportunity to take positive short breaks where they can enjoy new experiences, whilst at the same time giving their carers a valuable break from caring.”

Aiming High for Disabled Children was a national, government-funded project focusing on improving the lives of disabled children and their families and Cheshire East is continuing to support and develop the good work achieved so far.

Short breaks can come in a variety of formats and each one can last from just a few hours to a few days and occasionally longer.

They include day, evening, overnight and weekend activities and can take place in a community setting, the child’s own home, any residential setting or the home of an approved carer.

For more information, visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk, click on Social Care and Health, and then Aiming High for Disabled Children.

A virtual online exhibition, involving the images, will be available soon.

IT phone scam warning from Cheshire East Council

 

Cheshire East Council is warning residents to be wary of a telephone scam targeting people in the area.

The authority’s consumer protection and investigations team has been made aware of a con in which people have been phoned by a person claiming to be from an IT firm.

In some instances, the caller offers to visit the home to remove a virus from the person’s computer – but asks for a payment upfront over the phone.

The Council is not aware of any households having given out their personal information to these callers but would like them to remain vigilant.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “We have received some calls which relate to this type of scam but, as far as we know, nobody has disclosed their bank details to the callers. Consumers should never make any payments without checking the credentials of the caller.

“We would advise Cheshire East residents to contact the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707, where they can opt out from receiving unsolicited marketing calls.

“Anyone who suspects they may be the victim of a phone scam can report it to Consumer Direct, by phone, on 08454 04 05 06. There is also lots of helpful information on the Cheshire East Council website www.cheshireeast.gov.uk.”

Crewe secondary school hosts Big Sister pilot project

 

Sisters are not just doing it for themselves in a new scheme being piloted at a secondary school in Crewe.

Twenty female volunteers from the Big Sister mentoring programme will each be working with a teenage girl from Year 10 at Sir William Stanier School to help them become more aspiring people.

The idea, led by Girls Out Loud and supported by Crewe Local Area Partnership (LAP), is for teenage girls to have a Big Sister role model – a trusted guide who has experienced the challenges and hurdles thrown up in early life.

It is being launched at the Coronation Street school on Wednesday, June 8 from 5pm-6pm when the 20 girls and 20 Big Sisters will meet for the first time.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “This is a worthwhile and commendable initiative which will help to inspire young people to strive for success in life.

“Big Sisters are aged from their early 20s to over 50 and are all local volunteers from all walks of life, professions and industries. They are trained to mentor the teenagers one to one and are committed to supporting the girls over the next 12 months.

“We are committed to improving life opportunities and health for everybody in Cheshire East and this is a perfect example of that vision.”

The Big Sisters, trained in child protection and CRB checked, will be paired with the girls and after a couple of group events they will meet once every three or four weeks to follow a goal-oriented programme which focuses on the Government’s ‘Every Child Matters’ framework.

Progress of both the girls and Big Sisters will be tracked and evaluated, so that the teenagers can emerge with a report of what has been achieved, along with goals to be pursued after graduating from the programme.

The project has been made possible by the support of the LAP’s Young People’s Aspirations Working Group and Sergeant Lindsay Chamberlain, of Cheshire Police.

Cheshire East Council has provided £17,000, with further support from Wulvern Housing (£1,500) and MMU Cheshire offering facilities and time commitment.

Councillor Chris Thorley, ward member for Crewe East, said: “I fully support this initiative, which will help to increase self-confidence, raise aspirations and improve the academic performance of our young people.”

Crewe mayor, Councillor Roy Cartlidge, will be on hand to present each girl with a ‘goodie bag’ at the launch, which will also be attended by parents and teachers.