Crewe News

Councillor's Celebration raises funds for local good causes.

2012-01-28T00:34:00.001Z

Councillor Brian Silvester recently held a birthday celebration at Willaston Social Club. During the evening there was a prize raffle and an 'Auction of Promises' which raised over £850 for local good causes, including Willaston Pre School and the St. John's Parent and Toddler Group Willaston.

Cllr Silvester said," I am really grateful to all those who offered raffle prizes or auction promises or generally assisted in the organising of the event. We had a really enjoyable and entertaining evening and at the same time we raised a large amount for some of the local groups that do so much for our local community. It is always good to support local volunteers who give so freely of their time to help others.

Local singer Tim Gallagher, the winner of the local Star Quest competition 2008, entertained the guests and local Willaston Chippy, ' Mick the Chip' provided the fish and chips.

If there are local groups in my Ward of Willaston and Rope who are looking for a small match funding grant to assist in a project they should contact me."

Cheshire East vows to combat counterfeit trading

2012-01-28T00:31:00.001Z

Rogue traders who use car boot sales to sell their shoddy wares are being targeted by Cheshire East Council as it looks to stamp out trading in counterfeit goods.

The action comes after two arrests were made at a car boot sale, near High Legh, earlier this month.

Now, the Council’s consumer protection and investigations team is warning people who think they can exploit the area’s legitimate trading events to sell counterfeit goods that it will not be tolerated.

Cheshire East Council and Cheshire police work together to combat such crime.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “The Council’s consumer protection and investigations team monitors all car boot sales held in Cheshire East. The vast majority of traders are law abiding but if any goods are found to be counterfeit, this Council will consider enforcement action.

“Many people may not be aware what they are buying at a car boot sale is counterfeit and could actually be harmful to health – especially alcohol, which may be contaminated with harmful substances.

“Members of the public may think they are getting a good deal buying a cheaper version of a particular product but these may not have gone through the proper, rigorous safety checks that protect the public.

“Cheshire East Council is determined to protect members of the public from harmful and counterfeit products by targeting unscrupulous traders wherever they operate.”

Cheshire East proposes to freeze Council Tax bills

2012-01-25T00:08:00.001Z

– despite austere economic times

The Leader of Cheshire East Council announced the Cabinet’s intention to freeze residents’ Council Tax bills for the second year running.

The decision comes despite the continued reductions in government grants, increasing cost pressures and potential changes to the Council’s funding arrangements.

Compared with the majority of English local authorities, Cheshire East Council will continue to provide good value for money, with low spending per head and a low reliance on government grants.

At a meeting of the Council’s ruling Conservative group, Cheshire East Leader Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald proposed to freeze the authority’s Council Tax – which would be facilitated by a grant of £4.5m from central government.

Councillor Michael Jones, Cheshire East Cabinet member for resources, said: “This Council is committed to continuing to provide great value for money to the people of Cheshire East and I believe that everyone should pay a fair amount for the services they receive, including residents of Crewe and Macclesfield.

“Crewe and Macclesfield are the only unparished areas in the whole of Cheshire East and in view of this the Council, as the lead authority, will be levying a special expense on these towns from April of next year (2013). These charges will cover those services which are being carried out by parish and town councils in other areas that are parished.

“It would be more desirable for these communities to have their own town councils in place so they can have representatives, appointed directly via the ballot box, to take responsibility for their local services and assets and help shape their future use more effectively.

“There is near universal understanding that parish and town councils can provide services best suited to their local communities to give optimum impact on the local environment.

“Due to the proposed Council Tax freeze for the coming year, and to address the costs of the non-parished areas of Crewe and Macclesfield, Cheshire East Council will pay a grant to all parish and town councils, proportionate to the number of average Band D households within individual parishes.

“This means it is proposed that the people of Cheshire East will see no increase in their Borough portion of their Council Tax bills due from this April. This is great news for the people of Cheshire East in these tough economic times.”

Willaston witness appeal

2012-01-25T00:07:00.001Z

Police are appealing for witnesses following an incident outside Redsands Children Centre in Willaston.

At 9.45am on 9 Januray 2012, a 22 year old woman was driving her silvery blue Peugeot 206 towards Crewe when she possibly collided with a cyclist.

Crewe CID is appealing to anyone who may have seen cyclists in the area at that time and/or a collision involving the Peugeot 206 to contact them on 101 quoting incident number 214 of 9 January 2012. Information can also be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cheshire East Council Draft Business Plan published today

2012-01-25T00:06:00.003Z

Cheshire East Council Leader, Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, has introduced the Council’s new-look Draft Business Plan today.

The Plan has moved away from the traditional route of reporting separately the Council’s budget for the coming year and its corporate priorities.

It now combines everything in one document to show clearly the Council’s ambitions and its available resources.

Councillor Fitzgerald said: “Despite the austere economic climate, the Plan outlines proposals for the next three years that support the Council’s determination to deliver the seven priorities identified in the Sustainable Community Strategy, ‘Ambition for All’.

“The Draft Business Plan is the culmination of months of extensive and intense work. It has taken into account a number of key influencing factors and every line of the budget has been carefully scrutinised. It is clear that Cheshire East is facing a challenging year.

“The amount Cheshire East receives from Government is lower than the national average. As a result, the Council has £197 less to spend per resident, but still achieves value for money in providing excellent services for its residents.

“The Council collects Business Rates on behalf of the Government. However, once Central Government has taken its slice, the Council receives £59 less per head than residents in similar-sized authority areas.

“In spite of these challenging figures, the Council has produced a robust budget for 2012/13 which demonstrates clearly that we are working to achieve the ‘Ambition for All’ priorities.”

The key areas of work that are needed cover every aspect of the Council’s services, the communities it represents, including the business world and the need to continually improve and give value for money.

“Children and vulnerable people continue to be at the forefront of the Council’s improvement aims for the future and we have achieved significant steps forward in the standard of provision of children’s services as our inspection results indicate,” continued Councillor Fitzgerald.

“It is recognised that early intervention to help children and their families is the key to reducing the demand for in-house care. In the coming year, another £1.5million will be invested in prevention.

“The needs of older people provide the biggest call for resources. More and more people are turning to the Council for care needs as their own capital dwindles. With 12 new cases being referred every four weeks, the demand is outstripping the resources – and again Cheshire East receives one of the lowest Government grants for this service.

“Despite our huge recycling success, and average savings of around £100,000 (approximately £100 a tonne) a month in landfill charges, the substantial increases year-by-year in landfill tax means that we can never catch up.”

In working to the priorities, the Council has had to balance the need to reduce spending with the increasing demand on services.

In 2010, the Chancellor announced a 25 per cent cut in Government grants to councils over four years.

Councillor Fitzgerald added: “This reduction in grant, coupled with austerity measures have resulted in a requirement of £7million savings in 2012/13. However, when the significant increase in service demand, especially among children and vulnerable older people, is added, as well as inflation, the true savings need to be in excess of £20million. That’s 9 per cent of the base budget.

“For the second year, the Government has made a further grant of £4.5million with a requirement that Council Tax is frozen at the current level.”

The Draft Business Plan is available on the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/budget and will be available for comment until February 23. Meetings will be held with businesses, via the local Chamber of Commerce groups, trades unions and the Schools’ Forum.

If anyone has any comments on the Plan, please send them to shapingourservices@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Nantwich man sentenced for possession of drugs

2012-01-25T00:06:00.001Z

A 40 year old man from Nantwich who had a cocktail of drugs and cultivated a cannabis farm at his home was sentenced on Monday 16 January 2012.

Back in July 2010 officers from Nantwich NPU raided Christopher Dale′s apartment in Lambert Crescent following a tip off.

In one bedroom officers found 11 cannabis plants growing in pots along with heaters, fans and fertilizer.

They also discovered a hoard of drugs including cocaine, heroin, Benzocaine, Stanozol and drug paraphanalia including syringes.

One of the scales seized by officers had traces of cocaine, benzocaine and caffeine, while a grey stone bowl a silver spoon had traces of cocaine and benzocaine.

The estimated street value of the drugs found at his flat was between £1400 to £2000.

More than £1,000 in cash was also seized on the day of the raid.

Dale was arrested and later released on police bail.

On 16 January 2012 Dale pleaded guilty to being concerned in the production of Class B drugs and two counts of possession of Class A and two counts of possession of Class C controlled drugs.

He was given a 9 months prison sentence suspended for two years.

PC Marc Harley said: "Thanks to information from the public we were able take off the streets more than £1,000 of drugs. Drugs are a blight on the community which we are committed to stamping out.

"With the help of the public we will keep on seizing drugs.

"Anyone concerned about drugs in their area should contact police on 101."

Would you like to get involved in local education?

2012-01-25T00:04:00.001Z

Cheshire East Council is offering residents the opportunity join one of the Borough’s independent education appeals panels.

The panels oversee both admission and exclusion appeals. These are where families, or guardians, would like the panel to look again at the reasons their child was not accepted for a particular school, or excluded from a school respectively.

Each panel is made up of three members and they are independent of the local authority.

The Council wants to hear from people of all backgrounds, as panels are comprised of both people with educational experience and those who have not been involved with schools before.

Appeals are heard on weekdays during normal office hours and full training is given. The work is done on a voluntary basis, although travel expenses are paid.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and family services, said: “We need to increase the number of members that sit on our panels. We would like as broad a cross section of people as possible.

“Ex-teachers and governors would be welcome, as would people who have never worked with schools before.

“The only requirement is that members have an interest in education and are able to spare some of their time.”

If you would like to find out more and receive an application form, please contact Brett Dainty on 01270 686469, or email brett.dainty@cheshireeast.gov.uk. The deadline for applications is Friday, February 17.

Successful applicants would need to attend a training day on Monday, March 26. There will also be further training in July for the exclusion panels.

MP’s 108th news bulletin

2012-01-25T00:03:00.001Z

Saturday 21, January 2012

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my 108th news bulletin and can I take this opportunity to wish you a happy New Year.

Health and safety at work is important, but should be proportionate. Many local businesses have raised the unnecessary time and financial burden of some health and safety measures with me.

At the Federation of Small Businesses candidates debate during the general election campaign, there was a clear desire from members and candidates present to see common sense brought to the fore where health and safety is concerned.

The government is determined that we do everything possible to take the brakes off business: cutting taxes; slashing red tape; putting billions into big infrastructure projects; making it much easier for British firms to get out there and trade with the world.
And there is something else they are doing: waging war against the excessive health and safety culture that has become an albatross around the neck of British businesses.
Talk of ‘health and safety’ can too often sound farcical or marginal. But for British businesses - especially the smaller ones that are so vital to the future of our economy - this is a massively important issue. Every day they battle against a tide of risk assessment forms and face the fear of being sued for massive sums. The financial cost of this culture runs into the billions each year, so the measures we are taking include:
• Businesses no longer having to report minor accidents in the workplace. From 6 April, an accident will now only have to be reported if an employee is off work for seven days or more;
• Completely exempting from health and safety regulation up to a million self-employed workers whose activities pose no risk of harm to others. This will free them from bureaucracy and needless assessments;
• A new panel giving firms the right to challenge controversial inspection decisions; and
• The Health and Safety Executive abolishing or consolidating up to half of all existing regulations.
So the coalition has a clear New Year’s resolution: to kill off the health and safety culture for good. We want 2012 to go down in history not just as Olympics year or Diamond Jubilee year, but the year we get a lot of this pointless time-wasting out of the British economy and British life once and for all.

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

I have recently ...

Opened the new Tesco supermarket in Crewe
Visited the Olympic Park with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Emergency Services to see the impressive progress of the construction and to hear about the emergency contigencies in place
Met with Business in the Community to hear about their campaign to support care leavers with their journey towards sustainable employment
Attended the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity launch of thier report Preventing Babies’ Deaths
Met with Heler Cheese to discuss how I can help to promote Cheshire cheese across the UK
Officically opened the new Orthopaedic Out-Patients and Fracture Clinic at Leighton Hospital
Accompanied Chris Grayling MP, Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions, on a visit to the Crewe JobCentre
Joined the Looking After the Homless (LATH) Group to dispense free soup and rolls in the Market Square, Crewe

This weekend I will be...

Inspecting the troops and laying a wreath at the Holly Holy Day for the 40th anniversary of commemorations
Attending a charity event for Cancer Research UK at the Koconut Grove

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Community News

Support the Looking After the Homeless Group

The LATH Group (Looking After The Homeless) aims to ease the plight of the homeless in the Crewe area, with the long term aim of eliminating it altogether. The organisation is in dire need of donations, to help ease the lives of those that are homeless & many of whom are sleeping rough in these cold winter months.
To make a donation please click here - Please forward this link to your friends, your families & your colleagues, add the link to your Facebook & Twitter pages to help our cause and spread the word.
Your money will be used to feed, create warmth, clothe, and help shelter those who need it this winter.
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Grand opening of Crewe's Tesco Extra attracts scores of shoppers

Crewe Chronicle

HUNDREDS of shoppers descended on Crewe’s Tesco Extra store as it opened its doors for the first time on Monday.

The 64,000sq ft superstore, based on Vernon Way, replaces a smaller store on the same site and celebrated its grand opening by making a £1,000 donation to Crewe and Nantwich Gymnastics Club.

MP Edward Timpson and Crewe mayor Cllr Roy Cartlidge were guests of honour and helped store manager Natalie Salt cut the ribbon to declare the store officially open for business.

Eager shoppers who were keen to get their first look at the store were also treated to complimentary champagne, cake and orange juice.

Store manager Natalie Salt said: “It was great to see so many members of the local Crewe community joining in the celebrations with us.

“We really hope that as a store we will become a key part of the local community.”

Senior coach at Crewe and Nantwich Gymnastics Club Candy Lakin accepted a giant cheque from Natalie on behalf of the club. She said: “The club would like to thank Tesco for this generous donation. As a club we are always trying to raise money and are very grateful for donations such as this.

“Our roof currently needs repairing and the equipment we use for our gymnasts is very specialist and expensive, this donation will help to fix the roof and provide the latest equipment needed to aid our gymnast’s progress.”

The new store, which benefits from extended opening hours, offers customers a new phone shop, Tesco Direct desk and family café serving Costa coffee. In addition, the store has an extended food and counter range including an olive bar, fresh meat and fish counter as well as larger clothing, home and electrical departmentsŠincluding an electrical advice desk.

Crewe mayor Cllr Roy Cartlidge added: “I’m delighted that Tesco has decided to expand its store in Crewe. I hope it brings another shopping experience for the people of Crewe and the surrounding area along with job security to Tesco employees.

“I’m impressed by the architecture of the new buildings, it’s quite magnificent – more like a railway building than a supermarket!”

Opening celebrations will continue on Saturday, January 21 between 11am and 4pm as the store will welcome another special guest – Peppa Pig.

The cartoon character will be the guest of honour at a free family fun day where shoppers will be treated to complimentary face painting as well as burgers and snacks from a barbecue.

The store is open from 12.01am on Mondays and remains open until midnight on Saturdays. It is open from 10am until 4pm on Sundays.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson tells of his experience growing up with foster children

Crewe Chronicle

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson grew up with foster children. He talked to reporter Belinda Ryan about his childhood and what he gained from the experience.

CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson can’t really remember a time growing up when his parents’ home wasn’t full of foster children.

Mr Timpson was only five when his mum and dad, John and Alex, began fostering.

During the 30 years they acted as foster carers, they looked after nearly 90 children.

Mr Timpson says it was this positive experience which motivated him into practising family law and taking on the position of chairman of the all-party group on fostering and adoption.

“One of the things that really motivated me to do what I’m doing now is to try to help those children who find themselves in care, through no fault of their own, to get a better life and have a better chance to make something of themselves,” said the Conservative MP.

With more than 60,000 children in care, thousands of carers are needed up and down the country.

More than 1,200 extra foster carers need to be found across the north west of England in the next 12 months, according to the Fostering Network.

Mr Timpson still bumps into people who were fostered by his parents.

During last year’s election campaign he told how he met a man at a public meeting who was about seven years younger than himself who was fostered by his parents.

“When you talk to them and find out what they’re doing now and what they’ve made of their lives, it really hits home what my parents did and how much it’s played a part in these peoples’ lives,” said Mr Timpson.

The Tory MP admits his initial reaction when he discovered his parents had started fostering wasn’t as charitable as it might have been.

“I was nearly six and I came skipping home from school one day to find these two fairly loud children, aged five and three, downstairs in the kitchen,” he said. “As the youngest of three I was used to having my mother’s undivided attention and on finding I was to have to share her my reaction was to run upstairs in a huff, run into my bedroom, slam the door and refuse to come out until they left.”

His reaction didn’t last long.

“As I grew older I started to take on more of a caring role myself, helping to do late-night bottles, that sort of thing, and I could start to see what my parents were doing it for and it was quite rewarding,” he said.

“You could see the change in many of these children. They started to thrive under routine, their personalities came out and the resentment I had at the start just evaporated.”

Crewe and Nantwich MP set to fight Gypsy site plans at council meeting

Crewe Chronicle

CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson aims to scupper plans for a Gypsy camp in Coppenhall.

The Conservative MP is expected to clash with Tory-led Cheshire East Council when the matter is considered by its strategic planning board.

The council wants the Gypsy camp on a field at the junction of Parkers Road and Kent Lane.

It is unusual for MPs to address council committees but no date has yet been set for the planning board meeting. If Mr Timpson is unavoidably kept in London on affairs of State when it does come up, he will send a senior staff member to represent him and the views of his constituents.

The MP, who was with members of Crewe Against Travellers Sites (CATS) when they presented a 5,500 signature petition to Downing Street in November, said: “I’ve written to the chief executive and council leader to inform them that I, with members of CATs, presented a copy of the petition at 10 Downing Street.

“To ensure my support for my constituents is heard loud and clear, I intend to speak at the planning committee when the future of the site is determined.”

CATS has also presented the petition to Cheshire East.

CATS secretary Wendy Middleton said: “The number of signatures gathered in a short space of time shows the strength of feeling against this camp. Our aim is to trigger a full council debate on this ill-thought plan.”

CATS chairman, Glenn Perris, said: “Cheshire East are delaying because they say they are trying to get it right. ŠThat’s impossible as it’s fundamentally flawed in so many aspects.”

The group stresses it is a non-racist organisation and is fighting to find a site ‘fair’ to Travellers, residents and the council tax payers.

“How much more of our money are they prepared to waste until the application finally fails?

“We will win this campaign,” said Mr Perris.

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

Impressive Teamwork on Motorway Safety

2012-01-24T00:30:00.001Z

Safety checks on lorries using the M6 in Cheshire are a first-class example of inter-agency teamwork, says Cheshire Police Authority.

Five members of the Authority visited the site beside the motorway at Sandbach which is shared by the Cheshire Police Commercial Vehicle Unit, the Highways Agency, the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency and Customs Officers.

Work carried out there includes checks on lorry drivers′ working hours, tests on lorry brakes, tyres and other possible safety issues, measuring the weight of vehicles and loads and checks for illegal fuel use.

Adrian Walmsley, Vice Chairman of the Authority said, "We were really impressed by the way the different agencies pull together. The purpose of the work here is to keep the motorway safe for all the people who use it. These officers never lose sight of that."

People of Crewe to vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to a town council

2012-01-24T00:29:00.001Z

Crewe people will soon be faced with the direct question – ‘do you want a single town council?’

Cheshire East Council launched a governance review for Crewe in August 2011 and has canvassed views on a host of potential options as the town’s people consider whether a more local layer of representation is for them.

And after the first wave of consultation was completed, early indications show there is a significant level of support for a single town council.

Now, a ballot paper is being formulated which will include the wording ‘Do you want a single town council for Crewe – Yes/No’. This will be sent to voters in February.

Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank respondents for their feedback so far. Early indications show that a town council is the preferred option, although there is still time to make your views known as the consultation remains open.

“I would strongly encourage people living in Crewe and those with an interest in the town to continue to make their views known and to vote.

“This authority is always open to ways to give the people of Cheshire East more choice and control over services and resources and we will ensure whatever final decision is taken reflects the wishes of the people of Crewe.”

Cheshire East councillors are currently the only democratically-elected members who represent the views of Crewe people.

Every other area in Cheshire East, with the exception of Macclesfield, has local representation in the form of a town or parish council.

Now, residents in Crewe have the opportunity to decide if they want more local and focussed management through the form of a town council.

More information on other options for localised governance, in addition to a town council, with a breakdown of the facts on each, is available at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/crewegovreview

There is also an online tool designed to assist anyone who would like to know which option best suits their views. This tool can also be used to submit feedback and views to the Council.

Alternatively, residents can email communitygovernancereview@cheshireeast.gov.uk or write to Registration Service and Business Manager, Democratic Services, Cheshire East Council, Westfields, Sandbach, Cheshire, CW11 1HZ.

Good Luck Wendy

2012-01-21T01:15:00.001Z

Not a major news story but this week Wendy (above) left Morrisions this week. She had been there it seems like forever and unlike a lot of other supermarkets Wendy was always game for a laugh and it was always fun to be served by her as she was such a bubbly character. Many people say they will miss her as local people tend to see staff as friends as its our local store. She has gone onto better things and we wish her luck in her new job. Morrisions will be a lot quieter now she has gone I am sure she would welcome any comments so hit the button below and wish her all the best.

Untouchable Crewe gang finally behind bars

2012-01-21T00:51:00.001Z

A Crewe gang, once seen as untouchable, were turning drug cash into gold are paying the price for their illegal activities after they were sentenced to a combined total of 11 years and eight months.

Since September 2010 Cheshire Police detectives have been investigating the activities of an organised crime group led by Bobby Palin (24) previously of Smith Grove in Crewe. It was believed that they were supplying class A & B drugs into the Crewe community.

Following a lengthy investigation, officers discovered that the group had been travelling to the heart of Birmingham′s jewellery quarter to buy gold bars for cash earned through dealing illegal drugs on the streets of Crewe.

As the investigation went on it was clear they were going to the same jewellers in Birmingham′s jewellery quarter to launder between £7,000 and £14,000 a time by buying fine gold ingots.

Officers intercepted the gang twice after they visited the shop, on both occasions the gang had converted fine gold ingots into large amounts of cash.

When they were stopped by police on the M6 on 4 April 2011, Bobby Palin was in the car with Andrew Arrowsmith & Shane Arrowsmith. They had been to Birmingham to exchange two gold bars valued at £13,900. They were arrested, the cash was seized and the men were later charged with money laundering offences.

The following day officers observed one of the gang members, Carl Arrowsmith, (29), going back down to Birmingham with four gold bars valued at £27,650 . He was caught in the back yard of the shop, arrested and the cash was seized. He was later charged with money laundering.

At the beginning of the operation the gang converted cash by buying fine gold ingots, towards the end of the operation the gang started selling the gold ingots back to the jewellers for cash.

On 13 July 2011 officers conducted a coordinated dawn raid on five separate addresses in Crewe. They arrested Bobby Palin (24), Shane Arrowsmith (30), Nigel Dunn (33), Andrew Arrowsmith (31), Carl Arrowsmith (29) and Kenneth Washington (42).

They were subsequently charged with offences including money laundering and class A drug offences.

In all, a total of £62,365 was converted into 2.25 kilos of fine gold.

The total amount seized to date off the gang is £42,062.67 in cash but a financial investigation into their assets is currently underway to track down and seize any further money obtained through their illegal exploits.

On 30 September 2011 at Chester Crown Court Shane Arrowsmith from Richard Moon Street, Crewe pleaded guilty to money laundering, Nigel Dunn from Samuel Street, Crewe pleaded guilty to supplying Class A drugs and Andrew Arrowsmith from Beckford Close, Crewe pleaded guilty to possession of Class A drugs and money laundering.

On 9th December at Liverpool Crown Court Bobby Palin pleaded guilty to money laundering, Carl Arrowsmith from Badger Ave pleaded guilty to acquiring criminal property namely cash in relation to the proceeds of crime act and Kenneth Washington from Enderleigh St, Newcastle Under Lyne pleaded guilty to acquiring criminal property namely cash in relation to the proceeds of crime act.

On 19 January 2012 Bobby Palin was sentenced to three years and four months, Shane arrowsmith was sentenced to three years and four months, Nigel Dunn was sentenced to three years and four months, and Andrew Arrowsmith was sentenced to one year and eight months.

Carl Arrowsmith was sentenced to 140 hours community service and Kenneth Washington was sentenced to 120 hours community service order.

DC Gareth Wynne said: "The officers involved in the case spent 18 months gathering enough evidence to convict the gang. The gang, headed by Palin were seen to be out of the reach of the police by certain areas of the community. Our hard work has finally paid off and Crewe residents will see a gang of men who have been a blight on the community behind bars. This investigation has struck at the heart of this group by removing the hierarchy who organise the drug supply and reap the benefits from the profits generated.

"This shows that we will do everything we can to make Cheshire a safer place and sends out a clear message to those who think they are above the law that we will bring you to justice."

Dedicated funding for Diamond Jubilee

2012-01-21T00:46:00.003Z

Dedicated funding of £100 per community group is being offered to help create a party atmosphere for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations this summer.

Cheshire East Council is setting the scene for a summer of fun after the newly-formed Cheshire Community Foundation received a donation from the Duke of Westminster’s charitable fund, the Westminster Foundation, which will be distributed to Cheshire East communities on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis.

The Diamond Jubilee celebrations will take place across an extended bank holiday weekend between June 2 and 5.

Just a couple of days before the royal celebrations, the party atmosphere will hot up as the London Olympic torch relay passes through Crewe, Congleton, Knutsford and Macclesfield.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “This is going to be one of the most memorable weekends of our time and so it’s a wonderful opportunity to have a party.

“This is such a momentous occasion and we are delighted to offer community groups the chance to apply for £100 of funding to celebrate in their community.

“We are very grateful to the Duke of Westminster for his donation and we would encourage as many people as possible to take advantage of this opportunity to celebrate and throw a street party or use their local park or playing fields to host an event.”

To apply for the £100 funding, community groups should log on to: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/jubilee and click on the event notification/funding form. The deadline to apply for funding and road closures is Monday, April 9. Alternatively, contact Jane Kavanagh on 01270 685854.

Buckingham Palace is encouraging communities to take part in ‘The Big Jubilee Lunch’ which is all about community, friendship and fun and offers ideas on what to do and how to make it a day to remember. For more information log on to: www.thebiglunch.com

Nantwich Police Station goes Green

2012-01-21T00:46:00.001Z

NANTWICH police station has gone green, with the introduction of a new solar panel system which means it gets most of its energy from the sun.

The computers, CCTV system, and even small electric items are all now powered directly from the sun, cutting emissions and reducing bills.

Nantwich is thought to be the first police station in the North West to take advantage of the new technology. Middlewich will soon follow suit.

Police Authority members Michael Darby and Peter Nurse took time to visit the police station to find out more and were shown around by project lead Keith Cozens.

Keith said: "We started the project back in June but had to apply for planning permission to fit the panels to the roof of the building.

"The panels at Nantwich and Middlewich were to trial the system − now we know it is working we are hoping to roll it out to seven more Constabulary buildings across Cheshire. The idea is to save money and reduce carbon emissions."

Keith explained that using solar power doesn′t rely on blisteringly hot sunny days. "The panels don′t need sunlight, they just need daylight. Even on a cloudy day they still get what they need to power the building."

The panels at Nantwich cost around £11,000 to install and were funded via the North West Improvement and Efficiency Partnership (NWIEP). It is expected that the panels will have paid for themselves with five years.

Gillian Bishop, Chief Executive of NWIEP said: "NWIEP has been keen to support innovative projects that not only deliver efficiencies for the public sector but also generate data and evidence that others considering similar projects can learn from. We felt that Operation Greenhouse fitted well with our wider work supporting better asset management in the sector across the North West."

Michael Darby is the Police Authority member responsible for looking at carbon management issues within the Force. He said: "The Authority has supported the initiative since we first heard about it. It′s a great way to improve the Constabulary′s green credentials and save money."

Mayor backs Tatton run

2012-01-21T00:45:00.003Z

The Mayor of Cheshire East is urging people to put their best foot forward and run for charity in the forthcoming Tatton Park run.

The 10k run has been organised by Age UK to raise funds for the charity’s ‘Spread the Warmth’ campaign, to keep older people warm and well.

Interested participants are being urged to log on to www.ageuk.org.uk/10k or telephone 0800 169 8787. Elect to run for Age UK Cheshire East to ensure all money raised goes to help local older people.

The Mayor Councillor Roger West has chosen Age UK Cheshire East as his principle charity and supports the organisation’s on-going campaigns.

He said: “This is a great opportunity to start training and get fit for the race which takes place in less than three months time.

“Not only will it help people shake off the post Christmas calories, it will raise much-needed funds for older people who often struggle to keep warm in the cold weather.”

Madelyn Bridge, Chief Executive of Age UK Cheshire East, joined the Mayor in his quest for runners.

She said: “Many older people are terrified to use their heating for fear of rising costs. It only takes the temperature to drop a few degrees for them to be in real danger.

“By registering to run for Age UK Cheshire East at the Tatton Park ‘Wrap-up and Run 10k’ you will help an older person to keep warm and stay healthy this winter.”

The run takes place on March 11 and entries are being taken now. To help runners prepare, the Council’s leisure development team will be running a series of fitness and running camps at leisure centres.

For more details see www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/sport or look out for updates on the Twitter feed @cecchamp or Facebook www.facebook.com/cecchamp

Scheme to reduce re-offending a great success

2012-01-21T00:45:00.001Z

A scheme to tackle Cheshire′s most prolific and repeat offenders continues to prove successful in reducing the re-offending rates of the county′s worst burglars, car thieves, and street and metal-theft criminals.

The NAVIGATE scheme brings together key partners, all of whom are focused on reducing re-offending throughout Cheshire.

Police, probation, youth offending teams, employment, health, housing and drug and alcohol agencies, work in partnership with offenders so as to change their behaviour and lifestyle for the good. That can mean giving offenders opportunities to get help with any addiction, finding them a decent place to live and accessing pathways into education, training or employment,

With official government figures showing that a handful of prolific and repeat offenders can sometimes be responsible for up to 30% of an area′s crimes, it is easy to see why the Home Office′s Integrated Offender Management (IOM) Programme, of which NAVIGATE is part, is so important and beneficial to communities.

Cheshire Police Assistant Chief Constable, Ruth Purdie, said: "NAVIGATE provides a local framework for agencies to come together to ensure that the offenders whose crime causes most damage locally are managed in a co-ordinated way, bringing greater coherence to the delivery of relevant local programmes and approaches to tackle crime, reducing re-offending and protecting communities."

Inspector Brian Green, who helps run NAVIGATE in Western Cheshire, admits he was initially sceptical of the ideals behind the scheme, but that seeing the difference it makes he has changed his original view.

He said: "I never really bothered to understand the science behind why people offend or how we can work differently with them to improve their chances of success in life by reducing their re-offending.

"My attitude was focused on what I wanted as a Police Officer and a tax payer with regards to how criminals should be treated, rather than looking at the bigger picture."

After having what he describes as a, "real education," about NAVIGATE however, Brian now sees the work it and its partners do as not only immeasurably significant, but also grossly underestimated.

He said: "A massive amount of time, effort and dedication is put in by all the agencies involved. They help deliver success on aspects of policing that are often immeasurable; these don′t result in high profile arrests or long prison sentences, but what the staff do achieve is keeping the most prolific offenders on the right tracks wherever possible. This not only protects the public through reductions in crime but also reduces demand at a time when all partnership agencies need to work within the constraints of reduced budgets."

As well as proving successful in reducing the offending rates for both prolific and repeat offenders, NAVIGATE also aims to tackle the social exclusion of offenders and their families and improve public confidence in the criminal justice system, with offenders who choose not to participate placed under close scrutiny.

Andy Griffiths of the Youth Offending Service said that those who choose not to participate open themselves up to being robustly and proactively targeted by all the NAVIGATE agencies involved. This means very close supervision and several planned, and unplanned, visits a week and poor engagement with the NAVIGATE scheme is dealt with as a priority.

This combined intelligence gathering approach by the police, Probation and Youth Offending Service is of paramount importance to the scheme as it allows police officers to intervene when someone is suspected of being criminally active. Under the initiative, surveillance and supervision are also increased.

When intelligence informs one of the services that an offender might be active again, probation or police officers visit the suspect′s home and warn them that they are heading for court if they do not change their behaviour.

For those who co-operate with the scheme however, the advantages are numerous and, in many ways, life-changing.

Sergeant Steve Hilton-Smith from Warrington said: "The key for a lot of the people we approach and work with on the NAVIGATE scheme is persistence. As you would perhaps expect, initially some offenders are sceptical and wary of police intervention. It`s a slow process but it does work. By looking at root causes and the recognised pathways to re-offending we can break the offending cycle."

Defibrillator units donated to Cheshire East Council

2012-01-21T00:44:00.001Z

A host of Cheshire East Council’s leisure centres and swimming pools will benefit from a welcome donation from the ambulance service.

North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) has handed 19 AED (automated external defibrillator) units to the Council, which will be on hand should any medical emergencies arise in its buildings.

Cheshire East already has defibrillators at its Westfields headquarters in Sandbach and at Tatton Park, Knutsford, and its health and safety team will take responsibility for all of them.

In addition to leisure facilities, the units will also be housed in Delamere House, Crewe; Dalton House, Middlewich and at Macclesfield Town Hall.

Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet member with responsibility for procurement and shared services, said: “I very much welcome this donation from the ambulance service. Defibrillators are an essential tool in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac episodes.

“Our health and safety team has placed them in buildings where there is higher footfall and also where cardiac rehabilitation programmes are already running.

“We have staff members based in these buildings who are trained in the use of this equipment and will be on hand to treat any patients in the event of emergency.”

Defibrillators can save lives by providing an electric shock through the chest wall to restart the heart, in some cases of cardiac arrest.

When someone suffers a cardiac arrest, they lose consciousness almost at once. There are no other signs of life such as normal breathing.

Community resuscitation manager at NWAS, Rob Hussey said: “None of us know who will suffer a cardiac arrest or when it will happen. What we do know is that when such a life threatening situation occurs, a speedy response is crucial.

“Defibrillation within the first few minutes of a cardiac arrest can dramatically increase the survival chances of the victim and prevent long term damage to vital organs.

“We would like to see defibrillators in as many places as possible and therefore, we are very pleased to be working with Cheshire East Council to equip their leisure centres with life-saving equipment.

“Hopefully, they’ll never need to use the defibrillators, but the public should be assured that there are people who know how to help should the most extreme emergency occur.”

To benefit from the equipment are leisure centres at Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Congleton, Knutsford, Alsager, Sandbach, Poynton, Shavington, Holmes Chapel, Middlewich and Sir William Stanier High School in Crewe. Some of these centres also have swimming pools and some are connected with high schools.

Nantwich Pool and Fitness Centre, Barony Park in Nantwich, Crewe Pool and the Oakley Centre and Cumberland Arena, Crewe, will also receive one.

Think it Through, Warns Chairman

2012-01-21T00:43:00.001Z

The Chairman of Cheshire Police Authority has warned young people who drink and drive, "Think about the long-term effect on your own life!"

Margaret Ollerenshaw says, "Even if you avoid injuring yourself and other people, the results of a drink-driving conviction will stay with you for years."

She was speaking in the wake of figures for the Cheshire Police area over the Christmas and New Year holiday which showed 26 per cent of drivers arrested for drink and drug driving were aged under 25 and 39 per cent were under 30 years old.

She said, "With many years experience as a magistrate and my contact with policing in my present role, I have had a close-up view of the consequences of drink −driving.

"If the possibility of causing death or injury to other people and to yourself isn′t enough to stop you, you should consider the effects a drink-drive conviction would have on your life.

"As well as a probable fine of hundreds of pounds, you will face a huge increase in your car insurance costs when the time comes to get back on the road.

"In the meantime, you face a mandatory driving ban of at least 12 months. You may be banned for considerably longer. If your job involves driving or if you have to use a car to get to work, that obviously puts your employment in jeopardy. Even if you keep your job, your social and private life will suffer because you will not be able to see friends and relatives as easily. If you have children you will not be able to drive them to school. Everyday chores such as shopping will suddenly become a lot more difficult.

"These are the type of lifestyle changes which put real strains on personal relationships.

"The situation can be even more serious. If you are substantially over the alcohol limit when you are arrested you will probably be looking at a three-year driving ban and a fine of between a thousand and five thousand pounds. The magistrates may consider a community order with a curfew. You may even go to prison for up to six months.

"There are still worse scenarios. If your drink, or drug, impaired driving caused a collision which results in someone′s death the maximum penalty is a fourteen year prison sentence.

"The drink-drive figures over the Christmas and New Year period seem to indicate that while most people understand that drink and drugs don′t mix with driving, some younger drivers are just not getting the message. That is a disappointing trend.

"If everyone gives the consequences some serious thought the picture should change drastically."

Two Generations get Drink-Drive Warning

2012-01-21T00:42:00.001Z

Police in Cheshire have said they are "seriously concerned" about the number of young and elderly drivers who ignore warnings about drinking.

Figures just released show that during the Christmas campaign to stop drivers drinking or taking drugs, more than a quarter of the people arrested were under 25 years old. Thirty nine per cent were under thirty.

At the other end of the age range, eighteen per cent of the drivers arrested were aged fifty or over.

Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie said, "The figures are very similar to those for the previous year and they are disturbing.

"We consistently highlight the fact that drinking alcohol or drug- taking do not mix with driving. Our enforcement measures are very high profile, especially over Christmas. It seems some younger drivers are still not getting the message and some older drivers have lost sight of lessons they may have learned years ago.

"Over the Christmas and New Year period, some had risked having a couple of drinks and were surprised to find they were over the limit. Others felt they would be O.K. because they had had something to eat as well as a few drinks.

"In fact, just one drink impairs your ability to react quickly and efficiently to situations which develop. The only safe way to approach this issue is not to drink at all if you intend to drive.

"Some drivers felt having a few drinks was all right because they were only travelling a short distance. That is a completely misguided approach. If you are behind the wheel and you have been drinking or taking drugs you are a danger to yourself and everyone else, whatever length your journey may be.

"Over the Christmas period 181 drivers were arrested for drink-drive or drug-drive offences in the Cheshire Police area. They will now face the consequences of what they did.

"The enforcement action is an important part of keeping the roads safe. Drivers should be aware that it will continue throughout 2012."

Crime statistics show Cheshire continues to be a safer place to live

2012-01-20T00:48:00.001Z

Cheshire continues to be a safer place to live as crime once again falls across the county.
Burglary in particular has seen a significant drop which is good news for homeowners and businesses. There were 794 fewer victims (17 percent drop) according to statistics published today, Thursday 19 January 2011, which reflect the 12 months up to September 2011.
There has been 5283 fewer victims of crime overall compared to the previous year (eight percent drop).
Violence against the person is down 14 percent with 1828 fewer victims and despite a four percent rise across England and Wales, Cheshire has seen a 14 percent drop in robbery offences. There were also fewer victims of car crime (down 14 percent), criminal damage (down 11 percent) and sexual offences (down nine percent).
Commenting on the statistics, Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie says, "I hope the communities of Cheshire are pleased to see that crime continues to fall across the county but it is important that they know that we will never become complacent and it is vital that people actually feel safe and confident in the police.
"Working with our partner agencies we will continue to ensure that victims are given the help and support they need and we strive towards our ultimate aim of reducing re-offending. Although it remains an encouraging picture for Cheshire, there is always work to be done and we welcome feedback from the public in order to understand what is important to them and how we can improve.
"There are still more challenging times ahead for the police service and we are committed to delivering the best possible service for the communities of Cheshire while identifying areas where we can work more efficiently and effectively."
The number of people who feel the police are dealing with local concerns has remained consistent at 56 percent and 58 percent of people also feel the police and local councils are dealing with issues, which is an increase of 2 percent.
Drug offences are the only area where the constabulary has seen an increase (four percent) but this is a reflection of the proactive activity across the Force targeting those involved in drug use and supply. The public are also more confident and in providing information to the police so we can take action against the criminals ruining their communities.

Police advise Land Rover owners to be vigilant following thefts

2012-01-19T00:36:00.001Z

Cheshire Police are asking Land Rover owners to be vigilant after a spate of thefts across Macclesfield, Wilmslow, Warrington and Runcorn.

Eight Land Rovers were stolen from Wilmsow and Macclesfield since the beginning of December.

Warrington and Runcorn had two Land Rover Defenders stolen during the same period.

While officers are making stop checks on Land Rovers to ensure they belong to the driver, and the thefts are being investigated, police are urging people to take basic crime prevention steps.

PC Mike Dawber who specialises in rural crime said: "We would urge those with Land Rovers to keep their vehicles behind locked farm gates at night. Security lights and CCTV is also advisable to provide a deterrent to would-be thieves.

"Most of the old style vehicles have been stolen without keys, so as a precaution it is worth investing in the old style ‘crook lock′ or ‘steering wheel anti-theft bar′ to improve vehicle security."

PC Dawber added: "Those tempted to buy nearly new Land Rover parts at knock down prices should be wary, especially if its on a ‘no questions asked′ basis. Simply refusing to buy the parts will help to reduce demand, and in turn, thefts.

Anyone with information should contact PC Mike Dawber on 101.

Information can also be given anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe

2012-01-19T00:35:00.001Z

stock up on free winter reading

Throughout the winter, Cheshire East Council and its partner agencies in the Adult Safeguarding Board have been providing information and key contact numbers as part of its Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe campaign. This is intended to assist, reassure and empower its most vulnerable people by providing information at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter and through the local media.

With the colder weather very much upon us, Cheshire East Council would like to remind people that its libraries are on hand for those who want to stock up on their free winter reading.

Residents are being encouraged to take advantage of the chance to borrow free books from the area’s libraries, many of which have been newly refurbished.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “With temperatures dropping, it would be a good idea to stock up on your reading material this winter.

“Our libraries are excellent and offer a warm, safe environment. Not only can you borrow books, you can also borrow music and films for a small charge.

“Some of our libraries have recently undergone refurbishments to make them more accessible with the most up-to-date technology.

“They also have computers which can be used free of charge and most of our libraries can also help you to get on the internet and use e-mail. Council services and details on community events can also be accessed.

“Libraries provide more online services than ever before. You can reserve and renew library books without leaving your front door as well as accessing the ‘virtual’ reference library or listening to classical music through the libraries subscription to Naxos.”

Monthly reading groups are held in libraries across Cheshire East – those interested are advised to contact their nearest library for more information. And the authority has mobile libraries which take books for all ages into the rural areas of Cheshire East.

Middlewich, Crewe, Bollington and Handforth libraries have recently been refurbished.

Derek Thomas, the independent chair of the Adult Safeguarding Board, said: “Cheshire East Adult Safeguarding Board welcomes any initiative to assist its most vulnerable people, especially during the winter months, to feel warm, healthy and safe.

“It is often harder to find things to do during the winter period, particularly outdoors. Reading is one answer to this and being able to renew loans without having to leave the home is likely to be welcome by many older and disabled people.

“It is good to know the people of Cheshire East have high-quality facilities on their doorstep.”

Book loans can be renewed from home by calling 0845 148 0148 or visiting www.cheshireeast.gov.uk and typing in ‘libraries’ into the search engine.

Meanwhile, Cheshire East libraries are always looking for volunteers to help people get online or help at library events. The Council is appealing to those with time to spare to contact their local library for more details or call 0300 123 5018.

Tesco 24 hour store opens

2012-01-17T00:07:00.001Z

There were stampedes at the new Tesco store today as it opens it door with a brand new 24 hours store. Will other store now open 24 hours? being anew store its bright and plenty of room all spick and span

The store has everything under one roof from phones. pc’s. tv,cafe Tesco direct and more

They even have a pound store for those real bargains. To get into the store you have a fun ride up the travelatore

Derby Docks get a hair cut

2012-01-16T23:56:00.001Z

The Derby Dock has had bushes all over for along time but now the council have ripped them out leaving only a few trees standing. One of the problems has been people going into the dense bushes drinking with often as many as 20 people in there the police can not see any one from the road. With all the bushes gone there will be no where left to hide. having had the bushes for so long were do all the wildlife go who have made it their home? The light in the picture is the one that has been out for months and we are still waiting for the council to put it back on over a month since it was reported

Church Demolished

2012-01-16T23:51:00.001Z

The Church on Hightown Crewe has be knocked down so yet another church bits the dust. Its a church that hasnt that long been built compared with most others

Police urge motorists to heed security advice in cold weather

2012-01-16T23:46:00.001Z

As the county sees its first cold snap of the winter, Cheshire Police are urging the public to help combat a crime trend associated with the cold weather.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Smith said "Thieves seize the opportunity of the cold weather to steal cars. The arrival of cold winter mornings normally brings a series of de-frosting type thefts. Thieves target cars which have been left with their engines running to defrost the windscreens. Just this morning, a Toyota was stolen in these circumstances in Widnes by criminals seizing their opportunity to drive away in cars left on driveways with the keys in the ignition"

The message from Cheshire Police is simple - Never leave keys in the ignition and doors unlocked when your car is unattended, even if it is only for a couple of minutes and the vehicle is sitting on your own driveway or on the road outside your house. Similarly, we urge drivers to be sensible and defrost their screens before moving off, because driving with only a few inches of the windscreen clear is dangerous.

The consequences of losing your car in this way could be more far reaching than most people realise.

Detective Chief Inspector Smith added "The sensible approach is to allow an extra few minutes to defrost your car and do not leave it unattended. When making an insurance claim in a situation where a driver has left a vehicle insecure, insurers may argue that a reasonable duty of care has not been taken. Victims are then faced with the loss of their vehicle with potenitally no means of replacement, even though they are fully insured."

Choose Your Option on Tax for Policing

2012-01-16T23:41:00.001Z

People in Cheshire are being asked for their views on police spending for the coming financial year.

On the Cheshire Police Authority website they are being invited to choose between three possible courses of action which face the Authority as members consider the budget for 2012/13.

The Chairman of the Authority, Margaret Ollerenshaw, said, "These choices result from the terms attached to an additional grant which the Coalition Government is offering Police Authorities. If we accept the grant we will freeze the police part of the council tax for the coming year. But the grant only applies to 2012/13, so there will be consequences for the following year.

"Which route we decide to take will obviously affect people′s pockets. So, we want to know what the council taxpayers think."

One possibility is to freeze the policing part of the council tax for 2012/13 but cut the policing budget for the following year (2013/14) by £1.6 million more than the cuts already set by the Coalition Government.

Another is to freeze the council tax for 2012/13 and introduce a six per cent increase in April 2013. If the government does not allow such a large increase a compromise involving a smaller increase and substantial budget cuts would be necessary.

The third course is to raise the policing part of the council tax in 2012/13 by up to four per cent, which is equivalent to £5.76 per year or 11 pence a week on a Band D home.

Margaret Ollerenshaw said, "We have added this question to our budget consultation survey on the website. It seemed a sensible way to gauge public opinion on the council tax question and we will take into account what people tell us when we set next year′s budget.

"The budget consultation also invites people to choose between options for making savings in various aspects of policing.

"We are determined to maintain or improve the policing service in Cheshire but we have to make large-scale savings set by the Government.

"Hundreds of people have already visited the Authority and Constabulary′s road shows in town centres across Cheshire. They have given us their views by using an interactive video booth or by filling in a written questionnaire.

"We have a lot of important decisions to make and when we make them we want to have a very clear idea of what local people think."

To give your views on the choices facing Cheshire Police Authority, go to http://www.cheshirepa.police.uk

Schoolchildren grinning like a Cheshire East cat

2012-01-16T23:40:00.001Z

Animals are normally banned from kitchens, but there could be an exception made for the new school meals mascot in Cheshire East.

A competition was recently held where schools across the Borough were asked to come up with a name for the new mascot, a large cat.

The winning entry came from Woodcock Wells Primary School in Mow Cop. Pupils came up with the name CECil – ‘Cheshire East Council incredible meals’.

The new mascot will be the ‘face’ of the service, championing school meals and the importance of healthy eating.

CECil will be used to raise the profile of the great range of low-cost, balanced school meals and snacks available.

The mascot recently visited Woodcock Wells to present the school with their prize – £200 to go towards cookery or gardening equipment.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and family services, said: “January is the time of year when many people take stock and make resolutions to eat more healthily.

“We are encouraging schoolchildren across Cheshire East to do the same. Apart from being good for their health, there is also strong evidence that a balanced diet can aid concentration levels in the classroom.

“I would like to congratulate the pupils from Woodcock Wells for choosing the winning name.”

Crewe library re-opens

2012-01-16T23:39:00.001Z

Cheshire East Council is reminding residents that Crewe library fully re-opens today, Monday, January 16.

The library has been partially closed since November 2011 to allow for essential improvements to be made.

A reduced service has been offered during this time, with residents still able to borrow and return books.

The improvements include a larger children’s play area, new shelving and carpets and the installation of energy-efficient lighting.

The official opening of Crewe library will take place on Saturday, February 4.

Do the Council discriminate against the West End of Crewe?

2012-01-15T00:49:00.001Z

On the Derby Docks there has been a light out for ages which leaves the people walking across at night in danger of falling or being mugged as its total dark on a small path flanked by bushes.

You can see below that it was reported on the 17 Dec last year and again on the 9th of this year and still this light hasnt been replaced. Would it take them this long to replace a bulb if it was in Macclesfield I think not. So how long does it take to get a new bulb? We have asked Brian SILVESTER to take some action before someone gets hurt

Customer Reference: 
Enquiry Number: 4734767 
Date Report Logged: 17/12/2011 
Location: Underwood Lane 
Subject: light out 

For the attention of Mr

Customer Reference: 
Enquiry Number: 4736370 
Date Report Logged: 09/01/2012 
Location: Footway Pioneers Club to Chell Street 
Subject: light out

Asda verses Tesco

2012-01-15T00:42:00.001Z

People in the town had a laugh today as Asda did their price guarantee challenge on the square but who should come along but two guys advertising the new Tesco store that opens on Monday at 8 o'clock and will be a 24 hour store.

What was more fun was one of the lads took the challenge and Tesco won. People were concerned about Asda as when you go to get your voucher off the Asda website you have to fill in your name address, post code and email. What are Asda doing with the data? One of the girls rang head office and they say they throw it away. So why would you create a form on the website to collect this data if its not used? It links what you have bought and who you are and your address so they must be using it for something?

Councillor's Celebration will raise funds for local good causes.

2012-01-15T00:33:00.001Z

Councillor Brian Silvester is holding a birthday celebration on the 21st. January at Willaston Social Club. During the evening there will be a prize raffle and an 'Auction of Promises' to raise money for local good causes, including Willaston Pre School and the St. John's Parent and Toddler Group Willaston.

Cllr Silvester said," I am really grateful to all those that have offered raffle prizes or auction promises or have generally assisted in the organising of the event.. We will have a really enjoyable and entertaining evening and at the same time we will be raising money for local groups that do so much for our local community. It is always good to support local volunteers who give so freely of their time to help others.

Local singer Tim Gallagher, the winner of the local Star Quest competition 2008, will provide some of the entertainment and local Willaston Chippy, ' Mick the Chip' will provide the refreshments."

Police investigate fire at disused pub in Northwich

2012-01-15T00:31:00.001Z

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of arson following a fire at a disused pub in Northwich last night.

Police and fire crews were called to the blaze on High Street, Northwich just before 9pm on Friday 13th January.

There were no reported injuries following the incident and no damage to adjoining premises. The premises had been unoccupied for several months. Structural engineers will now examine the building to address any safety concerns.

Police and fire investigators are now working to establish the cause of the fire. Two men aged 18 and 24 and a woman aged 45 were arrested in the time that followed the fire on suspicion of arson and remain in police custody to await interview.

Any witnesses are asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident 885 13th January.

Lorry driver found guilty of causing M6 deaths

2012-01-15T00:30:00.001Z

A lorry driver responsible for the death of two men changing a tyre on the hard shoulder of the M6 has been sentenced to 6 years behind bars.

Malcolm John Simpson (62) of Sycamore Road, Barlby, Selby in Yorkshire was convicted of two counts of causing death by dangerous driving after a three day trial at Chester Crown Court.

At 11.15am on Thursday 9 September 2010 Thomas Southward and Philip Cawley were changing a tyre on the hard shoulder of the M6 close to junction 17.

At the time a Scania HGV being driven by Simpson was travelling North on the M6.

As he reached Bradwall near Sandbach, which is between Junction 17 and 18 he was seen to drive onto the hard shoulder and collided with the two men.

Thomas was thrown forward into the line of traffic and was hit by another HGV.

The terrible incident was caught on the Highways Agency′s CCTV and showed the vehicle drive onto the hard shoulder and back out and almost onto the middle lane. It then drifted back into the hard shoulder where it collided with the men.

The injuries were extensive and proved fatal. The men were pronounced dead at the scene.

Motorway Inspector Liz Cunningham said: "Had the driver paid the necessary and correct attention, this tragic incident could have been avoided.

"He was employed as a professional driver in a high risk environment where the responsibility to other road users is paramount.

"As a Constabulary we are actively working to improve the conditions for motorists on Cheshire roads alongside our partner agencies and working to educate drivers in respect of the consequences that their dangerous driving can cause."

She added: "This was a tragic incident which has left a hole in the lives of two families. While the sentence will bring a sense of closure, this will stay with the families of Thomas and Philip forever as they try to come to terms with such a horrendous loss."

The families of both men said: "On the 9th September 2010 our families were devastated when we were informed by the Police that Philip and Tommy had been killed on the hard shoulder of the M6 north of Sandbach.

"We have found this a very distressing and difficult sixteen months for the enquiry to come to trial.

"We would like to thank everyone who assisted at the time of the incident, including the witnesses at the scene, Cheshire Police, CPS in particular Simon Parry QC and the family liason officers who supported the families through this very trying time."

Following the conviction of Malcolm Simpson at Chester Crown Court today the family have now asked to be afforded some privacy to come to terms with their loss.

Planning application – Gypsy and Traveller site

2012-01-15T00:29:00.001Z

Information bulletin

A planning application for the development of a permanent Gypsy and Traveller site on Parkers Road, in Crewe, will be submitted on January 18.

Due to high levels of public interest in the proposed site, it has been decided to keep residents informed as the process moves forward.

If approved, the site would house 10 pitches and an amenity block with washrooms, kitchen, dayroom and laundry.

The application will now be processed and the necessary planning protocol followed.

This includes a planning consultation where residents will be able to write to the Council expressing their views. Residents in the immediate locality, plus others who have written with comments in advance of the application, will be notified of its submission.

All comments on the application should be sent to:

Development Management
PO Box 606
Municipal Buildings
Crewe
Cheshire
CW1 9HP

Or via: planning@cheshireeast.gov.uk

All existing comments made on the proposal will also be considered as part of the planning application process.

It is expected that the application will be discussed by the Council’s Strategic Planning Board by early March.

The Council can also confirm that it has received a petition from residents campaigning against the proposed site. The matter will be debated at the next meeting of full Council on February 23.

The Ugly start to the New Year for people who didn't listen to Cheshire Police's warnings

2012-01-13T00:30:00.001Z

As the New Year sales come to an end and people pack away their Christmas decorations for another year some Christmas festivities will have far reaching consequences over the few months.

Throughout the festive period Cheshire Constabulary highlighted the dangers of excessive drinking and the impact it can have on people having a night out. ′The Good, The Bad and The Ugly′ campaign delivered hard hitting messages and gave safety advice to hundreds of people over the Cheshire period.

The Bad news for those people who didn′t heed the advice of the police and put themselves and others at risk through alcohol, the next few weeks will be a worrying time as they face the consequences of their actions.

The national campaign to tackle drink and drug driving took place between the 1^st of December and 1^st of January. During the campaign 188 people were arrested for drink and drug driving offences. Out of the 188 arrests 7 people were arrested for drug driving.

Assistant Chief Constable Janette McCormick commented:

"People are not listening, they are not accepting that excessive drinking can cause Bad and often Ugly behaviour. This can be evidenced by the number of alcohol related anti-social behaviour incidents recorded over the festive period.

This year when compared to the same period last year saw incidents of anti-social behaviour that have alcohol as an influencing factor rise to 692. The impact this has on resources within the emergency services is huge

In Cheshire, officers where called to deal with drunken brawls, disputes that erupted on the street, drunks who were passed out, domestics that had escalated because those involved had been drinking and on top of dealing with these incidents officers and staff were investigating crimes where victims and offenders had little or no recollection of what had happened because of the amount they have had to drink.

"The Ugly truth is; some people are still not getting the message about the dangers associated with excessive drinking. They need to understand the damage alcohol can do to their bodies, the dangers and risks it posses on our streets, how it influences themselves and others around them as well as how they can be at risk of becoming a victim of crime.

"This is a problem that we face all year round, the emergency services can not pack away their Christmas memories as officers and staff will face the same problems on the streets this Friday and Saturday night where alcohol is the root cause of many of the incidents and crimes they will be called to deal with this weekend, my question to those who are reading this is − is this acceptable?"

Magic Anti-Bullying Campaign backed by Cheshire Police

2012-01-13T00:29:00.003Z

An anti-bullying magic show that toured Cheshire schools in November and December last year, has been hailed a ′wand-erful′ success by Cheshire Police.

The award winning show, that links directly with the National Curriculum, is funded by Cheshire Crimebeat − the High Sheriffs of England and Wales′ charity − and participating schools.

Six schools hosted the events, with the show being performed in front of Year 5 and 6 primary school children.

PC Elizabeth Stanton, the Safer Schools & Young Persons officer for Cheshire Police organised the show to tour the county, revealed that the force have used the anti-bullying magician, Sarah Lewis, for a number of years and that her show has always been well-received by the many children who have seen it.

PC Stanton said: "Anyone can be a bully and anyone can be bullied. It can happen at home, in school, in the community and even at work. Bullying can make you feel lonely, frightened and upset but the Safer Schools Partnership can help. By working together, we can stop people suffering. Speak out − don′t suffer in silence."

Highlighting that bullying is any form of repeated and targeted behaviour that is intended to make someone feel unhappy, Sarah said: "The show is an interactive assembly presentation that teaches children about the important messages of bullying and how everyone′s feelings are special. I was delighted to be asked to perform the shows for Cheshire Police again."

Police seek further witnesses to a fatal collision in Nantwich

2012-01-13T00:29:00.001Z

Police are appealing for two cyclists to get in touch as the may have witnessed a fatal road traffic collision in Nantwich.

Between 6.30am and 7am on Saturday 17 December, a white Mercedes ′Sprinter′ van was travelling along the A530 Middlewich Road, Nantwich towards Crewe. In the vicinity of Alvaston Hall Hotel, the Mercedes overtook another vehicle travelling in the same direction.

At this point, the van was in collision with a male pedestrian who was walking along the A530 on the Nantwich-bound carriageway.

Sadly, pedestrian Michael Betts sustained fatal injuries as a result of the collision.

PC David Alexander said: "There were two cyclists travelling along the A530 from the Rising Sun towards Nantwich at around 6.30am. It is highly possible that they would have either seen the collision or arrived and passed the scene shortly after it occurred. We would ask them to get in touch in order to help us with our enquiries."

The driver of the Mercedes Sprinter van, a 21 year old man local to the Nantwich area, was arrested by police on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and later released on police bail.

Any witnesses to the collision are asked to contact Sergeant Carl Bailey at Eastern Traffic Unit on 101 quoting incident 322 of 17th December.

Investment in Cheshire East’s flood defences

2012-01-13T00:28:00.001Z

Cheshire East Council (CEC) has received £780,000 in funding to improve its flood defences.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has awarded the grant to the authority to carry out flood management works over the next five years.

With the funding, the Council plans to install CCTV on all water courses within Cheshire East to monitor flooding.

CEC has identified three sites, worst affected by flooding. Flood alleviation schemes will begin in these areas over the next five years:

· Eaton Village in Macclesfield in 2012;

· Astbury Marsh, Newcastle Road in Congleton, from 2013; and

· Coppice Road/Wistaston Road in Willaston, from 2013.

The flood alleviation schemes will take five years to complete and will be carried out by Cheshire East Council’s highways service.

In addition to this, the authority will use some of the funding to improve the water course running parallel to Liverpool Road West in Church Lawton, which has caused flooding in the surrounding area.

The Flood Defence Grant in Aid funding, via Defra, is granted depending on how it will benefit the local community, for example, how many properties are affected by flooding in these areas.

Cheshire East Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “I am sure this funding will go a long way to improving flooding in these areas of Cheshire East. I would like to thank Defra for their support and all the officers involved in bidding for this money.

“The affects of climate change show that we will experience increasingly wet weather and we must be prepared for this. These improvements will take time but they will hopefully have a positive impact on alleviating problem flooding for many years to come.”

Cheshire East cracks down on woman benefits cheat who netted £9,000

2012-01-12T00:15:00.001Z

A Cheshire East woman who admitted fraudulently claiming more than £9,000 in benefits has been given 100 hours’ community service.

Following an investigation by Cheshire East Council’s benefit investigations team, Shannon McCormick, 33, pleaded guilty (on December 16) at South Cheshire Magistrates Court (Crewe) to obtaining by deception means-tested benefits. She had fraudulently claimed income support, housing benefit and Council Tax benefit over a 17-month period.

McCormick, of McNeil Avenue, Crewe, had said she was a single parent and on a low income – but she was living with her partner, Alan Edge, who was working.

The benefits overpayment of £9,139 was in relation to offences committed against the Department of Work and Pensions and Cheshire East Council between November 9, 2009 and March 20, 2011.

Magistrates ordered McCormick to repay the money she had fraudulently claimed and a further £100 costs. She was also sentenced to 100 hours’ community service.

Councillor David Brown, Cheshire East Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “As a Council, we would not be serving taxpayers well if we didn’t take action against a selfish minority of people who try to defraud the public purse and shirk their responsibilities.

“Cheshire East will not tolerate selfish people cheating honest taxpayers. Such fraudsters will be rigorously pursued through the courts and brought to justice.

“Benefit fraud robs hard-working communities of resources needed to pay for crucial public services. Such criminal acts rob councils and the Government of hard-pressed funds that could be spent helping the most vulnerable and needy people in our communities.”

One man crime wave sentenced for preying on vulnerable and elderly in Crewe

2012-01-12T00:14:00.001Z

A one man crime wave who terrorised elderly and vulnerable people in Crewe was sentenced to six years imprisonment last week.

Oliver Boswell, 34, from Northwich and Middlewich was charged with eight burglaries and two attempt thefts with violence in the Crewe area. At an earlier hearing he pleaded guilty and on Friday 6 January 2012 he was sentenced.

Police in Crewe stepped up patrols last year as it began to emerge that pensioners were being targeted in their own home by a man pretending to be from the waterboard. He would try to gain entry to their homes, and once inside, would either demand cash or distract his victim to take cash.

Det Insp Nigel Groom said: "We were very concerned about the increase in burglaries targeting vulnerable people in the Crewe area, in particular the two incidents where the offender showed violence towards the victims. Detectives from my burglary unit worked tirelessly alongside Neighbourhood policing officers to track down the man who carried out these despicable crimes."

Officers tracked Boswell down and arrested him on 31 July. He was charged and remanded two days later.

Boswell was charged with 10 offences including one at Tennyson Avenue on 27 July 2011, where he tricked his way into the home of an 83-year-old woman. She suffered a minor cut to her foot when he pushed past her and demanded cash.

He was also charged with forcing his way into the Claughton Avenue home of a 78-year-old woman on Monday 25 July 2011. At the time he again claimed to be from the water board, forced his way into the house and pushed his victim into a wall before stealing her handbag.

DI Groom said: "Although no one has been seriously physically injured during these burglaries, all the victims had understandably been deeply affected and traumatised by what had happened to them. While we cannot turn back the clock so they didn′t have to experience such a shocking incident, we can take satisfaction in the fact Boswell is getting what he deserves for preying on the elderly and the vulnerable."

Driver dies in motorway collision

2012-01-10T01:07:00.001Z

The M6 Motorway in Cheshire remains closed following a serious collision earlier this evening.

The collision was reported at 1730 hours on Monday 9 January 2012, and involved two Heavy Good Vehicles. One of these vehicles has come to rest in a ditch, the other has jacknifed across the three lanes of the southbound carriageway. Neither vehicle is carrying any cargo of note.

Following the collision, the M6 was closed between Junction 16 (Barthomley) and Junction 18 (Holmes Chapel) on the southbound carriageway. Tailbacks remain from the scene of the collision, and there is congestion in the surrounding areas.

Two lanes of the northbound carriageway at the scene of the collision (Lanes 2 and 3 ) have been temporarily closed to facilitate the work of the emergency services. However, the southbound closure is likely to continue for some hours yet, and motorists are advised to find an alternative route.

One of the HGV drivers was trapped in his vehicle following the collision, before being released. He was tended by paramedics at the scene, but sadly died shortly after the collision. The deceased is a man who was driving a foreign registered vehicle, and enquiries are ongoing to identify him and locate his next of kin.

The other lorry driver was not injured, and there were no other casualties.

Police are appealing for witnesses, and are keen to hear from anybody who may have seen anything of relevance, or have any information, which may assist the collision investigator in determining what has caused the crash. If you can assist, please contact the North West Police Motorway Group on the police non emergency number - 101 - quoting incident 669 of 9/01/2012.

Forces form innovative partnership

2012-01-10T01:06:00.001Z

Two police forces have come together in an innovative partnership to deliver essential business functions.

Cheshire and Northamptonshire Police Forces have taken a further step towards the launch of their Multi Force Shared Service having signed the Post Implementation Support Services contract with the technology provider Capgemini UK plc.

The Multi Force Shared Service will launch on 1^st April 2012 and is the first such shared service centre to be set up in the policing sector. Initially the centre will provide finance and purchasing services to both Forces supported by new technology. The technology will also be accessible by each Force for the management of logistics and estates & assets. Human resources, payroll and duty management services will follow in October.

The collaboration agreement between Cheshire and Northamptonshire will see the two Forces working in partnership to deliver the shared service primarily from one location in Winsford, Cheshire (within the Cheshire Constabulary Headquarters building), providing core back office functions to each Force. Payroll provision will initially be provided from Northampton.

The Multi Force Shared Service will deliver efficiencies and financial savings for both Forces using technology provided by Capgemini. The integrated business service solution will not only replace existing, old back office systems within each Force but also align core processes between Forces, reducing duplication and bureaucracy. The new IT system will also enable a significantly greater level of self service for officers and staff and allows for quicker decision making, flexibility and autonomy for officers in their daily business

Officers and staff will be encouraged to self serve wherever possible but if they need help to access any of the systems they will be able to contact a ‘one stop shop′ service desk. Teams within the service will manage the transactional elements required to resolve the issue.

Margaret Ollerenshaw Chair of Cheshire Police Authority said: "Cheshire Constabulary have been developing the concept around shared services for some time. The benefit of working with both the private sector and a partner Force in Northamptonshire means that we have now developed a way of delivering quality shared services in a sustainable, cost effective manner."

The Contract

Cheshire Police Authority have signed a ten year contract with Capgemini UK plc, part of the Capgemini Group, the contracts are in two parts, part one for build and implementation and the second, signed recently, for post implementation support services. Cheshire Constabulary and Northamptonshire Police have signed a collaboration agreement which will see the two Forces working in partnership to deliver the Multi Force Shared Service.

There is a framework agreement supporting the contract which is open to all Forces throughout the United Kingdom and enables any Force to achieve either a comprehensive transformation of their IT services that support back-office policing activities or the purchase of applications, modules and solutions that meet their specific requirements and deliver business benefits, without having to re-tender.

Background

Under the comprehensive spending review, Cheshire Constabulary has to achieve savings of £36m and Northamptonshire Police £19m. Both Forces have already made significant savings, however the scale of the financial challenge is such that more innovative ways of working have had to be sought in order to achieve the full amount.

Cheshire Constabulary has been working towards a shared service capability for some time and they have been developing the system and processes alongside Capgemini for two years. The decision was taken that it was not financially viable for the Force to proceed alone and therefore discussions were had with other Forces.

Northamptonshire Police entered into discussion in the latter part of 2010, the similar aims and shared values of the two Forces enabled discussions to develop swiftly to business case which was then signed off by the respective Police Authorities in July 2011.

http://www.cheshire.police.uk/

http://www.northants.police.uk/

About Capgemini

With 115,000 people in 40 countries, Capgemini is one of the world′s foremost providers of consulting, technology and outsourcing services.The Group reported 2010 global revenues of EUR 8.7 billion. Together with its clients, Capgemini creates and delivers business and technology solutions that fit their needs and drive the results they want. A deeply multicultural organisation, Capgemini has developed its own way of working, the Collaborative Business ExperienceTM, and draws on Rightshore ®, its worldwide delivery model.

More information is available at http://www.uk.capgemini.com/

Rightshore® is a trademark belonging to Capgemini

Support for Action Against Metal Thieves

2012-01-10T01:05:00.001Z

Continuing action to combat metal thefts in Cheshire has been welcomed by Cheshire Police Authority.

The chairman, Margaret Ollerenshaw said, "Stealing metal, including power cable and pipes carrying gas or water, sometimes results in danger, as well as inconvenience, to other people. It is an issue of real concern."

Cheshire Police officers carry out regular checks on scrap metal dealers, patrol vulnerable areas and encourage owners of industrial sites to step up their security.

They also work closely with British Transport Police, who investigate thefts of cable and other metal from railway property.

The two police forces exchange information about stolen items they discover at scrap yards and in other locations. During a day of action against metal theft earlier in December, Cheshire officers stopped vehicles which they knew where used by metal thieves and recovered some stolen property.

Peter Nurse, a member of Cheshire Police Authority, who raised the issue at a recent Authority meeting, said the joint approach was very important, especially as the theft of metal items from the railways sometimes created serious threats to public safety.

Cheshire′s Chief Constable, Dave Whatton said the danger resulting from this type of crime on the railways was matched by the theft of metal components in other locations.

"For instance, if someone steals a grid or manhole cover from the road there could be serious consequences for drivers who may not spot the hole in time to avoid it. Public safety is one of the reasons we take this type of crime very seriously indeed.

"Many of these thefts are equally dangerous for the criminals themselves. Stealing power cable obviously presents a hazard and pipes which carry gas or water under high pressure can also cause injury or death when they are interfered with."

Peter Nurse also wanted to know whether most of the thefts were opportunist crimes or the work of organised criminal gangs.

Chief Constable Dave Whatton said, "In many cases thieves see a metal item and believe they can make some easy money. The recent case when a man was sent to prison after stealing a metal plaque from the war memorial at Willaston was one example. Other spontaneous thefts are not as high profile, but the missing items can cause real issues for other people.

"At the other end of the scale we see criminals mount planned, military- style operations to steal large quantities of heavy-duty piping and miles of copper cable.

"Both types of crime can be extremely dangerous for the criminal. Stealing high voltage cable, for instance, can obviously result in death or serious injury for the thieves. On occasions, the theft may also disable vital safety devices on equipment or bring a production line to a standstill and put jobs in jeopardy.

"Since the price of metals rose steeply we have seen an increase in this type of crime across Britain. We will continue to make every effort to put that trend into reverse."

Teenage girls asked to be vigilant after suspicious incidents

2012-01-08T00:53:00.001Z

Police are asking teenage girls and parents to be vigilant following a serious of concerning incidents in the Crewe and Nantwich areas.

On three separate occasions during the evening of Saturday 7 January 2012, 16 year old girls were approached by a man in a car.

The first incident took place at 1730 hours near to the Bus Station, Beam Street, Nantwich. A man in a green vauxhall car pulled up alongside a 16 year old girl and asked directions. The man is described as being in his late 30s, with dark hair, wearing a long black coat, and the girl describes him as having a "foreign accent". The teenager was concerned enough at the man′s approach to alert her parents who contacted police.

A second incident occurred at 20.22 hours in Victoria Avenue, Crewe. A 16 year old girl, walking near the BMX track, was approached by a man in a green vauxhall car who asked her and her friend to get into his car. They declined, but he followed them and repeated the request. Eventually he drove off, heading towards the bowling alley. They describe the man as dark skinned with black short hair.

The third incident occurred just ten minutes later (reported at 2032) involving a 16 and 15 year old girl walking along West Street, Crewe when a man in a dark green old shape green astra car pulled up alongside them and asked for directions. The girls provided directions, and walked on, but the man followed them in his car, stopped again and asked them their ages. The man is described as possibly being Asian or of mixed race. Concerned that they appeared to be being followed, the girls tried to knock on the door of a nearby house and raise the alarm, but when no-one was in, they ran home and alerted the 16 year old′s mother who rang police.

Crewe Police are concerned that 3 incidents, which appear to be linked through the description of the car and a lone man approaching girls, have occurred in a short period of time. While no aggression or force has been demonstrated towards the girls, all were left uncomfortable enough to notify the police.

Police are treating the three incidents as suspicious at this stage, and advising parents and teenage girls to be mindful that they have occurred. Police are also asking anyone who may have been approached in similar circumstances to make contact with police at Crewe. Police are also keen to hear from anyone who may recognise the car or man from the descriptions given, and provide information which could help identify him.

Finally, police are appealing to the car driver himself, if he recognises himself from the circumstances, to make contact with police so that he can be spoken to in connection with the incident.

Any one with any information is asked to contact Crewe Police on the non emergency number - 101 - quoting incident number 741 of 07/01/2012.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously on the Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555 111.

Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe –

2012-01-07T01:20:00.001Z

make a pledge against domestic abuse

With winter in full swing, Cheshire East Adult Safeguarding Board is appealing to people to be extra vigilant in supporting some of our most vulnerable residents.

With around 5,000 domestic incidents reported to police each year in Cheshire East, the board has made its pledge against domestic abuse.

Statistics from the British Crime Survey show that domestic abuse for 2009/10 affects seven per cent of women and four per cent men in Britain.

And evidence shows that both women and men with a long-term illness or disability were more likely to be victims of domestic abuse (12.3 per cent and 6.7 per cent respectively) and stalking (5.7 per cent and five per cent respectively), compared with those without a long-term illness or disability.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “These figures show that those with a long-term illness or disability are almost twice as likely to experience domestic abuse, which is quite a stark difference than those who do not have a long-term illness or disability.

“With this in mind, I would urge people to keep an eye out for their friends and neighbours at this time of year, when those with illness or disability are at their most vulnerable.”

A recent interview survey with disabled women also indicates that as many as one in five report abuse of various kinds at home.

Derek Thomas, the independent chair of the local Adult Safeguarding Board, said: “Many people assume that domestic abuse does not affect the most vulnerable in our society but evidence shows this is not the case.

“We have a shared a responsibility to help to protect those who may be least able to protect themselves and who, for a variety of reasons, may find it most difficult to speak out.

“But I would like to remind those who are victims of abuse that they are not to blame, not alone and can get help. You are already a survivor and you can get your life back.”

Domestic abuse is expected to rise as unemployment, financial hardship and increased use of alcohol during festive periods puts extra strains on family life.

Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home and any man or woman, who is experiencing domestic abuse or knows someone who is, should contact the Cheshire East domestic abuse family safety unit, in confidence, on 01606 363532 or contact the national domestic violence free 24-hour helpline on 0808 2000 247.

Police appeal for witnesses following Crewe street robbery

2012-01-07T01:19:00.001Z

Police are appealing for witnesses after a street robbery in Newdigate Street in Crewe.

On 19 December 2011 between 5.15pm and 5.45pm a 31 year old woman was walking from Crewe bus station across Victoria Street towards Asda supermarket.

She then crossed over the West Street extension on the pedestrian crossing at the back of George and walked along the front of William Stanier School and into Newdigate Street where she was grabbed from behind.

The offender grabbed her bag and she was swung to the ground and into the middle of the road. She tried to keep hold of her bag but couldn′t. Her i-pod was also pulled from her and dropped to the floor.

The offender then made off.

The offender is described as white, aged between 30-40yrs, medium build and over 5ft 4ins.

He was wearing a black beanie hat and a black padded type waist length jacket.

The victim′s i-Pod was recovered from the scene a little later by police.

Anyone with information should contact DC Mick Baron on 101 quoting incident number 784 of 19.12.11. Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Couple sentenced for murder of man in Frodsham

A man and a woman who killed a man over an unpaid debt have been sentenced.
The body of Martin Ithell, aged 49, was found in his car outside Blacon Police Station in Chester in the early hours of Saturday 12 March 2011.
He had been shot and stabbed at a house in Frodsham.
Scott Davidson, born 27/05/88, of Hawthorne Road, Frodsham, was convicted of murdering Martin on 18 November 2011, following a 28 day trial.
He has today, Thursday 5 January 2012, been sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum of thirty years and will remain on licence for the rest of his life.
The jury failed to reach a verdict on Rachael Horton born 19/12/91, of Hawthorne Road, Little Sutton, however she subsequently pleaded guilty to manslaughter on 12 December 2011.
She has today, Thursday 5 January 2012, been sentenced to eight years in a Young Offenders Institution.
Detective Inspector Helen Spooner who led the investigation, said: "Davidson claimed he had shot Martin by accident in self defence however I believe his actions leading up to the murder show that he had planned the attack and had no intention of letting Martin walk out of that house alive.
"Horton has never given a clear explanation of what the extent of her involvement was but she has pleaded guilty to manslaughter, showing she was connected to Martin′s death.

"Martin′s family and a lot of people in the Chester area have been deeply effected by his death and I hope today′s sentence helps them begin to move on from what happened."

Background

Davidson had borrowed money from Martin in December 2010 and January 2011, part of which was used to buy a Subaru Impreza car. He had no legitimate means to repay the money he had borrowed. Since December 2010 such was the state of his personal finances, the court heard that Davidson was planning to commit armed robberies locally.

At the time of the murder he is believed to have owed Martin £26,000 due to the interest the debt had accrued.

Davidson and Horton were in a relationship and rented the house in Frodsham together. Despite this, Davidson led a double life in that since December 2010 he had been involved with another woman - so deeply involved that in the hours following the murder he met the woman in Sandbach prior to handing himself in to police.

On the day of the murder, a number of items were bought by Davidson to prepare for the planned killing. Paint was purchased in the same colour as the hall and front room, which did not need decorating prior to the attack, as well as plastic sheeting, paper overalls and a jerry can of petrol.

On the night of the murder, Davidson had lured Martin Ithell to his house telling him he had the full amount of £26,000 to pay him, stating he had sold the Subaru car to raise the funds needed to repay Ithell. Davidson had stowed his car away at a kennel near Manley telling the proprietor that the communal parking area of his house was in need of maintenance and his car would be there all weekend.

Due to Martins concern of how Davidson had been able to raise the money, he requested two associates to travel to Frodsham and be available should he need support at the planned meeting.

The two men parked up near to Davidson′s address at around 6.55pm. At 7pm Martin phoned one of them in order to provide an open line so they could listen in and monitor his welfare while he went to the house.

They heard Martin arrive at the house and then heard a loud screech and the phone line went dead. It became apparent to the two men that Ithell may be in danger.

This concern was further compounded when they saw Martin′s BMW car drive past them, close enough for them to see that Davidson was at the wheel.

The two men went to the house, where they found the front door area and steps covered in blood. They immediately contacted police.
When officers attended they found Horton crying, stating she had stabbed a man. As a result of the blood at the scene and the admission from Horton, she was arrested. She later denied stabbing Martin.

It wasn′t until some hours after the fatal incident that a Cheshire Police Negotiator made contact with Davidson and he eventually agreed to surrender himself at Blacon Police Station.

Martin′s body was found in the back of his BMW. He had been shot in the chest and stabbed eight times in the neck.

Davidson and Horton were charged with the murder of Ithell and remanded in custody to await trial.

Following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court that lasted six weeks, Davidson was found guilty by a majority verdict of murder. The jury failed to reach of verdict in relation to Horton and she was due to stand a re-trial, however pleaded guilty to manslaughter in December.

Martin′s family paid the following tribute: "Martin was a wonderful partner to Sarah, son to Megan, brother to Jimmy, uncle to Melissa and brother-in-law to Vanessa.

"We all miss him so much and will never come to terms with what has happened to him.

"Martin was the most loyal, kind, generous and caring man, and was always there to help anyone who needed him.

"We his family are so fortunate to have shared our lives with him, but it is so unfair that he has been so cruelly taken from us. This is something that none of us will ever get over.

"To anyone who thinks it is OK to engage in gun and knife crime, please stop and think how much devastation and heartache your actions may cause.

"May we take this opportunity to thank the Major Investigation Team of Cheshire Police for their continued support over the past seven months."

We are still receiving reports of burglaries and unfortunately some of these reports are as a result of windows and doors being left open when people are going out - please can we stress to our members the importance of securing the house when it is not occupied as this can save a lot of heart ache from being a victim of crime.
We have also had quite a few reports of theft from motor vehicles across this section of the Eastern BCU - the main things that have been taken are tools and sat nav's. Please do not leave anything valuable in your cars - I would also recommend taking out the holding bracket for sat nav's if possible as this then does not advertise that you have a sat nav!!
I have two appeals that I wish to pass on to you so that you can forward to your members if you see fit:
SANDBACH:

Date of Incident: 22nd December 2011
Location of incident: Heath Road, Sandbach.

Police are appealing for information following the theft of sentimental items during a burglary at a house in Sandbach.

On 22nd December some time between 4pm and 7.40pm offenders forced their way through the rear patio window of a house in Heath Road.

They stole various sentimental items that belonged to the victim′s grandfather including a boson′s whistle and Gurka Kukri knives. The victim′s NATO former Yugoslavian campaign medal was also stolen along with various coins and camera items.

DC Brian Hulse said:

Burglaries are always distressing for the victim - even more so when sentimental items which can′t be replaced are taken.

We would appeal to anyone who is either offered these items for sale or who has seen someone acting suspiciously in the area to contact police.

- DC Brian Hulse, Cheshire Constabulary

Anyone with information should contact DC Brian Hulse on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Crewe - Shavington.

Date of Incident: 2 January 2012
Location of incident: Main Road

Crewe detectives are appealing for witnesses following a robbery at an off-licence in Shavington.

Shortly before 8pm on 2nd January 2012 three men entered Bargain Booze in Main Road as it was being locked up for the evening.

The offenders then threatened staff with weapons and demanded keys from the safe.

They then stole a quantity of cash and made of from the scene in a dark coloured car and drove away at speed.

None of the staff were injured but they were shaken by the incident.

Anyone with information should contact DS Claire Jesson at Crewe CID on 101 quoting incident number 625 of 2.01.12. Alternatively information can be given anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A 46-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman from Liverpool have been arrested and are currently helping police with their enquiries.

Sole Traders Can Benefit from Chamber Membership in 2012

2012-01-07T01:16:00.001Z

There’s never been a better time for sole traders aiming to grow their business to benefit from the expertise and support of West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce.

With the media dominated by talk of global recession and austerity measures, the Chamber is on hand to provide networking opportunities, public relations support or even legal advice to help give your business the very best chance of success.

Sole traders who become Chamber members can benefit from:

Startup advice
Legal expenses insurance up to £65,000 covering issues including tenancy, tax and jury service, with a 24 hour advice line
Free entry to regular, tailored networking events with introductions to attendees
Promotion of your PR and marketing materials through our website and social media feeds
Access to our extensive mailing lists of businesses across the region
Discounted training
Comprehensive export advice and document service
Free HR advice if you choose to employ staff.

Speaking in testimonial of the Chamber’s services, Patrick Kingsley Williams of MWL Systems, Wrexham said: “I am proud that our company is a member of the Chamber, which I believe to be the best business support organisation in the region. We benefit from connections made with companies of all sizes at the Chamber’s frequent networking events and also from many of its free advisory services.”

Colin Brew, general manager of the Chamber said: “As a sole trader, every business decision is down to you and you need to be confident you have the knowledge and information to reach the right ones.

“Sole traders who join the Chamber can treat our business specialists as additional members of their team. We’ll give expert guidance and provide resources, helping sole traders save time and money and be in the best position to grow their business successfully.”

Becoming a member of West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce is simple; just contact our membership manager Rebecca Fletcher on 01244 669988 or email info@cepnwchamber.org.uk for more information.

The Chamber has been supporting businesses in the region since 1921, and currently represents the employers of around 90,000 people to help deliver savings for business, promote regional growth, as well as represent member views to government.

New member to boost Cabinet team

2012-01-07T01:15:00.001Z

There’s a new arrival on Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet. Councillor Janet Clowes has been chosen to head up the health and wellbeing portfolio.

The Wybunbury ward member will take over from Councillor Roland Domleo who has been combining the role with his duties as Cabinet member for adult services and Deputy Leader.

Councillor Clowes has worked as Councillor Domleo’s Cabinet support member for the past six months.

Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, Leader of Cheshire East, said: “I am delighted to welcome Councillor Clowes to the Cabinet and I look forward to working with her in what is a key area for the Council as we move forward.

“Local authorities are being asked to take more of a role in improving the health and wellbeing of residents and the experience Janet is bringing to the role will be invaluable.

“She is a trained nurse, who specialised in intensive care, before moving into the further and higher education sectors, focusing on health studies.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Councillor Domleo for his efforts and achievements in this area.”

Mrs Clowes worked as a lecturer in health and social care at South Cheshire College for ten years before moving to Chester University as post-graduate leader in health promotion and community studies.

Councillor Clowes said: “I am extremely pleased to have been given this opportunity and I am looking forward to the challenge.

“One of the main areas of my work will be the implementation of the Health and Social Care Bill which brings public health back into the sphere of local government.

“Every resident of Cheshire East has a stake in this important issue and I am looking forward to working with our partners in the NHS, public health and other stakeholders.”

Special delivery boosts All Change for Crewe

2012-01-07T01:14:00.001Z

Cheshire East Council’s Strategic Planning Board has given the green light to a multi-million pound project that will start the overhaul of Crewe Station and the redevelopment of the adjoining Royal Mail site.

This will begin the process of creating an iconic 21st century gateway to the town.

Councillors voted in favour of the application that kick-starts the first phase of an ambitious wider landmark scheme that will transform this part of Crewe. It includes:

· A new surface-level car park of about 240 spaces;

· Improved facilities for taxis;

· A new area for people to pick up and drop off their family and friends;

· New ticket machines and passenger information displays;

· Reopening the pedestrian subway linking the new facility straight into platforms one to five and six to 11; and

· A new commercial development site to provide a business opportunity for activities, which will be ancillary to the station.

The scheme was given a boost after the Council and its partner Network Rail were successful in their bid for £6.177m from the Government’s £100m rail stations improvement fund. The announcement was made at the end of November.

Cheshire East Council and Network Rail own the land. In a bold move, the Council bought the landmark former Royal Mail site in Crewe for £2.75m. The 4.5-acre Weston Road site became vacant when Royal Mail relocated its sorting offices.

The site is seen as a prime spot for a landmark development as part of ambitious plans to redevelop Crewe Rail Station. The Council will continue to work with rail industry partners to deliver further investment to create an iconic 21st century gateway to the town.

The project is central to the Council-backed ambitious plans to regenerate and revitalise the town centre and surrounding area. This vision is called ‘All Change for Crewe’.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “This decision is excellent news and a vote of confidence in our plans to transform this historic station.

“A revitalised rail hub is critical to boosting the town’s visitor economy and its attractiveness to business.

“The scheme is a real milestone in our 20-year All Change for Crewe project. We hope it will act as a springboard to attracting further investment from Government and the rail industry to achieve Cheshire East’s ultimate ambition for the redevelopment of the station.”

Network Rail’s route managing director Jo Kaye said: “The station is used by three million people a year and it has long been recognised that there is a need for additional car parking, because more and more people are choosing to travel by train.

“The extra spaces created and the new retail outlets will bring even more people to the station for commuting, business and leisure travel – all of which will help grow the economy of Crewe. When the work is completed, passengers will have the facilities they have come to expect from a major station on one of the busiest rail routes in the country.”

Shock Closure of Jessops

2012-01-02T00:02:00.001Z

Happy New year to all our readers

Jessops which was are only photographic shop left in Crewe suddenly closed. I believe there was little or no notice as staff were telling people a few days earlier their pictures would be ready. Then suddenly the staff came in and were gone with the store closed.

As one door closes another opens with a new sweets shop next to the 3 store just opened.

The new Tesco store should open in February but its hoped it will in fact open in the next two weeks. They have taken on 300 workers 200 of which are old staff and 300 new jobs which is good for the area. The store is open 24 hours it will be interesting to see if Asda and other stores go 24 hour or open longer

New Year Message from Leader of Cheshire East Council

2012-01-01T23:52:00.001Z

Children and vulnerable adults will remain at the forefront of Cheshire East Council’s work in 2012 said Leader, Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, in a New Year statement this week.

Sterling work achieved this year in attracting inward investment to the borough’s towns will also continue, he pledged, despite the unprecedented level of economic hardship.

“Austerity is real and is affecting the whole of the country,” he said. “But we are in control of the situation in Cheshire East and I am confident that I and my Cabinet will balance the books for 2011 and bring in a balanced budget for 2012.

“Our first priority will be to ensure that children and vulnerable people continue to receive services they need: this when Cheshire East receives one of the lowest Government grants in the country.

“2011 has seen huge successes for Cheshire East. We’ve had record-breaking GCSE results, more than a 98% pass rate at A level and our SATS figures are among the best in the country,” he continued.

“Our childrens’ services were judged to be performing well by Ofsted with many nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools judged good or outstanding. The scene is now set to improve yet further on these reassuring results.

“A recent report by the Audit Commission placed the Council in the top three nationally for take-up of personal budgets by older people and those with disabilities. We have achieved double the national average. This is a superb result and one which can only continue as more and more people continue to take advantage of the choice they are offered, giving them control over their lives and their needs.

“Our towns too have seen success in 2011. In Crewe, our continued efforts for the town’s revitalisation have brought in the much-needed £16m of Government money for the construction of the essential link road which will unlock the town’s potential, plus a further £6.177m for Crewe Station. Our vision of All Change for Crewe now has the vital ingredients to take this town revitalisation forward with confidence.

“Plans for the regeneration of Macclesfield has energised the whole town. The formation of the Business Economic Forum, the launch of Love Local Life and the high level of public participation in the summer consultations have all proved unmitigated successes, ones on which we will continue to build in the future.

“Our work to attract inward investment is a major priority for Cheshire East. This year has seen millions of pounds in inward investment and new jobs. The foundation on which we will build is strong and in 2012 there will be many more announcements of success.

“We have spent the three years since the Council was formed consolidating our position. It has been hard and some very difficult decisions have had to be made. In streamlining our services, we have been mindful that our decisions affect people’s lives. We are proud that only a handful of compulsory redundancies have had to be made. Instead hundreds of voluntary redundancies have been taken.

“As well as working to bring a new council to its current level of maturity and potential, we are also working hard to allow local people to make local decisions about local issues. We have embraced fully the Localism Bill and our work with town and parish councils continues to thrive as more and more services are passed back to individual communities where better delivery will be achieved. Our work with partners continues to grow and deliver real results. This will continue and be developed further.

“There is a real dynamic for change within the Cabinet and one we are firmly committed to achieving. 2012 will see that achievement. Of that I am confident.

“With this in mind, I wish you all a very happy New Year.”

Search for missing Congleton pensioner enters second day

2011-12-25T23:40:00.001Z

Cheshire Police continue to appeal for the whereabouts of an elderly lady reported missing from her home in Congleton.

Police have been searching for 84 year old Magdalana Whittaker of Boundary Lane in Congleton since she was reported missing by a concerned neighbour on Christmas Eve.

Inspector Steve Griffiths, who is co-ordinating the search for the pensioners whereabouts, said "The search for Magdalana now enters its second day and we understand that there was a sighting of her by a friend in Congleton town centre at around 5pm on Friday 23rd December. Nobody has seen her in almost 48 hours and we are very concerned. Our worry is further exacerbated by the fact that Magdalana is an elderly lady who is very hard of hearing."

Magdalana does not own a car nor is it believed she has a mobile phone. She is described as of slim build, 5 feet tall, with grey hair. When she was seen on 23rd December she was dressed in a green anorak, black trousers and a multicoloured hat. She speaks German and English. Magdalana often walks along the railway tracks near to her home where she collects logs and Police are keen to hear from anyone who may take the same route and may have seen Magdalana to get in touch.

Cheshire Police are utilising officers on the ground including lowland search and rescue, dog patrols and air support. Police are keen to hear from anyone who knows Magdalana and has seen or heard from her in the last 48 hours, to come forward. Similarly, anyone who may have seen anyone matching her description in the Congleton area are asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident 580 of 24th December.

Cheshire Police advise people to stay safe this Christmas

2011-12-25T23:37:00.001Z

The festive period brings times of joy for many people but it may not be a happy time for those who choose to drink too much. This Christmas, Cheshire Police is reminding people to drink responsibly so they don′t put themselves at risk.

During the festive period there tends to be an increase in the number of alcohol related incidents. Cheshire Police advise people to be on their guard and warns that becoming extremely intoxicated can put you at risk. Alcohol can make you do things you wouldn′t usually do, it can lower your inhibitions, you may trust people that you wouldn′t if you were sober.

Chief Superintendent Richard Strachan added: "Christmas is a time for celebrating which can involve alcohol, unfortunately people can get carried away and drink too much. Women and men who have too much to drink leave themselves at an increased risk of becoming a victim of crime. If you don′t keep your wits about you, you can end up losing your property or having it stolen. Before you go out think about how you are going to get home, make sure you save enough money, always stick with your friends and don′t get in unlicensed taxis."

Anyone planning on enjoying a night out this Christmas is also advised to go out dressed suitably for the weather, at worst people are at risk of getting hypothermia or at best just falling over in high heels. Don′t let a good night out turn ugly.

To get the message across to people visiting Warrington Cheshire Police had a digital Ad-van travel around the town centre in a bid to convey the dangers of drinking excessively. If you have seen the Ad-van around and found it to be beneficial please feel free to leave a comment on our website http://www.cheshire.police.uk/.

Cheshire East cracks down on benefits cheat

2011-12-25T23:36:00.001Z

A Cheshire East benefits cheat has been fined after he was found guilty of fraudulently claiming more than £1,500.

James Campbell, 30, of Havannah Street, Congleton, failed to appear before Macclesfield Magistrates Court on November 20. He was found guilty in his absence of one count of benefit fraud. A warrant with bail was issued and he attended Crewe Magistrates’ Court on December 16, 2011.

The overpayment of £1,695.71 was in relation to an offence committed against Cheshire East Council between April 19, 2010 and October 17, 2010.

Campbell fraudulently claimed housing benefit and council tax benefit. His Jobseekers’ Allowance ceased in April 2010 and he had started work at the Cheshire Tavern, in Congleton, which he failed to declare to the Council.

Campbell was invited to attend several interviews under caution with investigators to discuss this matter but he failed to attend. The Council had no alternative but to pass the matter to its prosecution team.

The overpayment totalled £1,447.94 housing benefit and £2,47.77 Council Tax benefit.

Councillor David Brown, Cheshire East Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “Cheshire East Council does not tolerate people cheating honest taxpayers. Such fraudsters will be rigorously pursued through the courts and brought to justice.

“Benefit fraud robs hard-working communities of vital resources needed to provide much-needed public services. Such criminal acts rob councils and the Government of hard-pressed funds that could be spent helping the most vulnerable and needy people in our communities.

“The Council has a moral duty to honest taxpayers to take robust action against a selfish minority of people who try to dodge their responsibilities and defraud the public purse.”

Mr Campbell was fined £180 by magistrates. The Council was awarded £200 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge. A Compensation Order for £1695.71 was imposed by the court, which Campbell must repay at £50 per week.

Campbell now lives in Bourton-on-the-Water, Gloucestershire.

Meeting Your Priorities for Policing

2011-12-21T00:19:00.001Z

Cheshire Police Authority is sounding out public opinion on possibilities for the Chief Constable′s policing objectives for 2012/13.

Public consultation at a series of Roadshows during December and January is a key factor in the decisions the Authority will take. People are also being asked to express their views by email or by letter.

Listening to people′s views about policing and where they feel the police should focus their time and effort is an important part of the Authority′s role. During 2011 we have gathered the views of more than 1,300 members of the public about their priorities for policing and about police services.

The results show that the top 5 areas described as ‘essential′ by the public are:

responding to emergency calls
detecting crime and arresting offenders
tackling violent crime
tackling organised crime and terrorism
targeting drug dealers

The Authority has considered the results of the consultation and the priorities set for policing by the Coalition Government.

Each year, this process helps the Authority decide the key policing objectives which will be published in the Authority′s Policing Plan.

We then scrutinise the Constabulary′s performance against the objectives throughout the year. The proposed objectives for the coming year are:-

1. Respond as an emergency service and improve the way we care for individuals and the public and protect our communities from serious harm

2. Understand and strive to meet the expectations of the people of Cheshire

3. Maintain the trust and confidence of the public

4. Work with the public and our partners to reduce those crimes and acts of anti-social behaviour which the public are concerned about

5. Continue to increase the level of positive outcomes, provide the best care for victims and witnesses and work effectively with our partners to reduce re-offending

6. Improve the efficiency of our people and make best use of resources to prevent waste and duplication.

The Authority is asking people to comment on these proposals at the road shows being held across Cheshire in December 2011 and January 2012. Alternatively, the public can comment on the proposed objectives by sending an e.mail to police.authority@cheshire.pnn.police.uk , or by writing to us at: Cheshire Police Authority, Clemonds Hey, Oakmere Road, Winsford, CW7 2UA.

All comments must be received by no later than Friday 3 February 2012.

Police release photo of missing North Wales man

2011-12-21T00:18:00.001Z

Police have released a photograph of a man from North Wales reported missing following a Christmas party in Chester this weekend.
18 year old Haydn Mark Evans from Mold in North Wales failed to return home from a works Christmas party at Carden Park Hotel, Broxton Road near Chester on Friday 16 December.
Haydn was last seen around 1am Saturday morning at the front door ofCarden Park Hotel and his family have not had any contact with him since.
Haydnis approximately 5foot nine in height, is slim and has short brown hair and blue eyes. Hewas last seen wearing a dark long sleeved shirt andtrousers. He did not have a jacket or coatwith him but he may have had some money and his mobile phone.The weather has been extremely cold and police are concerned that Haydn, who is unfamiliar with the local area, may have become disorientated in the unfamiliar surroundings.
Extensive searches are now being conducted by Cheshire Police to trace Haydn′s whereabouts and police are asking anyone who lives in the area to check any empty buildings on their land, including farm outbuildings, sheds or garages in case Haydn has taken shelter from the cold weather.
Police would like to hear from any dog walkers, or anyone else who went walking in the countryside around Carden Park Hotel on Saturday 17th December,to make contact if they saw anyone fitting Haydn′s description.
Police are also appealingfor anyone who was traveling on the A41 Whitchurch Road, or A534 Wrexham Road, during the early hours of Saturday 17th December and saw anyone who fits Haydn′s description to make contact with Cheshire Police.
Police are urging any taxi drivers who may have seen someone fitting Haydn′s description in the area around Carden Park, or who may have taken a fare from someone fitting his description to make contact immediately as they may have information that will assist in locating Haydn.
Anyone who has any information is asked to call Cheshire Police using the new 101 policecontact number.

Receivers Step Out of the Shadows

2011-12-21T00:17:00.001Z

Cheshire Police Officers say people have begun to respond to their "Do You Know Who You′re Dealing With?" campaign for information about criminals.

The campaign highlights the links between what are generally regarded as petty crimes and the world of organised crime, where the motive is pure profit.

Detective Superintendent Geraint Jones said, "We are out to break the myth that organised crime is a world apart. Criminals live in local communities and their actions affect those communities, ruining lives and causing all types of problems".

As part of the campaign, people are being asked to provide information about crime and about people they believe are involved in crime.

The Cheshire Police website, Cheshire.police.uk, has a form which you can fill in to provide basic information, or you can call the Cheshire Police Information line on 101, or information can be given anonymously on the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.

Among the criminals being targeted are those who buy and sell stolen goods. The Receivers:

"People think of receivers as figures in the shadows, but one may be living near you," says Detective Sergeant Glyn Leech.

"Most of them make a point of having a ‘normal′ way of life and blending into the background. They believe the best way to avoid being caught is not to arouse suspicion in the first place."

In fact, receivers- people who buy and sell stolen goods- are a vital element of organized crime.

"It′s probably safe to say that without receivers a lot of crime simply wouldn′t exist," says D.S. Leech. "The days when a thief would sit in a pub hawking stolen property, have almost gone. They know that if they do that they are vulnerable. Someone they approach will call us, or they will be caught on the pub′s CCTV.

"Nowadays some may try to sell their loot on the internet, but most know a receiver and because they believe it reduces the risk of being caught, they are prepared to accept the low price they are usually offered for stolen goods.

"Most burglars and thieves are feeding a drug habit. Some receivers are also drug dealers. So, in those cases, stolen goods may be exchanged directly for drugs. If it is a cash deal, the money will probably be used immediately to buy heroin or cocaine, or whatever substance is the drug of choice.

"In both cases the proceeds of a crime stay within the world of organized crime and the receiver has been an important cog in keeping the system running.

"Some people may think of receivers as being slightly to one side of mainline crime. In fact they are a major driving force. If you have any information about someone buying and selling stolen property or if you suspect that someone is making a living in this way, let us know.

"The same applies if you are offered goods in suspicious circumstances or at a price which raises questions about how it was acquired.

"Don′t be tempted to buy. If an item has been stolen it will never legally belong to you. Your "bargain buy" may end up being returned to the owner and you could lose your money. You could also find yourself heavily involved in a police investigation and questioned as a possible receiver of stolen property.

"Turning a blind eye is not an option. If you are offered suspicious goods, whether the offer is made face-to-face, or over the internet, tell us about it.

"We will always follow up any information and if there is an opportunity to collect evidence and make an arrest we will do it."

If you have suspicions about someone receiving stolen property or information about stolen goods, your can find the report form on the Cheshire Police website, Cheshire. Police.uk, by clicking "Get Involved" followed by "Organised Crime" and then "Do you know who?"

Or call the Cheshire Police information line, by dialling 101,

Or you can leave information anonymously on the Crimestoppers line 0800 555 111.

Speak out about domestic abuse this Christmas

2011-12-21T00:16:00.001Z

At Christmas time there are people who live in Cheshire who become more vulnerable due to the amount of alcohol drunk to celebrate the festive period.

Cheshire Police officers often have to deal with the ′Ugly′ side of Christmas when they are called to a domestic situation where celebrations have ended in domestic violence in the home.

In December 2010 the Ugly truth is there were nearly 450 incidents of domestic abuse over the festive period in Cheshire. Almost a third of these incidents involved alcohol.

This Christmas Cheshire Police wants those who will not be celebrating but fearing the arrival of the festivities to Speak Out. No one needs to live their life in fear of being abused in their own home. There is no excuse for anyone who chooses to drink and act in a manner that makes their family or partner dread Christmas, alcohol is not an excuse for violent behaviour.

Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie said "We are urging men and women to Speak Out this Christmas and end their fear. No one should live in fear of violence in their own home. On average, two women a week in England and Wales are killed by a violent partner or ex-partner. These deaths constitute nearly 40% of all female murder victims.

"Cheshire Police take domestic abuse very seriously, if you want to get out of an abusive relationship we want you to call us we can help you break the cycle of domestic abuse. This Christmas think about your children and the impact the violence may be having on them give them a Christmas they will never forgot - one free from violence - Speak Out now call us on the new police contact number 101 or 999 if you are in immediate danger."

This Christmas don′t let alcohol ruin lives. If you want to help someone you know who is the victim of domestic abuse but don′t want to talk to the police you can now pass information to the police by filling in a form on-line at http://www.cheshire.police.uk/ or you can get in touch by calling the domestic abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247.

For more information on the impact alcohol can have on people this Christmas go to Cheshire Constabulary′s 12 days of Christmas campaign on-line and see which looks you want to avoid this Christmas.

Welcome to this MP’s 106th electronic news bulletin

2011-12-17T00:12:00.001Z

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Sunday 11, December 2011

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my 106th electronic news bulletin.

It is in our national interest for the countries with the euro to fix their problems. But we said we could only agree a new treaty if certain safeguards were obtained.

We couldn’t get those safeguards. A treaty within a treaty without safeguards wasn’t right for Britain, so we are saying no and exercising the veto. We’ve done what we said we were going to do, and Britain is stronger for having stuck to that. That means other countries now going ahead on their own.

In terms of fixing the problems of the euro, progress has been made and we wish our neighbours well with the euro. While there were disagreements in the discussions that David Cameron had the general mood was good natured and representatives of EU Nation States understood each others’ national interests. But at the end of the day, the Prime Minister's judgement was that what was on offer was not good enough for Britain, so better to have those countries in a treaty on their own.

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

I have recently ...

Held a drop-in advice surgery at the Nantwich Library
Attended a reception in Parliament Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Macmillan Cancer Support to record a message of support
Chaired a meeting of the All-Party Group on Adoption and Fostering to discuss long term fostering
Chaired a meeting of the All-Party Group on Looked-After Children and Care Leavers to discuss the findings and implications of the recent Family Justice Review
Opened The Community Learning Centre on Coronation Crescent, Crewe
Met representatives of the Wynbunbury & Hough Action Group to discuss their concerns
Held an On Your Street session in Crewe bringing my surgery to your doorstep

Westminster Report

Read my most recent Westminster Report as we approach the end of 2011

Click here or on the image

Community News

Support the Looking After the Homeless Group

With a really harsh winter being predicted The LATH Group (Looking After The Homeless) are in dire need of donations, to help ease the lives of those that are homeless & many of whom sleeping rough this Christmas.
Many of us are going to be spending a wonderful Christmas with our loved ones with plenty to eat and drink near a cosy fireplace or in the warmth of the sunshine. In the spirit of goodwill and kindness I urge you to spare a thought for the many people that won't have this luxury and many who will be alone on Christmas Day.
To make a donation please click here - Please forward this link to your friends, your families & your colleagues, add the link to your Facebook & Twitter pages to help our cause and spread the word.
Your money will be used to feed, create warmth, clothe, and help shelter those who need it this winter.
Do you have community news to share? Email me and it could be here too!

Emergency response times improve in the Nantwich area

Crewe Chronicle

NEW figures show the number of lives being saved in and around Nantwich has continued to rise following the release of the latest response times to emergencies.

Statistics for the past seven months show the CW5 postcode has seen response times improve from well below to well above the national average and requirement.

The rate of Category A urgent calls being reached within the eight minute limit has risen from 55% just 18 months ago to 80% from April this year, better than the Department of Health’s 75% minimum level.

A campaign was led by Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson to get back the use of blue flashing lights for the town’s community first responder, Gavin Palin.

The pair have continued to meet with the North West Ambulance Service, the local Primary Care Trust and Nantwich Town Council on a regular basis over the past three years to keep pressing for a better service for local residents.

Mr Timpson said: “We fought long and hard for the blue light, so to have these statistics showing an upward trend is really pleasing.

“I hope we can continue to build on this in the future and I will be monitoring the situation with NWAS closely to ensure response times don’t begin to slip back.”

Mr Palin added: “I’m very pleased that response times to life threatening calls are the best I have ever known them to be.

“This shows the hard work and support Nantwich people put in was worth it.”

Crewe Green Link Road gets Chancellor's backing

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian
THE Chancellor George Osborne has announced major funding for the ambitious Crewe Green Link road.

In his Autumn Statement he said the Government will contribute to the £30m required for the proposed link road.

The scheme is one of several priority projects outlined in the’ All Change for Crewe’ regeneration project.

If approved, the road will link the A500 Hough Shavington bypass roundabout with the A5020 Weston Gate roundabout and unlock the potential of two major employment sites at Basford.

Edward Timpson, MP for Crewe and Nantwich, said he was delighted with the news.

He added: "I have lobbied George Osborne and successive Secretaries of State for Transport hard - both Labour and Conservative - to build this key piece of highway, and it is this Government that has listened.

"The link road is crucial Crewe's for future economic and housing growth, and will unlock the potential of two major employment sites at Basford, bringing our area an extra £250 million a year through the creation of up 12,500 jobs over the next 20 years."

Euro-MP Chris Davies, said: “Investment in better transport links and jobs in our area shows that the coalition government are serious about helping the economy to grow outside of London.”

Multi-million pound boost for Crewe Rail Station

Crewe Chronicle
PLANS to give Crewe Rail Station a massive overhaul and make it an iconic 21st century gateway to the town are back on track after a £6m windfall.

Cheshire East Council says its joint project with Network Rail has been successful in its bid for £6.177m from the Government’s £100m rail stations upgrade fund.

The scheme is central to the council scheme to regenerate and revitalise the town centre and surrounding area. This vision is called ‘All Change for Crewe’.

The new Government cash will fund the first phase of a comprehensive revamp of the station and the adjoining former Royal Mail site. Phase one will include:

a new surface-level car park of about 250 spaces;

improved facilities for taxis;

a new area for people to pick up and drop off their family and friends;

new ticket machines and passenger information displays;

reopening the pedestrian subway linking the new facility straight into platforms one to five and six to 11;

a new area for servicing vehicles to access the station;

a new commercial development site to provide a business opportunity for activities, which will be ancillary to the station.

Cllr Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member for prosperity, said: “This is wonderful news and a keystone of long-term regeneration not only of the town centre but also the wider 20-year All Change for Crewe project. The station is vital to our work to enhance the attractiveness of Crewe as a place to live, work and do business.

He added: “There is still a lot of hard work to be done but this funding announcement is a critical vote of confidence in the station, the town and wider regeneration scheme. A revitalised rail hub will be critical to boosting the town’s visitor economy and its attractiveness to business.”

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson said: “I brought the Secretary of State for Transport to Crewe Station and made the case for long-needed improvements. I’m delighted it paid off, enabling the redevelopment to go ahead.”

Network Rail’s route managing director Jo Kaye said: “The station is used by three million people a year and it has long been recognised that there’s a need for additional car parking because more and more people are choosing to travel by train.

“The extra spaces created and the new retail outlets will bring even more people to the station for commuting, business and leisure travel – all of which will help grow the economy of Crewe.”

Chairman of All Change for Crewe Partnership Board John Lea said: “This is a brilliant step forwards for the regeneration of Crewe.”

Pop guru and rail enthusiast Pete Waterman, who is a board member of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This is fantastic news for Crewe. Improving the historic railway station is crucial to developing a modern, strategic transport hub in the town.”

Cheshire East hopes the £6.177m funding will be a springboard to attracting further investment from Government and the rail industry to achieve its ultimate ambition for the redevelopment of the station.

For further information about All Change for Crewe, visit the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/allchangeforcrewe.

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

New blue badge to be launched from New Year’s Day

2011-12-17T00:10:00.001Z

A new blue badge for people with disabilities is being launched in Cheshire East as part of the Government’s reform programme.

The redesigned badge will be available from New Year’s Day and will make it easier for those with severe mobility problems to park close to where they need to go.

It will also enable the Council to crack down on those who may be fraudulently using a badge.

From January 1, 2012, badges will be much harder to alter, copy or forge and will be made of a combination of PVC and PET, instead of cardboard, and will be more robust.

It follows the Government’s announcement earlier this year to modernise the blue badge scheme, which currently costs the country an estimated £46m per year.

There are 24,000 blue badges in circulation in Cheshire East and approximately 50 are renewed daily. Badges will cost £10, to cover the costs of administration, production and postage. This is the first price increase in almost 30 years.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “This national initiative will help Cheshire East to combat forgeries which can lead to legitimate blue badge holders losing out. The changes will also improve customer service and speed up the time it takes to renew them.

“Residents will still be able to apply directly to Cheshire East Council for a badge, which will be valid for three years.

“Holders will be able to park for free in all Cheshire East car parks and on single or double yellow lines for up to three hours, except where there is a ban on loading or unloading.”

Cheshire East Council is undertaking a full engagement programme with stakeholders and groups affected by these changes.

Madelyn Bridge, Chief Executive for Age UK Cheshire East, said: “The blue badge scheme is essential to anyone with severe mobility problems, keeping them active and engaged in the community for as long as possible. Anything that can be done to reduce fraud and keep the scheme fair for the people who really need it, has to be a good thing.”

For more information on the changes to the blue badge, or to apply for one, visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/bluebadge or call Cheshire East Council on 0300 123 50

Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe – Severe winter weather preparations

2011-12-17T00:09:00.001Z

The question on everyone's lips is were have the gritters been all days in Crewe

With stockpiles of salt, a new information centre and modern gritting vehicles – Cheshire East Council says its coping well with the current wintry conditions.

As part of the Cheshire East Adult Safeguarding Board’s ‘Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe’ campaign, the authority is reminding residents of its preparations and current actions in terms of gritting and snow-ploughing.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “Winter weather can be a worrying time for many people, especially those who need to travel. We aim to be as informative as possible in the event of severe weather conditions.

“I want to reassure residents that we have already dealt with snow and ice in Cheshire East this winter and this will continue in the weeks and months ahead.”

The authority has been stock piling salt for gritting since the summer and now has new types of gritting vehicles.

Duty officers receive detailed weather reports, around the clock, during the winter months. These officers then decide if gritting vehicles or snow-ploughs are required.

Thanks to Cheshire East Council’s online Highways Information Centre, gritting vehicles can be tracked live as they salt local routes; www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways

Councillor Menlove continued: “The monitoring of weather conditions here in Cheshire East never stops during the winter months. Gritting vehicles or snow-ploughs can be dispatched in minutes in the event of conditions deteriorating quickly.

“Freezing temperatures usually result in gritting taking place twice a day – once in the early hours of the morning and again in the evening – but this can be increased or decreased according the conditions that day. Crews have been sent out regularly over the past few weeks to salt the roads, particularly on higher ground.

“We cannot guarantee that the route will be completely ice or snow-free – what we can do is ensure that every effort is made to keep salt stocks high, monitor weather conditions and take the appropriate action.”

Derek Thomas, the independent chair of the local Adult Safeguarding Board, said: “Frozen steps, footpaths and roads, as well as the extra hours of darkness and reduced visibility, bring obvious additional risks such as falls and involvement in road traffic accidents.

“For older people, a relatively gentle fall can result in a serious fracture. For Cheshire East’s most vulnerable citizens, winter can also mean increased loneliness and isolation.

“With this in mind, I would urge those who feel most vulnerable to ask a friend, family member or neighbour to help them out with simple but important daily routines such as their food shopping or getting rubbish out to their bins. It is also really important that car drivers significantly reduce their speeds in built up areas.”

Did you know?

• Cheshire East Council manages and maintains 2,970km of roads.

• The winter service operates from three depots; Brunswick Wharf in Congleton, Wardle near Nantwich and Lyme Green in Macclesfield. The highways service also operates directly from Winsford Salt mine.

• We have 6,000 tonnes of salt stored across the authority ready for the start of the winter service period. Salt can also be loaded directly from Winsford Salt Mine

• All gritting routes can be found on the Cheshire East Council website, www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways

• From the onset of winter, road surface temperatures and road conditions are monitored on a 24/7 basis, using detailed forecast maps.

• 50 operatives are trained to deal with winter conditions in Cheshire East, using 20 vehicles to carry out precautionary treatments and snow clearance.

• Cheshire East Council has two snow blowers. These all-wheel drive vehicles are capable of moving up to 400 tonnes of snow per hour.

• We also have a number of local farming contractors that deal with the more rural locations during extreme weather.

Man sentenced for attempting to abduct two teenagers in Congleton

2011-12-17T00:07:00.001Z

A man has been sentenced after being convicted of attempting to abduct two teenagers in Congleton.

Nizar Ibrahim, born 18/05/80 of Repington Road, Sneyd Green, Stoke, was convicted of two counts of attempted abduction at Chester Crown Court and was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison on Tuesday 13 December 2011.

On 25 July 2011, Ibrahim tried to force two teenage girls into his car. The first incident happened at around 7.30pm when he approached a 14-year-old girl on Biddulph Road. She managed to break free and run home. Just over an hour later at 8.45pm he approached a 16-year-old girl on Moody Street and again tried to pull her towards his car. The girl hit Ibrahim to the face, broke free from his grip and ran home.

Ibrahim was arrested in the Congleton area a short time later.

Detective Constable Michael Baron from Crewe CID said: "It was only due to the quick thinking and brave actions of the young girls that Ibrahim was unable to pull them into his car. They have then been required to give evidence in Crown Court and it is to their credit that they have delivered their evidence in such daunting circumstances.

"Ibrahim is clearly a dangerous man and only he knows what his intentions were when he tried to drag these girls into his car. Fortunately incidents like this are rare and thanks to the information given by the victims and quick actions by the police Ibrahim was located and arrested within the hour I hope this sentence sends a message of reassurance to the residents of Congleton as to how serious both the police and the courts treat these matters."

Men sentenced for burglary in Crewe -

2011-12-17T00:05:00.001Z

Three men have been sentenced to over four years in prison for a burglary in Crewe.

Simon Walton, 26, of HMP Altcourse was sentenced to around 2 years and four months (876 days) in prison after pleading guilty to burglary at Chester Crown Court on Friday 9 December 2011.

Matthew Cooke, 22, of Fenshawe Walk, Crewe, and Daniel Bolshaw, 30, of Sorbus Drive, Crewe, also pleaded guilty to burglary and were both sentenced to 12 months in prison.

The men broke into a house on Newdigate Street, Crewe on Friday 9 September 2011. They smashed an upstairs window and stole a 32inch Hitachi LCD TV. No one was in the house at the time.

Detective Constable Dave Newton from Crewe CID said: "Burglary is a serious offence that has a long lasting effect on victim′s who feel violated that their home and personal space has been invaded. Cheshire Police is committed to catching the people responsible and bringing them before the courts to make them face up to the heartache and fear they cause for innocent victims."

Kids count - say Cheshire's emergency services

2011-12-17T00:04:00.001Z

Kids count was a joint message delivered by the joint emergency services Think Drive Survive team and youth organisation Kidscount in Westminster, London, on Monday the 5th December.

Think Drive Survive is a Cheshire emergency services course which started in 2000. The course brings together people who have a wealth of experience and knowledge in dealing with road traffic collisions and aims to impact on the driving behaviour of young people. Officers from police, fire, ambulance and highways are accompanied by the mother of a victim, and together the team deliver an interactive and powerful course that can have profound impact on a young driver.

The invitation to the Think Drive Survive team came from Kidscount and provided an opportunity for the two organisations to influence those with a keen interest in road safety issues with one message - kids count.

Young people from the youth organisation joined members of the Think Drive Survive team to talk to MPs and members of media about the Saving Lives campaign which, like Think Drive Survive, aims to influence, educate and change behaviours of young people to make the right choices. Kidcount are asking people to go online and sign up to the Saving Lives campaign at www.kidscount.org.uk/savinglives.

Speaking about the course, The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport, Mike Penning MP, described the Think Drive Survive Course as ‘Brilliant′. Other MPs present commented on the Think Drive Survive presentation indicating their support for the course to become best practise when dealing with young drivers.

The course is an educational experience that lays bare the risks to young people of driving. Sitting through the presentations is an emotional and resonant experience that stays with the young driver for a long time and is designed to amend their driving behaviour. The course is an excellent example of collaborative working between the public sector and local people to tackle the route cause of collisions and to change and influence the attitudes of young drivers. Nearly 15,000 young road users have benefited from it over the last 12 years. The course has evolved over the years and has even received a Prince Michael of Kent International Road Safety award in 2006.

Recent Independent evaluation concluded that the course showed that it had had a ′significant and positive shift in the attitudes of participants as a direct result of the course.′

There are over 30 courses planned for 2012 and anyone requiring further information about the course can contact the Cheshire Police Road Safety Officer, PC Dave Murray on 01606 362316 or the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Road Safety Manager, Peter Shields on 01606 868681. peter.shields@cheshirefire.gov.uk

Cheshire East cracks down on £70,000 benefits cheat

2011-12-17T00:03:00.001Z

A Cheshire East benefits cheat has been jailed after he was found guilty of fraudulently claiming nearly £70,000 over six years.

Following an extensive investigation by the Council’s benefit investigations team, Sohail Uddin, 41, was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison (on Monday, December 12) at Chester Crown Court.

Uddin, of Delamere Court, Crewe, pleaded guilty to the charges on November 17.

The overpayment of £68,406 was in relation to offences committed against the Department of Work and Pensions and Cheshire East Council between January 13, 2003 and September 20, 2009.

Uddin fraudulently claimed income support, severe disablement benefit, housing benefit and council tax benefit.

Councillor David Brown, Cheshire East Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “Cheshire East Council will not tolerate people shirking their responsibilities and cheating honest taxpayers. Such selfish fraudsters will be rigorously pursued through the courts and brought to justice.

“Benefit fraud robs hard-working communities of valuable resources needed to provide vital public services. Such criminal acts rob councils and the Government of hard-pressed funds that could be spent helping the most vulnerable and needy people in our communities.

“As a Council, we would not be serving taxpayers well if we did not take action against a selfish minority of people who try to dodge their responsibilities and defraud the public purse.”

The Council and the Department for Work and Pensions will seek to recover in full the overpayment of benefits to Uddin.

Cheshire East Youth Theatre expands – by popular demand!

2011-12-17T00:02:00.001Z

Cheshire East Youth Theatre is proving such a hit that it is branching out to showcase a new older group of talent.

Cheshire East Youth Theatre (CEYT), which is organised by Cheshire East Council and based at the Lyceum Theatre, is collectively Crewe, Sandbach and Alsager youth theatres and, until now, has catered for young people aged from five to 18.

But it has proved such a success that it is adding a new age group – for young people aged 17 to 25 – following the popularity of its classes and the desire of older students to keep involved with CEYT after turning 19.

The new group, based at the Lyceum, will perform the hit play Billy Liar, by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall, at the Lyceum, next July 1.

The group, which aims to be semi-professional, will be an exciting opportunity for young people to work with a highly-experienced, professional director who has also acted in West End productions. It will also allow young people to build on their acting skills and learn techniques that will help them with future careers in showbusiness.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “Youth theatre is a tremendous opportunity for youngsters to learn a multitude of skills that will stand them in good stead for their whole lives.

“It is also a wonderful place for young people to meet other people, spread their creative wings and learn more about the theatre and possible future careers in the industry. It is pleasing to see that the youth theatre is expanding to cater for older youngsters, by popular demand.”

Aspiring actor Alex Lyon, 18, said: “I am so excited that there will be a new group at CEYT for older members and, as an aspiring actor, I am going to learn so much more. I can’t wait!”

CEYT recently showcased its youngsters’ talents at a vibrant event to celebrate the 100th birthday of Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre.

CEYT is now made up of eight groups. Lyceum Youth Theatre has five age groups: five to seven; eight to 10; 11 to 13; 14 to 16; and 17 to 25, based in the theatre’s rehearsal room. Alsager Youth Theatre, based in Alsager Community Church Hall, has two groups: seven to 11; and 12+. Sandbach Youth Theatre, based in Sandbach Town Hall, has one group for youngsters aged seven to 11.

Members get the chance to attend workshops and tread the boards of the Lyceum Theatre stage, as well as perform at other local venues and regional festivals. No previous experience is necessary and there are no auditions needed.

The new group, for young people aged 17-25, will rehearse at the Lyceum Theatre every Thursday, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. The fee for the first 11-week term, which starts on January 12, is £55.

Anyone interested in joining Cheshire East Youth Theatre should ring co-ordinator Hayley Lindley on 07709 180296 or email her at: ceyt@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Volunteers Come Forward to Support the Willaston Pre-school

2011-12-13T00:56:00.001Z

Willaston Pre- School are pleased to announce that they have recently appointed Pat Harborth to be their new Chairperson.The Pre-school are very grateful to Councillor Brian Silvester and Dawn Clark, Community Development Officer for Cheshire East, for their assistance in asking the local community for their support and have been overwhelmed with the response and kind sentiments they have received.

Willaston Borough Councillor Brian Silvester said, " I am delighted that the call that I and others made for people to come forward to help the pre school group has been so successful. It is encouraging that so many local people are willing to give so freely of their time. I am sure that the pre school group will now go from strength to strength and continue to be a real asset to the educational provision in our local community."

The Pre-school are also pleased to announce that in the Ofsted inspection carried out on the 15^th November they were rated Good overall with some Outstanding features. Ann Darlington, Pre-school Supervisor says that "Not only has the recent publicity resulted in the successful appointment of a new Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, it has also attracted the attention of an Early Years teacher and an eminent Professor of Early Childhood Education, who have offered their help and support. The Pre-school is set to continue to flourish now and has only a few spaces currently available for this academic year. We are taking names for new starters in September 2012 however. More information can be obtained via the website www.willastonpre-school.org.uk or by contacting the Pre-school on 07966 368423. For admission enquiries call 07944 208909."

Drivers get Speed Awareness Message

2011-12-13T00:53:00.001Z

The chairman of Cheshire Police Authority says drivers completing speed awareness courses learn "real lessons for the future."

Margaret Ollerenshaw watched one of the four- hour courses which are offered to selected drivers who are caught speeding on Cheshire′s roads. They are an alternative to a fine and penalty points.

She said, "Most people obviously took the option of the course to avoid the penalty points. Some arrived with a very sceptical attitude. Some felt that because they were only driving a few miles above the speed limit, no action should have been taken.

"By the time they left, I think everyone felt they had a deeper understanding of why speed limits exist. They realised the importance of observing the limits and the risk to life if you don′t. They also appreciated that driving faster doesn′t necessarily get you to your destination more quickly. Most said they felt they would be better drivers as a result of the course."

Bill Ward and Gill Sandham were in charge of the classroom- based course. Gill said, "It is not a finger-wagging exercise but a group discussion. You cannot change someone′s attitude in four hours but you can make them think.

Bill added, "If you just give people rules, they switch off. You have to give them reasons which they can understand. We break some of the urban myths about speed cameras, too."

They said the reaction of the group watched by the Police Authority chairman was typical of the response to the course.

"Many people start by being very reluctant to take part, but they find themselves drawn into the discussion and leave with plenty to think about."

Superintendent Penny Wilson, in charge of road policing for Cheshire Police, said "The speed awareness course is about improving safety on Cheshire′s roads by educating drivers. We only offer the course when we believe it will be effective. Drivers pay a £75 fee and if they re-offend during the next three years they will not be offered the course option on the second occasion."

Cheshire Building Society ripping off pensioners and the poor

2011-12-11T00:52:00.001Z

The Cheshire Building Society appears to be robbing pensioners and other vulnerable people blind. They have forced people to have their building cover with them if they have a mortgage. If you cant afford to pay the £300+ they add it onto the mortgage and as such this is then subject to interest every year which is then compounded. The miss selling of insurance has only just come to light as a new company is now demanding the money as the Cheshire no longer take the money from you account.

The new insurance typically came to £362 which pensioners cant afford but a check on compare website above every quote was well under this price most were as little as 58 pounds for the same house. So the Cheshire had been ripping people off to the tune of over £300 per year. If its then added to the mortgage that capital will remain on there for 20 years with the interest accumulating every year so atypical mortgage could have £10,000 or more added to it.

The basic cost for people who have had a mortgage for 22 years is £6,650 plus interest. There seems to be no reason why the insurance should be so expensive as the cover level is the same for £58. One assumes that a reputable company would give professional advice to customers and arrange insurance at a reasonable price not extortionate price. All prices from the compare sites are well known companies not back street ones.

I fail to see how the Cheshire build Society can justify this massive cost a few pound maybe but over £300 is a lot of money. If you have insurance with them for your building I suggest you take a good look at it and us compare sites then ask the Cheshire build Society why they have ripped you off for years and years. This is worse than PPI and they should hang there heads in shame as some people may now never own their own home with these extra cost added

Be a good winter neighbour in Cheshire East

2011-12-10T23:44:00.001Z

Cheshire East Council and its partners are urging residents to ‘be a good winter neighbour’ this season.

As part of the Cheshire East Adult Safeguarding Board’s ‘Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe’ campaign, the Council would like people to check in on their friends and neighbours, especially if they are older, or have a disability or chronic illness as they may need your help and our support.

The winter cold can be distressing to some and Cheshire East has put together a wealth of detail in one place at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter where residents can find advice on a wide range of topics from heating, eating and winter safety to school closures and public transport.

As part of this campaign, the Council has listed some winter warning signs for residents, who should always be on the lookout for signs that something might be wrong:

Milk still out on the doorstep late in the day
Newspapers and post stuck in the letterbox
Curtains drawn during the day
Lights on during the day
A home in darkness when there should be someone at home
A dog barking all day or the cat scratching to be let in
Bins not put out on collection days

Information sheets are also being passed around, with important contact details for residents to use should they have any concerns about their safety or for the safety of others in the neighbourhood. These will soon be available in all libraries and customer service points in Cheshire East.

Derek Thomas, the independent chair of the Adult Safeguarding Board, said: “The Board’s job is to promote the safety of vulnerable citizens across Cheshire East so we welcome the plans of the Council, NHS and their many partners to identify and protect those most at risk.

“It is ordinary citizens with a strong sense of personal responsibility whose vigilance and action will make it possible for their family members, friends and neighbours to feel well supported and safe. YOU can make a difference to these people.”

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services and health and wellbeing, said: “Cheshire East Council and its partners are always here to help and the winter page on our website and information sheets provide a wealth of advice and contact details.

“These could be for those who are worried about an adult and are looking for social care support or who are looking for services to support families or children.”

For concerns about the welfare or safety of an adult, call 0300 123 5010 (8.30am-5pm) or 0300 123 5022 outside these hours;
The Family Information Service is available on 0300 123 5033;
For concerns about the welfare or safety of a child, call 0300 123 5012 (8.30am-5pm) or 0300 123 5022 outside these hours;
For domestic abuse assistance, call the Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit on 01606 363532 or the national 24 hour helpline on 0808 2000 247.

Residents with internet access can help their friends and neighbours by downloading and printing off the Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe information sheet from the website and giving it to them.

Meanwhile, Twitter users can follow ‘CheshireEast’ for all latest winter news.

Services back to normal following strike action

2011-12-10T23:43:00.001Z

Cheshire East Council services are back to normal, following trade union strike action last Wednesday (November 30).

Waste collections were affected after the 24-hour industrial action but all other services were adequately staffed and services for adults, children and families ran smoothly.

Cheshire East Council had one of the highest turnout rates in the North West with only 25% of employees taking part in the strikes.

There were 111 exemptions and around 75% of the total workforce attended work as normal. Picket lines were present at several council buildings but demonstrations were peaceful.

Chief executive of Cheshire East Council, Erika Wenzel, said: “The day of industrial action naturally put a strain on services but we are pleased to report that despite this, services ran efficiently and complaints were kept to a minimum.

“I would like to thank all staff who attended work in what could have been difficult circumstances. Turning up for work meant that the Council was able to continue delivering services, particularly to those who are most vulnerable.”

However, a regular question that has been asked is “why did we not plan for the non-collection of waste?”

Although the day of action was publicised for some time it was impossible to know exactly how many staff would take industrial action and this made contingency planning very difficult.

The industrial action affected a large number of households across Cheshire East and that means it is impossible to catch up on the missed collections without disrupting many other residents within the Borough whose collections were scheduled for the subsequent days.

However, if Cheshire East Council is made aware of any residents that have very specific needs and are in severe difficulty, staff will do their very best to assist them.

Awards hail Cheshire East tourism businesses

2011-12-10T23:42:00.001Z

Cheshire East’s top-performing tourism businesses have been hailed at a major awards ceremony – scooping four awards and two commendations.

The prestigious Marketing Cheshire Annual Awards 2011 recognised the outstanding work delivered by all sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry and the professionals who work in it.

Held at the West Cheshire College Creative and Services Campus, 300 guests attended an Oscars-style evening hosted by BBC North West Tonight presenter Dianne Oxberry.

This year’s winners included Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, which won ‘Small Visitor Attraction of the Year’.

Peckforton Castle walked away with two awards ‘Excellence in Business Tourism’ and a ‘Special Recognition’ award for Daniel Naylor, Paul Healey and Simon Oxley who helped guests to safety during the recent fire.

‘Self-Catering Holiday Provider of the Year’ went to Mellow Brook Cottage, at Harrop Fold Farm, near Macclesfield and Kerridge End Holiday Cottages secured the ‘Sustainable Tourism Awards’ for their luxurious five-star self-catering holiday cottages, also near Macclesfield.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “The visitor economy is an important contributor to businesses and communities in Cheshire East, generating more than £653m a year to the local economy.

“These awards are an excellent way to reward and promote the rich quality and diversity of visitor economy facilities and attractions across Cheshire. They also acknowledge and celebrate the considerable dedication and flair of the people who help make Cheshire such a special place to visit.”

Self-catering holiday provider of the year-winner Sue Stevenson, owner of Mellow Brook Cottage, at Harrop Fold Farm, said: “We are thrilled to win this prestigious award for our newly-refurbished five-star cottage.

“We have spent months lovingly restoring the 17th century barn and this award is a real boost to our staff and customers.”

Chief executive of Marketing Cheshire Chris Brown said: “With a visitor economy valued at £1.78bn and supporting over 27,000 jobs, the evening was a fantastic way to give the industry and individual businesses the recognition they deserve. The winners will go straight through to compete at England level and potentially be the best in the country!”

Full list of winners:

Self-Catering Holiday Provider of the Year
WINNER - Mellow Brook Cottage at Harrop Fold Farm
Excellence in Business Tourism
WINNER - Peckforton Castle
Large Visitor Attraction of the Year
WINNER - Chester Zoo
Bed and Breakfast of the Year
WINNER – Churton Heath Farm B&B
Best Tourism Experience of the Year
WINNER - Roman Tours Ltd
Small Visitor Attraction
WINNER – Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre
Taste of Cheshire Award
WINNER - Roses Tea Rooms
Sustainable Tourism Award
WINNER - Kerridge End Holiday Cottages
Best Tourism Event of the Year
WINNER - Dinosaurs at Large – Chester Zoo
HIGHLY COMMENDED – Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, Live Music Event
Small Hotel of the Year
WINNER - Green Bough Hotel and Olive Tree Restaurant
HIGHLY COMMENDED – Peckforton Castle
Holiday Park of the Year
WINNER - Manor Wood Country Caravan Park
Rising Star Award
WINNER – Leanne Shaw, The Park Royal Hotel
RUNNER UP – Tori Hayes, Cruise Chester
RUNNER UP – Barry Turner, Best Western Premier Queen Hotel
Large Hotel of the Year
WINNER - The Chester Grosvenor

Green light for £27m Crewe Green Link Road gives massive boost to ambitious regeneration scheme

2011-12-10T23:41:00.001Z

Cheshire East Council is celebrating securing £16m of Government funding that gives ‘the green light’ to construction of a key link road that will help unlock the economic potential of Crewe.

The £27m Crewe Green Link Road South project will be another major step forward in realising the long-term regeneration of the town and surrounding region – following the announcement on Monday of £6.177m Government investment in Crewe Rail Station.

Both schemes are central to the Council-backed ambitious plans to regenerate and revitalise the town centre and surrounding area. This vision is called ‘All Change for Crewe’

The 1.1km-long dual-carriageway link road, which will run between the A500 Hough-Shavington bypass and the A5020, will create an alternate bypass for Crewe, improving access to the A500 and M6 and alleviate traffic passing through the town.

It is also hoped it will unlock the potential of two major employment sites at Basford and help facilitate the creation of up to 12,500 jobs in high-value employment over the next 20 years.

Cheshire East Council Leader Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald said: “This announcement (on Tuesday, November 29) by the Chancellor is absolutely marvellous news – not only for Crewe but also for Cheshire East as a whole.

“At last people are listening to the needs of Crewe and aspirations can now begin to be turned into reality.

“This is a major project which is central to our All Change for Crewe plans to greatly enhance the future prosperity of Crewe and the surrounding region to make it a nationally significant economic centre by 2030 – with population growth and a highly skilled workforce to meet employers’ future need.

“It will support sustainable economic growth, improving connectivity between areas of deprivation to the north of Crewe, the town centre, the rail station and major employment opportunities to the south east.

“Securing the delivery of Crewe Green Link Road South has required us all, with our local MP Edward Timpson, to stand together behind our economic vision for Crewe and I think this has been a major factor in our recent successes.

“Alongside the announcement of £6.177m for Crewe Rail Station earlier this week, this latest funding will act as a catalyst for further commercial investment and demonstrates to the people of Crewe that this Council is fully committed to the economic growth and wider prosperity of not only Crewe but of Cheshire East as a whole.”

The new link road is a project with a long history and Cheshire East Council is delighted that it has unlocked the land assembly issues over the past two years and now secured the DfT funding required to make it a reality.

The Council and key developers have committed £6.65m and £4.13m respectively to meet the outstanding funding for the Crewe Green Link Road South.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson said: “I am delighted that the Chancellor has announced in his Autumn Statement that the Government is to go ahead and fund the proposed Crewe Green Link Road.

“I have lobbied George Osborne and successive Secretaries of State for Transport hard – both Labour and Conservative – to build this key piece of highway, and this Government has listened.

“It is crucial for Crewe's future economic and housing growth and will unlock the potential of two major employment sites at Basford, bringing our area an extra £250m a year through the creation of up 12,500 jobs over the next 20 years.”

For further information about All Change for Crewe, visit the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/allchangeforcrewe

YOUNG OFFENDERS CLEAN UP WILLASTON 'GROT SPOT'

2011-11-30T00:46:00.003Z

Willaston Borough Councillor Brian Silvester has praised a Community Payback team, supervised by the Probation service, that has cleaned all the rubbish away from the 'hideaway' adjacent to the pedestrian path across the A500, near the Horse Shoe pub.

He said," The Parish Council and local residents have been concerned about this grot spot for some time. I am grateful to the Deputy Chairman of the Parish Council, Cllr. Colin Todd, for organising this clean up. It is satisfying that young offenders can do good work like this to help their local community instead of harming it. I hope that the area is now kept clear of rubbish in the future. Consideration could also be given to fencing it off too prevent future problems."

Cheshire East urges people to make their pledge to end domestic violence

2011-11-30T00:46:00.001Z

Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Partnership (CEDAP) is leading the campaign to mark White Ribbon Day.

The campaign, which culminates on Friday, November 25, urges people to wear a white ribbon as a pledge against violence against women.

There are around 5,000 domestic incidents reported to police each year in Cheshire East, but many more incidents go unreported.

Nationally, two women die as a result of domestic violence each week and it affects one in four women and one in six men during their lives.

Cheshire East Council has been working with voluntary sector partners Adullam, Arch, Barnardo’s and Crewe Women’s Aid as well as staff at the Primary Care Trust, Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Probation Service, to provide a programme of activities.

These include visits to support centres, a display of artwork produced by women who’ve survived domestic abuse and a self defence day at Crewe Police Station.

Cheshire East Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “This is our opportunity to send a strong message that abuse is never acceptable.

“It is important we work with our partners to do all we can to reduce incidents of domestic violence across Cheshire East. Wearing a white ribbon shows that we will not ‘commit, condone or stay silent’ about violence against women. It is this kind of strong community rejection of abuse which will really keep adults and children safe.

“Just one violent incident – woman, man or child – as a result of domestic violence is one too many.”

This Friday, CEDAP housing sector partners are signing up to a ‘joint protocol’ which sets out standards and procedures for responding to families affected by domestic abuse.

These partners play a critical role in identifying abuse, responding to housing need as a result of abuse and supporting families to be safe in their homes.

Cheshire East Council has also launched its Employee Domestic Abuse Policy which aims to ensure that domestic abuse is properly addressed as a workplace issue through clear procedures, guidance and training and to highlight the levels of support available.

CEDAP’s newly established Survivors Forum has also produced a piece of artwork that will form part of the day. This artwork reflects on individual objects or locations that have helped women to recognise or affect change.

Those who do not get chance to view this artwork as part of the White Ribbon campaign can contact the Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit on 01606 363531, where it can be booked for a team event.

Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home. CEDAP urges any man or woman, who is experiencing domestic violence or knows someone who is, to contact the Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit, in confidence, on 01606 363532 or contact the national domestic violence free 24-hour helpline on 0808 2000 247.

More information can be found by typing ‘White Ribbon Day’ into the search engine on www.cheshireeast.gov.uk or at www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk

Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe in Cheshire East this winter

2011-11-30T00:44:00.001Z

Winter is here and Cheshire East Council and its multi-agency partners want to support everybody to keep warm, well and safe.

With forecasters predicting another very cold season, the Cheshire East Adult Safeguarding Board is launching a campaign which it hopes will give vulnerable people the information they need to cope with a harsh winter.

Cheshire East has put together a wealth of detail in one place at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter where residents can find advice on a wide range of topics from heating, eating and winter safety to school closures and public transport.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services and health and wellbeing, said: “Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe – that is the message we want to get across to Cheshire East residents this winter.

“We realise that there will be people out there who find severe weather conditions and the winter cold very distressing and we wanted to provide a platform for them to find support and advice.

“For others, winter weather can be fun but sadly, more people are at risk of illness and death during this season than at other times of the year and may need extra help from us all.

“This is why we are also urging people to look out for their neighbours, as they may need your help and our support, especially if they are older, or have a disability or chronic illness.”

Residents with internet access can help their friends and neighbours by downloading and printing off the Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe information sheet from the website and giving it to them.

Cheshire East Mayor Councillor Roger West said: “The Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe campaign includes a host of advice from electric blanket safety to health support and domestic abuse.

“We have a responsibility to make people aware of vital services within Cheshire East and I am confident this initiative will prove very useful to all residents.”

Meanwhile, Twitter users can follow ‘CheshireEast’ for all latest winter news.

Tree of Light Festival returns to Crewe

2011-11-30T00:42:00.003Z

Cheshire East Council is please to announce the return to Crewe of the “Tree of Light” festival of remembrance.

It started eight years ago when Crewe Cemetery staff invited people to remember those they had lost by dedicating a silver star to them, which is then placed on a tree within the grounds. The designated tree is then lit up with thousands of lights during a special ceremony.

This year’s service will be held at Crewe Cemetery on Friday 2 December at approximately 4.30pm.

Once the service has taken place, the tree will remain lit until the twelfth night.

Cheshire East Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “Christmas can be a difficult and painful time for many people and so the importance of such ceremonies for those who have lost loved ones cannot be underestimated. The silver stars are a symbol of remembrance and I am sure are a great source of comfort to many.

“The Tree of Light festival helps us to remember those who are no longer with us and share cherished memories.”

All Change for Crewe – £6m boost for revitalisation of rail station

2011-11-30T00:42:00.001Z

Plans to give Crewe Rail Station a massive overhaul and make it an iconic 21st century gateway to the town have been given a multi-million-pound boost today (Monday).

Cheshire East Council has warmly welcomed news that the joint project with Network Rail has been successful in its bid for £6.177m from the Government’s £100m rail stations improvement fund.

The scheme is central to the Council-backed ambitious plans to regenerate and revitalise the town centre and surrounding area. This vision is called ‘All Change for Crewe’

The new Government cash will fund the first phase of a comprehensive overhaul and enhancement of historic Crewe Rail Station and the adjoining former Royal Mail site. The land is owned by Network Rail and the Council. Phase one will include:

● A new surface-level car park of about 250 spaces;

● Improved facilities for taxis;

● A new area for people to pick up and drop off their family and friends;

● New ticket machines and passenger information displays;

● Reopening the pedestrian subway linking the new facility straight into platforms one to five and six to 11;

● A new area for servicing vehicles to access the station; and

● A new commercial development site to provide a business opportunity for activities, which will be ancillary to the station.

Over the past two years, consultants appointed to advise the Council, working with key stakeholders, have identified what they believe needs to be done to ‘unlock’ the huge potential of the town and surrounding area and turn it into a leading player in Britain’s 21st century economy.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said of today’s announcement: “This is wonderful news and a keystone of long-term regeneration not only of the town centre but also the wider 20-year All Change for Crewe project. The station is vital to our work to enhance the attractiveness of Crewe as a place to live, work and do business.

“There is still a lot of hard work to be done – and we will not be complacent about this –but this funding announcement is a critical vote of confidence in the station, the town and wider regeneration scheme. A revitalised rail hub will be critical to boosting the town’s visitor economy and its attractiveness to business.”

It is hoped the £6.177m funding will be a springboard to attracting further investment from Government and the rail industry to achieve Cheshire East’s ultimate ambition for the redevelopment of the station.

Last November, Cheshire East’s main political parties united behind the ‘All Change for Crewe’ vision for the town.

The leaders of the local Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour parties joined the Mayor of Crewe to sign a historic ‘Concordat’, in a public show of support for moves to turn Crewe and the surrounding area into an ‘economic powerhouse’ by 2031.

Since then, the Council’s Cabinet backed the appointment of a dynamic ‘delivery executive’, Tom Russell, to lead and drive forward schemes for regeneration, galvanise all stakeholders and help turn Cheshire East’s ambitious vision for the revitalisation of Crewe into reality. The All Change for Crewe Partnership Board has also recently been launched to support the achievement of these objectives.

In a bold move, Cheshire East Council also bought the landmark former Royal Mail site in Crewe for £2.75m. The 4.5-acre Weston Road site became vacant when Royal Mail relocated its sorting offices to Stoke and Warrington.

The site is seen as a prime spot for a landmark development as part of ambitious plans to redevelop Crewe Rail Station and the town centre.

All Change for Crewe received another big boost with the announcement in September that nationally-renowned firm Expert Logistics was relocating to Crewe 360 – bringing 350 jobs to the town.

The short-term lease negotiated with Expert Logistics for the former Royal Mail site, to support the investment and transition process, was an important factor in its decision to relocate.

For further information about All Change for Crewe, visit the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/allchangeforcrewe

MP’s 103rd electronic news bulletin.

2011-11-23T00:13:00.001Z

Monday 21, November 2011

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my 103rd electronic news bulletin.

This week saw a positive move for the public finances with the sale of Northern Rock to Virgin Money. It is an important first step in getting the British taxpayer out of the business of owning banks. It represents value for money; will increase choice on the high street for customers; and safeguards jobs. This represents a significant step in returning public sector stakes in banks to the private sector. The sale is in the best interest of the taxpayer, secures the long-term future of the company and will increase competition in the banking sector. It forms part of the Government's wider strategy for the banking sector with safer ring-fenced banks and more competition for customers. >From the sale the Government will receive £747 million in cash on closing the deal, with the potential in the future to receive over £1 billion in total.

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

I have recently ...

Attended a Citizenship ceremony at Crewe Hall to present certificates to newly welcomed British citizens
Met with representatives of the Cumberland Sports Ground in Crewe and the Crewe & Nantwich Athletics Club to catch up with their superb progress and plans for the future
Held a constituency surgery at Shavington Village Hall
Visited South Cheshire College in Crewe, where I met with the Principal Peter Swift and Governors who gave me a tour of the new building.
Joined in with a lesson with students at South Cheshire College on the Public Service course
Held a Street Stall in Nantwich Town Centre as part of my 'On your street' campaign to get out and about in the constituency to listen to what matters to you

Photos & Video ...

Edward cutting a cake to celebrate the opening of the new cafe at the Haslington Bakery .

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

Community News

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Seahorses take the plunge for Nathan

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian

LOCAL MP Edward Timpson attended a sponsored swim at the Crewe Swimming Baths on Flag Lane last week.

Some 25 swimmers and volunteers of the Seahorse Swimming Club took part in a ten-mile sponsored swim with participants taking turns to complete the distance.

Funds are being raised through the Children’s Disability Charity, Newlife Foundation for local child, Nathan Hill, who requires a new wheelchair.

The sponsored swim raised at least £500 but there is still some way to go as a wheelchair of the required lightweight type costs £3,373 which will be of huge benefit to Nathan, who has been a member of Seahorse for two years.

Edward, who attended along with Crewe’s Deputy Mayor Margaret Martin, said: “There was a high turnout at the sponsored swim which is a strong indication of the support there is for Nathan’s wheelchair fund, and it’s great to see the community getting behind him.

“I wish Nathan all the best in gathering the rest of the required funds and encourage others to contribute too.”

Richmond Village in Nantwich hosts black tie charity ball for the ABF Soldiers Charity

Crewe Chronicle

A BLACK tie charity ball held at a Nantwich residential complex has raised thousands of pounds for the ABF Soldiers Charity.

The event at Richmond Village was enjoyed by 75 guests, including VIP visits from the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs, MP Edward Timpson and Deputy Mayor of Nantwich Cllr Graham Fenton.

Guests tucked into a three-course dinner with entertainment from local DJ and entertainer Chris Radford, before Brigadier Rodney Walker CBE, representing the South Cheshire branch of the ABF, gave the official welcome.

A charity auction was held with prizes including a signed Crewe Alex shirt, a meal at The Residence in Nantwich, a VIP visit to Nantwich Town Football Club and a two-hour radio show on Cat Radio.

The evening was rounded off with dancing until midnight to a jazz band.

In total, the night is expected to have raised about £2,500.

Co-organiser and village manager Alison Harding said: “We are delighted to have hosted this event on behalf of the ABF and hope that this will be the start of a number of events to help raise awareness and funds for this wonderful charity.”

New Haslington bakery cafe set to rise

Crewe Chronicle

STAFF at a new bakery cafe in Haslington are hoping to give customers Food for Thought.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson was on hand to cut the ribbon at the official opening of the Crewe Road shop.

Friends and well-wishers of owners Lee and Judy McNeill enjoyed refreshments and a glass of bucks fizz at the event.

Judy said: “Using only the fresh produce supplied by its ‘parent’ Food for Thought Bakery next door, the cafe is already a hit with local residents and passing trade who find the relaxed ambience, friendly service and attractive, tasty food enjoyable.”

Open seven days a week, the Sunday breakfasts have already proved a great success with all age groups.

Owners Lee and Judy said they are also delighted to be able to offer more employment opportunities to people in the area, particularly during the recession.

Judy added: “You will find a warm welcome and tempting fresh food – and can eat with the knowledge that everything is additive-free, hand-made and delicious!”

For further information call Lee or Judy on 01270 254911.

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

Come and find out more about Crewe’s governance review

2011-11-23T00:12:00.001Z

“How would you like your town to be governed?”

That is the question Cheshire East Council is asking the people of Crewe as it enters its first wave of consultation into future governance options for the town.

Views are being sought on the public’s preferred options, which could result in the establishment of one or more town/parish councils; community associations; neighbourhood management groups; residents associations or community forums.

It is the second time Cheshire East Council has canvassed residents’ views after the idea of a town council was rejected following a ballot of the people of the town in January last year.

Cheshire East staff will be on hand in various locations in Crewe up to December 16 where further information on the review can be obtained. These include:

Thursday, November 24 – Eagle Bridge Health & Wellbeing Centre, Dunwoody Way, Crewe, 10am-2pm
Friday, November 25 – Crewe Market Hall, 10am-2pm
Saturday, November 26 – Crewe Market Hall, 10am-2pm
Monday, November 28 – Crewe Market Hall, 10am-noon
Friday, December 9 – Crewe Market Hall, 10am-2pm

Information will also be displayed at Delamere House throughout early December during normal office hours.

Councillor David Marren, Chairman of the sub-committee, which is conducting the review, said: “Most towns and parishes in Cheshire East have a more local level of governance which is specific to that town, village or parish.

“These usually take the form of a town or parish council. However, Crewe does not currently have a democratically-elected arrangement such as this.

“Now, bearing in mind Cheshire East Council’s commitment to transferring services and assets to more local levels, the authority feels it is appropriate to consult the people of Crewe again on whether they feel a more local level of governance is appropriate.

“I can assure residents that the sub-committee will conduct this review fairly and all views will be taken into account as we seek to ensure that future arrangements for Crewe reflect the interests and identities of the community.”

Views collected up to December 16 will be analysed by the sub-committee before a second wave of consultation begins early in 2012.

More information on the potential options for governance, with a breakdown of the facts on each, is available at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/crewegovreview

There is also an online tool designed to assist anyone who would like to know which option best suits their views. This tool can also be used to submit feedback and views to the Council.

Alternatively, residents can email communitygovernancereview@cheshireeast.gov.uk or write to Registration Service and Business Manager, Democratic Services, Cheshire East Council, Westfields, Sandbach, Cheshire, CW11 1HZ.

Council’s A-Team heralded on the premier league stage

2011-11-23T00:11:00.001Z

Cheshire East Council has been spreading the word about its outstanding apprenticeship scheme on a fitting, top-flight stage.

Members of the Council’s A-Team programme gave a lesson in how to provide top-class, on-the-job training for young people at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.

So impressed were the National Apprenticeship Service and Stockport Borough Council with this programme that they invited the authority to share its success story and best practice model with other councils across the north.

It was part of the biggest-ever gathering of councils to explore apprenticeships called ‘Sharing Best Practice in Local Government approaches to Apprenticeships’.

Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet member with responsibility for procurement and shared services, said: “Cheshire East was asked to pass on its experience and knowledge to other councils to improve apprenticeships and share knowledge of what makes a successful scheme.

“This event consolidated the A-Team’s status as a leading apprenticeship scheme in the UK and it is now acting in a consultancy role to other councils to help them develop or improve their schemes.

“Our overarching philosophy is ‘inspiring apprenticeships’ – to try and get as many people and organisations involved in our scheme and apprenticeships as a whole.

“This event gave us national recognition and I would like to congratulate the work of our human resources department in building such an outstanding scheme.”

Visiting delegates attended workshops which looked at separate key messages and best practices of delivering a good apprenticeship programme within a council organisation.

Cheshire East’s workshop was based on ‘apprenticeships developing innovative approaches and initiatives.’

This included a presentation from the Council’s senior organisational officer Ben Whitter, activities and talks from A-Team apprentices about their personal experiences and a question and answer session.

The A-Team’s workshop attracted more than 65 people and was given extremely positive feedback.

The event was addressed by the Stockport Council chief executive, Eamonn Boylan, and National Apprenticeship Service northern divisional director, Sue Price. Other authorities that delivered workshops were Staffordshire, Calderdale, Wirral and Hartlepool councils.

Anybody interested in finding out more about apprenticeship opportunities in Cheshire East should call Ben Whitter on 01270 686662, email apprenticeships@cheshireeast.gov.uk or alternatively go to www.cheshireeast.gov.uk and click on jobs and careers.

New Partnership Board boosts ‘All Change for Crewe’ regeneration project

2011-11-23T00:09:00.001Z

A new partnership has been unveiled to help give vital impetus to the ‘All Change for Crewe’ regeneration scheme.

The All Change for Crewe Partnership Board has been formed in recognition of the need to provide vital private sector strategic leadership to the implementation of the All Change for Crewe strategy to make the town and surrounding area an ‘economic powerhouse’ by 2031.

All Change for Crewe aims to integrate the long-term physical renewal and development of the town with action to improve economic prospects and social conditions for its residents.

The new board is made up of 10 members, including five private sector representatives, and a private sector chair. The full membership of the board comprises:

· John Lea – Morning Foods (Chair);

· Mike Hawes – Bentley Motors;

· Matthias Kuhn – Air Products;

· Andrew Pass – John Pass Jewellers;

· John Dunning – South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce;

· Neil Pickering – Homes and Communities Agency;

· Dennis Dunn – Manchester Metropolitan University;

· Tracy Bullock – Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust;

· Councillor Michael Jones; Cheshire East Council Cabinet member with responsibility for resources;

· Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity.

A further place has been allocated on the board for a representative of the rail industry – in recognition of its importance.

There was a widespread interest in joining the board from the private sector. Those not successful will be able to contribute to the delivery of the strategy aspirations through involvement in individual project boards to be established in due course.

Board chairman John Lea, managing director of Morning Foods and High Sheriff of Cheshire, said: “I am delighted to become chairman of this important and influential partnership board and very much look forward to providing strategic leadership and direction.

“It's very good to see the private and public sectors working together to harness the drive and enthusiasm which will help to promote the strategic development of our town and ensure that the exciting and ambitious plans are fully implemented so that Crewe and its immediate area can achieve its full economic potential.”

Cllr Wesley Fitzgerald, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This is an important development for Crewe. Although Cheshire East Council continues to drive forward the regeneration objectives of All Change for Crewe, we clearly can’t do this in isolation. The Council can help create the conditions for new jobs and investment, but it’s ultimately the business community that delivers.

“There was immense interest from the local business community in taking a place on this board, which is very heartening. The fact that it has a real cross-section of the local business community will serve it well in driving forward Crewe’s regeneration and sends a signal to the business community nationally that Crewe is a can-do place for new investment and jobs.”

One of All Change for Crewe’s key aims is to attract a more educated, skilled and ambitious workforce to the local area to boost the economy and play a central role in plans for the town to become a dynamic regional centre.

A major investment in Crewe train station and town centre and the completion of the Crewe Green Link Road will be at the heart of several major projects planned to revitalise the town and the surrounding region.

Information on the All Change for Crewe Strategy is now available on the following website: www.allchangeforcrewe.co.uk

Cheque presented to Willaston in Bloom

2011-11-20T00:01:00.001Z

An evening of entertainment organised by Cllr Brian Silvester at Willaston Social Club to celebrate his 35 years of service as a Councillor raised more than £1,500 for local good causes in memory of former Parish Council Chairman Mike Heywood. A donation from the fund has now been made to Willaston in Bloom. A cheque for £440 was presented to Wayne Lewis Parish Councillor and Chairman of Willaston "Britain in Bloom" committee, on the Village Green in Willaston which is to be re-named 'Mike Heywood Green'. (See attached photo)

Cllr Silvester said," In the 'Small Town' category of the North West Britain in Bloom competition Willaston was successful again this year and was presented with the Silver award. The Willaston in Bloom group do wonderful work and I salute the local volunteers who give so freely of their time to make the village look so beautiful. There is a wonderful community spirit in Willaston and the award was fully justified. I pay tribute to all those many volunteers and the Parish Council who ensure that a wide range of local groups flourish and make the village such an excellent, beautiful and friendly place to live.
I am pleased that I have been able to help in a small way in the continuing success of Willaston in Bloom. The money was raised in memory of Mike Heywood, the former Chairman of the Parish Council. I am sure he would be delighted with the recent success of the village he loved."
Cllr Silvester went on to say, "Thirty-five years service is a remarkable milestone in my life. There have been numerous highlights and successes and I will always treasure those. I greatly enjoy serving as a councillor. I would like to thank all those residents who have voted for me to be their Councillor over the last 35 years. It is an honour to serve them. I now look forward to the next 35 years!!!"

The attached photos show L to R, Willaston in Bloom volunteers Maureen Nash, Julie Lewis, Chairman Cllr. Wayne Lewis, Brian Silvester Sheila Davies, Former Mayoress of Crewe and Nantwich, and volunteer Cllr. John Flackett.

Brian Silvester

Nantwich Swimming Pool to get £1.4m boost

2011-11-19T23:59:00.001Z

Swimming and leisure facilities at Nantwich Swimming Pool are to be given a £1.4m cash boost, Cheshire East Council has announced.

A full review of the Wall Lane complex has now been completed and funding has been agreed to realise the full potential of the facility, making it fit for the future.

The money will be spent on the ageing changing rooms, showers and toilets to create a ‘changing village’ – a unisex changing area with cubicles and individual family changing rooms.

This will provide a much more modern experience suitable for all users.

There are also plans to create a new entrance and enhanced fitness facilities as well as improved roofing, paved surfaces, a new boiler, pool filters and air handling unit.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “I am delighted to say that we have agreed funds for this work, which would result in a swimming facility of which Nantwich and its people can be rightly proud.

“The review of the complex focused on the building infrastructure, pool, equipment and the key improvements required to improve the customer experience and generate additional income.

“We realise it has much potential and we want to enhance the existing facilities and make them fit for the future.”

Cheshire East now plans to progress the exciting project as soon as possible and aims to work with pool users to minimise disruption during any development work. The Council has agreed the work following consultation with ward members.

Regular users are delighted with the news. Rosie Jennings, 25, of Crewe Road, Nantwich, who has been using the swimming facilities since she was a child, said: “It is really good news that there is going to be a revamp.

“The changing rooms could do with some updating. Some of the building is a bit dated as it hasn’t really changed since I came here when I was younger. This is a really positive thing for the local community.”

Stapeley resident Andrea Leach, 34, added: “It is good news that the Council is going to invest money in the pool, especially in this climate. It will be good for Nantwich.”

The Council will be keeping all relevant parties up to date as the development progresses.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson said: “This is excellent news for Nantwich residents that will deliver a long-needed upgrade of the baths. I’m pleased that Cheshire East Council, in providing this significant improvement to local facilities, recognises the importance of our area and enhancing the town’s appeal further.”

CHESHIRE EAST COUNCILLOR RE-ELECTED TO NATIONAL BODY.

2011-11-10T00:30:00.001Z

Cllr. Brian Silvester has been re-elected at the top of the poll of the 27 Conservative Councillors elected to the Rural Policy Review Group of the Rural Commission of the Local Government Association, of which he is also a member. (See below the official remit of these bodies)

Cllr Silvester said, "I am delighted to be re-elected. Cheshire East is predominantly rural, covering over 450 square miles and it is important that we have a voice on the national stage to lobby Ministers and the Government on the important rural issues that concern our local residents.

These issues include rural transport, rural broadband, rural education, farming issues, rural jobs, Government funding, rural affordable housing and planning issues. Cheshire East is one of the biggest Councils in the country and it it important that we punch our weight on the national scene to ensure that our rural residents get the best deal possible. I will do my utmost to successfully lobby for the interests of our rural residents at the national level."

The official remit of the two bodies is :-

The Rural Commission provides the forum within the LGA for member authorities with an interest in rural affairs. The Rural Commission acts in a way that complements the principles of the LGA as a whole.

The purpose of the Commission is to:

provide the forum in which rural authorities can discuss matters of common concern and exchange good practice and experience.
assist the LGA take into account the needs, priorities and aspirations of rural authorities in formulating and promoting its policies;
help the LGA to promote the role and interests of rural authorities and the ability of those authorities to meet the needs of the communities they serve

The Rural Policy Review Group, on behalf of the Rural Commission, fulfills the role of sounding board for policy development and review on rural issues.

Despite austere times Cheshire East Council continues to provide help for residents – via a discounted insulation scheme

2011-11-10T00:29:00.001Z

Around 3,000 properties could benefit from a discounted insulation scheme being offered via Cheshire East Council.

Homeowners and landlords will be offered cheaper rates for loft and cavity wall insulation. The subsidised scheme means each option costs only £74.

After a thorough competitive procurement exercise, the Council has chosen Middlewich-based KG Insulation as their partners for the project.

Around £40,000 has been made available for the scheme – funded from grants secured by Cheshire East Council from the Northwest Regional Housing Board. It will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Despite austere times, the Council remains committed to continuing to deliver for the people of Cheshire East and helping those in need.

The Energy Savings Trust has recently updated their estimate of how much people can save on their fuel bills by insulating their home. According to their figures, loft insulation can save up to £175 per year, and up to £135 per year for cavity wall insulation.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “We are all facing rising fuel bills and there is the possibility of another severe winter.

“I would encourage people, where possible, to get their property insulated through this scheme. The discounted rates mean that it could pay for itself comfortably inside one year.

“Last year we were able to offer discounts to around 1,000 homes funded by grants. The fact that we are aiming to treble this number indicates how much of an issue this has become for local residents. I am pleased that we have been successful in securing the ongoing funding.”

To find out more please contact KG Insulation on 01606 841398, or visit their website www.kginsulation.co.uk

MP’s News

2011-11-10T00:28:00.001Z

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Friday 4, November 2011

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my 101st electronic news bulletin.

The Eurozone countries have made very good progress on the key issues they needed to make progress on - recapitalising the banks, reinforcing the firewall and resolving the Greek situation. We now need to get the detail but the crucial thing is to maintain the momentum and to put the deal into practice. It is going to be a difficult road ahead, but they are on the right road.

Britain has had real influence in putting pressure on the Eurozone to sort out their problems. And our voice is going to continue to be heard on key issues like the single market or on competition policy on financial services. Solving the Eurozone crisis is in Britain's national interest as well in the interests of the Euro.

But the United Kingdom is not in the Eurozone and that is why we will not be directly contributing to the bailouts or the new firewall fund. We are pleased that we managed to get the UK out of the permanent bailout fund agreed by Labour so that our exposure to possible bailouts through the EFSM will end in 2013.

British taxpayers should not contribute to the so-called special purpose vehicle, the special fund, discussed last night to bail out other Eurozone members. Other countries like China, who have got a surplus, can but since Britain has a deficit we just do not think it's right for us to contribute.

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

I have recently ...

Held a surgery in my Crewe office
Met with representatives of major employers from Crewe and Nantwich at the Parliamentary franchising reception
Attended the National Care Leavers’ Week Conference in London
Participated in the Westminster debate on the Effectiveness of the Regional Growth Fund where I was able to highlight the £4.4m total investment into Bentley Motors in Crewe by the Government through the fund. Read more here
Went with students from Malbank Sixth Form College in Nantwich and the Holocaust Education Foundation on a day trip to Auschwitz, an extremely challenging and thought provoking experience
Hosted the group on Looked-After Children and Care Leavers in Parliament at the beginning of National Care Leavers Week

This weekend I will be...

Holding my On Your Street session in Haslington bringing my surgery to your doorstep

Photos & Video ...

Edward visiting Auschwitz with students from Malbank Sixth Form College

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

Petitions

To sign Edward's Welfare Petition click here

To Sign Edward's Immigration Petition click here

Community News

Support the Looking After the Homeless Group

Richmond Village in Nantwich hosts black tie charity ball for the ABF Soldiers Charity

Crewe Chronicle

A BLACK tie charity ball held at a Nantwich residential complex has raised thousands of pounds for the ABF Soldiers Charity.

The event at Richmond Village was enjoyed by 75 guests, including VIP visits from the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs, MP Edward Timpson and Deputy Mayor of Nantwich Cllr Graham Fenton.

A charity auction was held with prizes including a signed Crewe Alex shirt, a meal at The Residence in Nantwich, a VIP visit to Nantwich Town Football Club and a two-hour radio show on Cat Radio.

The evening was rounded off with dancing until midnight to a jazz band.

In total, the night is expected to have raised about £2,500.

Bentley Motors lands £3m grant to develop new engine

The Sentinel

LUXURY car-maker Bentley has won a £3 million Government grant to help it sell more vehicles in China.

The firm's latest Regional Growth Fund (RGF) grant will pay for the research and development of new engine technology geared towards the Chinese market.

The award comes six months after the Crewe-based manufacturer secured a £1.7 million grant from the same fund to train its workers.

Bentley, which has already sold 1,000 cars in China this year, says the latest grant will safeguard more than 200 jobs in its 900-strong engineering department.

Chairman and chief executive Wolfgang Dürheimer said: "This is a real boost for Bentley, which has one of the most highly-skilled automotive workforces in the country and, uniquely, has now been awarded two RGF grants.

"It shows the Government recognises the importance of Bentley and the contribution we make to high-value manufacturing and UK exports.

"Our customers expect the best in terms of exclusivity, technology, quality and engineering excellence, which requires significant ongoing investment in research and development. This is why we retain such a strong engineering capability exclusively for Bentley here in the UK.

"This grant will help safeguard those operations as we look to develop new engine technology which appeals to new markets and new customers."

Customers in emerging markets like China have traditionally been drawn to Bentley's four-door models like the Mulsanne and the Continental Flying Spur, although they are increasingly showing interest in the new two-door Continental GT and GTC.

Research and development on the project will take place at Bentley's Pyms Lane headquarters, which employs almost 4,000 people.

It comes as the company is planning to double this year's 40-strong graduate and apprentice intake next year, in anticipation of continuing global growth.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson, pictured below left, said: "This is a great show of confidence in Bentley, and will be to the benefit of thousands of my constituents who work for Bentley, their families, and those who work in the Bentley supply chain."

Bentley was among 119 companies and projects awarded a total of £950 million from the second round of the RGF yesterday.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "The Regional Growth Fund will help businesses like Bentley drive local growth."

Nantwich Players welcome VIPs

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian

NANTWICH Players were joined by local MP Edward Timpson and Nantwich Mayor Arthur Moran for the penultimate performance of the French farce Don’t Dress for Dinner last week.

The VIP guests were able to see an example of the quality of production for which Nantwich Players win regional awards every year and the constraints of the small 82 seat theatre.

The guests also had the opportunity to meet the cast and backstage crew responsible for the sell-out production.

In November, the Players are embarking on the main fundraising phase of the Nantwich Theatre Project to build a new theatre and arts space for Nantwich on the existing Love Lane site.

Mr Timpson, impressed with the quality and endeavours of the Players, said: “The Government has increased the amount of Lottery money going to the arts through Arts Council England and is keen to see local community groups like Nantwich Players taking a lead by applying for capital grants.”

Commenting on the theatre project, Nantwich Mayor Arthur Moran said: “We’re right behind your fundraising efforts.

“The proposed arts space and larger theatre will be greatly appreciated by the townspeople of Nantwich.”

Fundraising will take at least two years and meanwhile Nantwich Players continue with their 84th season of productions with The Railway Children.

Tickets for the production go on sale on Monday November 21 from the Nantwich Tourist Information Offic

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

Cheshire East towns to form part of London 2012 Olympic torch relay route

2011-11-10T00:27:00.001Z

The Olympic Flame will blaze a trail through Cheshire East as the country gears up for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Four Cheshire East towns will form part of the Olympic torch relay route, the Council is delighted to announce.

On May 31, 2012, people from Crewe, Congleton, Macclesfield and Knutsford and the surrounding areas can join in the excitement of the arrival of the torch and celebrate the achievements of the torchbearers.

They are four of more than 1,000 villages, towns and cities announced by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) through which the Olympic Flame will be carried in the relay, which is presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung.

LOCOG has worked closely with Cheshire East Council to devise the route. Street by street detail will be confirmed next year.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services at Cheshire East Council, said: “I am sure this will mean an awful lot to the people of Cheshire East and the surrounding area to see the Olympic Flame and to witness the spectacle of the Olympic torch relay.

“I would urge everybody to join in the Olympic spirit and mark the countdown to the start of the Games. This will shine a light on Cheshire East as its people come to welcome the flame and support the inspirational torchbearers who have volunteered.”

Sebastian Coe, chairman of LOCOG, said: “We are thrilled to confirm that Crewe, Congleton, Macclesfield and Knutsford will act as host locations for the Olympic Flame, extending an invitation to people in the area to welcome the Olympic torch relay during its journey around the UK.

“This is the UK’s moment to shine and I want to encourage people across Cheshire East to start planning how they can be part of this once in a lifetime opportunity and show their support for the inspirational torchbearers chosen to carry the Olympic Flame as we count down to the start of the Olympic Games.”

The 70-day relay will start at Land’s End, Cornwall on the morning of May 19, 2012.

On leaving Land’s End, the Olympic Flame will travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the country giving thousands of communities and individuals their moment to shine.

In announcing the villages, towns and cities LOCOG has realised the aspiration of taking the Olympic Flame to within an hour’s journey time of 95% of the population. In fact, more than 95% of the population will be within just 10 miles of the Olympic Flame next summer.

Meanwhile, an interactive map of the entire route can be viewed at www.london2012.com/olympictorchrelaymap

Nantwich Town Council to take on major assets from Cheshire East

2011-11-10T00:24:00.001Z

Cheshire East Council is delighted to announce the first major transfer of assets in the Borough.

As part of the local service delivery project, Nantwich Town Council has agreed to take on the town’s Civic Hall and the indoor and outdoor markets from April 2012.

Town councillors also voted to take charge of the public toilets in the market, on the Barony Park and on Snow Hill car park. Allotment sites are also being passed to the town council.

Both Cheshire East and Nantwich Town councils are delighted with the move – which is in keeping with the Government’s localism agenda.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “Cheshire East is delighted that Nantwich Town Council has acted so positively and has agreed to take on these important services.

“We are working very closely with the town council to progress the transfers and to ensure that the services continue to run smoothly.

“The maintenance and running of these facilities will be in the hands of local people, who are best placed to decide how local services should be managed.”

Cheshire East aims to build strong communities with all forms of government working together, reducing duplication and working in partnership to make a difference.

Nantwich town councillor David Marren, leader of the town plan and partnership committee, said: “This is an exciting opportunity for Nantwich and I am very pleased that the town council’s decision was unanimous and enthusiastic.

“This decision provides certainty that these important local services will continue and be protected and provided for the benefit of the people of Nantwich.

“I very much applaud Cheshire East’s programme of transferring assets and devolving services to local communities – it is far sighted.

“Although the cost of the services will transfer from Cheshire East to the town council I believe that we will be able to operate these services more efficiently because we have lower management and support costs.

“It is good for democracy as local councillors will now be in a position to shape services to meet our particular local needs. This is a good day for Nantwich.”

Cheshire East has already successfully transferred the public toilets in Audlem to local control. This was the first official transfer as part of the local service delivery project but Nantwich is the first town to take on major public buildings.

Meanwhile, Cheshire East Council will be consulting with the current users of The Gables, including the Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB) and Gables Luncheon Club, to determine the best solution for its future use.

The Council believes it is important to gain their feedback, and also that of the people of Nantwich, in deciding the next steps for the building.

The town council has also expressed its desire to take control of their offices in Brookfield Hall, although this is subject to a separate portfolio decision.

Ends.

Pioneering website for people with dementia is a year old

2011-11-10T00:23:00.001Z

Creators of a scheme to support people with dementia and their carers are celebrating a successful first year.

For the past 12 months, DemenShare.com has enabled people with dementia and their carers to come together online to discuss the ways in which dementia affects their lives.

The site was launched by Cheshire East Council, along with Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT, Age UK Cheshire and web developer Opportunity Links.

Operating in a similar way to Facebook, the pioneering website offers users the opportunity to share experiences and find out more about the support and services available.

And a year down the line, users, who are encouraged to ‘brew up, sit down, log in’, have been able to interact with and advise each other.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “Many DemenShare users prefer to remain anonymous and create their own usernames but we know there are success stories.

“We have seen examples of users asking for help, whether it be a relative with an eating problem or someone simply suspecting a family member has the condition. And thanks to the advice of fellow users and site managers, these problems have been addressed.

“I am delighted that this website has been a useful platform for users and I hope they can continue to find it a place where they can let off steam and share experiences.”

There are currently 360 registered users, and the past year has seen more than 6,000 visits and more than 3,900 unique visitors.

DemenShare has even attracted attention on the world stage. It was shortlisted for an International Dementia Excellence Award last year in the ‘Design Innovation’ category.

The panel was overwhelmed by the large number of excellent submissions from around the world, so being shortlisted was a real accolade.

There has been significant interest in DemenShare from other local authorities and its founders are now jointly exploring funding streams and ways of developing and extending this model of support so that many new communities can also benefit from DemenShare.

The website’s community resource manager, Diane Christopherson, of Age UK Cheshire, whose role is to signpost people to the help they need on the website, will be available at the following events to speak to existing and prospective users:

· Wednesday, November 9 (10am – 7pm) – Independent Living Exhibition at Tenants Hall, Tatton Park, Knutsford

· Wednesday, November 16 (9.30am – 2pm) – Age UK Cheshire Health and Wellbeing Open Day at the Oakley Centre, Crewe

· Wednesday, November 23 (Time TBC) – Nantwich Health Centre, off Beam Street.

Testimonials

“Having five elderly relatives ranging from 73 to 90, it is most reassuring to know that such a wealth of support is literally at our fingertips should we need it. Thank you.”

“Hi. I care for my mum, have done for four years now and I love her to bits and never want to put her in a home. I find some days really hard with her but we have lots of laughs in a day. I hope this forum takes off as sometimes it is nice to be able to read other people’s problems they are having and it makes yours seem like nothing. I look forward to catching up here each day. Have a good day today xxx”

“Hi. My name is Linda. I got this site from my doctor, very useful, very needed!”

Help Needed

2011-11-02T00:49:00.001Z

From

Cllr. Brian Silvester

Willaston and Rope Ward

Willaston Pre-School Group, which has been successfully caring for children for 25 years, will be forced to close if it is unable to find a Chairman. The pre-school, which runs sessions from St. John’s Church Hall in Willaston, is a registered charity run by a voluntary committee but without enough people to dedicate some time to the school, it will be forced to close, especially if it fails to recruit a Chairman.

This will be a terrible thing for a much-loved pre-school which has provided childcare to children from Willaston, Hough, Weston, Shavington, Stapeley, Wistaston and Wybunbury since 1985.

Comments from parents this July 2011 include “…lovely environment and staff”; “I can’t tell you how great it is…knowing that he’s receiving genuine care and lots of stimulation in a wonderful atmosphere”; “I’m so pleased at the way he settled in from the start. He has come on so much in his development.”The pre-school is Ofsted registered (unique reference number 305438) for up to 24 children per session. At its last inspection it was rated as ‘Good’ in all areas.

I appeal to local residents to come forward to offer to help, even if it is only for a few hours a week. It would be a great loss to our community if it had to close. It is very important for our young children to have a the best possible start in life and be able to enter Primary School able to participate fully in their new classes.

Awards

I am delighted that Willaston has recently won three awards.

In the 'Small Town' category of the North West Britain in Bloom competition Willaston was successful again and was presented with the Silver award.

Also Willaston has received two awards in this year's Cheshire Community Pride Competition, organised by Cheshire Community Action, which was entered last March by Willaston Community Opportunities Group – COG. Willaston was a joint winner, with Willaston Reach magazine, of the award for the Best
Community Newsletter. The Christmas edition of the magazine had been funded by the Parish Plan Implementation Grant. Willaston also received Highly Commended for Community Spirit which is awarded to the most active communities with a population of under 5000. A group of fourteen enthusiastic residents had met Judges in July to talk of their involvement in many aspects of Village life. This was an exciting result in a first attempt for many years and in the face of stiff competition.

There is a wonderful community spirit in Willaston and these awards are fully justified. I pay tribute to all those many volunteers and the Parish Council who ensure that a wide range of local groups flourish and make the village such an excellent, beautiful and friendly place to live.

This year I presented a cheque for £440 to Willaston in Bloom from the money I raised at a celebration at the Willaston Social Club of my 35 years as a Councillor. I am pleased that I have been able to help in a small way in the continuing success of Willastom in Bloom. The money was raised in memory of Mike Heywood, the former Chairman of the Parish Council. I am sure he would be delighted with the recent successes of the village he loved.

STATEMENT FROM LEADER OF CHESHIRE EAST COUNCIL, COUNCILLOR WESLEY FITZGERALD

2011-11-02T00:47:00.001Z

The Leader of Cheshire East Council today warned of difficult times ahead with some hard decisions to be made.

Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald said: “In line with local authorities up and down the country we are facing a period of harsh austerity. The severity of the economic problems at an international and national level is now beginning to manifest itself in Cheshire East.

“This week the Cabinet reviewed the half-year situation which shows a worse case overspend of £16.2million. We have already made £17.8million savings, but we need to make even more.

“Our Government formula funding grant meant that we started the financial year with £11.8million less than the year before. We received £70million while Cheshire West received £96.6million.

“Cheshire East has a healthy economy but of the business rates we collect, we receive back only 44%. The wealth we generate is in fact being used to bolster other areas which are not as robust as ours.

“I am personally lobbying the Government to address some of these issues. However, we are now at a point where we must make some very hard decisions, some of which will not be popular.

“A recruitment freeze has been implemented and we have reviewed the terms and conditions of all of our employees. Mileage rates have been reduced for both officers and elected members. In addition, we are reviewing all grants and commissioning activities.

“We will need to reduce the subsidy on all our fees and charges and this will not be received well. We know this and regret it, but we have no choice. The soaring increases in energy costs that we have all felt in our own homes causes a massive budgetary challenge in our leisure centres and all public buildings. These are currently subsidised by the Council.

“We take pride in our education provision and our social care for children. However, the number of children in care has continued to rise and the money for their care has to come from somewhere.

“In Cheshire East we have comparatively more older people. They in turn are living longer and bring financial challenges at a time when we can ill afford it. We cannot abrogate our duty to either of these groups of vulnerable people so we must make savings elsewhere.

“It is a very difficult time for everyone with unpopular decisions that will impact on others. It is a time of growing austerity for us all and while some decisions may be unpopular, the abiding objective is that we get through this difficult period making the best of our reducing resources, while maintaining reliable services.”

Council Tax scam warning from Cheshire East

2011-11-02T00:46:00.001Z

Cheshire East Council is warning residents to be aware of Council Tax scams believed to be circulating the Borough.

The authority has received calls from worried people reporting they have been contacted by someone claiming to work for ‘the Council Tax section’.

They were told they were entitled to a refund of their Council Tax as their banding was incorrect and had been for a number of years. They were then asked to give their bank details in order to receive the refund.

A second scam was reported, with a resident claiming they had received a phone call from ‘British Council Tax’, advising that they were due a refund for overpayment of benefit.

They then asked for bank details to pay a refund into and gave a phone number of 020 3026 5276.

It has also been reported that residents have been contacted by letter and phone from an external company offering to appeal against the banding of their property. They say that, if successful, they will charge up to 30% of the refund the person is entitled to.

Cheshire East would like to remind people that it does not work with these companies and that appeals against a person’s Council Tax banding can be made at no charge.

Councillor Michael Jones, Cabinet member with responsibility for resources, said: “I urge the people of Cheshire East not to play into these companies’ hands. Never give out personal or bank details to these callers.

“Our Council Tax advisors will never ask for bank details over the telephone for refunds and any overpayment would be either paid into a bank account automatically (if paid by direct debit) or as a cheque.”

Anybody who has any concerns should contact the Council on 0300 123 5013 or visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

Council offers key advice over Housing Benefit changes

2011-11-02T00:45:00.001Z

Cheshire East Council is pulling out the stops to help advise people affected by the Government’s welfare reforms.

As a result of changes due to come into effect in the New Year, letters are now being sent to all tenants under 35 – inviting them to an interview to discuss how they are affected by new restrictions on eligible rent for Housing Benefit for shared accommodation.

About 300 customers will be affected across Cheshire East and individual benefit payments could decrease by as much as £50 a week.

Those affected are being invited to make an appointment to review their cases and discuss options with an officer from the Council’s housing benefits section and housing department. The reforms come into effect from January 1, 2012.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “Our intention is to ensure that everyone gets a fair result from the changes being introduced.

“Housing Benefit expenditure, nationally, has ballooned in the past 10 years, from £11 billion in 1999/2000 to £20bn in 2009/10, in cash terms.

“Within this total, expenditure on working age recipients has increased from £7bn to over £14bn. Without reform, total expenditure is forecast to reach £25bn by 2015/16, a further rise of 24 per cent. This is unsustainable in any economic climate – but the need to tackle the record deficit makes reform even more pressing.

“The new reforms will provide a fairer and more sustainable Housing Benefit scheme by taking steps to ensure that people on benefit are not living in accommodation that would be out of the reach of most people in work – thus creating a fairer system for low-income working families and for the taxpayer.

“The reforms will help ensure that resources are focused towards those most in need and will also begin to address poor incentives to work inherent in the current system

“The interviews are designed to best guide customers in their particular circumstances and ensure they get the most appropriate advice. We want to ensure that everyone affected knows what their options are and what help is available to them. Our intention is to ensure that everyone affected gets the benefits to which they are entitled.”

The advice interviews will be held at council offices in Crewe, Macclesfield and Sandbach over a period of about three weeks, starting from November 7.

Anyone who receives the letter should ring the Benefits section on 0300 1235013.

Cheshire East applies to move staff into former Cledford Infant School

2011-11-02T00:44:00.001Z

Cheshire East Council is proposing to use the vacant former Cledford Infant School building in Middlewich as a base to assist vulnerable children and young people.

The authority has today (Monday, October 31) submitted a planning application to re-open the Long Lane South building as a base for a number of its social care teams and as a key location for delivering services.

It follows an extensive evaluation process which explored a number of options and Cheshire East found the most cost-effective and efficient option would be to relocate up to 60 of its children and families staff into one centrally-located building.

Two public ‘drop-in’ sessions on the application will take place on November 8 and 9 at Cledford Junior School between 4pm and 7.30pm. Residents will be able to view the plans and discuss with council officers. The public can attend at anytime during the sessions.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and family services, said: “The buildings at the former infant school have been vacant for some time, following its amalgamation with Cledford Junior School.

“The Council has long been considering the best future use for the site. If the application is successful, it will produce a number of benefits and encourage more effective working across the newly-formed children, families and adults department.

“The service has had a number of specific and pressing accommodation requirements for some time and the refurbishment and improvement of the Cledford building is an ideal solution for the Council.”

A part of the building would be used for administrative purposes and as an office base for staff. It would also provide rooms for the Council’s children and families ‘cared for’ professionals to individually assess and provide therapy for some children with particular needs.

If approved, Cheshire East intends to grant permission for the school to use the playing fields and be able to use the existing mobile classroom, which is next to the main building. These would be securely fenced off from the refurbished office building.

It is proposed to move staff into the building in June 2012. The application does not seek to radically change the overall appearance of the building but to refurbish the interior.

Councillor Michael Parsons, ward member for Middlewich, said: “I am pleased that the buildings are the subject of a planning application for use by Council staff and provides a more appropriate use of a community asset.”

Cledford Junior and Infant schools, both situated on the same site, merged in January 2008 as part of an education review called Transforming Learning Communities (TLC), which was undertaken by the former Cheshire County Council.

Further information, including a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document and architect’s visuals, are available at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/children

Protest

2011-10-30T23:58:00.001Z

A protest was held outside the MP,s office on Saturday about the new houses proposed were the Cross keys is at present. The development which includes new houses pub and play area got the go ahead from the planning committee but protest claim they weren't listened to at the meeting. They were offered the opportunity to present there case here but they haven't bother to do so

Cheshire East launches SwimShare scheme for people with dementia

2011-10-29T00:33:00.001+01:00

A pioneering programme which offers exclusive swimming sessions for people with dementia and their carers is being launched.

SwimShare, funded by the Council’s health improvement team and the Alzheimer’s Society, is designed to improve access to swimming for people with dementia in Cheshire East.

Sessions will run weekly over six weeks, which is hoped will help to reduce anxieties and fears and to increase confidence – making swimming more enjoyable.

The Council has begun accepting customers onto the programme, but is keen to see more people sign up.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “I am delighted that this initiative has come to fruition and I believe it will prove beneficial to all those who take part in it.

“Swimming can have a calming effect on a person with dementia and can help the person feel good about themselves. Taking part in regular exercise like swimming helps increase the blood flow to the brain.

“This is just one way in which the Council helps to improve life opportunities and health.”

SwimShare acts as an introduction to swimming, providing the platform for customers to continue attending mainstream adult swimming sessions once the programme has finished.

A dedicated tutor, with the knowledge and understanding of dementia and skills to engage and work with people with dementia, will be on hand at each session.

The programme will be available at four swimming pools across Cheshire East during the next 12 months, starting Crewe pool, in Flag Lane, starting on Thursday, November 3 from 3-4pm.

SwimShare begins at Macclesfield Leisure Centre’s pool on Friday, November 4 between 9.30am and 10am. Sessions in Wilmslow and Congleton will begin next February.

To be eligible to attend the programme a person must be diagnosed with dementia and be able to swim. The programme is free of charge and people can attend all six sessions, pre-registration is required due to limited places.

To register, please contact Donna Williamson on 01270 685794 or donna.williamson@cheshireeast.gov.uk

MP’s news

2011-10-29T00:31:00.001+01:00

Friday 28, October 2011

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my 100th electronic news bulletin.

It is timely that the centenary of my ebulletin comes at the end of a momentus week for me and for the Crewe and Nantwich constituency in Parliament.

During Wednesday's Prime Minister's Questions I asked David Cameron to join me "in praising all the adopters and foster carers in Crewe and Nantwich and elsewhere for the fantastic work they do and encourage others to come forward to foster and adopt and to recognise during national care leavers week that we can do much more to provide care leavers with the sustained and enduring support that they often need and always deserve?”

The Prime Minister responded “I completely agree with my hon. Friend. He speaks from great experience, as his parents have helped to foster around 90 children over the past few decades, which I think is a magnificent example. As I said in my party conference speech, we really need to attack every aspect of this issue. It is a national scandal that there are 3,660 children under the age of one in the care system, but last year only 60 were adopted. We have got to do a lot better. Part of it is about bureaucracy and part of it is about culture, but a lot of it is about encouraging good foster parents and adoptive parents to come forward and giving them security in the knowledge that the process will not be as bad as it is now. Thorough-going reform is required. My hon. Friend the Minister with responsibility for children is leading this work and I am confident that we can make some real breakthroughs in this area.”

This came on the day of the 2011 launch of National Care Leavers' Week 'A Day in My Shoes' which invites all professionals and services who come into contact with care leavers to take time to reflect on the lives that care leavers live and the barriers they have to overcome. Events are taking place throughout the UK between 26th October and 1st November 2011 and young care leavers will be giving unique insights into their experiences through different media. The first event in the series, a meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Looked-After Children and Care Leavers, was hosted and chaired by myself in Parliament where a panel of expert practioners and beneficiaries of care answered questions from over one hundred and fifty guests.

The second APPG which I Chair, that for Adoption and Fostering, is equally relevant to my question to the Prime Minister as next week is National Adoption Week which runs from 31st October to 6th November. It is with great pleasure that I can combine two issues that are so close to my heart and help them by bringing them to the attention of so many more people.

This week, aside from questioning the Prime Minister, I also put questions to the Minister of State for Pensions, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where I raised the bravery of our local 1st Battalion the Merican Regiment, and participated in a debate on the effect of the BBC's service review on local radio in Cheshire. More on these can be read here.

The number of subscribers to my ebulletin has grown exponentially since it began and I look forward to bringing you more news of my involvements in Westminster as well as Crewe and Nantwich over the ebulletins to come.

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

I have recently ...

Asked the Prime Minister to join me in praising all the adopters and foster carers in Crewe and Nantwich and elsewhere for the fantastic work they do and encourage others to come forward to foster and adopt and to recognise during national care leavers week that we can do much more to provide care leavers with the sustained and enduring support that they often need and always deserve. More here
Asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, the Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP, what provisions are being made for foster carers under the new housing benefit rules. More here
Asked the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Alistair Burt MP, about increasing co-operation and building peace in the Middle East and raised the bravery of our local 1st Battalion the Merican Regiment. More here
Participated in the debate on BBC Local Radio raising my concerns about the impact of the recent BBC service review on radio in Cheshire. More here
Hosted the group on Looked-After Children and Care Leavers in Parliament at the beginning of National Care Leavers Week

This weekend I will be...

Attending a perfomance by the Nantwich Players of 'Don't Dress for Dinner' at the Nantwich Players Theatre
Attending a local ABF Soldiers Charity Dinner in Nantwich

Photos & Video ...

Edward supporting the Seahorse Swimming Club sponsored swim raising funds for a wheelchair for Nathan Hill

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

Petitions

To sign Edward's Welfare Petition click here

To Sign Edward's Immigration Petition click here

Community News

Support the Looking After the Homeless Group

Edward Timpson MP fights for Crewe rail jobs

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian

LOCAL MP Edward Timpson met with representatives of Bombardier in Crewe in Parliament last week to discuss the current situation facing the company.

Mr Timpson accepted and then delivered almost 900 signed postcards to the Secretary of State for Transport calling for the decision toward the Thameslink contract to Siemens be reversed.

In supporting the work of Bombardier in Crewe Mr Timpson said: "I have made my views very clear both in the House of Commons and elsewhere that this is the wrong decision for the UK rail manufacturing sector and have questioned the Secretary of State personally on the possibility of revisiting the matter.

"I have also called for a change in the way the UK interprets EU procurement rules so that in this country, as happens in France, Italy, Germany and many other parts of Europe, UK based businesses such as Bombardier can bid on a genuinely even playing field.

“It is no coincidence that the Italian police drive around in Fiats.

"I will continue to work closely with Bombardier at all levels to help raise awareness of their well established and much needed engineering experience and expertise in the UK and to help bring other opportunities to their Crewe site."

Mick Roberts, the Crewe site's union representative, said: "We highlighted the government's decision to export the Thameslink order was wrong and that as a result the future of UK train building industry is now under threat.

"Mr Timpson advised us he has been critical of the decision not to build the Thameslink trains in the UK and has worked with Bombardier to this end.

"We urged Mr Timpson to step up his protest for Thameslink trains to be built in the UK.

"We also discussed the failings in the procurement process for rail and the need to ensure that changes are made that ensure the fullest support for the domestic based bid is provided."

Edward Timpson MP helps Crewe charity

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian

CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson met with representatives of the Crewe Parkinson’s charity last week to deliver a cheque for the money he raised by running the London Marathon.

Mr Timpson raised £1,111 for the charity through sponsorship for running the marathon in April.

The Crewe branch of Parkinson’s UK offers information, friendship and support to local people with Parkinson's, their families and carers.

They also organise regular events and social activities from St Michael's Church Hall on Ford Lane in Crewe, as well as holding a support group in Winsford.

Mr Timpson said: “Running marathons is a great way of raising money for local charities, not only are they a good way of getting fit but they also help people and draw people’s attention to a cause.

"The challenge of running 26.2 miles seems slightly easier knowing that every step goes towards a good cause.

“It was a pleasure to pound the streets of London for Crewe Parkinson’s knowing that the money I raised is going towards helping those suffering from Parkinson’s in Crewe and Nantwich.”

Michael Kinsey, chairman of the charity’s local branch, said: “Our work is totally dependent on donations, and we have been thrilled that Edward Timpson chose our branch to benefit from his amazing efforts in the London Marathon.

“Vital funds raised for research by Parkinson’s UK means we can continue work to find a cure and improve the quality of life for people affected by Parkinson’s.

“Being involved with the branch has really helped a number of people in the area, not least by providing the opportunity to speak to people in a similar situation.”

For more details on the charity visit www.crewe-parkinsons.org or call 01270 560680.

Mr Timpson will be running next year’s marathon for local charity CLIMB (Children Living with Inherited Metabolic Diseases), of which his wife Julia is a patron.

MP Edward Timpson challenges Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg over residents rights regarding planned Gypsy site in Crewe

Crewe Chronicle
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has quizzed Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg over the rights of residents as the fight against the proposed Coppenhall Gypsy site moved to Westminster.

The Conservative MP demanded to know how the Government will ensure “the views of residents are heard loud and clear when local authorities seek planning permission for Gypsy and Traveller sites”.

Mr Clegg said the Localism Bill gives ‘a raft of new rights’ for communities to make their views known on planning matters.

Mr Timpson challenged the Deputy PM just days before attending Saturday’s public meeting organised by the action group Crewe Against Traveller sites.

Cllrs Derek Bebbington and Peggy Martin also addressed the meeting in a field at the White Lion near Warmingham and attended by more than 250 people.

They heard from group chairman Glen Perris that more than £2,000 has been raised to start a fighting fund to stop the proposals for a 12-pitch permanent site.

Cheshire East Council is seeking planning consent for the site to house 24 trailers and vehicles together with an amenity block with washrooms and kitchen.

Mr Perris said he’d been in touch with a solicitor in Kent who had persuaded a council to abandon proposals to build a permanent site near people’s homes.

Mr Timpson has already met Cheshire East leader Wesley Fitzgerald to express the strong concerns of residents.

Mr Timpson said: “The sheer numbers of people who gave up their Saturday afternoon to attend demonstrates the strength of feeling on this issue.

“I felt it was important that I attend to explain how I can support them and to answer any questions they had at a time of great uncertainty and concern.”

See pages 8 & 9 for more on the controversy and pages 16 & 17 for views.

Foster film makes Crewe debut

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian
A FILM designed to inspire future foster carers and adoptive parents to step forward is making its debut in Crewe this week.

The 20 minute film, commissioned by Cheshire East Council, recounts the moving experiences of individuals and couples who have opened up their homes to young people in need.

MP for Crewe and Nantwich Edward Timpson will be a special guest at the event next month, when he will talk candidly about how his own parents became foster carers when he was just a child.

Other VIP guests will include chief executive of Cheshire East Council Erika Wenzel, Mayor of Cheshire East Councillor Roger West, Councillor Hilda Gaddum, regional director of British Association for Adoption and Fostering Erika Amende and regional director of Fostering Network Helen Clarke.

Councillor Gaddum said: “Many young people in local authority care are in desperate need of a good home.

“Adults who can provide either a foster carer home or a permanent adoptive home are in short supply.

“If you think you can offer stability, love and fun to a young person, I would urge you to get in touch with us.

“Fostering is often a temporary arrangement and many children and young people return to their own families.

“It can be done on a full or part-time basis and ranges from short-break care to a few months or even a long-term basis.

“Adoption is a permanent arrangement, whereby a court transfers all powers of parental responsibility to the individual or couple.

“Becoming an adoptive parent or a foster carer is not a decision to be taken lightly - but the rewards can be immense.”

Latest figures for Cheshire East show there are 456 foster children. Of those, 231 are with foster carers and the remainder are under local authority care in a range of settings.

The film will be screened at the Reel Cinema, Phoenix Leisure Park, Crewe on Wednesday October 5 at 11am.

Cash pledged to block plans for gypsy camp

The Sentinel

THOUSANDS of pounds have been pledged in only a week for a community to pay for professional help to block plans to open a gypsy camp.

More than £2,000 has been collected to start off a fighting fund to stop the proposals for a 12-pitch permanent site in picturesque countryside on the outskirts of Crewe.

And a protest meeting attended by nearly 400 people at the weekend heard how a legal expert with a track record of defeating similar schemes in the south of England had already been approached.

Cash will also be raised by collecting old clothing for recycling and through personal donations.

The row is over a Cheshire East Council planning application for the plot off Parkers Road and Kent Lane in Coppenhall to house 24 trailers, 24 vehicles and an amenity block with washrooms, a kitchen, dayroom and laundry.

But the protesters, who met in a field at the White Lion pub yards from the site on Saturday, were warned by campaign leaders to dig in for a long struggle.

Describing how any approval could be contested by a judicial review even before the council went out to public consultation, Crewe MP Edward Timpson said: "You need to be in this for the long game.

"This is the biggest public meeting I have seen in my constituency and the strength of feeling is such that we must get as much support at every level.

"Travellers have rights, but so do residents and we have to keep pressure up to make sure we have the best chance of succeeding."

He revealed a formal planning application was likely to be submitted next month with objections allowed until February when a decision is expected.

An approval could be then reviewed by a high court judge under a procedure which would be costly for the fighting fund.

Glen Paris, chairman of the week-old Campaign Against Traveller Sites, said he had been in contact with a solicitor in Kent who had already persuaded a council to scrap proposals to build a permanent site near people's homes.

He said: "It is vital we stick together as we fight this on a number of grounds such as location, lack of infrastructure, the creation of an accident blackspot on the main road and not enough capacity in local schools."

Hearing that 11 alternative sites in East Cheshire had been turned down by the council as a possible location in favour of Coppenhall, audience member Kenneth Powell said to applause: "Every reason they have given for not taking it to those places applies here too – right down to the newts we have in the field."

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

Trick or treat

2011-10-29T00:30:00.001+01:00

It is drawing closer to the time of your for to start receiving "trick or treaters" at your homes. Cheshire Police are dedicated to tackling calls on anti-social behaviour, we are receiving fewer calls in relation to these types of incidents.
Our assistant Chief Constable Janette McCormick has said:

"Anti-social behaviour is unacceptable whatever the time of year however the Halloween period does historically produce an increase in the number of calls we take relating to anti-social behaviour. Therefore our message is clear - parents be aware of what your children are up to on Halloween. Accompany children trick or treating rather than letting them go on their own to make sure they are safe and not being a nuisance to others.

Additionally we want to remind shop owners about selling large quantities of eggs and flour to youngsters, as they may be used in appropriately to cause mischief.

We don’t want to stop people having a good time - enjoy yourself be responsible and remember not everyone wants to participate."

To help you deal with unwanted trick or treaters Cheshire police have produced flyers displaying on each side yes or no to trick or treaters. If someone has displayed no in their window we are asking that there wishes are respected. The flyers are available from the Cheshire Police website for you to download and print or they are being distributed across the Police Stations for you to collect from the helpdesks.