Local business celebrates 17th birthday

North West based, family owned and run Swansway Motor Group has now reached the ripe old age of 17! That means that if Swansway were to be a human being, they could hop in one of their many cars and start to learn how to drive!

David Smyth, director of Swansway, commented, “It’s strange, just like when you have children and you wonder how they ever got to be the age they are, as time has a habit of sneaking up on you when you’re not looking!”

Swansway, whose head office is based in Crewe, opened 17 years ago with only five car dealerships to its name and has grown to 23 dealerships representing many different car brands including Audi, Volkswagen, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, SEAT, Peugeot, Honda, Jaguar and Land Rover as well its own multi-franchise used car division, Motor Match!

David Smyth continued “A huge thank you to everyone who has helped us to reach our 17th year of business. Swansway is a family business with a real family feel and I know this is reflected in the service we give our customers.”

Swansway Group now employs over 1,000 people, operates ten franchises and a non-franchise division, across 23 retailers, from Birmingham in the Midlands to Carlisle in the North  https://www.swanswaygarages.com/

Covid-19: Only get a test if you have symptoms of the virus

Residents and businesses across Cheshire and Merseyside are being urged to only get a Covid-19 test if they have symptoms of the virus.

There has been a huge increase in the number of people seeking a test for coronavirus, partly due to the return of schools and the testing of international travellers. This has put a strain on the laboratories which process the tests.

On top of this, the number of people who do not have symptoms, being tested has also increased; meaning that some people who are symptomatic cannot access a test when they need it.

The delivery of testing sites across Cheshire and Merseyside has been highly successful, however, the sheer number of people now being tested, who often do not have symptoms, has led to laboratories being temporarily overwhelmed across the country.

This situation has seen booking restrictions placed on some of the testing sites in Cheshire East while laboratories cope with such high demand.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is in the process of delivering a huge increase in laboratory capacity. But while this work continues people are asked to only seek a test if they have symptoms and only to attend a testing site if they have an appointment.

Rod Thomson, public health consultant for Cheshire East Council said: “A vast amount of work has gone into delivering the testing infrastructure we need across Cheshire East. There are, regional, local, satellite and mobile testing sites available for our residents and workers across Cheshire and Merseyside.

“The increase in people using those sites in the last few weeks has, however, meant that laboratories need even greater capacity to cope with the demand. Many of the people now seeking tests do not have symptoms of Covid-19 and it is those people we are asking to wait a little longer while the capacity in laboratories is developed nationally.

“It is essential for people who do have symptoms or have been asked by Test and Trace or healthcare professional to get a test, to come forward.

“Testing people with symptoms will help us stop the spread of the virus. As we manage this period of high demand, it is especially important that if individuals don’t have symptoms and have not specifically been advised to take a test, to stay away for now. We are asking people to do this as they could be taking a test away from someone who really needs it at this time.”

Key workers, frontline health and care staff and those in an outbreak area, will continue to be tested whether they have symptoms or not. Areas with outbreaks will also not see booking restrictions placed on mobile testing units to enable local management of the situation.

If you have Covid-19 symptoms; a high temperature, a new, continuous cough and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste, you can book an appointment at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119.

Nantwich Museum and Macclesfield Silk Museum set to reopen

After almost six months closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Nantwich Museum and Macclesfield’s Silk Museum will reopen to the public this week.

The Macclesfield’s Silk Museum, on Park Lane, will reopen on Thursday 17 September. It will open Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-4pm (last admission 3pm) for visitors who have pre-booked a free ticket online via https://macclesfield-museums.arttickets.org.uk/ or macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk.

Six visitors will be able to visit at a time, in hourly slots. The Silk Museum asks people to give what they can on admission, with all donations supporting their work with children and families.

Both museums have received generous emergency funding to support the reopening and the development of its work from National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England and Cheshire East Council.

Nantwich Museum will reopen on Friday 18 September and will also be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 10am–4.30pm for visitors who have pre-booked tickets. To do this, visit www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk

Throughout the closures, staff worked from home to continue to bring the museums to residents through online means and created home-schooling content, that many parents found useful during the full lockdown situation.

The closures also gave staff the opportunity to undertake housekeeping tasks and develop new displays, ready to inspire visitors.

The planning and preparation of the reopening of both venues has been in accordance with Covid-19 measures to give protection to visitors, staff and volunteers. The changes made will make visits as safe as they can be.

Nantwich Museum visitors will have an opportunity to visit the temporary exhibition in the Millennium Gallery, ‘Personal Voices’ by the Breakaway Textile Group, which will remain in place until the end of the year.

Museum Manager, Kate Dobson said: “I am extremely grateful to all those volunteers, who have been only too keen to enable the museum to reopen as soon as possible despite what will inevitably be challenging conditions.”

Visitors must book their visit by telephoning the museum on 01270 627104, when they will also be advised of any specific requirements.

Macclesfield Silk Museum visitors will find that the famous Ancient Egyptian collection will be on display once again. Find out about the lives of these fascinating people through the artefacts and inscriptions they left behind as you explore the oldest objects in the museum.

Learn about the connection between silk and Egypt through the lives of Marianne Brocklehurst and Mary Booth, the two Victorian explorers who gave their collection of Ancient Egyptian artefacts to Macclesfield.

John Varney, Chair of the Silk Heritage Trust, said: “We’re very much looking forward to welcoming back visitors to the Silk Museum and sharing our new stories and displays in the Red Room – as well as our incredibly popular Ancient Egyptian artefacts.

“The safety of our visitors and staff is our top priority, which is why we’ve decided to only allow small numbers in the museum every hour. However, we believe that this will give visitors a fantastic chance to really immerse themselves in our wonderful collection.”

To book a ticket and for more information, go to www.macclesfieldmuseums.co.uk  or if you aren’t able to book online, call 01625 612045.

Information and reminders about events at both museums will feature on Cheshire East Council’s social media pages. Please follow @CheshireEastCouncil on Facebook and @CheshireEast on Twitter to keep up-to-date.

Carbon neutral action plan shortlisted for national award

Cheshire East Council’s action plan to be carbon neutral by 2025 has been shortlisted for a national environment and sustainability award.

In May last year, elected members committed to Cheshire East becoming carbon neutral by 2025 and to influencing carbon emission reduction across the borough.

The action plan focusses not only on how the 2025 target will be achieved, but also on how the council will encourage all businesses, residents and organisations to reduce emissions.

The Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA) sustainability impact awards ceremony will take place virtually this Friday (18 September). It showcases individuals and organisations making the transformational changes needed to tackle the climate and environmental emergency.

Councillor Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: “Being shortlisted for this award is a huge credit to the team that has developed our carbon neutral action plan, which was approved by our cabinet earlier this year. 

“I’m proud of the work that has gone into the plan, which clearly sets out how we will build on our carbon reduction work to date, in order to reach our ambitious carbon neutral target by 2025. The plan will help to ensure that we all continue to work together to make a real impact on the future sustainability of the borough.

“Being shortlisted for this national award is a real testament to the amount of work that the team has put into developing a campaign that delivers exceptional environmental and sustainability outcomes.”

IEMA is the professional body for everyone working in environment sustainability and the sustainability impact awards recognise best practice and success in the industry.

To view Cheshire East’s carbon neutral action plan, visit the website.

Cheshire East Council thanks pupils, parents and staff for school attendance

Schools in Cheshire East have seen levels of attendance significantly higher than the England average, following the long Covid lockdown.

Early figures from the Department for Education show that, of the 113 Cheshire East schools that submitted a data return on Thursday 3 September, 100 were fully open – an open rate of 88.5 per cent - the national average being 71.5 per cent for that day. 

Attendance at these schools was 79.5 per cent, with the national average being 62.5 per cent. Where schools were fully open, the attendance rate was more than 92.9 per cent.

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, cabinet member for children and families, said: “I would like to thank Cheshire East’s pupils, parents, teachers and the many other staff who have made such a positive start ‘Back to School’. 

“It is early days yet, but initial indications are that the preparations that our schools have made, supported by the council, have put us in the best possible position to welcome children back, to continue their essential classroom-based education. 

“I firmly believe that for most children, school is the best place for them to learn. While tremendous efforts were made during lockdown to provide remote learning opportunities, for many this was no replacement for classroom working.

“We know that the lockdown and return to school has been a difficult and anxious time for some and we are offering a range of support to those who need help.

“We continue to work hard with our schools, colleges, early years and transport providers to make these first few days back into school as easy, safe and happy as possible for all Cheshire East pupils.”

Information and guidance for the wider opening of schools is available at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk.schools

Information about school transport can be found at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/schooltransport

Bike Theft Alert - Here Are Some Useful Tips To Keep Your Bike Safe - Crewe Police

Bike Theft Alert - Here Are Some Useful Tips To Keep Your Bike Safe - Crewe Police

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Good morning,
We have unfortunately been made aware of several bike thefts in Crewe and surrounding areas.
We'd like to offer some useful tips for you to keep your bike safe and secure.
1. Invest in a couple of good quality bike locks, 1 being a D-lock.
2. Cable locks for extra security.
3. Lock frame and both wheels to cycle parking stand.
4. A well lit area with CCTV.
5. Remove saddle.
6. Take the same care at home, bikes get taken from communal hallways, gardens & sheds.
7. Make your bike unique to you.
8. Remove valuable accessories.
9. Don’t leave your bike for a few minutes whilst you nip in the shop.
10. Don’t park in the same place every day.
Thank you for your time! We will be running some bike marking sessions in an area near you in the near future and will you keep you updated with the times and dates of these sessions on here and on our Facebook pages!
Your local Facebook and Twitter pages details can be found using the link below:-
https://www.cheshire.police.uk/
Once you have gone onto the link, scroll down and type in your area. There will then be an option to select 'local activity' , this will link you to the Twitter and Facebook posts! (You do not have to be signed up to see these.)
An example of these is - https://www.cheshire.police.uk/a/your-area/cheshire/cheshire-east/haslington/?tab=LocalActivity
For any further assistance, don't hesitate to drop us a reply and I will happily help!
Thank you for your time and we hope that you found this message useful.
Kind regards,
PCSO Lizzie Jolley 22582
Haslington Police
Cheshire Police

School Parking and Road Safety Haslington and Weston

School Parking and Road Safety Haslington and Weston

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Good morning,
I hope that you are well.
This message is for those who care for children in the Haslington and Weston area.
Back to school after what has been an usual past few months may be a relief for many of you, but for some the worry continues because of the road safety for their child.
This is where we can work together. We want everybody to feel safe and reassured that their child will be safe coming to and from school. Every parent and guardian has a responsibility to make this happen.
We apologise if this message seems like lots of 'do not's', however these are vital to keep our children and residents safe.
The Dingle Primary School -
- Clay Lane/The Dingle Road Junction - NOBODY must park where the grassed area is. This will put others at risk as it blocks the view of the junction. You WILL receive a ticket if you seen parking at this location.
- Cricket Club Parking - The Cricket Club kindly allows parents/guardians to park at this location, follow their guidance as to where to park based on information on school letters and signage.
- The ZIGZAG yellow lines must be obeyed. They are there for your child's safety and anyone seen parked on them will receive a ticket.
- Primrose Avenue Junction. Do NOT park within 10M of the junction and please show respect for local residents. Anyone obstructing a driveway has the risk of getting towed away.
Haslington Primary School -
- Do NOT park on the double yellow lines outside the school. They are there for your child's safety and Cheshire East Parking Enforcement will be working with us to monitor this area. Tickets will be given out if anyone is seen parked on these.
-Do NOT park on the corner of the One Stop/Fields Road as this makes it very dangerous for both residents, drivers and local school children.
- A red light means STOP. There were several reports of drivers going through red lights when children were crossing. Anyone seen driving in this dangerous way will be dealt with accordingly.
- Please park respectfully around the Pub and do not park in front of residents properties.
Weston Village Primary School -
- Do NOT park on the corner of East Avenue/Cemetery Road, Weston. Tickets will be issued to anyone causing obstruction of the junction.
-Do NOT park on the junction of Poppy Close/East Avenue.
- Do NOT park on Poppy Close and block local residents in their driveways.
We look forward to seeing safer roads for our children to come to and from school.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
PCSO Lizzie Jolley 22582
Haslington Police

Scam Alert - Tv Licensing

Scam Alert - Tv Licensing

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Good Morning,
We have received several reports of a Scam Email which is currently being circulated in the local area.
The email appears to be from TV Licensing and tries to convince you that your TV License has been suspended due to non payment.
This is a reminder that you should never put your payment details on an email no matter the payment amount. If there is ever any doubt that an email or phone call may be a scam, then do not reply or make sure you hang up immediately and contact the company via their official methods.
I hope you find this Alert useful.
Kind Regards
PCSO Tim Davey

Become a 12th man in your community

In England 13 people kill themselves every day, that’s one person every 90 minutes – the length of a football match.

World Suicide Prevention Day takes place on Thursday 10 September, and to promote this, Cheshire East Council is launching a new suicide prevention programme. 

A community interest company called The Outsiders are delivering the 12th Man campaign. The idea behind the 12^th Man is taken from a football team using its crowd of supporters as its 12^th person to their 11-player team. Supporters encourage and motivate their team to perform better and support them whether they’re moving up the league or risking relegation. The 12^th man supports their team through the best of times and the worst of times.

The campaign is about calling on individuals in the community to recognise when a friend, colleague or relative is struggling and to act as their 12th man by offering support and solidarity when they need it the most, just like football supporters do with their team. This will encourage men to share their emotions and not hide them, empowering them to talk about mental health more openly, more often, and without stigma or prejudice.

The campaign which will be implemented across Cheshire East, will help men develop the skills and tactics needed to support each other when they are struggling to cope and finding life difficult. Talking openly with each other will help to end the stigma that can currently be a barrier for men seeking help.

Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 50 and a leading cause of death in young men. In England, three out of every four suicides are men. Male suicide rates are significantly higher than female rates in almost every country across the globe.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cabinet member for public health and corporates services at Cheshire East Council, said: “Talking about our mental health and wellbeing is more important than ever.

“Programmes like the 12^th Man campaign can have a big impact in reducing the numbers of men who feel lonely or isolated and can also help to reduce the number who may think about or attempt to take their own life.”

Nick Little, founder of The Outsiders, said: “The 12th Man campaign aims to get men talking about mental health. We are excited to run the campaign in East Cheshire and we hope this will be the next step in our aim to establish the campaign in communities across the country.

“The key to our campaign is collaboration between local businesses and interest groups and we look forward to helping facilitate this in Crewe and Macclesfield.”

Free Bike Marking and Registration - Haslington - 12th of September 2020

Free Bike Marking and Registration - Haslington - 12th of September 2020

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Good afternoon,
I hope that you are well.
This Saturday the 12th of September 2020 at 17:30pm-19:30pm, there is a free bike marking event at The Village Green in Haslington.
We expect social distancing at the event.
Any children must know their address, phone number & email address. This event is for anyone who wishes to attend.
We will expect a line to be formed and it will be first come, first served. Anyone who is not fitted in on the day will be offered an alternative date.
Thank you for your time and we look forward to seeing you there!
Kind regards,
PCSO Lizzie Jolley 22582
Haslington Police

Shed and Garage Breaks

Shed and Garage Breaks

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During the last couple of months we have had an increase in shed and garage breaks, the incidents are occurring throughout the night. A number of bikes have been stolen and vehicles broken into, if you see something suspicious please report it on 101.
We know that these offenders are currently operating in this area, and are working hard to catch them. But we do not want local residents to fall prey to them, and so offer the advice within this email to offer some Crime prevention advice.
Outside Your Home
· Make thieves feel exposed when they approach the front of your property using low hedges or low fencing.
· Use garden lighting to deter trespassers.  Choose lights which come on automatically at dusk and stay on all night until dawn.  Low wattage bulbs can cost less than 1p per night in electricity.
· Growing a hedge made from a prickly bush or planting prickly bushes next to fences can deter trespassers from climbing over.
· Don’t leave tools and ladders lying around for burglars to use.
Your Neighbours
· Join a local Home Watch scheme (your local police officers will be able to tell you if there is a scheme nearby)
· When you are away let your neighbour have contact details for you (or someone who can act on your behalf) in case of emergencies
· And consider asking them to collect post or open & close curtains
Thank you
PCSO 20324 MEGGS

Warning Following Resurgence of Scam Phone Calls Purporting To Be from Microsoft

Warning Following Resurgence of Scam Phone Calls Purporting To Be from Microsoft

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Detectives are urging people to stay vigilant following several reports of scam phone calls purporting to be from Microsoft.
In Cheshire there have been several reports of residents receiving phone calls from fraudsters posing as workers from Microsoft.
The scammers claim to be computer security engineers and tell victims that their computers are at a security risk.
They then say that a security check needs to be performed and if the victim agrees, the scammers can then gain remote access to the computer.
This access allows fraudsters to obtain personal details about the victims including their bank account.
Detective Sergeant Chris Jacques, of the Economic Crime Unit, said: “This is a particularly heinous crime whereby scammers target the most vulnerable in society.
“This scam has seen a resurgence over the years but as time goes on, fraudsters can use more sophisticated techniques in order to persuade victims to hand over money or gain access to their computers.
“These fraudsters are often extremely convincing and pose as working for a reputable company as it gives them more credibility.
“We are doing all we can to tackle all types of fraud and I would urge anyone who believes that they have been a victim of this scam to please report it to Cheshire Constabulary and Action Fraud.”
Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, David Keane said: “Fraud not only leaves victims without their hard earned money, it also has a significant emotional impact.
“As Police and Crime Commissioner, I will continue to ensure that action is taken against scammers who are so heartlessly targeting the vulnerable in Cheshire.
“I would urge residents to follow the key advice and please continue to educate and inform elderly family members about these scams.”
Key advice:

• Computer firms such as Microsoft do not make unsolicited phone calls to help fix your computer or fix a security risk.
• Treat all unsolicited phone calls with scepticism and never give out any personal information.
• Computer companies will not ask for credit card information to validate copies of software or ask for ID such as a driving licence or passport.

Anyone who believes they have been contacted fraudulently or have been a victim of fraud should call Cheshire Police on 101 and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Information can also be reported online to https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/

Council celebrates opening of new special schools in Covid-19 crisis

Cheshire East Council has praised the teams behind the opening of two new special schools in Crewe as the autumn term starts after months of Covid restrictions.

The two schools, Axis Academy and Lavender Field School offer places for children and young people, aged four to 18 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), in particular those with social, emotional and mental health needs.

The need for more special schools was established as part of a structured programme to increase places for children and young people with SEND. The detailed plan, agreed in 2017, recognised that many pupils with SEND had very long journeys to and from school, with one in five travelling more than 45 minutes each way and many educated outside of the borough.

The last three years has seen considerable capital investment in Cheshire East schools to increase both the number of places for children and young people with SEND, but also to improve support and resources in mainstream schools.

The Axis Academy, run by the Youth Engagement Schools Trust, will open on Tuesday 1 September, initially to 32 students, increasing to 48 by 2022. The academy will focus on providing education to young people with mental health needs supporting all areas from personal wellbeing to academic success. Initially the school will be run from The Stables on Warmingham Road, Crewe before moving to its permanent location at Lodgefields Drive, Crewe in January.

Lavender Field School will accommodate up to 50 pupils from September 2020, with a potential expansion to 75, from September 2021. The school offers a personalised education, rooted in social, emotional and physical development.

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families said: “Like most councils, we have a growing need for school places for children and young people with special educational needs.

“I’d like to thank and praise all the teams working on the construction of both schools including our school projects team, the Youth Engagement Youth Trust and Lavender Fields. I know they have worked tirelessly to keep the projects on schedule, so they can open their doors and welcome students to the new term during these difficult times.

“I would also like to thank the Cheshire East Parent Carer Forum for their help and support in understanding the views of parents and carers, and enabling us to provide children and young people with the excellent education and support they deserve in a school close to family, friends and their communities.

Nic Brindle, chief executive officer of the Youth Engagement Schools Trust, said: “We are thrilled to open the Axis Academy to help support vulnerable children in the area and we are delighted to be able to start helping change children’s futures for the better.

“The Axis Academy offers a full broad academic curriculum taught by subject specialists allowing all students to find their passions and develop these leading to apprenticeships, college placements and A-levels.

“This is reinforced by a rounded and complete support network including mental health counselling, wellbeing support, and activities focussed on ensuring we have resilient lifelong learners.

“We are proud to be able to start helping change children’s futures for the better and we can’t wait to get started and share the successes of our first ever students as they successfully master their own education.”

Co-executive headteacher of Lavender Fields, Lucy Gibbs said: “We are extremely excited to be opening our doors to pupils in September and are honoured to have the opportunity to offer a life-changing experience to children and their families. Pupils will have a range of additional needs and enjoy an innovative, personalised and therapeutic education.”

More information on both schools can be found at www.theaxisacademy.org and www.lavenderfieldschool.co.uk

August 2020 Enewsletter - Firelink

August 2020 Enewsletter - Firelink

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

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Cheshire Fire Cadets determined to help Nepalese school children

A determined group of Cheshire Fire Cadets who raised over £50,000 before lockdown have vowed to continue their quest to secure enough money to finish building classrooms for village children in Nepal.
The team of 13 fire cadets and six leaders had spent nearly two years fundraising and were on track to make a trip out to Nepal this year to meet the schoolchildren using the classrooms, before it was unfortunately postponed due to coronavirus restrictions.
Firstly lockdown halted their fundraising activities and caused the price of the building to go up and then monsoons in the area hampered the construction progress.
Find out more - Cheshire Fire Cadets determined to help Nepalese school children

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Mum and dad-of-four end up in hospital following fire caused by charging e-cigarette

A couple from Crewe ended up in hospital as a result of a fire in their home which was started by a charging e-cigarette.
Jennifer Brown, 35, and Scot Washington, 34, suffered from the effects of smoke inhalation after managing to extinguish the fire in an upstairs bedrooms.
They are fully aware that the consequences of the fire on Friday 31 July could have been far worse and are urging others to never take any chances when it comes to charging e-cigs.
Find out more - Mum and dad-of-four end up in hospital following fire caused by charging e-cigarette

Queens Park August 2020

‘Gorgeous’ Tatton Park Garden named best in the UK

26/08/2020

‘Gorgeous’ Tatton Park Garden named best in the UK

New online research has rated every National Trust garden in the UK, and Tatton Park is number one. “It’s wonderful that the photos and reviews shared by our visitors have secured this top spot for us. We’ve always known how beloved our Garden is but for it to be rated in this way is great”, says Simon Tetlow, Head Gardener at Tatton Park.

Visitors find take-home inspiration at Tatton Park Gardens

The report, carried out by Rated People after rating all UK National Trust gardens against an index of visitor reviews on Google and photos on Instagram, also highlights Brits spending more time in their own gardens due to lockdown and staycations. Not only is Tatton Park Garden a welcome change of scenery post lockdown, it provides acres of inspiration for budding gardeners looking for achievable, take-home ideas. People find the Japanese Garden especially inspiring and the Walled Kitchen Garden evokes lots of interest for visitors keen on growing their own fruit and veg.

“Gardening for the public is what motivates us”

Simon and his team of Gardeners and Volunteers dedicate their horticultural skills and passion to looking after 50 acres of some of the most varied garden in the country. Specialised areas at Tatton Park range from Orchard, Arboretum, Italian and Rose, to Japanese, Fernery and Pinery, to name but a few. “It does feel extra special in the Gardens this summer” says Simon. “I don’t know if it’s a new appreciation of open spaces since lockdown, or people getting their social life back after self-isolating. Whatever the reason, it’s been a joy to welcome our staff, volunteers and visitors back to the Gardens, and to meet and work with people from all walks of life.”

“I never lose sight of the fact that hundreds of years ago, this magnificent garden was created for the pleasure of just one family” reflects Simon. “My team’s job is to maintain its beauty make it accessible for everyone to enjoy. It’s wonderful that today the Garden is shared by thousands of visitors, and they’re inspired to share photos and reviews online.”

How the online review placed Tatton Park at the top

Rated People researched all National Trust gardens in the UK and ranked them against an index of online reviews on Google and picturesque images on Instagram. Tatton Park came out on top, with Corfe Castle, Dorset in second place and Stourhead Landscape Garden, Wiltshire at number three. Locally, Lyme Park in Cheshire was rated sixth.

‘Spectacular Views’ photography competition

Tatton Park is hosting a photography contest on their Instagram channel, with a chance to win a Head Gardener's Cottage Picnic for 2 which can be enjoyed at one of the picnic spots in the Park. View details of how to enter plus terms and conditions at tattonpark.org.uk. Experience their ‘Gorgeous’ Gardens for yourself, and post on Instagram your ‘spectacular view’ with the tags #tattonpark and #yourhappyplacetp

Council welcomes Local Authority Emergency Assistance Fund for food and essential supplies

The government has recently announced emergency assistance of £63 million to be distributed to local authorities in England.

Cheshire East Council has been allocated with £326,292.53 to use to support groups who are helping people who are struggling to afford food and other essentials due to Covid-19.

This additional funding will be used to build on the success of our community response and recovery fund. It is primarily aimed at supporting organisations to assist residents who are struggling to afford food and other essentials due to the economic impact caused by Covid-19 and is now open to those groups and organisations that want to help communities through the crisis.

Local charities and community organisations already can apply for grants towards the cost of getting food and other essentials to those who need it the most and by delivering essential Covid-19 related services.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “Our share of this government funding will help to ensure our most vulnerable residents continue to get access to food and other essentials at this challenging time.

“Our priority will be allocating grants where the need is greatest and other eligible projects that fall into categories such as food banks, soup kitchens, meal and shopping delivery, food distribution and lunch/breakfast clubs”.

Local charities and voluntary groups, including faith-based organisations taking an active role in responding to urgent needs of Cheshire East residents who have suffered from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, can apply for these new funds.

For more details about this latest fund visit our community funds and grants website page   https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/communitygrant