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Beat Meetings
Shavington Village Hall, Main Rd, Shavington, Crewe, CW2 5DU- 3rd June 2015 at 7.15pm. Location
Leighton Academy, Minshull New Road, CW1 3PP, Wednesday 10th June 1230-1400hrs
Mablins Lane Primary School, Mablins Lane, Crewe, CW1 3YR Thursday 11th June 2015 0915-1030hrs
The Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sports and Arts, Broad Street Crewe, CW1 3UD held at 1130-1300hrs on: Friday 12/06/2015
The Bungalow, Sherbourne Road, Crewe- Every Monday between 2-4pm
West Lodge Queens Park CW2 7SE- Sunday 7th June at 2-3pm
Tesco Extra, Vernon Way, Crewe, Saturday 20th June 3-4 pm
Thouroughgoods, Manor Way, Crewe, 06/06/2015 and 27/06/2015 1500 – 1600 hours
Belong Village, Brookhouse Drive, Crewe, CW2 20/06/2015 1300 – 1500 hours 6NA.
Yoxhall Village Hall Crewe Road, Haslington Monday 1st June 2015 at 7.30pm.
Blue Badges should be automatic for over-85s, says Cheshire East
Man who claimed benefits while working ends up worse off
Thursday 28 May 2015
Cheshire East backs Willaston to create a neighbourhood plan
Michael Jones reappointed as Council Leader – as new-look Cabinet is unveiled
Cheshire East Highways supports rural grass cutting campaign
Leader’s address to Full Council today.
Council gives power to the people – reaching out to young and old
Councillor Hilda Gaddum sworn in as new Mayor of Cheshire East
Tuesday 26 May 2015
Sponsored Swim for the Ronald McDonald Family House Trust
Disabled Crewe swimmer Jamie Hinde, has set himself a challenge with a 50 mile swim at Crewe pool to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Liverpool, which provides a “home-away-from-home” so parents or carers can stay close to their critically ill children, at little or no cost.
The RMH is close to Jamie and his family as they stayed there when Jamie’s nephew Jimmie Ollier, spent time at the hospital as a youngster. Sadly, Jimmy died of a rare heart disease, aged 12 years and Jamie and his family have raised hundreds of pounds for the charity in memory of Jimmie.
Jamie’s marathon swim began in February, during one of his Thursday evening swimming sessions with Seahorse, which caters for people with disabilities. He has set himself a target of swimming at least one mile per week, with the aim of completing his challenge in early 2016.
Jamie, 44, has been a member of Seahorse for over 20 years and has represented the Club in swimming galas at regional and national level. He has no use in his right arm and is registered blind due to his poor vision and he also has hearing loss.
Jamie's aim is to complete the 50 mile swim in 12 months to coincide with Seahorse celebrating 60 years, since its formation in 1956.
"Raising funds for such a worthwhile cause is a great idea. Despite his disabilities, there is no stopping Jamie in the pool. He swims non-stop every week and has plenty of determination. In the past he has raised funds for the Charity with donations he has received for vegetables he grows on his allotment." - Gareth Roberts, Secretary, Seahorse Swimming Club.
The RMH is an independent Charity and relies totally on public donations. If anyone would like to sponsor Jamie they can donate by visiting Crewe Baths during Seahorse's swimming session on Thursday's (6pm - 7pm) or online at: Virgin Money Giving | Fundraising | Jamie Hinde's fundraising page
Picture - Jamie Hinde
Sunday 24 May 2015
A local man recently completed an unusual walk for charity.
Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston
A local man recently completed an unusual walk for charity.
Tony Mason, aged 65, from Willaston followed the route of a London Underground Tube line - but above ground - on 9th May this year.
Tony and friend Judith Gibson used a London A-Z map to walk the route of the Victoria line from Euston to Brixton. On arrival at Brixton they caught the Victoria line train to Walthamstow, then walked back to Euston.
The walk took just over 5 hours - approximately 15 miles in total - and passed all 16 stations on the Victoria line.
The event was in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care - http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/ - and so far they have raised over £200.
Tony said, "We passed Buckingham Palace and had our lunch break by the canal near Tottenham Hale Underground Station. It was interesting to see parts of London which I had previously known as a 'tube stop'."
If you would like to give Tony a donation, please email him via motomason@fsmail.net
Friday 22 May 2015
Pay Pal Scam
Fraudsters often target ‘goods for sale’ adverts on popular online auctions sites, so watch out whenever you’re selling anything online.
How does the fraudster operate?
The fraudster will contact the seller to say that they want to buy the advertised item.
The seller then receives what looks like a genuine PayPal email, to confirm that the money has been paid by the buyer into their account.
With confirmation of payment, the seller will then send the item to the buyer’s address. The seller will later find that the PayPal email is fake and that the money has not been paid. The seller ends up losing out twice as not only do they not have the money, but they no longer have the item to sell.
Protect yourself:
• Check your PayPal account to ensure that the money has been paid in and has cleared into your bank account before you send the item to the buyer.
• Do not be bullied or rushed into sending items before you know that the payment has cleared – a genuine purchaser will not mind waiting a day or two for you to send them their item.
• If you are selling a vehicle, think carefully when selling to overseas purchasers – especially if they tell you they will send an extra payment for shipping – check that the funds have cleared before arranging this.
Thursday 21 May 2015
Health warning over fake goods sold by tanning salon owner
Members of the public who bought fake cosmetics or perfume from a tanning salon owner are being warned that they could cause allergic reactions and other health risks.
Richard Griffin tried to make a fast buck selling a wide range of counterfeit designer gear at Sun City in Welles Street, Sandbach.
He offered customers ‘Estee Lauder’ and ‘MAC’ cosmetics, ‘Chanel’ handbags, ‘Lacoste’ fragrances, ‘Tiffany & Co’ jewellery, ‘Barbour’ and ‘Super Dry’ jackets, ‘UGG’ footwear and ‘Gucci’ and ‘Dolce & Gabbana’ watches.
But Griffin’s money-making scheme was foiled after a member of the public complained to Cheshire East Council. An undercover Trading Standards officer visited the salon and made a test purchase.
Using their statutory powers, Council officers returned and seized 74 items, some of which were on display and some in storage. They also found a ledger book in which the illicit sales were recorded.
Trading Standards officers calculated that the genuine equivalents of the seized fake goods would retail for approximately £6,280.
Griffin, of The Stables, Stanthorn Hall, Middlewich Road, Middlewich, admitted 15 offences under the Trade Marks Act and was sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work when he appeared at Warrington Crown Court on May 19.
He was ordered to pay £6,671 prosecution costs and, under a Proceeds of Crime confiscation order, he will also have to repay £1,857 or face three months in jail.
The court ordered that the counterfeit items seized from Griffin be destroyed.
Steph Cordon, Cheshire East Council’s head of communities, said: “Trade marks are an essential part of marketing or branding and once businesses register trademarks, Trading Standards services throughout the UK can take enforcement action against those who are found to have infringed them.
“The courts take a serious view of breaches of the Trade Marks Act 1994, with maximum penalties of up to ten years in jail.
“Intellectual property crime damages our economic wellbeing by affecting those who rely on genuine commerce to earn a living. It also poses considerable risks for consumers because fake goods are often dangerous and of poor quality.
“Fake cosmetics can be especially dangerous – some have been found to contain arsenic, cyanide or rat droppings and are harmful to health if used.
“I would urge anyone who bought cosmetics and perfume from Sun City not to use them because of the potential health risks.”
Council gives veterans’ charity £43,000 boost to help tackle social isolation
Cheshire East Council has given a £43,000 boost to veterans’ charity’s drive to help tackle social isolation.
The Royal British Legion (RBL) has been given money under the local authority’s Give Back community grant scheme.
The RBL has earmarked £25,000 of the grant for welfare support to local armed forces personnel and their dependants, both past and present, who are aged 55 or over.
The remaining £18,000 will be used for volunteer recruitment, training and support as well as for purchasing much-needed equipment to deliver these services locally.
Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This Council is very pleased to be able to give this significant grant to help the Royal British Legion’s important work tackling the problem of social isolation among veterans of our armed forces.
“Servicemen and service women have put their lives on the line for their country time and time again over the past 100 years since the Great War began – and it is only right that they are given necessary help and support once they are back in civilian life.”
Gillian McKinnon, RBL area manager for Cheshire and Merseyside, said of the Council grant: “This is really great news and a fantastic boost for the area. We are really eager to start delivering these services locally but we will need more local people to get involved. We simply cannot do it without the help and support of volunteers.”
Phil Reade, chairman of the Royal British Legion Cheshire committee, said: “I am delighted and would like to thank Cheshire East Council for giving us this opportunity. As well as volunteers, we are also looking for fresh new members to join the committee or your local branch. Together we can make a difference.”
If you have ever served in the armed forces and would like to find out about what the RBL does and the support it provides, please get in touch with its offices. If someone you know has links to the armed forces and is socially isolated in any way, please pass on RBL’s contact details:
If you’d like to find out more about RBL volunteering opportunities, please contact Jane at C&M@britishlegion.org.uk or call the RBL on 0808 802 8080.
For more information about RBL visit their website at: www.britishlegion.org.uk
Cheshire East welcomes Heritage Lottery boost for Jodrell Bank
Cheshire East Council has welcomed an announcement that the Jodrell Bank Observatory is on course to receive £12m of Heritage Lottery Fund money to improve its offering for visitors.
The grant is earmarked for a new ‘First Light’ pavilion, which will celebrate the heritage of the Grade I-listed Lovell telescope and create a spectacular new space in which visitors can learn about our place in the Universe.
Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This is great news for a world-famous icon of Cheshire East.
“We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is backing this project, which will bring many more visitors to the Borough and also inspire young people to enjoy studying science and perhaps one day become the astronomers and engineers who will keep the UK at the forefront of global research.
“Coupled with the successful bid to remain as the headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array – the project to build the world’s largest radio telescope – this underlines the huge value of Jodrell Bank to Cheshire East.”
Jodrell Bank will receive £784,800 now and has two years to submit fully developed proposals for the project, which will cost a total of £19m.
The site near Goostrey is recognised as the only place in the world that can demonstrate the entire history of the development of radio astronomy. It has been involved in many revolutionary scientific discoveries and feats of engineering since it was founded 70 years ago.
Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, President and Vice-Chancellor of The University of Manchester, said: “We are incredibly proud of our current science and great heritage at The University of Manchester and of our iconic site at Jodrell Bank. The announcement today is great news, not only for the University, but for our city-region and the UK-wide science community.”
Dr Teresa Anderson, Director of the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting the ‘First Light’ project. Jodrell Bank epitomises a ‘can do’ approach to science and engineering and this funding will allow us to tell the story of all the amazing men and women who – sometimes, with help from younger family members – created the Observatory from scratch.”
Professor Brian Cox, University of Manchester Physicist and Broadcaster, said: “I am really pleased to hear that the Heritage Lottery Fund is supporting the heritage of Jodrell Bank. The rich scientific history of the UK is a key part of our culture and Jodrell Bank is the stand-out icon of UK science and engineering.
“When I was young, visiting Jodrell Bank was one of the things that inspired me to become a scientist. This new project will inspire many more young people to carry on our great tradition of science and engineering.”
Sara Hilton, Head of HLF North West, said: “Jodrell Bank is a remarkable and world famous site. These initial proposals are ambitious and inspiring; they will encourage people to learn about and celebrate the UK’s longstanding tradition of innovation in science, technology and engineering.
Cheshire East Council is investing £1m in a package of infrastructure improvements to support Jodrell Bank’s successful bid to retain its status as the headquarters of the Square Kilometre Array project.
Cheshire East scoops trio of top gongs at buildings’ design ‘Oscars’
Cheshire East is celebrating after three of the Borough’s developments scooped top honours at this year’s North West LABC Regional Building Excellence Awards.
The Local Authority Building Control presentations, held at the Macron Stadium, in Bolton, brought together hundreds of professionals for the prestigious event (held on Friday, May 8). A total of 32 authorities entered nominations for the awards.
Of the 15 categories, developers within Cheshire East scooped top prize in a fifth of them, winning the following categories;
● Best local builder;
● Best individual new home;
● LABC site supervisor of the year.
In addition, five more of the Council’s nominations received ‘highly commended’ recognition.
The three winners will now go forward to the National LABC Building Excellence Awards to be held in London later in the year.
Such success clearly shows that Cheshire East can demonstrate quality and style, reinforcing the value of living within the Borough.
The event celebrates the very best within construction in the region and recognises good relationships between developers and local authority building control services, who work together to ensure quality of build and design.
The awards evening was attended by members of the newly-formed Cheshire East Council wholly-owned company Civicance, which is another example of the authority’s commitment to provide high-quality services throughout the area.
Civicance managing director Ian Bunn said: “These awards showcase fine examples of how private developers are working together with local authority building control to create excellent projects, which enhance their local communities and their living environment. It was pleasing to see, once again, the energy and flair brought to these developments.
“The nominations were of a high standard, so I’m particularly pleased to see that Cheshire East performed so well. These awards both recognise and encourage the creation of a high-quality environment that people in the Borough want and deserve.
“This competition not only recognises the flair and imagination of those behind many of our landmark buildings but also the great working relationship that is harnessed between developers and their respective local authorities in creating well-designed buildings that serve our residents and communities well.”
Details of the winners are:
Best Local Builder (Winner)
Contractor: Simon Clutton Homes Ltd
Location: Land to the rear of 12, Northfield Place, Shavington CW2 5BL and Wellington Road, Nantwich
Description: Detached new dwelling
Architect: DSJ Private clients
Best Individual New Home (Winner)
Location: Deep Dene, Mereside Road, Mere, Knutsford
Description: Replacement dwelling
Contractor: DS Building Projects Ltd
Architect: Tsiantar Architects Ltd
LABC Site Supervisor of the Year (Winner)
Supervisor: Gordon Derbyshire
Description: New dwellings, off West Street, Crewe
Contractor: Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd
Those nominations which did not win their category but were recognised for their outstanding achievements rated as ‘Highly Commended’ included the following:
Best Local Builder (Highly Commended)
Contractor: Jason Welsh Building Services
Location: Hawksey Drive, Stapeley and land to the side of 18 Wistaston Road, Willaston
Best Change of Use (Highly Commended)
Location: Lower Brook Barn, Smithy Lane, Rainow
Description: Conversion of stone barn to a dwelling
Architect: Hayes & Partners Ltd
Best Small New Housing Development (Highly Commended)
Location: Knutsford Road, Chorley
Description: Erection of four new semi-detached dwellings
Architect: Richard Larkin, RJL Architecture
Contractor: PH Property Holdings Ltd
Best Public Service Building (Highly Commended)
Location: Leighton Hospital, Crewe
Description: Operating theatres and critical care unit
Architect: AFL Architects
Contractor: Interserve
Applicant: Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Best Partnership with a Local Authority (Highly Commended)
Location: Crewe
Description: Building plans and design
Architect: Stuart Thorley
Experience the future of eyecare at Specsavers in Crewe
SPECSAVERS in Crewe has introduced a cutting edge new way of selecting and fitting customers’ glasses, using imaging software on tablet devices.
The opticians, located in Market Street now offers Digital Precision Eyecare, which ensures everyone receives the very best professional care and advice in frame selection and dispensing for their prescription, vision and lifestyle needs.
Michael Elleray, director of Specsavers in Crewe says: ‘This is very clever kit and has a real wow factor for customers. It’s a quick and easy process which ensures a perfect fit every time.’
Following an eye examination, the optical team assists customers in selecting their preferred glasses. Imaging software on a tablet is then used to take an image of them wearing the glasses, which in turn captures a range of essential dispensing measurements. These are unique to the customer and their chosen glasses.
Michael Elleray continues: ‘The tablet can also be used to show you what you look like wearing a range of different glasses to help you make your choice. The intelligent software also helps you choose by any lens options you might want, by demonstrating what they do in real time.’
Digital Precision Eyecare is now available in all Specsavers stores in the UK and Ireland. It is currently being promoted via a widespread advertising campaign, including national television commercials.
Michael Elleray adds: ‘Digital Precision Eyecare is all about providing a highly professional service in as convenient a way as possible for our customers. All our staff are fully qualified and trained in using this new equipment, and their expertise remain a pivotal part of the service.
‘So far the feedback we have received from customers has been very positive. Put simply, everyone that wants glasses can be confident in being provided with a pair that looks fantastic and fits perfectly.’
Specsavers stocks almost 2,000 pairs of glasses, starting from just £25 to the latest designer styles from £99 to £169. All glasses come with PENTAX single vision lenses and a scratch-resistant treatment.
To book your next appointment at Specsavers Crewe call 01270 250707 or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/Crewe.
Tuesday 19 May 2015
Cheshire East residents offered cheapest pay-as-you-go energy
Fairerpower, Cheshire East Council’s new energy supplier, is now bringing cheaper gas and electricity to customers with pre-payment meters.
The Council has joined forces with OVO, an award winning energy supplier, to offer the region’s cheapest pay-as-you-go (PAYG) deal. (See note 1)
Customers who pay with monthly direct debits have been able to sign up since March 16. So far more than 1,300 have switched to Fairerpower, saving an average of more than £200 each. (See note 2)
Now, pre-payment customers can potentially save £67 every year with Fairerpower PAYG, which has been launched in a phased partnership with OVO. (See note 3)
Pre-payment customers can sign up to a PAYG tariff through the Fairerpower website www.fairerpower.co.uk or the dedicated Fairerpower PAYG phone line (0800 406 6705).
The PAYG tariff, meters and service will be provided by OVO Energy until a full Fairerpower-branded PAYG tariff is made available later this year. (See note 4)
Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Pay-as-you-go customers have often struggled to get good deals on gas and electricity and so are more likely to fall victim to fuel poverty.
“Cheshire East Council set up Fairerpower because we want to eradicate fuel poverty in the Borough. This new development of our initiative is helping people who need it most – those who have been paying too much for their energy.
“We are proud that so many of our residents have benefited from this initiative. The Council does not get any money out of Fairerpower, in fact we are investing in it. The return we get on that investment is the savings we are achieving for residents.”
All PAYG customers will get:
· Savings of up to £67 per year on existing tariffs (see note 3);
· A smart meter and in-home display to monitor energy consumption and account balance to help customers make better decisions about usage;
· Award-winning service through partnership with OVO Energy, which was named supplier of the year in uSwitch Energy Awards 2014;
· A refer-a-friend scheme which offers a £20 Amazon gift certificate for referrer and referee. (See note 5)
Cheshire East Highways honoured for roadworks communications
Cheshire East Highways has scooped a regional award for transforming the way it keeps people informed about roadworks.
The use of a traffic management application to plan, coordinate and publicise road works was named as the Best Practice Project of the Year by the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation (CIHT).
The need to get up-to-date information to the public became evident following an increase in the number of permits for roadworks being processed by the Council.
Cheshire East Highways uses the application to ensure that closures, diversion routes and other temporary traffic diversions approved by the permit team are instantly displayed on the website Roadworks.org, run by data technology firm Elgin.
This information is shown on the Cheshire East Highways website to help people plan their journeys while Roadworks.org is used by motorists all over the UK.
Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Keeping people informed of works taking place is essential to ensure our busy network keeps moving and it is great for our team to receive recognition for their proactive approach.”
Cheshire East Highways has also been shortlisted for the CIHT Highway Asset Management Award for its ‘Invest to Improve’ approach to maintaining the Borough’s roads through the highway investment programme.
The same submission has also been entered into the highways maintenance efficiency category of the 2015 Highways Magazine Excellence Awards.
And the work of Cheshire East Highways in supervising the construction of Crewe Station’s new entrance was also acknowledged nationally when it was shortlisted for the Effective Partnerships Award by the CIHT.
Saturday 16 May 2015
Property professionals flock to hear good news about Cheshire East
More than 100 of the region’s top professionals and investors are expected to attend the launch of Cheshire East Council’s Commercial Property Review 2015.
The breakfast event at the Conference Centre, Alderley Park on Thursday, June 4, will give an insight into market trends, key transactions and major developments in the Borough area.
The annual report, now in its fifth edition, provides a detailed assessment of the vitality of the Cheshire East property market, capturing key trends as well as developments and major projects.
The launch will hear from:
- Vince Sandwell of BE Group, an independent specialist in commercial development, who will provide an overview of property market trends in Cheshire East.
- Julian Cobley, Head of Investment at Cheshire East Council, who will give an insight into Cheshire East’s Investment Programme and future plans.
- Dr Chris Doherty, Alderley Park Site Director for Manchester Science Partnerships, who will provide an insight into Cheshire East’s world-class Science Corridor.
Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “The Borough has one of the strongest economies in the North West with many opportunities for potential investors.
“This launch event is a chance for professionals in the property market to update themselves about key projects such as:
- The Council’s decision to offer £15m of development finance to support the redevelopment of Macclesfield town centre;
- Alderley Park’s transformation into a multi-occupier community of collaborative bioscience innovators;
- Plans for an HS2 Superhub station in Crewe that could potentially create 64,000 jobs.”
Registration starts at 7:45am and there will be an opportunity for networking after the presentations are concluded at 9.20am.
To apply for registration, please contact the Business Relations team on 0300 123 5001
or email: business@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Council crackdown nets three benefits cheats who fraudulently claimed more than £30,000 of taxpayers’ money
A crackdown by Cheshire East Council has led to the successful prosecution of three benefits cheats who fraudulently claimed more than £30,000 of taxpayers’ money.
All three offenders have been sentenced by magistrates and will now have to repay the illegally-obtained benefits in full.
Joanne Phillips, 49, of Fanshawe Walk, Crewe, admitted fraudulently obtaining £20,823 in housing benefit, Council Tax benefit and Council Tax support. Phillips claimed she was a lone parent on a low income.
However, Cheshire East Council’s benefit fraud investigation team found she had continued to claim benefits as a lone parent for more than seven years after her daughter had been removed from her care.
Phillips was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a two-month curfew imposed from 7pm to 7am. Magistrates also ordered her to pay £575 court costs and a victim surcharge of £60.
In a separate prosecution, Sophie Giles, of Peckforton Walk, Wilmslow, admitted fraudulently obtaining £6,636 in housing benefit and Council Tax benefit. She claimed she was living alone and on a low income.
However, investigations by the Council found Giles was living with her partner, who was supporting her financially.
Giles, 26, was sentenced to a 12-month community order and ordered to do 130 hours’ unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay court costs of £575 and a £60 victim surcharge.
In a separate case, Tracy Wrench, of Blagg Avenue, Nantwich, admitted fraudulently obtaining £7,067 in housing benefit, Council Tax benefit and Council Tax support by failing to declare she had savings totalling £16,000.
Wrench, 42, was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a requirement to do 130 hours’ unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £395 court costs and a £60 victim surcharge.
Cheshire East Council has taken steps to ensure that the overpaid benefits are repaid in full. The authority actively pursues the recovery of all fraudulently obtained money to ensure taxpayers don’t lose out.
All three prosecutions were brought by Cheshire East Council’s legal team and heard at South and East Cheshire Magistrates’ Court, sitting at Crewe (on May 11, 2015).
Steph Cordon, head of communities at Cheshire East Council, said: “Benefit fraud will simply not be tolerated by this authority.
“Cheshire East is an enforcing Council and our investigations team works hard to track down offenders to protect our communities from those who abuse the rules at the expense of taxpayers.”
If you think someone is committing benefit fraud, you can ring the confidential freephone fraud hotline on 0800 389 2787. You don’t have to give your name and your call will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Alternatively, you can report suspected fraud via the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk