WATER WARNING

Cheshire East Council is urging households and businesses to ‘use water wisely’ after United Utilities announced a hosepipe ban starting on Friday, July 9.

The start to 2010 has been the driest in more than 70 years and most reservoirs in our region are well below normal levels.

United Utilities, which manages the North West’s water, say they are not looking at restrictions on essential use.

The ban will restrict the use of hosepipes or sprinklers for watering private gardens or washing private cars. People can still use a watering can on their garden and for washing cars and use a bucket and sponge, which use much smaller amounts of water.

Drought Orders are also being considered which will let United Utilities take more water than usual from reservoirs.

Emergency planning has begun which will involve water transfers between raw water sources to treatment works. These include some instances where United Utilities will be installing overland pumps to move water between reservoirs.

Tips on saving water include: turning the tap off while cleaning your teeth; using a watering can in the garden instead of a hose; taking a short shower instead of a bath; and keeping a container of water in the fridge to avoid running the tap until the water is cool.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services said: “We are enjoying a good summer so far but the warm weather has had a serious effect on our water supply.

“Everyone should be made aware of the simple steps we can all take to reduce the amount of water we use.”

For more information on the hose pipe ban and how to save water go to www.unitedutilities.com or ring 0845 746 2200.

CREWE COMMUNITY ART COMPETITION

Talented amateur artists demonstrated their creative flair at a community art competition.

Held at Crewe Library on Saturday July 3, this year’s theme was biodiversity.

Taking inspiration from nature, the exhibits ranged from beautiful watercolour paintings, natural sculpture and even some knitted flower arrangements.

The competition was open to all ages and abilities and attracted 24 entrants. Many of the exhibits consisted of multiple examples of artwork, which was a testament to everyone’s hard work.

More than 90 people attended the free exhibition and many visitors said they felt inspired to take up arts and crafts.

The exhibition was organised as part of Greenscape- the environmental action project run by Cheshire East Council. It is designed to explore ways that creativity and culture can help improve green open spaces within our community.

The displays were judged by Edward and Lesley Bakkers from the Enterprise Education Alliance, a partner of the Greenscape Project. Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson presented the winners with prizes donated by local businesses.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “This was a great community event as it involved people of all ages demonstrating their talents. It was a wonderful opportunity to get creative in Crewe and for people to take inspiration from their surroundings.”

Mr Timpson said: “It was a great day and the standard of art on display was incredibly high.

“I met so many new people who really have a passion for nature and it really showed in their art work. I do hope this can become a regular event in the future. Congratulations to all the winners.”

And the winners were:

Childrens section:

1st - Leighton Primary School with their 3D and mixed media wall collage.

2nd - Oakefield Primary School with their recycled project.

Joint 3rd - Underwood West Primary - poems and watercolours.

Roxanne, Michael and Edward Bennett - life cycle of a butterfly.

Adults section:

1st Beechmere Extra Village - six watercolours.

2nd The Wool Shop - floral woollen bouquets and teapot.

3rd Sue Smethurst - life cycle of a dandelion.

QUEENS PARK REFURBISHMENT – THE NEXT PHASE

Demolition has now taken place in Queens Park in Crewe in preparation for the building of a cafeteria and games pavilion.

Improvement work at the park began in mid-June and is due to be completed by February 2011.

Building contractor Tolent has been awarded the contract to construct the new buildings. The work will begin after the company completes the refurbishment of the lake.

Work has already begun on building a new playground in time for the beginning of the busy school holidays. Extra money raised through fundraising by Councillor Steven Roberts has also ensured the playground will have some extra exciting pieces.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “The contract is moving at quite a pace and I look forward to announcing the opening of the new play area.

The new pavilion and café are wonderful facilities and the improvements will encourage more people into the park.”

The park will also incorporate new picnic areas and landscaping. Existing trees have been assessed by a tree specialist for safety and long-term health and the local ecology and wildlife has been carefully considered to ensure disturbance is kept to a minimum.

Temporary toilet facilities have been installed to accommodate Queens Park Bowling club and, at weekends and during the school holidays, a temporary caterer will be on site to provide refreshments to visitors.

Facilities currently open in the park include: the bowling green; golf putting; giant chess; boules court; and land train. Plus, the Play Rangers activities feature every Sunday at 1pm, with more play activities planned for the first week of the main summer school holidays.

There is also a variety of entertainments to enjoy each Sunday from 2pm – 4pm. For more programme information please contact Queens Park Manager Elaine Dodd on 01270 537896.

FREE SWIMMING FOR 16s AND UNDER EXTENDED BY CHESHIRE EAST

Cheshire East Council is to fund free swimming for 16s and under for an extra month.

This follows a government announcement to withdraw ‘Swim Free’ on July, 31.

Cheshire East Council has agreed to extend the scheme for 16s and under, to allow as many children as possible to enjoy free swimming during the school holidays.

Although no longer free, swimming for those aged 60 and over will remain inexpensive at all Cheshire East’s leisure facilities, with a number of cost-effective alternative options available, for example:

• Everybody Options – The Cheshire East Council concessionary leisure card scheme which gives savings of 50% off the full adult rate for a range of activities at swimming pools, sports centres and other leisure facilities across the Cheshire East area. This is available to both under 16s and over 60s.

• Everybody Health and Fitness – a low-cost monthly Direct Debit payment option which allows anyone unlimited use of Cheshire East’s leisure facilities during public opening times and starts from just £19 per month for both 16s and under and the over 60s.

For more information, local residents are advised to visit www.everybody.org.uk or talk to staff at their local leisure centre about the options available.

More than 30,000 people had signed up for free swimming, with the large majority of memberships belonging to the under 16s.

Cheshire East Council will continue to inform residents about the current changes via the website www.cheshireeast.gov.uk and through local leisure centres.

Cheshire East Councillor, Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said:

“I am pleased we have been able to extend free swimming for the under 16s for the majority of the school holidays. I am sure the news will be welcomed by parents and children alike.

“I urge all those who have taken up swimming as part of this scheme to continue. Free swimming remains in place for our Armed Forces, children in care and the long-term disabled.

“Cheshire East Council will do all it can to ensure the cost of swimming remains low for all local residents in the coming years. Visit our website or speak to staff at your local leisure centre and discover the wealth of options available to anyone who wants to keep fit and healthy.”

Sir William Stanier Community School

Sir William Stanier Community School

There was a celebration of arts, dance, sports and technology on Friday (July 2) to mark the completion of the second and final phase of the Sir William Stanier Community School in Crewe.

Pupils from Beechwood Primary School performed with students from Sir William Stanier in the school’s new leisure centre as part of National School Sports Week.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson lead the celebrations.

Friday’s ceremony marks the end of the £21m project. The school, which can cater for 1,050 students, opened last September.

It replaces Coppenhall High School and Victoria Community Technology School, which were amalgamated in 2007. Sir William Stanier Community School was built on the site of Coppenhall High School.

The new leisure centre includes a sports hall, dance studio, drama studio, meeting facilities, a fully-equipped computer suite and all-weather pitches. The new state-of-the-art facilities are available to both school pupils and members of the public.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “I attended the event on Friday and it was great to see so many young people having fun and keeping fit.

“The facilities at Sir William Stanier Community School are very impressive and this is good news for both pupils and the wider community of Crewe.

“My congratulations go to all the people who have put in so much hard work to bring this project to completion.”

Cleaning Windows in the Queens Park

SOUTH CHESHIRE – CREWE -“GEORGE FORMBY” UKULELE SOCIETY at Queens Park

The Wistaston based South Cheshire – Crewe- “George Formby” Ukulele Society was founded in 1994. The society holds a three-hour stage variety show in the Wistaston Memorial Hall, Church Lane, on the fourth Friday of every month throughout the year that regularly attracts a full house of over 100. The atmosphere is warm and extremely friendly and the decorations are very patriotic. Everyone is welcome and membership is free. Those attending pay just 50pence per meeting which covers hall rent and light refreshments. We cater for all, the young, old and disabled. The concerts feature George Formby’s popular comic songs for the banjolele (and there are well over 250 of them) along with a mix of Jazz, a bit of magic, and general variety acts.




The Society also has a concert party of about fifteen entertainers who are well known around the district. They have entertained several times at the Crewe Lyceum and have been ever present over the last fourteen years at the Nantwich Jazz, Blues and Music Festival, where we always perform to large audiences. Our group has entertained on the beaches of Normandy on the Anniversary of D.Day; won a major prize in an International Busking Festival in the Republic of Ireland as well as the group busking in France and in entertaining on the river boats in Amsterdam.

Brian Edge. 01270 569836. E-mail parauke@supanet.com

MP's News Bulletin

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my fifty-fifth electronic news bulletin.

Remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions for me.

You can forward the bulletin on to your friends and family, who can sign up themselves by clicking here for my website.

Best wishes,

Edward Timpson
Member of Parliament for Crewe & Nantwich

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I have recently ...

• Met with Chief Constable of Cheshire Police to discuss local policing strategy
• Opened Crewe Funeral Services new offices, in Crewe
• Visited Weaver Rotary Club Disabilities Sports AwarenessDay, at The Weaver Stadium Nantwich
• Visited Christian Concern at St Paul's, in Crewe
• Met with local business Temps Limited, to discuss their work in Crewe and Nantwich
• Held a Constituents' Surgery, in Crewe
• Spoke in the House of Commons, on GMTV and Granada about the Budget

Over the weekend I...

• Attended National Armed Forces Day ceremony, at Municipal Square, Crewe
• Visited Bike4Life campaign, at Crewe Library
• Visited Marshfield Bank Family Fun Day, in Crewe
• Attended Marie Curie Cancer fundraising Tea Party, in Crewe

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Photos & Video ...

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

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Stars go in to bat for charity

Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph

Former England fast bowler Dean Headley and All-Black rugby legend Zinzan Brooke are just two of the stars heading to Oundle next week for a charity cricket match.

The match, arranged by Oundle resident Tom Mardon and MP Edward Timpson, is to raise funds for the children's medical research charity Sparks.

Sparks celebrity ambassadors lined up to play include Leicester Tigers and British Lions star Tim Stimpson and TV gladiator Hunter.

Northants and England cricket legend David Steele will be coaching youngsters in the nets at the event on Sunday, July 4.

Mr Mardon said: "I went to university with Ed Timpson and we always said we should have a cricket match to get some of the old faces back together.

"Since having my first daughter and seeing first-hand what the NHS do, and how well they function in tight circumstances, I have looked to do anything I can to give something back.

"I'm a big sports fan so with Sparks raising money for children's care through sporting events it seemed like an obvious choice."

Sparks is currently fighting to combat Tay-Sachs Disease – a rare disorder which affects one in every 100,000 births causing relentless deterioration from the age of six months and death by the age of four.

Paul Connew, of Sparks, said: "We are deeply grateful that Oundle Charity Cricket will support our ongoing research into this childhood killer. Tay-Sachs is such a mysterious and cruel illness and one of the greatest research challenges of paediatric medicine."

Gates open at 11am at Main Pavilion, Oundle School, and play will start at 11.30am. Tickets are available on the gate but advance booking is advised at www.oundlecharitycricket.com.
Click here for original article

© 2010 Johnston Press Digital Publishing

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Crewe teenager in passport dilemma told she isn't British

Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle

A HASLINGTON teenager who has spent her entire life in the UK is unable to travel abroad because passport authorities told her she isn’t British.

Samantha Jones, 19, who lives in Primrose Avenue with boyfriend John Antrobus, has been told she is not eligible for a British passport despite the fact she was born in Blackburn and her father Chris, who lives in Crewe, was born in Burnley.

Samantha’s mother, Beate Kay nee Steinhaus, who is a German national, has lived in the UK for the last 20 years.

Although, a UK Border Agency spokeswoman said: “Under the British Nationality Act 1981, a person born in the UK on or after January 1, 1983, is a British citizen at birth if, at that time either parent is a British Citizen or either parent is settled in the UK. If citizenship is to be derived from the father’s status, and the child was born before July 1, 2006, then the parents must be married.”

Samantha’s parents were never married and her mother holds only a German passport.

In her frustration, Samantha has also applied for a German passport, only to be rejected as she is not eligible under strict name regulations, unless she changes her surname to Steinhaus.

Samantha has now been told her only option is to fork out £735 to complete a British naturalisation application.

The Air Products account manager said: “If I’m not English and I’m not German then what am I?

“I feel like an alien and I don’t belong anywhere. All I want to do is go on holiday like everyone else.

“I can’t afford £735 and I shouldn’t have to. As far as I know people can come in to this country and take a citizenship test just to prove they know who Winston Churchill is. I’d pass with flying colours but they say I have to pay.”

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has written to the UK Border Agency, and in September, the now former Home Secretary Alan Johnson on Samantha’s behalf.

Mr Timpson said: “I sympathise with Samantha’s situation, and having taken up her case, am equally frustrated. However, the law is the law, and the UKBA is not backing down from its ruling.

“I will be writing to the new Home Secretary to highlight this rather strange set of circumstances.”

© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd

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Crewe and Nantwich MP says station campaign is a hypocritical act by the Labour Party

Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle

THE promised £2m for Crewe station by the Labour party was a ‘fantasy’ says MP Edward Timpson.

On hearing about the launch of the Save Our Station Campaign by the Labour party, Mr Timpson said: “I am afraid this is a grossly hypocritical act from the Labour Party.

“I was as glad as everyone else when Lord Adonis announced this funding, but the cracks began to show even before the election when I asked a Parliamentary question about it and he denied all responsibility for it – instead pointing at Network Rail.”

Mr Timpson said Network Rail scrapped the project, not the Government.

He added: “Lord Adonis’ £2 million for Crewe was a fantasy – it never existed.”

Mr Timpson said that after the election the Department of Transport had uncovered ‘one hell of a financial mess’.

He added: “So I’m afraid this petition will make no difference.

“Instead Labour should petition their own parliamentary colleagues to make honest and affordable decisions when they are in Government, and not to raise the hopes of the people of Crewe and Nantwich unfairly.”

© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd

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Residents' parking woes at Kingsley Village, Nantwich

Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle

FAMILIES on the Kingsley Village estate in Nantwich have reached the end of their tether with inconsiderate parkers.

For weeks, residents say they have had to put up with car parking chaos and are now demanding action.

They claim their driveways are being blocked in by visiting cars and that grass verges are being torn up by people who park recklessly.

Jim Kenyon, 66, of Monck Drive, said: “My road is quite narrow yet numerous cars are parking along the grass verges.

“It’s disrespectful and is making a mess of the area.

“But they are also parked on the pavements in such a way that pedestrians cannot use them. It is at its worst at night time.

“I have difficulty using my own driveway and there are kids using this estate to walk to and from school, which makes it a safety issue too.

“The neighbours and I have spoken to the culprits and they just say ‘I’d have moved it if you asked me’, but that shouldn’t be the case.

“We have done all we can do now and we aren’t getting anywhere.”

Mr Kenyon believes ‘physical restraints’ such as bollards are the only way forward.

He has approached Nantwich Town Council to see if the authority could do anything about the problem.

Town clerk Riddell Graham has contacted the builders responsible for the estate to get a grip of the problem.

Town councillor Nicola Tooke said: “Residents are going round in circles with this so they asked us for assistance. Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has also been informed.

“We have discovered that there was once a temporary car park on the estate with eight spaces which has been removed for no particular reason. We are now looking into this.”

© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd

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Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson takes on charity walking challenge

Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle

CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson is taking part in a challenge for MPs to win £1,000 for their chosen charity.

The Fitbug Parliamentary Challenge is asking MPs to wear a device to measure how far they walk. The politician who strolls farthest in the corridors of power is the winner.

The challenge is being run by BUPA to promote walking as part of a healthy and active lifestyle.

Mr Timpson said: “I’m looking forward to taking our dog Stanley out for some long walks to help clock up the miles.

“I lead a fairly active lifestyle so I reckon I have a better than slim chance of winning!”

© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd

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Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson lends support to eye health campaign

Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle

CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has added his support to National Eye Health Week which ran last week.

Mr Timpson attended a meeting to make MPs more aware of aspects surrounding eye health, and its importance to the general public.

During the week organisations up and down the country staged events aimed at encouraging people to get their sight checked.

Mr Timpson said: “I wear contact lenses, so I know all about the importance of getting my eyes checked regularly.

“Poor vision can be a symptom of many health conditions so encouraging people to get out and get an eye test is a really important message to put across.”

© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd

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Crewe and Nantwich MP reassured over pension credit system

Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle

CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson last week questioned Iain Duncan-Smith, the Work and Pensions Secretary, about what the Government was doing to make the system of applying for pension credit easier and fairer.

Mr Timpson said he had been reminded by a constituent at one of his regular surgeries about the high levels of frustration many pensioners experienced over this issue.

The constituent had become exasperated by having to wade through the application forms and make a never-ending series of phone calls.

The Work and Pensions Secretary acknowledged the system needed simplifying, and confirmed his department were investigating how this could be done.

Afterwards Mr Timpson said: “I hope this has re-assured those pensioners in Crewe and Nantwich who find the current system needlessly baffling.

“I am always interested to hear the views of constituents, and this goes to show that by coming along to one of my surgeries people can make their concerns heard at the very top.”

© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd

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Nantwich Town hosts Disability Sports Awareness event

Nantwichnews

Nantwich Town is hosting a Disability Sports Awareness Day tomorrow (June 24) at its Weaver Stadium venue.

Throughout the afternoon, the club will be showcasing a range of sports for disabled people. These include football, archery and cycling.

A variety of activities will be available for people to try and inside the stadium’s Fairfax suite there will be sports information stalls.

Representatives from a wide range of sports bodies will also be available to give advice for anyone trying to get involved in disabled sport.

Nantwich MP Edward Timpson and Nantwich Mayor Cllr Joyce Stockton are expected to attend.

The event, co-organised with Cheshire East Council and Rotary Club of Crewe and Nantwich Weaver, runs from 1pm to 6pm.

For more details visit www.nantwichtownfc.com

© 2010 Nantwichnews

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Nantwich MP Timpson in 'Fitbug' charity challenge

Nantwichnews

Nantwich MP Edward Timpson is taking part in a challenge for MPs to win £1,000 for their chosen charity.

The Fitbug Parliamentary Challenge will take place over two weeks from today (June 21), during which time MPs will wear a device to measure how far they walk.

The politician who clocks up the most mileage in the corridors of power is the winner.

The challenge is being run by BUPA to promote walking as part of a healthy and active lifestyle.

Mr Timpson stays fit by regularly playing football, and running. He has competed in several London Marathons.

He said: “I’m looking forward to taking our dog Stanley out for some long walks to help clock up the miles.

“I’ve always liked to lead a fairly active lifestyle so I reckon I have a better than slim chance of winning!”

© 2010 Nantwichnews

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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

NATIONAL BREASTFEEDING WEEK CELEBRATED BY MUMS IN CHESHIRE EAST

Mums at Monks Coppenhall Children’s Centre in Crewe held an awards ceremony to promote National Breastfeeding Week.

On Wednesday June 23, 10 new mums received certificates after completing a course to become breastfeeding supporters for other new mums.

The training course was run every Wednesday for six weeks by Monks Coppenhall health visitor Angela Grocott and infant feeding coordinator Sue Linnell.

The 10 supporters can now receive referrals to assist new mums who are having difficulty breastfeeding or those who just need some additional advice or one-to-one support.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “We’re always told that breastfeeding gives babies the best start and mums are encouraged to breastfeed but not all new mums find it works every time and often feel the pressure to get it right.

“This is the only support network in the Crewe and Nantwich area, so to have this group of mums available to support others provides a great way of sharing advice with those who are also going through similar experiences.”

Monks Coppenhall Children’s Centre holds a breastfeeding support group every Wednesday morning. For further details, contact the children’s centre on 01270 371240

THE CHESHIRE SHOW – LOVE FOOD HATE WASTE

Cheshire East Council’s theme for this year’s show was ‘Love Food Hate Waste’, which looked at ways in which left-over food could be used to create quality meals.

Adult service users from the ‘Cuppas and Cakes’ group, which runs a café at the Ludford Centre in Crewe, and Karen Austin, from Macon House, cooked with celebrity chefs and explained what the service meant to them.

One member of the group has recently found employment in the community using the skills and confidence she has learnt at ‘Cuppas and Cakes’.

Cheshire East Council’s School Chef of the Year, Debbie Worsley, was also there cooking with celebrity chef Nigel Brown and year six pupils from Holmes Chapel Primary School. Rebecca Hatton won a competition, held recently in all Cheshire East primary schools, for her and four friends to cook at the Cheshire Show.

Pupils had to draw their favourite school meals and more than 600 hundred entries were received.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services said: “I am pleased to see our adult service users learning new practical skills and clearly enjoying themselves.”

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and family services said: “The Cheshire Show was very enjoyable and it was good see the children so passionate about food and cooking.

“Hopefully the skills they have learned will stand them in good stead for later life.”

Crime news

DON’T GET DISTRACTED

As the warm weather continues, local residents are being reminded by Cheshire East Council’s Trading Standards to be extra vigilant over the coming months.

The longer days can result in an increase in cold-callers and the warmer weather can tempt residents to leave windows and doors open.

Bogus callers and distraction burglars often take these opportunities to gain access to a person’s home and unscrupulous traders will get their victims to pay for unnecessary but costly work.

Cheshire East Council acknowledges some traders are honest and genuine. However, many people find the process of being cold-called (whether genuine or not) to be intrusive and distressing.

Historically, bogus callers, distraction burglars and rogue traders target the elderly; the vulnerable; those living alone; and those who have recently suffered bereavement.

Examples of bad practices associated with cold calling and doorstep crime include:

• pressure selling;
• unfair contracts;
• overpriced or substandard home maintenance or improvements;
• phoney consumer surveys;
• bogus charity collections; and
• bogus officials

A ‘Bogus Caller’, also known as a ‘Distraction Burglar’, is someone who calls at your home unannounced, to trick, distract or lie with the intention of stealing money or valuables.

In Cheshire Police Eastern Area Police Officers and Trading Standards officers targeted locations which were “hot spots” for Rogue Trader activity while Police Staff, members of Cheshire East Council Community Engagement Team, housing associations and other partner agencies carried out work to raise public awareness of the issue.
Inspector Catherine Mitchell said, “Rogue Traders and other types of bogus callers prey on the elderly and the vulnerable. They are totally unscrupulous, with no regard at all for their victims. The hardship and distress they cause means nothing to them.
“Our officers tackle this issue on a regular basis and, with Trading Standards, have achieved some notable arrests over the past few years. Courts share the public concern and disgust for this type of crime and have imposed some substantial prison sentences.
“That removes some of the criminals from the streets, but we should never lose sight of the fact that a lot of these crimes are preventable, if the potential victims are taught what to do when they get a stranger knocking at the door.”
Mark Cotton, one of the Eastern Area Crime Reduction Advisers said, “The simple way to beat this type of criminal is not to open the door to them. Whether they are trying to carry out a small job and charge a ridiculous amount for it, or whether they are using the pretext of carrying out work simply to gain access to the house to steal, they cannot do anything if the householder sends them packing.
“Neighbours and relatives can all help in this. They need to be aware of the problem and keep an eye on anyone who may be vulnerable.

“Local organizations can assist by spreading information about ways to beat the activity of rogue traders. Any community group who would like a talk about the issue, or who wants literature about it only has to contact their local Crime Reduction Adviser.”

You will be aware that the story of being an ex-offender trying to make good is not a new one in terms of trying to sell items at the door. Some may state they are linked to probation to further validate the story. I can confirm that the local probation service never enlist individuals to go door to door selling items. Over the years some people engaging in this type of doorstep sales have used this as a distraction burglary technique, whereas others may be trying to sell items at an over inflated price to make money for themselves by gaining the sympathy of the homeowner. Unfortunately, it is difficult to ascertain where on this scale someone at your door falls from the brief exchange you may have at your front door. As such the best advice in terms of all doorstep callers is:

1.) If someone knocks at your door and you are not expecting anyone have a look who it is via a spy hole / window.
2.) If you don't recognise the person it is your choice as to whether you even open the door to them. If you do not know them and don't feel comfortable opening the door do not feel obligated to do so even if they have seen that someone is in. If you do intend to open the door, please ensure you lock your rear door before doing so.
3.) If you have a door chain make sure you use it when opening the door - it provides an extra layer of security for you.
4.) If someone is trying to sell goods and services politely refuse and close the door.
5.) If someone claims to be of a more official capacity deal with them using the advice that has been forwarded in previous emails with regards to doorstep callers. If anyone needs this advice reiterating please let me know.

If anyone has anyone knock at their door who appears suspicious please do not hesitate to contact the police via 0845 458 0000 as soon as possible after they have called. Please provide whatever details you can about the caller to the police so that any free patrols can make a search of the area for individuals.

BRIDGE REPAIRS IN WHEELOCK

Work is to begin on substantial repairs to a bridge in Wheelock, Sandbach, this month.

From Monday, July 12, the Wheelock Station Bridge, which carries traffic on Crewe Road over the Wheelock Rail Trail, is to be waterproofed.

The work is being carried out to prevent the further deterioration of the brick arches and supporting structure.

The repairs are expected to be completed by late October.

The section of Crewe Road will be open to single lane traffic with temporary traffic lights in place throughout.

Drivers are advised to use an alternative route, as delays can be expected.

Cheshire East Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said:

“These essential repairs will ensure this structure remains sound for many years to come.

“I would like to thank commuters, in advance, for their patience and apologise for any inconvenience this work may cause.”