NEW WEBSITE IS MARKETING MARKET TOWNS

 

A bold new website is aiming to showcase 15 Cheshire East market towns and boost visitor numbers.

The website www.cheshiremarkettowns.co.uk brings together 21 different towns and villages across the county, with each one having their own web page or iVisitorGuide. The site is driven by Visit Chester and Cheshire’s online Destination Management data system.

It is hoped that by promoting all Cheshire’s market towns and villages on one website, visitors will be attracted to the region as a whole and encouraged to explore the area for several days.

People logging on will be able to explore an interactive map of the county to find a town that interests them. They will then be able to view all the information they need to be able to plan their trip including:

• Places to stay
• Where to eat and drink
• Attractions
• An events calendar
• Pictures of the town
• Links to other local businesses

Each featured town also has their own unique domain name by which they can market themselves. These names all follow the same format, based on a variation of ‘iVisit’, for example www.iVisitAlderleyEdge.co.uk or www.iVisitNantwich.co.uk.

A wide network of businesses, towns and associations are all signed up to these iVisitorGuides. This cross-promotion is expected to push the website to the top of search engine rankings, resulting in many more tourism enquiries.

A recent report from eDigitalResearch indicates that 91% of all travel is now researched online. It is therefore vital that Cheshire East’s towns and businesses have the best chance of being found on the web.

Cheshire East Council commissioned the website as part of its recession recovery work to support local businesses and help them take advantage of the area’s visitor economy, which is already worth more than £650m a year to Cheshire East. The website was developed in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester Council and the tourist board, Visit Chester and Cheshire.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity said: “This website should give a real boost to the many market towns and villages in Cheshire East.

“We need to capitalise on the trend of people holidaying in this country and make sure they are aware that Cheshire East has a rich heritage and a huge variety of attractions.

“The individual web pages also allow businesses and community groups to take control of their own marketing and explain why tourists should visit their town.”

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity said: “This website shows that it is important for the various market towns and villages to work together to promote the wider region as a tourism destination.

“The website is very easy to use and the individual profile pages allow towns to tailor the message they send out.”

Jonathan Williams, Middlewich Town Clerk, said: “I strongIy feel that Cheshire’s market towns are its greatest asset; vibrant, attractive and a focus for community activity.

“To have a dedicated site gives all the towns a collective strength that can be used to attract residents and visitors into our towns.

“The slideshow of images demonstrates just how beautiful our towns are and it makes you feel proud to live in this part of the world.”

Masterchef in Nantwich

 

Nantwich had a sprinkle of star dust as Celebrity Masterchef was filmed at Mill Island.

The episode to be shown next week features a selection of celebrities whose identities are being kept a closely guarded secret.

Judges Gregg Wallace and John Torode, and the entire film crew were welcomed to the town during Holly Holy day and the re-enactment of the Battle of Nantwich.

The Battle took place during the English Civil war in the reign of King Charles I in 1643.

The battle was between the Parliamentarians and the Royalists and saw the Royalists defeated in 1644.

In celebration, the Parliamentarians, led by Sir Thomas Fairfax, wore sprigs of Holly in their hats, which gave the event its title.

Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member for health and wellbeing said: “Since our Love Food Hate Waste campaign, I have become increasingly interested in creating new dishes, so I look forward to the programme and getting some ideas.

“I’m pleased the BBC has chosen to feature Nantwich and one of our most famous historical enactments. I’ll certainly be watching.”

The episode will be on our screens on Wednesday, August 11, on BBC 1 at 8pm.

This celebration of good food is perfect for whetting our appetite in time for Nantwich Food and Drink festival, which will take place from 24 - 26 September.

Queens Park willow weaving

 

Learn the art of willow weaving at Queens Park, Crewe this summer.

On Sunday August 8, weavers from Eco-Arts in Leyland will be visiting to teach the traditional skill of interweaving willow branches to create artistic masterpieces.

You can make all kinds of decorative items from willow branches as they are so flexible.

They make attractive baskets, fences, chairs and sculptures. They also make ideal gifts with a rustic and personal touch.

Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing said: “Weaving is highly skilled, but can also be a highly creative and relaxing hobby.

“If you like to work with natural materials and create something for your home of garden, then get yourself down to Queens Park to try it out.”

The taster session and demonstration will run from 2pm until 4pm.

Making a Splash at Pool Open Day

 

Families got into the swim at an open day to promote the variety of leisure and fitness activities on offer in Crewe.

Crewe Swimming Pool threw open its doors to encourage children and adults to try out its facilities – for free.

Visitors took part in family pool sessions and tried out taster classes with the Crewe Neptune Life Saving Club, Crewe Flyers Swimming Club and Icicle Divers Club.

Meanwhile, rollerblading sessions, balance board classes and rowing and cycling contests in the fitness suite meant there was plenty to occupy those who preferred to keep their feet on dry land.

There was also the opportunity to learn basic life support with sessions from the Save a Baby/Community Life Support campaign.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “In Cheshire East we are committed to supporting people of all ages and abilities to become more active.

“The open day was an excellent way of introducing families in Crewe to the wide variety of leisure and fitness activities that are available on their doorstep.

“The turnout was excellent and I would like to thank all those who helped to make it such a success.”

A tombola and refreshments stall staffed by volunteers raised more than £90 for Macmillan Nurses.

From the Pacific to Crewe

 

Two female international beach volleyball players are hoping Cheshire East serves up a smash hit.

On August 1 the players from the Vanuatu Islands in the South Pacific are to be welcomed to their new training camp in Crewe in preparation to fulfil their Olympic dream and qualify for London 2012.

Henriette Iatika and Miller Elwin will be hosted through a partnership between Cheshire East Council and Manchester Metropolitan University Cheshire (MMUC). The girls will be based at Booth Hall, part of the MMUC campus.

They will have the opportunity to train at various state-of-the-art sports facilities including a new beach volleyball facility that will be open for future use by a new Cheshire East beach volleyball club.

MMUC was named last year as an official 2012 pre-Games training camp. It was agreed that a beach volleyball court would be built at the Crewe sports campus as part of the legacy for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralymic games. The aim is to bring people together through sport and create a lasting legacy for Cheshire East.

The volleyball team and their Australian coach will be able to enjoy all that Cheshire East has to offer in between playing at three qualifying tournaments in Finland, Norway and the Netherlands.

Coucillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing said: “We’re very excited to be working with MMUC and can’t wait to host the volleyball team and show them all the things we have available here in Cheshire East.

“They will have the opportunity to bring some sporting inspiration to other young people through their competitive energy and share their culture and customs with us.”

Dennis Dunn, Dean of MMUC and Pro Vice Chancellor of MMU added: ”We feel extremely proud to welcome this international team to Cheshire East.

“We look forward to hosting the athletes throughout their trip and providing them with an educating and fulfilling experience of the North West. We hope they will take away some happy memories and lasting new friendships when they return home.”

There is an opportunity to meet the beach volleyball team at the Playday event at Shavington Leisure Centre in Crewe on August 4 from midday. Miller and Henriette will be received by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Roger West and meet local children.

Goody Bags Boost For Our Soldiers – ‘in a Jiffy’

 

 

HUNDREDS more ‘goody bags’ are on their way to boost our troops battling the Taliban – thanks to staff at Cheshire East Council.

Council workers, their families and members of the public filled more than 250 Jiffy bags with gifts of little luxuries, games and tasty treats to raise the morale of soldiers of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) fighting in Helmand, Afghanistan.

Cheshire East Mayor Councillor Gordon Baxendale also added another 224 goody bags – thanks to the generous support of listeners, following his appeal for donations on Signal Radio – taking the total to more than 450.

Colleagues at Cheshire West and Chester Council have also got behind the Cheshire East-organised collection and are raising scores more parcels of treats.

Last month a similar ‘Jiffy bag’ appeal by Cheshire East alone donated more than 300 goody bags for ‘The Cheshires’.

Mayor Baxendale said: “This was another marvellous effort by Cheshire East staff and local people. They showed their continued support for our soldiers and raised awareness of their sacrifice by donating even more than last time. It was a really tremendous effort.

“The Jiffy bag campaign is a small token of our appreciation and respect for our frontline soldiers and helps raise their morale and give them a bit of a lift.

“It is really important that we let them know they have the backing of the public back home in Cheshire.”

The goody bags contained treats such as small tins of fruit, boiled sweets, sachets of drinking chocolate, toiletries, magazines, playing cards and messages of support.

The Jiffy bags are collected at Congleton Pentecostal Church, in Cross Street, Congleton, to be sent on to Marne Barracks, Catterick – the home base of 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire). From there they are taken to frontline troops by soldiers returning to Afghanistan from Britain.

The facility to get a parcel to a soldier as quickly as possible is crucial and returning soldiers are keen to courier Jiffy bags to the frontline in their backpacks.

Captain John Elms, welfare officer for 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire), said: “This has been another big and generous effort by Cheshire East.

“It really means a lot for our troops to know they’ve got the support of the people of East Cheshire – they really appreciate it.

“Receiving one of these Jiffy bags after a really hard day on patrol gives our soldiers a huge lift.”

The Cheshire’s main role in Helmand is to mentor local security forces and provide security on the ground as part of the development of creating normal, everyday life in Afghanistan.

Cllr Baxendale has named ABF The Soldiers’ Charity as one of the organisations he is fundraising for during his tenure as mayor.

Cllr Baxendale is also calling on people to support a ‘hoedown and hog roast’ to raise funds for the welfare of injured troops of the 1 Mercian. The event will be held in a marquee at The Waggon and Horses pub on Manchester Road (A34), in Eaton, Congleton, on Saturday, August 21, at 7.30pm.

For tickets to the hoedown (priced £10), or to get involved with the Jiffy bag campaign or to make a donation, contact organiser Jill Dolman on 07827 415686.

Cheshire East Council Rejects Election Changes

 

Cheshire East Council has rejected proposals to nearly double the number of electoral wards.

The council says the Local Government Boundary Commission has failed to listen to the concerns of local residents and councillors – and that the proposed changes would be too complex and costly.

The Local Government Boundary Commission (LGBC) for England has proposed increasing the number of Cheshire East wards from 27 to 52 and boosting the number of councillors from 81 to 82.

Under its proposals, Cheshire East Council would have six three-member wards, 18 two-member wards and 28 single-member wards.

The LGBC says it will make ward representation fairer and reflect expected shifts in population.

But Cheshire East councillors voted by 48 votes to 18 to reject the LGBC recommendations.

Cheshire East Council Leader Wesley Fitzgerald said: “The Boundary Commission has failed to listen to our concerns or listen to the people of East Cheshire – and we want the Government to step in on our behalf.

“We accept the proposal to increase the number of councillors to 82 but we need to ensure that council wards reflect local community identities and the links between communities.

“We need wards that would help provide convenient and effective local government.”

A meeting of the Full Council (Thursday, July 22) rejected the LGBC proposals, passing a motion saying:

● The Boundary Commission’s final recommendations are ‘unreasonable’ as they fail to take into account or give due weight to submissions from the community and council;

● The recommendations would be complex and very costly to introduce at a time when this council is being urged to make budget savings;

● That the timetable for decision making by Parliament is too drawn out – with a final ruling possibly not due until December, leaving little time for implementation and added pressure on the council;

● The changes to wards and representation would make the administration of elections much more complex;

● The proposals involve changes to warding arrangements for the parishes of Congleton, Gawsworth, Nantwich, Poynton, Sandbach, Weston and Willaston.

The council vote noted the LGBC’s final report and passed a resolution to ask Parliament to reject the LGBC’s final recommendations and request the Leader of Cheshire East Council to write to local MPs and Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles so that a complete revision of the boundaries can take place at the same time as the Parliamentary Boundary Review in 2014.

The resolution continued: “This would enable the Boundary Commission to take a holistic view of the impact that the radical changes – that are likely in the design of the parliamentary constituency boundaries – will have on the local authority ward structure and town and parish boundaries.”

The publication of the commission’s final recommendations follows its draft recommendations last November and consultations with local representatives and communities.

Parliament is due to rule on the recommendations in the autumn. If accepted, the electoral changes would come into force for the next council elections in May 2011.

Max Caller, chair of the LGBC, said: “We are grateful to all the people across East Cheshire who took the time and effort to send us their views.”

Scammers Promoting Rogue Anti-Virus Through Phone Calls

 

  If you are contacted by any of these contact the above forum for FREE Support on any virus removal

Malware purveyors seem to be increasing their use of telephones for malicious purposes, which resulted in increased reports pouring in from the UK of cold phone calls to trick people into downloading fake anti-virus products.

In past few weeks, some people got dire warnings that their computer systems are infected with malware that can be eliminated with only some clicks of the mouse. On July 2, 2010, antivirus vendor ESET UK, mentioning the increase in such calls, advised Internet users to remain cautious.

While the pitches differ, they usually involve a person who sounds as a professional calling from some telephone center. He warns the user on the other end that malware has been discovered on his system which is now infecting other PCs.

For sceptical users, the person may ask to open Windows event viewer for proof of infection. Ultimately, the user is asked to provide the caller remote access to his computer through logmein123.com or some other service. Thus, the scammers will implant fake anti-virus software as well as other malware which is too difficult to get rid of.

The scammers are fearless when potential victims tell a stranger calling them from an anonymous place that they don't need their help.

Just few days back, people living in Bridport (England) got a cold call from a person claiming to be from some reputed company like Microsoft, Symantec or Norton. The receivers were informed that their computer has been infected by a nasty virus and that it is now sending that virus to others through the Internet. They are told that it can be easily removed and thus, they are tricked into allowing the scammers remote access to their PCs. They are then bombarded with several technical jargon as well as complex procedures.

Then the receivers are asked for the payment details through a card and the victim is asked for around £180 to eliminate the virus.

According to security experts, this kind of scam has been prevailing for more than 12 months, but they know very little about those behind the calls, except the domain names - go4saling.com, supportonclick.com and metupport.com.

Police Raids Target Drugs Ring

Police Officers smashed their way into houses in Crewe just after dawn today to arrest more than twenty people on drug dealing charges.
Nearly 200 officers, some wearing full protective clothing, were involved in the early morning raids which took place simultaneously at more than 20 houses and flats in various parts of the town.
As people were led away in handcuffs, support teams of specialist Police Officers and Police Staff moved in to houses and flats to search the premises. 
Armed officers were present at one of the addresses. Police said this was “purely precautionary”.
At the same time three teams of Police Officers from Cheshire raided houses on Merseyside to arrest three more people.
Chief Inspector Darren Hebden, Crime Manager for Cheshire Police Eastern Area said, “The aim of these arrests is to take out a drug dealing network which has built up in Crewe to distribute Class A drugs, mostly heroin and crack cocaine, which are brought in from Merseyside.
“This is the culmination of many months of covert police work to identify the dealers and gather evidence against them. The search teams will bring out any drugs they find, together with equipment used to prepare drugs, but the main purpose of this morning’s operation was to make arrests.
“The teams will also seize cash and any assets, including cars, which are likely to have resulted from drug dealing. At a later stage we will apply to the courts for the money and assets to be confiscated. It is important to drive home the message that people will not be allowed to benefit financially from crime.
“People who have been taken into custody today will be processed and charged, either with conspiracy to supply Class A Drugs or with supplying Class A drugs. They will appear before a special court tomorrow.
“This is part of the Cheshire Police Strikeout campaign to tackle crime which affects people’s everyday lives. It has been a very successful operation involving people from many different units across the force.”
Inspector Andrew Smith, the officer in charge of Crewe Neighbourhood Policing Unit said, “Like all towns of its size, Crewe has a number of drug addicts and criminals who try to make money from supplying them.
“Drug dealing has repercussions right across the community. It injects elements of fear and suspicion into any neighbourhood where it is taking place. It drags the area down. It also drives other crime such as burglary, car crime and shoplifting as addicts try to finance their habit.
“After these arrests today, support will be offered by our partner agencies to addicts who are suddenly deprived of their supply and they will be offered opportunities to break their addiction.
“Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers will also tour the areas where arrests have been made talking to people and distributing leaflets explaining what has happened.
“Police Officers and Police Staff at all levels are involved in a constant campaign to tackle the drugs  issue. 
“Many of our investigations into drugs and drug dealing networks begin with some information from a member of the public. Sometimes it comes on the telephone; sometimes it is raised at a neighbourhood meeting or police surgery; sometimes it is simply passed on in a conversation with a Police Officer or Police Community Support Officer on their beat.
“If you are concerned about drug abuse or drug dealing in your area do not hesitate to contact us. We will always follow up information.”
Anyone with information about drug dealing can call the Cheshire Police Information Line 0845 458 0000, or you can leave information anonymously on the Crimestoppers Line 0800 555 111.

TRADING STANDARDS TARGET CAR BOOT COUNTERFEITS

 

Cheshire East Council’s Trading Standards team, in partnership with Cheshire Police, have uncovered a stash of counterfeit goods at a local car boot sale.

Sunday, July 11 saw police and Trading Standards officers swoop on unsuspecting traders at the Cheshire Lounge car boot sale in Little Bollington.

They discovered more than 1,300 counterfeit CDs and DVDs.

Three people were arrested under the Trade Marks Act 1994.

A search of the suspects’ homes, in the Manchester area, later uncovered a further 2,000 counterfeit discs.

Investigations are now under way.

The sale of counterfeit goods carries stiff punishment.  Maximum penalties are up to 10 years in prison and unlimited fines. 

Cheshire East councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “This is a good result of our Trading Standards team and a credit to their hard-work and successful partnership with Cheshire Police.

“It is unacceptable for a small group of so-called traders to damage the reputation of genuine car boot traders in this manner. Customers must be safe in the knowledge they can attend a car boot sale or any other market stall and buy genuine goods.”

Dustin Hawkes, Cheshire East Council’s lead officer for financial investigations, said: “When money is short it is tempting for individuals to try and make money from the sale of counterfeit goods.  They see it as a victimless crime that does no harm and fail to see how this affects local businesses who are also struggling to make ends meet due to the recession.

“A healthy local economy is vital for maintaining the community in which we live and Cheshire East Trading Standards team is committed to protecting this economy from unscrupulous traders trying to make a fast buck.”

“For those selling counterfeit goods Cheshire East Trading Standards is warning you that it is only a matter of time before you have to deal with the repercussions of your actions.”

JUNIOR RECYCLING OFFICER OF THE YEAR AWARDS

Junior recycling officers have been rewarded at an awards ceremony at Tatton Park.

Their role is to promote the three Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, to friends, family and the local community throughout their year in office.

More than 100 primary schools in Cheshire East have two junior recycling officers who are nominated in Year 6 by pupils and teachers, so competition was tough.

Eight finalists from four schools in Bunbury, Congleton, Bollington and Crewe were selected for their hard work promoting recycling throughout the year by holding assemblies, competitions and organising collections of things like paper, mobile phones and toner cartridges.

The finalists were asked to produce an eye-catching display and presentation about their role; explaining the importance of recycling and how they promote it to others.

The children used a selection of entertaining ways to get the message across, including puppets, plays and games as well as materials supplied by Cheshire East’s Waste Strategy team.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for Environmental services said: “The displays and presentations were of a very high standard. I found some of the concepts extremely interesting and I’m pleased to find so many schools encouraging composting and waste recycling with such enthusiasm.

“These young officers have a great deal of responsibility and their work is extremely worthwhile. The finalists did very well, so congratulations to you all.”

The two winners, from Vine Tree Primary School, in Crewe, were presented with a mountain bike each and a trophy to display proudly at their school. Medals and shopping vouchers were presented to all the finalists.

After the prize-giving ceremony, the day was topped off with a guided tour of Home Farm, at Tatton Park for the children and their parents.

Stolen gully tops found in Sandbach

A collection of stolen gully tops (drain covers) have been recovered from a scrap yard in Sandbach.

The ironwork had been dumped outside Sandbach Car and Commercial Dismantlers Ltd on July 5. The owners spotted an abandoned car outside their premises and on further inspection discovered the gully tops. They then reported the matter to local police.

The owner of the vehicle has not yet been found.

The discovery comes just weeks after more than 50 gully tops were stolen from the Crewe area.

Cheshire East Council is urging scrap yard owners and local residents to remain vigilant and report any such thefts or anything suspicious via Highways Operations on 0845 0002 666.

Alternatively, such thefts can be reported to Cheshire Police on 0845 458 0000.

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

“I would like to thank the owners of Sandbach Car and Commercial Dismantlers Ltd for reporting the stolen ironwork. I would urge similar traders to be on their guard and report anything suspicious to Cheshire police.

“The theft of stolen gully tops poses a serious danger to drivers and pedestrians. Replacing them comes at a significant cost to the Highways authority.”

Support for The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire)

 

Everyone was out in force to support our lads from The Mercian Regiment (Cheshire) who are overseas fighting for our country. Over the last few weeks we have suffered several losses. Today in Asda the MP Alex players Signal Radio and others were in store packing bags and getting people to donate small goods for bags which can be sent to our troops to show them we support them and provide little luxuries they are missing.

So next time your in Asda pop a few things in the trolley for our troops. They are looking for Playstations for troops injured  who have to spend a long time in hospital so if you have got an old one you dont want they will be glad of it until such times as they can buy new ones

SCAM WARNING

 

Trading Standards officers are issuing a warning to residents in Cheshire East after a man from Prestbury was nearly conned out of £5,000.

The man had purchased an energy-saving device from a company in May.

On Tuesday, July 12, he received a call from a man claiming to be from that company, saying he had won £5,000 but in order for the money to be released he needed to transfer £462.92 to a Western Union account in India.

Fortunately the man became suspicious and contacted Cheshire East Council who confirmed that it was a scam.

Trading Standards officers say that if a prize is genuine you will NEVER be asked for money in advance to release your winnings.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities said: “A general rule of thumb is that if something seems too good to be true, then it usually is!

“Unfortunately get-rich-quick schemes such as this can become much more appealing during a recession, when money is tight for a lot of people.

“However people must remain vigilant and protect themselves from opportunistic fraudsters.”

For all trading standards issues contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.

Archaeology Service Unveils A History Of Cheshire East – in 10 Objects

Ten objects have been selected from the thousands of archaeological finds from across Cheshire East – to tell the story of our area.

It coincides with the start of the national Festival of British Archaeology 2010, which runs from Saturday July 17 to Sunday August 1.

The 10 East Cheshire objects range from a prehistoric Bronze Age cremation urn and famous bogland murder victim Lindow Man to a hoard of coins from the 17th century.

The 10 artefacts are highlighted in a handout entitled ‘The archaeology of Cheshire East in 10 objects’. It has been produced by the Archaeology Planning Advisory Service, which serves both Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester councils.

Councillor Andy Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “This is an exciting initiative which highlights the wealth of fascinating archaeological artefacts that have been unearthed in Cheshire East – and the richness of our local history.

“Hopefully this will inspire people of all ages not only to explore the many historic treasures found in our museums but also to get out and about and explore our landscape on foot to discover and connect with our past.”

Dr Jill Collens, project manager at Cheshire APAS, said: “Some of the objects selected are rare and unusual, others are more commonplace but all help us to understand more about how our ancestors lived.”

The handouts are available at Nantwich and Congleton museums and Middlewich Library, where the artefacts are on display during the festival.

The leaflets are also available at other local libraries and can be downloaded at:

http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning/archaeology.aspx

Further information on the rich and varied archaeology of Cheshire East can be found at:

http://rcp.cheshire.gov.uk/

Each year the Council for British Archaeology coordinates the Festival of British Archaeology. Now in its 20th year, it is an annual celebration of heritage organised and held by museums, local societies, national and countryside parks and heritage organisations across the UK.

Cheshire East Heritage Champion councillor Rachel Bailey said: “This inspiring initiative and the festival as a whole present everyone with the opportunity to learn about their local heritage, to see archaeology in action and to get involved.”

A list of events to be held in Cheshire during the festival can be found on the website: http://festival.britarch.ac.uk

Cheshire East has 108 scheduled monuments, 10 areas of archaeological potential, more than 6,000 sites of archaeological importance and more than 8,000 historic landscape characterisation records.

ILLICIT TOBACCO – LETS STUB IT OUT

 

A crackdown on the sale of illicit tobacco has seen the Consumer Protection and Investigations Team hitting the streets of Crewe this week.

On Thursday, July 15, the team joined forces with Cheshire Police, the North West Immigration Service and HM Revenue & Customs in Operation Medallion – targeting those who sell counterfeit, bootlegged or smuggled tobacco products.

They visited businesses and residential properties in the Crewe area, including the town centre.

The results were as follows:

• 7,500 cigarettes were seized along with suspected illicit tobacco, counterfeit vodka and cannabis.

• A total of four entry warrants were executed.

• Three people were arrested and are being questioned by police.

Investigations are now underway by the Cheshire East Trading Standards team and Cheshire Police.

The sale of illicit tobacco has close links with organised crime. Duty lost to the Treasury from the sale of illicit tobacco products is estimated to be £2.5 billion a year.

HM Revenue & Customs estimate that 45% of all tobacco seizures are counterfeit – these are imitations of branded cigarettes/tobacco made from inferior ingredients and materials. Although cheaper than genuine brands, they have been known to contain sawdust, tobacco beetles, pieces of plastic and even rat droppings.

Bootlegged tobacco is illegally imported from countries with a low rate of tobacco taxation. Smuggled tobacco tends to be a legitimate product, illegally imported on a large scale and distributed on the black market for sale to the public.

Cheshire East Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member for safer and stronger communities, said: “This is an excellent example of how Cheshire East Council can work with partner agencies to successfully tackle the problem of illicit tobacco.

“Tobacco sold at very cheap prices makes it readily available to young people. I would urge any smoker to think twice before purchasing illicit tobacco and to think about the inferior products it may contain.”

Kay Roberts, head of Cheshire East Council’s Consumer Protection and Investigations Team, added: “This operation shows our ongoing commitment to protecting residents of from unscrupulous sellers of illicit tobacco.  I hope today we have sent a clear message that we will use every law enforcement power at our disposal to stop this illegal trade.”

Anyone with concerns about the sale of illicit tobacco is asked to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

MORE ACTS ANNOUNCED FOR THIS YEAR’S CREWE CARNIVAL

16 July 2010

 

Cheshire East Council has unveiled more acts that are to perform at this year’s Crewe Carnival (Saturday, August 28).

Professional stunt artists, rock bands and community dancers are among a host of performers at this year’s much-anticipated event.

‘Over The Rainbow’ finalist, Dani Rayner, will also perform at the Carnival after the 17-year-old’s success in the BBC talent show. Dani, from Northwich, will perform a number of songs, including some of her favourites from ‘Over the Rainbow’.

Dani told Cheshire East Council: “I am delighted to be able to sing at the Carnival. I would like to send many special thanks to the local supporters who were so kind during my time on 'Over the Rainbow’.”

Dani Rayner in 'Over the Rainbow'
The Carnival will be officially opened by Cheshire East Mayor, Councillor Gordon Baxendale.

Cheshire’s Silk 106.9 Breakfast Show presenter, Andy Bailey, will host this year’s show together with Paul Senior from CAT Radio.

Crewe Carnival-goers can also look forward to:

•    A performance by singer and actor, Darius Campbell
•    Performances by local band Vavoom, The Retrospective and Tom Seals (pianist and singer) and band (all courtesy of Volume PR)
•    Stunt displays by Jez Avery (pictured)
•    The Kangaroos (gymnastic display scheme)
•    Performances from X Academy and Footloose dance groups
•    Matrix cheerleading squad
•    Mini car display
•    A display of Cheshire birds of prey and Wyche Dog Training Club
•    A performance from this year’s Star Quest winner

•    Display stand by Cheshire East Council’s Love Food Hate Waste team.
•    Display by Crewe and Nantwich Horticultural Society
•    Brazilian football skill lessons, Korfball and archery
•    A children’s fairground and refreshment stands
•    A huge firework display, courtesy of Crewe Carnival partner’s Nemesis.

The event is free but anyone who wants to attend the evening concert will need to get a ticket from Lyceum Theatre, Nantwich Customer Services office and The Box in Crewe. Tickets will be available from August 2.Only five tickets available per individual.

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

“We are really gearing up to this year’s Carnival now. It’s encouraging to see so many local performers are keen to be involved, ensuring there is something for all the family.

“My thanks go to the Carnival Group for their work in organising the event. I urge families in Crewe and beyond to get down to the Lyceum Theatre on August 2 and get their tickets for what is sure to be a memorable day.”

Silk FM presenter Andy Bailey, said:

‘I don’t think we’ve ever had this much variety at Crewe Carnival - there really is something for everyone. Loads of towns up and down the land have lost their big local events, and it’s important everybody comes out and supports what is a thriving festival of entertainment. I can’t wait for the party to start!’

Volume director Toby Robinson, added:

“I think we’ve come up with the strongest and most diverse line-up of bands, artists and performers in years.

“Hopefully we’ve given the town enough reasons to get excited about Crewe Carnival 2010. Everyone can expect a great mix of entertainment and it’s free.”

Please find below further information on the bands that are due to perform at this year’s carnival:

Well-known on the local music circuit, Vavoom will entertain with a sound that transcends generations. Both old and young can enjoy their rock ‘n’ roll, influenced by the likes of Eddie Cochran, Chuck Berry, Stray Cats and the Brian Setzer Orchestra.

Crewe indie-pop band The Retrospective promise to deliver upbeat and uplifting tunes.

Local, young musician Tom Seals will pay tribute to the likes of Michael Buble with a full backing band.