Crewe News

Wednesday, 30 November 2011

YOUNG OFFENDERS CLEAN UP WILLASTON 'GROT SPOT'

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

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

Cheshire East urges people to make their pledge to end domestic violence

Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Partnership (CEDAP) is leading the campaign to mark White Ribbon Day.

The campaign, which culminates on Friday, November 25, urges people to wear a white ribbon as a pledge against violence against women.

There are around 5,000 domestic incidents reported to police each year in Cheshire East, but many more incidents go unreported.

Nationally, two women die as a result of domestic violence each week and it affects one in four women and one in six men during their lives.

Cheshire East Council has been working with voluntary sector partners Adullam, Arch, Barnardo’s and Crewe Women’s Aid as well as staff at the Primary Care Trust, Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and the Probation Service, to provide a programme of activities.

These include visits to support centres, a display of artwork produced by women who’ve survived domestic abuse and a self defence day at Crewe Police Station.

Cheshire East Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “This is our opportunity to send a strong message that abuse is never acceptable.

“It is important we work with our partners to do all we can to reduce incidents of domestic violence across Cheshire East. Wearing a white ribbon shows that we will not ‘commit, condone or stay silent’ about violence against women. It is this kind of strong community rejection of abuse which will really keep adults and children safe.

“Just one violent incident – woman, man or child – as a result of domestic violence is one too many.”

This Friday, CEDAP housing sector partners are signing up to a ‘joint protocol’ which sets out standards and procedures for responding to families affected by domestic abuse.

These partners play a critical role in identifying abuse, responding to housing need as a result of abuse and supporting families to be safe in their homes.

Cheshire East Council has also launched its Employee Domestic Abuse Policy which aims to ensure that domestic abuse is properly addressed as a workplace issue through clear procedures, guidance and training and to highlight the levels of support available.

CEDAP’s newly established Survivors Forum has also produced a piece of artwork that will form part of the day. This artwork reflects on individual objects or locations that have helped women to recognise or affect change.

Those who do not get chance to view this artwork as part of the White Ribbon campaign can contact the Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit on 01606 363531, where it can be booked for a team event.

Everyone has the right to feel safe in their own home. CEDAP urges any man or woman, who is experiencing domestic violence or knows someone who is, to contact the Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit, in confidence, on 01606 363532 or contact the national domestic violence free 24-hour helpline on 0808 2000 247.

More information can be found by typing ‘White Ribbon Day’ into the search engine on www.cheshireeast.gov.uk or at www.whiteribboncampaign.co.uk

Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe in Cheshire East this winter

Winter is here and Cheshire East Council and its multi-agency partners want to support everybody to keep warm, well and safe.

With forecasters predicting another very cold season, the Cheshire East Adult Safeguarding Board is launching a campaign which it hopes will give vulnerable people the information they need to cope with a harsh winter.

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

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

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services and health and wellbeing, said: “Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe – that is the message we want to get across to Cheshire East residents this winter.

“We realise that there will be people out there who find severe weather conditions and the winter cold very distressing and we wanted to provide a platform for them to find support and advice.

“For others, winter weather can be fun but sadly, more people are at risk of illness and death during this season than at other times of the year and may need extra help from us all.

“This is why we are also urging people to look out for their neighbours, as they may need your help and our support, especially if they are older, or have a disability or chronic illness.”

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

Cheshire East Mayor Councillor Roger West said: “The Stay Warm, Stay Well, Stay Safe campaign includes a host of advice from electric blanket safety to health support and domestic abuse.

“We have a responsibility to make people aware of vital services within Cheshire East and I am confident this initiative will prove very useful to all residents.”

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

Tree of Light Festival returns to Crewe

Cheshire East Council is please to announce the return to Crewe of the “Tree of Light” festival of remembrance.

It started eight years ago when Crewe Cemetery staff invited people to remember those they had lost by dedicating a silver star to them, which is then placed on a tree within the grounds. The designated tree is then lit up with thousands of lights during a special ceremony.

This year’s service will be held at Crewe Cemetery on Friday 2 December at approximately 4.30pm.

Once the service has taken place, the tree will remain lit until the twelfth night.

Cheshire East Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “Christmas can be a difficult and painful time for many people and so the importance of such ceremonies for those who have lost loved ones cannot be underestimated. The silver stars are a symbol of remembrance and I am sure are a great source of comfort to many.

“The Tree of Light festival helps us to remember those who are no longer with us and share cherished memories.”

All Change for Crewe – £6m boost for revitalisation of rail station

Plans to give Crewe Rail Station a massive overhaul and make it an iconic 21st century gateway to the town have been given a multi-million-pound boost today (Monday).

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

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

The new Government cash will fund the first phase of a comprehensive overhaul and enhancement of historic Crewe Rail Station and the adjoining former Royal Mail site. The land is owned by Network Rail and the Council. Phase one will include:

● A new surface-level car park of about 250 spaces;

● Improved facilities for taxis;

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

● New ticket machines and passenger information displays;

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

● A new area for servicing vehicles to access the station; and

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

Over the past two years, consultants appointed to advise the Council, working with key stakeholders, have identified what they believe needs to be done to ‘unlock’ the huge potential of the town and surrounding area and turn it into a leading player in Britain’s 21st century economy.

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

“There is still a lot of hard work to be done – and we will not be complacent about this –but this funding announcement is a critical vote of confidence in the station, the town and wider regeneration scheme. A revitalised rail hub will be critical to boosting the town’s visitor economy and its attractiveness to business.”

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

Last November, Cheshire East’s main political parties united behind the ‘All Change for Crewe’ vision for the town.

The leaders of the local Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour parties joined the Mayor of Crewe to sign a historic ‘Concordat’, in a public show of support for moves to turn Crewe and the surrounding area into an ‘economic powerhouse’ by 2031.

Since then, the Council’s Cabinet backed the appointment of a dynamic ‘delivery executive’, Tom Russell, to lead and drive forward schemes for regeneration, galvanise all stakeholders and help turn Cheshire East’s ambitious vision for the revitalisation of Crewe into reality. The All Change for Crewe Partnership Board has also recently been launched to support the achievement of these objectives.

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

The site is seen as a prime spot for a landmark development as part of ambitious plans to redevelop Crewe Rail Station and the town centre.

All Change for Crewe received another big boost with the announcement in September that nationally-renowned firm Expert Logistics was relocating to Crewe 360 – bringing 350 jobs to the town.

The short-term lease negotiated with Expert Logistics for the former Royal Mail site, to support the investment and transition process, was an important factor in its decision to relocate.

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

Wednesday, 23 November 2011

MP’s 103rd electronic news bulletin.

Edward Timpson MP

Monday 21, November 2011

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my 103rd electronic news bulletin.

This week saw a positive move for the public finances with the sale of Northern Rock to Virgin Money. It is an important first step in getting the British taxpayer out of the business of owning banks. It represents value for money; will increase choice on the high street for customers; and safeguards jobs. This represents a significant step in returning public sector stakes in banks to the private sector. The sale is in the best interest of the taxpayer, secures the long-term future of the company and will increase competition in the banking sector. It forms part of the Government's wider strategy for the banking sector with safer ring-fenced banks and more competition for customers. >From the sale the Government will receive £747 million in cash on closing the deal, with the potential in the future to receive over £1 billion in total.

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

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

Best wishes

Edward Timpson
Member of Parliament for Crewe & Nantwich

I have recently ...

Attended a Citizenship ceremony at Crewe Hall to present certificates to newly welcomed British citizens
Met with representatives of the Cumberland Sports Ground in Crewe and the Crewe & Nantwich Athletics Club to catch up with their superb progress and plans for the future
Held a constituency surgery at Shavington Village Hall
Visited South Cheshire College in Crewe, where I met with the Principal Peter Swift and Governors who gave me a tour of the new building.
Joined in with a lesson with students at South Cheshire College on the Public Service course
Held a Street Stall in Nantwich Town Centre as part of my 'On your street' campaign to get out and about in the constituency to listen to what matters to you

Photos & Video ...

Edward cutting a cake to celebrate the opening of the new cafe at the Haslington Bakery .

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

Community News

Support the Looking After the Homeless Group

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

Seahorses take the plunge for Nathan

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian

LOCAL MP Edward Timpson attended a sponsored swim at the Crewe Swimming Baths on Flag Lane last week.

Some 25 swimmers and volunteers of the Seahorse Swimming Club took part in a ten-mile sponsored swim with participants taking turns to complete the distance.

Funds are being raised through the Children’s Disability Charity, Newlife Foundation for local child, Nathan Hill, who requires a new wheelchair.

The sponsored swim raised at least £500 but there is still some way to go as a wheelchair of the required lightweight type costs £3,373 which will be of huge benefit to Nathan, who has been a member of Seahorse for two years.

Edward, who attended along with Crewe’s Deputy Mayor Margaret Martin, said: “There was a high turnout at the sponsored swim which is a strong indication of the support there is for Nathan’s wheelchair fund, and it’s great to see the community getting behind him.

“I wish Nathan all the best in gathering the rest of the required funds and encourage others to contribute too.”

Richmond Village in Nantwich hosts black tie charity ball for the ABF Soldiers Charity

Crewe Chronicle

A BLACK tie charity ball held at a Nantwich residential complex has raised thousands of pounds for the ABF Soldiers Charity.

The event at Richmond Village was enjoyed by 75 guests, including VIP visits from the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs, MP Edward Timpson and Deputy Mayor of Nantwich Cllr Graham Fenton.

Guests tucked into a three-course dinner with entertainment from local DJ and entertainer Chris Radford, before Brigadier Rodney Walker CBE, representing the South Cheshire branch of the ABF, gave the official welcome.

A charity auction was held with prizes including a signed Crewe Alex shirt, a meal at The Residence in Nantwich, a VIP visit to Nantwich Town Football Club and a two-hour radio show on Cat Radio.

The evening was rounded off with dancing until midnight to a jazz band.

In total, the night is expected to have raised about £2,500.

Co-organiser and village manager Alison Harding said: “We are delighted to have hosted this event on behalf of the ABF and hope that this will be the start of a number of events to help raise awareness and funds for this wonderful charity.”

New Haslington bakery cafe set to rise

Crewe Chronicle

STAFF at a new bakery cafe in Haslington are hoping to give customers Food for Thought.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson was on hand to cut the ribbon at the official opening of the Crewe Road shop.

Friends and well-wishers of owners Lee and Judy McNeill enjoyed refreshments and a glass of bucks fizz at the event.

Judy said: “Using only the fresh produce supplied by its ‘parent’ Food for Thought Bakery next door, the cafe is already a hit with local residents and passing trade who find the relaxed ambience, friendly service and attractive, tasty food enjoyable.”

Open seven days a week, the Sunday breakfasts have already proved a great success with all age groups.

Owners Lee and Judy said they are also delighted to be able to offer more employment opportunities to people in the area, particularly during the recession.

Judy added: “You will find a warm welcome and tempting fresh food – and can eat with the knowledge that everything is additive-free, hand-made and delicious!”

For further information call Lee or Judy on 01270 254911.

5 ways to contact Edward Timpson

By email: timpsone@parliament.uk
On the web: edwardtimpsonmp.com
By phone: 01270 501 725
By post: 30 Victoria Street, Crewe CW1 2JE
In person: Click here to see surgery times

Come and find out more about Crewe’s governance review

“How would you like your town to be governed?”

That is the question Cheshire East Council is asking the people of Crewe as it enters its first wave of consultation into future governance options for the town.

Views are being sought on the public’s preferred options, which could result in the establishment of one or more town/parish councils; community associations; neighbourhood management groups; residents associations or community forums.

It is the second time Cheshire East Council has canvassed residents’ views after the idea of a town council was rejected following a ballot of the people of the town in January last year.

Cheshire East staff will be on hand in various locations in Crewe up to December 16 where further information on the review can be obtained. These include:

Thursday, November 24 – Eagle Bridge Health & Wellbeing Centre, Dunwoody Way, Crewe, 10am-2pm
Friday, November 25 – Crewe Market Hall, 10am-2pm
Saturday, November 26 – Crewe Market Hall, 10am-2pm
Monday, November 28 – Crewe Market Hall, 10am-noon
Friday, December 9 – Crewe Market Hall, 10am-2pm

Information will also be displayed at Delamere House throughout early December during normal office hours.

Councillor David Marren, Chairman of the sub-committee, which is conducting the review, said: “Most towns and parishes in Cheshire East have a more local level of governance which is specific to that town, village or parish.

“These usually take the form of a town or parish council. However, Crewe does not currently have a democratically-elected arrangement such as this.

“Now, bearing in mind Cheshire East Council’s commitment to transferring services and assets to more local levels, the authority feels it is appropriate to consult the people of Crewe again on whether they feel a more local level of governance is appropriate.

“I can assure residents that the sub-committee will conduct this review fairly and all views will be taken into account as we seek to ensure that future arrangements for Crewe reflect the interests and identities of the community.”

Views collected up to December 16 will be analysed by the sub-committee before a second wave of consultation begins early in 2012.

More information on the potential options for governance, with a breakdown of the facts on each, is available at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/crewegovreview

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

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

Council’s A-Team heralded on the premier league stage

Cheshire East Council has been spreading the word about its outstanding apprenticeship scheme on a fitting, top-flight stage.

Members of the Council’s A-Team programme gave a lesson in how to provide top-class, on-the-job training for young people at Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium.

So impressed were the National Apprenticeship Service and Stockport Borough Council with this programme that they invited the authority to share its success story and best practice model with other councils across the north.

It was part of the biggest-ever gathering of councils to explore apprenticeships called ‘Sharing Best Practice in Local Government approaches to Apprenticeships’.

Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet member with responsibility for procurement and shared services, said: “Cheshire East was asked to pass on its experience and knowledge to other councils to improve apprenticeships and share knowledge of what makes a successful scheme.

“This event consolidated the A-Team’s status as a leading apprenticeship scheme in the UK and it is now acting in a consultancy role to other councils to help them develop or improve their schemes.

“Our overarching philosophy is ‘inspiring apprenticeships’ – to try and get as many people and organisations involved in our scheme and apprenticeships as a whole.

“This event gave us national recognition and I would like to congratulate the work of our human resources department in building such an outstanding scheme.”

Visiting delegates attended workshops which looked at separate key messages and best practices of delivering a good apprenticeship programme within a council organisation.

Cheshire East’s workshop was based on ‘apprenticeships developing innovative approaches and initiatives.’

This included a presentation from the Council’s senior organisational officer Ben Whitter, activities and talks from A-Team apprentices about their personal experiences and a question and answer session.

The A-Team’s workshop attracted more than 65 people and was given extremely positive feedback.

The event was addressed by the Stockport Council chief executive, Eamonn Boylan, and National Apprenticeship Service northern divisional director, Sue Price. Other authorities that delivered workshops were Staffordshire, Calderdale, Wirral and Hartlepool councils.

Anybody interested in finding out more about apprenticeship opportunities in Cheshire East should call Ben Whitter on 01270 686662, email apprenticeships@cheshireeast.gov.uk or alternatively go to www.cheshireeast.gov.uk and click on jobs and careers.

New Partnership Board boosts ‘All Change for Crewe’ regeneration project

A new partnership has been unveiled to help give vital impetus to the ‘All Change for Crewe’ regeneration scheme.

The All Change for Crewe Partnership Board has been formed in recognition of the need to provide vital private sector strategic leadership to the implementation of the All Change for Crewe strategy to make the town and surrounding area an ‘economic powerhouse’ by 2031.

All Change for Crewe aims to integrate the long-term physical renewal and development of the town with action to improve economic prospects and social conditions for its residents.

The new board is made up of 10 members, including five private sector representatives, and a private sector chair. The full membership of the board comprises:

· John Lea – Morning Foods (Chair);

· Mike Hawes – Bentley Motors;

· Matthias Kuhn – Air Products;

· Andrew Pass – John Pass Jewellers;

· John Dunning – South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce;

· Neil Pickering – Homes and Communities Agency;

· Dennis Dunn – Manchester Metropolitan University;

· Tracy Bullock – Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust;

· Councillor Michael Jones; Cheshire East Council Cabinet member with responsibility for resources;

· Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity.

A further place has been allocated on the board for a representative of the rail industry – in recognition of its importance.

There was a widespread interest in joining the board from the private sector. Those not successful will be able to contribute to the delivery of the strategy aspirations through involvement in individual project boards to be established in due course.

Board chairman John Lea, managing director of Morning Foods and High Sheriff of Cheshire, said: “I am delighted to become chairman of this important and influential partnership board and very much look forward to providing strategic leadership and direction.

“It's very good to see the private and public sectors working together to harness the drive and enthusiasm which will help to promote the strategic development of our town and ensure that the exciting and ambitious plans are fully implemented so that Crewe and its immediate area can achieve its full economic potential.”

Cllr Wesley Fitzgerald, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This is an important development for Crewe. Although Cheshire East Council continues to drive forward the regeneration objectives of All Change for Crewe, we clearly can’t do this in isolation. The Council can help create the conditions for new jobs and investment, but it’s ultimately the business community that delivers.

“There was immense interest from the local business community in taking a place on this board, which is very heartening. The fact that it has a real cross-section of the local business community will serve it well in driving forward Crewe’s regeneration and sends a signal to the business community nationally that Crewe is a can-do place for new investment and jobs.”

One of All Change for Crewe’s key aims is to attract a more educated, skilled and ambitious workforce to the local area to boost the economy and play a central role in plans for the town to become a dynamic regional centre.

A major investment in Crewe train station and town centre and the completion of the Crewe Green Link Road will be at the heart of several major projects planned to revitalise the town and the surrounding region.

Information on the All Change for Crewe Strategy is now available on the following website: www.allchangeforcrewe.co.uk

Sunday, 20 November 2011

Cheque presented to Willaston in Bloom

An evening of entertainment organised by Cllr Brian Silvester at Willaston Social Club to celebrate his 35 years of service as a Councillor raised more than £1,500 for local good causes in memory of former Parish Council Chairman Mike Heywood. A donation from the fund has now been made to Willaston in Bloom. A cheque for £440 was presented to Wayne Lewis Parish Councillor and Chairman of Willaston "Britain in Bloom" committee, on the Village Green in Willaston which is to be re-named 'Mike Heywood Green'. (See attached photo)

Cllr Silvester said," In the 'Small Town' category of the North West Britain in Bloom competition Willaston was successful again this year and was presented with the Silver award. The Willaston in Bloom group do wonderful work and I salute the local volunteers who give so freely of their time to make the village look so beautiful. There is a wonderful community spirit in Willaston and the award was fully justified. I pay tribute to all those many volunteers and the Parish Council who ensure that a wide range of local groups flourish and make the village such an excellent, beautiful and friendly place to live.
I am pleased that I have been able to help in a small way in the continuing success of Willaston in Bloom. The money was raised in memory of Mike Heywood, the former Chairman of the Parish Council. I am sure he would be delighted with the recent success of the village he loved."
Cllr Silvester went on to say, "Thirty-five years service is a remarkable milestone in my life. There have been numerous highlights and successes and I will always treasure those. I greatly enjoy serving as a councillor. I would like to thank all those residents who have voted for me to be their Councillor over the last 35 years. It is an honour to serve them. I now look forward to the next 35 years!!!"

The attached photos show L to R, Willaston in Bloom volunteers Maureen Nash, Julie Lewis, Chairman Cllr. Wayne Lewis, Brian Silvester Sheila Davies, Former Mayoress of Crewe and Nantwich, and volunteer Cllr. John Flackett.

Brian Silvester

Saturday, 19 November 2011

Nantwich Swimming Pool to get £1.4m boost

Swimming and leisure facilities at Nantwich Swimming Pool are to be given a £1.4m cash boost, Cheshire East Council has announced.

A full review of the Wall Lane complex has now been completed and funding has been agreed to realise the full potential of the facility, making it fit for the future.

The money will be spent on the ageing changing rooms, showers and toilets to create a ‘changing village’ – a unisex changing area with cubicles and individual family changing rooms.

This will provide a much more modern experience suitable for all users.

There are also plans to create a new entrance and enhanced fitness facilities as well as improved roofing, paved surfaces, a new boiler, pool filters and air handling unit.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “I am delighted to say that we have agreed funds for this work, which would result in a swimming facility of which Nantwich and its people can be rightly proud.

“The review of the complex focused on the building infrastructure, pool, equipment and the key improvements required to improve the customer experience and generate additional income.

“We realise it has much potential and we want to enhance the existing facilities and make them fit for the future.”

Cheshire East now plans to progress the exciting project as soon as possible and aims to work with pool users to minimise disruption during any development work. The Council has agreed the work following consultation with ward members.

Regular users are delighted with the news. Rosie Jennings, 25, of Crewe Road, Nantwich, who has been using the swimming facilities since she was a child, said: “It is really good news that there is going to be a revamp.

“The changing rooms could do with some updating. Some of the building is a bit dated as it hasn’t really changed since I came here when I was younger. This is a really positive thing for the local community.”

Stapeley resident Andrea Leach, 34, added: “It is good news that the Council is going to invest money in the pool, especially in this climate. It will be good for Nantwich.”

The Council will be keeping all relevant parties up to date as the development progresses.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson said: “This is excellent news for Nantwich residents that will deliver a long-needed upgrade of the baths. I’m pleased that Cheshire East Council, in providing this significant improvement to local facilities, recognises the importance of our area and enhancing the town’s appeal further.”

Thursday, 10 November 2011

CHESHIRE EAST COUNCILLOR RE-ELECTED TO NATIONAL BODY.

Cllr. Brian Silvester has been re-elected at the top of the poll of the 27 Conservative Councillors elected to the Rural Policy Review Group of the Rural Commission of the Local Government Association, of which he is also a member. (See below the official remit of these bodies)

Cllr Silvester said, "I am delighted to be re-elected. Cheshire East is predominantly rural, covering over 450 square miles and it is important that we have a voice on the national stage to lobby Ministers and the Government on the important rural issues that concern our local residents.

These issues include rural transport, rural broadband, rural education, farming issues, rural jobs, Government funding, rural affordable housing and planning issues. Cheshire East is one of the biggest Councils in the country and it it important that we punch our weight on the national scene to ensure that our rural residents get the best deal possible. I will do my utmost to successfully lobby for the interests of our rural residents at the national level."

The official remit of the two bodies is :-

The Rural Commission provides the forum within the LGA for member authorities with an interest in rural affairs. The Rural Commission acts in a way that complements the principles of the LGA as a whole.

The purpose of the Commission is to:

provide the forum in which rural authorities can discuss matters of common concern and exchange good practice and experience.
assist the LGA take into account the needs, priorities and aspirations of rural authorities in formulating and promoting its policies;
help the LGA to promote the role and interests of rural authorities and the ability of those authorities to meet the needs of the communities they serve

The Rural Policy Review Group, on behalf of the Rural Commission, fulfills the role of sounding board for policy development and review on rural issues.

Despite austere times Cheshire East Council continues to provide help for residents – via a discounted insulation scheme

Around 3,000 properties could benefit from a discounted insulation scheme being offered via Cheshire East Council.

Homeowners and landlords will be offered cheaper rates for loft and cavity wall insulation. The subsidised scheme means each option costs only £74.

After a thorough competitive procurement exercise, the Council has chosen Middlewich-based KG Insulation as their partners for the project.

Around £40,000 has been made available for the scheme – funded from grants secured by Cheshire East Council from the Northwest Regional Housing Board. It will operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Despite austere times, the Council remains committed to continuing to deliver for the people of Cheshire East and helping those in need.

The Energy Savings Trust has recently updated their estimate of how much people can save on their fuel bills by insulating their home. According to their figures, loft insulation can save up to £175 per year, and up to £135 per year for cavity wall insulation.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “We are all facing rising fuel bills and there is the possibility of another severe winter.

“I would encourage people, where possible, to get their property insulated through this scheme. The discounted rates mean that it could pay for itself comfortably inside one year.

“Last year we were able to offer discounts to around 1,000 homes funded by grants. The fact that we are aiming to treble this number indicates how much of an issue this has become for local residents. I am pleased that we have been successful in securing the ongoing funding.”

To find out more please contact KG Insulation on 01606 841398, or visit their website www.kginsulation.co.uk