The Big Stitch Up

More details on the blog

Crewe and Nantwich Senior Forum, a proactive voluntary group for older people, are organising the Tree Cozy Project, assisted by Cheshire East Local Engagement Team, and has been awarded £9,885 by the National Lottery through the Arts Council England.
This is a creative project which aims to cover trees in Crewe town centre with brightly-knitted sleeves as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations at the start of June. The project is bringing together all sections of the community to create a public piece of art which also aims to connect people with their environment highlighting our shared responsibility.

Today March 30th the group and commissioned artist Rachel Elwell from ArtYarn, are coordinating the stitch up, and will be welcoming everyone to the Autism Networks Resource Centre on Prince Albert Street from 10.30am - 2pm, as knitters from across the area are invited to the big stitch up. Everyone will have an opportunity to help sew up the hundreds of knitted squares that have been steadily gathered in over the past few months, from knitters young and old, who have been busy with their needles as part of this year long project. The sleeves will begin to be installed on 23rd May 2012 in time for the Jubilee celebrations.

During last summer the project attracted hundreds of interested people when workshops were undertaken at fun days and open air community events within parks and more recently a series of knitting workshops have been held across Crewe at a variety of venues, including Pebble Brook, Edleston and Monks Coppenhall Primary schools, All Saints Church, St Peters of Church Minshull cum Leighton, Nantwich Methodist Church, Crewe Girl Guides, and assisted living homes for the elderly including Pickmere Court and Beechmere to name a few. The project has also reached a wider network of people adapting the workshops to be able to connect with young people with physical and learning disabilities including children at Springfield School and Buddies Youth Centre in Shavington.

Reaching wider to include people of all ages and abilities was a focus for this project and thanks to an article in Knit Today magazine squares have been knitted and sent in from across the country, including Wales where our oldest knitter lives - thanks Edna who was 100 years young a few weeks ago, and a belated Happy Birthday from us all. Thanks to the use of the internet we have received knitting for our project from places like America so a very special thank you goes to those folks who posted them over to us .

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: "This project has already touched the lives of hundreds of people and it is a good example of all sections of the community working together. I am looking forward to seeing the finished cozies when they are installed in the next few months."
Adrian Lindop, Chair of Crewe and Nantwich Senior Forum, said "We are delighted that so many people have been involved with the project and in June it will give the town something positive to talk about. This project is all about connecting with people and the environment, and we certainly have reached out to many people during the past year. The other good news is people now want to continue to knit for other good causes, in my opinion that's a measure of success."

"When the sleeves eventually come down, we intend to recycle them, first cleaning them then donating them to charities to be used as animal bedding"

For more information please contact adrianlindop@qmail.com
Background Info
Intro
This is not a story to tear at your heart strings to attract the sympathy vote but a part of this year's work for Crewe and Nantwich Senior Forum and our commitment to creating local pride The Big Stitch Up in our environment We are delighted to share with you the idea of The Tree Cozy Project, here in Jubilee Gardens, Crewe, which invites hundreds of local people to get excited about knitting We are a proactive group of Crewe volunteers that champion older peoples concerns for health and wellbeng, including environmental issues that help restore civic pride and community spirit.
The Project
We want to create a vibrant town centre display made and owned by the community together producing multi coloured knitted tree sleeves for two huge trees in Jubilee Gardens, lamppost banners, and tree plaques Upon completion of everyone's work a big Mad Hatters Tea party for all the community will be held in June to celebrate everyone's achievements and also mark the Queens Diamond Jubilee in style.
Evidence

Crewe is the worst town experiencing deprivation in Cheshire East and has 9 of the 14 worst neighbourhoods in the town. Jubilee Gardens serves 3 of those neighbourhoods that finds the community fighting against low aspirations, poor image, closed down shops etc. Our idea is all about the solutions to these issues and raising aspirations, bridging the great divide between youngsters and older people, bringing people together, passing on our skills and educating about environmental awareness and responsibility We will also be utilizing local skills and suppliers - helping boost our local economy.
Final message

Hopefully you can see this is not an idea for a one off event but a thoughtful solution or catalyst to future projects that will help to contribute to the long term issues. It is expected to reach a wide audience of at least 8000 residents and visitors to Crewe over the Jubilee and Olympic celebration period, and that will leave a lasting legacy beyond the tea party celebration .... One of which is apparent already people want to continue to knit for good causes....

Councillor's Donation for Diamond Jubilee Celebration

 

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor Brian Silvester has made a £75 grant towards the Willaston Diamond Jubilee Celebrations. He said," The Village Committee, under the strong leadership of Chairman and Vice Chairman Wayne Lewis and John Flackett, are doing tremendous work to organise an exciting range of events that will be attractive to all age ranges. I am sure that local residents will come out in force to enjoy themselves at this historic celebration.

The money I have granted comes from a Birthday Bash I held at Willaston Social Club. During the evening there was a  prize raffle and an 'Auction of Promises' which raised over £850 for local good causes, including  Willaston Pre School and the St. John's Parent and Toddler Group Willaston. If there are local groups in my Ward of Willaston and Rope who are looking for a small match funding grant to assist in a project they should contact me."

Cllr Brian Silvester Tel 01270 567757

MP’s 117th Bulletin

Friday 30, March 2012

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my 117th news bulletin.

This week I announced the Crewe & Nantwich Jobs Fair which aims to help the town’s unemployed back into work and which will be hosted at Crewe Alex stadium on May 3.

The fair, organised by myself with the support of the  South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, is backed by the Prime Minister and has flagship companies Bentley and Morning Foods signed up among 35 other regional employers.

The Chronicle is also media partner of the event which is looking to promote apprenticeship schemes and volunteering in the community.

In recent times we have seen more encouraging employment figures, with signs the labour market is stabilising, and last year there was an 80.9% increase in the number of apprenticeships in Crewe and Nantwich. The international economic outlook remains difficult but we need to do everything we can to help our unemployed find jobs.

Last week I invited John Dunning, the chairman of our local chamber of commerce, to Westminster to meet with Employment Minister Chris Grayling MP. We discussed the employment challenge we face in Crewe and Nantwich and told the Minister what we want to do to help.

Like me, John wants to see business in South Cheshire thrive. That’s why he is helping me organise a jobs fair on Thursday, May 3, at Crewe Alex.

Among others like the Virgin Trains Training Academy the Job Centre will also be on hand to offer employment advice, skills and training whilst local businesses put on offer those all-important job vacancies.

I’m very grateful to the Chronicle for agreeing to be our media sponsor for the event, so look out for further updates in this paper between now and May.

There is no need to register in advance for the jobs fair, just go along to the Alex between 10.30am and 6.30pm to register at the desk, and make the most of all the opportunities on offer.

For more information visit www.edwardtimpson.com/jobsfair.

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

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I have recently...

• Announced the Crewe & Nantwich Jobs Fair that I am organising with the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce to be held on 3rd May. More here
• Relaunched Community Day at the Crewe ASDA
• Spoken at the AGM of Community Volunteer Services Cheshire East at the YMCA on Gretsy Road
• Been to the launch of the The Local Government Information Unit (LGiU) and the Children’s Services Development Group (CSDG) report into commissioning children’s services
• Attended the Samartians AGM at St Michael's Church Hall, Crewe

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Westminster Report

Read my most recent Westminster Report

Click here or on the image

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Photos & Video ...

Edward with his wife Julia in training for the 2012 London Marathon

To donate to this year's charity, Climb, click here

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

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Community News

The Crewe & Nantwich Jobs Fair

In partnership with the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Edward Timpson MP has organised a Jobs Fair for the local community.

The fair will take place at the Crewe Alexandra FC on the 3rd May from 10:30-1830.

To find out more about the fair click here

Do you have community news to share? Email me and it could be here too!

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20:20 Mobile to create 100 jobs after landing ACE Group deal

The Sentinel

"We're looking forward to expanding the team and welcoming new staff."

20:20 Mobile managing director James Browning said: "This new contract reinforces the work we have been doing with O2 and our other insurance partners, and that our development strategies in both the call centre and insurance markets are sound, relevant and commercially appealing to our partners."

20:20 Mobile is a distributor for most leading mobile phone manufacturers, and is one of the world's largest distributors of mobile phone accessories.

It was formed in 2006 after Potteries-born mobile phone tycoon John Caudwell sold his empire's distribution and logistics businesses to private equity firm Doughty Hanson.

Although its headquarters are in Crewe, the business employs more than 1,300 people across Europe and in the Middle East.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson said: "More than half a million jobs have been created by businesses under this Government, and I am glad to say that a good number of them have come to Crewe and Nantwich through companies like 20:20 Mobile.

"I welcome the success that 20:20 Mobile has had and the jobs it will bring to the area, as well as its continued investment in its Crewe headquarters."

To inquire about the jobs, call 01270 412020.

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MP attacks Cheshire East Council over cuts to Dial-A-Ride

Crewe Chronicle

CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has attacked Cheshire East Council for reducing transport grants for the elderly while paying its own staff above average mileage rates.

The Conservative MP has criticised the Tory-led council for making cuts which affect the elderly and vulnerable while allowing councillors and staff to claim mileage rates 7p above the maximum 45p recommended by HMRC.

He has now written to Cheshire East asking it to reconsider its decision.

“I have asked the council to reconsider the decision to reduce the grant. Older people are experiencing increases in utilities and costs of living, and an increase in transport charges may have an effect on their ability to access the town centre,” Mr Timpson told the Chronicle.

“Local pensioners rightly feel the council could look at their own transport costs as they award higher than average motor mileage payments to their staff.”

Dial-A-Ride has suffered a double-whammy with Cheshire East not only removing it from the concessionary travel scheme but also slashing its funding by 28%.

Last year the community transport scheme, which is a registered charity, was forced to introduce a £12 annual membership scheme to keep afloat.

Now vulnerable people who had always had free travel will be forced to dig deep to pay for their transport.

Hugh Emerson, secretary of the Northern Pensioners’ Association, said he didn’t know ‘how these councillors and managers can look at themselves in the mirror when they are forcing the vulnerable to pay for a bus journey, while at the same time paying themselves excessive mileage rates for use of their own cars on council business’.

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Figures reveal high number of exclusions at schools in Crewe

Crewe Chronicle

MORE than a quarter of all students permanently excluded in Cheshire East last year were from schools in Crewe.

Figures obtained by the Chronicle through a Freedom of Information request revealed that out of 39 pupils permanently excluded in the authority area last year, 10 were from Crewe schools.

At least one student was expelled from each of the five high schools in the town – King’s Grove, Ruskin Sports College, Shavington High, Sir William Stanier and St Thomas More.

The majority of expulsions related to persistent disruptive behaviour or physical assault. But drugs and alcohol and theft were factors in two instances.

The statistics also revealed that 86 students in Crewe were suspended last year.

Many of these suspensions related to physical assault, either against a fellow pupil or an adult. There were also instances of sexual misconduct, racist abuse and bullying.

Shockingly, more than half of suspensions due to physical assault and half due to racist abuse involved primary school pupils.

In light of the revelations, tackling disruptive behaviour in the classroom has now been highlighted as a top priority for schools in the area.

Cllr Michelle Sherratt, Labour spokeswoman for Cheshire East Council’s Children and Family Scrutiny Committee, said: “In light of the high expulsion figures, I think it’s essential for further research so we can help Crewe families, children, teachers and schools cope with the behavioural and emotional problems that come with being expelled.

“We also need to support the schools in early intervention for the children involved, including mental health consultations. It’s very important to always take into account the underlying reasons for bad behaviour.

“Parents remain a major influence on their children’s learning and the school and parents both have crucial roles to play.

“Positive parental involvement is paramount in every child’s success, and the schools that perform really well are the ones with a high parental involvement.

“Learning is what makes a society progress. We need to create a culture of appreciation and a real value for learning. No child should be left behind.”

Edward Timpson MP, said: “Improving behaviour in schools, including Crewe and Nantwich, must be a top priority, and it is right that we give teachers the power to permanently exclude those children who physically assault, threaten and bully other children or who persistently disrupt the education of others.

“Permanent or fixed-period exclusion should always be a last resort. Often what is needed is much earlier intervention and prevention work to nip the problem in the bud before matters get out of hand.

“It is also important that exclusion does not lead to those children abandoning education.”

According to Government guidelines on disciplining students, teachers have the power to search pupils for items that could be used to cause harm or break the law, as well as items banned by the school rules.

They are also able to remove disruptive pupils from the classroom using reasonable force.

A Cheshire East Council spokesperson said: “All schools within Cheshire East work within the legal framework, as well as using Department for Education guidance and locally agreed protocols, regarding exclusions. This includes all schools within the Crewe area.

“We recognise that fixed-term exclusions have increased this year, but ongoing proactive work is being carried out to address this.

“In 2010-11 there was a significant reduction in the number of fixed-term exclusions and the authority is working hard to bring the number of exclusions down further.

“A working party made up of schools and other partners within Cheshire East is currently revisiting procedures and protocols; looking in particular at developing proactive approaches to preventing exclusion and addressing issues early.

“All schools within Crewe are committed to reducing exclusions, tackling poor behaviour and improving pupil attainment.”

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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

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Bids come forward to secure the future of Lyceum Theatre

 

Four bidders have come forward with a view to helping secure the future of Crewe’s historic Lyceum Theatre.

Cheshire East Council invited interested parties to express an interest in partnering the Council in the future management of the century-old institution.

The response was excellent and the Council received 58 expressions of interest from potential partners and this has now led to four formal bids for the contract.

Cheshire East Council is not looking to sell the Lyceum Theatre; it is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced partner to work with them in managing this landmark asset.

Adverts were placed in local media and appropriate trade publications that gave details about how to tender for the management of the historic facility.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “We understand only too well the importance of securing the theatre’s future. The fact that several parties have expressed a real interest in working with us to achieve this is great news.

“The Lyceum Theatre is a much-loved institution that is at the very heart of the local community and it has a proud and rich history, playing host to so many memorable events over the years.

“Our aim is for this to continue. We want to work with a partner who has fresh ideas and enthusiasm and the experience to match the council’s wishes for the theatre to remain as an important cultural asset and to improve the theatrical offer for visitors.

“I am pleased that we now have parties that have come forward who are interested in running this historic and popular venue.”

Councillor Michael Jones, Cabinet member with responsibility for resources, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity to safeguard the future of the Lyceum and enable it to be the best it can be. But we have to be realistic.

“The Lyceum is a valuable community asset which is of benefit to the whole community – so it’s important that we get it right. The Lyceum is a jewel in the crown of Crewe.”

The next step in the process is for the Cabinet to decide, on April 2, whether to formally proceed with the invitation to tender stage. The aim of this process is to arrive at a preferred bidder by the autumn, who will work in partnership with the Council.

Bike Campaign April 2012

 

Cheshire Police officers are launching a ′start of the season′ campaign on biker safety.

As well as making sure motorcyclists observe the rules of the road they are reminding other drivers that bikers are vulnerable.

Sergeant Rick Weaver, from the Cheshire Police HQ Roads Policing Unit said:  "Motorcyclists continue to represent a disproportionate number of the people killed and seriously injured on the roads.  Motorcycles only account for one per cent of all vehicles but, nationally, almost 22 per cent of fatalities are motorcyclists. In Cheshire last year six of the 37 fatal collisions on our roads involved motorbikes.

"If a biker is involved in a collision, or comes off the machine, death or serious injury is a real possibility.  Bikers need to remember that and so do other road users.  We want to persuade drivers of cars, vans and lorries to keep an eye open for bikes and to avoid putting motorcyclists in danger.  Officers will get that message over whenever the opportunity arises.

"We also know that a small number of motorcyclists consistently use excessive speed, regardless of the risk they pose to themselves and other road users.  We will target them with robust enforcement activity."

During April, Police Officers will pay special attention to the popular ′biker routes′ which cross the area.  As well as carrying out enforcement action against motorcyclists who ignore speed limits or cut across solid white lines they will talk to them about staying safe.

Mike Jones, Roads Policing Liaison Officer for Cheshire Police said:  "Many of the bikers lay up their motorcycles during the winter.  They are just getting back on the road and there is definitely a strong ′feel good′ factor.  They need to understand that should not lead to taking unnecessary risks and putting themselves and other people in danger.

"In fact some of the bikers′ road skills may be a bit rusty after the winter shutdown.  So they may be even more vulnerable than usual.

"Those that ignore the safety regulations and travel too fast or cross white lines will find they are facing fines and points on their licences but education and persuasion are major parts of this campaign.

"Police continue to support the use of the Bikesafe initiative in an effort to engage with this vulnerable section of road-users.  You can find out more about that on www.Bikesafe.co.uk"

Home Watch has been helping fight crime for 30 years

 

A senior police officer in Cheshire has described Home Watch as "a major contributor to the fight against crime"

The first Home Watch in Britain was launched just thirty years ago in the Cheshire village of Mollington when local people were concerned about a spate of burglaries.

Cheshire′s Assistant Chief Constable Janette McCormick says, "From the success of that first scheme in an area with a total population of nine hundred, the Home Watch movement spread across Britain. It has had a real impact on preventing crime and catching criminals.

"Thirty years on, we can appreciate the value of Home Watch. It has adapted to a changing world and adopted new technology but, at the core, it is still about people making a constructive effort to protect their local community."

Thirty years ago, Harold Cooper, Chairman of the Mollington Residents Association, approached Chester Crime Prevention Office about the burglaries. Inspector Grahame Andrews (Ret′d) was then the Crime Prevention Sergeant. He had been passed American Neighbourhood Watch papers by the then Chief Constable, George Fenn.

Mollington readily took on the concept of a similar scheme but called it ′Home Watch′. After the launch in March 1983, the burglaries stopped and representatives from thirty four police forces came to Cheshire to look at the operation of Home Watch.

Grahame Andrews says, "We made it clear that it did not involve snooping on your neighbours and it was certainly not about creating a vigilante outfit.

The guidelines set up back then are just as important now; improving the security of your home, security marking property and knowing who to contact if something suspicious is seen. The fact that the approach was ‘from the bottom up′, rather than ‘from the top down′ was a real reason for its success. Initially Mollington did not want any window stickers or street signs but later on groups could see the advantage of deterring burglars by advertising schemes locally."

Leaflets were produced and the local community spirit was strengthened by a series of meetings. The project was promoted at the Cheshire County Show that year.

One of the big challenges was how to communicate the latest information to the Watch members. In 1992 Inspector Andrews, then serving at Crewe, utilised the latest available technology − the Oracle teletext system on ITV. When Home watch started in Crewe there were eight pages on Oracle dedicated to Crewe for displaying recent crime, people arrested, stolen vehicles and major crimes. Grahame Andrews says the local people found this worked well.

Today, email provides the ideal route for rolling out information. Whether it is alerting people about a pattern of crime in a particular area or locating a stolen vehicle, the details can be sent to hundreds of people in seconds.

Grahame Andrews said, "Although the technology has advanced, the basic principles of Home Watch from when it started back in 1982 are still relevant to the scheme now. It is based on people being good neighbours in a local community."

Police seek witnesses to distraction burglary

 

Police are appealing for witnesses after a woman in her 80s was victim of a distraction burglary in Crewe.

At some point on the evening of Saturday 24 March 2012 the victim opened the door of her home in Nantwich Road to a woman who claimed to know her. the woman then pushed past her saying she needed to use the toilet.

When the woman left the elderly victim discovered she had items of jewellery and a watch stolen from her bedroom.

The offender is described as about 5ft 3ins tall, white, with short mousey hair and aged about 35 to 40 years old.

Anyone with information should contact Crewe burglary unit on 101 or alternatively information can be given anonymously on the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.

Welcome to this the MP’s 116th news bulletin.

Monday 26, March 2012

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my 116th news bulletin.

Binge drinking isn’t some fringe issue, it accounts for half of all alcohol consumed in this country. The crime and violence it causes drains resources in our hospitals, generates mayhem on our streets and spreads fear in our communities. Our message is simple: we can’t go on like this – we have to tackle the scourge of violence caused by binge drinking, and we have to do it now. Serious concerns have been raised over the implications of alcohol misuse in Cheshire, particularly among young people.

The cost to the taxpayer of people attending Leighton with injuries and illnesses caused by drink suggests Crewe is facing a major problem. Overall, Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT is spending £31.5m each year to deal with the problem – a number which is rising by £500,000 year on year.

The most recent statistics show there were 1,732 alcohol-attributable hospital admissions in the space of a year in Cheshire East. Worryingly, the problem seems to be rife among the younger generation. Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT is ranked 124th out of 151 PCTs across the country for alcohol-specific admissions of under 18s – with a rank of 151 being the worst.

So we’re going to attack it from every angle. More powers for pubs to stop serving alcohol to people who are already drunk. More powers for hospitals not just to tackle the drunks turning up in A&E – but also the problem clubs that send them there night after night. And a real effort to get to grips with the root cause of the problem, and that means coming down hard on cheap alcohol.

We are going to introduce a new minimum unit price – so for the first time it will be illegal for shops to sell alcohol for less than this set price per unit. This isn’t about stopping responsible drinking, adding burdens on business or some new kind of stealth tax – it’s about fast immediate action where universal change is needed. A 40p minimum unit price could mean 50,000 fewer crimes each year and 900 fewer alcohol related deaths per year by the end of the decade.

The effect of this will be to make the town centres of both Crewe and Nantwich more pleasant areas for all our community to enjoy.

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

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I have recently...

• Held a drop-in advice surgery in Nantwich
• Attended the Queen's address to both Houses of Parliament on the occaision of her Diamon Jubillee
• Met with Andrew Radford the new Chief Executive of Voice; a children’s charity that provides advocacy for children in care, in need and care leavers
• Met with Chris Grayling, the Employment Minister, to discuss the Crewe & Nantwich Jobs Fair that I am organising in partnership with John Dunning, Chief Executive of the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, which will be taking place at Crewe Alexandra FC on the 3rd May.
• Met with Cheshire East Council and other local MPs to discuss the issues facing our area.
• Re-opened the refurbished Regis hairstylists on Nantwich High Street
• Attended the Sweet Charity event held by the Crewe Amateur Musical Society of which I am Vice-President
• Ran the Wilmslow Half Marathon in prepartion for  my 8th London Marathon which I will be running with my with Julia for local charity Climb. Sponsor Us Here
• Played in a charity football match against Liverpool at Nantwich FC

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Westminster Report

Read my most recent Westminster Report

Click here or on the image

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Photos & Video ...

Edward holding an On Your Street Surgery Session in Crewe

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

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Community News

Community & Voluntary Services Cheshire East

Looking to find opportunities to help out in the community? CVS (Community & Voluntary Services) Cheshire East is a Registered Charity whose aim is to be valued as the leading support and development organisation for the Voluntary and Community Sector in Cheshire East.

The CVS's volunteer  team can support you in several ways:

• Help you to find a suitable volunteer role
• Help organisations to find suitable volunteers
• Encourage best practice in volunteer management
• To promote volunteering and the added value that it brings to our community

To find out more visit their website by clicking here
Do you have community news to share? Email me and it could be here too!

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20:20 Mobile to create 100 jobs after landing ACE Group deal

The Sentinel

"We're looking forward to expanding the team and welcoming new staff."

20:20 Mobile managing director James Browning said: "This new contract reinforces the work we have been doing with O2 and our other insurance partners, and that our development strategies in both the call centre and insurance markets are sound, relevant and commercially appealing to our partners."

20:20 Mobile is a distributor for most leading mobile phone manufacturers, and is one of the world's largest distributors of mobile phone accessories.

It was formed in 2006 after Potteries-born mobile phone tycoon John Caudwell sold his empire's distribution and logistics businesses to private equity firm Doughty Hanson.

Although its headquarters are in Crewe, the business employs more than 1,300 people across Europe and in the Middle East.

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson said: "More than half a million jobs have been created by businesses under this Government, and I am glad to say that a good number of them have come to Crewe and Nantwich through companies like 20:20 Mobile.

"I welcome the success that 20:20 Mobile has had and the jobs it will bring to the area, as well as its continued investment in its Crewe headquarters."

To inquire about the jobs, call 01270 412020.

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MP attacks Cheshire East Council over cuts to Dial-A-Ride

Crewe Chronicle

CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has attacked Cheshire East Council for reducing transport grants for the elderly while paying its own staff above average mileage rates.

The Conservative MP has criticised the Tory-led council for making cuts which affect the elderly and vulnerable while allowing councillors and staff to claim mileage rates 7p above the maximum 45p recommended by HMRC.

He has now written to Cheshire East asking it to reconsider its decision.

“I have asked the council to reconsider the decision to reduce the grant. Older people are experiencing increases in utilities and costs of living, and an increase in transport charges may have an effect on their ability to access the town centre,” Mr Timpson told the Chronicle.

“Local pensioners rightly feel the council could look at their own transport costs as they award higher than average motor mileage payments to their staff.”

Dial-A-Ride has suffered a double-whammy with Cheshire East not only removing it from the concessionary travel scheme but also slashing its funding by 28%.

Last year the community transport scheme, which is a registered charity, was forced to introduce a £12 annual membership scheme to keep afloat.

Now vulnerable people who had always had free travel will be forced to dig deep to pay for their transport.

Hugh Emerson, secretary of the Northern Pensioners’ Association, said he didn’t know ‘how these councillors and managers can look at themselves in the mirror when they are forcing the vulnerable to pay for a bus journey, while at the same time paying themselves excessive mileage rates for use of their own cars on council business’.

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Conservative MPs in call for fairer school funding deals

The Sentinel

CONSERVATIVE MPs have been lobbying their own Government to speed up plans for a fairer funding deal for schoolchildren in Staffordshire and South Cheshire.

Staffordshire Moorlands MP Karen Bradley, Congleton's Fiona Bruce, and Crewe and Nantwich's Edward Timpson, were among a delegation of nine politicians who met schools minister Nick Gibb last week. The talks came as the Government prepares to unveil its proposed new funding formula.

Although the announcement is expected before Easter, MPs fear it could take years for changes to be implemented.

Staffordshire, which has been one of the worst-funded education authorities for two decades, currently receives £4,653 per pupil. Cheshire East fares little better, with £4,695 per pupil. Yet Stoke-on-Trent gets £5,199 in basic funding and some London boroughs receive twice as much.

Mrs Bradley stressed it was important to put extra money into disadvantaged areas. But she added: "One school in Staffordshire could be just 200 yards from another school in Stoke-on-Trent, yet the difference in funding is phenomenal."

She also sought assurances small, rural Moorlands schools would be protected. One possibility is to give them a £95,000 lump sum, plus funding for every pupil on roll. But there have been fears this won't cover their running costs.

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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

Step back in time and ‘get hands on with history’ at Cheshire’s archaeology open day

 

Grab your chance to ‘get hands-on with history’ at one of the North West’s biggest archaeology events this April.

The Cheshire Archaeology Day will take place on Saturday, April 14, at Winsford Lifestyle Centre, in Winsford, Cheshire.  

Visitors will have the chance to view and handle Roman, medieval and later finds, learn the secrets they reveal about the past and see displays from local societies.

This year’s packed and exciting programme includes a presentation from Dr Hannah Cobb, from Manchester University, who will speak about a Viking boat found at Ardnamurchan, west Scotland, last year. Dating from the 10th century, this is one of the most important Norse graves excavated in Britain.

There will also be talks on more local themes, including the important Saxon crosses, historic gardens, Warrington’s Bewsey Old Hall and Roman Chester. Books on local history will also be on sale.

The popular event is organised by archaeologists at Cheshire East Council and is supported by Middlewich Town Council, the Cheshire Local History Association and the Chester Archaeological Society.     

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “Cheshire has a rich history of archaeological finds, research and conservation so it is excellent news for everyone that we get the chance to show it off in this way.

“Cheshire East Council always strives to enhance community life and offer educational events that are great fun for everyone.”

Councillor Rachel Bailey, heritage champion for Cheshire East, added: “These events are great days out and always have lots to offer – including the chance to handle precious artefacts from our medieval and Roman heritage. I’m sure it will be a fantastic event to stimulate minds and fire the imagination.”           

Tickets cost £12 and £10 for concessions. Booking forms are available from local libraries, museums and the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

Alternatively for booking forms or more information ring Cheshire’s archaeology service on 01244 973997 or email:  Archaeology@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Countdown to Annual Dinner Begins

 

Get ready to dust off your best tuxedo or evening gown and celebrate another year of business success at West Cheshire and North Wales Chamber of Commerce’s glittering annual dinner on September 28^th. 

Held at the stunning Westminster Suite of the world renowned Grosvenor Hotel and Spa, Chester, the evening will feature fine dining and special guest speakers who’ll be announced in due course.

The Chamber of Commerce Charitable Fund will also be highlighted; a unique scheme that allows businesses in West Cheshire and North Wales to donate to a single fund that is maintained without charge and used to support a host of charities in the region.

Tickets for this extremely prestigious event cost £60.00 per person and traditionally sell out quickly. We encourage you to book now to avoid disappointment as spaces are extremely limited.

Don’t forget you can also buy tickets for our iconic summer cocktail party, taking place on July 11^th in the stunning surrounds of the Eaton Estate, Chester, costing £25.00 per person. 

To secure your place at both these fantastic dining, networking and social experiences, contact the Chamber team on 01244 669988 or email info@cepnwchamber.org.uk.

New Cheshire service for victims of rape and sexual assault

 

A new specialist and comprehensive service providing high quality care for victims of rape and sexual assault is now available to children, young people and adults living in the Cheshire area.

Established in 2011 for police referrals, the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for Cheshire is being delivered by the St Mary’s SARC in Manchester together with Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre (RASASC).  St Mary’s SARC will provide forensic examinations for adults and children of all ages while RASASC will provide aftercare services for those aged 13 and over including counselling, support and access to an Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) who provides support through the criminal justice system.  Aftercare services for the under 13s will be provided by St Mary’s SARC.  The service is now open for self-referrals.

St Mary’s SARC provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated forensic and aftercare service to victims of rape or sexual assault, whether this has happened recently or in the past.  The service is available to adults and children who can access a team of experts with a wealth of knowledge and experience in advising, supporting and treating people who have been raped or sexually assaulted.  People can access the Centre via the police or they contact the Centre directly and make an appointment. The Centre is located within the St Mary’s Hospital site on Oxford Road, Manchester.

RASASC is a Cheshire based service, which supports people affected by any form of sexual violence.  Services available include counselling; ISVA support; groupwork; young people’s services; confidence building courses; advice, information and advocacy.

The new SARC for Cheshire is the result of discussions between key agencies as to how best to provide high quality care and services to victims of rape and sexual assault living in the area.  The service is funded jointly between the police, local authorities and primary care trusts.

Susan Forster, Chair of the Cheshire SARC Commissioning Group, said: “There is no doubt that we are now providing the best quality and standards of care for people living in Cheshire who require these services. Now these services are in place we can be sure that victims are benefiting from the knowledge and experience of experts working in this field.”

Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary, Dave Whatton, said: "The support and care for survivors of rape and sexual offences is absolutely vital to both their recovery and an opportunity to gather the best possible evidence to support a prosecution. By working together we are now able to provide some of the best care and support in the country."

Bernie Ryan, St Mary’s Centre Manager, said: “Since the Cheshire SARC service opened we have seen a total of 146 cases and had an extremely positive response, not just from Cheshire residents but also from the partners that have helped develop and fund the service.

“We continue to work closely with our partners in Cheshire to ensure victims’ needs are being met and that the experience of the service is a positive one for all those involved.”

Julie Evans, Operations Manager, RASASC Cheshire and Merseyside, commented: “We are delighted to be part of this innovative approach to delivering SARC services in Cheshire.  A total of 132 referrals have been made to us from St Mary’s since the service started in April.

“We are confident that this service will mean that people will be able to access the best quality care and support immediately following a rape or sexual assault.”

YOUR chance to help Cheshire East decide where to build our future homes

 

Cheshire East Council wants YOU to help identify potential sites for the building of new homes across the Borough.

The Council is preparing a Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA), which will pinpoint potential sites to locate new housing development within the Borough.

This is a key building block for Cheshire East’s Local Plan – which will ultimately decide where new housing and development should be prioritised across the Borough.

The Government requires all authorities to produce the SHLAA in order to ensure that land availability is not a constraint on the building of more homes.

The assessment must identify sites which could be potentially suitable for housing in order to plan for the future and ensure the Council is making the best use of land.

There is now an opportunity, at this early stage of the process, for stakeholders and the wider community to identify sites that may make a contribution to the future supply of housing.

The Council is calling on local residents, parish and town councils, developers and landowners to identify all land and buildings that they consider have potential for residential development.

For all such sites, a 'Call for Sites' form should be completed with the details of the proposed site. This form can be downloaded from the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan  or requested from the Council’s offices. All sites need to be submitted before 5pm on April 27, 2012.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “The siting of new housing development is a hugely important, and often controversial, issue – and it’s critically important that we get it right.

“That’s why it’s vital that people from all walks of life get involved to help us locate the most appropriate land. It takes just a few minutes to fill in a ‘Call for Sites form. It is, after all, about helping to shape a better and more sustainable Cheshire East for the whole community.”

Once a full list of locations has been gathered, the Council will undertake a comprehensive assessment of each site and identify whether or not they are suitable for housing.  This will become part of the update to the SHLAA for 21012 and will form part of the evidence base for the new Cheshire East Local Plan. It will also, crucially, help to determine where homes should be built in the Borough in the future.

The SHLAA will not allocate land or act as a material planning consideration in the determination of a planning application. It will only set out where housing development might be appropriate in the longer term.

Decisions on where future homes should be built will ultimately be made through the production of Cheshire East’s Local Plan. People will be able to have their say on these documents as they are produced over the next few years.

Childminder drop-in sessions across Cheshire East

 

Registered childminders are being invited to a series of drop-in sessions held by Cheshire East Family Service.

At the sessions, childminders will get the opportunity to update and manage information about them that is held in the online directory.

They will also be offered tips on how to use the directory to better promote themselves. This could involve providing a list of services they can offer, such as school pick-ups in a certain geographical area, as well as any qualifications they may have.

It can also be used to update childcare vacancies and renew data protection permissions.

The directory can be viewed at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/fidy

Drop-in events are taking place at the following children’s centres (CC) on the dates shown:

• Monday, April 16 – Congleton CC, New Street;
• Tuesday, April 17 – Knutsford CC, Manor Park North;
• Wednesday, April 18 – Nantwich CC, Dog Lane;
• Tuesday, April 24 – Poynton CC, Vernon Primary School, Clumber Road;
• Thursday, April 26 – Broken Cross CC, Parkett Hayes Road, Macclesfield;
• Monday, April 30 – Monks Coppenhall CC, Remer Street, Crewe;
• Tuesday, May 1 – Mablins Lane CC, Crewe
• Wednesday, May 2 – Oakenclough CC, Colshaw Drive, Wilmslow;
• Thursday, May 3 – Wyche Centre, Civic Way, Middlewich;
• Wednesday, May 9 – Sandbach and Alsager CC, Crewe Road, Sandbach; and
• Friday, May 11 – Ash Grove CC, Ash Grove, Macclesfield.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and family services, said: “As a Council we do all we can to support childminders and the online directory is a good resource for both parents and childminders.

“By working in partnership with childminders, we seek to ensure that every child has the opportunity for the best possible start in life, offering them a safe and secure environment.

“These drop-in sessions may also prove useful for anyone interested in becoming a childminder.”

For more information on becoming a childminder, please ring 0300 123 5033.

Cheshire Police harvest community information to weed out the cannabis growers

 

Over the past couple of weeks Cheshire Police have executed 28 warrants aimed at weeding out cannabis growers. Cheshire′s crackdown on cannabis cultivation comes as part of Operation Broadley, the regional cannabis campaign running throughout March.

So far the crackdown, which targets organised crime, is yielding some positive results. Officers in Cheshire have seized hundreds of plants which, if brought into full cannabis production could have generated more than £2 million to fund serious and organised crime activity on the streets in Cheshire.

Chief Inspector Pete Shaw who is overseeing the crackdown said:

"We want to cause as much disruption as possible to those organised crime gangs who see growing cannabis as an easy way to make money. The more farms we can take out of circulation, the more illegal drugs we take off the streets. Organised crime gangs often use violence and intimidation to force those most vulnerable in our society to set up cannabis farms. They put them at risk whilst they reap the profits, which then go towards funding serious and organised crime.

"We take the cultivation and supply of cannabis extremely seriously. Drugs and their associated activity cause misery to our communities. Operation Broadley′s success relies on information from ordinary people. The more information we have, the more warrants we can execute to disrupt and prevent those involved in the cannabis trade from operating on our streets.

In addition to searching homes for cannabis plants, Cheshire Constabulary is working with housing associations, estate agents, rental companies, garden centres and DIY stores to raise awareness of the checks they need to put in place and what they need to look out to ascertain if someone is setting up a cannabis farm.

Chief Inspector Pete Shaw adds:

"We are asking for the cooperation of individuals and businesses to help us to put a stop to illegal cannabis production in Cheshire. There is a strong and distinctive smell to cannabis and farms often have a number of frequent and varied visitors to a property at unusual times.

"If you see any unusual activity such as a new neighbour taking large amounts of fertiliser and lots of plant pots into a property or see industrial type venting tubes, lights or fans being delivered to a property then call us.

"When you are walking to the shops or out with the dog look around you, if you see covered windows day and night and different visitors to the property this may be a cannabis farm operating on your street.

"If you live in a semi-detached house and notice heat from any adjoining property coming through your walls and the property has new tenants, this too could indicate the presence of a cannabis farm. Cannabis farms are a fire risk, growers often bypass normal electrical safeguards to save costs as growing cannabis requires a lot of electricity.

"If you have concerns my advice is pick up the phone now, the more information we have the more we can do to disrupt the supply of cannabis on our streets."

If anyone has concerns relating to cannabis growing in a property in the street, road or community Cheshire Police want to hear from you now. Call Cheshire Police on 101 so that action can be taken or alternatively contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cheshire Police is asking business owners to pass on their CCTV details to help fight crime

 

Cheshire Police is asking local businesses to do their bit to help fight crime. By visiting the webpage http://www.cheshire.police.uk/get-involved/cctv-form.aspxon the Cheshire Police website business owners can pass on the details of their CCTV cameras. If a crime is committed in a particular area it is easier for officers to locate footage that may be able to assist enquiries. The system should save officers valuable amounts of time.

Deputy Chief Constable Graeme Gerrard said "Knowing where CCTV cameras are located within the Cheshire Police area is critical for the effective use of CCTV. If a crime occurs, we can quickly identify whether a camera is located nearby and then check to see whether it has captured images that may be of use to our investigation. This saves us time, speeds up the investigative process and ensures that we recover the CCTV images before they are overwritten. Telling Cheshire Police that you have CCTV cameras helps the fight against crime and ensures that we make best use of the technology."

Cheshire Police has been involved in the CCTV Mapping project for 3 years, during this time Police Community Support Officers have visited premises across Cheshire to establish CCTV locations. This information is then collated and entered into the force mapping system. If business owners enter there CCTV information this assists in any investigation where footage could be required as evidence.

The idea was originally implemented by Salford City Council who set up an internet submission form. PCSOs will also continue to visit business premises to gather this information.

Jobs help in Crewe

Job seekers from Crewe are being invited to a new weekly work club, in a bid to match local people to local job opportunities.

The weekly club, at the refurbished Georges Centre, will begin on Wednesday, April 18, between 1pm and 3pm, when there will be a free buffet from 12 noon. The club will run every Wednesday thereafter.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “This is the perfect opportunity to meet with experts and potential employers in the area.

“It gives people the chance to browse local jobs and connect with local experts. People can also receive help writing their CV so that they stand the best chance of being noticed by potential employers.

“The club is completely free to join, so I would urge as many job seekers as possible to take advantage.”

To confirm attendance at the event call 01270 580566 or for more information email: workclub@thegeorges.org. Job seekers are welcome to drop-in on the day.

The Georges Centre can be found on the King George V playing fields on West Street in Crewe (next to Fitness First).

Training for Council’s junior officers

 

Cheshire East Council’s (CEC) junior officers are working hard to boost recycling and save energy.

More than 177 primary school pupils have taken part in special training days this month.

The children are Junior Recycling Officers (JROs) and Junior Energy Monitors (JEMs) for the authority.

They are tasked with promoting recycling and energy-saving among their peers and the wider community. A total of 110 schools in Cheshire East are now part of the initiatives.

The training gave the children a chance to brush up on their skills and look at new ways to promote their work in their schools.

This included devising questionnaires about recycling and energy-saving – to be completed by their peers and families – to find out how knowledgeable their local communities are.

The JROs looked closely at CEC’s on-going Love Food, Hate Waste campaign, which educates people on how to avoid throwing food away unnecessarily.

At the end of the school year, all pupils taking part will be able to apply to become the JRO or JEM of the year and win a mountain bike.

Cheshire East Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “These initiatives have gone from strength to strength. The dedication and enthusiasm of the JROs and JEMs is to be commended.

“These training days are about encouraging the children to continue their good work and work on ideas which will help take their roles even further.

“Our JROs and JEMs enjoy a very busy and productive time in their position and serve a vital role in Cheshire East Council’s work in boosting recycling and reducing energy consumption.”

The training days took place at Congleton Town Hall on March 14, Macclesfield Senior Citizens Hall on March 15 and the Victoria Centre in Crewe on March 16.