Could you become a foster carer?

 

Cheshire East Council is renewing its impassioned plea for adoptive parents to come forward to help children and young people.

Foster Care Fortnight begins on Monday (May 14) for two weeks to highlight the need to recruit more foster carers across the country. There is currently a shortage of 10,000 foster carers nationally.

There are 432 ‘cared for’ children and young people in Cheshire East – but during the next 12 months the Council is hoping to significantly increase the number of new foster carer households.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and family services, said: “Adults who can provide either a foster care home or a permanent adoptive home are in short supply.

“We urgently need more people to come forward to foster sibling groups, for example, groups of brothers and sisters, children and young people over the age of 11 and children with disabilities.

“We would especially like to hear from those who can assist with placements of two years and longer.

“If people think they can offer stability, love and fun to a young person, I would urge them to get in touch with us. And what’s more, there is no strict upper-age limit on the ability to foster a child or young person.

“Becoming an adoptive parent or a foster carer is not a decision to be taken lightly – but the rewards can be immense.”

Foster Care Fortnight is organised by the Fostering Network charity, which launched its ‘22 minutes’ campaign on Monday (May 7).

The campaign centres on the fact that a child goes into care and needs a foster family every 22 minutes across the country. Last year, more than 24,000 children went into care and needed fostering, an increase of 17 per cent compared to 2008.

More information can be obtained at fostering information evenings being held later this year. They are at Middlewich Community Church at 6pm on Monday, July 2 and at Disley Primary School at 6pm on Monday, October 29.

Further details on fostering can be found at www.spacesforfaces.co.uk or www.fostering.net or call the Fostering and Adoption Hotline on 0300 123 3223.

MP’s 120th news bulletin.

Tuesday 8, May 2012

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my 120th news bulletin.

Although the jobs market in Crewe & Nantwich has proved pretty resilient since the credit crunch, with fewer people on job seeker's allowance today than in May 2010, there is plenty more we can do to help local people get off benefits and get into work. That's why I decided to organise my jobs fair at Crewe Alex last week.

I am thrilled to see my initial idea to help boost employment and business confidence in Crewe & Nantwich become a reality.

With over 45 local businesses and around 2,000 job seekers attending on the day, the success of the jobs fair went way beyond expectations.
The feedback we have had has been extremely positive and already people are asking when the next one will be held!

There were some unexpected bonuses from the day too, including one business that created new local jobs exclusively on the back of the fair.

Although the vast majority of job seekers were from the local Crewe & Nantwich area, we also saw people from as far afield as Stockport, Telford and North Wales, showing how the fair helped put Crewe on the map as a place that is definitely open for business.

I want to put on record my sincere thanks to all at Crewe Alex for providing such a great venue, to the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce for their full support of the event and to the Chronicle for making sure as many people as possible knew about the fair.

Finally I want to thank all the local businesses and job seekers who embraced the fair and made the day so worthwhile.

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 an advice surgery in Nantwich for constituents
• Organised the Crewe & Nantwich Jobs Fair at Crewe Alex which saw nearly 50 exhibitors and over 2,000 attendees take part
• Sowed seeds with Weaver School for Nantwich in Bloom on Shrewbridge Road
• Held a debate in Westminster on the UK's Rare Disease strategy.  You can read more here.
• Urged the Secretary of State for Local Government to work with housing associations, in light of Linden Court in Crewe. Click here.
• Asked Parliament for a debate on Traveller Sites, and congratulated Glen Perris and team for their successful campaign against a Parker's Road site in Crewe. Click here.

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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 & his wife Julia have run the 2012 London Marathon in 3 hours 55 minutes

You can still 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

One in Eleven Appeal

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust launched their 'One in Eleven' appeal to raise funds for a new neonatal unit at Leighton Hospital, Crewe.

Patrons of the appeal include Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs & Edward Timpson MP.

To find out more click here.  To donate click here.

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

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Patrons attend One in Eleven Appeal official launch

Nantwich News

More than 130 people turned out to celebrate the official launch of the One in Eleven Appeal.

These included patrons of the appeal, Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs and MP for Crewe and Nantwich Edward Timpson.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity One in Eleven Appeal aims to raise £1 million to create a new neonatal unit at Leighton Hospital.

“It was over a year ago when we started to consider how we could enhance the unit to enable us to continue providing excellent care into the future,” said John Moran, chairman of the Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

“We have had some fantastic champions for the appeal to get to this point, including Mid Cheshire Hospitals non-executive directors David Hopewell and Val Godfry, our fundraising manager Laura Bailey and many families who have needed the care of the unit.

“We have already raised £200,000, so we are almost a quarter of the way to hitting our target.

“We thank our supporters for everything they have done so far and everything they are going to do for us in the future.”

Guests watched a film showing babies that have been cared for on the neonatal unit, images of how the new unit will look, and enjoyed a buffet, live ‘jukebox’ entertainment by Jazz Swing Vocalist David Bradley and a raffle.

Donations collected on the night at Hunter’s Lodge in Crewe raised £650.

Simon Dowson, clinical lead for paediatrics at Leighton Hospital, said: “We knew the unit provided excellent care, but the space we have isn’t designed for what we need it to do. To move forward we need more space to give babies and their families the dignity and privacy they need.”

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Crewe and Nantwich jobs fair taking place at Crewe Alexandra Football Stadium

Crewe Chronicle

MORE than 40 employers will be represented at a jobs fair at The Crewe Alexandra Football Stadium tomorrow (Thursday).

Students, job-hunters and young apprentices are expected to flock to the all-day fair which starts at 9am to find out what career prospects there are locally.

The jobs expo has been organised by Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson, who believes there are many opportunities available in South Cheshire’s vibrant economy.

He said: “I am bringing all of this success together under one roof, so that people looking for work can come along to Crewe Alex on Thursday, May 3, and talk not only to employers offering work, but also organisations that offer training, education, financial advice, volunteering opportunities and job hunting skills.”

The event is backed by The South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce which is hosting an informal breakfast reception for exhibitors.

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One in Eleven Appeal raises £200,000 towards £1million Neo Natal Unit fundraising target

Crewe Chronicle

One in Eleven Appeal raises £200,000 towards £1million Neo Natal Unit fundraising target

MORE than 130 people turned out to celebrate the official launch of the One in Eleven Appeal on Friday (April 27).

Two of the appeal’s patrons, the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs and MP for Crewe and Nantwich Edward Timpson, joined supporters, local dignitaries and hospital staff at the Hunters Lodge in Crewe for a presentation and evening of entertainment.

The Mid Cheshire Hospitals Charity One in Eleven Appeal aims to raise £1m to create a new neonatal unit at Leighton Hospital, which will provide more space and privacy for families and more modern surroundings and facilities.

John Moran, chairman of the Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It was over a year ago when we started to consider how we could enhance the unit to enable us to continue providing excellent care into the future.

“We have had some fantastic champions for the appeal to get to this point, including Mid Cheshire Hospitals non-executive directors David Hopewell and Val Godfry, our fundraising manager Laura Bailey and many families who have needed the care of the unit.

“We have already raised £200,000, so we are almost a quarter of the way to hitting our target.

“We thank our supporters for everything they have done so far and everything they are going to do for us in the future.”

Guests watched a film showing babies that have been cared for on the neonatal unit, and how they have grown into happy, healthy children thanks to the dedication of the staff there.

They were also shown images of how the new unit will look when the appeal has reached its goal and enjoyed a buffet, live ‘jukebox’ entertainment by jazz swing vocalist David Bradley and a raffle.

Donations were collected on the night, raising £650.

Around 3,000 babies are born at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust every year and one in eleven need additional support – ranging from a few hours of special care to a few weeks in an intensive care unit.

Simon Dowson, clinical lead for paediatrics at Leighton Hospital, said: “We knew the unit provided excellent care, but the space we have isn’t designed for what we need it to do.

“In order to move forward we need more space to give babies and their families the dignity and privacy they need.”

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Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson and wife Julia complete Virgin London Marathon and raise money for children' charity

Crewe Chronicle

HUSBAND and wife team Edward and Julia Timpson completed the London marathon under four hours and raised thousands for charity.

The couple were running to raise money for worthy charity Children Living with Inherited Metabolic diseases CLIMB

Crewe and Nantwich MP, Edward Timpson, said: “Running the marathon doesn’t get any easier, so to go round the course with my wife Julia from start to finish made the whole experience all the more enjoyable. By the end it was Julia setting the pace and I suspect I was holding her back!

“I am proud of her achievement and delighted we have been able to raise such a decent sum of money for a great national charity based here in Crewe.”

Julia Timpson said: “I never imagined I would take on the challenge of a marathon, but running for CLIMB was the best motivation I could have had. As it turned out, all my hard training over the winter paid off and I am ecstatic to have finished in under 4 hours.”

She added: “I am even more pleased to have raised over £5,000 for CLIMB, so a huge thank you to all those who sponsored me and Edward, including many businesses and generous individuals from Crewe and Nantwich.”

© 2012 Crewe Chronicle

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Prime Minister David Cameron backs Crewe and Nantwich jobs fair

The Chronicle

THE Prime Minister has given his seal of approval to a jobs fair in Crewe.

More than 35 employers including Bentley, BAE Systems and Morning Foods will attend the employment fair organised by Edward Timpson MP at the Crewe Alexandra football stadium on May 3.

The event is backed by the Chronicle and The South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce.

As well as giving the ‘jobs expo’ his personal blessing, The Prime Minister praised local employers for their role in helping to host the landmark event.

David Cameron, said: “I warmly welcome this jobs fair. Events like this offer extremely valuable information and advice to support people to make good choices about their future careers.

“I urge all local people to attend this event, and to make the most of the opportunities and experiences and to offer.

“It is great to see Crewe and Nantwich employers pulling together to support this locally organised event. I am delighted that so many businesses and organisations are taking part and providing an inspiring example of what communities can achieve.

He added: “I wish you all the very best for the event.”

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson, said: “It’s good to know that the jobs fair has support at the very highest level, and nice to know that my efforts and the support of local companies has been recognised.”

“Now all we need is lots of support from the public on the day, so make sure you tell friends who could benefit from the jobs fair all about it!”

There’s no need to register - just turn up and get as much out of talking to over 30 of the companies and organisations in Crewe and Nantwich who are best placed to help. Job Centre staff will be there too.

For more information about Edward’s jobs fair go online to www.edwardtimpson.com/jobsfair.

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Controversial traveller site plans set to be scrapped

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian

CAMPAIGNERS in Crewe are celebrating after controversial plans for a gipsy and traveller site look set to be thrown out.

Conservatives on Cheshire East Council have voted to put forward a motion to withdraw the application for the Parkers Road site at the next council meeting on April 19.

The action follows changes in the Government’s planning policy which gives greater scope for local authorities to carry out their own assessments of the housing needs of gypsies and travellers and plan accordingly.

Clr Derek Bebbington, who led the vote, said: “I believe these changes in policy have been brought about because of the excellent campaign and hard work of the action group Crewe Against Traveller Sites (CATS), who with the support of Edward Timpson and myself, have been continuously pressuring the council, and the Government, to have the planning application withdrawn or the policy changed.

“In that time, more than 5,000 thousand people signed a petition of protest against this application. I am told that so many people have written to the council objecting to the site, they had to set a new department just to deal with the correspondence.”

The site has attracted huge opposition from the start. In December, campaign group CATS marched on Downing Street to deliver a petition signed by 5,400 angry residents.

Clr Bebbington added: “Both CATS and the people who supported the campaign should be proud of what they achieved and are to be congratulated.”

Cheshire East Council says it is now looking in detail at the Government’s new planning policy for traveller sites and intends to study the document thoroughly before making any future decisions on provision in the borough.

Clr Rachel Bailey, cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “This new planning policy is good news and gives us the opportunity to assess our own needs.”

The new planning policy also encourages earlier and more effective engagement with the gipsy and traveller community around their accommodation needs.

Clr Jamie Macrae, cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, added: “We have been lobbying the Government for some time on the need to allow local authorities determine what provision is needed for gipsies and travellers. This is what this new planning policy recommends.”

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Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson and wife Julia complete Virgin London Marathon and raise money for children' charity

Crewe Chronicle

HUSBAND and wife team Edward and Julia Timpson completed the London marathon under four hours and raised thousands for charity.

The couple were running to raise money for worthy charity Children Living with Inherited Metabolic diseases CLIMB

Crewe and Nantwich MP, Edward Timpson, said: “Running the marathon doesn’t get any easier, so to go round the course with my wife Julia from start to finish made the whole experience all the more enjoyable. By the end it was Julia setting the pace and I suspect I was holding her back!

“I am proud of her achievement and delighted we have been able to raise such a decent sum of money for a great national charity based here in Crewe.”

Julia Timpson said: “I never imagined I would take on the challenge of a marathon, but running for CLIMB was the best motivation I could have had. As it turned out, all my hard training over the winter paid off and I am ecstatic to have finished in under 4 hours.”

She added: “I am even more pleased to have raised over £5,000 for CLIMB, so a huge thank you to all those who sponsored me and Edward, including many businesses and generous individuals from Crewe and Nantwich.”

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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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Over 350,000 pc could be taken off line

Last November law enforcement officials took down a ring of Estonian cyber criminals that operated malicious software called DNSChanger. DNSChanger works by quietly changing the DNS servers in your computer, and then redirecting you to fraudulent versions of the websites you trust. In total, the scam netted the criminals $14 million.

The authorities had no way to identify and notify those who were infected that they needed to disinfect and change their DNS, so they were forced to clean up and takeover the crime ring's servers in order to prevent disruption in Internet service for millions of people. But, the law enforcement officials are planning to take these servers offline in July, and there are still an estimated 350,000 people who could get knocked offline. You can check you pc here to see if you are infected.

If you find your infected Computer Services can help you ring 07941728819 they can remove the threat and do all pc and internet repairs. For more details on the infection Google dns changer

SOS card to help children in foster care

 

Cheshire East Council has teamed up with the NHS to launch a new card scheme that will help children with disabilities, should they become separated from their foster carer.

The card will be held by the child or young person and should provide the emergency services with valuable and immediate information about them, should their foster carer be injured or separated from them for any length of time.

The card will include photo identification as well as the following information:

• Details of the child’s main contacts;
• Advice on how best to communicate with the child;
• A list of medication/ allergies;
• A list of risks and dangers; and
• Helpful hints and tips – such as favourite toys, food and drinks.

The SOS card has been produced in partnership with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (CWP).

It will be launched at an event at Macclesfield Town Hall on Friday, May 18. This will coincide with Foster Care Fortnight, which runs from May 14 – 27.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and family services, said: “This card is an excellent idea and one that will really help some of the children in our care in the event of an emergency.

“It is vitally important that we continue to improve links and the way we share information with our colleagues in other public services. This card is a new way of doing this.”

Barbara Baker, general manager of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is a fantastic initiative highlighting the essential relationship between health and social care in supporting foster carers.

“The card provides important information that improves outcomes for any young person in the case of an emergency. The service is proud to have been involved in the development of this initiative.”  

Andrea Edmondson, safeguarding practitioner at North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “This is a really positive initiative, one which I am delighted the Trust is a part of. The card will really help clinicians in their roles to help deliver care to these children.”

‘Give Back to the Earth’ - Compost Awareness Week

 

A series of events are being held across Cheshire East to celebrate the twelfth annual international Compost Awareness Week (CAW).

Cheshire East Council is encouraging its residents to ‘Give Back to the Earth’ in line with this year’s theme, which is to promote making and using compost at home

During CAW, which runs from Sunday, May 6, to Saturday, May 12, 2012, the Council plans to stage a series of composting events based around the theme, with the aim of highlighting the great environmental benefits.

Scheduled events include Macclesfield Market, outside the town hall on Friday, May 11, from 9am until 2.30pm; and Crewe Market, outside Marks & Spencer, on Saturday, May 12, from 9am until 2.30pm.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet Member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “Most people don’t realise that up to thirty per cent of their household bin is made up of organic waste which can be turned into compost. 

“Composting is an inexpensive, natural process that transforms your kitchen and garden waste into a valuable and nutrient-rich food for your garden. 

“It's easy to make and use, and home compost can improve soil structure, maintain moisture levels and help to keep your soil's PH balance in check while helping to suppress plant disease.”

70,000 tonnes of waste is collected from Cheshire East households each year and a third of the waste collected is food.

Home composting not only helps to significantly reduce carbon emissions, it can also be used as an effective and sustainable waste management method to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill.

• To find out more about how to home compost log on to: http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk (go to the waste and recycling tab) or call 0300 123 5011

Frightening?

Walking down West st this morning out side Home Aids A man and women on the pavement and a bike blocking the way the man was smashing the girls head into the and she was screaming let me go and fighting to get loose from the man. This was at 11:30am I called the Police on 999  as the man kept trying to smash the girls head into the wall. The Police arrived very quickly.

The frightening bit was at least 20 people walked past the girl as she screamed an no one even bothered to phone the Police or anything, people watched from the petrol station and shops but the Police received  no more calls on the matter. So a girl could be raped or killed in broad day light down West St and no one would do anything.

What do you think post your comments below

Consultation launched on Revised Interim Planning Policy on the Release of Housing Land

 

Cheshire East Council has launched a consultation on a revised policy that allows the authority to exercise more control over potential new housing developments.

The document provides an interim planning policy to release land for housing development in order to maintain a sufficient supply of such land over the next five years, in accordance with central Government requirements.

The proposed Revised Interim Planning Policy on the Release of Housing Land continues to seek to focus new development on suitable greenfield sites around Crewe, where there is a good range of jobs, shops and services and reasonable alternatives to travel other than by car.

However, the revision to the policy now also looks to allow for the release of small sustainable sites on the edge of other towns in the Borough, where it will not prejudice the identification of larger strategic development sites, which should be taken forward through the Local Plan process.

The policy will continue to encourage the redevelopment of previously developed land in other towns in Cheshire East for mixed uses, including housing.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “The provision of suitable housing for its residents is one of the Council’s top priorities and this document will help us achieve our objectives.

“We need new homes to assist the economic growth of Cheshire East. As we know, the economic downturn has had a significant impact on levels of new house building and we need to provide more new homes to aid the wider economic recovery.

“This is all part of our key objective to grow and develop a sustainable Cheshire East.”

The draft Revised Interim Planning Policy on the Release of Housing Land was approved for consultation by the Council’s Cabinet on April 2, 2012.

The public consultation period for this document began on May 1 and will run until May 29.

Copies of the consultation document will be available online on the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan  and at the Council Offices at Westfields, Sandbach.

Comments can be submitted online at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan

Alternatively, write to: Spatial Planning Team, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach CW11 1HZ or email: ldfconsultation@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Cheshire Police take zero tolerance towards cannabis cultivation

The trend of growing Cannabis plants on a small and industrial level in Cheshire is becoming an increasing issue. Cheshire Police has always taken a very pro-active stance towards this type of criminality and responded swiftly to intelligence when locations have been identified. As a result there has been a significant and increasing number of seizures of plants in recent years. This reflects the very low tolerance Cheshire Police take on those that want to take the risk of committing this type of offence in this county.

In March Cheshire Police joined forces with its colleagues across the region to tackle cannabis production and in that month alone Cheshire Officers conducted 60 search warrants which disrupted 27 cultivations, resulting in 29 arrests, the seizure of cash and more than 1300 plants.

Chief Inspector Brian Roberts of the Force Intelligence Bureau said: "We will be relentless at continuing to make Cheshire an undesirable location to commit this type of offence and we will continue to take positive action seizing, disrupting and arresting those responsible.

"Our staff will tackle this issue using traditional searching of premises methods and arresting anybody linked to the offence, additionally we will look to use any other appropriate powers such as the seizure of cash and assets to those that are making a business from the production and supply of drugs."

Cannabis is now stronger than ever and it is important that people are aware of the long term effects the strength and potency can have on an individual′s health.

Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie added: "The perception of cannabis needs to change and the danger to young people′s health needs to be understood.

"Additionally, people should be aware that those who buy cannabis are funding organised crime groups associated with the supply of class A drugs, firearms and other criminality that impacts on our communities."

Cheshire Police need more information about small and large scale growing of cannabis in order to continue to disrupt cultivation. Anybody who has information can contact the police on 101 or crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

VIEWS SOUGHT ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO MOBILE LIBRARY SERVICE.

 

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor Brian Silvester is seeking the views of his constituents on the proposed changes to the mobile library service. He said, " The number of mobile libraries is being reduced from three to one. Consequently it is being proposed that  the number of stops is reduced but  all the communities will still receive a service. The consultation ends on the 23/5/12. The proposed changes in Willaston and Rope are detailed below. In each village the number of stops will be reduced from six to one. I would like the users of the mobile library service in my ward to let me know their views of the  proposed changes so I can represent their views in the consultation process. The mobile library is an important service and it needs to be retained with the maxinum coverage possible."

Cllr Brian Silvester  Tel 01270 567757

Nantwich Civic Hall transfers to local control

 

One of Nantwich’s major assets is now under the ownership of the town council.

As part of Cheshire East Council’s programme of transfer and devolution of assets and services, Nantwich Civic Hall will now be managed and maintained by Nantwich Town Council following productive talks between the two authorities, which concluded today.

Efforts are now under way to complete the remainder of agreed transfers, such as Nantwich Market Hall and some of the town’s allotment sites, in a phased fashion.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “We are pleased to note that Nantwich Town Council is taking a sensible, phased approach to the handover of assets and services.

“These are major buildings and features of the town and all handovers must be carefully handled.

“I am confident that Nantwich Civic Hall will be successfully managed by the town council and we believe it is best placed to run the facility for the benefit of the people of Nantwich.”

Councillor Michael Jones, Cabinet member with responsibility for resources, added: “This is great news for Nantwich.

“Cheshire East Council is mindful that all town and parish councils need to be in a fit and proper position before they can hit the ground running with the transfer of assets and services and we continue to work positively with them.”

Nantwich town councillors voted to also take charge of the indoor and outdoor markets and the public toilets in the market, in Barony Park and on Snow Hill car park. Allotment sites are also being passed to the town council.

Both Cheshire East and Nantwich Town councils are committed to the move – which is in keeping with the Government’s localism agenda.

KEY DECISION MADE ON HOME-TO-SCHOOL TRANSPORT

 

Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet has voted in favour of cutting home-to-school transport for denominational schools as part of a drive to meet budget constraints.

It also voted to halve the concessionary bus subsidy allocated to post-16 students and task the schools and colleges themselves to manage their own sustainable transport needs.

Eligible young people with special education needs (SENs) will benefit from independent travel training, as part of a long-term plan to cut the number of taxis taking children to and from school.

The move has been debated since July last year, with a task and finish group having made recommendations after further consulting with the diocese, parents, schools and other interested parties.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and families, said: “This is about delivering equitable school transport policies across the Borough that are fair to all children and fair to taxpayers.

“After deliberating on this issue for the best part of a year now, the decision was not just about whether we went ahead with this but how we move forward with the plans.

“These issues have been out in the public domain for some time now and have been consulted upon widely. I believe that we made the only decision available to us – to prioritise services that are statutory and make changes to policies that are by no means fair and good value for taxpayers.”

Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, Leader of Cheshire East Council, echoed Councillor Gaddum’s views. He said: “We inherited these policies from Cheshire County Council and in my view, and plenty of other local authorities’, this is a service that we just cannot afford.

“Why should parents who choose to send their children to faith schools be supported, when other parents do not receive the same support for sending their children to a school that specialises in, say, maths or music, outside of their immediate catchment area?

“This is an unfair subsidy and we must divert any available funds where they are desperately needed – supporting vulnerable adults and young people who need our support more than ever in these times of economic austerity.”

The cuts are designed to save taxpayers £1.5m between now and 2015 and will take effect this autumn.

The decision means Cheshire East Council will no longer subsidise transport to primary and secondary schoolchildren whose parents choose to send their children to a denominational school that isn’t their nearest school. This will save taxpayers approximately £230,000.

Cabinet agreed to halve the amount devoted to the heavily-subsidised concessionary travel for post-16 students. A substantial element of the savings released will be given directly to the affected sixth forms and colleges as a one-off payment to enable them to allocate to their most needy students. These funds will be ring fenced for this use only. This will save taxpayers approximately £375,000 a year, but retain financial support for those students who most need it.

Cabinet agreed to invest in independent travel training for children with special educational needs (SEN). Taxis are used to transport children to and from school in many cases but some SEN children may benefit from being assisted to find more suitable types of transport with the right level of encouragement and support from the council.

Around 8,500 children currently benefit from free or subsidised transport across Cheshire East, representing a £9.9m bill for taxpayers.

Cheshire East Council has a statutory duty to provide free transport to schoolchildren whose nearest primary school is more than two miles away and whose nearest secondary school is more than three miles away. Schoolchildren and their families, who meet low income criteria, will also continue to receive free transport.

Brief background:

Cheshire East Council deferred a decision on these recommendations last year, following concerns that more work was needed to understand in depth the impacts of the changes.

A task and finish group was set up and they met a total of 18 times to consider feedback from denominational groups, parents and schools. Members were drawn from the children and families scrutiny committee and the environment and prosperity scrutiny committee.

The group examined in detail the issues raised by the public during the consultation period last year.  A majority report and a minority report were drawn up and these were taken into account by Cabinet in making their decision.

A report outlining the key recommendations that Cabinet considered is available online at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk (go to the council and democracy table, then scroll down to ‘Your Council’ and click on ‘Agendas, Minutes and Reports’ and then ‘Cabinet’).

Double yellow lines to tackle parking problems

.

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor Brian Silvester has welcomed the decision to introduce double yellow lines around the Berkeley Primary School in Rope. (See attached plan and e-mail below)

He said," I have campaigned for this measure for some time and I am pleased that the Cheshire East Council has taken it forward.

There are serious parking problems at the beginning and the end of the school day at  the top of Lochleven Road  and in Rope Bank Avenue at the junction with Laidon Avenue. Parents dropping off and picking up at the school park at the junctions which makes it very difficult for vehicles to pull out safely. Also some parents park in front of drives and this makes it impossible for residents to get their cars out. Local residents are rightly angry at the careless parking of a small minority of parents and I hope the action that is being taken will solve the problem to a large degree. In the meantime, before the yellow lines appear, I call on the small minority of parents who park inconsiderately not to do so. The Police continue to monitor the area and will not hesitate to hand out fines if inappropriate parking occurs. I am pleased that the work is to be done during the school holidays to prevent unnecessary traffic congestion. "

Brian Silvester
Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons)
Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor

Tel/fax 01270 567757

ACTION ON POT-HOLES IN WILLASTON

 

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor Brian Silvester has welcomed action on pot holes in Willaston. See e-mails below.

He said," Both the Parish Council and myself received many complaints about the large number of pot holes and some subsidence in the Bayley Road area. I took the issue up and I am pleased that action has been taken by the Cheshire East Council and that the road will be put forward for surface dressing. This road was one of the worst in the area and residents were getting very concerned about the lack of action. I hope the surface dressing can be done in the near  future."

Cllr.Brian Silvester

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons)

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Olympic video going for gold

 

A video outlining the efforts of Cheshire East Council and other north west organisations in welcoming international athletes ahead of the Olympic games is up for a prestigious award.

The short film was put together by teenage volunteers from The Reporters Academy.

The group has been working very closely with the consortium to record the experiences of the pre-games training camps.

A total of 10 organisations, including Cheshire East Council and Manchester Metropolitan University Cheshire, linked up to offer training opportunities to 15 Oceania nations.

Locally, this has seen the Vanuatu women’s beach volleyball team, and two male boxers from the pacific island of Kiribati, spend time in Crewe. 

The 30-second film has been nominated for the Pierre De-Coubertin Award at the Podium Awards. Pierre De-Coubertin was the founder of the modern Olympics and the category is for entries that most live up to his ideals.

The winner is decided by an online public vote. The deadline is 20:12 on May 3. The winner will be announced at a ceremony in London later that evening.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “I would like to wish all those behind the film the best of luck. Here in Cheshire East we have worked hard with athletes from the pacific islands in the hope of helping their qualification to the games in London.

“I would encourage people to go online to watch the video and vote for it.”

Anyone who wants to vote simply needs a valid email address. To vote go to: www.podiumawards2012.com/coubertin-award

MP’s 11999th report

Monday 30, April 2012

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my 119th news bulletin.

It is often assumed that politicians are distant beings on another level from their voters, and that they hide away in the ivory towers in Westminster debating the big issues of the day. This was certainly true of Victorian Britain (a quick read of a 19th century MP's diary reveals a visit to their constituency twice a year was the norm!), but couldn't be further from the way I work.

I spend three to four days a week in Crewe and Nantwich. If I didn't, I wouldn't know what was going on, I wouldn't be on doorsteps talking to my constituents, I wouldn't be at meetings with residents discussing their concerns or with worthy local organisations celebrating their successes.

In fact, I wouldn't have much to talk about during my three days a week in Westminster, the majority of which I spend taking what I've learned locally and wandering the corridors of power to fight for a better lot for the people of Crewe and Nantwich.

My 'Crewe and Nantwich first' approach has resulted in a number of successes recently.

I worked hand in glove with the Crewe Against Traveller Site group recently to have the application for a gypsy and traveller site on Parkers Road withdrawn. I had to lobby the Council, but I also had to lobby ministers, and make sure that a new, more flexible Coalition policy on traveller sites was implemented locally.

In the last fortnight I helped make sure that Wulvern Housing halted its plans to rush a move of the elderly residents of Linden Court into new accommodation they didn't want. I had to drop my plans to attend an emergency meeting with local councillors, and my office worked through a Sunday to ask the Council to step in and force the housing association to reconsider.

On Thursday this week I have organised a jobs fair at Crewe Alex, kindly supported by the Chronicle, so that instead of just talking about unemployment, we can actually do something about it. If you're out of work or want a change - then come along. You'll find the info at edwardtimpson.com/jobsfair.

That's the same day as Boris Johnson's election in London, and I'm in trouble for not helping out, but I'm Crewe and Nantwich's representative to Westminster - not the other way round!

Finally, my job would be made much harder if local people didn't help me to understand their views and campaign on them. So thank you to you all.

Keep in touch, and I hope we experience many more successes together in future.

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...

• Recovered from running last week's London Mathon with my wife Julia raising in excess of £5,000 for Crewe charity Climb
• Held a surgery in my Crewe office
• Showed my support for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust at a reception in Parliament
• Visited Oakfield Primary School to meet with staff and discuss a number of issues
• Supported the Patient Advocates for Newborn Screening (PANS) celebratory event raising awareness of the further health benefits that can be secured for children with rare diseases
• Attended the launch event of One in Eleven at Hunters Lodge raising funds for a new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit based within Leighton Hospital. For more information click here

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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 & his wife Julia have run the 2012 London Marathon in 3 hours 55 minutes

You can still 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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Prime Minister David Cameron backs Crewe and Nantwich jobs fair

The Chronicle

THE Prime Minister has given his seal of approval to a jobs fair in Crewe.

More than 35 employers including Bentley, BAE Systems and Morning Foods will attend the employment fair organised by Edward Timpson MP at the Crewe Alexandra football stadium on May 3.

The event is backed by the Chronicle and The South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce.

As well as giving the ‘jobs expo’ his personal blessing, The Prime Minister praised local employers for their role in helping to host the landmark event.

David Cameron, said: “I warmly welcome this jobs fair. Events like this offer extremely valuable information and advice to support people to make good choices about their future careers.

“I urge all local people to attend this event, and to make the most of the opportunities and experiences and to offer.

“It is great to see Crewe and Nantwich employers pulling together to support this locally organised event. I am delighted that so many businesses and organisations are taking part and providing an inspiring example of what communities can achieve.

He added: “I wish you all the very best for the event.”

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson, said: “It’s good to know that the jobs fair has support at the very highest level, and nice to know that my efforts and the support of local companies has been recognised.”

“Now all we need is lots of support from the public on the day, so make sure you tell friends who could benefit from the jobs fair all about it!”

There’s no need to register - just turn up and get as much out of talking to over 30 of the companies and organisations in Crewe and Nantwich who are best placed to help. Job Centre staff will be there too.

For more information about Edward’s jobs fair go online to www.edwardtimpson.com/jobsfair.

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Controversial traveller site plans set to be scrapped

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian

CAMPAIGNERS in Crewe are celebrating after controversial plans for a gipsy and traveller site look set to be thrown out.

Conservatives on Cheshire East Council have voted to put forward a motion to withdraw the application for the Parkers Road site at the next council meeting on April 19.

The action follows changes in the Government’s planning policy which gives greater scope for local authorities to carry out their own assessments of the housing needs of gypsies and travellers and plan accordingly.

Clr Derek Bebbington, who led the vote, said: “I believe these changes in policy have been brought about because of the excellent campaign and hard work of the action group Crewe Against Traveller Sites (CATS), who with the support of Edward Timpson and myself, have been continuously pressuring the council, and the Government, to have the planning application withdrawn or the policy changed.

“In that time, more than 5,000 thousand people signed a petition of protest against this application. I am told that so many people have written to the council objecting to the site, they had to set a new department just to deal with the correspondence.”

The site has attracted huge opposition from the start. In December, campaign group CATS marched on Downing Street to deliver a petition signed by 5,400 angry residents.

Clr Bebbington added: “Both CATS and the people who supported the campaign should be proud of what they achieved and are to be congratulated.”

Cheshire East Council says it is now looking in detail at the Government’s new planning policy for traveller sites and intends to study the document thoroughly before making any future decisions on provision in the borough.

Clr Rachel Bailey, cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “This new planning policy is good news and gives us the opportunity to assess our own needs.”

The new planning policy also encourages earlier and more effective engagement with the gipsy and traveller community around their accommodation needs.

Clr Jamie Macrae, cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, added: “We have been lobbying the Government for some time on the need to allow local authorities determine what provision is needed for gipsies and travellers. This is what this new planning policy recommends.”

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Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson and wife Julia complete Virgin London Marathon and raise money for children' charity

Crewe Chronicle

HUSBAND and wife team Edward and Julia Timpson completed the London marathon under four hours and raised thousands for charity.

The couple were running to raise money for worthy charity Children Living with Inherited Metabolic diseases CLIMB

Crewe and Nantwich MP, Edward Timpson, said: “Running the marathon doesn’t get any easier, so to go round the course with my wife Julia from start to finish made the whole experience all the more enjoyable. By the end it was Julia setting the pace and I suspect I was holding her back!

“I am proud of her achievement and delighted we have been able to raise such a decent sum of money for a great national charity based here in Crewe.”

Julia Timpson said: “I never imagined I would take on the challenge of a marathon, but running for CLIMB was the best motivation I could have had. As it turned out, all my hard training over the winter paid off and I am ecstatic to have finished in under 4 hours.”

She added: “I am even more pleased to have raised over £5,000 for CLIMB, so a huge thank you to all those who sponsored me and Edward, including many businesses and generous individuals from Crewe and Nantwich.”

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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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A Wet Day in Crewe

We have had some rain today and floods are everywhere. One of the most dangerous is the island by the council offices above its very dangerous as people come around the roundabout and bang the water goes the roof of the car its that deep. Its only a matter of time before someone is killed or hurt and Tesco Roundabout was worse. West St the reported floods the other week are still on going and opposite Casterways the grid is blocked and people get soak as a car goes past. Lets hope the forecast for tomorrow which s fine happens.

Man who sold fake and unlicensed medicines ordered to repay more than £14million

 

A Tameside man who sold fake and unlicensed medicines has been ordered to repay more than £14million following a financial investigation by the North West Regional Asset Recovery Team (NWRART).

Simon Hickman (03/08/1959), of Lily Lanes, Ashton-under-Lyne, was jailed for two years in 2009, following a criminal investigation by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

He was convicted of six counts of selling and supplying fake and unlicensed medicines and money laundering to the value of £1.4 million.

He was sentenced to a further 22 months in prison in January 2011 for Contempt of Court after he tried to obtain a passport by deception and for selling a property in breach of a court restraint order.

Working alongside investigators from MHRA, the NWRART commenced an investigation into Hickman′s finances with a view to identifying criminal assets.

Extensive assets, including his home, Range Rovers, luxury flats and cash, were identified and restrained pending confiscation proceedings.

Hickman made his fortune by selling counterfeit erectile dysfunction tablets and slimming aids that he purchased overseas.

Investigators discovered Hickman created dozens of bank accounts across the globe, using them to launder cash totalling millions of pounds.

Funds were transferred into off shore accounts having been diverted through more than 30 different bank accounts, some based in Malta, Holland and the Cayman Islands.

At Southwark Crown Court today, Friday 27 April 2012, Hickman was found to have benefited by £15,427,850.28 from his criminal enterprise.

He was ordered to repay £14,407,850.28 within six months or face a further 10 years in prison and still liable for the order.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Ashton, head of the NWART, said: "Hickman made a considerable personal fortune by selling illegal pills to thousands of unsuspecting victims

"He has been held to account thanks to a meticulous joint investigation between the NWRART and MHRA.

"Owing to a thorough partnership investigation, the MHRA and NWRART ensured Hickman lost his liberty as well as his assets. This case sends out a clear message to organised criminals that law enforcement agencies, working in partnership, will continue to pursue those involved in serious crime.

"To put this result into perspective, I think it is fair to say that this one single confiscation order eclipses any that have gone before and is higher than all confiscation orders secured by NWRART collectively last year."