Council Leader hails victory in planning appeal

 

Cheshire East Council’s Leader has welcomed a planning inspector’s decision to block plans for a housing development at a historic farm.

Councillor Michael Jones said the decision showed that the Council had been right to refuse planning permission on heritage grounds.

The estate of a previous owner of the property appealed against the Council’s refusal of planning permission to alter the Grade II listed, timber-framed Dingle Farmhouse on Dingle Lane, Sandbach.

The applicants wanted to convert a barn into a home and build another 11 dwellings with garages, car parking and landscaping. A later application reduced the number of new homes to six.

After a three-day inquiry in November, inspector David Prentis concluded that the changes to the farmhouse, which dates from the 17^th century, would harm its special interest as a listed building and he also rejected the appeal against refusal of permission for the new homes.

Mr Prentis added: “My overall assessment… is that the public benefits would be insufficient to outweigh the loss of significance that would be caused to the designated heritage assets.

“The proposals would be harmful to the special interest of Dingle Farmhouse and would fail to preserve its setting.”

The applicants asked the inspector to order the Council to pay some of their costs but he refused, saying the Council’s actions had not led directly to any unnecessary expense.

Councillor Jones said: “I am pleased that the inspector has backed our decision to refuse planning permission. It shows that we are continuing to oppose inappropriate development and to make every effort to preserve Cheshire East’s heritage.”

Cheshire East Council tackles problem gambling

 

Cheshire East Council is to launch new initiatives to tackle problem gambling, which has a hugely detrimental impact on individuals, families and communities.

The Council’s Cabinet has decided to block access to online gambling websites from all of the authority’s public computers, including those in libraries. Cheshire East has already led the way by becoming the first local authority to block payday lending sites.

At its meeting yesterday (Tuesday, December 9), the Cabinet also decided to throw Cheshire East’s weight behind a nationwide campaign to ask the Government to limit the stakes on fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) to £2 per spin.

Currently, FOBT machines can take bets of up to £100. Most of this is wagered on a digital version of roulette, which is played up to five times faster than the live game.

There are 33,400 machines offering casino games on Britain’s high streets, every one of which can take up to £18,000 in bets every hour.

Newham Council, in London, launched the campaign to cut stakes from £100 to £2, bringing them in line with other gaming machines.

Its submission to Government has become the biggest ever under the Sustainable Communities Act and by last week had already been supported by 91 local councils, illustrating the importance of the issue nationwide.

Councillor Michael Jones, Cheshire East Council Leader, said: “If the nationwide campaign is successful, we will be able to tackle the problem of fixed-odds betting terminals proactively. This will help us in our ambitions to keep our towns vibrant and attractive for residents and responsible businesses.

“This campaign is not anti-gambling but seeks to ensure that it occurs in safe, regulated environments.”

Councillor David Brown, the Deputy Leader, said: “This policy will enable the Council to take further action to protect people from falling into debt and other issues through accessing online gambling sites. This follows on from our successful trailblazing action in blocking payday loan websites.”

Cheshire East listens to residents as care homes win reprieve

 

Two respite care homes in Cheshire East will continue to offer residential respite after Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet meeting considered a proposal to wind down provision.

Cabinet members at today’s meeting also listened to the views of concerned relatives who were given the opportunity to address the meeting.

Hollins View in Macclesfield and Lincoln House in Crewe, offer council-run residential respite facilities for people with dementia, older people and people with other long terms conditions.

After today’s announcement Hollins View and Lincoln House will continue to operate until December 2015, providing residential carer respite services.

In addition to the £1.5m invested in adult social care for 2014/15, an additional £1m will be allocated to enable Cheshire East Council to continue to develop alternative forms of respite care including

localised provision across the borough, and to explore between now and December 2015 options with partners specifically around Hollins View and Lincoln House. 

A lengthy and detailed review of respite provision in Cheshire East, followed by a six-week consultation period, concluded that residential carer respite should in future be provided in the independent sector giving people a far wider choice of respite provision.

After the meeting Council Leader, Councillor Michael Jones explained he was not in favour of closing the two residential respite centres and wanted to give the proposals further consideration.

One carer who addressed the meeting was Mr. Clive Shore from Crewe, whose 85-year-old wife accesses respite care services at Lincoln House on a regular basis.

The members also noted the number of letters and petitions the Council had received.

Councillor Jones said: “I fully understand the circumstances Mr. and Mrs. Shore face each day and I empathise with them.

“I temporarily suspended the council’s cabinet discussion in order to seek further comments and views from colleagues, cabinet members and officers.

“Further to this, Cabinet have concluded that they wish to find the funds to ensure that both Lincoln House and Hollins View can continue to provide residential carer respite.

“Going forward we will explore working with partners’ potential options to enhance the services both centres provide to our residents.

“But I must emphasise that no residents would have been left without respite care in Cheshire East.

“We will continue with our plans to block-book beds in the independent sector and can reassure all residents that respite care will be available throughout the borough to meet their assessed needs.”

The Cabinet meeting was about to discuss a lengthy document proposing changes to care provision in Cheshire East including a proposal to source all future residential respite services in the independent sector, ending the need to maintain the two council-run respite homes.

The proposals include a new package of measures providing early intervention for those with dementia and other long term conditions and support for their carers, together with a wider choice of personalised respite care options.

The Borough has an estimated 40,000 carers with the number certain to increase significantly in line with expected demographic changes.

Cheshire East Council has repeatedly emphasised that all people in need of respite care will continue to receive it. The new measures will continue to provide additional respite care near to their homes, not just in Macclesfield or Crewe and will work with other providers whose provision and location is more suited to their needs.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cabinet member for care and health in the community, said:

“The consultation exercise has highlighted the views of those people that use the two respite homes but has also highlighted that other people wish to learn about other options that we intend to make available.

“We have to address the changing needs of our older population and while many of our residents have expressed a wish to continue to use Hollins View and Lincoln House we are also aware that many residents are asking for wider and alternative choices of support.

“We must respect their views as well as those who have expressed their support for Hollins View and Lincoln House.  Today’s decision enables us to do both.

Trading standards officers seize counterfeit car parts

 

Cheshire East Council’s trading standards officers have raided a house in Crewe and seized a large quantity of counterfeit car accessories and parts.

In a joint operation with Cheshire police, a 50-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994.

It is believed that the goods, including brands such as BMW, Audi, Land Rover, Mini and Jaguar, were being sold as genuine on the internet.

The arrested woman was bailed pending further enquiries and another person is due to be interviewed this week.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cheshire East’s Cabinet member in charge of localism and enforcement, said: “People are unwittingly purchasing counterfeit items, which are far inferior to the genuine item and may be unsafe.

“Counterfeiters are not concerned with the safety of the goods they produce. They leave out expensive safety features and do not provide accurate instructions.

“Without the work of trading standards officers, the UK market would be flooded with counterfeit copies of everything that we use.

“We are an enforcing Council and will take all necessary action to protect the public and law-abiding businesses.”

It is estimated that the sale of counterfeit good costs the legitimate economy £11 billion per year, including lost jobs, lost taxes and the impact on businesses that are unable to compete with cheap fakes.

Counterfeiting is also linked with terrorism, the illicit drugs trade and illegal immigration. Profits from counterfeiting are used by organised crime groups to fund other criminal activity. 

Christmas Carol Concert this Saturday afternoon

Reporter  Jonathan White

The Wistaston Singer’s ‘Annual Christmas Carol Concert’ takes place this Saturday 13th December 2014 (3pm start) at St Stephen’s Methodist Church, Gainsborough Road, Crewe CW2 7JX. Parking is available at Ruskin Sports College. Tickets = £6 (adult) and £3 (child) including a Christmas buffet at the interval. Come along and join us in singing your favourite Christmas carols.

Wistaston Singers were originally formed by members of the choir at St Mary's Parish Church Wistaston in May 2000 and now numbers over forty members singing four-part harmony music. The choir perform a variety and eclectic choice of music ranging from choral church music and anthems, Gilbert and Sullivan items, music from the shows, music from modern composers such as John Rutter covering from the 17th century to the 21st century. The choir members are amateur singers who rehearse and perform for their enjoyment of music and singing.

New members are welcome and further details may be obtained from Choir Secretary Jill Oakes, Tel: 01270 662940 and email: jillandjohnoakes@uwclub.net

Christmas Concert this Saturday evening

Reporter  Jonathan White

You are invited to a Christmas Concert by the Crewe Concert Band http://www.cwecb.co.uk/ at Wistaston Memorial Hall, Church Lane, Wistaston this Saturday 13th December 2014, starting at 7:30pm. Tickets = £6, including light refreshments. For further details please contact: John White 01270 661484 or Eileen Robertson 01270 625175.

Council urges residents to be good winter neighbours

 

Cheshire East Council and its partners are offering a range of advice and support to residents on how to keep warm, well and safe this winter.

This week, we encourage people to be good ‘winter neighbours’.

Cheshire East Council is urging residents to be good ‘winter neighbours’ – as we enter the coldest snap of winter 2014 so far this weekend (December 5-7).

As part of the Winter Wellbeing campaign, the Council would like people to check in on their friends and neighbours, especially if they are older or if they have heart or breathing problems, as they may need your help and our support.

Frost is expected over the next five days, especially tonight (Friday) and Monday night with minimum temperatures down to between zero and minus 4C.

The winter cold can be distressing to some and a phone call or a knock at the door can make all the difference and can brighten their day.

And with temperatures now dropping, it is worth considering if someone’s home is warm enough. Living rooms should be heated to 21C and bedrooms to 18C.

Information about heating repairs can be found at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/homerepairs or by ringing 0300 123 5017. Also, note if your neighbour has enough food and medicines to prevent them having to go out in very cold or icy weather.

The Council has listed some winter warning signs for residents to be on the lookout for that could indicate if something is wrong:

· Milk still out on the doorstep late in the day;

· Newspapers and post stuck in the letterbox;

· Curtains drawn during the day;

· Lights on during the day;

· A home in darkness when there should be someone at home;

· A dog barking all day or the cat scratching to be let in;

· Bins not put out on collection days.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Care and Health in the Community Portfolio Holder, said: “As temperatures fall, there will be many who are worried either about their own ability to cope, or about another adult, and maybe looking for social care support. Or there will be those who are looking for services to support families or children.”

Cllr Clowes added: “We’re sharing information on our Facebook page and website and I would appeal to all members of the public to pass information on to their loved ones who may be isolated and vulnerable at this time.”

Cheshire East Council and its partners are always here to help. The winter page on our website provides a wealth of advice and we urge residents to contact us, either by email or phone, if they have concerns.

For concerns about the welfare or safety of an adult, call 0300 123 5010 (8.30am-5pm) or 0300 123 5022 outside these hours. The family information service is available on 0300 123 5033. For concerns about the welfare or safety of a child, call 0300 123 5012 (8.30am-5pm) or 0300 123 5022 outside these hours.

For domestic abuse assistance, call the Cheshire East domestic abuse family safety unit on 01606 363532 or the national 24-hour helpline on 0808 2000 247.

For further winter-related advice, please visit www.facebook.com/cheshireeastcouncil and www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter

Residents can help friends and neighbours who do not have internet access by downloading and printing off information from the website and giving it to them.

Film crews pump £2m into Cheshire East’s economy

 

A dramatic increase in the number of television productions being filmed in Cheshire East has produced a £2m bonus for the local economy.

In 2014, crews have done more than 130 days’ work in the borough and have spent an estimated £1.99m. 

This compares with 65 days’ filming in 2013, which generated estimated spending of £1.04m.

The figures are calculated by Cheshire East Council’s film and TV partner Creative England, which provides free support to productions filming in the English regions.

Creative England calculates estimated spending by using benchmark figures for each type of production, which are worked out from actual spending on productions filmed in the region.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Film crews spend money on accommodation and services, which is a direct benefit to local businesses and the residents who work for them.

“That is why I am so pleased to see that Cheshire East has been so successful in attracting film producers to the borough. To double the number of days’ filming in the space of a year is a fantastic achievement.”

The total financial boost from filming this year is likely to top the £2m mark because ITV Studios and GroupM Entertainment are in Alderley Edge this week to film scenes for The Trials of Jimmy Rose, a crime drama starring Ray Winstone and Amanda Redman.

Earlier this year, ITV cameras were in Bunbury to film Home Fires, a six-part second world war drama starring Francesca Annis and Samantha Bond.

The Real Housewives of Cheshire, an ITV reality show about the lives of glamorous women living around Alderley Edge and Wilmslow, will be shown in the new year on Freeview channel ITVBe.

And this autumn viewers in the UK and US saw historic Arley Hall, near Knutsford, playing a major role in Evermoor, a mystery adventure for the Disney Channel about an American teenager who leaves the States behind for a new life in England.

Creative England’s production services team provides full support to film and TV projects of all sizes by securing permissions, assisting with location scouting and sourcing regional crew and facilities when shooting in England.

By working with local authorities, such as Cheshire East, and with Film Friendly Partnership networks, the team help develops and sustains a positive and robust filming infrastructure for productions when filming in the regions.

Creative England’s online locations and crew database is free to join and boasts an extensive library of national locations, crew, facilities and studios.

Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service December 2014 E-Newsletter - Firelink

 

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This is a message sent via The Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network (England & Wales). This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service

 

Welcome to the December edition of the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service e-Newsletter.

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Take Extra Care - measures you can take during the FBU strike

The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) have announced a further period of industrial action.

They will strike for 24 hours from 9:00am on Tuesday 9 December 2014 to 9:00am on Wednesday 10 December 2014.

We are urging residents to 'Take Extra Care'. Please make sure you have a working smoke alarm installed in your home and know exactly how to get out if a fire was to break out.

For more information - FBU strike announced for 9 December

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Christmas safety

Protect your home from fire

Give Santa a helping hand this Christmas by following his Christmas safety tips.

Many of the things we enjoy during this festive period, such as the fairy lights, candles, paper hats and decorations, can all be fire hazards when proper care is not taken.

Find out more information - Protect your home from fire

Don't drink and drive

The annual Christmas Drink Drive crackdown in Cheshire has been launched with a warning to motorists for the festive period.

The key message to drivers is:  If you are driving don't drink!

If you plan to have a drink this Christmas, please leave your car at home.

Find out more information - Don't drink and drive

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It's getting cold! Is your car ready for winter?

Winter is the season requiring most care and preparation if you are to stay safe on the roads. The British winter is unpredictable. Bad weather can strike suddenly, so please make sure you are prepared for the conditions. Please prepare yourself and your car for winter driving.

Is your car ready for winter?

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Have your say on our draft plans for 2015/16

The twelve week consultation on the draft Integrated Risk Management Plan (IRMP) for 2015/16 closes on Wednesday 31 December. During this time the Service will consult with the public, key partners and stakeholders and members of staff.

The draft 2015/16 Plan proposes to continue with the emergency response programme outlined in previous IRMPs (IRMP10 and IRMP 11) which has previously been consulted upon.

Please take a few minutes to have your say and complete the online consultation survey.

Find out more - Have your say on our draft plans for 2015/16

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On-call taster events

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is recruiting for on-call firefighters at the following fire stations: Tarporley, Malpas, Stockton Heath, Ellesmere Port, Knutsford, Crewe, Wilmslow and Runcorn.

Could you be an on-call firefighter? If yes, come along to one of our taster events. The event will give potential applicants the opportunity to meet full-time and on-call crews, as well as training and recruitment officers, who will explain exactly how to follow the recruitment process.

Find out more information - On-call taster events

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What do you think about our website?

We would love to know what you think about our website. Please take the time to complete a short survey about our website, to help us improve and develop it.

Let us know what you think about our website

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Get the latest information from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service:

Website - www.cheshirefire.gov.uk

Twitter - @CheshireFire

Facebook - CheshireFRS

Council is a step closer to realising its vision for Crewe.

 

Cheshire East Council is a step closer to realising its vision to create a world-class automotive research and development centre.

The Council has worked intensively with Bentley Motors to support their expansion by unlocking key sites next to their existing operation.

The move enables Bentley to create Europe’s leading research and development centre for the luxury car industry to support their global expansion on the back of their £140m investment over three years in Crewe.

It will deliver 300 new and sustainable jobs with further significant number of jobs within the supply chain.

The investment will create significant long-term demand for a skilled and educated workforce. Bentley has a long-standing commitment to working with local colleges and higher education providers to support learning and development opportunities.

In addition, a further investment to support the expansion a dedicated supplier park is also set to be created, bringing further jobs to the town.

The UK car industry is worth £60bn and Bentley is one of only eight luxury and sports car makers in the UK and one of only two in the North West. It made 10,120 cars last year and exports 85percent of its vehicles to major markets in the US, China and Europe.

Their expansion will allow the Council to pursue its waste strategy by developing a bespoke waste transfer station.

The realisation of the Council’s waste strategy will have many benefits of minimising landfill and supporting energy from waste initiatives. It will also lower long-term costs and improve resilience within the system. There are no planned job losses with such a move.

The Council’s existing site at Pym’s Lane is not suitable to effectively manage the authority’s waste for the next 30 years. Moving to one suitable bespoke site will also bring forward new employment opportunities, as well as helping the Council meet its waste recycling rates and carbon reduction plans.

Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council said: “This is the right deal and is yet another piece in the jigsaw of our vision to create a world-class automotive research and development centre and rail hub in Crewe.

“The Council and Bentley came together to develop this opportunity as we were aware of their ambitions and we are committed to their success.

“This is another example of us working successfully with them to push forward with growth and developing automotive science.

“We believe in this project and I’d like to thank Bentley for believing in Cheshire East and believing in the UK.

“We have been able to move at a pace most authorities simply couldn’t manage to ensure this project goes ahead.

“This deal also enables us to bring forward implementation of our waste strategy creating a cost-effective, robust and sustainable waste service.

“An improved service, reduced long-term costs, increased efficiency and lower carbon emissions are all vitally important to us creating a green and sustainable place to live, work and visit.”

Council serves up a welcome boost for local tennis club

 

Cheshire East Council has served up a welcome cash boost for a local tennis club.

The £3,250 community grant will help shine a light on the club’s facilities, attract new members and improve safety.

Councillor Peter Groves, ward member for Nantwich South and Stapeley, recently visited Nantwich Tennis Club to present the grant cheque, which will be used towards upgrading the lighting on their outdoor courts.

Cllr Groves said: “I was delighted to visit the tennis club to present a cheque for £3,250 from the Cheshire East Community Grant scheme.

“I understand that this money is going to help with the cost of new floodlighting, which will upgrade the courts to Lawn Tennis Association standards and will allow safe all-year round play and, hopefully, attract many new members.”

Club treasurer Colin Laughlin said: “The club has spent several years carefully saving funds towards this project and now we are very grateful to have the addition of grant funding from Cheshire East Council, which has made the whole scheme possible.

“We are already part-way through the project and it will be finished when the grounds are hard and contractors can get back on site.

“We have previously had support from the Lawn Tennis Association to help us upgrade the lighting on courts five and six and this project will allow us to do the same for courts one to four, where the old floodlights were of a very poor standard – they were becoming unsafe and they didn’t attract members.

“We now hope that these new high-quality floodlights will be attractive to new members – especially juniors.”

Nantwich LTC is always happy to welcome new members who are interested in joining in with club’s activities, either as players or helping to organise events and competitions or simply being part of their friendly community.

Find out more about the club by visiting their website at: www.nantwichtennisclub.co.uk

For more information about Cheshire East Council’s community grants scheme, visit the Council’s website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/communitygrant

Car Crime

Police are renewing their appeal for car owners not to leave their cars unattended with keys in the ignition whilst defrosting the windows.
A man and a woman appeared before Magistrates in Crewe this morning charged with stealing a car in Wynbunbury yesterday, Wednesday 3^rd December.
Police were alerted to the incident at 7.20am when a Volkswagen Golf was stolen from the driveway of a house in Wybunbury near Nantwich.
The car was located in the Valley Road area of Crewe a short time later and two suspects were arrested.
Martin Wynne, 36, of Wisely Way, Harbourne in Brimingham and Rebecca Wynne, 30, of the same address, appeared at Court this morning Thursday 4 December, charged with theft.
Sergeant Dave Levins took the opportunity to remind car owners to safeguard their vehicle from theft during the winter months. He said “Opportunist thieves will seize an opportunity to steal a car when the owners has it left running with the keys in the ignition in order to defrost it. Every winter we see these type of offences take place and I urge car owners to take the necessary precautions to prevent themselves becoming a victim of this type of crime”

Rail leaders outline shared vision for HS2 in the North West

 

HS2’s huge potential to unleash economic growth across the North West and Staffordshire was outlined at a conference at Crewe Hall today (Thursday, December 4).

More than 100 people joined key players from the region’s railway industry at the Next Generation Rail Cheshire event. Attendees shared their desire for authorities in Cheshire and Staffordshire to work closely together to ensure the area obtains the maximum benefits from high-speed rail.

Cheshire East Council Leader, Councillor Michael Jones, rail enthusiast Pete Waterman, Network Rail’s Rupert Walker and OSL Global’s Mathew Conway all spoke of their shared vision for economic growth in the North West and Staffordshire through HS2.

HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins is advising the Government that a new station in Crewe should be built and operational by 2027, five years earlier than originally expected. Journey times between Crewe and London would be cut to just 55 minutes, 35 minutes quicker than the fastest current journey.

Councillor Michael Jones said: “The North West HS2 hub station is a tremendous opportunity for our region to thrive and prosper as an economic powerhouse. But we need a strong local partnership to ensure we achieve this.

“We want to work with our near neighbours in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire to ensure our region gets maximum benefit from this historic opportunity.

“HS2 in the North West is all about energising the economies of Cheshire and Staffordshire. The North West hub station would provide a cradle for growth which would change the lives of millions of people.”

Rupert Walker, Head of High Speed Rail Development at Network Rail, added: “HS2 brings fantastic opportunities for the North West. The opportunity of delivering a hub in the North West will enable us to spread the benefits of the new line as widely as possible.

“As part of this, integrating the line with the rest of the transport network is hugely important. A new North West hub brings the opportunity to do that really effectively and it builds on the concept of seamless transfer between different modes of travel so people find it easier to use the railway.”

The event was independently hosted by ModernKulture and gave the likes of Pete Waterman the opportunity to talk about how the country needs to build on its Victorian rail heritage to make the network fit for modern day travel needs.

Cheshire & Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)’s Christine Gaskell spoke about the huge economic benefits expected in Cheshire from the HS2 investment and Mathew Conway, Director of OSL Global, offered insight into the roles of University Technical Colleges (UTCs) and OSL’s own training facility Royal Exchange Training Academy (RETA) that will be a host venue for industry-led projects.

Taxi driver who turned away blind pensioner and her guide dog is fined by court

A taxi driver who refused to let a blind woman pensioner and her guide dog into his cab has been ordered to pay out nearly £800 after a landmark prosecution brought by Cheshire East Council.

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association says such prosecutions are very rare, because of the difficulty identifying offenders – and is not aware of any similar prosecutions in Cheshire or Merseyside in recent years.

Retired nurse Patricia Powell, who is registered blind, had gone to a taxi rank on Exchange Street, Macclesfield, hoping to get a cab home.

She was accompanied by her golden retriever guide dog Yates and Tesco security officer Yogendra ‘Yogi’ Patel, 42, who was helping her with her shopping bags.

Macclesfield Magistrates’ Court today heard that a licensed Hackney cab driven by 55-year-old John Derek Mycroft was at the front of the rank.

Mrs Powell and Mr Patel heard him say: “I’m not taking the dog, get in the next taxi.”

In a statement read out in court, Mrs Powell, who has been blind for 18 years, said she felt ‘frustrated and discriminated against’.

She added: “My guide dog is my constant companion and I would be lost without him.

Yates is with me at all times as he is my mobility tool – not my pet. I need him to be with me, to be my guide.

“This is the sixth time that I have been refused access to a taxi now, as a result of having my guide dog with me.

“Luckily, in this case there was another taxi available to carry me but it worries me that this may have occurred at night when I was on my own and I could have been left in a dangerous situation.

“The incident has left me feeling very anxious and nervous about travelling by taxi, in case the issue occurs again, and has caused me significant upset. I would also hate for this to happen to another guide dog owner.”

The driver behind Mycroft on the rank took Mrs Powell home. Both he and Mr Patel provided statements supporting her complaint.

Mrs Powell complained to Cheshire East Council’s licensing officers, who invited Mycroft and his employer to an interview.

When questioned, Mycroft claimed that he did not want to miss out on an upcoming pre-booked job and was looking for a customer who only required a short journey.

Mycroft, of Brocklehurst Way, Macclesfield, today pleaded guilty to refusing to take a passenger from a cab rank on April 24, 2014 ‘without reasonable cause’ – an offence under the 1847 Town Police Clauses Act.

Mr Stephen Rodgers, defending, said in mitigation: “Mr Mycroft accepts he should have taken Mrs Powell and her dog and he regrets the decision he made.

“This is not an experience he wishes to repeat and he is aware that he made the wrong decision and he has no problem with transporting blind people in his taxi.”

Magistrates imposed a fine of £100 with an additional victim’s surcharge of £20 and ordered Mycroft to pay £665 prosecution costs.

The chairman of the magistrates’ bench thanked Mrs Powell and Mr Patel for attending the hearing, adding: “It is most appreciated that you came today and we wish you all the best, Mrs Powell – and your dog too.”

The prosecution was brought by Cheshire East Council’s legal team.

Speaking after the case Mrs Powell said of Mycroft’s sentence: “I think he deserved it. Even now, I feel apprehensive about taking taxis, if I don’t know the driver.

“I’m glad he pleaded guilty – but that’s not the point. The point is: blind people should not be discriminated against.”

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cheshire East’s Cabinet member in charge of localism and enforcement, said: “It is completely unacceptable for blind people to be discriminated against and put at a disadvantage in this way.

“I am pleased that the Council’s licensing officers were able to bring this matter to court. It sends out a powerful message to other taxi drivers about their obligations.

“The taxi trade provides a valuable social service and is expected to be sympathetic to vulnerable passengers in general.”

A spokesperson the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association added: “We are delighted that Cheshire East Council has taken action on this issue.  When a guide dog owner is refused access to a taxi, this often leaves the person feeling discriminated against and can lead to a blow in their confidence to travel by this vital means. 

“We hope that this case will help remind other drivers and service providers of their duties.”

Local Property Agent Welcomes Surprise Announcement on Stamp Duty 3rd December 2014

 

Martin&Co, the local property agent with offices in both Crewe and Nantwich, has welcomed the surprise announcement by Chancellor George Osborne that a total overhaul of how stamp duty is charged will be effective from midnight tonight.

In his Autumn statement this afternoon, it was revealed that a new sliding scale system will be used to calculate the tax, which is payable on purchases of £125,000 and above.

Martin&Co Director Shaun Cafferty was 'pretty supportive' of the move, and felt it would help stimulate much of the housing market in Crewe and Nantwich especially, given the typical house prices in the area.

He told us: 'Its a long overdue reform of a tax that was badly designed and unfair. Its especially going to benefit many buyers in the £125,000 to £250,000 bracket, which is the part of the market that we are most active in. Its only at around the £1 million and upwards houses that buyers could end up really worse off. I think that some agents who deal mainly in higher end properties will be disappointed that it doesn't do more for them, but this change will benefit lots of South Cheshire people looking to buy and sell 2 and 3 bedroom properties. In many cases, it is going to be cheaper for first time buyers and young families, as well as investors, to buy properties in Crewe and Nantwich, and that can't be a bad thing!"

Sales and Investments Manager at Martin&Co, Paul Rowley, added:

"It looks like people already in the process of buying a property will be able to choose whether the old or the new calculation method  is used. But in every sale that we have going through, the stamp duty will be less under the new system. If anyone is unsure how this will affect them, they can always give us a call whether they are using us or not, we will be happy to help explain it."

Cheshire East Leader’s praise for Autumn Statement

 

Council Leader Michael Jones welcomed the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement as excellent news for hard working people in Cheshire East, for young people seeking apprenticeships, house buyers priced out of the market and for small businesses and retailers.

He also praised the Chancellor’s faith and confidence in the North West saying the Northern Powerhouse will create a ripple effect that will spread across the Cheshire sub-region and beyond.

The Chancellor announced a big investment in science research and technology, roads and rail infrastructure.

Overhauling stamp duty, said Councillor Jones, will mean that young people living in Cheshire East will have a greater chance of buying their home in the borough where house prices are among the highest outside the South East.

He also praised Mr. Osborne’s announcements on apprenticeships. The Chancellor revealed that the jobs tax on companies engaging apprentices will be scrapped.

Councillor Jones said: “Although employment rates in Cheshire East are at their best for many years, this will further reinforce the message that the borough is a good place to live, work and find work.

“We will be creating thousands of new opportunities particularly in the Crewe area and this will encourage more businesses to grow their workforce and give young people real training opportunities.”

Councillor Jones said the proposed review of the business rates system will be an early Christmas present for many high street traders and small companies in the borough who are having to compete with major cut-price retailers and the Internet.”

Council hits right note with grant boost for youth brass band

 

Cheshire East Council has struck the right note with a grant donation to a local youth band.

Sandbach-based Lions Youth Brass, which is regarded as one of the country's leading brass ensembles for youngsters, has been awarded £500 from the Council’s community grant fund.

The Lions will use the money to help them produce a CD of their music – to promote and publicise the band and sell to boost their coffers.

Cheshire East Mayor Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald went along to see the band to present the cheque and enjoy their annual Christmas Concert (on Sunday, November 30).

Cllr Fitzgerald, the former leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “The evening was a wonderful occasion.

“We heard performances from the beginners, the juniors and the youth band – and they were all excellent. The bands had been playing all day in a competition, with a number of trophies and prizes being awarded during the day, culminating in that evening’s annual Christmas concert.

“Cheshire East is a great supporter of this sort of thing. The Lions’ music is something which we really want to help develop and, to that end, we’re not just talking about it, we have presented Lions Youth Brass with a cheque for £500, which will help them to promote their work and generate awareness of the great job that they’re doing.

“I was delighted to be there – both to listen to the music and to present the cheque.”

Accepting the cheque on behalf of the band, musical director Nigel Birch said: “We’re very pleased and privileged to receive this grant from Cheshire East Council, which is going to go towards helping us to record and produce a new CD in February.

“The CD costs us about £6,000 to produce, so to have a £500 donation from Cheshire East is a great boost for us.”

Committee member and fundraiser Jackie Flanders added: “It is great to feel supported by Cheshire East. Last weekend we held our annual Slow Melody Competition, which is now in its ninth year.

“One of the most difficult things to do as a brass player is to play slowly, as it really demonstrates the tonal qualities of the instruments and just how good the young people are at playing them.

“This is just one of the ways in which we encourage and develop our young musicians. We also work closely with the Love Music Trust of East Cheshire to provide specialist instrumental teaching and further development and we are always keen to take on new members – even if they’ve never played an instrument before.

“We can often provide a loan instrument for those just starting out – and who knows where it could lead? Many of our past youth band players have since gone on to play with well-known championship and first-section bands including Fodens, the Black Dyke Band, Roberts Bakery Band, Grimethorpe Colliery Band and  United Co-Op Crewe Band.”

For more information on Lions Youth Brass, see the band’s website at: www.lionsyouthbrass.co.uk

For more information about Cheshire East Council’s community grants scheme visit the Council’s website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk  and click through via the ‘council and democracy tab’ and then the ‘community funding and grants’ tab.