MP,s 158 Bulletin

Welcome to this, my 158th news bulletin.

It’s not often that I get the opportunity to combine my role as your local MP with my work in Government as Minister for Children and Families, but this week I got to do just that.
On a visit to Underwood West Primary School in Crewe, I was able to see for myself how the biggest, most ambitious and aspirational reforms to Special Educational Needs (SEN) in over 30 years are starting to bed in.

And what underpins these reforms - that I’ve taken through Parliament - is something that perhaps should go without saying: the desire to see all children with SEN and disabilities do well in education, find employment, lead happy and fulfilled lives, and have more choice and control over the support they receive.
It’s a radical overhaul that breaks down artificial barriers, and that champions children with SEN as never before: from birth right through to adulthood.
And Underwood West are helping lead the way.
Through their “Achievement for All” programme, the school is bringing together teachers, professionals and parents to support their children who have additional needs so that they really do achieve their potential.
Why is this important? For too long, families who have children with SEN have faced big enough challenges in what one mother called “an unending battle” with a system that’s supposed to be on their side.
Our reforms and the work of Underwood West Head Teacher Jane Tomlinson are designed to take us from a system that, despite best efforts, simply became too complex, fractured and adversarial, to one that’s clearer, more joined-up and much more focused on children achieving their best.
This means raising our ambitions much higher - and putting young people and their parents firmly in the driving seat.

When I spoke to one of the mums during my visit, it was refreshing to hear how this new approach had already started to make a real difference for her child – whether that be more confidence, better social skills or improved reading and maths.
My mission in politics, derived from a childhood spent living with foster children, has always been to make sure that some the most disadvantaged in our local community should get every possible chance to be the best they can possibly be.
My visit to Underwood West made me proud to be MP for a part of the country that gets that too.

Edward Timpson MP
Member of Parliament for Crewe and Nantwich
Please remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions for me, or if there is anything I can do to assist you.

Since my last e-mail, I have...

• Spoken with plotholders at Ford Lane allotments, about the future of Crewe's allotments and the great success that the community at Ford Lane is enjoying.
• Met with residents of Wychwood Village to discuss how I can support their campaign against overdevelopment in the green gap around the village
• Brought Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport to Crewe, to see the work of the Cheshire Academy of Intergrated Sports and Arts on Broad Street, and meet some of the disabled athletes who are in training using the fantastic facilities there.
• Attended the Holly Holy Day re-enactment, which this year commemorated the 371st anniversary of the Battle of Nantwich.
• Held two of my regular constituency advice surgeries, in Crewe and in Nantwich.
• Addressed the Year 8 students of Citizenship at Brine Leas School, who kindly invited me to talk about my work as an MP and Minister for Children and Families.
• Become a 'Dementia Friend', by receiving training from the Alzheimer's Society.

Thanks to the Rt Hon. Sajid Javid MP, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, who joined me and Cheshire East's Cabinet Member for Care and Health in the Community, Councillor Janet Clowes, at the Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sports and Arts at Broad Street.
He saw first-hand how the Academy has evolved, with the Council's support, into a thriving community resource, offering integrated sports, gymnastics, arts and dance to children and young people of all abilities, together with a community cafe, older people's lunch club, cookery courses, cinema club and IT coaching.
Also pictured here are Jane Whetnall MBE (Chief UK Coach) and members of the Rhythmic Gymnastics Team, some of whom have been selected as part of the UK Team in this summer's Disability Olympics in the USA.

I was pleased to receive 'Dementia Friend' training from the Alzheimer's Society's Lucie Newsam this week.  I have also arranged for all of my team in the Crewe and Nantwich constituency office to become Dementia Friends, to help us all understand more about dementia, and the ways we can support people who are living with dementia in our community.
You can find out more about becoming a Dementia Friend yourself, at https://www.dementiafriends.org.uk/

Edward Timpson MP throws his support behind Credit Union
Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has visited Cheshire Neighbours Credit Union’s offices in Crewe to see how they are helping to keep local people and families out of the clutches of loan sharks and payday lenders.

Help to Buy home scheme benefits 112 in the area
Crewe Chronicle: Edward Timpson MP has welcomed new figures showing that the Conservatives’ Help to Buy scheme is helping families to achieve their dream of buying their own home

Residents urged to fight 900 home village plan
Crewe Chronicle: Campaigners fighting plans for the new 900 home village at Gorstyhill are urging residents to make their feelings known to the council before the February 18 deadline.They have secured the backing of MP Edward Timpson.

Copyright © 2015 Edward Timpson MP. Promoted by D Potter on behalf of E Timpson both at Churchyardside, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 5DE
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Contact Edward Timpson MP:

Edward Timpson MP

30 Victoria Street

Crewe, Cheshire CW1 2JE

United Kingdom

ELECTION BRIEFINGS FOR PROSPECTIVE CANDIDATES

 

BOROUGH, TOWN AND PARISH AND PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

ELECTION DAY – THURSDAY, MAY 7, 2015

Full Borough and town and parish elections are due to be held for all Borough wards, town and parish councils, across the Borough of Cheshire East on Thursday, May 7, 2015. The next parliamentary General Election will also take place on the same day.

If anyone is interested in standing as a candidate at any of the above elections within the Cheshire East area, they may find it useful to attend one of our briefing events – details of which are given below. 

The briefings have been arranged to remind candidates of the nomination procedures and other important election matters.

Due to the limited number of places available at each of the sessions, it is very important that interested people contact the Cheshire East elections team to reserve their place as soon as possible. They should do this by phone on 01270 685922 or by email to: electoral.information@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Briefings will be held on the following dates in the following locations:

Date

Venue

Start Time

Type of Election Briefing

20/02/2015

Sandbach

For venue details please book

10.30am

Parliamentary

2.30pm

Parliamentary

23/02/2015

Crewe

For venue details please book

5.30pm

Borough

7pm

Town and Parish

24/02/2015

Macclesfield

For venue details please book

5.30pm

Borough

7pm

Town and Parish

27/02/2015

Sandbach

For venue details please book first

10am

Borough

11.30am

Town and Parish

2/03/2015

Nantwich

For venue details please book first

5.30pm

Borough

7pm

Town and Parish

4/03/2015

Congleton

For venue details please book first

5.30pm

Borough

7pm

Town and Parish

5/03/2015

Macclesfield

For venue details please book first

5.30pm

Borough

7pm

Town and Parish

6/03/2015

Crewe

For venue details please book first

5.30pm

Borough

7pm

Town and Parish

Highways team work to keep roads and footpaths clear

 

Highways staff have once again been out late into the night and early this morning gritting the borough’s roads and plan to extend their operations to minor routes especially in outlying villages.

The team once again faced challenging weather conditions with icy stretches forming on some roads owing to sub-zero temperatures.

Further snowfall in the early hours resulted in significant accumulations in some areas, chiefly in the north and east of the borough.

Gritters and snowploughs were deployed on primary routes and hillside communities with constant clearing and gritting operations continuing throughout the morning.

Additional resources have been made available so that secondary routes can be treated and cleared and town centre footways are also being treated.

The A54 and A537 roads to Buxton remain closed to through traffic but highways teams have worked hard to clear routes to local villages previously cut off.

The Met Office is predicting further wintry showers and sub-zero temperatures tonight with ice presenting a real threat.

Councillor David Topping, Cabinet member for service commissioning said: “Our staff are to be praised for their commitment and dedication. We have over 1,000km of highway to grit and teams are working very hard to meet the challenges of the last three days.”

Track gritters and keep up to date with conditions through the Cheshire East Highways ‘Winter Service’ web page at http://www.cheshireeasthighways.org

Many schools in the borough are again closed today or are partially open and closing early.

For updates on school closures visit the council’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CheshireEastCouncil

Cheshire East Council collects nearly 100,000 extra bins over festive season

 

Almost 100,000 extra bins were collected throughout Cheshire East in just seven days over the festive season, thanks to hard work and rigorous operational planning.

Ansa Environmental Services Limited, which provides the Council’s waste and recycling services, drafted in additional vehicles and staff to ensure that all residents would have their recycling and household waste collected despite the Christmas and New Year bank holidays.

To make sure the service ran like clockwork, rounds were rescheduled to bring forward collections for all householders who were due a visit on Christmas Day, Boxing Day or New Year’s Day.

The team also promoted the changes well in advance by adding a sticker to all affected bins, sending out press releases and publishing the details on the Council’s website, Facebook and Twitter.

Councillor David Topping, Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet member for service commissioning, said: “I would like to congratulate the crews, team leaders and transfer station operatives at Ansa, who worked extremely hard both before and during Christmas and New Year to ensure that residents would receive an excellent service from Cheshire East Council.

“We all know that considerably more waste has to be collected and recycled over Christmas and New Year.

“The staff at Ansa not only ensured collections were not missed but they also managed the increased volumes of seasonal recycling and waste. Well done to everyone involved.”

For more information about recycling at Cheshire East Council, please visit http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling.aspx

Weston Christmas Light Display

Reporter Jonathan White, Crewe

Graham Witter, aged 20, who is a BA (Hons) Business Management student at Manchester Metropolitan University (Cheshire Campus), setup hundreds of Christmas lights where he lives at Carters Green Cottage in Weston to raise money for charity.

His Christmas light display took place every evening from the 1st to 28th December 2014. The display covered farm buildings and their adjacent yard and contained a combination of rope lights, LED lights, animated 3D figures, 3D inflatables, along with background Christmas music. There was even a small wooden Santa’s Grotto with ramp access.

He raised £1,000 in 2013 and in 2014 he raised the amazing total of £5,720. For the second year running all the money has gone to 'The Donna Louise Children's Hospice' http://www.donnalouisetrust.org/ , who provide respite care for his teenage sister Jessica.

Graham said, “I am amazed by the amount I've raised and cannot thank people enough for visiting my display. The Donna Louise Children's Hospice supports many families across Cheshire and Staffordshire and the money will go towards the £2.5 million the hospice needs each year to remain open. I look forward to seeing everybody this year for a bigger and better display!”

Cheshire East well prepared for further snow disruption

 

Cheshire East Council is urging all drivers to take extra care in the wintry conditions and can assure residents and road users that highways’ teams have carried out repeated gritting operations throughout the borough over the past two days.

When heavy snow has fallen on already treated roads, then a further treatment is required in order to make the roads as safe as possible in the prevailing conditions.

Councillor David Topping, Cabinet member for service commissioning said: “We ask the public to bear with us and encourage motorists to make only necessary journeys when conditions are particularly challenging.

“Snowfall was particularly heavy in the north of the borough and our well planned and prepared response was effective.

“We have treated our roads with over 400 tonnes of salt and our vehicles have made three treatments of highways with more scheduled for Thursday night and Friday morning.”

“We have had nine snow ploughs clearing roads including the A54 and A537 Buxton roads which are still blocked.”

The council’s street cleansing teams have been clearing all major footpaths in town centres, around hospitals, railway and bus stations.

Extra resources have been drafted in to ensure that gritting and snow clearing operations are matched to the current demand.

The Met Office are predicting sub-zero temperatures tonight and more snow or sleet is likely tomorrow.

The council’s policy is to treat all primary routes first before moving on to minor roads.

In the meantime, care should be taken and unnecessary journeys avoided.

At least 20 schools across the borough were forced to close today mostly in the Macclesfield area and parents are advised to check with schools for further updates.

Some bin collections had to be missed because of the weather but residents can be assured that the crews will catch up with them as soon as possible.

For further information and updates on gritting, residents can visit the Cheshire East Highways web site at www.cheshireeasthighways.org/

Duplication of house numbers causes confusion in Rope Lane

 

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor Brian Silvester has  complained that  the duplication of house numbers causes confusion in Rope Lane.

He said, “Rope Lane runs from Crewe Road Wistaston, through Rope and ends up at the junction with Main Road, Shavington. I received a complaint that new houses which have been built at the Shavington end of Rope Lane, on the former Santune House site, have been given the same numbers as others at the Wistaston end of Rope Lane. This means that residents at one end of Rope Lane are constantly receiving mail, parcels and fast food (usually late at night) meant for the people at the other end of Rope Lane, and visa versa!! Although the post codes differ the delivery people don't seem to notice them.(See below)

I have taken it up with the Council. They say they cannot not do much about it now the numbers have been allocated.(See below) However I have asked that the Council ensures that the same situation does not happen in the future elsewhere in the Borough.”

Shavington Borough Councillor, David Brickhill said, “For two different houses on the same road to have the same number is just plain stupid.  Once again Cheshire East have scored an own goal for total  incompetence. They must now conduct the necessary survey to get agreement from the householders whose numbers would have to change. Cheshire East should make an ex gratia payment to each of these households to cover their expenses in making alterations to stationary and door numbers.”  

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons)

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor

Cheshire East Council

11 Rimsdale Close

Rope,Crewe

CW2 6RS

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Text     07760147609

e-mail Cllr.Brian.Silvester@gmail.com

www.twitter.com/cllrbsilvester

www.facebook.com/CllrBrianSilvester

Avoid falling victim of being an online auction seller or administrator

 

Fraudsters are targeting people to list items on their behalf on popular online auction sites. The scam involves a job offer to sell desirable items at below market value and receive money from any potential buyers. The ‘work from home’ job will usually require retaining 10% of the money received as a “salary” and fraudsters will ask that the remaining funds are sent to them via bank transfer or money transfer.
In these cases the proposed items being sold do not exist and are therefore not dispatched to the proposed buyers. This will usually result in the buyer making a complaint concerning the individual who has listed the items. This can result in your bank account being closed by the bank for suspected fraud or money laundering and being held accountable for reimbursing the potential buyers.
Protect yourself:

• Do not list items on online auction sites on behalf of others you do not know or trust.
• Be vigilant of ‘work from home’ jobs which involve passing funds through your bank account.
• Meet face to face with any potential employer
• Question job offers which seem “too good to be true”.

If you believe you have become the victim of a fraud or cyber crime, or have received a suspicious email, find out how to report it here:
To alter the messages you receive, please click on the “message settings” button below this message.

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Gritters on standby as wintry weather blast heads to the region

 

Cheshire East Council is encouraging residents to be prepared for another spell of ‘severe’ cold weather after a Met Office alert was issued for the region today (Wednesday).

Conditions are set to become increasingly cold and wintry over the next 24-48 hours and remain cold for the rest of the week.

Gritters are on standby, ready to deal with conditions where road temperatures dip below freezing, and the Council would again like people to check in on their friends and neighbours, especially if they are older or if they have heart or breathing problems.

It is worth checking if vulnerable neighbours’ homes are 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, ask whether your neighbour has enough food and medicines to prevent them having to go out in very cold or icy weather.

The Met Office’s cold weather alert reads: “There is a 90 per cent probability of severe cold weather, icy conditions/heavy snow between noon on Wednesday and noon on Thursday in parts of England. This weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients and disrupt the delivery of services.”

It adds that ‘cold conditions’ will persist for the next few days across England.

“Snow showers will affect most areas at times through the rest of this week and over the weekend with locally significant accumulations in places, particularly for hilly areas in the north.

“Showers and overnight frosts also bring the risk of icy stretches forming on untreated surfaces. Strong winds will accentuate the cold feel at times although it is likely to prevent any extremely low overnight minimum temperatures. At this stage, the cold weather looks like it will persist until at least the early part of next week.”

The Council has also issued a video message to Cheshire East residents this winter, at this link: https://vimeo.com/113722819.

For advice on using the NHS wisely, visit www.easterncheshireccg.nhs.uk or www.southcheshireccg.nhs.uk and search for Choose Well.

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.

Temporary Road Closure for Emergency Sewer Repairs – South Street, Crewe

 

Cheshire East Council in exercise of its powers under Section 14 (2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and of all other enabling powers issues this notice temporarily to prohibit traffic in the following length of road: 

South Street, Crewe from the junction with Nantwich Road to the junction with Gresty Road.

The alternative route will be via the following streets:  Gresty Road B5071, Nantwich Road, Nantwich Road Roundabout A532

Location Map - View on http://roadworks.org/?tm19280

Pedestrian access to any premises situated within the temporary lane closure will be maintained at all times. Vehicular access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and residents where possible.

The lane closure is necessary to enable United Utilities to carry out emergency sewer repairs.

It is anticipated that the works will take place on the following date(s): Sunday, February 1, 2015 to Monday, February 9, 2015.

This notice will become operative on Sunday (Feb 1) for a period of 21 days or for such less time as is necessary to enable the works to be completed and may be extended by a further 21 days if necessary.

If you have any enquiries relating to the works please contact Amey on telephone 0800521660.

Cheshire East holds service for Holocaust Memorial Day on 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz

 

Cheshire East Council held a poignant act of remembrance to mark Holocaust Memorial Day – on the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz by the Allies.

Council Leader Councillor Michael Jones led civic dignitaries representing communities from across the Borough at the Holocaust Memorial Day Act of Remembrance, at Sandbach Town Hall, at 11am today (Tuesday, January 27, 2015). Around 80 people, including dozens of members of the public attended the ceremony.

The event followed a personal initiative by Councillor Jones, announced in December 2013, to make this an annual commemoration by the authority.

Holocaust Memorial Day has taken place on the same date since it was introduced in 2001. January 27 was chosen as that was the date when the Nazis’ notorious Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp complex was liberated by Soviet troops in 1945.

The Holocaust resulted in the annihilation of six million Jews, two million Gypsies, 15,000 homosexual people and millions of others by the Nazi regime and its collaborators.

Since 1945 there have been many other attempted genocides across the world and these are also commemorated on Holocaust Memorial Day.

Councillor Michael Jones said: “This was a solemn and poignant occasion which allowed communities and individuals from across Cheshire East to join together symbolically to remember these tragedies and bear witness.

“It was an especially poignant occasion today as it marks the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and the revelation of the full horrors of the Nazi regime.

“Sadly, as the recent terrorist attacks in France make all-too-painfully clear, humanity is still scarred and brutalised by the belief that religion, political outlook, race, disability or sexuality makes some people’s lives worth less than others.

“We gather each year to bear witness to the horrors to which such evil beliefs can lead. Genocide doesn’t emerge from a void – it’s a gradual process, which can begin if discrimination and hatred are not checked and prevented.

“This service was not just about remembering the victims of the distant past and honouring the survivors. It was also about honouring today’s victims and those who have perished in genocides across the world since 1945.

“We must never forget these crimes, nor their innocent victims – and we must learn lessons from our shared past to create a more hopeful and tolerant future.”

The act of remembrance included readings, music, lighting of candles to the victims of genocide and two-minutes’ silence, followed by the tolling of a bell and prayers.

Congleton High School Year 11 violinist Eloise Smith, 16, played Remembrance, by John Williams, during the ceremony.

A Hebrew prayer was read to the gathering by Rabbi Chanan Atlas, of the Yeshurun Hebrew Congregation, of Cheadle and Gatley, in Cheshire.

Temporary Road Closure – Rushy Lane, Crewe

 

Cheshire East Council in exercise of its powers under Section 14 (2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and of all other enabling powers issues this notice temporarily to prohibit traffic in the following length of road: 

Rushy Lane, Haslington Ward, Crewe, CW2 5QL from the junction with Snape Lane to the junction with Audley Road.

The alternative route will be via the following streets:  Audley Road, Balterley Green Road B5500, Barthomley Road, Englesea Brook Lane C534, Englesea Brook Lane C0275, Nantwich Road B5500, Peel Hollow, Rushy Lane C534, Waggon Road B5500

Location Map - View on http://roadworks.org/?tm18568

Pedestrian access to any premises situated within the temporary closure will be maintained at all times. Vehicular access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and residents where possible.

The closure is necessary to enable Cheshire East Highways to carry out emergency drainage works.

It is anticipated that the works will take place on the following date(s): Monday 19th January 19, 2015 to Friday January 30, 2015 between times 9.30am-15.30pm.

This notice will become operative on Monday, January 19, 2015 for a period of 21 days or for such less time as is necessary to enable the works to be completed, and may be extended by a further 21 days if necessary

Temporary Road Closure – Nantwich Road, Crewe

 

Cheshire East Council in exercise of its powers under Section 14 (2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and of all other enabling powers issues this notice temporarily to prohibit traffic in the following length of road: 

Nantwich Road, Crewe South Ward, Crewe, CW2 6EA from the B&Q roundabout to the junction with Pedley Street.

The alternative route will be via the following streets:  Earle Street A532, Edleston Road A5078, Hungerford Road Roundabout A532, Macon Way A532, Manchester Bridge A532, Nantwich Road A534, Nantwich Road Roundabout A532, Oak Street A5078, Vernon Way A5019/A532/B5076.

Location Map - View on http://roadworks.org/?tm19084

Pedestrian access to any premises situated within the temporary closure will be maintained at all times. Vehicular access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and residents where possible.

The closure is necessary to enable Scottish Power to carry out cable replacement.

It is anticipated that the works will take place on the following date(s): Monday, February 16, 2015 to Saturday February 21, 2015 between times 7pm-6am.

This notice will become operative for a period of 5 days or for such less time as is necessary to enable the works to be completed.

If you have any enquiries relating to the works please contact Roadsafe Corporate Group on telephone 01942 722603.

Battle of Nantwich & Winter Fayre

Reporter Jonathan White, Crewe

‘The Battle of Nantwich & Winter Fayre’ took place in and around Nantwich town centre and on Mill Island on Saturday 24th January 2015. The event is organised by The Holly Holy Day Society - http://www.battleofnantwich.co.uk - in association with the Sealed Knot re-enactment society. Applewood Independent - http://www.applewoodindependent.co.uk/ - were the main sponsors this year.

Holly Holy Day traces back to the 17th century and the four year long first English Civil War between Parliamentarians (Roundheads) and the Royalists (Cavaliers) loyal to Charles I. This year is the 371st anniversary of the original battle, which took place on 25th January 1644. It is the 43rd time the re-enactment has taken place.

A variety of events took place in Acton and around the town during the day with a parade from Malbank School and at Nantwich Market Hall, St Mary's Church, Nantwich Museum, Pillory Street, the Town Square and Mill Island.

There was entertainment from The Funky Choir, Domesday Morris Dancers, Ezra and the Plough Witches (Wistaston Young Drama Group), RedShift Radio, Nantwich Players and Mark Brisbourne. There was also face painting, a Living History demonstration, and a horse parade. The Museum held Civil War Tours, a musketry demonstration (led by Sealed Knot), children’s entertainment and music from Forlorne Hope.

There was also a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial on the town square to commemorate people who died in the Civil War Battle of Nantwich and other battles.

The 1644 battle was re-enacted on Mill Island, followed by Mayor of Nantwich, Councillor Christine Farrall presenting the Rose Bowl to the best regiment.

Thousands of people enjoyed the event, which took place in crisp and dry weather with blue skies.

I have uploaded all my photos to Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathanawhite/sets/72157650040102307/

Council aims for no more NEETs this year

 

Cheshire East Council will make sure that every one of this year’s school leavers is offered a sixth form or college place or a job with training.

Last year the Council made offers to nearly 4,000 young people or 99 per cent of leavers – the highest proportion ever – as part of what is known as the September guarantee process.

This has helped Cheshire East to win the accolade of having the fewest NEETs (young people not in education, employment or training) in the North West. Nationally, only four councils have fewer NEETs.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of the Council, said: “This year we will make offers to every leaver. It will be challenging but it is an essential part of our efforts to make sure that the number of NEETs in Cheshire East is kept to an absolute minimum.

“I want to ensure that the young people of Cheshire East are given the best possible chance to get the skills and training that will enable them to secure well paid jobs and lead fulfilling, rewarding and productive lives.”

The ambitious target on NEETs follows news that Cheshire East’s schools are the third best in England, according to a ranking based on performance in Ofsted inspections.

Out of 141 primary and secondary schools in the borough which have been inspected under the education watchdog’s 2012 framework, 93.6 per cent were rated good or outstanding.

The only local authorities ranked higher in the whole of England were the City of London, where Ofsted inspected just one school, and the London Borough of Wandsworth, where 65 schools were rated.

Councillor Jones said: “This is a fantastic accolade for our schools but we are not resting on our laurels. Our aim this year is for 97 per cent of our schools to be rated good or outstanding.

“Parents can be very proud of the work being done by heads, teachers, council officers and, of course, pupils, to improve standards. It’s a great time to be a child in Cheshire East because the quality of education on offer creates much greater opportunities.”

Cold Calling

Winwick and Congleton areas - Males selling door to door claiming to be on a rehabilitation program, from the North East of England.  Advise residents not to buy from cold callers at their door.  They may have false I.D.
East Cheshire – male rang a resident to say he was from Microsoft and there was a problem with her computer.  Look at the Action Fraud web site for more information about computer scam/fraud.   www.actionfraud.police.uk
Winsford - 2 males cold called, knocking at an elderly resident’s door offering to repair/replace their driveway.
Gawsworth - male cold calling, in a van, offering to sell tools.
Tarporley – male cold called an elderly resident and did a small amount of work in the garden (he claimed he had come in place of the usual gardener). He then asked for a fee 4 times the ‘usual’ rate.
Alsager – male cold called, in a white van, offering repair work for a damaged chimney.  Challenged by resident and drove away quickly.
Note down descriptions of suspicious cold callers and their vehicles and call the police on 101 if you are concerned they are targeting a vulnerable neighbour.
If you see a cold caller enter a vulnerable resident’s home, and they are still present, and you feel concerned – Report it to the police on 999.
Cold Calling takes many forms (scams, fraud, cybercrime, internet crime, rogue traders, etc) and may present itself as an unsolicited caller at your door, over the phone, mail delivered to your home, email and other computer driven scams.
Report
Fraud to the police                             ring 101 (999 in emergency)
Rogue Traders to consumer direct, to report a problem/advice 08454 040506
Computer based scams, go to Action Fraud web site or ring 0300 123 2040

Willaston is under siege from developers as new application for 120 houses is made

 

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor Brian Silvester says “Willaston is under siege from developers. In the last year alone  over 200 houses have been passed in the Green Gaps that surround Willaston. Now a new application for 120 houses at the rear of Cheerbrook Road  has been made. See below.

Last year the Council passed an application for 21 houses on a site adjacent to the site for the new proposal. See site plan http://doc.cheshireeast.gov.uk/NorthgatePublicDocs/07655871.pdf

There are many valid planning reasons for the refusal of this application. The objections raised to the previous application by Willaston Parish Council are just as relevant for this application. I have listed them below. Recently the Secretary of State refused an appeal for 880 houses in Rope and Shavington because it was premature due to the fact that the Local Plan has not yet been adopted and in the meantime the Green Gaps should be preserved.

Cheshire East Council now need to move far more quickly then they have in the past to get the Local Plan adopted and to ensure that they have a five year housing supply that is recognised as such by Planning Inspectors.”

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons)

Leader of the UK Independence Party Group

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor

Cheshire East Council

11 Rimsdale Close

Rope,Crewe

CW2 6RS

Tel/fax 01270 567757