Residents and businesses to have their say on transport and travel in Middlewich

 

Residents and businesses in Middlewich are to have the opportunity to take part in a public consultation and engagement event which will inform the Cheshire East Council’s emerging local transport plan for the town. 

The consultation will also provide people with an update on the progress being made on the proposed Middlewich eastern bypass.

It will seek the views of residents and businesses on public transport provision, road safety concerns, walking and cycling routes and will address the question of planning for a railway station in Middlewich.

Cheshire East’s new Council Leader Rachel Bailey said: “We want people to be aware that this Council is working hard to deliver a solution for the transport issues facing the town and residents.

“We are a listening authority and this public engagement exercise will seek to obtain the views of residents and these views will be listened to and taken into account.

“We are determined that the residents of the town should have their say and the opportunity to influence and shape an overall action plan on transport.

“This will look at short and longer-term solutions.

“It is very important that we have the support of the town’s residents in whatever proposals we take forward. Our findings will also be shared with the people developing Middlewich’s neighbourhood plan. ” 

The consultation will include public drop- in sessions to be held in the town where local people can speak with staff and pass on their comments.

These events will also inform residents, businesses and stakeholders of the work done by the Council to date, the current programme for tackling some of the issues facing Middlewich.

The consultation will also provide information to residents and businesses on the changing trends in traffic and travel in Middlewich and the rest of the Borough.

The Council will make further announcements about the consultation very soon.

Wine Investment Fraud

Subject: Wine Investment Fraud

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)

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Message sent by

Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

A new investment fraud trend is targeting members of the public who are seeking to sell their wine investment.  Fraudsters agree to purchase the victim’s wine, but instead transfer the stock into their own account without paying the victim.  The fraudulently obtained wine is then believed to be sold on to other, unsuspecting victims. 
How does it work?
Fraudsters set up fake companies and websites as well as exploit the names of legitimate, established companies to facilitate this fraud.  They cold-call the victims and offer to purchase their wine for significantly more than the actual market value. 
Fraudulent documents, such as purchase agreements, are used to facilitate the fraud and are sent to the victims via post and email.  Some fraudsters have gone as far as setting up fake escrow services in order to fool the potential sellers that the payments have been transferred.   
The fraudsters send the victims instructions to transfer their wine into storage accounts held within legitimate bonded warehouses.  The victims are informed that upon doing this they will be paid the agreed amount.  The use of storage accounts held within legitimate bonded warehouses adds an air of legitimacy to the process but in actual fact these storage accounts are controlled by the fraudsters.     
Once the wine is transferred into the new storage accounts the suspects break off all contact with the victims.  The wine is then moved again, normally within days and often abroad, and, needless to say, the victim never receives the money from the agreed sale.
Protect Yourself

• Never respond to unsolicited phone calls – if in doubt, hang up
• Always check that the details of the organisation or company contacting you (such as website, address and phone number) are correct – the fraudsters may be masquerading as a legitimate organisation
• Never sign over your wine (or any other investment) to another party without first checking they are authentic
• Don’t be fooled by a professional looking website, as the cost of creating a professional website is easily affordable
• Escrow services are regulated by the FCA under the Payment Services Directive 2009.  Only deal with a registered Authorised Payment Institution.  You can check the FCA register online at www.fca.org.uk/register
• Consider seeking independent legal and/or financial advice before making a decision
• If you have been affected by this, or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk

New digital growth fund launched for Cheshire East

 

A new partnership between Cheshire East Council and Creative England has been launched to provide an initial investment fund of £200,000 to support the growth of small and medium-sized businesses within Cheshire East.

The Cheshire East digital growth programme is part of the Council's wider efforts to support the digital sector to stimulate growth by providing them with funding, opportunities and specialist support.

The programme is targeted only at eligible companies operating in the digital sector – such as digital media, web design and software development  (including games and app development)  e-commerce and software solutions – and targeted at businesses looking to scale-up via the development of existing or new technology, products and services.

Prospective applications must be able to demonstrate a clear market opportunity and the ability to generate additional investment as well as growth in the form of job creation and/or safeguarding. Funding will be available as equity investments, loans and revenue-sharing arrangements.

The digital growth programme will be managed on behalf of the Council by the newly-established ‘arms-length’ Skills and Growth Company, via their business engagement team. For more information on the digital growth fund visit: www.skillsandgrowth.co.uk/digitalgrowthfund

Councillor Paul Bates, chairman of the Skills and Growth Company, said: “We are looking to support a small number of businesses with real growth potential and help them with a programme of intensive support and funding.

“The digital sector in Cheshire East is vibrant and growing and we are determined to help ensure this growth in sustained and that we have a thriving and world-class digital sector in Cheshire East.”

The launch of the fund was welcomed by Denise Proctor, chair of Weave – the taskforce set up to guide and support the Council's work to support the creative and digital sector.

She said: “The launch of this programme will bring a much-needed boost to the digital sector and support some of our brightest minds to expand their businesses and grasp opportunities in this expanding field.”

The programme was launched at the Business Rocks conference in Manchester, where Cheshire East and the Skills and Growth Company hosted a ‘Make the Cheshire Connection’ stand to help promote the creative and digital sector to investors and prospective clients.

Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service April 2016 E-Newsletter

Subject: Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service April 2016 E-Newsletter - Firelink

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service

(Please do not reply directly to this email, please use the Reply button at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Ashley Lawton (Cheshire Fire , Administrator, Cheshire Fire)

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

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Arson prevention

Deliberate fires take up a large amount of our firefighters’ time. Our fire crews could be putting out these avoidable fires when they should be helping someone whose life may be in danger at a house fire or road traffic collision.

Many fires, including refuse fires, wheelie bin fires and grass fires are started deliberately. It’s important to report irresponsible behaviour so that fires can be prevented in your community.

If you see any suspicious activity in your area please contact Cheshire Police on their non emergency number 101 (or dial 999 if appropriate) or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Find out more - Arson prevention

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Drowning prevention - be water aware

Around 400 people drown in the UK every year and thousands more suffer injury, some life changing, through near-drowning experiences.

Many people that drown just happen to be near water - such as runners, walkers and fisherman. 

Find out more - Drowning prevention - be water aware

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Fire Station open days

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service fire stations will be holding free fire station open days over the next few months.

Find out more - Fire Station open days

Find out about your local fire station - where it is, what open days or special events they are holding and how to get in contact with them.

Find out more - Your local fire station

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Biker Down courses

If you were the first on the scene of an accident involving a biker, would you know what to do? Would you know who is most at risk, how to protect the area or whether you should remove the helmet of a downed rider?

Actions taken in the first few moments after an accident can be crucial in minimising injuries and can make a real difference to the lives of those involved, but there can be some uncertainty about what to do in these situations.

We are holding a number of Biker Down training courses this year. For dates and details please visit our website.

Find out more - Biker Down

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Charity car wash at Middlewich Fire Station

Firefighters in Middlewich are hoping to swap buckets of water for buckets of cash.  They are getting ready to roll up their sleeves to raise money for the Fire Fighters Charity 12th annual car wash.  

Local residents can get their cars washed by the Middlewich crew, as well as receiving vital road safety advice, at the fire station on Civic Way on Saturday 23rd April from 10am to 4pm.

Find out more - Charity car wash at Middlewich Fire Station

HMRC Tax Rebate Scam

Subject: HMRC Tax Rebate Scam

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)

(Please do not reply directly to this email, please use the Reply button at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

Fraudsters are texting members of the public offering a tax rebate. The text message contains a link to a website and requests to provide personal information, such as bank account information, to claim the nonexistent rebate.
Protect Yourself

• Don’t click on web links contained in unsolicited texts or emails.
• Never provide your personal information to a third party from an unsolicited communication.
• Obtain the genuine number of the organisation being represented and verify the legitimacy of the communication.
• HMRC will never use texts or emails or tell you about a potential rebate or ask for personal information.
• If you have provided personal information and you are concerned that your identity may be compromised consider Cifas Protection Registration.

Crosville Club welcomes the Steampunks

 

Crewe’s Crosville Club will stage an extravagant Welcome Party when the town’s inaugural Steampunk Convivial launches towards the end of May.

The Steampunk genre celebrates a bygone era of flamboyance and finery, as though Victorian culture had evolved into a sci-fi future using iron, brass, elegant silks and beautifully carved mahogany – and of course steam!

The Crosville night, scheduled for Friday 27 May, will showcase Victorian and Gothic splendour, and event coordinator David Smith has assembled a dazzling array of music, dance and entertainment.

David said: “There is something for everyone, and Steampunk acts really know how to entertain a crowd. The atmosphere will be truly convivial, with smiles and laughter sure to be shared by all who join us for a splendid evening of quirky and memorable fun.”

“Steampunks never take themselves too seriously. There is no right or wrong way to dress, dance, sing or enjoy the events. Embrace it for what it is – take an intriguing journey back to the future!”

Hosted by the amazing Diva Hollywood, a whip-cracking compere, the evening features the incomparable Ichabod Steam and his Animatronic Band. A dark but endearing story about a crazy inventor and his wife, Mary, the audience is sure to sing along with the catchy songs.

More conventional, although hardly mainstream music comes from Victor and the Bully, a hot-ticket London duo who surprise with violins, piano, ukulele and trumpets to generate a thunderously theatrical show of epic proportions.

Headliner Professor Elemental is a global star. With millions of YouTube views, the wonderfully mad-cap entertainer brings a lively combination of comedy, music, plenty of improvisation and some friendly audience banter.

Organiser David Smith expects at least one other performer to gate crash the party. He observed: “In Montague Jacques Fromage, from America, we have Steampunk royalty. Monty is a bit like a force of nature, and keeping him OFF the stage is unlikely. He is unique, and not to be missed!”

The evening promises to not only delight, but excite and thrill the audience. The Welcome Party tickets are just £10, and the curtain-opener will set the tone for a series of other lavish shows.

The Crosville Club will stage a daring but tasteful Burlesque Show on Saturday 28th May, a Grand Masquerade Ball on Sunday, and close with a Goodbye Bash on the Monday night. Also on the Bank Holiday Monday evening, the historic Lyceum Theatre will stage a Spectacular Steampunk Concert.

For further details about the ticketed entertainment on offer, visit www.crewe-steampunk-convivial.co.uk

Cllr Gardner

  At 1pm on the 14th of April I issued a press release calling for Cllr Gardner to resign as a member of the Cheshire East Cabinet. By 4.30pm that day he had gone.

Cllr Gardner was a director of Fomfest Ltd that went into liquidation owing creditors £440,000. I revealed in my press release that he had been disqualified as a director for 4 years after the company raised over £4000 for charity in 2011 but not one penny went to charity. The money was used by the company instead.

I am pleased he has resigned and done it speedily,unlike Cllr Jones,but he had no choice.For the Council Leader to say she accepted his resignation with 'a heavy heart' is unbelievable.You can't have somebody in charge of the multi million pound Leisure Services who was a director of a company that took over £4000 for charity and did not hand over a penny to the charity. 

I fail to see how a person with this record was ever appointed to be in charge of  Leisure Services in the first place To raise money for charity and then use it for the purposes of a company of which he is a director is a very serious matter indeed. Also leaving unpaid debts of £440,000 will have had a serious impact on those who supplied goods and services to his company but ended up not being paid for them.

Cheshire East Council seems to stumble from one self inflicted crisis to another.

Cheshire East have changed their Leader but what has not changed is the virtual weekly catalogue of disaster after disaster.The good people of Cheshire East deserve better than this.

Cllr Brian Silvester

UKIP Councillor

Nantwich Cheshire

Tel 07760147609

Social Media Ticket Fraud

Subject: Social Media Ticket Fraud

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)

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Message sent by

Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has recently received an influx of reports that fraudsters are targeting the public, via social media, in relation to football tickets.
Fraudsters are posting pictures or statuses online telling members of the public to contact them via Direct Message for football tickets. This then leads to a mobile messaging conversation. During the conversation, bank details are provided by the suspect so that the tickets can be purchased.
After the victim has paid for the ticket the fraudster blocks them to stop further conversation, leaving victims without the tickets and out of pocket.
Protect yourself:

• Check the security of the website and validity of the post
• Avoid taking the conversation offline to private messages
• When purchasing any products over the internet always try to make the payment via PayPal or a credit card where you have some sort of payment cover

If you, or anyone you know, have been affected by this fraud or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Cheshire East shows its commitment to delivering services for youngsters and families at children’s centres

 

Cheshire East Council has unveiled proposals that show the authority’s commitment to continue to provide services for families and young children at four children’s centres.

Knutsford, Broken Cross, Sandbach and Nantwich and Rural children’s centres are to be de-designated by the Council and used for a wider range of services. They are NOT being closed.

De-designating them means the Council plans to still deliver services from each building – but more as a satellite rather than as a designated centre and office based.

The level of service will continue to be tailored to the local community to meet local need. This reflects the Council’s commitment to providing ‘the right service in the right place at the right time’.

Under proposals, early-years services including new parent groups, baby massage, tiny tots play groups, midwifery and stay-and-play sessions will continue at the centres, which are proposed to be leased from the Council by Wirral Community NHS Trust (Knutsford and Broken Cross) and local school academy trusts (Sandbach and Nantwich).

Of the 74 services offered across all four sites, only seven are being affected.

A mobile service is in the process of being procured by the Council to deliver tailored services to reflect local demand in rural areas. There will be no loss of capacity.

Councillor Liz Durham, Cabinet member for children and families, said: “Cheshire East Council is committed to ensuring that those children and families who are in greatest need receive the support they require through a modernised children's service that delivers the right service in the right place and at the right time.
“Cheshire East has listened to people and their concerns throughout this consultation and has now briefed local elected members on the proposals.

“Rather than closing children’s centre services in four of the Borough’s locations – as inaccurately reported in the media – the Council is actually protecting services via a different deliver model and broadening their reach into our wider communities. No centres are closing.

“These proposals for revised service delivery will allow the Council to build further on its aspirations for a far more effective delivery of services, working with partners and addressing a far wider range of family needs and concerns.

“As a ‘Residents First’ authority, we believe in supporting our families and children and those in greatest need. We believe that the proposals for change in the Borough will support better outcomes for children across Cheshire East.”

De-designation and reorganisation of service deliver will save the Council around £500,000 a year. Several posts will be lost in the reorganisation, including management and back office roles. However, it is hoped staff affected will be redeployed within the authority, with no compulsory redundancies.

The full list of proposed services for each of the children’s centres can be viewed on the Council’s website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/children_and_families

Highways community project provides vital walking route

 

Cheshire East Council’s highways service has delivered a community project to surface a path which will connect two estates - all at no cost to the taxpayer.

Residents had reported that the poor condition to the footpath between Clonners Field and Cronkinson Oak on the Stapeley estate was making public access difficult.

After a land registery search showed a lack of ownership for the path, Cheshire East’s highways team stepped in to surface the footpath.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “This is a very important route for people who live on these estates, particularly as it provides access to Nantwich town centre.

“My thanks go to the highways team for delivering this corporate social responsibility scheme.”

Cheshire East’s award-winning highways team continues to deliver many corporate social responsibility schemes across the Borough that support local communities and is committed to providing the highest standards of maintenance to public rights of way.

Cheshire East hosts BMX event in Crewe

Cheshire East Council has hosted the first stage of the BMX summer series competition at Tipkinder Park, home of Cheshire Ghostriders BMX Club in Crewe.

The event attracted bike riders from across northern England and Wales with more than 300 competitors aged between six and 40 taking part.

After the success of this event, it is hoped that British Cycling – who organised the competition – will allow the club to host national competitions, which would run from a Friday to a Sunday and could attract large crowds.

Councillor Paul Bates, Cabinet member for communities and health, said: “This was a terrific event which was very well attended.

“In an Olympic year and with the Tour of Britain just around the corner, it’s a great time for all residents to get involved. Events like these can have tremendously positive health impacts and I would be thrilled if there is an opportunity for Crewe to show it’s passion for cycling to a larger audience with national recognition.”

With the Tour of Britain coming to Cheshire in September, the Council is hoping that events such as the BMX summer series competition can encourage more residents to lead more active lifestyles.

Payment Diversion Alert

Subject: Payment Diversion Alert

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)

(Please do not reply directly to this email, please use the Reply button at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

Fraudsters are targeting members of the public who are expecting to make a payment for property repairs. The fraudsters, via email, will purport to be a tradesman who has recently completed work at the property and use a similar email address to that of the genuine tradesman. They will ask for funds to be transferred via bank transfer and once payment is made the victims of the fraud soon realise they have been deceived when the genuine tradesman requests payment for their services.
Protect Yourself:

• Always check the email address is exactly the same as previous correspondence with the genuine contact.
• For any request of payment via email verify the validity of the request with a phone call to the person who carried out the work.
• Check the email for spelling and grammar as these signs can indicate that the email is not genuine.
• Payments via bank transfer offer no financial protection; consider using alternative methods such as a credit card or PayPal which offer some protection and avenue for recompense.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online at:  http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone on: 0300 123 2040.

Full Steampunk ahead!

 

Crewe will be awash with Victorian elegance and eccentricity over the late May Bank Holiday when the inaugural Steampunk Convivial is staged around the town centre.

The Steampunk movement is centred on Victorian science fiction and fantasy. It encompasses elements of a by-gone era, Gothic excess, vampires and robotics, and imagines that steam power never gave way to electricity or petrol combustion engines.

Over the weekend there will be free street entertainment, music and buskers, a town crier, steam traction engines, a dancing bear, face-painting, an exotic Steampunk market at the new Lifestyle Centre, plus ticketed variety shows at the Lyceum Theatre and Crosville Club.

Festival organiser David Smith has successfully staged similar events around the country, including medieval festivals, vintage craft fairs, re-enactment markets and the National Living History Fayre, which is one of the largest in Europe.

David said: “Crewe has steam in its very DNA. The world-famous Crewe Works built over seven thousand steam locomotives, including many iconic designs, some of which are still running today, such as the Duchess of Sutherland no.46233. The Municipal Buildings, Market Hall and Heritage Centre should be celebrated. The town is perfect for Steampunk.”

Several prominent positions around Crewe town centre will be transformed as exhibition and entertainment spaces. Lavish town crier Count Alucard and escort Lady Jenny will direct visitors between attractions, including a Time Travelling tea tent, a Palace of Curiosities, plus lawn croquet and bowls staged on the raised area above Remembrance Square.

A number of Crewe businesses will also feature prominently, including Offbeat micro-brewery who have embraced the festival wholeheartedly and brewed a craft beer especially for the event.

Brewery owner Michelle Shipman said: “Offbeat is quirky and very different from the norm, so we’re a great fit with the festival. The Brewery on Thomas Street will throw its doors open and welcome visitors on the Saturday afternoon.”

“We love coming up with unusual flavours and names, so beer connoisseurs should love our SteamPunk’d Amarillo IPA that will be available in cask, keg and in bottles,” she added.

To complement the town centre activities there will be ticketed evening events at both the Crosville Club and Lyceum Theatre. An impressive line-up of renowned Steampunk performers has been assembled, and organisers expect fans of the genre to flock to the shows from all over the country.

Similar festivals are already a huge success in Lincoln, New Malden (Surrey) and at the historic Chatham Dockyard (Kent).

The Crewe Steampunk Convivial opens with an extravagant Welcome Party at the Crosville Club on Friday 27th May. A variety hall combination of light-hearted entertainments, hosted by Burlesque star Diva Hollywood, will include You Tube sensation Professor Elemental, music from lively London duo Victor and the Bully, plus the amazing Ichabod Steam and his Animatronic Band. Tickets for the event are just £10!

A sense of drama and mechanical scale comes courtesy of three vintage Steam Traction Engines - Dougal, Bonzo, and Michelle-Louise - that will be present in Crewe town centre on the Saturday, Sunday and Monday. They will be static but in “full steam” for the delight of passers-by.

Dress code for all Steampunk events is entirely optional. There is no right or wrong, from a simple Victorian cap to extravagant waistcoats, top hats and intricate jewellery. Organiser David Smith believes that all visitors will have fun and can enjoy the eccentricity on show.

David said: “No one in Steampunk says that something is not right, or that it’s not authentic. They will say that it’s splendid. Any effort is an effort worth making and very much appreciated. People should come along and celebrate the Victorian splendour of it all."

He added: “I hope this will be the start of a superb annual event that the whole of Cheshire will be proud of. We are lucky to have secured some of the biggest names in Steampunk, such as Montague Jacques Fromage from America, who is a truly global star of the genre. He always steals the show!”

The Crewe Steampunk Convivial will take place from Friday 27th through to Monday 30th May. For further information, visit the festival’s official website www.crewe-steampunk-convivial.co.uk

STATEMENT ON BEHALF OF CLLR SAM GARDNER AND CLLR RACHEL BAILEY, NEW LEADER OF CHESHIRE EAST COUNCIL

 

Cllr Sam Gardner said: “I very much regret to announce that I have offered my resignation to the new Leader of Cheshire East Council Rachel Bailey and will step aside from my Cabinet portfolio for leisure and open spaces with immediate effect.

“In view of the publicity surrounding my role as a former director and chairman of an events company which went into liquidation in 2011, I do not wish to put at risk the reputation of Cheshire East Council, the Leader of the Council Rachel Bailey or my Cabinet and council colleagues.

“I reiterate what I have said previously that I was not obliged under Council rules to disclose the matter of my disqualification as a company director when interviewed for my Cabinet position and the disqualification is in no way incompatible with my duties as a portfolio holder.

“Cheshire East Council is a fantastic Council to serve and I remain fully committed to my role as a Tytherington Ward Councillor and will work as hard as always for the benefit of my ward and the residents of Cheshire East.”

The new Leader of Cheshire East, Rachel Bailey said: “Councillor Gardner has offered his resignation and I have accepted this with a heavy heart. 

“He has been a fully committed and dedicated member of my Cabinet and I am very sorry to lose him in these circumstances.

“Elected to Council last May, he was appointed to Cabinet by my predecessor and has brought with him a fresh and vibrant approach to local politics and the work of this Council.

“The Council and the residents of Cheshire East have lost the services of a highly talented, sensitive and dynamic young man who has chosen to step down.”

Council seeks Supreme Court ruling in bid to protect planning powers

 

Cheshire East is to seek a Supreme Court ruling in a bid to protect local planning powers and prevent developers ‘riding roughshod’ over councils’ development policies.

Cheshire East Council Cabinet is spearheading a landmark ‘leave to appeal’ to the highest court in the land to challenge a Court of Appeal ruling which undermines the scope and force of council planning policies to shape development.

The aim is to maintain the significance of Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans in determining applications for development even where a Council cannot show it has the required five-years’ deliverable housing land supply identified.

The Council’s decision follows a reversal in the Court of Appeal of Cheshire East’s earlier court success that had overturned a planning inspector’s decision to grant developer Richborough Estates permission to build 146 houses at Moorfields, in Willaston.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “We have thought about this long and hard and it is not something we do lightly. However, this court decision is too important to be allowed to go unchallenged.

“It is clear to us it would have deeply detrimental implications for councils across the country and their powers to protect local communities from unplanned and unsustainable development.

“We are a Council that puts its residents first and believe this action is necessary to protect local people, their communities and our beautiful Cheshire East countryside. Otherwise, developers will be able to ride roughshod over locally-decided development policies.”

Cheshire East’s Supreme Court legal challenge is a joint action with Suffolk Coastal District Council, which was also affected by the same High Court ruling regarding the weight, scope and force attached to council planning policies.

If the two authorities are granted leave to appeal, against the court’s interpretation of paragraph 49* of the government’s National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the case will likely be heard by the Supreme Court in London later this summer.

Cheshire East launches strategy for Open Spaces

 

Cheshire East Council unveiled its Municipal Parks Strategy at a Cabinet meeting in Sandbach yesterday.

The strategy - which sets out plans for activities up to 2030 - focusses on the future management and development of the Borough’s municipal parks and explains how partnership working will be integral to this process.

The objectives of the strategy state clearly that Cheshire East is looking to increase the use of parks for all age groups. This stated aim will lead to greater social cohesion and the increased wellbeing of all residents.

The strategy sets out how the Council will work with key partners to build community involvement, use and pride in local parks and how this is particularly important moving forward with grant applications.

Councillor Sam Gardner, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for open spaces, said: “We will continue to prioritise putting residents first and deliver what matters most to our communities. We want our parks to provide a broad range of high quality facilities for all our residents to enjoy.

“We are very fortunate to enjoy excellent working relationships with Friends Groups in many of our parks and it is partnerships like these that will serve us well moving forward with parks remaining at the heart of our community activities.”

The new strategy will encourage Cheshire East residents to live active and healthy lifestyles and get involved in making our communities safe and sustainable places to live.

Residents and professionals can help shape Borough’s homes of the future

 

Would you like to influence the future design and appearance of housing developments in Cheshire East?

Cheshire East Council has prepared a residential design guide, which will enable residents, developers, architects and other professionals to have their input into how the Borough should look in the future.

The design guide will help to set a benchmark for quality and a ‘sense of place’ across Cheshire East with more imaginative developments that are pleasing to the eye and which meet the living standards and needs of residents and families in the 21st^t century.

The purpose is to provide developers and design teams with a framework that can guide them in the development of designs that are likely to be acceptable to planners in the future. This framework will set out how to meet the requirements of the Design Council’s Building for Life 12*, which sets out the industry standard for the design of new housing developments.

Future applications would be expected to include detailed design-related information and offer reassurance to existing communities that development within their settlements and neighbourhoods will be delivered to a high standard.

Designs would be expected to complement existing places within Cheshire East.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “This design guide is part of a toolkit of measures aimed at ensuring developers understand the character of the Borough and that they need to design appropriately.

“We welcome new development that responds positively to and reinforces the existing character of a place.”

The Council is inviting feedback on the design guide through an online consultation, which runs until May 18.

This can be accessed via the Council’s web site planning portal or going directly to: http://bit.ly/1VweQeL