Council wants your views on strategies to boost sport facilities across Cheshire East

 

Cheshire East Council is to seek residents’ views on new strategies to boost sport participation and facilities across the borough.

Cabinet today approved holding six weeks of public consultations on the Cheshire East indoor and built facility strategy (IFS) and playing pitch strategy (PPS).

These key documents will help ensure every local community has access to high-quality playing pitches and indoor sports facilities to meet current need and future expected growth in demand to 2030.

The strategies will be produced in accordance with national planning guidance and provide robust and objective justification for future playing pitch provision throughout Cheshire East, and be used, where appropriate in the determination of planning applications.

The documents take into account the expected 36,000 increase in the number of homes in Cheshire East by 2030, planned for in the council’s current draft Local Plan Strategy.

Councillor Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities and health, said: “These strategies allow us to properly plan for and invest in appropriate indoor and outdoor sporting facilities.

“Having up-to-date strategies also best ensures existing facilities receive appropriate protection and that appropriate provision is secured from developers towards new and improved facilities to address the impact of new development schemes.

“The council is a key provider of facilities, in particular playing pitches, and our continued commitment to improving leisure facilities is shown by the £350,000 of improvements to Sandbach Leisure Centre’s gym scheduled for this year and the planned £8.8m Peter Mason Leisure Centre refurbishment at Congleton. This follows, of course, the unveiling last year of the fantastic £15m Crewe Lifestyle Centre.

“Provision of excellent outdoor and indoor sports facilities and increasing physical exercise across our communities and is a key priority for this council. As is supporting our local teams and clubs to thrive and involve local residents of all ages.

“A great deal of effort has gone into the collection and analysis of evidence and a collaborative approach has been taken in developing these strategies.

“Sport England has provided invaluable support and guidance and the input of the respective sports’ national governing bodies, along with Everybody Sport and Recreation (Esar) and Cheshire East sports clubs and schools, has been both important and greatly appreciated. This engagement will continue in the implementation, monitoring and review of the strategies.

The indoor and built facility and playing pitch strategies support the council’s ambitions to ensure our local communities are ‘strong and supportive’ and that ‘people live well and for longer’ – where people have health lifestyles and access to good leisure and recreational facilities.

Following approval by cabinet today (April 11) the next stage is to publish the IFS and PPS strategies for six weeks of consultations, starting on April 18. Following consultation, the strategies may be amended, where necessary, to take into account the comments and representations received.

Any investment needed to deliver actions identified in the finalised strategy documents would be subject to project feasibility and business cases and capital budget availability.

Investigation and disciplinary committee

 

Concerns about officer conduct have been considered at a meeting of the investigation and disciplinary committee on April 10-11, 2017.

A decision has been taken to suspend the chief executive of Cheshire East Council while an independent investigation is undertaken.

The chair of the investigation and disciplinary committee, said:

“We would stress that suspension is a neutral act taken in the interests of both the council and chief executive.

“It is important that this investigation is undertaken objectively and therefore it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this stage.”

Cheshire East connecting to vital voluntary, community and faith organisations

 

Cheshire East Council has set out an ambitious plan for how it will connect with the voluntary, community and faith (VCF) sector over the next three years.

In Cheshire East, there are a range of different organisations supporting our local community. These vary from national organisations such as Barnardos who help people affected by domestic abuse, to local organisations such as The Wishing Well who support older people to come out of hospital and stay in their own homes.

There is also a strong and well connected faith sector who provide services for the most vulnerable through food banks and somewhere for homeless people to get a shower and wash their clothes.

The council’s plan sets out a strong focus to:

· Ensure that the VCF sector has a voice and can influence what the council does;

· Support the VCF sector to work with us to deliver services and activities to our most vulnerable communities and deprived neighbourhoods to provide early intervention services; and

· Provide a clear understanding of how the council and VCF sector can work together

Cheshire East will also work closely with Cheshire Voluntary Services Cheshire East (CVSCE), who are an umbrella body for the sector supporting voluntary groups in their vital role in our local community.

CVSCE completed some research in 2015 which demonstrated the importance of the work already being done by volunteers and communities in general. It showed that in Cheshire East:

· the voluntary sector in Cheshire East generates an estimated income of more than £200 million per year;

· the VCF sector employs approximately 5,000 people representing 2.5 per cent of the borough’s workforce;

· on average, more than 53,000 people volunteer; and

· each week volunteers contribute more than 74,000 hours of their time – the equivalent of nearly 2,000 jobs.

The VCF sector has faced very challenging times as government grant funding has dwindled and access to support has become more difficult.

Councillor Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities and health, said: “We recognise and have tremendous respect for all the volunteers who give their time to make a difference in the Cheshire East community.

“We know that they provide such an important service to many people in very different ways. The council is fully committed to supporting the voluntary, community and faith organisations that make this possible.

“It is challenging for the council to provide appropriate resources to support this vital sector, but it is a challenge that we must rise to.

“This commitment will ensure that our local communities are strong and supportive and that residents have the life skills and education they need to thrive and live well and for longer.

“The council and local voluntary, community and faith groups have a common value which is to make a difference to people who live in the Cheshire East area.

“We want to be very clear on Cheshire East’s role and what we expect the voluntary community and faith sector and community to do. It is very much a partnership approach which already works very successfully across the borough.”

Roger Millns of Audlem and District Community Action spoke at the cabinet meeting and said, “Age UK were paid £18,000 in 2010 to run one day club with 10 members. ADCA is paid £7,500 to run a day club with up to 20 members, two coffee clubs and a befriending service.

“We can do this as we have no oevrheads of CEO, finance director etc as is all done by trustees.”

Anyone can become a volunteer and you can commit as little or as much time as you have, either regularly or occasionally.

You can find out more about volunteering or voluntary services via the Cheshire Voluntary Services Cheshire East (CVSCE) website – www.cvsce.org.uk.

Second award in a month for Civicance

 

Civicance, Cheshire East Council’s wholly-owned building regulation, planning and land charges company, has snapped up its second award in a month.

Members of the Civicance team received a silver award recognising the innovative approach taken by Cheshire East in remodelling local services.

The award was presented at the eighth annual awards event held by the organisation iESE – Improvement and Efficiency Social Enterprise, highlighting the work of local authorities to reduce costs for the council taxpayer by delivering key statutory services through an arms-length company, generating income and ensuring sustainability going forward.

It recognises how Civicance has helped to reduce costs for the council taxpayer by remodelling council services through an arms-length company, generating income and creating sustainability going forward.

Ian Bunn, managing director, said: “This award demonstrates the commitment of and contribution made by all Civicance employees, who have experienced significant changes to their working practices in order to improve services to local residents.

“The award recognises their achievements within a relatively short period of time and congratulations go to each and every member of staff we employ.”

Only a month ago, Civicance Civicance achieved success at the Land Data Awards, collecting the ‘Best Customer Experience’ award for its services to solicitors and home buyers. 

Cheshire East to develop additional special school in Crewe

 

Cheshire East Council  has been invited to proceed to the next stage of developing a new special school as part of an announcement today by the Department of Education.

This is an important step to expand our range of provision for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) within Cheshire East. This is part of a wider analysis of where SEND school places are required across the borough.

Cheshire East Council currently places a significant number of SEND pupils in out of borough settings as a consequence of low capacity inherited from the split of Cheshire County Council in 2009.

The identified site for this new provision – the former Lodgefields School, Crewe – would be a school for SEND pupils that would otherwise need to be educated outside the borough.

Through a number of consultation forums with parents of SEND children, it has been emphasised how important it is that children and young people have opportunities to attend educational settings within their local communities.

This will encourage stronger interactions and relationship-forming with peers locally and avoid the need for lengthy journeys.

Councillor Liz Durham, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “As part of our commitment to increase local SEND provision, we are extremely pleased and excited by the opportunities this decision will bring for children and young people living in the borough.

“We will now start the hard work to ensure this is delivered in a timely fashion so that this can become a reality as soon as possible.”

Council supports residents hit by street blaze

 

Cheshire East Council stepped in to support residents after a fire broke out at an empty property in the early hours of the morning.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “Shortly after midnight last night, Cheshire East Council was made aware of a fire at an address in Nelson Street, Crewe.

“Fortunately, nobody was hurt and the council is now reviewing appropriate housing arrangements for the 14 people who were affected by last night’s incident, when 28 houses were evacuated.”

The house where the fire happened was empty but the houses either side could not be re-occupied after the evacuation.

After the incident, a rest centre was set up at Ruskin Community High School, where colleagues from Cheshire East Council’s social care and emergency planning team, the Salvation Army, the Rotary Club and the Red Cross helped to provide support to 14 people.  The headteacher and a caretaker from the school also attended to support.

The rest centre was closed at 5.30am today. Cheshire East Council is currently working with everyone directly affected by last night’s incident to ensure appropriate housing is secured for them.

'Crewe Passion Play'

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

A 'Crewe Passion Play' will take place in Crewe town centre on Good Friday (14th April 2017).

The event will begin with a gathering prayer at St Mary’s Church (St Mary's Street, Crewe) at 10:40am, then from 11am will weave around Crewe town centre, including Victoria Street, the Square and Market Street, before concluding at Victoria Square at 12pm.

The re-enactment will recreate the sequence of events from the entry to Jerusalem, the Passover Meal, the Garden of Gethsemane, and the Crucifixion to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The play is organised by Love Crewe - http://www.lovecrewe.co.uk/ - which is composed of several churches serving the Crewe area

Taskforce launched to promote the creative and digital sector

 

Cheshire East Council’s Skills and Growth Company has created a new taskforce to boost the creative and digital sector across the borough.

Called Weave, the industry-led group will promote the sector, address skills gaps and help ensure creative and digital businesses can continue to flourish.

Cheshire East is home to a thriving creative cluster with 2,000 businesses in the sector employing around 7,500 people and with a combined turnover of over £250m per year. This includes specialisms such as programming, software development, game and app design, website building and advertising.

Although a majority of the sector’s businesses are small, with around 80 per cent employing less than 10 staff, the borough is also home to a number of truly world-leading businesses. These include: Warner Bros-owned TT Fusion, makers of Lego games, in Wilmslow; ThinkPositive’s newly-established European design centre, in Bollington; Barclays global technology centre, in Knutsford; and McCann, in Prestbury, the largest advertising agency outside London.

The creative and digital sector has grown 30 per cent faster than the average for the economy in recent years and is set to deliver further significant growth in the future as the use and sophistication of digital applications increases.

Weave chair Denise Proctor said: “Our creative businesses have a proven track record of award-winning innovation and regularly top the league tables of the most influential industry-leading expertise. Weave will celebrate our strengths, ensure we can both retain and attract skilled staff and be equipped to face the challenges of a rapidly-evolving sector.” 

Councillor George Hayes, chairman of the Skills and Growth Company, said: “Cheshire East is home to some of the most diverse and dynamic businesses in the county. We are delighted to help to raise the profile of our creative and digital sector and celebrate their achievements, whilst securing future growth.”

New members from the creative and digital sector are welcome and Weave will be hosting a series of thought-provoking ‘Town Talks’ on May 4, focussing on the games design cluster in Cheshire East.

For more details on the Weave network and Town Talks, visit: www.weave.org.uk

Law Abiding Citizen Alert

Subject: Law Abiding Citizen 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 or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

Fraudsters are sending out a high volume of phishing emails to personal and business email addresses, pretending to come from various email addresses, which have been compromised.
The subject line contains the recipient’s name, and the main body of text is as below:
“Hi, [name]!
I am disturbing you for a very serious reason. Although we are not familiar, but I have significant amount of individual info concerning you. The thing is that, most likely mistakenly, the data of your account has been emailed to me.
For instance, your address is:
[real home address]
I am a law-abiding citizen, so I decided to personal data may have been hacked. I attached the file – [surname].dot that I received, that you could explore what info has become obtainable for scammers. File password is – 2811
Best Wishes,”
The emails include an attachment – a ‘.dot’ file usually titled with the recipient’s name.

This attachment is thought to contain the Banking Trojan Ursniff/Gozi, hidden within an image in the document. The Ursniff Banking Trojan attempts to obtain sensitive data from victims, such as banking credentials and passwords. The data is subsequently used by criminals for monetary gain.
Protect Yourself:

Having up-to-date virus protection is essential; however it will not always prevent your device(s) from becoming infected.
Please consider the following actions:

• Don’t click on links or open any attachments you receive in unsolicited emails or SMS messages: Remember that fraudsters can ‘spoof’ an email address to make it look like one used by someone you trust. If you are unsure, check the email header to identify the true source of communication (you can find out how by searching the internet for relevant advice for your email provider).
• Do not enable macros in downloads; enabling macros will allow Trojan/malware to be installed onto your device.
• Always install software updates as soon as they become available. Whether you are updating the operating system or an application, the update will often include fixes for critical security vulnerabilities.
• Create regular backups of your important files to an external hard drive, memory stick or online storage provider. It is important that the device you back up to is not connected to your computer as any malware infection could spread to that as well.
• If you think your bank details have been compromised, you should contact your bank immediately.

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

The Herbert Protocol

Subject: The Herbert Protocol

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary

(Please do not reply or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Suzie Green (Police, PSCO, Crewe LPU Sandbach PCSO)

Dear Residents
The Herbert Protocol is a new initiative which looks to compile useful information which could be used in the event of a vulnerable person or someone suffering with dementia going missing.
The Herbert Protocol looks to support and safeguard members of the community, through a care home/family member completing a pro-former which they will then store in a safe place.
This pro-former can be completed in hard copy or electronically and details the following:

• Description and recent photograph
• Places of interest/addresses of note
• Jobs, interest and hobbies
• Medical information
• Details of their routine

In the event a person goes missing you then hand the pro-former to police, which reduces the time taken to gather key information. As a result, this allows for a prompt and effective search and promotes their safe return.
We will be aiming to sign up all care homes to the initiative, but if you would like to sign up a relative to the Herbert Protocol Please print the pro-former from Cheshire Police Website https://www.cheshire.police.uk/advice-and-support/missing-persons/herbert-protocol/
Thank You
PCSO 20448 Suzie Green

Volunteer opportunity with Victim Services team

Subject: Volunteer opportunity with Victim Services team

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire

(Please do not reply or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Lisa Cooper (Police, Police Staff, Cheshire)

There is an exciting opportunity to volunteer with the Victim Services team (Cheshire CARES) based in Cheshire.
Cheshire CARES (Cope and Recovery Enhanced Service) is the Police and Crime Commissioner’s dedicated service providing free support to all victims of crime in Cheshire based on the individuals’ needs.
The volunteer role provides a personal and tailored support service to people who have been a victim of crime to cope and recover from their experience.
Main duties will include:

• Undertake visits to victims of crime, as directed by the Victim Care Unit Team Leader.
• Advise and signpost service users to agencies or organisations who can help in their recovery.
• Maintain face to face contact and support with service users using their preferred contact method, contact time and frequency of contact.
• Maintain accurate records of interactions with service users.
• Be an advocate for Witness & Victim Care for the Constabulary.

For more information and how to apply visit the recruitment section of the Cheshire Police website.

SHIFT

Cheshire East’s borough-wide programme celebrating digital arts and tech in 2017 and beyond. Featuring a jam-packed series of events and hands-on activities, from exhibitions, installations and workshops to talks, tech meet ups and pop-up maker stations - SHIFT is bursting full of inspiring and creative things to do, see, create and experience for novices and professionals alike, of all ages and abilities.  Whether you're a code loving kid, a techie beginner or whizz, a family in search of something new or even a digital pro making the next award-winning app – these forthcoming events offer something for all across the region.

LAST CHANCE TO SEE SHIFT's first major installation for 2017 runs at Crewe Station until April 7th -  Living Sculpture (Virtual), on Platform 6 at Crewe Station.

This brand new and interactive art work offers the perfect antidote and respite to harassed and busy travellers as they pass through the station. Created by award-winning, Liverpool based artist Laurence Payot in collaboration with a team of researchers and practitioners at the University of York – its aim is to encourage visitors to make intangible and emotional exchanges between themselves and the digital world. In this context, the station platform becomes a stage on which the passengers become both the audience and the participants who can then interact with the artwork, to make out-of-the-ordinary things happen in such an ordinary and everyday location.

This new interactive sculpture invites the busy traveller to stop what they are doing for a moment, to escape the hustle and bustle of their journey and to engage with something surprising and creative. The installation invites the participant to place their hands within and bring a piece of drapery to life. It uses an old illusion technique (peppers’ ghost effect) to create a hologram and LEAP motion tracking to track the viewer’s hand movement. Dots, floating around like particles in space, are attracted by the viewer’s hands, dancing around the skin like magnetic organisms. When a second viewer joins in, they start to form a moving piece of drapery, breathing with the participants movements, in an ever-changing shape. Interactive coded sound is also manipulated in the process.

NEW FOR EASTER....SHIFT clicks into action for families once again FROM  Friday April 7^th with a free,hands-on programme designed to inspire little people with big ideas and digital dreams.All the events for Easter are listed below. They are free, but advance booking via the venue is advisable as places are limited.

Friday 7 April: Animations in Mincecraft

Sandbach Library, The Commons, Sandbach CW11 1FJ

10am-11am / 11.30am-12.30pm // 1pm-2pm / 2.30-3.30pm

Recommended for ages 5+

Already a Minecraft expert? Or just starting out…? Come along to combine coding, making and tech to create 8-bit animations in Minecraft using physical punchcards, powered by PatternCraft.

Inspired by textile and computing heritage, PatternCraft is a make-it-yourself analogue to digital punchcard reader.

In this free and interactive workshop you’ll learn basic computing and code, and have fun!

Places are free but advance booking is advisable via the library: 01270 375355

Saturday 8 April: Interactive LED art (BBC Micro:bit)

Sandbach Library, The Commons, Sandbach CW11 1FJ

10am-12noon

Recommended for Age 7+

Get your LEDs flashing and learn to program the Micro:bit LED display to create interactive bitmap art that responds to movement and button presses.

You can use your BBC micro:bit for all sorts of cool creations, from robots to musical instruments – the possibilities are endless. This little device has an awful lot of features, like 25 red LED lights that can flash messages. There are two programmable buttons that can be used to control games or pause and skip songs on a playlist. The BBC micro:bit can detect motion and tell you which direction you’re heading in, and it can use a low energy Bluetooth connection to interact with other devices and the Internet – clever!

In this interactive workshop you’ll have fun learning basic computing and code and sharing your creations!

Places are free but advance booking is advisable via the library: 01270 375355

Both of these SHIFT events at Sandbach Library are part of the BBC Get Creative Weekend 7-9 April

Get Creative Weekend returns bigger and better for 2017 with even more people across Britain set to take part in three days of good old fashioned 'have a go' creativity. Whether it's paper sculpting, pot-throwing, cross-stitching, harmony singing, joke-telling or robot-building, from 7th - 9th April 2017 there will be an event near you to help you unleash your inner Adele, Banksy, Monet or Rankin.

For more information on Get Creative: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/5ncb7f26B14dp7xVNNVNYw8/get-creative-weekend-2017

For more information on the BBC micro:bit - http://microbit.org/

Monday 10 April: Animations in Minecraft

Handforth Library, The Green, Wilmslow Road, Handforth SK9 3ES

10am-11am / 11.30am-12.30pm / 1pm-2pm / 2.30-3.30pm

Recommended for ages 5+

Already a Minecraft expert? Or just starting out…? Come along to combine coding, making and tech to create 8-bit animations in Minecraft using physical punchcards, powered by PatternCraft.

Inspired by textile and computing heritage, PatternCraft is a make-it-yourself analogue to digital punchcard reader.

In this free and interactive workshop you’ll learn basic computing and code, and have fun!

Places are free but advance booking is advisable via the library: 01625 378272

Thursday 13 April: PatternBeats

Handforth Library, The Green, Wilmslow Road, Handforth SK9 3ES

10am-11am / 11.30am-12.30pm / 1pm-2pm / 2.30-3.30pm

Recommended for ages 5+

Use the PatternCraft punchcard reader to program machines, tempo and sounds and create a basic music composition.

Inspired by textile and computing heritage, PatternCraft is a make-it-yourself analogue to digital punchcard reader.

In this interactive workshop you’ll enjoy learn basic computing and code to make music your way!

Places are free but advance booking is advisable via the library: 01625 378272

________________________________________________________________________

The full SHIFT programme – including talks, workshops, professional training, tech meet ups, art installations, family events and drop-in coding sessions - will be updated throughout the year via the website: www.shift-digital.co.uk

1980's Electronica tribute band 'Electro 80s'

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

1980's Electronica tribute band 'Electro 80s' - http://www.electro80s.com/ - will perform a fund-raising concert at 'The Studio Nightclub & Entertainment Venue' - http://www.thestudionantwich.co.uk/ - in Nantwich on Thursday 13th April 2017 on the first day of the Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival http://nantwichjazz.com/
 
Electro 80s set will recreate songs by artists such as Depeche Mode, Yazoo, Gary Numan, Duran Duran, Ultravox, Devo, Soft Cell and The Human League.
 
Entry is by donation and money raised will go to St Luke's Cheshire Hospice https://www.stlukes-hospice.co.uk/ in Winsford.
 
Nigel Woodhouse, Director of Operations at The Studio, said, "Electro80's always provide excellent entertainment. We hope everyone has a great night. We are pleased to support St Luke's Cheshire Hospice in their fund-raising efforts."

The Nantwich Jazz, Blues & Music Festival will feature performances by more than 120 bands at twenty venues across town over the Bank Holiday weekend (13th-17th April).

Council calls for information on 65,000 cigarettes dumped in Crewe

 

Cheshire East Council’s trading standards team are asking the public for any information to help identify who dumped 65,000 illegal cigarettes in a field off Clay Lane, Crewe.

The cigarettes – estimated to have a street value of £24,000 – are known as ‘cheap whites’, foreign imports brought into the UK, which are illegal due to the non-payment of duty.

Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for health and communities, said: “We are an enforcing council and work hard to keep harmful products off the streets. We are asking the local community to give us any information that could help to track down the criminals connected to this incident.

“There is far more to this than the non-payment of duty. The sale of illicit tobacco often has links to serious and organised crime and we also know that people who deal in illegal tobacco are more likely to encourage others, especially children and young adults to smoke.”

Offenders can face unlimited fines and up to 10 years in prison. You can report any information anonymously to the government’s keep it out website or by calling 0300 999 0000.

Cheshire East launches neglect strategy with public plea

 

Cheshire East Council has joined forces with partners to spearhead a new strategy to help prevent the most common form of child abuse - neglect. To tackle this head on, the council is calling on residents to help by reporting it.

Very serious matters such as radicalisation and child sexual exploitation are firmly in the minds of the public but the numbers of cruelty and neglect offences in England are the highest they have ever been. Neglect affects one in 10 children and in many cases leads on to even more serious issues.

Through Cheshire East’s Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) the neglect strategy will tackle the key challenge of identifying neglect much sooner and intervening immediately.

If you see any of the following in a child or young person then neglect may be happening:

• Often in dirty clothes;
• Looking malnourished
• Being out of school during normal school hours; and
• Displaying very withdrawn behaviour

In developing the strategy, the authority worked with children and young people affected by abuse and neglect, who said they wanted to be listened to, understand what their concerns are and what will happen next. This is what they said.

“When neglected you feel alone, isolated and like you’re different to the rest, nothing you do or say matters.”

“I felt like I missed out and for me it felt like it was my fault we weren’t allowed what others had, we didn’t get the love others got. It makes you feel different and even now two years later the feeling never goes away.”

Councillor Liz Durham, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families, said: "Historically the challenge we have faced as a society in addressing this terrible problem, is that many of us have been too unsure of ourselves to come forward. Hopefully this will now change.

“Cheshire East Council is committed to making a difference to the lives of young people in our communities. We want the borough to be a great place to be young, where all our children and young people can thrive and feel safe from harm and neglect.

“The wider community of Cheshire East has such a vital role to play in ensuring that we achieve this.”

Gill Frame, independent chair of the LSCB said: “The impact of neglect on children is enormous. Neglect causes great distress to children, leading to poor health, educational and social outcomes and is potentially fatal.”

If you think you have seen signs of child neglect, please call 0300 123 5012 or visit www.cheshireeastlscb.org.uk/neglect. Your information will be treated in complete confidence.

The latest news from Edward Timpson MP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to this, my 175th news bulletin...

Council unveils new cycling strategy in Cheshire East

Cheshire East Council has unveiled a strategy to double the number of people cycling in the borough.

The authority’s ambition is a ‘step change’ in the take up of cycling by residents of all ages across Cheshire East, with a vision ‘to enable more people to cycle safely, more often and with confidence for everyday and leisure journeys’.

The new cycling strategy provides a framework which will shape council policy and inform the planning and design of the borough’s streets, communities and green spaces.

The plan will deliver a cycle-friendly network of key routes (PDF, 1.7MB) to connect residents and visitors to jobs, skills, schools services and leisure opportunities.

The council will work with partners and local cycling groups to deliver the cycling strategy over the next 10 years, with the aim of doubling the number of local people cycling at least once a week by 2025.

To deliver this new strategy, funding will be sought from a wide range of sources - with current streams to improve the cycle network across the borough to include:

• A share of the £5m allocated to Cheshire and Warrington LEP by the Local Growth Fund to improve cycle routes which link key housing and employment and development sites;
• £500,000 'Local Growth Fund' matching by Cheshire East Council;
• £612,445 secured from the Department of Transport (DfT) to fund Bikeability cycle training for children;
• A commitment by Network Rail to construct cycle facilities alongside the proposed rail replacement bridge on the A530 at Leighton, Crewe;
• Developer funding as part of planning consent agreements.

This, as I am sure you will agree, is a positive initiative, which will not only boost connectivity, but encourage people to adopt sustainable modes of travel within the region.

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

2017 London Marathon

Later this month I will be running the Virgin London Marathon with fellow Cheshire MP, Graham Evans, in support of Muscular Dystrophy UK and the Army Benevolent Fund – The Soldiers' Charity.

Between us, we have run 17 London Marathons and, collectively, raised tens of thousands of pounds for many worthwhile causes – including charities and groups, such as The Christie, East Cheshire Hospice, Leighton Hospital, the Royal British Legion, and Care After Combat.

Our Virgin Marathon personal bests, going into this year’s event, are not too dissimilar. Despite getting close in recent years, my PB still stands at the 2013 record of 3hrs 42 minutes, while Graham, in his fifth consecutive marathon, last year, achieved a new record time of 4hrs 25mins. 

As I am sure you will agree, both charities for this year’s effort are superb causes. Muscular Dystrophy UK (previously known as the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign) is a charity that brings together individuals, families and professionals to beat muscle-wasting conditions. Since 1959, it has been leading the fight against muscle-wasting conditions, by:

• supporting high quality research to find effective treatments and cures and won’t stop until we have found them for all muscle-wasting conditions;
• leading the drive to get faster access to emerging treatment for families in the UK;
• ensuring everyone has the specialist NHS care and support they need – the right help at the right time, wherever they live;
• and by providing a range of services and resources to help people live as independently as possible

ABF - The Soldiers’ Charity, meanwhile, supports soldiers and veterans from the British Army, and their immediate families, in times of need. It makes grants to individuals through Regiments and Corps, and supports a wide range of specialist charities that sustain the British Army ‘family’, both at home and around the world.
I know many of you will already have charities that you sponsor, both personally and corporately, but if you are able to support us and these fantastic causes it would be very much appreciated.

Our VirginMoneyGiving page is:
http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/GrahamEvansMPandEdwardTimpsonMP

Thank you!

'BizMums Crewe' Networking Group - Launching in May 2017

A child friendly networking group – BizMums – which supports and motivates mums in business is to launch in Crewe on Wednesday 24^th May 2017.

Part of the national BizMums social enterprise, BizMums networking events provide a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere in which self-employed mums can share what they do and make new connections.

Ongoing training opportunities and business guidance are also provided, with each monthly meeting featuring a ‘theme of the month’ presented by a guest speaker. With practical themes like organisation, marketing, money and growth, mums can also learn valuable skills to take back and apply to their own businesses.

The monthly meetings are open to self-employed mums, and the child friendly locations and format means little ones are welcome to come along too. Mums with children at school, or who are all grown up are also welcome to attend
For more information on BizMums networking and membership, visit: www.bizmums.biz / www.facebook.com/Crewebizmums

Recently, I...

• Met constituent and University of Liverpool doctoral student, Amy Ball, at the 'STEM for Britain' event at Parliament;
• Took part in a Q&A with Shavington Academy pupils, during their visit to Palace of Westminster;
• Visited 'The Hive' Youth Zone, in the Wirral, ahead of its official opening. The new facility will support young people ages 8–19, and those with disabilities;
• Opened the 'Ambitious College', at the Bernie Grants Art Centre & Pears Campus of the College of Haringey, London. The new centre will deliver exciting day education for young people with autism and complex needs;
• Met staff, governors, parents and pupils at St Thomas More High School, in Crewe, to discuss the Department for Education's consultation on the National Funding Formula;
• Had further meetings with the Minister for School Standards, Nick Gibb MP, and the Secretary of State for Education, Justine Greening MP, regarding the proposed Formula;
• Held my regular advice surgeries in Crewe and in Nantwich.

Jobs boost for Crewe
Cheshire East:

Cheshire East Council has unveiled a future vision for Crewe that seeks to bring 37,000 new jobs to the town by 2043.

Following the announcements about the proposed new HS2 hub station, Cheshire East Council – using a team led by international planners Arup and property experts CBRE – is preparing a 'masterplan', which covers areas of prime development land in central Crewe.

This plan will showcase new development opportunities, and also deliver more homes to meet the needs of local people and employers, reflecting one of the prime locations at the heart of the UK and HS2 rail network.

SECRET EASTER TREASURE TRAILS

 

 

Flowers blooming, bumblebees buzzing, lambs bounding, daylight lingering… Mother Nature is starting to reveal the signs of spring and Tatton Park will be joining her in unveiling many of its own secrets. Will you be the first to discover, the one to uncover, the “Secret Stories” of Tatton Park?

Starting Good Friday, April 14th to Easter Monday, April 17th, children and adults can follow trails in the Mansion, Gardens and Farm to earn some secret chocolate treasure (this is Easter, after all!) and join in the fun at the Stableyard with amazing magic tricks, storytelling, puppet shows, face painting, glitter tattoos plus top-secret craft activities

In our Mansion, our busy butler has forgotten the secret code to the safe! Follow the trail through the Mansion with the help of Tatton’s butler, housekeeper and servants who will also be on hand to help visitors crack the six-digit code as they discover clues along the way. The final stop is the butler’s pantry to hand in your answers and hopefully open the safe to claim your chocolate treasure! Family activities will also be taking place in the amber bedroom and cellars.

Children can also spot the homes of our undercover helpers in the Gardens – our residential fairies, pixies and elves! These magical creatures do their secret work at night helping our gardeners keep the gardens in tip-top shape. Will you be able to spot their homes in our 50-acre gardens to claim your secret chocolate treasure?

Discover the people helping us at the Farm and the work they do behind the scenes. What does the sheep scanner, the vet, the cattle hoof trimmer and equine dentist do to help us look after our animals? Can you guess the secret object each use to help them? Which one of these characters is hiding the chocolate treasure and can you find it? Watch the secret miracle that’s happening in Tabitha, our Shire horse’s tummy. Dress up as a vet and step into the vet’s surgery. And let’s not forget our newly-born Easter lambs who will be skipping for joy to meet everyone!

And there’s plenty more! Join in the laughter and fun in the Stableyard where Poz the magician will dazzle visitors with his secret slight of hand. One of the north’s best loved entertainers, Mr Bimbamboozle, returns with his Punch and Judy puppet theatre – does Joey the Clown have a box of secrets? Meet our storyteller as he weaves his tales about the people in Tatton’s history – it is up to you to decide if he is telling the truth or telling a tall tale! See smiling painted faces and sparkly arms covered in glitter tattoos. Sit the kids down to make some Easter-themed craft activities organized by our Learning team and, finally, dust off your dancing shoes at the kids’ disco (Parents, try not to embarrass your children if you dare to throw some shapes on the dance floor…).

For the grown-ups, there is our popular Easter Shopping Fair which is free to enter. Take time to find unique gifts, crafts, fashion and home furnishings in our Tenants’ Hall.