Standing together to reassure local communities

Faith, multi-cultural groups and Cheshire East Council are standing together to support all communities in the borough and reinforce every resident’s right to live in safety and peace and be able to exercise their religious beliefs and faith.

The public commitment follows a terror incident in which one person died and 11 people were injured, when a van was driven into a crowd of Muslim worshippers in Finsbury Park, north London, in the early hours of June 19. A 47-year-old man was arrested and later charged with attempted murder and terrorism-related offences.

Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for finance and communities, said: “Every resident in Cheshire East has the right to feel safe as they practise their faith and go about their normal daily lives.

“We, as a whole community, stand together, shoulder to shoulder, in these difficult times as we try to come to terms with the shock, grief and implications of recent tragic events. We should draw strength, moreover, from the knowledge that what unites us is greater than that which divides.

“We have always worked closely with voluntary, community and faith groups across the borough and always will. We are currently planning a major multi-faith event in November, and welcome all individuals and groups who wish to attend and help keep our communities strong and connected.”

The Rev Jennie Wakefield, chairperson of Churches Together in Crewe, spoke on behalf of faith leaders across Crewe and said: “As faith leaders from across Crewe, we offer our prayers for all those who have been bereaved, injured or affected by the recent attacks in Manchester and London.

“We are united in our commitment to upholding the rights of all people to live their lives and peaceably exercise their faith, free from the fear of violence, intimidation or attack.

“We stand with the wider community in Crewe, both today and into the future, reaffirming our shared values of peace, fellowship, respect and tolerance.”

Taurainashe Manonge, of South Cheshire Multi-Cultural Forum, said: “We would like to affirm that all our members are committed to uphold and encourage principles that foster peace and community togetherness – such as charity, respect, honour, neighbourliness and the right to dignity.

“We believe our communities should be beacons of hope and not strife. At a time where grief, fear and anger can possibly undo the peace in our communities, we would like to stand with all those who are directly or indirectly affected by these tragic events.”

If you would like to find out more about our community work at Cheshire East Council, please contact our communities and partnerships team by phone on 01270 685880 or email: partnerships@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Third ‘Weave Town Talk’ event to focus on digital skills

People are being urged to grab the chance to learn how the north west is leading the way on developing the digital economy.

The third event in the Weave Town Talks programme will showcase how the region has pioneered the growth of expertise in digital skills. The event will be held at Macclesfield Town Hall, on July 13, from 6.30pm to 9pm.

Leading organisations at the forefront of this growing sector, such as the BBC, Barclays and advertising agency McCann, will explore how they are ensuring greater accessibility and reducing exclusion for all internet users. The Skills Funding Agency predicts that within 20 years 90 per cent of all jobs will require some element of digital skills to boost productivity.

Research from Ofcom, the communications and broadcast media watchdog, shows that all ages are spending more hours online per week – ranging from 30 hours online for people aged 16-24 to 15 hours for over 65s. However, more than half of over-75-year-olds do not go online and have no plans to do so, reflecting the need to ensure all ages are catered for.

As part of the Shift programme of digital activity, the Town Talks programme brings high-profile sector leaders to the region, to stimulate debate and discussion on the creative and digital sector and raise the profile of these industries in Cheshire East. They are hosted by Weave, the newly-launched taskforce, which champions the sector.

The first two talks attracted more than 130 attendees and focussed on the thriving games design sector in Cheshire East and how an incubator space for creative and digital businesses could be established in the borough.

Future events will explore the built environment, raising capital and boosting creativity.

Julian Cobley, managing director of the Skills and Growth Company, an arms-length body created by Cheshire East Council, said: “Cheshire East has a growing creative and digital sector, with 2,000 businesses employing more than 7,500 people.

“The Weave Town Talks programme has been designed to enable greater networking and collaboration across the sector and ensure its future growth.”

The Weave Network is co-ordinated by the Skills and Growth Company.

To book free places at this talk, and forthcoming talks, visit: www.weave.org.uk and click on the ‘Town Talks’ link.

Fourth award in four weeks for Crewe Lifestyle Centre

Cheshire East Council’s Crewe Lifestyle Centre has snapped up two more awards –making it the most successful building project undertaken by the council.

The project won two out of three categories at the North West Construction Awards, in Manchester, where it was nominated by building contractors Kier, who built the leisure and community hub.

The £16m centre, which brings together community services, the town’s library and state-of-the-art lifestyle and leisure amenities – all under one roof – was opened last spring, and has already collected awards for its design and community-based services.

In the construction awards (on Friday) it even pipped one of the region’s major highways schemes – the A556 Knutsford to Bowden relief road, linking the M6 and M56 motorways, which has brought relief to one of the borough’s biggest traffic congestion points.

The lifestyle centre, which has seen more than 750,000 customer visits since it opened in April 2016, won the ‘value award’ for delivered outcomes and ‘sub-regional project of the year for Cheshire and Warrington’.

It also picked up a ‘highly commended’ in the overall ‘project of the year’ category, beating some of the region’s 40-plus large-scale schemes put forward for this event which was held at The Principal Hotel, in Manchester, and attended by around 500 guests from the world of construction, design and the public sector.

Councillor Liz Wardlaw, cabinet member for health, said:: “The Crewe Lifestyle Centre has been a tremendous achievement for this council and I applaud all those people – contractors, architects and council staff – who have created this iconic leisure and community hub.

“When projects such as this are recognised in this way by the peers of the industry and public sector, then we know we have got it right and that our faith in our own judgement on investment and provision for our residents is well placed.”

In May, The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors voted the lifestyle centre the best for local community feedback and at the North West Local Authority Building Control Awards it picked up the ‘best public service building’ award and was runner-up in a second category.

The teams behind the project, which was delivered on time and on budget, now hope for further success when it is put forward for two national award events in London in the autumn.

Crewe Royal Arcade plans take a step forward

Cheshire East Council’s plans for the regeneration of Crewe town centre have taken another step forward, following the selection of a preferred development partner for the Royal Arcade site. 

Following a rigorous procurement process, the council has identified Cordwell Property Group and Peveril Securities as its intended development partners. 

Post-tender discussions, to firm up the terms of a deal, are now being undertaken and it is expected that a formalised development agreement will be brought to the council’s cabinet for consideration in September.

William Warrack, managing director of Cordwell Property Group, said: “Our proposal is for a mixed-use leisure and retail scheme, supported by a 450 space multi-storey car park and a new bus station.

“It will offer more than 90,000 sqft of retail space in addition to an eight-screen cinema, gym and five restaurant units. They will be housed in a cutting-edge setting designed to stimulate pedestrian flows through a regenerated town centre.”

Cordwell Property Group is working closely with its partner Peveril Securities – part of the Bowmer and Kirkland Group – and the council to finalise the terms of the scheme. 

Mr Warrack added: “Our letting agents, Colliers, Knight Frank and New Street Commercial, are already in discussion with a leading cinema and gym operator together with a major household name retailer to anchor the scheme.”

The proposed scheme would still be subject to planning consent, which will be determined independently by the council’s strategic planning committee at a future date.

Councillor Stockton, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “We are focusing much of our energy in Crewe on the redevelopment of the Royal Arcade site as this will be the most important aspects of the town centre’s regeneration. 

“It follows on from the success of Crewe Lifestyle Centre and Crewe University Technical College, which opened last year. 

“However, we are mindful that there is much more that needs to be done and are developing plans for wider town centre regeneration, including options for the future of Crewe’s markets and new public realm. 

“These ideas come from the dialogue we’ve had with our local councillors, Crewe Town Council, local businesses and residents.  They reflect the council’s regeneration delivery framework and emerging plans for the Crewe Masterplan, which we will publish and consult on later in the summer.”

Children encouraged to take part in reading challenge

Youngsters across Cheshire East are being encouraged to visit their local library during the school holidays and take part in the Summer Reading Challenge.

The event, which is designed for children aged four to 11, takes place annually and requires them to read six or more books of their choice and visit the library at least four times.

It will run between July 1 and September 9 and children can collect special rewards each time they finish a book. Everyone who completes the challenge will also receive a medal and a certificate at an award ceremony in September.

This year’s theme is Animal Agents and is illustrated by Tony Ross, who is the illustrator of the Horrid Henry books series. His illustrations for the Summer Reading Challenge feature a variety of clever creatures, specially trained to use their skills and natural instincts to unravel mysteries.

Libraries across Cheshire East will be holding activities and events throughout the school holidays to support the challenge, including an animal magic party, competitions, craft sessions, storytimes and interactive talks with bestselling authors.

Councillor Peter Groves, cabinet member for libraries at Cheshire East Council, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a great initiative and one which captures children’s imagination and helps them to discover a love of reading.

“We’re really pleased to be able to support it once more and hope it will inspire even more youngsters to visit our libraries and access the fantastic facilities on offer.”

For a full list of activities, please visit your local library or the library’s dedicated Facebook page. While many of the events are free, places are limited and booking in advance may be necessary.

For more information about the challenge, visit: summerreadingchallenge.org.uk

‘Saturday Café’

Reporter Jonathan White

‘Saturday Café’ is up and running at St Andrew’s Church on Bedford Street in Crewe. The café is open every Saturday from 12pm to 1:30pm. There are drinks and food including soup, sandwiches & cakes for sale. Items are available individually along with meal deals: three courses = £3 and a kid’s box = £1. There is also background music to listen to and magazines to read and a play zone for children. Everyone is welcome. The Saturday Cafe is supported by grant funding from Cheshire East's public health participatory budgeting programme.

Council acts to reassure residents over tower block fire safety

Cheshire East Council has moved swiftly with its partners in order to reassure people about the fire safety of high-rise blocks in the borough.

The authority has reviewed its own buildings stock and has contacted registered housing providers to seek their assurances that any of their high-rise properties meet strict fire regulations.

No properties have been identified as having the type of cladding that has been implicated in the Grenfell Tower blaze, in Kensington, London, on June 14, which led to at least 79 deaths.

Council officers are also working closely alongside fire brigade officers during site visits to high-rise properties in Cheshire East. No sites of concern have been identified so far.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This council was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic events at Grenfell Tower in west London, and joins the nation in grieving for those who lost their lives. We also keep those who were injured, made homeless or otherwise affected by the fire, firmly in our thoughts.

“The council has acted swiftly to review its own properties, in order to reassure our local residents about the safety measures in place for similar buildings in Cheshire East.” 

The council’s facilities management team has robust systems in place with regard to fire safety measures in council-owned buildings, which are reviewed regularly. Moreover, all council buildings have fire alarms fitted and fire drills are carried out regularly.

Only one of the council’s buildings is more than six storeys tall (18m) and none of the authority’s high-rise buildings has external cladding.

A briefing issued by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that every high-rise building in Cheshire is regularly inspected for fire safety by the service’s prevention and protection teams, accompanied by operational firefighters. These teams have been visiting all 21 high-rise buildings identified in Cheshire in recent days, to provide extra reassurance to local people.

Councillor Bailey added: “The council has joint responsibilities with other agencies, such as the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, housing associations and owners/tenants, for ensuring that various measures and standards are in place to ensure all buildings in Cheshire East are built, occupied and maintained to the very latest safety standards.

“In 2013, following a notice of motion, this council resolved to lobby MPs to promote any change to the building regulations to consider including sprinkler systems within new or adapted buildings. Indeed, following the resolution, we installed sprinklers into our own Lincoln House property in Crewe and a programme of works is due to start in the next few weeks to install sprinklers into each unit at our homeless hostel in Macclesfield.

“I would add that this council supports the calls for a public enquiry into the tragedy at Grenfell Tower and the events that led to that horrific blaze and would welcome any changes to the fire safety codes, law, guidance, advice or practice that would result in improvements in fire safety in such buildings.”

If you have concerns about the fire safety arrangements in your Cheshire East high-rise building, you should initially contact your housing provider. Further fire safety information can be found on the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service website – www.cheshirefire.gov.uk

Queen’s Speech signals green light for HS2 Crewe

Cheshire East Council has welcomed the announcement in the Queen’s Speech that the Bill for Phase Two of HS2, from Birmingham to Crewe, will be put before the next session of Parliament.

The Bill will include the right to compulsorily purchase land and for HS2 Ltd to develop applications for planning consent. It is anticipated the Bill could be heard before summer recess.

Cheshire East Council Leader Rachel Bailey said: “This announcement further justifies the business case made out by this council to bring high-speed rail into the borough, together with the enormous economic benefits this project will deliver in support of our plan-led approach to growth and to our partner councils in the wider sub-region.

“I would also reiterate what I have said previously that we wish to see the highest standards of mitigation and compensation for those people and businesses affected by the route.

“We will continue to press for a strategic hub station at Crewe, served by increased HS2 services to and from London, Birmingham and Manchester that will benefit from the station’s unrivalled 360-degree connectivity. In this way the economic benefits could then reach far beyond the political and regional boundaries.

The Bill is expected to be put before Parliament soon so that preparation work for the second phase of the project can begin.

The council will also press for high-speed connections to serve Macclesfield.

Prime Minister Theresa May said the project will help ensure the economy is ‘equipped with the world-leading infrastructure it needs to benefit from the opportunities of new technology’.

High-speed rail will significantly reduce journey times to and from London but its primary purpose is to increase capacity on an already overcrowded network.

HS2 is predicted to arrive in Crewe in 2027 with a further phase – Phase 2b to Manchester and northern hubs – scheduled for completion by 2033.

Flowers laid at site of Crewe crane collapse

Councillors from Cheshire East Council and Crewe Town Council have laid flowers near to the site of the tragic crane collapse in Crewe.

Emergency services were called to a new-build site on Dunwoody Way, in Crewe, on Wednesday afternoon following reports of a collapsed crane.

Sadly, two men died as a result of the incident. One man was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital with serious injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening.

Today, Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for finance and communities at Cheshire East Council, Crewe Town Council Leader Simon Yates and Crewe Mayor Diane Yates laid flowers near to the scene of the incident as a mark of their respect.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of this tragic incident. My sincere condolences go out to the families affected by this and I hope to write to them personally.

“As a result of the crane collapse, a residential property was damaged. I can confirm that officers from Civicance, a wholly-owned company of Cheshire East Council which provides building control services, did attend the scene at the request of the emergency services to assess the damage.

“The occupants of that property have made alternative living arrangements while the investigation into the incident continues.”

Cllr Yates said: “Our sympathies and deepest condolences go to the friends and families of those affected by this tragic incident on Dunwoody Way, in Crewe, on Wednesday. 

“We also extend our special thanks to the emergency services whose dedication and professionalism has been amazing.”

Inspector backs Cheshire East’s Local Plan development blueprint

A planning inspector has backed Cheshire East’s Local Plan for shaping future development in the borough.

It follows three years of public comments and submissions on the council’s proposed strategic blueprint for the borough’s development to 2030.

The report by Planning Inspector Stephen Pratt gives the Local Plan ‘a clean bill of health’ and means the council can now move ahead with the document’s formal adoption within weeks. The receipt of the inspector’s report brings the Local Plan examination to a formal close.

Importantly, his report says the Local Plan, once adopted, will secure ‘at least’ a five-year supply of housing land to meet projected need. This will provide a vital protection against inappropriate or unsustainable housing proposals from developers.  

Councillor Rachel Bailey, leader of Cheshire East Council said: “This is good news for Cheshire East and a major step forward for residents and businesses alike.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “The Local Plan is the council’s most important tool for shaping development in Cheshire East to 2030 – so this is great news.

“The council is grateful for the inspector’s report, which now enables us, after a lot of hard work by our planning team, to press ahead and adopt the Local Plan in a few weeks’ time.

“The inspector acknowledged that our Local Plan was one of the most complex and consulted upon he had seen in his more than 20 years’ experience. His report shows that any shortcomings identified in the process have now been rectified and, with the published modifications, the Local Plan now has a clean bill of health.

“There has been a tremendous response from our residents and other stakeholders during the extensive 13 rounds of public consultations on our proposals and I’m sure it has allowed everyone to feel they had the opportunity to have their say.

“Our Local Plan has been shown to be both comprehensive and robust and will give the people of Cheshire East its best protection against unplanned and unsustainable development.”

The focus of public consultation earlier this year was on the changes the council proposed to the plan it originally submitted to the Secretary of State in May 2014, in    light of interim views by the planning inspector during examination.

This included additional and amended strategic site allocations to accommodate the larger scale of growth now expected and planned for in the borough.

The council received a total of more than 60,000 comments during the various consultations to arrive at the finalised Local Plan. This represents an unprecedented level of interest in a council consultation process.

The inspector’s new report fully supports the approach to housing, infrastructure and employment development across Cheshire East – rejecting both more ambitious and more pessimistic assessments of future needs.

Planning Inspector Mr Pratt said in his report: “I conclude that Cheshire East Council has adopted a balanced and rational approach to economic and jobs growth, which is both ambitious and aspirational, yet realistic and with a reasonable prospect of success.”

Cheshire East’s Local Plan includes provision for a housing requirement of at least 36,000 new homes and 380 hectares of development land, to reflect a stronger anticipated jobs growth rate of 0.7 per cent per annum.

The inspector also endorsed all of the 60-plus strategic sites within the Local Plan, including large-scale proposals, such as the North Cheshire Garden Village at Handforth.

The report supports the council’s strategy of making modest amendments to green belt land and also endorses the other key policies regarding the maintaining of ‘green gap’ land between settlements.

The plan’s revised spatial distribution of development incorporates both the uplift in overall development and the need for additional growth in the northern towns. However, less than two per cent of the borough’s green belt land will be affected by the increased development need.

For further information about the Local Plan, recent consultations and links to key documents, visit our website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/localplan

Weight loss success story for Cheshire East resident

Lifestyle and health services launched three months ago by Cheshire East Council’s ‘One You Cheshire East’ programme are already having a very positive impact on residents in the borough.

‘One You Cheshire East’ brings lifestyle and health advice services in the borough under one support system. It works to improve residents’ health, tackle health inequalities and reduce the load on the council and the NHS.

Tom Rigby, from Macclesfield, joined the ‘Re-shape’ group – one of the programmes commissioned by Cheshire East Council’s public health team, as part of the ‘One You’ offer – at Everybody Sport and Recreation’s Holmes Chapel Community Centre when it was launched in March.

Tom was finding it hard to run around the park with his kids, felt overweight and struggled to fit in his clothes. The impact of the programme has been almost immediate.

Tom said: “In just 11 weeks I’ve lost more than two stone. I fit my clothes better and have actually had to go down a size in my clothes, so I’ve got more energy and feel less stressed at work.

“There is no set target on the programme and there’s no pressure. It’s great to get information from trained nutritionists – people who know their stuff so you can trust what you’re given. The trainers are very motivational and that’s a big help as well.”

Topics vary each week from portion sizes, looking at fats and understanding more about sugars as people on the programme get a broad overview of nutrition.

Councillor Liz Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for health, said: “It’s terrific to hear about the success of people like Tom who have clearly got great determination to improve their health. I hope that his story can act as inspiration for anyone who is thinking about making that first step.

“The programmes that are running as part of the ‘One You Cheshire East’ programme are very inclusive and it is an extremely supportive environment to be in while trying to make positive life changes. So my advice would be: stop thinking about doing it and start actually doing it – as there’s room for everyone on the programmes.”

People can refer themselves on to our health programmes by visiting: https://www.oneyoucheshireeast.org/contact-us/

Dropped cigarettes cost litter louts £1,600 as council clamps down on offenders

Cheshire East Council’s ‘get tough’ approach to littering and fly-tipping has resulted in further successful prosecutions with fines and costs totalling £1,570 for two offenders.

Dr James Carey, 63, of Goulden Street, Crewe, was fined £80 with costs of £930 for dropping a cigarette in Earle Street in Crewe. He was also ordered to pay a £30 victim surcharge.

Carey admitted dropping the cigarette but denied leaving it. He pleaded not guilty to the offence of littering but was convicted after a two-hour trial.

In a separate prosecution, previously- convicted fly-tipper Oliver Bailey, 20, of Ruskin Road, Crewe, was convicted of two offences, for dropping and leaving cigarettes in Market Street, and at Grand Junction Retail Park, both in Crewe, in December 2016.

Bailey pleaded guilty by post and was fined £185 for each offence, ordered to pay prosecution costs of £130 and a victim surcharge of £30, leaving him with a total of £530 to pay.

The two cases came before Crewe Magistrates on June 14 and 15.

Cheshire East Council began its ‘Keep Crewe Clean’ campaign in September, employing a team of enforcement officers to prosecute incidents of fly-tipping, littering and dog fouling.

Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for finance and communities, said: “These court prosecutions reinforce our message that littering of any description will be dealt with robustly as we take steps to clean up Crewe, where many responsible residents have asked us to take tough action.

“While our actions may be unpopular and costly for some, we know that our tough stance is applauded and welcomed by the majority.”

These latest convictions take the number of successful prosecutions for litter to more than 150 since the council’s campaign began.

Fly-tipping, dropping litter and dog fouling are all environmental crimes which can be reported online at: cheshireeast.gov.uk/environment or by ringing 0300 123 5011. The website also contains lots of information to help residents with their waste and recycling.

Communities come together and celebrate memory of MP Jo Cox

People from across Cheshire East gathered in glorious sunshine at a host of community events to honour the memory of murdered MP Jo Cox.

The Great Get Together celebrations were backed by Cheshire East Council to encourage residents across the borough to join together in their communities at the weekend to share food, conversation and celebrate what we all have in common.

The events marked the first anniversary of Batley and Spen MP Jo’s murder on June 16, 2016. The council had made £15,000 available for community groups to apply for grants of up to £100 to come together and hold street parties – and 70 separate events were supported by the scheme in Cheshire East.

Grants were used to provide entertainment, food, decorations, craft materials, face paints and much more. The council waived its fees for licensing and road closures for these special community events.

The council also organised community events that weekend, with a fun afternoon and BBQ in Westminster Park, Crewe, drew around 800 people on the Saturday (June 17) and a pot-luck picnic and family sports in West Park on Sunday (June 18) which attracted around 400 people. Another council event at Macclesfield’s South Park also drew several hundred.

Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for communities and health, said: “A fantastic community spirit was shown right across the borough at a host of wonderful Great Get Together events, supported by the council, celebrating life and diversity in memory of Jo Cox at the weekend.

“Now, more than ever, we need to show support for our whole community and it was great to see so many people getting involved and meeting people from their neighbourhoods that they might not already know.

“As well as campaigning around diversity and human rights issues, Jo was also concerned about loneliness, which is an issue in our towns and rural areas.

“Connected people are happier and healthier and I can’t think of a better tribute to Jo than seeing so many people take the time to connect and celebrate living in our local community.”

Cllr Bates volunteered to be put in ‘the stocks’ and pelted with wet sponges at a Great Get Together event in Congleton on Sunday – raising £400 for the Ruby’s Fund charity for disabled children.

One local resident who attended the Great Get Together event in West Park, Macclesfield: “Watching local people support and attend the event was truly inspirational.”

Another resident said: “I have never seen so much community spirit.”

The council received successful grant applications from a range of community and neighbour groups including a Carers Great Get Together in Knutsford, The Great Get Together Tea Dance in Congleton, Cake and Craft Get Together in Scholar Green, Great Gardening Get Together at Allotments all over Cheshire East, Homestead Street P-A-R-T-Y  in Macclesfield and Balfour Buffet and Barbecue in Crewe –  plus many more.

Seahorse Swimming Club

Members of Seahorse Swimming Club, who are based at the Lifestyle Centre in Crewe, got involved with The Great Get Together on Sunday 18th June 2017, with a morning walk followed with a picnic. The walk was from Queen's Park to Nantwich (along the Greenway) and then back to the park for the picnic. Some took part in a less energetic walk around the park.

Neighbourhood celebrations were taking place throughout the UK during the weekend to bring communities closer together. This was the inspiration of Jo Cox, who was tragically killed on 16th June last year.

"The day was a huge success. Everyone enjoyed the social aspect of the event and participating in exercise. Those who got involved stated how they enjoyed the challenge of the walk. Others loved the fun of playing racket games in the park and entertaining each other, while some were pleased to spend time in the lovely surroundings of Queen's Park. The weather was glorious and it was pleasing to see the refreshments going down so well by everyone." - Gareth Roberts (Seahorse Secretary).

Ansa celebrates 30 years of employee service

Employees at Ansa Environmental Services based in Middlewich, recently had a very special reason to celebrate.

Ansa, a wholly owned company of Cheshire East Council, was delighted to host events for 39 employees who have dedicated more than 30 years of service to local government and their communities. Special recognition ceremonies were held in Middlewich and Macclesfield, where the teams were presented with their certificates.

In total, the employees have amassed 1411 years of service between them, ranging from services such as parks, waste, business support, fleet and street cleansing.

The employee with the longest service was Joe Davies, who has recently retired after an incredible 47 years’ service to local government. He spent the majority of his career working for waste services in the north of the borough.

Chair of the Ansa Board of Directors, Councillor John Hammond, said: “It’s truly inspiring to see such dedication and experience from so many members of our team. With these events we have celebrated role models, whose loyalty, knowledge and service to their communities is invaluable to our Company. Of course, special recognition must go out to Joe, as 47 years of service is simply incredible.”

Ansa is fully committed to training and developing opportunities for staff to ensure such levels of long service and dedication continue and currently operates a highly successful apprenticeship programme. For further information, please visit www.ansa.co.uk.

FiRELiNK eNewsletter for June 2017

Subject: FiRELiNK eNewsletter for June 2017 from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

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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 or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Ashley Lawton (Cheshire Fire , Administrator, Cheshire Fire)

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

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Fundraising for Vicki

Birchwood firefighter Vicki Griffiths recently had a serious accident in the gym, which has so far left her unable to feel or move from the waist down.

This brings Vicki a new challenge, so firefighters, staff and volunteers are fundraising to help with the cost of home and vehicle adaptations and other expenses to help her to live her life to the fullest.

Find out more - Fundraising for Vicki

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Blue light open day 2017 - Ticket only event

On Sunday 16 July the doors of Cheshire Constabulary HQ will be thrown open for the public to see the good work that Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire Police do around the clock.

The Blue Light Open Day is a hugely popular event that gives people a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the outstanding work of the county’s emergency services will run from 11.30am to 4.30pm.

Due to the growing popularity of the event, this year it will be ticket only. This is to manage the number of visitors, ensuring everyone can enjoy the day in a comfortable environment.

Tickets, which are free, will be available to book, via our website, from 12noon on Monday 19 June and are available on a first come, first served basis.

Find out more - Blue light open day 2017

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Warning after tumble dryer recall

We are asking people to check the make of their tumble dryer after a full recall was issued by a manufacturer.

Beko has issued a safety alert about a potential fire risk of 3,450 of its condenser tumble dryers and told customers to stop using them immediately.

Find out more - Warning after tumble dryer recall

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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

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Summer safety

Stay safe during the summer months, use the links below to access fire safety tips and advice:

• Barbecue Safety

• Camping Safety Advice

• Caravan Safety

• Countryside Safety

• Water Safety

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The Royal Cheshire Show 2017

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service will once again be at The Royal Cheshire Show, engaging with members of the public delivering vital road and fire safety information, along with the famous children's yellow helmets.

Find out more - The Royal Cheshire Show 2017

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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

Crewe community groups get artistic to help fill vacant shop windows

Cheshire East Council has jointly commissioned an artist to decorate vacant shop windows to boost Crewe town centre.

It follows close collaboration with Crewe Town Council and local schools and community groups.

Ruth Piggott was successfully selected over numerous applicants to produce artistic designs for empty shop units in the town centre, having presented a strong case to reinvigorate these with a series of creative and visual displays.

To produce these designs, Ruth, founder of ‘Curiosity Creators’, engaged with school children from The Oaks Academy, adults from Alsager Partnership’s Memory Café and members of Crewe Heritage Centre.

All who participated helped to create and produce a series of Crewe-related visual images, displayed in the form of bunting. The window frames for the project were inspired by railway arches and Crewe’s Municipal Buildings.

Ruth said “Crewe has a lot to offer in terms of its history and heritage and I was lucky to have the opportunity to showcase this. It’s been great to work with a broad spectrum of different community groups, all whom have really excelled in helping to create something, which I think the town should be proud to display so prominently in the town centre.”

The artwork can be seen in both units on 1-11 Tower Way and number 36 Victoria Street. They are just some of the many new designs appearing to decorate vacant units in the area. These include the current vinyl projections from the Crewe Engineering and Design UTC and Crewe Lyceum.

The art and vinyl displays in the town centre are part of many initiatives that are being introduced in order to breathe new life into Crewe and fall under a wider, longer-term regeneration strategy that has started to be implemented.

Councillor Don Stockton, cabinet member for regeneration at Cheshire East Council, said “Whilst this is just an interim measure before the redevelopment of the Royal Arcade commences, it is a fantastic example of the work we are undertaking to involve the local community in the regeneration of Crewe.

“There is plenty of work going on to help improve the town centre and we look forward to this coming to fruition over the next couple of months and coming years.”

Working alongside Cheshire East, Councillor Benn Minshall, deputy leader of Crewe Town Council, also echoed the importance of this latest project.

He said “We’d like to thank everybody involved for their fantastic creative contributions and hard work for this project. It is most important to us that the local community here have had a direct impact on the quality of their town centre.

“This is the approach we wiIl be taking for the exciting improvements we have planned for the development of Crewe in the near future.”

These latest projects come following the introduction of a series of successful measures in Crewe this year, including temporary free parking, the new Crewe Cosmopolitan Food Festival and a host of cultural and social events that are coming to the town later this summer.