Queens Park Crewe July 2020

Cheshire East Council advises residents about new face covering regulations

Cheshire East Council is advising residents on new government rules and local requirements around wearing face coverings to help stop the spread of Covid-19.

Coronavirus can spread predominantly by droplets from coughs, sneezes and speaking. Wearing a face covering may reduce the spread of droplets, helping to protect others.

The council are asking residents to wear face coverings in council premises where services are provided to the public, for example libraries, as well as adhering to social distancing measures.   

From Friday 24 July, it is mandatory to wear a face covering in shops and supermarkets, entry can be refused without them. This is in addition to wearing face coverings on public transport.

There are some exceptions on wearing face coverings for young children under the age of 11, people with breathing difficulties, such as asthma, and people with disabilities.

It’s important to remember that a face covering and face mask are two very different things. Face masks can include surgical masks, protective masks (protecting against such things as aerosols in DIY) and PPE masks for healthcare workers.

Some protective masks, with a valve or vent (N95), discharge unfiltered air from the wearer. These do not protect other people around them, so must not be used.

Members of the public are not required to wear face masks but they must wear face coverings. A face covering is something which safely covers your mouth and nose.

You can use a reusable or single-use face covering. You may also use a scarf, bandana, religious garment or hand-made cloth coverings – but these must securely fit round the side of your face.

How to wear a face covering

A face covering should:

● Cover your nose and mouth while allowing you to breathe comfortably;

● Fit comfortably but securely against the side of the face;

● Be secured to the head with ties or ear loops;

● Be made of a material that you find to be comfortable and breathable such as cotton;

● Include at least two layers of fabric; and

● Unless disposable, it should be washed with other items of laundry according to fabric washing instructions and dried without causing the face covering to be damaged.

For a full list of exemptions to wearing a face covering visit: www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own

You can make your own face covering. Find out how by visiting: www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering/how-to-wear-and-make-a-cloth-face-covering

Dr Matt Tyrer, acting director of public health at Cheshire East Council, said: “It’s important to follow government guidance on wearing face coverings to protect one another and to stop the spread of Covid-19 across Cheshire East.

“Before putting a face covering on you need to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser. Avoid touching the part of the covering that covers your mouth and nose, do not move it and wear it on your neck or forehead and change it if it becomes damp.

“Your hands should be washed thoroughly before removing the face covering, only handle the straps, ties or clips, do not share it with someone else to use and wash your hands again once the covering is removed.

“Wearing a face covering will not protect the wearer but will provide some protection to others the wearer comes into contact with. It does not replace the need to social distance – this must still be adhered to as well as regular hand hygiene and covering coughs and sneezes.

“By working together to follow official advice we can help to support the NHS and protect the health and livelihoods of everyone in our communities.”

Single-use face coverings must be disposed of in a waste bin. Do not put them in your recycling bin, as this would put council waste staff at risk when the items need to be separated.

As face coverings are not classed as PPE there are no formal standards or certification requirements for them. However, Cheshire East Council’s trading standards team warns against purchasing unsuitable ones from door-to-door salespeople or online.

Residents are advised to be cautious and do not purchase non-genuine products that have not been tested, with false claims of protection for the users. Always purchase from a reputable store. For help purchasing online, visit the Which? website at: www.which.co.uk/reviews/face-masks/article/face-masks-where-to-buy-them-and-how-to-make-your-own

The council has recently published its local outbreak prevention, management and support plan. This details what steps are being taken to prevent community outbreaks of Covid-19 within Cheshire East, how it would be investigated, managed and contained if an outbreak occurred. 

The plan, detailing how the council is working with its health partners, can be viewed on the council’s website at:     www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_information/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19.aspx

Residents are being asked to play their part by self-isolating if they develop any coronavirus symptoms and booking a Covid-19 test through the NHS test and trace system.

More information about the NHS test and trace service can be found via the council’s website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_information/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19.aspx

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

The council website can be translated into 80-plus languages, so residents who are not confident speakers of English, or whose native language is not English, can still access vital information about test and trace.

Fear of Rise In Disability Hate Crime

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Dear Jan
We write to you today 24th July 2020 to advise you of the fear of a rise in Disability Hate Crime, especially as new legislation about face coverings comes into effect today across England.  There has been a big increase during Covid-19 of targeted attacks on disabled people.
They have been verbally abused, spat at and in some instances physically attacked.  For example, one disabled passenger on public transport, who cannot wear a face covering, was targeted by another passenger, who shouted: “This person hasn’t got a mask. This person is trying to infect us. They are trying to kill us.”
We have posted an article on our website and we ask you to share this to your distribution lists in the hope that by raising awareness and promoting compassion and respect, that we have together highlighted this issue in our communities.
The link is:  https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/news/fear-rise-disability-hate-crime

Introducing Our New Safety In Neighbours Burglary Campaign

Introducing Our New Safety In Neighbours Burglary Campaign

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THERE’S SAFETY IN NEIGHBOURS
Our new Neighbourhood Watch campaign to prevent burglaries
Dear Jan,
As lockdown eases in the UK, we’re expecting a rise in burglaries. We’ve partnered with the Home Office to create a new social media campaign to help keep people safe and continue the great work your scheme is already doing.
Our new Safety in Neighbours campaign is particularly exciting as it has a modern and eye-catching design to grab younger people’s attention and attract even more new members. Read more about the campaign below.
We need your help
Please help us spread the word and share the campaign on your local Neighbourhood Watch’s social media pages and chat groups. You could also share the press release attached with your local news media and radio stations.
•    Visit our campaign page
•    Watch our campaign video
•    Download our campaign social media pack
•    Share using #SafetyinNeighbours in the caption
•    Tag Neighbourhood Watch in the post   
Facebook: @ourwatch    Twitter: @N_watch          Instagram: @neighbourhood.watch.insta
Help spread the word

More about our new campaign: Safety in Neighbours
The idea
Life’s safer when you know your neighbours. With more people looking out for unusual behaviour on your street, burglaries can be prevented.
The design
It features our iconic black and yellow brand colours, but with a modern, animated twist to grab attention and stand out on social media.
The audience
We’ll target the most high-risk areas of England and Wales – but we need you to help us reach people everywhere. Our campaign is designed to appeal to a younger audience of 20 - 50 year olds.
The outcome
We’ll provide a pack of assets for you to share with members. It includes info on the WIDE combination of security measures,  which reduces the risk of burglary by nearly 50 times more than no security prevention measures, a prevention checklist, local crime map, and how to become a member.
The campaign
We’ll promote it on Neighbourhood Watch’s main Facebook, Instagram and Twitter channels for 3 weeks from 27th July. Please help us by sharing on your local channels and do let us know about any local press you are able to generate.

Looking For Volunteers To Represent the Public on A Public Contact Reference Group

Looking For Volunteers To Represent the Public on A Public Contact Reference Group

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Are you interested in helping Cheshire Constabulary to develop how the public can report matters? Is this something you would like to be involved with? If so, please reply to this email by 9am Monday 3rd August with your name, contact email and demographic details.
Please find below information of what this will entail, and who we are looking for.
Purpose: The purpose of the Public Contact Reference Group will be to support Cheshire Constabulary to develop the ways in which it enables the public to report matters to us.  This will include our helpdesks, emergency and non-emergency telephone routes, and online reporting via our website and social media.  We would envisage that this will commence as a support to designing our future operating model with a clear focus on ensuring the inclusivity of our offer and designing out any disproportionality.
Frequency: The frequency of meetings may change over time.  Initially we envisage the first meeting being held in September and then meetings at 6 week intervals in the first instance, whilst the development activity is taking place.
Timings: Meetings are likely to take place early evening and last about an hour and a half.
Location: Meetings to be held virtually to start, with the option to have face to face meetings at Cheshire Constabulary HQ in Winsford as COVID restrictions allow.
Work Streams: Workstreams will include, inclusion and proportionality, understanding the public journey, and understanding the public’s expectations and preferences for contacting the police now and in the future.
Who are we looking for: Ideally looking for around 12 members of the public but more interested in getting a cross section / diverse group of people together in terms of demographics such as gender, ethnicity, age, geographical area, sexuality, religion etc.

Message Sent By
Clare Harrison (Cheshire Police / Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Engagement Officer, Corporate Communications)

July2020 Enewsletter - Firelink

July2020 Enewsletter - Firelink

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

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Cheshire Fire Authority Approves IRMP 2020-2024

At its meeting on Wednesday 1 July, Cheshire Fire Authority approved the publication of its Integrated Risk Management Plan 2020-2024 (IRMP). The IRMP sets out the strategic plan for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) over the next four years.
Find out more - Cheshire Fire Authority Approves IRMP 2020-2024

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Dad alerted to kitchen fire thanks to a smoke alarm

A Macclesfield dad is warning people of the dangers of using chip pans and the benefits of having a working smoke alarm after a small fire in his kitchen.
30-year-old Zack Stewart was upstairs at his home in Stoneleigh Close when he heard a smoke alarm sounding, just after 6pm on Thursday July 2.
His partner Emma Gough had started cooking tea and had put the chip pan on but became distracted outside.
Thankfully because of the smoke alarm there is only a bit of damage to the extractor fan and a cupboard door, plus there’s some smoke damage, but it could have been much worse.
Find out more - Dad alerted to kitchen fire thanks to a smoke alarm

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The Fire Fighters Charity

Every year the The Fire Fighters Charity needs £10m to operate its services in support of the entire UK fire services community. This year, however, the coronavirus pandemic has brought its traditional fundraising to a halt, with the cancellation or postponement of countless events and challenges, losing the Charity £200,000 per month.
When the Charity made an appeal for help to its fire and rescue service family during the pandemic, staff from across the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service leapt instantly to its aid.
Since the start of the Coronavirus pandemic nearly £20,000 has been raised in Cheshire alone, which is a staggering amount, grown through dedication and sheer determination to support this great cause.
Find out about a couple of fundraising events that have taken place:

• Macclesfield firefighters raise more than £4,000 by completing 24-hour Mount Everest challenge
• Pedal power sees Penketh firefighters raise over £7,000 for charity

Cheshire East Council secures funding for football facilities

Cheshire East Council has secured funding to make improvements to a much-loved football field.

The work at the popular Rugby Drive playing fields, in Macclesfield, is part of a £300,000 improvement plan for open spaces. The funds are from local housing developer contributions, which enable the council to provide enhanced open space and leisure facilities, in line with the council’s Local Plan.

The work includes sustainable drainage improvements, which will allow the pitches to be used all year round. This will increase the number of matches that can be played by local football teams.

Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for green space, said: “Rugby Drive fields is well used by local grassroots football teams but poor drainage meant that there was very little play during the winter season last year.  Matches were frequently called off due to pitch flooding.

“Thanks to the hard work of the parks team and this generous investment, local football players will be able to put their skills into practice with regular matches, without the field becoming over used.”

“I would like to take this opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to Tytherington Juniors, who have worked closely with our parks team and really helped to ensure this project takes place for the benefit of themselves and other local teams.”

The work will start on Monday 20 July and will take approximately six weeks to complete. The pitches will be closed during the work but should be ready for use when the new football season starts in September. 

An official open day of the improved facilities will take place in September 2020. Further details will follow.

Japanese Garden secrets revealed

Two events at Tatton Park celebrate the 100-year legacy of their internationally-renowned Japanese Garden. Learn all about its story at our fascinating new Mansion exhibition, followed by a visit to the Garden to see it in person. Then, if - like the 3^rd Baron Egerton all those years ago - you feel inspired to create your own Japanese garden at home, tune into our Head Gardener’s video tour at this year’s virtual RHS Flower Show Tatton Park at Home rhs.org.uk/tattonathome on 22 July.

New exhibition in the Mansion: Why is the Japanese Garden so special?

Thanks to a series of photographs taken at the time of its construction in 1910, along with original plans and drawings, this new exhibition shares some of the secrets of the Japanese Garden; how it was built and the meaning behind its design, materials and symbols.

Created over 100 years ago

Alan de Tatton Egerton, 3rd Baron Egerton of Tatton (1845-1920), visited the 1910 Japanese-British Exhibition in London, and was so inspired by what he saw, he decided to introduce his own Japanese garden at Tatton. What was created over 100 years ago remains, to this day, one of the finest examples of a Japanese garden in Europe. The legacy Alan left behind is a visual spectacle in all seasons, and Tatton’s gardeners help ensure it is still here for visitors to enjoy for another 100 years. 

Japanese Garden: The Legacy of Alan de Tatton Exhibition runs Weds-Sun, 1pm-5pm until 1 November and is included in your Mansion entry ticket. The Gardens are open every day from 10am-6pm until end October. Tickets and timeslots for both the Mansion and Gardens must be booked online in advance at www.tattonpark.org.uk

RHS Flower Show Tatton Park at Home: How to create your own Japanese garden

In the absence of the ‘real’ flower show this year, rhs.org.uk is hosting a virtual event called Tatton Park at Home on Wednesday 22 July. Tatton Park’s very own Head Gardener is among the list of experts featured in their online celebration of all-things gardening. Simon Tetlow’s film shares rare views inside the hidden world of the Japanese Garden, plus advice for viewers on how to create an authentic feeling in your Japanese garden at home. www.rhs.org.uk/tattonathome

Are You Shopping Online?

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Dear Subscriber,
Have you bought anything online recently?…
Almost 34% of all retail sales during May 2020 were carried out online, and new research suggests that only 16% of UK consumers intend to return to their old shopping habits post-lockdown.
Online shopping fraud during lockdown
Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cyber crime, received over 16,000 reports relating to online shopping and auction fraud during the lockdown, with losses totalling over £16m. Members of the public have reported buying mobile phones (19%), vehicles (22%), electronics (10%) such as games consoles, AirPods and MacBooks , and footwear (4%) on sites such as eBay (18%), Facebook (18%), Gumtree (10%) and Depop (6%), only to have the items never arrive.
Top tips for shopping online securely:
Choosing where to shop:
If you’re making a purchase from a company or seller you don’t know and trust, carry out some research first. For example, by checking to see if others have used the site and what their experience was.
Email accounts:
Use a strong, separate password for your email account. Criminals can use
your email to access other online accounts, such as those you use for online shopping.
Scam messages:
Some of the emails or texts you receive about amazing offers may contain links to fake websites. Not all links are bad, but if you’re unsure don't use the link, go separately to the website. And remember, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
Payment method:
If you decide to go ahead with the purchase, use a credit card if you have one as other payment providers may not provide the same protection.
What to do if you’ve fallen victim to online shopping fraud
We all make mistakes and these days the scams can be incredibly convincing.
If you think you’ve visited, or made a purchase on, a bogus website, you should first, take a note of the website's address, then close down your internet browser. You should then report the details to Action Fraud and contact your bank to seek advice.
Whether you've been a victim of fraud will depend on how much information you’ve provided to the website, so keep an eye on your bank transactions, if you can. Contact your bank immediately about anything that you don’t recognise, even small amounts.
For more information about how to stay safe online, please visit www.actionfraud.police.uk/cybercrime

Warning Issued Following Hoax Calls from Scammers Claiming To Be Police Officers

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Detectives have been made aware of a spate of hoax calls from scammers claiming to be police officers from Cheshire Constabulary acting on behalf of HMRC.
There have been several reports over the last two months whereby people have been receiving calls from someone purporting to be a police officer or from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
The first part of the call is automated and asks the victim to press 1 in order to be connected to HMRC.
A recorded message then then informs the victim that they have an unpaid tax bill and that there is a warrant out for their arrest unless they pay the balance immediately.
The fraudsters then ask the victims to make a bank transfer to pay off their supposed outstanding tax bill.
Scammers can also make calls appear as though they come from legitimate numbers and in one recent case the numbers traced back to a Cheshire based police station and HMRC.
Detective Sergeant Chris Jacques of the Economic Crime Unit said: “It is important to remember that police officers and HRMC will never call you and ask you to settle the balance of a tax bill over the phone.
“Telephone numbers can easily be spoofed and you should never trust the number you see on your telephone display.
“If you receive a suspicious call, do not give any information over the phone and end the call immediately.
“I would advise anyone who believes that they may have been a victim to this scam to please report it to us on 101 or via https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “I am deeply concerned to hear about this recent spate of fraudsters claiming to be police officers.
“Fraud has a significant emotional and financial impact on victims so, as the Police and Crime Commissioner, I am committed to supporting those affected and to ensuring that action is taken.
“I am urging all residents to remain vigilant and tell their family, friends and neighbours to be wary of these scams in order to protect against fraud in Cheshire.”
Anyone who believes they have been contacted fraudulently or have been a victim of fraud should call Cheshire Police on 101 and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Theft from Gabes Nursing Home

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Good afternoon, we have experienced reports of a theft from the Gables nursing home on Parkers Road roundabout that is currently being renovated. The theft occurred over the weekend if anyone has anything to report to us, please report to 101. Regards, PCSO OLIVER 23132

Message Sent By
Matt Oliver (Cheshire Police, PCSO, Crewe)

New partnership launched to strengthen Cheshire’s response to Covid-19 outbreaks

Leaders from across Cheshire gathered virtually last week to establish a strong partnership to combat the continuing threat from Covid-19.

A new outbreak response co-ordination group will ensure an effective response across all four council areas, working with the police, NHS and business leaders.

The group is made up of the leaders of Cheshire East Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Halton Council, Warrington Borough Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise partnership.

The group’s work is supported by Cheshire East Council’s public health team and other key frontline staff.

The group will ensure the whole county takes a unified approach to managing outbreaks by:

· Providing collective political leadership in response to outbreaks within Cheshire;

· Ensuring Cheshire police can respond to outbreaks consistently, in partnership with local authorities;

· Sharing information on local outbreaks and lockdowns, and reviewing the spread of Covid-19 across Cheshire;

· Learning from partners’ experiences and sharing how to best respond to outbreaks;

· Protecting the local economy during an outbreak, in partnership with the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership; and

· Supporting cooperation with Merseyside, North Wales, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.

Each council has published an outbreak management plan for their area which sets out how they will prevent and manage local outbreaks of Covid-19, as they occur in their communities. Cheshire East Council’s can be viewed here https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_information/coronavirus/coronavirus-covid-19.aspx

Close collaboration across the county between local councils, businesses and Cheshire police will also prevent and manage local lockdowns, protecting lives and livelihoods.

Councillor Louise Gittins, chair of the Cheshire Covid-19 Outbreak Response Co-ordination Group, said: “This virus does not recognise local authority boundaries. We have a great experience of collaboration between councils and other partners, which is now more important than ever before.

We are meeting regularly to share information and learning. We will help each other tackle outbreaks as they occur, supporting all the organisations and communities, working together to defeat this terrible virus. Our collective aspiration is to make Cheshire Covid free.”

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “We understand that the UK has passed the peak of Covid-19 transmission, case numbers have been decreasing and some restrictions have relaxed. However, we have seen some local authorities, such as Leicester, battle against rising numbers and experience a local lockdown.

“There are nationwide worries of a second peak, especially during the winter months, so it’s vital that we are prepared. Working closely with our neighbouring local authorities and key partners will provide a strong, co-ordinated approach on any local outbreaks that may occur.

“Having clear lines of communication, sharing best practice and mutual support  will enable the Cheshire Covid-19 Outbreak Response Co-ordination Group to work together and protect not only our own local communities, but all those Cheshire wide.”

One of the key challenges of the group has been to receive the necessary data and information from national agencies, enabling local public health teams to quickly combat outbreaks as they occur.

The leaders called on national government to ensure better and more timely information to local public health teams, more local control over testing, clarity over local powers, and more funding for local organisations to support their response.

The leaders also requested everyone play their part in keeping themselves and their communities safe.  Protect yourself and your family and friends by getting a Coronavirus test if you have symptoms of a persistent cough, fever or loss of taste and smell by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus. Protect your community by then self-isolating for 14 days if you have symptoms or if alerted to do so by a contact tracer.

Cheshire East Council reintroduces vehicle registration system at Crewe’s household waste recycling centre due to congestion locally

Residents using Cheshire East Council’s household waste recycling centre site in Crewe are warned to expect delays.

Roadworks near the site, on Middlewich Road and Pyms Lane, are causing higher than normal amounts of traffic in the area. This is having a knock-on effect for residents queuing to use the household waste recycling centre.

To help ease the traffic and the demand on the site, a vehicle number plate system will be reintroduced from Friday 10 July just for the Crewe site.

Drivers’ access to the site will be based on the last number on their vehicle registration plate on alternate days.

Number plates where the last number is even, i.e. 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 will be given access to the site on alternate days starting from Friday 10 July.

Number plates on which the last number is odd, i.e. 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 will be given access on alternate days from Saturday 11 July.

The rota for the first week of the restrictions is shown as follows;

Day

Registration plate ending in

Friday 10 July

Even

Saturday 11 July

Odd

Sunday 12 July

Even

Monday 13 July

Odd

Tuesday 14 July

Even

Wednesday 15 July

Odd

Thursday 16 July

Even

Friday 17 July

Odd

The additional restrictions and measures that have been put into place at all household waste recycling centres, due to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, still apply also to the Crewe site. For further information, visit the council’s website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling/using-household-waste-recycling-centres/using-household-waste-recycling-centres.aspx

The roadworks around the Crewe site are due to be completed in October. Therefore, congestion in the area is highly likely to continue for a number of weeks. Residents are advised to only use the Crewe site on the relevant day for their vehicle registration plate if it’s essential or to visit the nearby Alsager site instead.

Cheshire East Council complements its package of support to help people live independently

Cheshire East Council has taken the decision, to deliver an enhanced offer of adaptations that people can make in their own homes – supporting people to live independently.

The decision, which was made at the cabinet meeting on 7 July, focused on continuing to use a framework approach to its installation of level access showers, and wet rooms for residents who need them most.

Councillor Laura Jeuda, cabinet member for adults social care and health, said: “The installation of a wet room or ground floor shower could mean the difference between a person being able to stay in their own home with support, and avoiding the need for moving into a care home.

“A framework gives us consistency, economies of scale with an agreed pricing structure, and an efficient service without the need to tender for each individual wet room.

“It also supports people to remain in their homes, reducing demand of social care support services.”

Councillor Nick Mannion, cabinet member for environment and regenerations, said: “This decision is focused on supporting people’s personal resilience, by enabling them to remain living in their homes.

“The framework completes a suite of contracts to enable the council to provide a comprehensive domestic repairs and adaptations service to vulnerable residents.”

Level access showers are funded using the mandatory means-tested Disabled Facilities Grant provided by the council, which has an annual budget of £2.4million for Disabled Facilities Grants, of which nearly £2.06million is received from central Government.

Residents who would like more information about adaptations for their home can find out more information by visiting the live well pages on the council’s website.

Council asks drivers to plan ahead for roadworks this summer

Cheshire East Council is advising drivers to visit their online system to help plan journeys, as there has been an increase in requests for roadworks from utility companies  following the relaxing of lockdown measures.

While stricter Covid-19 restrictions were in place, many third party and utility schemes were postponed. This has resulted in an increase in requests for highways works over the summer and autumn months – all of which can be seen on the ‘OneNetwork’ online system.

The council’s carriageway improvement programme – to improve the condition of the roads through surface treatments – is carefully planned and also needs to be done in the summer when the temperatures are higher and the weather is normally drier. Where possible, joint working will be promoted to reduce the amount of road space occupied.

Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and waste, said: “During the lockdown period, the highways team did all it could to keep the roads safe and accessible.

“As the constraints have eased, we now need to get on with maintaining and improving roads while utility companies will need to get on with their delayed works. We will ensure the road space is managed carefully and coordinated to minimise delays as much as possible.

“However, it is inevitable there will be some disruption and we apologise in advance for any inconvenience. We would ask drivers to be patient and plan ahead."

To view road works in Cheshire East visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/roadworks and select latest roadworks.

Victims of Crime To Have Their Say

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Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner David Keane is asking victims of crime in Cheshire to have their say on the support they have received from the police and other support services.
The Commissioner is conducting an assessment of victims’ services across the county to ensure victims of crime have access to most appropriate support to help them recover from their ordeal.
The Victim Needs Assessment will review existing services available to victims, highlight good practice and also identify gaps and areas where improvement could be made.
If you’ve been a victim of a crime which took place in Cheshire, you can give your views by completing the short survey below. It should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete.
www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/cheshirevictimsvoicesurvey
PCC David Keane is responsible for commissioning local services for victims of crime and receives an annual grant from the Ministry of Justice to ensure victims’ services in the area are properly funded. Over the last year, the Commissioner committed £1.2 million to fund victims’ services.
This included support for Cheshire CARES, the flagship service which offers support to every single victim of crime in Cheshire, and also more bespoke services which support victims of specific crimes.
The findings from the Victim Needs Assessment will inform the commissioning of victims’ services in Cheshire from April 2021 and beyond.
PCC David Keane said: “I want to ensure that victims of crime in Cheshire have access to some of the best victims’ services in the country. Views and feedback from victims are very important in helping to shape the services that are provided to them in the future.
“I also recognise that there are victims who do not report crime to the police but they may still need support to cope and recover. It is therefore vital that support is available in the community and is offered to all victims of crime, regardless of whether the crime has been reported.
“I want to assess what services victims have used to help them recover following a criminal offence and whether they felt adequate support was provided when they needed it most. I also want to learn what services victims think should be available in the future.

Message Sent By
Daniel Millington (Cheshire Police / Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Media Officer, Corporate Communications)

Bentley announced as main partner for Virtual Pride 2020

Cheshire East Council is delighted to announce that Crewe-based local prestige brand Bentley Motors UK, will be the main partner for Cheshire East Virtual Pride 2020.

The partnership with Bentley signifies a major step up for the profile of Pride events in Cheshire – an achievement the council is very proud of, especially given the challenges posed by putting on an online event after having to postpone and then cancel the live outdoor event for 2020.

The online event, which will take place on Saturday 25 July from 2-7pm, will feature an eclectic mix of interviews, music, competitions, performances and information supporting the LGBT+ community. Presenters will introduce acts and interviews as the council makes the best effort possible to recreate Pride in the Park to an online audience.

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for public health and corporate services, said: “Very quickly Pride has become one of our most celebrated days in the council’s calendar. I am delighted that even though we won’t be able to host an outdoor live event this year, that an organisation of the calibre of Bentley has decided to become a partner. It’s a fantastic endorsement of what we are doing.”

Dr Astrid Fontaine, Bentley Motors member of the board for people, digitalisation and IT said: “As Bentley steps up its emphasis on the importance of diversity and inclusion, we’re delighted to be sponsoring Cheshire East’s virtual pride celebrations on Saturday 25 July – and our rainbow Bentley captures the essence of that perfectly.”

Councillor Marilyn Houston, Cheshire East Council member equality champion, said: “Preparations for this year’s online event are coming along really well. We know it’s not the same as being there with friends, but the organising team have done a terrific job of pulling together elements of what you might have seen on the day and adding a few twists as well. Please tune in to our broadcast!”

Please keep in touch with announcements on our Virtual Pride 2020 event at www.prideinthepark.com and at our Pride in the Park Facebook page, which is @PrideInThePark2020

Pride in the Park will return to Queens Park, Crewe as a live outdoor event on Saturday 19 June, 2021.