Get the ‘Real Deal’ at a Cheshire East market

Cheshire East’s Council have joined a campaign to cut out counterfeiting in local markets ahead of the busy Christmas shopping period.

The authority has signed the ‘Real Deal’ charter, announcing their refusal to allow fake goods to be bought and sold at Cheshire East markets.

The ‘Real Deal’ charter is the brainchild of the Industry Trust for Intellectual Property (IP) Awareness which helps, local authorities, tackle the sale of counterfeit goods on markets and car boot sales.

The campaign will offer support and advice to local traders and urge both retailers and shoppers to report any concerns they may have regarding the sale of fake products.

Cheshire East Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said:

“The sale of counterfeit goods takes away vital trade from our many, legitimate traders here in Cheshire East as well as having a wider impact on those who own the trade mark for such products.

“The aim of this campaign is to ensure we can all do our Christmas shopping with peace of mind – safe in the knowledge that we are buying a genuine gift. This is about protecting our traders and consumers. I would urge anyone who has concerns about illegal trading to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.”

Liz Bales, Director General of the Industry Trust for IP Awareness, added:

"Well-run local markets provide real benefits to shoppers and businesses alike and are an important asset for local communities.  Unfortunately, unscrupulous traders can be attracted to markets and car boot sales as an easy opportunity to trade illegally, particularly in counterfeit and pirated goods.

“It is a major problem across the UK and is often linked to organised criminal groups. By signing up to the Real Deal charter, Cheshire East Council is sending a clear 'keep-out' message to counterfeit conmen. The Consumer Protection and Investigations team and its market managers have embraced the principle of fake-free trading and we hope that other councils across the country will follow their lead."

Cheshire Councils in talks to find solution to waste disposal problem

 

Two Cheshire Councils are talking to Viridor in an attempt to find a solution to the problem of future household waste disposal in the county.

The Waste Management giant had been selected by both Cheshire West and Chester and Cheshire East Councils as their provisional preferred bidder to handle the £850m, 25-year contract.

But just as the two authorities were about to finalise a lengthy procurement process, Defra announced that it had decided to withdraw its provisional allocation of over £100m worth of support for the scheme.

Cheshire East Councillor Peter Mason, Cabinet Member with responsibility for procurement, assets and shared services, added:  “This set back is very disappointing, especially as we have just chosen our preferred bidder for this contract.

“The project would have solved the problem of the disposal of Cheshire’s household waste through this 25 year contract in an environmentally friendly way – avoiding the need for landfill.”

Cheshire West and Chester Councillor Lynn Riley, Community and Environment Executive Member: “This legacy project took five years and around £4m of public money to reach this stage. In the light of the current situation, we need to examine all the options open to us.

“It is only commonsense that we should talk to the company that had been chosen after such a careful selection process, to see whether there is the facility within the current procurement to help overcome the funding shortfall.”

In the meantime officers representing both authorities have met with Defra officials in London to discuss The Government’s reasons for selecting The Cheshire scheme as one of seven to have financial support withdrawn.

Councillor Riley added:  “I understand that the methodology employed by Government to arrive at that decision will not be published for two or three weeks.

“Our project team will review the information from the meeting with Defra and we will consider a report from officers before making recommendations on any further possible action.

“We cannot at this stage rule out a formal challenge against the decision to withdraw

support for this crucial important scheme.”

Councillor Riley continued:  “At this stage only one thing appears to be certain and that is that PFI credits are a thing of the past. Those schemes that have been successful will be supported by a system of grants.” 

Viridor had proposed a mechanical and biological treatment plant at the former INEOS chemical works at Griffiths Road, Northwich, which would recover the limited recyclable materials from household waste and use the remainder to produce a solid recoverable fuel.

This fuel could then be transported by rail from the MTB facility to a purpose built power station to be constructed at Runcorn which in turn will generate energy for use in the INEOS works.

Greater Support for Domestic Abuse Victims

 

Victims of domestic abuse are to benefit from greater support under proposals unveiled by the Cheshire East Supporting People Programme.

Support for women and children in their homes will be increased, while services will be extended to male victims for the first time.

The improvements have been outlined as part of a tender opportunity for domestic abuse services.

The programme is a partnership of Cheshire East Council, Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust and the Probation Service.

Expressions of interest are now being invited from providers to run services to deliver safety and recovery for victims of domestic abuse, either in their homes or in refuge accommodation. The services will run from April 2011.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “Supporting victims of domestic abuse is a strong priority for Cheshire East Council, and forms part of our commitment to improve life opportunities and health for all residents.

“Research shows that effective intervention by all agencies is vital to making a difference to the lives of victims and their families.

“The tender process has offered a timely opportunity to develop and expand the specialist support we provide to this extremely vulnerable group.

“Our focus will continue to be on early intervention, to halt the escalation of abuse and prevent an increase in cases of more serious abuse.”

Refuge accommodation for women and their children in the Cheshire East area and beyond will continue to be provided in Crewe and Macclesfield under the new contract.

Cheshire East libraries are number one!

 

Cheshire East Council is top of the table in a new survey of libraries across the country.

Libraries in Cheshire East issued 8,032 books for every 1,000 people – showing an average of eight books hired per person for 2009/2010.

This is the highest across the whole country, showing the Council is leaving all other unitary authorities behind.

A total of 2,913,226 books were hired from all of Cheshire East’s libraries during the year.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “I was delighted to hear Cheshire East was the number one authority for books issued per 1,000 of the population.

“What is particularly impressive about this is the rural nature of our area. We are up against many urban councils, where people only have to walk a couple of minutes to reach a library.

“In Cheshire East, some people have to travel many miles to find the book, DVD or game they would like.

“This result is a positive reflection of our marvellous services and staff and the quality and quantity of our stock. The libraries in Cheshire East will continue to offer a top quality service to our residents.”

The statistics were collated by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountability (CIPFA), which researches performance in public services.

Cheshire East’s sportsmen and women heralded

Unsung sporting heroes across Cheshire East have been recognised for their efforts at an awards ceremony at Congleton Town Hall.

It was the very first combined Cheshire East Sports Awards in which the work of local volunteers, clubs, coaches and schools in developing sport in both the northern and southern areas of Cheshire East was recognised.

Around 150 people attended the event, hosted by BBC Radio Manchester presenter Mike Shaft.

Paralympic gold medallist Sarah Storey, fresh from the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, received the Disability Sports Achiever award and also spoke of her experience and achievements.

The certificates and awards were presented by the Mayor of Cheshire East Council, Councillor Gordon Baxendale.

Cheshire East Council and the school sport partnerships of Crewe and Nantwich, Macclesfield and Sandbach funded and organised the evening on behalf of the Cheshire East Community Sport and Physical Activity Network.

Its chairman, David Newton, said: “It really did demonstrate the high quality of commitment, hard work, and excellent performance of all the volunteers and athletes who were honoured for their achievements.

“I would also like, especially, to record my thanks to Cheshire East Council and school sport partnerships for the way they helped to make the evening such a success, and also for their effective contribution throughout the year to the work of the community sports network.”

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, added: “These awards show the sheer quality of the athletes, coaches, clubs and volunteers that we have in Cheshire East.”

The winners and runners up are:

Winners

Runner-up

Young Volunteer of the Year

Joel Evans (Knutsford Hockey Club)

Zoe Perera (Wilmslow Lightning Netball Club)

Volunteer of the Year

James Partridge (Cheshire East Volunteer Programme)

Lorraine Weekes (Ladyhawks Netball Club – Crewe)

School of the Year

Leighton Primary School

Weston Village Primary School

Disability Sports Achiever

Sarah Storey (Paralympic Athlete – Disley)

Omar Haddad (Gymnast – Crewe club. Lives in Widnes)

Young Sports Achiever of the Year

Matthew Nottingham (Badminton Player – Wilmslow)

Charlotte Bradbury (Swimmer – Nantwich)

Coach of the Year

Mark Russell (Team Chongi – Crewe)

Jane Whetnall (Cheshire Academy – Crewe)

Club of the Year

Congleton Lawn Tennis Club

Crewe and Stoke Youth Ten Pin Bowling Club

London 2012 Award

Malbank Organising Committee for the Olympic Games

Macclesfield School Sports Partnership

Special Recognition

Ron Booth (Henbury and Broken Cross Football Club)

Imogen Williams (Ladyhawks Netball Club – Crewe)

The event also recognised the efforts of Cheshire East leisure and play development volunteers who have given 2,814 hours in total since the turn of the year. They also received certificates for individually achieving more than 50 hours of volunteering.

The winners and runners-up of the majority of the categories will represent Cheshire East at the Cheshire and Warrington Sports Awards at Mere Golf Club on Saturday, November 13.

Crewe and Nantwich Sports Council also presented its two annual awards. The Malcolm Case award was given to Wendy and Dennis Beech who have been coaching disability table tennis in Crewe for many years.

The Vernon Cooper award was jointly given to Charlotte Bradbury and Liam Clowes to recognise the efforts to try and compete at the Olympics in London in 2012.

Crime News

Please be aware that there continues to be a number of incidents of theft from vehicle across the Crewe & Nantwich area.  There are no specific wards being targeted with the majority of wards having an incident over the period.
The majority of vehicles are being targeted for two main reasons:
1.) Insecure Vehicles - Unfortunately, in some cases people are forgetting to lock their vehicles either overnight or when they are leaving them unsupervised during the day.  Similar to sneak in burglaries in dwellings, it is a shame when people have security measures such as locks and alarms that aren't being utilised.  It is also worth remembering that it can be more complicated to get an insurance payout if a vehicle has been left unlocked.  It is extremely easy to forget to lock a vehicle so please urge members to try and take an extra half a minute every time they leave their vehicle to double check that they have locked their vehicle.
2.) Items Left On Show - In a number of incidents access to vehicles is being gained to take items that are being left on show when the vehicle is unoccupied.  The most common form of entry in these cases (if the vehicle is secure) is to smash a window and grab the item in question.  Please remember to check that items are not left on show in your vehicle.  This includes items such as satellite navigation systems, mobile phones, lap tops and electronics.  However, please remember that it can include more obscure items such as coats, rucksacks, handfuls of coinage, plastic bags, sunglasses.  It is also worth being mindful that you may be leaving items on show that you know are not appealing to a thief but these may be in a rucksack or wrapped in a carrier bag (such as dirty gym kit, your used lunchbox etc).  A thief will not know what is in a bag and may well take the chance to break into your vehicle to see.  It is therefore best to be ultra safe and remove anything that might be appealing / tempting to an opportunist thief out of sight when exiting the vehicle.
The above reminders are particularly important in the run up to Christmas.  Many of us may be dropping shopping bags back to our vehicles and it would be devastating for newly bought presents to be taken because you accidentally leave your vehicle unlocked or the items are left on show.  If you are taking items back to the car, be mindful of who is observing you when you put them in your car, try and park on a safer park mark accredited car park and ensure they are locked out of sight.  The same applies when doing present drops around family and friends.  If you have several households to visit and are popping in for a chat / drink as you go around make sure the presents not for that household are locked securely out of sight.

 

 

 

With the clocks going back soon and the start of winter upon us it is important to ensure that your vehicles are fit for winter driving.  If anyone has any vulnerable relatives / members or young drivers in the family it may be worthwhile assisting them with these checks to help them prepare for the winter weather.
This time of year can unfortunately mean an increase in the number of collisions on the roads.  Drivers need to be prepared for all types of weather at all times. Although we all know the weather can start to change significantly at this time of year it always seems to come as a surprise to some drivers with many being caught out by fog, ice and snow as they embark on their normal day-to-day journeys.  

Drivers are urged to take a few simple steps to ensure their car is fit for driving in winter weather.

• Ensure that the service history is up-to-date

• Make sure your lights and brakes are working properly

• Check the pressure of the tyres and ensure that the coolant and oil levels are correct

• Keep the windscreen washer topped up so that you can clear the film of moisture that fog leaves

• Make sure your windscreen is clear before setting off on a journey - that will improve visibility considerably when fog comes down

• Allow plenty of time to de-ice your car thoroughly - scraping a few inches of frost away right in front of your eyes is not adequate enough - it is illegal and dangerous.  Please don't be tempted to leave your car defrosting unattended on your driveway.  At this time of year you will spot a number of drivers do this to enable them to defrost their cars whilst finishing their breakfast, getting their stuff together etc.  Most of us would not consider leaving our keys within our vehicles at any other time of the year and this time of year should be no different.  Even if you lock your keys in your car with a spare key it would only take someone smashing the window to be able to steal your vehicle.  If the weather is frosty allow extra time in the morning to defrost your vehicle properly with you in it when you leave.

• Ensure you put your fog lights on if conditions are bad enough - and remember to slow down and take care, especially at junctions

• Breaking down on the road is never a pleasant experience - make sure you have adequate breakdown cover

Drivers need to slow down if they are facing ice, fog or snow. If they have to drive more slowly, then they need to ensure they allow extra time to get to their destination.

 

A local Home Watch coordinator has recently brought my attention to a scam that she has been made aware of by a friend.  At this time it is important to note that this scam has not been reported in the Crewe or Nantwich area and I have had this confirmed by a local Trading Standards Officer.  Thus far, the scam seems to have been reported in the Penketh & Sankey areas of Warrington in the North of the county and Trading Standards are aware of this in that area.  These scams can migrate as companies often target a batch of postcodes and as it has already reached Cheshire it seems sensible to forewarn our local coordinators so that members can be prepared should they receive a call from this company in the future and also know to report any contact to trading standards.
Thankfully, the individual approached in the reported incident did not buy anything and asked the company to leave.  Upon speaking to some neighbours it seems that other people in their area had also been approached by the company.  However the company seem to be using several pressure selling tactic such as arranging a short appointment and staying a long time, urging people to make a snap decision to sign up to a deal on the spot otherwise they won't get the deal, pushing for more and more items to be bought / looked at during their time at a persons property.
As always please urge members never to buy any goods and services from the door or telephone.  Often telephone companies try and arrange a follow up appointment with the householder on an initial phone call - by doing this they are no longer cold calling as you have made an appointment to invite them into your home.  If you require any goods and services source them yourself by finding several quotations, taking recommendations from friends/family and finding accredited companies to carry out the work.
If anyone has any contact from this company please make Trading Standards (Consumer Direct) aware via 08454 04 05 06.

Quality of Life survey launched

 

What is it like to live in Cheshire East?

That’s one of the questions posed in the Council’s 2010 Quality of Life survey, which is landing on thousands of doorsteps throughout the area.

The questionnaire, which is going out to 3,700 households, asks residents for opinions about aspects of quality of life, including housing, health services and community safety.

Results will show whether Cheshire East Council is dealing with issues that concern and matter to local people.

As this is the first Quality of Life survey undertaken by Cheshire East, it will be important in planning future services.

The Council is also keen to understand which services are most important to residents to help it decide how it can reduce its budget in the light of cuts in revenue support grant from central government.

It will also be used to see how Cheshire East is doing at delivering the services that matter most to residents and to decide what needs to be done differently in the future.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “Cheshire East is already a great place to live. But we want to gauge the views of our residents in this very important survey as it will give us useful information in our quest to keep it that way.

“To ensure the findings are a true reflection of public opinion it is important to get as high a response as possible so I do hope the recipients will participate. Results will be available in the New Year on the Council’s website.”

Residents are asked to complete and return it in the prepaid envelope provided by November 30. Anybody who doesn’t receive a survey can complete it online at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

Questionnaire recipients who have any questions or concerns about the survey should contact market research company Ipsos MORI on 0161 240 2401.

Former Cheshire East Mayor presents £7,000 to charity

The first ever Mayor of Cheshire East Council spent much of her term raising awareness of a little known form of muscular dystrophy.

Councillor Margaret Simon chose Action Duchenne as one of her two main charities for 2009/2010, along with Hearing Dogs for the Deaf.

After numerous dress-down days, a fishing match and a Cheshire East ball, Cllr Simon was able to present an impressive £7,000 to the charity.

She said: “My cousin’s grandson, Thomas, has been showing signs of the condition and I am aware of a few more cases of young people in our district who have it.

“Action Duchenne is very little known and I felt as though I really wanted to help and put my efforts into raising money for the charity.”

Duchenne is a severe form of muscular dystrophy characterised by rapid progression of muscle degeneration, which can result in death.

It affects one in 3,500 males, making it the most prevalent of muscular dystrophies. In general, only males are affected but females can be carriers.

More collections and also a coffee morning in the Mayor’s parlour helped to bring home a massive £14,000 in total – which was split equally between Cllr Simon’s two chosen charities.

She added: “The biggest part of my year as Mayor was spent meeting people and learning about what goes on across our area.

“However, I took immense pleasure in being able to support such good causes. It gives you a great sense of humility and I met many people who work so hard for their charities.”

Have your say on shaping the regeneration of Crewe

 

Cheshire East Council wants YOUR views on an ambitious vision for the regeneration of Crewe.

Over the past year, consultants advising the Council have identified what they believe needs to be done to ‘unlock’ the huge potential of the town and surrounding area to become an economic powerhouse by 2031. This vision is called ‘All Change for Crewe’.

Now it’s time for YOU to play your part.

Cheshire East will hold public engagement events over four weeks and have an online questionnaire to seek your feedback and views on what the priorities for the regeneration of Crewe should be. We want you to tell us, for example:

● How important are improvements to the railway station for the revitalisation of Crewe?

● Do you think the current range of shops, leisure and other facilities in Crewe town centre can be improved?

● What is the biggest barrier to raising the aspirations of young people in Crewe?

● How can public transport provision in Crewe be improved?

● What is the best way of engaging business and residents in delivering regeneration through different projects and activities?

Cheshire East Council Leader Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald said: “These public engagement events are an emphatic step and show that we really do mean business in Crewe. Now it is time for everyone to get behind this ambitious programme of regeneration.

“We are in a tough economic climate but we are very well placed in Cheshire East to take advantage of our potential and come out of this downturn in better shape and more quickly than many other places. The Council and the people of Cheshire East have a critical role in shaping and enabling the redevelopment of Crewe and the wider region.”

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “This is a tremendous opportunity for local people to have their say and really take ownership of ambitious moves to profoundly revitalise and regenerate their town and the surrounding area – building on the hard work and progress of the Council and its partners over the past year.

“Crewe has a rich heritage of tremendous industrial achievement. The task now is to unleash Crewe’s tremendous potential for future growth and prosperity – but we all need to get behind this project to help make it a reality.”

The Council is working with key stakeholders and partners to help turn the town and surrounding area into a leading player in Britain’s 21st century economy.

Consultants have identified how the Council and other partner agencies can unlock what they see as the unique potential of Crewe over the next 20 years.

The focus is on increasing economic productivity and performance, which is underpinned by five key strategic themes which are to:

● Radically improve strategic transport links and create a state-of-the-art broadband internet network;

● Develop a more diversified ‘knowledge economy’ that attracts and keeps hi-tech firms and skilled workers;

● Enhance the attractiveness of Crewe as a place to live and work – including boosting schools and local transport and expanding the town’s population;

● Develop key underutilised sites – including the Basford East investment site, Crewe rail station and the town centre;

● Improve the town’s public image and leadership.

A revamped Crewe train station and town centre will be at the heart of several major projects planned to revitalise Crewe and surrounding region.

Attracting more educated, skilled and ambitious workers to Crewe would boost the economy and be central to plans for the town to become a dynamic regional centre by 2031. The aim is to increase the town’s gross value added per worker by 85 per cent over 20 years, growing the economy by £850m per year by 2031.

Now Cheshire East Council wants YOU to come along and have your say on the future of the town during four weeks of public engagement events at:

● Crewe Swimming Pool (from 8am to 10am), on Tuesday, November 9;

● Crewe Fire Station (from 2pm to 4pm), on Thursday, November 11;

● Crewe Fire Station (from 6pm to 8pm), on Thursday, November 18;

● Crewe Railway Station (from 4pm to 7pm), on Monday, November 22;

● Crewe Swimming Pool (from 4pm to 6pm), on Wednesday, November 24;

● Crewe Library (from 2pm to 4pm), on Wednesday, December 1.

There will also be a further opportunity for business people to make their views known at a business breakfast meeting hosted by South Cheshire Chamber on November 23.

For further information, visit the council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/allchangeforcrewe and complete our online questionnaire by the deadline of December 6.

Ends.

Community Fun Day

There were spooky goings on in Crewe on Friday (October 29) at a community fun day to celebrate a new £50,000 play area at Leighton Brook Park.

There was pumpkin carving, willow weaving and lantern making at Webby’s Community Centre. Children were also given the chance to earn a ticket to see a 3D film, by taking part in a litter pick.

The Connexions bus also made an appearance, with staff showing children how to make non-alcoholic cocktails.

The event marked the completion of a new ‘natural play’ facility at the park. This is where materials such as climbing boulders, fallen logs and stepping stones are used to encourage physical exercise with an element of managed risk and creativity.

Local adults and children all had their say on the ‘natural play’ designs. The final version includes an earthwork wrapping along the back of the multi-use games area, and grass bank seating.

From this embankment children can relax, climb and observe. At the base of the landform will be a group of totem poles, carved green oak trees and multiple tyre swings.

The funding has come from the Landfill Communities Fund of Waste Recycling Group Ltd administered by Waste Recycling Environmental Ltd (WREN).

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “This new play area has enhanced the environment and will let children interact with their natural surroundings in a way that they can’t in traditional play areas.

“A lot of hard work has been put in to make this project happen and I want to congratulate all those involved.”

Crewe Mayor, Councillor Jacquie Weatherill, and Councillor Roy Cartlidge, said: “Thanks to funding from WREN and the Council’s commitment to improving community life we have a play area which will benefit children in Cheshire East for years to come.

“The residents have told us what they wanted from the project and their contribution has been vital.”

A full opening ceremony will be held at Leighton Brook Park later in the year.

Have your say on shaping the future of Cheshire East

 

It’s time to have YOUR say on shaping the future development of Cheshire East to help unleash its potential.

Everybody is being invited to give their views on the Cheshire East Local Development Framework. This development plan will look at how our towns and villages should grow and change over the next 20 years and how the environment can be improved.

This plan will affect everybody who lives, works and visits Cheshire East. The first stage of consultation starts on November 8 and runs until December 17.

The Council wants your views on planning ahead to meet the key challenges facing Cheshire East up to 2030. These include:

● Meeting housing need – how much housing is needed and where?

● Promoting economic prosperity, jobs and growth;

● Supporting town centres;

● Improving transport connections;

● Working to promote cultural and social wellbeing;

● Conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment;

● Reducing impact on climate change.

People will also be asked to give their views on three options for growth in Cheshire East:

● Option One: Growth in Crewe and towns in the south of the borough. This would see limited growth in the north of the borough, no change to the green belt and limited rural development;

● Option Two: Growth in Crewe, Macclesfield and towns in the south of the borough. This would include change to the green belt at Macclesfield and some limited rural development;

● Option Three: Growth in Crewe, Macclesfield and neighbouring towns in between. This would include changes to the green belt and some limited rural development.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “This is a really important opportunity for people to really help shape the future direction of Cheshire East and take ownership of planning for their own future.

“The Local Development Framework will play a critical part in delivering the Council’s ambitious plans for the future of Cheshire East and help to unleash its tremendous potential – building on the borough’s already strong economic base.

“It will set out where new homes will be built, where new employment should be located and how the physical and social infrastructure will be provided to support new development.

“The framework will play an important part in tackling the issues surrounding climate change and in achieving sustainable development.

“It is also concerned with protecting and enhancing parts of Cheshire East that are important parts of our heritage. It’s about improving our town centres, protecting valued areas of open space and providing new recreation and leisure facilities. It also plays an important role in ensuring that the community’s need for affordable housing is met.”

There will be further opportunities for people get involved during further consultation on the Local Development Framework, focusing on towns, in 2011.

Copies of the consultation document will be available online on the Council’s website, at local libraries and at the Council Offices at Westfields, Sandbach, from November 8.

Comments can be submitted online at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ldf

Alternatively, email ldf@cheshireeast.gov.uk or write to:

Spatial Planning Team, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach CW11 1HZ.

For more information and to comment, visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ldf

Stamping out underage firework sales in Crewe

Fireworks company Blitz really sparkled during a Cheshire East operation to stamp out the underage purchase of fireworks in the lead up to Bonfire Night.

The Crewe firm, based in Hightown, was one of five retailers visited by Cheshire East Council’s consumer protection and investigations team during Operation Zenit.

Officers led the initiative with assistance from Cheshire Police to carry out test purchases at retailers in Crewe using 14-year-old volunteers. All asked for the relevant ID.

But what was particularly impressive about Blitz was its ‘beyond the call of duty’ approach by telling the ‘buyer’ he was too young before giving him a flyer about local Bonfire Night events – and two tickets for a firework display.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “It is such good news to know that licensees are carrying out their legal duty in asking for identification and refusing to sell fireworks to underage consumers.

“But I was also delighted to hear of the lengths Blitz went to. Its staff turned the situation around, which is an excellent response, and I congratulate the company for its diligence.

“We are working hard to put a lid on the underage purchase of fireworks. Young people handling fireworks can have disastrous consequences. Bonfire Night should be an enjoyable time – we do not want it to end with anyone being hurt or worse.”

John Malam, director of Blitz, added: “It is so nice to be praised for our approach in discouraging underage use of fireworks. It is our preferred way of trying to get children to enjoy Bonfire Night in a safe manner whilst understanding the history behind the celebration and its tradition.

“Blitz has a great relationship with consumer protection and investigations and it does a great job of keeping our streets safe from rogue products. I think its approach to clamping down on underage sales is fantastic.”

In the run up to Bonfire Night (Friday, November 5), Cheshire East would like to remind businesses they must be registered to obtain a licence to store fireworks.

Fireworks can be sold until November 10 and between December 26-31, three days before and on the day of Chinese New Year and also three days before and on the day of Diwali.

Cheshire East is checking that retailers are complying with legislation regarding the sale and safe storage of fireworks and spot checks will continue in the run up Bonfire Night to ensure fireworks are not being sold to anyone under 18. Businesses can only sell fireworks at restricted times unless they have a year-round licence.

All retailers selling fireworks must display a sign stating that it is illegal to:

• Sell ‘adult’ fireworks (any firework except for a cap, cracker snap, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents, throw-downs and indoor fireworks) or sparklers to anyone under the age of 18;
• Possess adult fireworks in a public place.

The penalty for selling to underage consumers can result in prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000 or a prison sentence of up to six months, or both

Care Charging Policy Consultation

 

Residents are to be consulted as part of a review of services for older people, people with disabilities and carers across Cheshire East.

Over the last two years, the Council has transformed the way services are supplied to older people and adults with disabilities, bringing in great efficiencies and saving millions of pounds.

Despite this, the authority faces a potential overspend as demand continues to increase during the tough economic climate and people who used to fund their own care are running out of money and turning to the Council to help.

It is essential the full costs of care are recovered either through those who fund themselves or those who are funded by budgets provided by Cheshire East.

Many people fall between these two positions and their care is part funded by themselves and the Council. Where people have a personal budget, they are free to purchase their own care from where they like and the unique Empower* debit card helps them to do that.

The Council is going out to public consultation to seek the views of its customers and their carers from November 2 until January 31. All details will be available at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk from November 2 but topics under consideration are:

• Recovering the full cost of service provision either through customer payments and/or personal budgets from the Council;
• Recovering not just the cost of care but the overheads associated with providing that care;
• Using direct debits for collecting care costs with care providers collecting those costs directly, significantly reducing the cost of collection. The Empower debit card can be used to pay care suppliers;
• The charging policy to include benefit advice and means testing for carers to ensure that they have the correct level of income;
• The charging policy to include people in receipt of Independent Living Funds.

The Council is supporting an increasing number of people to make their own care arrangements but there are some people for whom this is not possible, such as those who need long-term residential or nursing care. The Council will continue to make arrangements for them.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “This is all part of the transformation process to ensure that charging is fair and equitable to everyone and that no money is unnecessarily lost in the system that could be better spent elsewhere.

“We face a very severe economic situation and rising demand, so every penny has to be spent to give the maximum return. I have authorised the public consultation but no more than that. There are some very complex issues here and we really need input from our customers and carers, before making any decisions.”

How you can find out more and make your views known:

Write to: The Consultation and Participation Team, Cheshire East Council, Delamere House, Delamere Street, Crewe, CW1 2LL

Email your views to: charging@cheshireeast.gov.uk

The following public consultation events are being held:

• Nantwich Civic Hall (from 7pm to 9pm), on Thursday, November 25;
• Sandbach Town Hall (from 6.30pm to 8.30pm), on Tuesday, November 30;
• Middlewich Community Church (from 12.30pm to 2.30pm), on Wednesday, December 1;
• Crewe Municipal Buildings (from 2pm to 4pm), on Wednesday, January 5;
• Wilmslow Leisure Centre (from 2pm to 4pm), on Thursday, January 6;
• Macclesfield Town Hall (from 2pm to 4pm), on Wednesday, January 19.

Please call 01270 371376 during office hours to advise on the session you would like to attend, so we can account for numbers. You will not be asked to provide your personal details.

Adult Transport Consultation

 

A two-month consultation is being launched to consider the future of transport provision for older and disabled people in Cheshire East.

The Council has transformed adult services to make it fit for the 21st century and considerations over transport now need to be made.

Cheshire East Council is unusual in having a big fleet of minibuses and while that might have been appropriate in the 1980s and 1990s, it may not be appropriate in 2010.

Cheshire East has an increasing number of taxis which are able to serve people with disabilities as well as Dial-A-Ride, community transport, motobility schemes, bus passes, more accessible buses and personal budgets that allow older people and those with disabilities to decide on their own care and transport provisions.

The new Empower* debit card makes paying for alternative transport easy and automatically records what has been spent.

Reasons why the Council feels this review is necessary include:

· The first person to board a minibus may be there for more than an hour while other people are being picked up and may be in the same position on the way home.

· People have to travel at times controlled by the bus timetable and not when they want to travel.

· The minibus fleet costs £1.4m a year to operate which some or all of that money could be better spent elsewhere. The cost per trip using the minibus fleet is £9 per person. Given the tough national economic situation, is that good value for money?

· Some people, particularly young people with learning disabilities, may prefer to use a personal budget to hire a personal assistant for half a day and go to the library, swimming pool or leisure centre, etc.

· Some younger people who could learn to travel independently on public transport do not get the opportunity as they can be dependent upon the Council's minibus fleet. Being able to travel independently could transform their quality of life.

However, Cheshire East recognises there will be some people for whom none of the above is a practical option and they will still need direct transport provision.

Cheshire East is already carrying out independent travel training with an increasing number of people. If the decision is to end the current system, the Council will continue to make arrangements for people who cannot travel independently and will ensure that people have access to transport.

Public consultation will run from November 2 to December 31 and will consider the future of fleet transport and the amount of subsidy on the flat-rate transport charge, which is currently set at £2 per trip. More details on how these will affect customers will be available on the Cheshire East website from November 2.

Cheshire East Council is committed to giving people more choice and control over Cheshire East services and resources. It also aims to improve life opportunities and health for all residents.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “We have an opportunity here to make transport the servant of the customers and not the other way round, as we virtually have now.

“It is an opportunity for freedom, choice and convenience for many people. It is also an opportunity to make transport use and provision sustainable as the existing system, costing £1.4m a year, cannot continue in its present form while demands for social care continue to rise at an alarming rate.”

People can make their views known by:

Completing the online questionnaire at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

Writing to: The Consultation and Participation Team, Cheshire East Council, Delamere House, Delamere Street, Crewe, CW1 2LL

Emailing your views to: transport.consultation@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Informing staff in their day care centres.

There will also be public meetings at The Community Church, Brook Lane, Middlewich, CW10 0JG, December 1. Sessions start at 3.30pm and 5.30pm.

Drains action to stop flooding

 

Rope Ward Councillors Margaret Simon, Ray Westwood and Brian Silvester have taken up the concerns of residents about the blocked and overflowing grid system on Coppice Road, Willaston between the junctions with Wistaston Road and Cedar Court.

Cllr Silvester said," This issue has been raised at the last few Willaston Parish Council meetings. Any heavy rain results in the road and pavements being flooded. We have asked the Cheshire East Council to consider the renewing of the drains as part of their programme of major road improvements. Action is needed to prevent this being a persistent problem. We have found that cleaning out the existing drains is not the solution. New drains are required."

Cllr Margaret Simon said;

"Flooding in this area and on part of Cheerbrook Road, during periods of heavy rain, has been a concern to  Willaston residents and Parish Councillors.  After making enquiries it transpires that the drains and gulleys are not silted up they simply cannot cope with the amount of surface water.  The only way to cure the problem is to install new and bigger drains."

Cheshire East Joins Region’s Biggest Ever Fostering Campaign

Cheshire East Council is joining forces with local authorities across the North West to tackle a dramatic shortfall in the number of people becoming foster carers in the region.

Some 23 Councils have come together to create the largest ever regional fostering campaign under the banner: You Can Foster.

The campaign aims to dispel many of the widely-held myths about foster caring, while showcasing the diversity of foster carers throughout the region and how they can make a real difference to a child’s life.

You Can Foster launches this week across TV, radio, print and social media, featuring real-life foster carers as the ‘faces’ of the campaign.

It will urge people to consider whether they can offer a secure, safe and caring home for a child who cannot live with their own family.

In the North West alone there is a shortfall of 1,700 foster carers, presenting a greater need than ever for new carers. The shortfall across England is more than 8,200.

Earlier this year, Cheshire East Council launched a campaign to recruit 40 new foster carer households to help the authority look after an increasing number of cared-for children.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and families, said: “We are extremely proud to be part of You Can Foster – the most dynamic and far-reaching campaign North West local authorities have undertaken in the field of foster care.

“Despite the success of our own recent foster care recruitment campaign, we still desperately need more people to come forward to be carers.

“The regional campaign aims to raise awareness of the shortage of foster carers across the North West and urge people to consider whether they could fill this important role.

“It is important to understand that there is no such thing as the typical foster carer. We need a diverse range of people with different skills and qualities, so more children can be placed in the right home.

“I urge anyone who thinks they may have the skills to foster to make contact and find out more about this hugely rewarding role.”

Currently, there are 180 foster carer households looking after more than 300 children in Cheshire East.

Foster carers come from all walks of life and may be married, living together or single and may or may not have children of their own.

They provide many different types of care including emergency overnight stays, short and intermediate-term care, short breaks for children with disabilities and long-term support until the young person reaches adulthood.

Foster carers are paid an allowance to cover the daily costs of looking after each child, plus holiday, birthday and Christmas allowances. They are also paid a fee, depending on skills and experience.

Anyone wishing to find out more about fostering via the campaign can visit the website www.youcanfoster.org or telephone 0800 634 7052.

More information about fostering in Cheshire East can be found on the Council’s website www.cheshireeast.gov.uk or by contacting the fostering and adoption team on 0300 123 3223.

Well done Beth!

 

Beth Tweddle’s gold success in the World Gymnastics Championships is a shining example to all of Cheshire East’s aspiring young athletes.

The Council applauds the Bunbury gymnast’s latest achievement after she recaptured her world uneven bars title in Rotterdam, Holland.

The 25-year-old, who learned her craft at Crewe and Nantwich Athletics Club, in Camm Street, Crewe, regained the title she first won in 2006 with a near-flawless routine.

Now, Cheshire East would like to congratulate her on her latest achievement.

Cllr Brian Dykes, ward member for Nantwich, said: “Beth’s success is shown in her true dedication and commitment to her sport. She is a figurehead to all those who wish to succeed with their talents.

“Her achievements place Crewe and Nantwich on the map. Her talents were spotted as a young girl at Crewe and Nantwich Athletics Club and her progression in the gymnastics world is Beth’s success story. It is also followed by us all in the village of Bunbury where Beth’s family home is and where she grew up.

“She has done incredibly well to regain her title and her continued, remarkable success should be an encouragement for all the young people in Cheshire East to take up sport and aim to be the best they can.

“Who knows, they might even follow in her footsteps and win gold too in the future?”

Beth notched 15.733 points as Chinese rivals He Kexin and Huang Qiushuang both fell off the apparatus.

She has now only to achieve an Olympic medal and has not ruled out competing at the 2012 London Olympics after previously believing she would be too old to take part.