Creative writers in Cheshire East commended

 

A creative writing competition has found that Cheshire East has some of the North West’s best wordsmiths.

Flashback Fiction, part of a Pages Ago history reading promotion, was a writing contest open to anyone living in the region.

Almost 250 people entered the competition. They were asked to weave a historical tale of no more than 500 words. Story settings ranged from ancient Egypt to Victorian workhouses and bomb shelters in the Second World War.

Cheshire East received the highest number of entries, which were of a very high standard and showed creative interpretation of the historical theme.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “Pages Ago was a promotion of history reading taking place in public libraries and historic venues across the North West from May to November. The promotion included a varied range of author visits, readers’ days and events with a historical theme, as well as this writing competition.

“History can sometimes be forgotten so I am extremely pleased to see that people are very keen to read about it.

“Cheshire East submitted the most entries across the 23 North West regional authorities and they were all of a very high standard. Congratulations go to our winners and a big thank you to all those who took part.”

Stories, which were submitted at www.time-to-read.co.uk, have been judged locally. The winners will now go forward to be considered for a regional prize.

The overall regional winner will be chosen by Professor Patricia Duncker, author of novels such as Hallucinating Foucault and Miss Webster and Cherif and is professor of contemporary literature at the University of Manchester.

The regional winner will be announced on December 15. The local winners chosen to go forward are:

Over 16: Sally Lowden, Macclesfield, with Silktown Story. A story in a local setting, capturing the landscape. A tale of ambition and lost opportunity, guiding a 21^st century reader back into the past.

Under 16: Harry Green, Cranage, with The Gates of Oblivion. A strong opening to a story set in 1047, marking the beginning of a journey. It makes the heart beat faster and has a contemporary theme which will engage the reader.

Becky Paley, Crewe, highly commended with Forgotten Child. A well-written story with good use of language and excellent imagery, creating a vivid picture that leaves people wanting to know more.

Irene Challender, Bollington, highly commended with Serving Madame. A skillfully-written story, with good character building leading to a shock ending.

Time to Read, a partnership of librarians engaged in reader development in public libraries across the North West, received Arts Council Grants for the Arts lottery funding to support this project.

MP news letter

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my 71st electronic news bulletin.

Last week the Government set out plans to ring-fence the public health budget.  We are putting local authorities in the driving seat to deliver health improvement.  

We are doing this because people living in the poorest areas of Britain today die 7 years earlier on average than people living in richer areas.  We have amongst the highest obesity rates of any country in the world, and more than 1 in 6 people still die before their 65th birthday.  Labour’s approach failed.

Please remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions for me.

You can forward the bulletin on to your friends and family, who can sign up themselves by clicking here for my website.

Best wishes,

Edward Timpson
Member of Parliament for Crewe & Nantwich

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I have recently ...

• Attended an Enterprise Presentation at Wychood Park delivered with aplomb by pupils from Shavington Primary School
• Attended the St Luke's Hospice Light Up a Life Ceremony in Crewe town centre
• Spoke in the House of Commons on the deterioration of the Crewe and Nantwich postal service since the closure of the Sorting Office in Crewe, and on the need to improve referral systems in the NHS
• Gave interviews to local radio and TV on the recent £8 billion railway investment announcement and how it may benefit Crewe in the long term.
• Met with theChildren's Rights Director, in Parliament
• Met with representatives of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, in Parliament
• Held a constituency surgery at Leighton Primary School
• Met with representatives of Ruskin Sports College to discuss school sports programmes
• Attended the quarterly meeting of the North West Ambulance Service, in Nantwich, to discuss progress of the First Responder scheme.
• Supported the family & friends of Leo Messam, with a memorial balloon release on Municipal Square in Crewe.
• Attended the St Luke's Hospice coffee morning fundraiser at Church View Surgery in Nantwich

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Photos & Video ...

You can view all my photos and video at edwardtimpsonmp.com

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South Cheshire postal service one of worst in Britain according to new figures

The Sentinel

RESIDENTS and businesses in South Cheshire are suffering the second-worst postal service in mainland Britain.

Latest Royal Mail performance figures show posties in the CW area delivered 88.9 per cent of first-class mail on time between June 7 to September 5.

It means only residents in Wigan have a worse postal service across the 121 main postcodes in England, Scotland, and Wales.

Nationally an average of 93.7 per cent of first-class mail arrived on time, ahead of Royal Mail's 93 per cent target.

In Stoke-on-Trent 92.2 per cent of first-class post was delivered on time.

Politicians and business leaders today blamed the poor CW performance on the closure of Crewe's Royal Mail sorting office on August 16.

Work from the Weston Road depot was transferred to Warrington, along with 600 jobs, after an 18-month fight to keep the Crewe centre open failed.

John Dunning, chief executive of South Cheshire Chamber of Trade, which campaigned against the closure with Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson, said: "The service to businesses in the Crewe area since the closure of the sorting office has been absolutely appalling.

"Both Edward Timpson and I have written to Royal Mail to complain and lots of businesses have called us to say they have suffered delays.

"Royal Mail has assured us that it is getting things back on track and we wait to see evidence of that."

Mr Timpson, below, who wants to meet Royal Mail, added: "We don't need an official report to tell us how bad the service has become for Crewe and Nantwich.

"I always said the postal service would suffer when Royal Mail decided to take so many jobs away from Crewe, but they didn't listen."

Ollie Slinn, Communication Workers' Union delivery representative for Crewe, said that workers are determined to get the service right following the closure of the Crewe sorting office. He said: "Royal Mail is going through a difficult period of modernisation.

"I'm still a postie, but our way of working has totally changed.

"The mail now comes pre-sorted sequentially from Warrington and we are working in twos rather than on our own.

"It's been a more difficult transition than any of us expected and we're asking the public to be patient."

A Royal Mail spokesman said: "The latest quality of service report covers June to September when our new mail centre in Warrington was experiencing some temporary teething problems which have now been addressed.

"We have made essential changes to our delivery operation in Crewe and apologise to any customers who have experienced mail delays."

The Sentinel reported in September how 94.1 per cent of first-class mail was delivered on time in the ST area between March 22 and June 6. In the CW area, 92.1 per cent of post was delivered on time.

© 2010 The Sentinel

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Nantwich Air Cadets invite MP to take part in fundraising bikeathon

Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle

CREWE and Nantwich Edward Timpson got on his bike to help the Nantwich Air Cadets in the squadron’s annual sponsorship event.

The cadets held the pedal relay marathon at Total Fitness in Macon Way, Crewe, to raise funds for future activities including Duke of Edinburgh Awards expenses and expeditions next spring.

Commanding Officer Mr Malcolm Hilditch said “I’d like to thank Total Fitness for the use of their fitness suite and the cadets who complete the Land’s End to John O’Groats trip in one day as a combined challenge. Also thanks to Mr Timpson, who completed several miles.”

Mr Timpson said: “I’ve always liked to keep fit myself, so I’m delighted to be doing a few miles to help raise some money for the Air Cadets.

“Congratulations to everyone who has taken part today, and many thanks to all the donors.”
The squadron is currently recruiting new members, and encourages young people aged 13-19 to join up.

They meet on Mondays and Thursdays from 7-9.30pm at the rear of Davenport Avenue.

© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd

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Families urged to sign up for charity Santa Dash in Crewe

Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle

Families urged to sign up for charity Santa Dash in Crewe

THE race is on for families to sign up to this year’s Santa Dash in Crewe.

The family fun run and Santa dash takes place in Crewe town centre on Sunday, December 12 at 11am.

It raises much-needed funds for Hope House Children’s Hospice.

Diane Aplin, of Hope House, said: “We want as many people as possible to take part in the event.”

The run has the support of Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson.
The cast of Aladdin, this year’s panto at Crewe Lyceum, are also backing it.

Last year more than 100 people dressed up as Santa and ran, jogged or walked the one-mile course around the town, raising £10,000.

The hospice wants more people to take part this year and is encouraging them to register at the Hope House Shop in Market Street.

Runners pay £12.50 to register and for that they receive a free festive suit, either a Santa or snowman.

They can also bring up to three children free of charge who can dress up in their own fancy dress.

Everyone is encouraged to raise a minimum of £20 sponsorship.

For further details go to the Hope House website at hopehouse.org.uk or phone 01691 691691.

© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd

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Crewe And Nantwich MP Edward Timpson Backs Adoption Campaign

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian

CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson is backing calls for more families and individuals to come forward as potential adopters.

The MP is supporting the latest efforts by leading adoption agency Adoption Matters Northwest to find more homes for some of the 4,000 children currently in care.

Some of the children have waited years for the chance to start a new life with a new family.

Mr Timpson, currently involved with the All Party Parliamentary Group on Adoption and Fostering, has two adopted brothers, and his parents have fostered more than 80 children during the last 30 years.

He is backing Government aims to speed up the adoption process and reducing the waiting times for prospective adopters and the children in care.

Mr Timpson congratulated Adoption Matters North West on the success of its themed poetry competition, the latest initiative by the agency to raise awareness of the shortage of adoptive parents.

“This is a great way of getting people of all ages to think about adoption a major social issue,” said the MP The competition, which ran throughout October, received some 200 entries from promising poets across Cheshire.

The competition asked people to develop a poem on this year’s theme of ‘belonging’, something which resonates with the MP.

He said: “As someone who has two adopted brothers, I congratulate Adoption Matters Northwest on their creative way of getting people engaged and talking about adoption “Any way we can help inspire and enlighten people’s understanding of adoption is welcome.”

Norman Goodwin chief executive of Adoption Matters Northwest, added: “We are delighted Edward Timpson has given us his support as he truly understands the issues surrounding adoption.”

© 2010 Newsquest Media Group

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Cheshire East's leading rival political parties have united behind an ambitious vision for the regeneration of Crewe

Crewe and Nantwich Chronicle

The leaders of the local Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour parties joined the Mayor of Crewe to sign a historic ‘Concordat’ in a public show of joint support for moves to turn Crewe and the surrounding area into an ‘economic powerhouse’ by 2031.

The landmark signing at Crewe’s newly-revamped Lyceum Square was witnessed by councillors and Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson.

Over the past year, consultants have identified what they believe needs to be done to ‘unlock’ the huge potential of the town and surrounding area and turn it into a leading player in Britain’s 21st century economy.

This vision is called ‘All Change for Crewe’.

Now political rivals have joined forces in a landmark move to help make this ambitious vision a reality.

The Concordat says: “We, the undersigned, hereby commit our wholehearted support to the regeneration and development of Crewe.

“We recognise the clear evidence of why regeneration is needed and the tangible opportunities on which to build a Crewe that will be more productive and positive for all its residents, businesses and visitors.

“We fully recognise Crewe as one of Cheshire East’s spatial priorities through a range of short, medium and long-term initiatives and strategies.”

It was signed by Conservative Cheshire East Council Leader Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, Labour Group Leader Cllr Dorothy Flude, Liberal Democrat Group Deputy Leader Cllr Rod Fletcher (Lib Dem Leader Cllr Ainsley Arnold was unavailable) and Mayor of Crewe Cllr Jacquie Weatherill.

Cllr Fitzgerald said: “The signing of this Concordat demonstrates the determination across the main political parties of the council to achieve an ambitious and lasting regeneration of Crewe.

“This unity of purpose is highly significant, highly unusual and truly historic – and shows the importance which all the major political parties place on this hugely-important project.

“It also shows, beyond doubt,, that the people and political leaders of Crewe mean business.”

Cllr Fletcher said: “As someone who has worked in Crewe for over 30 years, I’m highly delighted we’re moving forward. I hope we can progress this regeneration as quickly as possible.”

Cllr Flude said: “The ‘Vision for Crewe’ is a very important document. It’s important to the people of Crewe and it’s also important the people of Crewe attend the public engagement roadshows to give their feedback and opinions.

“Crewe is Cheshire East’s most important town. It’s the town with the youngest population, the town with excellent road and rail links and the town with much of Cheshire East’s industry and diverse business parks.

“It’s important we look to the future with the development of Basford and the revamping of the railway station, which will bring a much-needed vibrancy to businesses and the whole ethos of the town.”

Mayor Weatherill said: “This Concordat is highly significant and a cause for real optimism.

“It shows the strength and depth of commitment across the political spectrum and whole community to revitalising both Crewe’s economy and its attractiveness as a place to live. This is a landmark day.”

Consultants have identified how the council and its 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:

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

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

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

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

l Improve the town’s public image and leadership.

A revamped Crewe train station and town centre and the completion of the Crewe Green Link Road will be at the heart of several major projects planned to revitalise the town and the 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 economy by £850m per year by 2031.

Cheshire East has been holding a month of public engagement events and has an online questionnaire to seek residents’ views on the priorities for regeneration.

There’s less than a week to take part now as the closing date for feedback. The on-line questionnaire deadline is December 6.

The final round of public consultation events are today and tomorrow.

There’s a meeting tonight (Dec 1) at South Cheshire College from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and another at Crewe Library tomorrow from 2-4pm.

For further information, visit the council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/allchangeforcrewe

© 2010 Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales Ltd

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Bobby Charlton @ MMU

Crewe Blog

MMU Cheshire welcomed World Cup legend Sir Bobby Charlton to its campus recently to open a new £10m sport science centre. Local Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson was also in attendance at the opening. It is the first step in a £50m project which intends to help crewe become a major university town. Facilities at the centre include a 50 station gym, an artificial turf pitch and two four-court sports halls. Mr Timpson greeted the opening enthusiastically: “Let’s get the word out to prospective students that we’ve got world-class facilities here in Crewe, and that it’s a great town to come to study in.”

Sir Bobby also said he hoped the facilities would encourage students to sporting success: “This is going to be fantastic for students and the community in Crewe. I enjoyed my visit to Crewe when MMU started work on the campus and I'm looking forward to going down this Friday to see the finished product.”

MMU Cheshire Dean, Dennis Dunn, said: "We now have a busy, vibrant campus with superb facilities and growing links with Crewe and its people. It is important for the town that higher education is healthy and successful here, and we hope people will get involved with us, whether through sports and arts or through learning."

© 2010 Crewe Blog

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The Letterbox Club

Crewe Blog

A six-month scheme that has boosted reading and writing amongst cared-for children in Cheshire East has proved so successful that it will run again next year. The Letterbox Club is a national project that involves monthly parcels of books, games and stationery being sent to school pupils’ homes. A celebration event was held at Monks Coppenhall Primary School in Crewe, on November 11, to mark the end of this innovative project. Crewe MP, Edward Timpson, was the special guest. The event highlighted the way in which foster carers, schools and other professionals work together in supporting cared-for children both inside and outside of school. In total eight Year 6 students in Cheshire East were part of the scheme. It helped smooth the transition from Year 5, and also provided them with things to do during the summer holidays. Funding for next year has already been secured, and the scheme will expand to include cared-for pupils in Year 3 across Cheshire East. The Letterbox Club was started by Leicester University and is managed by the Booktrust. It aims to raise educational standards among cared-for children and focuses on English and Mathematics.

© 2010 Crewe Blog

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All Change For Crewe - Political rivals united in historic move to back regeneration

Crewe Blog

Cheshire East’s leading rival political parties have united behind an ambitious vision for the regeneration of Crewe. The leaders of the local Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour parties joined the Mayor of Crewe to sign a historic ‘Concordat’, in a public show of joint support for moves to turn Crewe and the surrounding area into an ‘economic powerhouse’ by 2031. The landmark signing, at Crewe’s newly revamped Lyceum Square, was witnessed by councillors and Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson.

Over the past year, consultants appointed to advise the Council, working with key stakeholders, have identified what they believe needs to be done to ‘unlock’ the huge potential of the town and surrounding area and turn it into a leading player in Britain’s 21st century economy. This vision is called ‘All Change for Crewe’.

The Concordat was signed by Conservative Cheshire East Council Leader Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, Labour Group Leader Cllr Dorothy Flude, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Ainsley Arnold (signed on his behalf by Deputy Leader Cllr Rod Fletcher) and Mayor of Crewe Cllr Jacquie Weatherill. It says: “We, the undersigned, hereby commit our wholehearted support to the regeneration and development of Crewe, as set out in the ‘All Change for Crewe’ reports. We recognise the clear evidence of why regeneration is needed and the tangible opportunities on which to build a Crewe that will be more productive and positive for all its residents, businesses and visitors. We fully recognise Crewe as one of Cheshire East’s spatial priorities through a range of short, medium and long-term initiatives and strategies.”

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. A revamped Crewe train station and town centre and the completion of the Crewe Green Link Road will be at the heart of several major projects planned to revitalise the town and the 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 economy by £850m per year by 2031.

Cheshire East has been holding a month of public engagement events and has an online questionnaire to seek your views on what the priorities for the regeneration of Crewe should be. And there is still time for you to play your part – before the closing date for feedback, on Monday 6th December. The final round of public consultation events will be held at:

South Cheshire College, Monday 29th November, 11am - 1pm
Crewe Railway Station, Tuesday 30th November, 8am - 11am
South Cheshire College, Wednesday 1st December, 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Crewe Library, Thursday 2nd December, 2pm - 4pm

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

© 2010 Crewe Blog

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5 ways to contact Edward Timpson

• By email: timpsone@parliament.uk
• On the web: edwardtimpsonmp.com
• By phone: 01270 501 725
• By post: 30 Victoria Street, Crewe CW1 2JE
• In person: Click here to see surgery times

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Crime news and advice

Out & About – Shopping for Gifts
Although Christmas is a happy time for many of us, be mindful that criminals also enjoy the opportunities that the festive season can often present to them.  Please be mindful of this advice over the festive period:
Whilst out shopping for Christmas and during the January sales, consider carefully where you are parking with regards to lighting and security.  Is the area well lit and would you feel safe returning to your vehicle alone in the dark if it is in a quiet area?  Is there any CCTV coverage in the area to offer extra protection?  Wherever possible, try not to return to your vehicle mid trip to leave presents in your boot and if you need to be mindful of anyone suspicious who may be loitering or watching you place the presents in your boot.  A boot full of presents or sale items would make a nice gift for an opportunist thief.
New Gadgets
For those of us who receive new gadgets such as satellite navigation systems, new phones and Bluetooth able items such as laptops take extra care when trying out your new toys!  Ensure that you wipe away the sucker ring from the windscreen after using your Satellite Navigation System as this signals to a would be thief that there has been a system in the vehicle.  Remember to switch of your Bluetooth when not in use as even if laptops and phones are locked in the boot where you believe them to be secure, criminals can use Bluetooth to indicate to them there is a Bluetooth device in their vicinity.
At Home
Although it is a fair bet that most households will have Christmas presents within them, try not to advertise the position of your gifts.  A Christmas Tree with presents under it is a festive sight, however it may also offer an incentive for passers by on the look out for easily accessible presents to steal, so try not to leave presents in places where they are easy to view from the window.
Once you have opened your gifts make a note of any serial numbers and store in a safe place and also property mark your items in case of future thefts.  It is always worth taking a photograph (alongside a ruler to give an idea of size) and recording a description and approximate value of any precious items as a precaution both for identification and insurance purposes if stolen.
Keep any empty boxes from Christmas presents out of your bin until recycling day.  Wherever possible, break the boxes up and secure them together.  Boxes and wrapping can provide burglars with ideal information about what new items have come into the property over Christmas.
If you are attending Christmas & New Year parties ensure that you make your house looked occupied whilst out by leaving lights on.  If you are out on several regular occasions try to vary the lights you leave on so there is not an obvious pattern when you absent from your property.  Consider investing in a timer switch from a DIY store so that some lights will come on automatically if you are back after dark.
Personal Safety
Whilst out and about socialising try to remain vigilant and keep an eye on your personal possessions such as phones, handbags and wallets.  Take control of your own possessions, it is often easy to leave your bag on the floor or your phone on the table presuming that someone else, such as a friend, will stay with them - wherever possible try to keep your personal possessions with you because you will definitely look after them.  Don’t carry your wallet around in your rear trouser pocket where it easily accessible for someone to dip into your pocket unnoticed whilst in a busy environment.
Always make someone aware of where you are intending to go on your night out and when you plan to return.  Plan how you are getting to and home from your venue before you go so you know you have a safe way to get home.  If using a taxi firm always pre-book the firm and don't be tempted to hop into any taxi's that are touting for trade.  Always ensure that someone else knows what taxi firm you have booked with and that they have a contact number for them.

 

Hoax postal and phone scam reminder to residents

Cheshire East residents are being asked to ignore a chain email about an alleged postal and phone scam.

The Council’s consumer protection and investigations team is reminding people they should not be alarmed by the message which warns people to be wary of a Postal Delivery Service (PDS) scam which could cost them more than £300.

But officers are also urging people not to forward the email in case it contains a virus.

The email message states that a card is put through front doors from a company called PDS. It is alleged that the card states delivery of a package has not been possible. A phone number is given on the card: 0906 661 1911. The email is warning residents not to phone the number as this could cost £315.

PDS was shut down in December 2005 and its operators fined £10,000, meaning the service is no longer running.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “For one reason or another, this email tends to be circulated every year around Christmas time and has done since 2005. I urge residents to ignore it and not forward it to others.

“But if anyone does receive a delivery card through the letterbox which they believe is not genuine and asks the recipient to dial a premium rate number, they can contact the premium rate phone service industry regulator PhonepayPlus for information.”

PhonepayPlus is on 0800 500 212 (Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm) and further guidance is available at www.phonepayplus.org.uk/output/FAQ.aspx

 

 

Please be aware of the latest credit card scam :-
This one is pretty slick since they provide Y O U with all the information, except the one piece they want.
Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it. This information is worth reading. By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.
One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "MasterCard".
The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My badge number is 12460. Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank) did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for £497.99 from a Marketing company based in London ?" When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account. This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from £297 to £497, just under the £500 purchase pattern that flags most cards. Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?"
You say "yes". The caller continues - "I will be starting a fraud investigation. If you have any questions, you should call the 0800 number listed on the back of your card (0800-VISA) and ask for Security.
You will need to refer to this Control Number. The caller then gives you a 6 digit number. "Do you need me to read it again?"
Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works the caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card." He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers." There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security numbers that verify you are the possessor of the card. These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card. The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him. After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card. Do you have any other questions?" After you say, "No," the caller then thanks you and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up.
You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number. But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question. Are we glad we did! The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of £497.99 was charged to our card.
Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account. VISA is reissuing us a new number. What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or MasterCard directly for verification of their conversation. The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card! If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit. However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.
What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of MasterCard" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam. This time I didn't let him finish. I hung up! We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA. The police said they are taking several of these reports daily! They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening .

STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 00.01 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9

 

Annual children’s services assessment

“Children’s services in Cheshire East have made good progress and continue to perform well.”

These are just some of the comments published today as part of Ofsted’s annual assessment of children’s services at Cheshire East Council.

The Council was judged to be “performing well” overall. It is a rating of three on a four-point scale. Ofsted inspected a range of services, including, schools, colleges, children’s centres, children’s homes, foster care, youth offending services and arrangements for contact, referral and assessment where there are concerns regarding the welfare of a child.

The report noted that progress had been made by the Council working with partner agencies in reducing the number of children aged five – 11 that are overweight, through promoting healthy lifestyles and providing services for children with emotional and mental difficulties. Additionally it acknowledged the recent unannounced inspection of front-line child protection services that found a number of strengths, some areas for development and no areas of priority action.

All schools and colleges were found to be good at helping young children to do well and enjoy their learning. The Council was also found to be providing good support to those schools that need it most. Ofsted also recognised that bullying is taken very seriously and anti-bullying strategies have been introduced across the authority.

Educational attainment was also praised with primary schools helping children reach a good standard of English and maths before secondary school. By the age of 16, more than half of young people gain five or more good GCSEs, which is better than areas of similar size.

There were areas where further development has been identified. These are:

• increasing the number of secondary schools that are good or better;
• improving attendance rates of those children who are frequently absent from school; and
• improving achievement for young people aged 16 and 19 from low-income families.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and family services, said: “I am very pleased by the findings of this report. It recognises the amount of hard work being done by our staff within children’s services and those within schools, early years and college settings, on a daily basis to improve services for children and young people.

“This is all the more impressive considering Cheshire East is a new unitary authority, with all the challenges that presents.

“However, this is just one step along the way and by acting on the recommendations we must aim to achieve a rating of excellent next year.”

For a full copy of the report and more information go to www.ofsted.gov.uk

Helping People with Disabilities Find Work

People with disabilities in Cheshire East are to benefit from greater support to help them to gain employment.

Cheshire East Council has introduced a Work Choice programme, which provides tailored support to help individuals move into and remain in long-term sustainable jobs.

It will build upon the success of the authority’s supported employment service, which currently supports more than 200 people with disabilities who are in work.

The new programme is targeted at severely disabled people who face the most complex barriers to employment and who may require greater support in the workplace.

It will assist them to identify and gain suitable employment and provide support with practical aspects, such as travel and workplace accessibility.

An event was held to celebrate the Work Choice launch in partnership with Shaw Trust, the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of services to people with disabilities, which will deliver the programme in Cheshire East.

Service users, employers and representatives from Cheshire & Warrington Business Link were among the guests at the launch at Macclesfield Library.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “The launch event provided an excellent opportunity to promote the Work Choice programme, not only to people with disabilities but also to prospective employers.

“People with disabilities are seven times more likely to be out of work, so the programme will play an important role in overcoming the barriers which individuals face in gaining and keeping a job.

“It will also ensure that employers get the support and encouragement they may need to enable them to employ more people with disabilities.

“Work Choice is an extremely positive scheme which underpins our commitment to improving life opportunities for everybody in Cheshire East.

“We are very keen to hear from people with disabilities who would like to find out more about Work Choice, and also from employers who may be interested in providing employment or work experience opportunities.”

There are more than 11,000 people with disabilities out of work and claiming incapacity benefit or employment support allowance in Cheshire East.

This compares to an approximate figure of 6,000 non-disabled people who are out of work and currently claim job seeker’s allowance.

Individuals or employers who would like more information about Work Choice should contact Cheshire East Council’s supported employment service on 01260 375468.

Trip to casualty hammers home the costs of alcohol abuse

Council leaders visited the emergency services’ frontline in casualty to witness at first hand the massive costs of alcohol abuse.

Cheshire East Council Chief Executive Erika Wenzel and health and wellbeing chief Councillor Andrew Knowles saw the huge strains placed on 999 crews and medical staff by drink-related incidents during their visit to Macclesfield District General Hospital’s A&E department on Saturday night (December 4).

In one incident, three police officers were needed to deal with a drunken man who needed treatment, while in an adjoining cubicle a young couple awaited treatment for their sick baby.

Council bosses also witnessed the harm alcohol can have on people’s mental health, including being present when two people who had attempted suicide after heavy drinking were admitted for treatment and seeing one woman who was hallucinating after not having a drink for four days.

Recent figures show that alcohol-related illness and injuries costs Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) about £34m a year.

Cllr Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “Visiting casualty on a busy Saturday night was a real eye-opener and showed all too vividly the huge impact alcohol abuse has on the already-stretched resources of our police, ambulance crews, nurses and doctors.

“The 999 workers and hospital staff were fantastic and showed real dedication in sometimes very challenging circumstances dealing with drunken patients.

“Cheshire East Council is working hard with partners to try to tackle alcohol abuse and greatly reduce the huge burden to our taxpayers – which costs the PCT alone about £34m a year. This is money which could be spent elsewhere on tackling less-preventable health problems or on care for the elderly.

“It is crucial that people are sensible with alcohol and drink only in moderation. Doing this will help save our local taxpayers millions of pounds each year and improve life opportunities and health for everyone in Cheshire East.”

Mrs Wenzel added: “I was very impressed by the professionalism and dedication of all the emergency services’ and hospital staff.

“Alcohol abuse is an increasingly-serious problem nationwide – and we all have a role to play in tackling it.”

Are you really aware of the effects that alcohol can have on your health and wellbeing?

A health report by the Government last week revealed regular heavy drinking is leading to a rapid rise in liver disease, which is now the fifth-biggest cause of death in England.

A recent campaign to help tackle alcohol abuse among young people and find out about their drinking habits, carried out by the drink awareness charity Drinkaware, showed that more than one in three young adults goes out with the intention of getting drunk.

Despite this, 75 per cent of 18-24-year-olds regret their drunken behaviour, which includes:

● 27 per cent not knowing how they got home;

● 18 per cent having a one-night stand;

● Three per cent ending up in hospital.

Drinking alcohol is linked to both anxiety and depression. A recent UK survey found that people suffering from anxiety or depression were twice as likely to be heavy or problem drinkers.

Alcohol has also been linked to self-harm, suicide and psychosis. It has been estimated that alcohol plays a part in up to 65 per cent of suicides in the UK.

Last Christmas, more than 4,000 people were breath tested in Cheshire and 201 were arrested for being over the drink-drive limit.

Cheshire East Council is working with strategic partners to reduce the impact of alcohol on health, crime and the number of alcohol-related hospital admissions.

The joint Alcohol Strategy was launched at a conference at Sandbach, in July, in partnership with the PCT. Alcohol Awareness Week was held from October 18-24.

The estimated cost of alcohol to the NHS is around £2.7bn every year.

For more information contact Cheshire East Council’s health improvement team on 01270 686600 or visit the Alcohol Concern website at: www.alcoholconcern.org.uk

Christmas bin collection – Crewe and Nantwich

 

Householders across Crewe and Nantwich have received information on when their bins will be collected this Christmas and New Year.

Cheshire East Council has designed calendars in the form of stickers which have been placed on all bins to keep everyone informed of any changes which may be taking place.

Local residents will receive a calendar which explains when the fortnightly collections of their black residual waste bin and silver recycling bins will take place.

Residents in Crewe and Nantwich who normally have their rubbish collected on a Monday or Tuesday will have changes to their collections and are asked to read the calendar placed on their bins carefully.

Residents whose rubbish is collected on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday will be unaffected over the Christmas period as collections will remain the same.

To ensure collection, bins must be placed on the kerbside by 7.30am on the day of collection.

Garden waste collections have been suspended and will resume on January 17. This is an annual occurrence and is in response to decreased demand for the service. Cheshire East’s Household Recycling Centres will continue to accept garden waste during this time.

Cheshire East Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said:

“I would like to thank residents for their patience with regard to changes to collection dates. Every effort has been made to ensure that collections are made regularly over the Christmas period.”

Anyone who would like more information on their Christmas and New Year bin collections can contact Cheshire East Council on 0300 123 5011.

Official Opening – Crewe-to-Nantwich Greenway

The first part of an exciting greenway that will link Crewe and Nantwich, has been unveiled.

The Mayor of Crewe, Councillor Jacquie Weatherill, was joined by Sustrans’ regional director, Peter Foster, other local councillors and specially invited guests for the event at Crewe Golf and Leisure Club (on Wednesday, December 1).

After a speech by the Mayor, the group made the short trip to the newly-installed bridge, between Crewe Golf Course and King George V Playing Fields. The ribbon was cut and Phase one of Sustrans’ Connect2 Crewe-to-Nantwich Greenway was officially open.

A handful of guests brought their cycles along to experience the cycleway for themselves.

The greenway will create a 4km rural corridor between the two towns, alongside the A530 Middlewich Road.

It will be set well back from the main road, connecting the excellent riverside walks in Nantwich with Crewe’s historic Queens Park, which is undergoing a massive restoration.

Phase one runs from King George V Playing Fields to the Rising Sun pub, at Wistaston. Last month, three bridges were installed along the route.

The project forms part of Sustrans’ Connect2, which is developing new walking and cycling routes across the UK.

Sustrans, the charity that enables people to make more of their everyday journeys by foot, bike and public transport, won £50m from the Big Lottery Fund for Connect2 following a public vote in 2007. Part of this award is being used to help fund the Crewe-to-Nantwich greenway.

Cllr Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “I am delighted to see that the first part of this project has been completed.

“This project will open up parts of our countryside to people and there is no doubt this project will enhance the Cheshire East environment.”

Cllr Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “Where possible we should always try and leave the car at home and walk or cycle to our destination.

“Hopefully this greenway will make it easier for people to do this and improve health opportunities for people in Cheshire East.”

Cllr Robert Parker, ward member for Crewe West, said: “This greenway will really benefit Crewe and I am sure it will be a popular route for people of all ages.”

Peter Foster, North West regional director for Sustrans, said: “It’s great to see this section of the Connect2 project open for use, enabling people to walk and cycle through their local area.  I’m sure it will be used a great deal over Christmas.

“This is just the first step of a wider project, which will make it much easier and safer for people to get between Crewe and Nantwich without having to rely on their car.”

Cheshire East Council, in partnership with Sustrans, is running a competition in the south Cheshire Chronicle newspapers. One lucky reader will have the chance to win a bicycle of their choice up to the value of £400 from JE Williams and Son in Crewe.

For the chance of wining please answer the following question: How long is the Connect2 Crewe to Nantwich Greenway ?

Please send your entries into:

The Chronicle Office

Victoria Street

Crewe

Please ensure you indicate your name, age if under 16, address, post code and daytime telephone number or email address.

Cheshire East leading the way in adult social care

 

Cheshire East Council is one of the leading authorities in the North West at encouraging and supporting the delivery of adult social care services, according to a new report.

The findings, by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), were based on a study of the quality of care services purchased by Councils across the country.

The Council delivers its care via a range of providers such as privately run businesses, charitable organisations.

CQC, the Government’s health and social care regulator, found that 100 per cent of the 2,393 home care users in Cheshire East receive ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ care, as rated by its inspection earlier this year.

It also shows that 93 per cent of the 1,558 people being supported in care homes receive the same level of care, which is higher than the North West average of 89 per cent.

These figures also compare favourably on a national scale.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “This report uses 2009 information to arrive at percentages of care home residents and home care users receiving services that had been inspected by CQC rated as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’.

“The services operating within the Council area need to be of a high quality for customers when they need to use them.

“The report cites Cheshire East alongside other Councils’ performance and shows that we are performing well. But importantly we are not complacent about this and, together with service providers, customers their relatives and friends we will continue to strive for improvement.”

There are 107 establishments which were awarded either two stars or the maximum three stars following unannounced inspections in May 2010.

Anyone who wishes to make comments about care homes should visit www.cqc.org.uk

Cheshire East LINks (Local Information Networks) also has powers to enter and view care homes. Recent reports can be viewed on www.celink.org.uk

Students get the drink-drive message

Teenagers who have just passed their driving tests got a useful lesson in road safety thanks to a Cheshire East Council campaign.

In the first of a number of events, the authority’s Cheers Bar arrived at Alsager High School, where 17 and 18-year-olds were taught about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Road safety officers are visiting schools across the area to promote the campaign in the run up to Christmas.

The Cheers Bar, set up in or around a school’s sixth form centre, welcomes students with a free soft drink, inviting them to discuss drinking and driving with the road safety team.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “The students at Alsager were very interested to hear about what we had to tell them.

“Not only did they take into account the drink and drive law, they learned how they should not attempt to calculate how much they have consumed before intending to drive.

“Participants also wore beer goggles and were made to walk in a line to see how much their vision can be impaired by alcohol.”

Last Christmas, more than 4,000 people were breath tested in Cheshire and 201 were arrested for being over the drink-drive limit.

Cheshire East aims to get the message across to newly-qualified drivers, which could make the difference in reducing the number of people committing this dangerous offence.

The Cheers Bar promotes a number of messages, such as reminding new drivers that they may still be over the legal limit the morning after they have been drinking.

More information on road safety can be found on the Cheshire East Council website: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

The Cheers Bar campaign will visit the following schools:

Monday, December 6 (12.30pm) – Sandbach School

Wednesday, December 8 (11.20am) – Congleton High

Friday, December 10 (Noon) – Sandbach High

Monday, December 13 (12.15pm) – Knutsford High

Tuesday, December 14 (Noon) – Fallibroome High

Dates for Alderley Edge School for Girls and Poynton High are yet to be confirmed.

Cafe contracts up for grabs at parks

 

Firms are being invited to tender to run the new cafeteria in Crewe’s Queens Park.

Building work is under way and the facility is due to open next year.

The offer to prospective contractors has been placed on Cheshire East Councils website and is an electronic application known as ‘the chest’.

Contracts are also up for grabs at the cafeterias within Congleton Park and West Park, Macclesfield. Prospective contractors can submit interest for any of the cafeteria operations. The closing date for tender submissions is December 13.

The website – www.thechest.nwce.gov.uk – also has a suppliers’ guide, which has useful tips and advice for first-time users.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “This is a wonderful local opportunity to work within Queens Park on the first year following refurbishment. There are lots of ideas to work hand in glove with Cheshire East Council to provide a creative and enjoyable facility within the new cafeteria pavilion.”

Work on the cafeteria began in July. It is hoped the construction will be completed by February.

Queens Park is undergoing a £6.5m transformation to bring it back to its former glory. The Heritage Lottery Fund is providing a £2.7m support grant with the rest of the investment coming from Cheshire East Council.

Within the park’s 45 acres are walkways, trees, shrubs, planting, children’s play area, crown green bowling, putting, boating lake (currently drained for construction works), grassed areas, memorials and cafeteria.

For more information on the Queens Park restoration project visit the Queens Park web pages at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk – then click on ‘leisure, culture and tourism’ and follow links to the park pages.

Santa’s grotto comes to Queens Park

The park lake is frozen over so Santa can land ok

Children will get the chance to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas when he comes to Queens Park in Crewe.

A grotto will open to youngsters on Sunday, December 5, from 4.30pm and then on each Saturday and Sunday leading up to Christmas between 10am and 4pm and on Wednesday, December 22.

Entry to the grotto, next to the children’s play area, costs £1 and includes a small gift, with all proceeds going towards the Friends of Queens Park Group, which is organising the grotto along with Crewe and Nantwich Lions Association.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “It is good to know we have some fantastic local organisations working to make Christmas a magical experience for Cheshire East residents and to improve community life.

“I thank the Friends of Queens Park Group and Crewe and Nantwich Lions Association for their dedication.”

Councillor Betty Howell, ward member for Crewe South, said: “Monies raised are going towards the refurbishment of the Burma Star Memorial, so there is a lasting tribute and remembrance to those who gave their all and who should also be remembered at this time of year.”

For more information on the event or on Queens Park itself, ring Elaine Dodd on 01270 537896.

Anyone wishing to attend the next Friends of Queens Park gathering, which is a festive social meeting, should make their way to West Lodge on Tuesday, December 7, at 5.30pm.

Cheshire East recognised at major awards ceremony

 

Cheshire East Council’s adult social care service has been given the thumbs up in the Guardian newspaper’s Public Services Awards.

The authority was a runner-up in the ‘Innovation and Progress: Transformation’ section of the seventh annual ceremony.

It means Cheshire East was given special recognition amongst 700 teams and individuals who entered the 2010 awards.

From its inception in April 2009, the Council recognised the need to improve and streamline its adult social care services. This was driven by a desire to improve efficiency and outcomes but also to lead on the previous Government’s aim of introducing more personalisation and choice into services.

A full review of existing processes revealed a system that involved more than 80 steps. However, more than 50% delivered no perceived benefit to customers. A team was set up to completely redesign this system, with focus on personalisation and prevention.

The resulting social care redesign involved around 1,700 staff with the objective of transforming the experience of customers and staff at every stage – enabling customers to take advantage of personalisation while reducing the Council’s burden of bureaucracy.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said:

“The culture of adult services is one of providing better services to more people from a fixed or reducing budget through continually focussing on what is really important and which most meets the needs of our customers, while training and better equipping our staff.

“These achievements have been the result of a strong and enthusiastic management team whose dedication, focus and commitment to delivering the best is contagious.”

The awards also recognised Cheshire East’s Empower card – a pre-loaded debit card for use by personal budget holders, which is a UK first.

Family Fun Day – Lyceum Square

Hundreds of people enjoyed a family fun day in Crewe on Saturday (November 27), to celebrate the return of the outdoor market to the newly-refurbished Lyceum Square.

On a crisp sunny day there was live music, face painting, stilt walkers, balloon modelling, cup-cake decorating and fairground rides among the entertainment and activities.

The soundtrack to the fun day was provided from a gazebo next to the café. There were performances from keyboard crooner Tom Seal, and Crewe Community Arts.

One particular attraction was a competition to guess the weight of a Porbeagle Shark. The shark, which was caught off the Faroe Islands, is a relation of the Great White and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. They normally feed on Mackerel, Herring and Squid.

The competition was run by Stuart Hornby Fishmongers, who are based in the indoor market. The ‘prize’ for the correct guess was the shark’s jaws, with the runners up receiving shark steaks.

Visitors also had the opportunity to take part in a treasure hunt through the market with the chance to win tickets to the pantomime Aladdin, at Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre.

Local radio station The Cat, was also in attendance, broadcasting live from the fun day.

The outdoor market was temporarily relocated to Market Square earlier this year to allow for a £1.7m facelift of Lyceum Square.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “The family fun day was an unqualified success and really celebrated the return of the outdoor market to Lyceum Square.

“The Lyceum Square refurbishment is good news for Crewe, and shows our commitment to growing and developing a sustainable Cheshire East.”

Councillor Peggy Martin, ward member for Crewe East, said: “It was good to see people of all ages out in the winter sun enjoying a real community event.

“Lyceum Square is now open for business and I hope that residents of Crewe will shop locally this festive season.”

‘Boot Your Loot’ to frustrate thieves this Christmas

 

Boot Your Loot! – that’s the message to shoppers from Cheshire East’s Community Wardens this Christmas.

The Council is urging people to lock purchases out of sight in their vehicles – to give thieves slim pickings this festive season.

The Community Wardens team has launched the initiative, aimed at combating theft and car crime across Cheshire East during the busy holiday season.

Community Wardens will be patrolling towns in Cheshire East alerting shoppers to the dangers of leaving valuables on show in parked cars, tempting would-be thieves.

The registration details will be taken of any vehicle found with items left unattended. The wardens will then issue, to the registered keeper, an advisory letter and vehicle crime prevention leaflet that features a poem, promoting the campaign:

Christmas is a time to celebrate

Having good food and presents from a mate

How would it feel if the cupboard was bare?

A thief had taken all you prepare

How many times has it come to pass?

Your presents have been taken in a flash

All the hard work you did to buy

For a thief to take them in the blink of an eye

Take my advice

Lock them away

Don’t give the thief a bonus on Christmas Day

BOOT YOUR LOOT!

Belongings such as mobile phones, handbags, laptop computers, CD players and satellite navigation kits are on thieves ‘most wanted’ list this Christmas and New Year, with shopping bags also a firm favourite.

Vehicle crime affects many of us and can bring misery and despair as well as being a great inconvenience. The level of recorded vehicle crime in England and Wales has been reducing since the mid 1990s – but there is no room for complacency. Theft from vehicles accounts for about 20 per cent of all recorded crime.

Car break-ins usually involve a smashed window or a damaged lock, which are both costly and time consuming to the victim. On average, it takes between four and five hours to arrange and replace a smashed window or lock. The cost varies from £100 to £400.

Most vehicle crime is opportunistic and preventable. By following some simple advice and working together we can ensure that this type of crime keeps falling.

Top 10 tips to keep your car safe:

● Secure the doors and windows every time you leave the car;

● Items such as coats, bags and laptops should be removed from view;

● Remove any evidence of SatNav, including unit cradles and ring marks – the home address should also be removed from the memory;

● If you have a garage – use it;

● Stereos, CDs and other audio equipment should be removed from view when leaving the car;

● When parking in a narrow street, always move your wing mirror in, so they do not get knocked off by a passing car;

● Use a public car park that is part of the police approved ‘Safer Parking Scheme’. Go to www.saferparking.com to find your nearest one;

● If possible, use park-and-ride schemes and leave your car at home;

● Ensure that vans are secured and emptied of power tools – especially if being left over night;

● Good security in newer cars means that the only way to steal it is with the keys. Always take good care of them and never leave them by your front door or window.

Cheshire East Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “We are encouraging all car owners to remove any valuables on display in their vehicle, as this is proven to reduce the likelihood of theft.

“Just a few minutes spent placing personal items in the boot or removing them from your vehicle may prevent a ruined day out during the holiday period. Our advice is to lock your valuables in the boot of your car or simply to remove them altogether.”

Make a Difference in Your Local Community

 

People in Crewe and Nantwich are being invited to find out more about key issues which affect their communities.

Two public events are to be held in each town which will throw the spotlight on green spaces and highways respectively.

The Area Assembly meetings are organised by the Local Area Partnership (LAP), which bring together a range of partners with a shared goal of delivering improved outcomes for individual communities.

The Nantwich meeting will offer people an insight into the challenges of managing and maintaining Cheshire East’s 1,700-mile road network.

It will take place on Thursday, December 2, from 6-8pm at Crewe Vagrants Sports Club in Newcastle Road, Willaston.

The Crewe meeting will focus on a range of topics associated with parks and green spaces, including allotment schemes and the restoration of Queens Park.

It will be held on Monday, December 6, from 6-8.30pm at Crewe Alexandra Football Club in Gresty Road.

The LAP partners include Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service, town and parish councils, housing associations, health and education providers and the community and voluntary sectors.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “Area Assemblies are open to anyone who has an interest in making their local community a better place to live.

“They offer people the opportunity to find out more about the work of the LAP and to tell us about community matters and concerns.

“Crucially, they give local residents the power to influence issues which are important to them, underpinning our commitment to giving the people of Cheshire East more choice and control about services and resources.

“I urge the people of Crewe and Nantwich not to miss this opportunity to play their part in improving their neighbourhood.”

Area Assembly meetings are held quarterly. Further information about LAPs and Area Assemblies can be found on the Council’s website www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

People have their say on the future development of Cheshire East

 

More than 60 people attended a consultation to discuss ways to boost jobs and develop new housing in Cheshire East.

And there is still time for YOU to have your say.

People are being urged to take part in 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, how transport connections could be improved and how the environment can be enhanced.

This plan will affect everyone who lives or works in Cheshire East or who visits the area. The first stage of consultation started on November 8 and runs until December 17.

More than 60 people packed the Council Chamber at Crewe (on November 19) at a Housing Market Partnership workshop to consider the housing challenges facing Cheshire East and discuss approaches to providing enough new homes for people.

The Housing Market Partnership is a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders who meet to discuss housing and planning related issues. A total of 48 representatives of registered social landlords, developers, estate agents and house builders attended the workshop alongside 20 Cheshire East officers and Cabinet member Councillor David Brown.

The Council also 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 consultation and a great opportunity for people to help shape the future direction of Cheshire East.

“It is pleasing to see the number of people who are interested in having their say on the future of Cheshire East. Everyone is encouraged to have their say and get involved with the consultation, as this will form the basis for development in Cheshire East for the next 20 years.

“Once this document is approved, it will form the basis for both housing and economic development sites in specific locations.”

Future LDF workshop/focus groups will be held on:

● Wednesday, December 1, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, at the Assembly Room, Macclesfield Town Hall – for infrastructure providers/environmental groups;

● Tuesday, December 7, from 8am to 9.30am, at Crewe Alexandra Football Club, in Gresty Road, Crewe – for a business breakfast event;

● Wednesday, December 8, from 6pm to 7.30pm, at The Assembly Room, Macclesfield Town Hall – for a business community workshop;

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

Copies of the consultation document are available online on the Council’s website, at local libraries and at the Council offices at Westfields, Sandbach.

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