Police seek witnesses to traffic light assault in Nantwich

 

Police are appealing for witnesses to an assault at a set of traffic lights in Nantwich.

At 3.40pm on Friday 2 November 2012, a driver became aware of a man driving closely behind him looking agitated and waving his arms about.

The victim signalled for the other driver to overtake. When they stopped at traffic lights at the junction of Peter Destapleigh Way and London Road, the offender got out of his car and knocked on the victim′s car window and began shouting abuse at him.

He then asked him to get out of the car, which he did. The offender then punched him twice in the face giving him a black eye. He then got back in his car and drove off towards Newcastle Road.

The man was possibly driving a black Vauxhall Astra. He is described as white, in his mid 40s, 5ft 10ins tall, unshaven, with scars on his face and short mousy coloured hair. He was wearing a cardigan.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information should contact PC Nicola Berry on 101 quoting incident number 706 of 2 November 2012. Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Appeal following burglary in Crewe

 

Police are appealing for information following a burglary in Crewe.

At about 8pm on Saturday 3 November 2012, a man broke into an address on Wordsworth Drive in Crewe via the rear of the property and stole electrical goods.

The man is described as in his 40s with a thick set build and was wearing dark clothing. He is believed to have been driving a white van.

Anyone with any information about the burglary, or who has seen the vehicle and man described acting suspiciously in the area, is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 1015 of 3 November 2012.

Information can also be left anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

Collision in Nantwich

 

Two police officers have been treated at Hospital following a collision in Nantwich early this morning, Wednesday 7th November.
Whilst responding to a 999 call following an attempted burglary at a supermarket in Nantwich at around 4am, the marked police car in which the officers were responding left the road and collided with a tree on Beam Street.
Both officers, a man and a woman based at Nantwich police station, were treated for head injuries at Leighton Hospital and have since been discharged. The road was closed at Beam Street until 8am.
Investigation into the cause of the collision is ongoing. Nobody else was involved in the incident.

Coping with winter weather: drop-in event

 

A drop-in event advising rural communities how to cope with harsh winter weather is being held in Wrenbury this Saturday (November 10).

There will be free advice and guidance from various Cheshire East Council services as well as the police, fire service, Wulvern Housing, Cheshire Community Action and several voluntary groups.

This will include how people can insulate their homes for free, how to save on fuel costs and to share ideas on how to keep warm, well and safe.

Information is also being sought from residents to locate potential winter problem areas in their communities, such as roads or where they feel people are most at risk of power cuts. This will help the Council to direct resources accordingly.

Presentations and workshops will be held as part of the event, which takes place between 11am and 3pm at Wrenbury Village Hall, Cholmondeley Road. The postcode is CW5 8HG.

For more details on this Nantwich Local Area Partnership event, call 01270 685854.

Cabinet changes announced at Cheshire East Council

 

Cheshire East Council’s leadership has taken advantage of the sad resignation of a stalwart councillor to reshuffle the Cabinet.

Hilda Gaddum has decided to step down from her position as Cabinet member in charge of children and family services for family reasons. However, she will remain ward councillor for Sutton, where she has lived for more than 30 years.

Council leader Michael Jones and deputy leader David Brown see it as the perfect opportunity to bring in new faces and also introduce policy development groups as the authority moves towards its position as a policy-led council.

The six new groups (listed below) will be cross party – enabling the elected representatives of local people to influence policies affecting the communities they represent. The groups will have some meetings in private but, importantly, will meet regularly in public to ensure accountability to the public.

These will be complemented by three scrutiny committees (external, internal/corporate and health and wellbeing). Further details on these will be announced shortly.

Councillor Paul Findlow has now joined the Cabinet and will take the corporate policy portfolio. A former leader of Cheshire County Council, Councillor Findlow brings with him much experience in local Government.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to Councillor Hilda Gaddum, who has served on this Cabinet since 2010 and given a high standard of committed service and enthusiasm.

“Whilst it is a loss to the Cabinet, it has provided us with a way to reorganise the Cabinet structure and I am delighted to welcome Councillor Findlow to his post, who I am certain will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the position.

“When I first became leader, I pledged to make this a more inclusive Council that listened to a wider range of voices. We are a Council that seeks to work in partnership – across the political divide – for the benefit of all the people of Cheshire East.

“The new arrangements will enable far more members to influence policy, which strengthens the democratic process.”

Councillor Findlow is a ward councillor for Prestbury and currently sits on outside organisations such as the Cheshire Police Appointments Joint Committee and the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE).

He is also a governor at King’s School, Macclesfield, and previously held the children and family services portfolio in Cheshire East Council’s first year (2009-10).

On her resignation, Councillor Gaddum said: “It is with great sadness that I have decided to step down from the Cabinet. I have had some wonderful times and have faced some great challenges but I believe I have taken these on in the best way that I could.

“It has been such a privilege to work with the many officers from children and family services and I would just like to say a huge thank you to all these incredibly hard-working people.

“Now, I would like to spend more time with my family but I am still a councillor and will continue to help the people of Sutton and Cheshire East with the issues that matter to them most.”

Councillor Rachel Bailey will now take on Councillor Gaddum’s vacant Cabinet position as part of the reshuffle. However, she will still be responsible for planning matters.

Councillor Peter Groves is now the chief whip.

The full Cabinet membership and support members are now as follows:

Councillor                Portfolio                                                                    Support member

Michael Jones          Leader                                                           

David Brown             Deputy Leader and Strategic Communities       Lesley Smetham

Rod Menlove                        Environment                                                 Don Stockton/Gail Wait     

Janet Clowes            Health and Adult Social Care                                Stewart Gardiner

Peter Raynes            Finance                                                                     Peter Mason

Paul Findlow                        Corporate Policy                                                      David Marren

Jamie Macrae           Prosperity and Economic Regeneration             Peter Groves

Rachel Bailey           Children and Family Services                               Rhoda Bailey

Barry Moran              Performance                                                             David Marren

Les Gilbert                 Communities and Regulatory Services              Steve Wilkinson

Policy development groups are as follows:

Group                                                                        Chairman                              Vice chairman

Corporate and performance                      Andrew Kolker                      Peter Hayes

Finance                                                         Frank Keegan                      Brendan Murphy

Health and Adult Social Care                    Margaret Simon                   Jos Saunders

Children and Families                                Phil Hoyland                         Ken Edwards

Environment and Prosperity                      Bill Livesley                           Wesley Fitzgerald

Sustainable Communities                         Olivia Hunter                                    Stan Davies

DRIVE SAFE WITH BLUE BELL BMW’S TOP 10 WINTER SAFETY TIPS

 

With bitterly cold weather conditions forecast to hit Cheshire in the coming days, Blue Bell BMW is offering all motorists its Top 10 Tips to ensure every journey is a safe journey this winter.

Blue Bell Service Manager Phil Smith comments: “It really is all too easy to forget to keep an eye on your basic car maintenance, especially on cold, dark mornings and evenings when you’re busy getting to and from work or doing the school run.

“But in very poor weather a clean windscreen, working headlights and correct tyre pressures are absolutely essential to make sure you stay safe.

“It's also really important to remember to allow extra breaking time when driving in wet or icy conditions.”

In addition, the Weston Road dealership is also offering complimentary vehicle Winter Health Checks to all BMW and MINI owners.

Phil Smith added: “The winter weather brings with it many additional hazards, why not give yourself the peace of mind that you’re fully prepared for the elements.”

Blue Bell BMW’s Top 10 Winter safety tips are:

· Keep a Winter kit in the car – A kit should include screen wash, de-icer and an ice scraper.

· Ensure your screen wash is kept topped up. Use a 50% mix of screen wash to reduce the chance of freezing.

· Keep your windscreen clean inside and out to reduce the dazzle from the sun.

· Renew worn and smearing wiper blades to ensure good visibility.

· Check your tyre pressures every two weeks. Check tyres for wear, we advise you should have at least 3mm of tyre tread for winter motoring.

· Consider winter tyres for improved safety.

· Check coolant antifreeze strength and level regularly and if required top up with antifreeze mixture.

· Have your battery checked, a defective battery or a battery more than five years old may struggle in cold conditions.

· Check and clean all lights regularly to ensure you can see and be seen. Carry a spare bulb kit.

· Keep at least a quarter of a tank of fuel in case of any unexpected delays.

For more information, or to book a complimentary Winter Check, visit the dealership on Fourth Avenue, Weston Road, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 6XH, or call 01270 212525.

IT’S LADIES’ NIGHT AT BLUE BELL MINI CREWE

Blue Bell MINI Crewe will be hosting the perfect Ladies’ Night Out on Wednesday 21 November. Complimentary manicures, champagne, canapés and fine art displays are just a few of the tempting treats that will be on offer throughout the evening at the MINI showroom.

Guests are invited to join the Blue Bell MINI team at the dealership between 7-9pm to enjoy a host of attractions, which will include completely free Health Checks for all MINIs and Winter Checks on all other vehicles, as well as vital Road Safety Awareness advice from Cheshire Police.

Prestigious local organisations such as Escape Spa and De Vere Hotel Wychwood Park will be represented at the event, while The Attic Gallery will be showcasing fine art and sculpture and providing the ladies with Christmas gift inspiration. For those looking for a spot of pampering, Seraphim Beauty, of Middlewich, will also be on hand to provide a complimentary nail file and polish service.

Paul Legerton, MINI Brand Manager at Blue Bell Crewe, explains: “We are keen to host a special evening to recognise all the ladies who live, work and play in our community. In the run up to the festive period this event presents us with a perfect opportunity, and following the success of last year’s Ladies’ Night, we are very much looking forward to welcoming our female customers into the showroom”.

“With forecasters predicting that winter weather conditions are due to set in over the next few weeks, we are also keen to incorporate the complimentary health checks, as well as important advice from the Cheshire Police. This way we can help to make sure our customers remain safe throughout the winter months.”

If you wish to attend the event please visit the Blue Bell MINI team at Gateway, Crewe, CW1 6YY, or call 01270 214 800 to reserve your place. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment, and reserve your complimentary car check.

Bus Services in Cheshire East

 

Cheshire East Council says many bus operators will continue to run services, despite subsidy cutbacks announced recently.

Cheshire East Council is working closely with bus companies to encourage them to continue operating routes and services, without the burden to taxpayers.

After a detailed public consultation over the summer – that saw more than 1,600 local residents give their views on public and flexible transport issues – changes to bus subsidies were announced last month and will now be phased in over the coming months.

But promisingly, around 75 per cent of school bus operators have since confirmed they are willing to continue operating the routes on a purely commercial basis.

It’s now believed that the removal of subsidy to other bus routes used by the general public will have the same effect, and some operators have indicated a willingness to continue to provide bus routes despite subsidy cuts.

Most bus routes in the area are operated without subsidy – around 90 per cent.  Nevertheless, the Council is committed to supporting the remaining 10 per cent of services that are subsidised. 

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member in charge of the environment services, said: “We are expecting many operators to confirm that they are able to provide the same bus service, without a heavy subsidy, and still run the same level of service.

“The signs so far are that many operators have already committed to, or are considering, operating services without subsidy.

“It is no secret that the funds we receive from Central Government to pay for local services have been falling, and we do not wish to transfer the burden onto local taxpayers. 

“We will still commit a substantial sum to supporting local transport, at a time when many authorities have already removed all transport subsidies.

“There may be instances where a bus company decides it cannot run the service on a commercial basis if it isn’t viable to do so. 

“But we want to reassure rural communities that we have put in place measures that will ensure they are not cut off from local services and amenities.

“The Cabinet has agreed to make an extra £150,000 investment in flexible transport, so that people who live in rural areas, older people and disabled residents, can access their local town or village centre. 

Cheshire East Council is still set to spend more than £6 million a year on local transport.

Leader of Cheshire East Council, Councillor Michael Jones, added: “It is right that in these tough financial times we look closely at all areas of expenditure to see if we can provide better value for our taxpayers.

“The public consultation informed us that this was an area where we could introduce new ways of supporting the transport needs of local people.

“I have asked Council officers to discuss with local bus companies better ways of providing services. 

“I want to reassure all people who don’t live in towns that we will do all we can to ensure that everyone can access essential local services.”

For full details on the withdrawal of bus subsidies follow the link:

• http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/transport_and_travel/public_transport/public_transport_consultation.aspx

Are you ready for the first Police and Crime Commissioner elections?

 

Voters across Cheshire, Warrington and Halton are being reminded to use their vote in the first Police and Crime Commissioner elections taking place on Thursday, November 15.

For the first time, the public will be able to vote for a local police and crime commissioner (PCC). This is a new role and the job of the PCC will be to oversee the police and ensure they are prioritising what matters to the public. Elections will be taking place in England and Wales, excluding London.

In the Cheshire Police Area, which covers Cheshire, Warrington and Halton, there are five candidates standing for election. To find out who the candidates are and other useful information to help you in making your choice, visit www.choosemypcc.org.uk.

If you do not have access to the internet, you can call 0800 1 070708 and request that information about candidates be posted out to you.

David Parr is the Police Area Returning Officer for Cheshire, it is his job to coordinate the election across the area, he says: “Using your vote in these, and any other election, is really important. By using your vote, you are making sure that your opinion is heard.

“Some people are quick to complain when they disagree with things that happen in their local community, but if you don’t vote, you’ll never change anything.”

Like a local, or general election, polling hours on November 15 will be between 7am – 10pm. Your polling station's location will be on the poll card that will have been delivered to you, if you have registered to vote. Alternatively, contact your local elections office on: 0300 123 5016.

Votes will be counted on Friday, November 16, with the full result available at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

Wistaston Firework display

Reporter Jonathan White,

The 35th annual Wistaston Fireworks Display took place on Saturday 3rd November 2012. The event began with the judging of the children’s best pumpkin and best fancy dress competitions at the Park Drive/Westfield Drive junction, after which the procession (led by bagpiper Reg Flower) proceeded to the Eric Swan Sports Ground off Church Lane (behind Church Lane School, Wistaston) for the fireworks display. Entry was by donation and all proceeds this year will go to 35th South West Cheshire, Wistaston Scout Group (http://www.wistastonscoutgroup.org.uk/), as they are raising money towards the building of a Jubilee Headquarters at Bluebell Wood for use by Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers. Over £600 was raised last year for 'The Ray of Hope', a Crewe-based charity which supports the neonatal unit at Leighton Hospital & other local hospitals, so it hoped that a similar amount of money can be raised this year. An estimated one thousand people attended the event.

The results of the children’s best pumpkin competition, judged by Sheena Sambrook (Wistonian of the Year) and Gwyneth Brown (Wistaston Parish Council), were:
- 1st prize (£5 and a certificate) - Jack Bickerton with his Thomas the Tank Engine themed design.
- 2nd (£3 and a certificate) - Harry Valentine.
- 3rd (£2 and a certificate) - Ethan Bossons.
There were 11 entrants.
The results of the children’s fancy dress competition, also judged by Sheena and Gwyneth, were:
- 1st prize (£5 and a certificate) - Geremy Burrows as a monster.
- 2nd (£3 and a certificate) - Lewis Rossiter as a skeleton pirate.
- 3rd (£2 and a certificate) - Lucy Brunt as a little witch.
There were 15 entrants. It is the fourth year running that the Rossiter family have won a competition prize.
Crewe-based community radio station RedShift Radio - http://www.redshiftradio.co.uk/ - provided, setup and manned the PA system for a third year running before the fireworks and played the atmospheric music during the display. They were represented by Dr Gavin Hammond (Station Director) – aka ‘Dr. Gav’ and Liz Southall (Business Development Director) – aka ‘Bizzy Lizzy’. RedShift Radio are launching an FM channel on 87.7FM, which will run from 5th November to 2nd December 2012.
Dr Gav was Master of Ceremonies and got the crowd warmed up, whilst Liz interviewed children who’d participated in the earlier fancy dress competition.
Professional fireworks display specialist Comet Fireworks - http://www.cometfireworks.co.uk/ - setup and lit the fireworks display. The fireworks used during the 12 and a half minute display took 12 hours to setup and included shells, cakes, mines and Roman candles which were linked to a computer system in sync with the music. The company was represented by Mark O'Neill (Managing Director) and his team with Sam O'Neill 'conducting' the display.
The 35th South West Cheshire, Wistaston Scout Group served hot and cold drinks and food during the event, whilst Wistaston Community Council members sold candyfloss and ‘Stevo's Glows’ sold children's flashing novelties.
The event was organised by the Wistaston Community Council and funded by the Wistaston Community Council and the Wistaston Parish Council.
Dane Chaplow (Chairman, Wistaston Community Council) said, “The children's competitions, procession and the fireworks were very well supported. The event was financed by Wistaston Parish Council and the Wistaston Community Council. RedShift Radio once again provided excellent music and Comet Fireworks provided a fantastic display. It was the best event ever for size, scale and budget.”
The Wistaston Community Council desperately requires new members to help organise next year’s Fireworks Display, as well as other Wistaston-based events such as the Summer Fete, Flower and Produce Show and the Spring & Christmas concerts. Please visit http://www.wistastoncommunity.co.uk for further information if you would like to join.

Takeover Day 2012

 

Cheshire East Council is opening its doors to children and young people as part of the Children’s Commissioner’s (Dr Maggie Atkinson) Takeover Day.

On November 23, young people will get the chance to shadow senior officers for a day and see for themselves what is involved in the day-to-day running of a local authority and partner agencies.

Children will benefit from experiencing the world of work and making their voices heard, while staff and the organisations will gain a fresh perspective.

It is hoped that this will help break down barriers between generations and encourage young people to become more active in their local communities.

The scheme is open to anyone aged 13 – 19 years and some young people will get the opportunity to support the running of youth hubs in Macclesfield and Crewe.

Young people wanting to get involved can pick up a form from their career adviser at school, from the Youth Support Centre in Crewe (23-25 Market Street), or by emailing: kay.banks@cheshireeast.gov.uk.

Further details of the Children’s Commissioner Takeover Day can be found at: www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk

Cheshire East in country’s top five for early education

Cheshire East has come fifth in the whole country for providing excellent education to youngsters in their first year at school – and third for narrowing the gap between the lowest and highest achieving students.

The new research released by the Department for Education, shows impressive improvements in children’s development by the end of their reception class.

More youngsters than ever had reached a good level of development in emotional development, communication, language and literacy skills.

It means Cheshire East is now the fifth best performing local authority in England, out of 152 local authorities, and is positioned first against statistically similar authorities.

The local authority also came third in the country for narrowing the gap between the lowest performing children and the best. Based upon this year’s result, the gap has closed by seven per cent over three years.

This means the gap stands at 25 per cent – the third smallest in England, having narrowed more than twice the national average rate since 2009.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member in charge of children and family services, said: “We are absolutely delighted with this news and it just confirms what we already know – that the standard of education within Cheshire East is truly excellent.

“Evidence shows that giving learners the best opportunity as early as possible provides the platform for greater achievements as they progress through their educational years and beyond.

“The work of the Early Years Team within children and family services has been instrumental in bringing about these significant improvements.

“Targeted programmes within settings and schools to improve the tracking of pupil progress, use and interpretation of data and early language development, have paid huge dividends and continues to be the foundation of our Early Years strategy.”

Historic Britain in Bloom Success for Willaston.

 

                 I am delighted that Willaston has won the silver gilt award for the first time ever in the 'Small Town' category  of the North West Britain in Bloom competition. This is just the latest of many successes in the annual competition. The village was up against some very stiff competition and did remarkably well.

I pay tribute to the Willaston in Bloom committee, led by Cllr. Wayne Lewis and supported by Cllr John Flackett and the many other volunteers on the Committee. Also thanks are due to all those many householders  who have such magnificent floral displays in their gardens and to the Parish Council and others who helped fund the cost of the wonderful floral beds and other exhibits in the village.

There is a wonderful community spirit in Willaston and this award is fully justified. Many local groups flourish in Willaston and it is an excellent, beautiful and friendly place to live.

Yours faithfully
Cllr. Brian Silvester
Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Bogus council workers

Please be aware of an incident which occurred whereby two males have approached an elderly male at his home address claiming to be from the council (this was a privately owned home, not a council property). There has been a report that there has been a theft of Council uniform and I.D badges. At present we cannot confirm this and we are looking to confirm this by the council, however please can you inform residents of the potential bogus callers. Please note that council workers will not cold call at your address and if you are concerned about any callers they will not mind if you wish to contact the council to confirm that they are there legitimately.
Once I have confirmed that the Council I.D. and uniform could be used by bogus callers I will post an update.

Operation targets anti-social behaviour in Wistaston

 

Police in Wistaston have carried out an operation to tackle the recent rise in anti-social behaviour in the area.

The operation, which took place over the weekend of 26 October, involved officers on foot and the use of a mobile CCTV van to prevent and deter youths from gathering in the Wistaston and Wistaston Green areas.

Police seized large amounts of alcohol from youths and issued more than 20 ‘yellow card′ warnings for anti-social behaviour.

PC Dan Sambrook, of Crewe NPU, said: "The influx of officers in the area has prevented large groups of youths from congregating and reduced the number of reports of anti-social behaviour.

"We are committed to tackling the issue and will continue to provide extra enforcement over the coming weekends."

Officers have also seen a rise in the number of incidents involving youths letting off fireworks in the street.

In the run up to bonfire night, police are reminding the public that it is illegal for anyone under 18 to buy or use fireworks.

Anyone under18 found with fireworks in a public place could face a fine, caution or court appearance.

Warmingham wins community safety award

 

Warmingham has been announced as the winner of Cheshire Constabulary′s Village Community Safety Award for 2012.

The award was presented to representatives of the village by Chief Inspector Paul Carroll at the Community Pride Awards Ceremony at Middlewich Civic Hall on Thursday 4 October 2012.

Ch Insp Carroll said: "I am sure there will be more challenges ahead, but their performance in this competition proves that Warmingham will meet those in the same positive manner. They are to be congratulated on their success."

The accolade, which was introduced in 2001, is designed to celebrate and promote community spirit, ingenuity and the combined hard work of professionals and volunteers within the community.

A number of villages had been identified as candidates for the award due to their high levels of community involvement and engagement, in addition to the steps they were taking to prevent crime and improve safety measures.

Warmingham, a small village in Cheshire East in the valley of the river Wheelock, was selected as the winner of the award for their excellent initiatives and high standards of upkeep. They were commended for the appearance of gardens, shop fronts and public places, as well as an absence of litter and graffiti and adequate provision of litter receptacles.

The judges also noted the low levels of anti-social behaviour and evidence of crime reduction measures such as Home Watch, CCTV, lighting of public areas and traffic calming measures.

Curtains rise on bright future for Lyceum Theatre

 

One of Britain’s top theatrical companies has been selected to manage Crewe’s historic Lyceum Theatre.

Cheshire East Council has appointed HQ Theatres to run the landmark venue and some even bigger acts and pantomimes have been promised for 2013 and beyond when it takes over the reins in January.

In a deal which will save money for the taxpayer, thanks to a much-reduced Council subsidy, Cheshire East believes it has found the best company to further establish the Lyceum’s status and cultural heritage.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “This is a win-win situation for Crewe. We promised to get the best outcome for the Lyceum Theatre and, in a forward-thinking organisation like HQ Theatres, we have got the best.

“I know all of the local members are in support of this move. These are the first stepping stones on the road to a bright future for Crewe and proof that we are delivering in the town.

“There is more to come for Crewe and the Lyceum as a destination centre will provide a platform for further destination centres in the town as we look to turn it into an economic powerhouse by 2030.”

HQ will work in partnership with Cheshire East to deliver a wide variety of events and has also pledged financial support for Cheshire East Youth Theatre, summer placements for young people, arts apprenticeships and staff training at the landmark theatre.

A Theatre Director is also to be appointed to attract top professional artistes and shows and HQ plans to complement live entertainment with opportunities to eat and drink, drawing on its experience as a restaurant operator.

Derek Nicholls, Chief Executive of HQ Theatres, said: “HQ Theatres is delighted to have the opportunity to manage the Lyceum Theatre, which is an exquisite historic building with, we believe, an exciting future.

“We want the local community to feel as though there is something special happening here; and to breathe new life into this beautiful theatre and to ensure its position as a vibrant centre for the performing arts.

“We will provide top professional shows and artistes, with broad appeal to all tastes, as well as flexible ticket prices and proven marketing expertise. We will also ensure a real ‘local’ service – this will not be a theatre run indirectly from our head office in London.

“Amongst the developments we shall bring to Crewe will be a summer Musical Theatre Project, involving large numbers of young people.

“We believe in the importance of strong partnerships with local societies and shall continue to present the work of the Cheshire East Youth Theatre, which we look forward to supporting, with new opportunities such as quality student placements at the Lyceum Theatre.”

Cheshire East Council invited interested parties to express an interest in partnering the Council in the future management of the century-old building.

An impressive 58 expressions of interest were made from potential partners, which led to three formal bids for the contract.

Councillor Steve Wilkinson, Cabinet support member for communities and regulatory services, added: “Securing the theatre’s future was of great importance as it is a much-loved institution that is at the very heart of the local community. It has played host to so many memorable events over the years and we want that to continue for many years to come.

“We now look forward to working with HQ Theatres to improve the theatrical offer for visitors.”