Health and Wellbeing Board is launched in Cheshire East

A new board in Cheshire East, which will focus on people’s health and wellbeing needs, has been officially launched.

The launch of the Health and Wellbeing Board at the Alexandra Stadium, in Crewe, brought together a range of people from the Council, the NHS and other key partners such as the voluntary community and faith sector to discuss ways in which they can work better as a partnership to improve people’s health.

Coming into being in April 2013, it will plan services that meet the needs of local people and help them to stay healthy and independent by taking into account the bigger picture such as transport, housing, jobs and leisure.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care, said: “The emphasis of the day was working together better under the new system to improve health outcomes for our communities.

“This event was extremely well received by the near-200 people who attended and they all learned how their organisation could fit in and contribute to our aims of improving people’s health and wellbeing in Cheshire East.

“The day started with a service user highlighting their experiences under the old system sharing their view on what could be improved and colleagues also took part in a market place which increased awareness of some of the services that are generally available.

“Attendees felt the event was a great example of partnership working. We need to work in a way that supports people in Cheshire East throughout their lifetime; to ensure they have the best start in life, to live well and to age well.”

Cheshire East set up its Shadow Health and Wellbeing Board in September 2011. It meets every two months, with the permanent board being established by April 2013.

In order to take on board what the community says, an initiative called Healthwatch is being established. This will be the new consumer champion for health and social care and will be operational by April 2013.

Cheshire Police show their support for White Ribbon

Cheshire Police have been tying white ribbons outside their police stations in a show of support for national violence against women day.

The White Ribbon has been adopted as the symbol of preventing violence against women with a national awareness day for the White Ribbon Campaign this Sunday 25^th November.

The White Ribbon Campaign wants to ensure that men take more responsibility for reducing the level of violence against women.

Domestic violence is very common. Research shows that it affects one in four women in their lifetime. Two women a week are killed by their partners or former partners. Assistant Chief Constable, Ruth Purdie who placed a ribbon outside the police headquarters commented that "Cheshire Police regularly encounter incidents of domestic violence, which can often be life threatening and destroy the lives of women. We urge all women who are experiencing domestic abuse to report it to Cheshire Police in the first instance. Don’t suffer in silence!

Cheshire Police have supported this national campaign for several years because it is an issue which the police deal with all year round − any case of domestic violence is one too many. Cheshire Police are committed to domestic violence by putting an end to abuse in the home. From staff donating money to wearing white ribbon badges, we are now encouraging the general public to please give your support by buying and wearing a White Ribbon around November 25th. This is a personal pledge to never commit, condone or be silent about violence against women."

The White Ribbon Campaign appeared in 1991 and has spread to over 57 countries around the world. Its basic principle is the importance of men and boys to speak out against all forms of violence against women. The UK supports the campaign from November 25 until December 10 but campaigns can occur at any time of the year.

This weekend, officers will be tweeting their pledges of support to further highlight their understanding of domestic violence and its life threatening consequences. To read our officers pledges, please visit www.cheshire.police.uk to sign up to your own local twitter police sites.

A lot of the abuse is often mental and the abuser will make your friends or family feel uncomfortable when visiting so that they cease to come and the purpose is to isolate you so they have control over you. In extreme cases they may find excuses to give you tablets to help you with your problems. These are often illegal steroids to make you fat so no one else will look at you  but these can cause heart attacks and feeling suicidal .

Tango and Salsa Charity - Dancers Needed for Dancing Challenge!

 

St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice is searching for Cheshire’s budding ballroom and Latin stars to shimmy into the spotlight for the ‘Strictly Learn to Dance 2013’ fundraising event.

If you’ve always dreamed of being a dance diva or you’re keen to lead your partner round the dance floor with grace, now is your chance to get involved as the hugely-popular St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice’s ‘Strictly Learn to Dance’ extravaganza returns!

Whether you’re a couple who would love to learn to dance or an individual, who would be happy to be paired up with a partner who is learning to dance too, the event will see up to 20 dance couples transformed into confident dancers.

It doesn’t matter if you have two left feet, as from 8 January 2013, regular Salsa and Tango tuition, of 45 minutes per week, will be given all the participants in Tarporley every Tuesday evening. The event will culminate in a fun Grand Finale Show at Nantwich Civic Hall on Sunday, April 28, in which a panel of judges will watch the couples dance and pick an overall winner!

Participants will be asked to register and commit to raise sponsorship donations of at least £300. Tickets for the Grand Finale will be on sale from March to raise money for the St Luke’s Hospice, which cares for sufferers of cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

Liz Wells, Fundraising Events Co-Ordinator, said: “The first Strictly Learn to Dance event was a huge success and I think we can do even better in 2013.”

If you’re keen to get involved in ‘Strictly Learn to Dance’ contact Liz Wells at St Luke’s Hospice on 01606 555816 or email: liz_wells@stlukes-hospice.co.uk.

Posted by Jan Wright at 12:42 AM No comments: Links to this post

Spread the warmth – be a good winter neighbour

Cheshire East Council and its partners are urging residents to ‘be a good winter neighbour’ this season.

As part of the Spread the Warmth campaign, the Council would like people to check in on their friends and neighbours, especially if they are older or if they have heart or breathing problems, as they may need your help and our support.

The winter cold can be distressing to some and a phone call or a knock at the door can make all the difference and can brighten their day.

And with temperatures ready to drop, it is worth considering if someone’s home is warm enough. Living rooms should be heated to 21C and bedrooms to 18C. Information about heating repairs can be found at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/homerepairs or by ringing 0300 123 5017.

Also, note if your neighbour has enough food and medicines to prevent them having to go out in very cold or icy weather.

The Council has listed some winter warning signs for residents to be on the lookout for that could indicate something might be wrong:

· Milk still out on the doorstep late in the day

· Newspapers and post stuck in the letterbox

· Curtains drawn during the day

· Lights on during the day

· A home in darkness when there should be someone at home

· A dog barking all day or the cat scratching to be let in

· Bins not put out on collection days

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care services, said: “As temperatures fall, there will be many who are worried either about their own ability to cope, or about another adult, and maybe looking for social care support. Or there will be those who are looking for services to support families or children.

“Cheshire East Council and its partners are always here to help. The winter page on our website provides a wealth of advice and we urge residents to contact us either by email or phone if they have concerns.”

Sean Reynolds, chair of the Local Adult Safeguarding Board, said: “It is ordinary people with a strong sense of personal responsibility, whose vigilance and action will make it possible for their family members, friends and neighbours to feel well supported and safe this winter. And it is they who can make a difference to these people’s lives.”

For concerns about the welfare or safety of an adult, call 0300 123 5010 (8.30am-5pm) or 0300 123 5022 outside these hours.

The Family Information Service is available on 0300 123 5033.

For concerns about the welfare or safety of a child, call 0300 123 5012 (8.30am-5pm) or 0300 123 5022 outside these hours.

For domestic abuse assistance, call the Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Family Safety Unit on 01606 363532 or the national 24-hour helpline on 0808 2000 247.

For further winter-related advice, please visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter

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

Posted by Jan Wright at 12:40 AM No comments: Links to this post

Shoppers to get their money back in Nantwich car parks this Christmas

Shoppers in Nantwich will be able to redeem the cost of their car parking tickets this Christmas.

Cheshire East Council’s Nantwich Local Area Partnership (LAP), in association with traders’ forum Nantwich Flourish, is piloting a Two Part Ticketing pilot from December 1, for around three months.

It is hoped the idea will attract more shoppers into Nantwich and give traders a boost this Christmas. The scheme will support Nantwich Town Council, retailers and market traders with planned activities throughout the festive period.

Shoppers will be able to redeem the cost of their parking ticket at participating shops and businesses. Any traders who would like to get involved with the scheme are being urged to get in touch to discuss how the scheme can work for them.

Traders will have the freedom to opt in and out of scheme as they wish and can set their own conditions to redeem ticket cost.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cabinet member in charge of communities and regulatory services, said: “The idea was warmly received by traders when it was suggested during the summer.

“All 175 independent traders in the town have received letters inviting them to join the scheme, and the Nantwich LAP has had a number of responses from key outlets in support of it.

“Nantwich is a very attractive place for shoppers as it has an abundance of unique, smaller, independent shops and boutiques. We want to celebrate this and to promote the town’s beauty and originality.”

A total of 270,000 two-part tickets will be installed into the following car parks:

· Bowers Row

· Bowling Green

· Church Lane

· Civic Hall

· Dysart Buildings

· Love Lane

· Market Area

· Snow Hill

Advertising space on the ticket stub has been reserved, and will read: ‘You can redeem the value of this ticket at participating traders in Nantwich. Conditions apply.’

Participating shops and traders will be supplied with a poster or window sticker to display. There will not be any increases to the existing car park charges as a result of implementing this pilot scheme.

Posted by Jan Wright at 12:39 AM No comments: Links to this post

Driver sustains minor injuries in collision with building in North Street, Crewe

 

At 18:48 hours this evening Cheshire Police received a call from Coppenhall Working Men′s Club, North Street, Crewe, stating a car had collided with the club and had gone through the window and inner wall of the club.

The driver of the car, a 45 year old local man, is believed to have sustained minor injuries and North West Ambulance are at the scene. Cheshire Fire and Rescue are also in attendance and it is believed at this time that no-one else has been injured in the incident

The building has been badly damaged and work is on-going to access the structural state of the building. Cheshire Police are appealing to members of the public to avoid the immediate vicinity whilst this work is being undertaken and the investigation is taking place to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Anyone who has any information concerning the incident is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101 the non-emergency number.

SNEAK IN BURGLARY

 

Please be mindful that there has been a number of sneak in burglaries over recent weeks in the area and this is of concern to the police.  There does not appear to be a single area that is being targeted.  

Many people associate sneak in burglary with summer weather when doors and windows are left unlocked during warm weather.  We are trying to get the message out that these types of burglaries can occur throughout the year.  Around 36% of all burglaries happen through unlocked doors and windows.  That is a massive percentage of burglaries that could be prevented by taking simple measures.  It is worth pointing out that in the main Crewe & Nantwich is a safe place to reside.  All areas can fall foul of these types of opportunist crimes but if we work together to spread the message to be vigilant we hope to be able to reduce the number of opportunities for would be burglars to engage in this type of behaviour in Crewe & Nantwich.

In many cases people simply forget to lock their doors and windows and may leave an opening insecure.  It is advisable to try and get into a habit of checking all doors and windows are secure prior to leaving the house and before going to bed.  If you begin to undertake a check regularly it will become part of a normal routine.  People who have teenage children/other family members living with them need to ensure that they drive home the importance of always ensuring that doors and windows are secure to these members of the household.  It serves little purpose for a couple of people in the house to follow these precautions if other members of the house fail to see the importance of taking these steps.

In several cases people choose to leave their doors and windows open for a variety of reasons and this is something that many of us are guilty of doing at times.  It is easy to fall into the trap of believing that it won't happen to us because we have left doors and windows open before whilst nipping out and nothing has happened.  This is by no means a fool proof system in terms of security as it relies purely on good luck and chance.  Although it can be a pain, it is essential that all windows and doors are secured whenever you leave your house unoccupied, even if just for a matter of minutes - remember a couple of minutes is all it takes for someone to walk in and steal from you.  Remember, it could affect a house insurance claim if they conclude that you have not taken reasonable steps to secure your property.

Contrary to popular belief a large proportion of sneak in burglaries and burglaries occur during daylight hours.  Although most people fear coming face to face with a burglar in their home at night, in reality, many burglars want the easiest option where they can get the maximum return with the least chance of being caught.  In many areas this tends to be during the day when the majority of residents in streets are at work, school, college etc and there is less natural surveillance from neighbours and passers by.

Even when present in your property it is advisable to lock access doors and close the windows in the rooms that you are not in, particularly on the ground floor.  It is easy to be concentrating on something elsewhere in your property and for someone to open a door/lean through a window and take an item quickly such as a handbag, purse, wallet, phone etc.

Please pay particular attention to this advice and pass on to scheme members, friends and family and ask them to circulate as widely as possible.  It is of particular note in the run up to Christmas as many households are busy buying and storing presents for friends and family (which may end up under Christmas trees in the upcoming weeks) so there are a high proportion of new and often expensive items in many homes that could provide easy pickings for a sneak in burglar with highly upsetting results for the householder.

As always if anyone witnesses any suspicious behaviour please contact Cheshire Constabulary via 999 if an emergency or 101 in all other instances.  If anyone has any anonymous information that they would like to provide this can be done via Cheshire Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Blue Bell BMW Crewe backs local pro golfer on prestigious European Tour

Blue Bell BMW Crewe has wished Wychwood Park Golf Club based pro Simon Wakefield  good luck before he jets off to compete in the PGA European Tour’s South African Open Championship early next month.

Simon, who has been playing at tour level for nearly 10 years, regained his European Tour card for the 2013 season by bouncing back in style via the Challenge Tour 2012 Rankings after narrowly missing out on retaining his card last year.

And Simon who lives in Cotes Heath, Staffordshire, has being backed all the way for the past 4 years by the team at the Weston Road dealership which has provided him with a BMW to support his travel arrangements to UK and Europe-wide competitions.

Father-of-two Simon recently challenged South Cheshire golfers to ‘Beat-a-Pro’ at a charity golf day, organised by Blue Bell BMW, on his home course in Weston.

The competition raised over £300 towards the event’s grand total of almost £1000 for the Cheshire-based charity Visyon, which promotes and improves the mental health and emotional well-being of children and young people up to the age of 25 throughout the region.

Barry Holt, Dealer Principal of Blue Bell BMW Crewe said: “We’re delighted to see Simon competing at the top level again and wish him nothing but the best of luck on the prestigious tour.

“Simon is a great golfer and an excellent ambassador for his sponsors.”

Simon Wakefield added: “The support I receive from Blue Bell is amazing and I’m extremely proud to be associated with the dealership.

“I can’t wait to get back out on tour and am thoroughly looking forward to the new season.”

For more information on the Blue Bell Dealerships in Crewe, visit Blue Bell BMW, Fourth Avenue, Weston Road, Crewe. Tel: 01270 212525

CONTROVERSY OVER WALKING ROUTES TO SCHOOLS REVIEW

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor Brian Silvester is backing local parents in Willaston in their bid to maintain a free bus service for their children to Malbank School in Nantwich. He said," The following have been identified by parents as hazards that the Council do not appear to have taken into account.

· The alternative "walking route" via Cheerbrook Road and across the A51 to London Road, is a indirect route.

· The alternative "walking route" is unsuitable as in places there is little if no street lighting.

· The alternative "walking route" involves crossing a railway crossing that is only covered by a half barrier - therefore making this a potential health and safety issue.

· The alternative "walking route" involves walking along London Road which historically carries a large amount of Heavy (HGV) Lorries.

· The alternative bus service (Arriva) will cost approx £300 per term.

I have written the Council to ask them to review their decision that withdraws the free bus service from Willaston to the Malbank School."

Councillor Silvester is urging parents in Willaston to contact the Council or himself if they have concerns about the proposed changes.

The Council have informed Cllr Silvester that, 'In terms of your local ward area, one route that is currently under review is the route between Willaston and Malbank High School. The crossing of the A51 at the Cheerbrook Roundabout was originally assessed as “unavailable to walk” but because of the recent installation of a toucan crossing this has made the route potentially ‘available to walk’.  See below and attached.

Cllr Brian Silvester
Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Road Closed

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Cheshire East Borough Council, in exercise of its powers under Section 14(2) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and of all other enabling powers, issues this notice temporarily to prohibit traffic in the following length of road:-

Wistaston Road, Willaston from its junction with Park Road to its junction with Crewe Road.

The alternative diversion route is via; Coppice Road, Crewe Road, Park Road and vice versa.

The temporary road closure is necessary to avoid danger to highway users whilst United Utilities carries out emergency repairs to a collapsed sewer outside of the Lamb Public House.

Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.

Vehicular access will be maintained for emergency vehicles and residents.

It is anticipated that the works will be carried out on Friday 16^th November until Friday 23^rd November 2012.

This notice will become operative on Friday 16^th November 2012 for a period of 21 days or for such less time as is necessary to enable the works to be completed. This notice will be extended by means of a further 21 day notice if necessary.

If you have any enquiries relating to the works please contact Dave Wilson on telephone number 01925242741

16^th November 2012                              Caroline Elwood

Borough Solicitor

Westfields

Middlewich Road

Sandbach

CW11 1HZ

Christmas Events

 

Please find a list below of Christmas events throughout Cheshire East:

Thursday, November 22

Alderley Edge Christmas lights switch-on. Procession and entertainment on London Road from 4pm.

Thursday, November  22

Crewe Christmas lights switch-on. Three-hour spectacular from 4pm to 7pm. Switch-on at 6.30pm by the cast of the Lyceum pantomime and the Mayor of Crewe, plus a musical firework finale.

Thursday, November 22

Start of late-night shopping in Crewe.

Saturday, November 24

Macclesfield Christmas lights switch-on and Father Christmas in the Marketplace. Event starts at 10am with the switch-on at 4.30pm.

Saturday, November 24

The start of Winterfest in Macclesfield with a range of events until December 29.

Sunday, November 25

Alsager Christmas lights switch-on. There will be entertainment plus the Christmas tree festival from 4pm.

Sunday, November 25

Sandbach Christmas lights switch-on. Entertainment on the cobbles from 2pm with the switch-on at 5pm.

Thursday, November 29

Audlem Christmas lights switch-on.

Thursday, November 29

Wilmslow Christmas lights switch-on. Santa will leave Sainsbury’s on his sleigh at 6pm finishing at Bank Square where there will be entertainment and the lights switch-on.

Friday, November 30

Sandbach Christmas street market and late-night shopping.

Friday, November 30

Knutsford Christmas lights switch-on. From 6.30pm Santa and his reindeer will make their way along King Street to Canute Place for the official switch-on at 7pm. There will be Christmas carols, live music and special guests.

Friday, November 30 – Saturday, December 1

Knutsford Christmas market and Middlewich Christmas fayre.

Saturday, December 1

Nantwich Christmas light switch-on in the town square. Event starts at 4pm and will include a lantern parade and Redshift Radio roadshow. Lights will be switched on at 6.30pm by Olympian Beth Tweddle with a firework finale. 

Tuesday, December 4

Poynton Christmas Fest, with carol singing, street entertainment and a Christmas fayre.

Friday, December 7 – Sunday, December 9

Christmas gift fair at Tatton Park, plus the chance to meet Santa at the farm.

Friday, December 7

Christmas lantern parade at Tatton Park.

Sunday, December 16

Christmas lantern parade at Queens Park, Crewe.

Thursday, December 20

Free carol service at St Michael’s Church in Macclesfield, all welcome. 

Binge drinking is a talking point for Alcohol Awareness Week

 

Cheshire Police has launched an alcohol awareness campaign which is designed to make young people think about the damage that excessive alcohol consumption can cause. Alcohol is more accessible to the younger generation than ever before, and it is therefore a key aim of Totally Wasted to provoke a reaction amongst youngsters into understanding the harm that they are doing to themselves in the long term if they do not change their drinking habits.

Totally Wasted wants drinkers to consider the cost of alcohol to themselves and their family, public services and communities - what is the ‘trigger’ or cause of getting wasted all the time, and if behaviour can be changed, so that night outs can be enjoyed with or without the influences of alcohol.

The campaign supports Alcohol Awareness Week which is being run by Alcohol Concern from 19-25 November. Alcohol Concern hopes that it will help trigger conversation about the health risks, social problems and stigmas which are associated with talking about the dangers of alcohol.

Making people more responsible for their own drinking behaviour is the key to changing a drinker’s habits over night. And by generating awareness - if it can just make a person think twice about driving when over the limit, or prolonging their night by not mixing drinks, then it will have made some impact.

In the run up to Christmas, the different elements of the Totally Wasted campaign will look at -

• Wasted your evening
• Wasted your life
• Wasted your looks
• Wasted time
• Wasted money

A spokesperson from Cheshire Police commented that "since the launch of our Totally Wasted campaign, we hope to see a change in young drinker’s attitudes. We are not asking people to stop drinking but to watch how much they are drinking in a short space of time. The dangers of binge drinking at a young age can lead to early signs of alcohol harm"

Cheshire Police want young people to get involved on the social media networks. For more information, please go to www.upbeat.uk.com/totally-wasted or like us at www.facebook.com/totallywastedcheshire.

Spread the warmth – preparing your home for winter

 

When temperatures start to drop, the first thing people should think about is how to prepare their home before the cold weather really takes hold.

There are numerous checks that can be completed which can minimise the affects of adverse weather and the board offers this advice:

· Insulate pipes and drain off outside taps to prevent frozen pipes;

· Know where your stop tap is, and make sure you can turn it on and off with ease;

· If you are going away, consider asking a friend or neighbour to check on your house regularly. That way, if you have a burst then it will be discovered early;

· Leave your heating on if the weather is forecast to be freezing;

· Take advantage of the last remaining insulation offers. Contact your energy supplier for details of free or discounted loft and cavity wall insulation;

· Fit draught proofing to seal any gaps around doors and windows;

· Get your boiler serviced regularly by a qualified engineer. Remember for gas boilers, check that your engineer is Gas Safe registered;

· Be prepared for clearing ice and snow this winter – have a snow shovel, brush and grit or salt ready.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care, said: “Throughout the winter, we will be providing information and handy tips to help people prepare for winter, how to cope in cold spells, and encouraging people to look out for their neighbours.

“We are also putting plans in place to identify vulnerable people at risk of ill health during cold spells. The advice above offers simple and practical measures that everyone can use to suit their own circumstances.”

Sean Reynolds, Chairman of the Local Adult Safeguarding Board, added: “On behalf of the Board, I would encourage everyone to take note and act upon this practical advice to stay safe and warm this winter.”

For further winter-related advice, please visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter

Council moves to boost use of its land and assets

 

Cheshire East Council is to take steps to speed up and simplify the process for developing Council land and assets.

The aim is to boost the authority’s ability to use its property as effectively as possible to generate wealth, jobs and much-needed housing – and support the renaissance of Cheshire East’s towns and communities.

Currently the authority has to undertake time-consuming, expensive and bureaucratic European procurement procedures to select development partners by competitive bidding for each project individually (via the OJEU procedure).

Now the Council is proposing to create a streamlined ‘delivery panel’ of appointed partners and service providers, called a new developer framework.

This new panel would provide the Council with a one-stop shop for development and construction-related works and services. Developers and services would then be procured via streamlined ‘mini-competitions’.

The panel is a fast and simple way to procure services for every stage of the development process from appraisal to construction for Council land and assets. Services include: Project appraisal; project and programme management; finance and funding; planning; design and technical advice; construction; sales and marketing.

This framework panel system has the benefits of delivering:

● Fast and simple procurement;

● Access to a pre-qualified list of high-quality providers across a range of disciplines;

● A flexible range of services and expertise; and

● A choice of high-quality housing and construction providers.

The Council’s assets service is responsible for managing Cheshire East land and property worth more than £600m. Increasingly, the Council is committed to promoting economic growth, regeneration and new housing development through the smarter use of its land and property portfolio.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member in charge of prosperity and economic regeneration, said: “We want to gather a portfolio of best-in-class companies – a mixture of top local and international developer partners. We believe that Cheshire East deserves the best.

“This framework will help the Council bring forward development opportunities more efficiently, strategically and speed up the development process.

“This will generate money for the Council to plough back into frontline services and capital projects, which will help deliver wider regeneration benefits to the people of Cheshire East, stimulating jobs and economic growth.

“The Council has a responsibility to local Council Tax payers to manage its landholdings and property assets as effectively and efficiently as possible. The creation of a ‘new developer framework’ panel will help the Council deliver this.

“The framework will make the procurement process faster and simpler and more in accordance with the Council’s corporate objectives and priorities.

“There is also a need for a significant number of new homes in the Borough over the period of the next Local Plan. The Council has a responsibility to make land and property available to help facilitate the new development required.”

The new framework agreement will run for a maximum of four years.

The proposed timetable for the creation of the framework would see the Council inviting tenders submissions by July 2013, with the panel of contractors and developers in place soon afterwards.

Frameworks of this kind have been embraced by a number of high-performing local authorities and Homes and Communities Agency. They are also generally supported by private-sector developers, consultants and housing associations as an efficient way to bring assets to market.

Service of Remembrance

Reporter John White,

Wistaston Memorial Hall was full for the Service of Remembrance on Sunday 11 November 2012, starting at 3pm. Those present included local residents, several Parish Counsellors, members of The Royal British Legion, plus Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers from the Wistaston 35th SWC Scout Group.

The poppy display was arranged by Olive Williams. The music was provided by Myra Wood and members of the Wells Green Church Choir. The Service was led by Rev Mike Turnbull and Rev Ken Sambrook (St Mary's Church, Wistaston) and Fr Martin Moran (Oblate Retreat Centre). A list of the names of the sixteen men from Wistaston was read by Barbara Brereton. A special tribute was paid to one of the sixteen men from Wistaston who perished in WW2: Sergeant George Alfred Hinton, No.53 Squadron, Royal Air Force who was reported as ‘missing’ on a bombing raid on 26th November 1940, aged 28. He was the observer/navigator in a Bristol Blenheim Mk IV plane from RAF Thorney Island, Sussex.

A wreath was placed at the front of the Hall by John Cooke (Hall's President). Jack Gresty played 'The Last Post' and 'Reveille'.

A collection raised £248 for The Royal British Legion.

The Hall's Chairman John White said, "This was another respectful Service during which the sixteen Wistonian's who perished in the Second World War were remembered and due tributes given. We will always remember them."

The Wistaston Memorial Hall was opened in March 1949.

Apprenticeship seminar in Crewe

 

An apprenticeship seminar will be held at South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, on Crewe Business Park, next week.

Speakers from Cheshire East Council and the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) will give presentations at the event, which takes place on Thursday, November 22, from 8.30am.

The session will cover all aspects of employing an apprentice, including business benefits, details and eligibility for the Apprenticeship Grant for Employers (AGE 16-24) and case studies.

Ben Whitter, leader of the award-winning A-Team, Cheshire East Council’s apprenticeship scheme, will discuss the A-Team in action and being part of the A-Team community. Clare McCourt, from NAS, will also give a talk.

A buffet breakfast is available at 8.30am, with presentations at 8.45am. Places are limited. To book, email rachel.bradshaw@cheshireeast.gov.uk or call Madeleine Abbey, events and marketing co-ordinator, at South Cheshire Chamber, on 01270 504700 ext 20.

Cheshire East resident awarded British Empire Medal

A Cheshire East resident has been awarded The British Empire Medal after years of hard work fundraising.

Edna Weatherby, who is from Alsager, was awarded the medal after raising thousands of pounds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI).

The British Empire Medal has been reintroduced this year, after a 12-year absence. This year’s awards saw seven Cheshire residents receive a medal.

Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs presented the British Empire Medal. He said:

“This is a thank you from the nation to the hard working volunteers within our communities who are the backbone of society.

“I hope that going forward, more people will consider nominating outstanding people they think are worthy of this award.”

Celia Crompton collected her mother’s medal. She said:

“It is a tremendous honour to receive this award on behalf of my mother.

“She has worked tirelessly for many years raising money for the RNLI as Secretary of Alsager Ladies Lifeboat Guild and I know that she is honoured to have been awarded the British Empire Medal.”

Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs added:

“I am delighted that the British Empire Medal has been reintroduced. It is only right that deserving members of the public are recognised for their hard work in their communities and for charity.”

Mayor of Cheshire East Councillor George Walton commented:

“Here in Cheshire East we are fortunate enough to have many residents who do a great deal of hard work in their local community.

“These people don’t do their work for plaudits. However, it is only right that they are recognised.”

Postal votes for the PCC Election

 

Cheshire East Council is urging people to take care when completing their postal votes for the Police and Crime Commissioner Election.

So far, the Council has received nearly 14,000 votes by post, with around 500 of these (3.5 per cent) being incomplete.

For postal votes to count, the Council must receive both the ballot paper and the postal voting statement.

Currently, a small number of people are returning only part of the postal vote, or completing the postal voting statement incorrectly, which could lead to their vote being invalid.

Residents are being asked to follow the instructions that accompany the papers. They are:

1. Separate postal voting statement and ballot paper;
2. Fill out ballot paper and place it in envelope A;
3. Fill out postal voting statement and place it, along with envelope A, into the larger envelope B; and
4. Post envelope B back to the Council – no stamp is required.

Postal voters are also reminded to correctly complete the postal voting statement by filling in their date of birth in the correct format and by adding an accurate signature.

Postal votes must be received by the Local Returning Officer by 10pm on Thursday, November 15.

Voters are urged to return their postal vote at the earliest opportunity.

Police appeal for information after Crewe sexual assault

 

Police are appealing for witnesses following a sexual assault in Crewe on Sunday 4 November 2012.

Two young girls were outside an address in Cranbourne Road at around 8pm or 8.15pm when an unknown man approached them to say he′d lost his dog.

The 9-year-old girl went with the man to look for his dog. The man hugged the girl and touched her inappropriately. The girl protested and ran to her home address to inform her family.

The man is described as white, possibly in his 30s with brown eyes and a slim build. He has an English accent and called himself Dave.

DS Jim Boulton said: "We have had no more incidents of this nature but we would urge parents to be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour to police immediately. The little girl did the correct thing by telling her parents straight away but we would urge parents to remind their children not to talk to strangers or go off with them."

Anyone with information should contact DC Mike Rushton on 101 quoting incident number 890 of 4 November 2012. Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

 

Please be aware of the below incident

Date of Incident: 03/11/2012
Location of incident: Crewe

Police are appealing for information following a burglary in Crewe.

At about 8pm on Saturday 3rd 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 3rd November 2012.