Partnership Improves Crewe’s Greenways

Local initiatives have come together to improve sustainable transport links in the north of Crewe.  Last week, project partners were on site working together to improve the route of the Leighton Greenway extension, which is to commence before Christmas.

The extended greenway route has been enhanced with tree planting and wildflower meadow areas as co-ordinated by Greenspaces South Cheshire with assistance from the local Catch 22 youth project.  Funding for these landscape enhancements has come from the Community Development Foundation with important match funding for the provision of trees from NLH Deliveries in Crewe.

Local volunteers, Cheshire East Highways staff and pupils from Sir William Stanier School working on the John Muir Award took part in planting 100 native trees and shrubs which will enhance the new greenway extension.

The Leighton Greenway Extension project is part of a national scheme of improved sustainable transport links and safe routes to school as funded by the Department for Transport’s Community Links Programme.  Cheshire East Council has been successful in securing £400k of investment to work on a range of measures in Crewe as supported by Active Crewe Travel group (ACT)  Works will  include re-surfacing, safety improvements and new signage for important route-ways in the town and will complement the Connect2 cycle route which is currently being created next to Middlewich Road.

Peter Foster, Regional Director for Sustrans said: We are really pleased to see the progress of these important improvements to Crewe’s sustainable transport network.  The fact that we have other partners on board and assistance from the local community adds further value to the project, enhancing the landscape alongside these improved routes.

Des Johnson, managing direct for NLH Deliveries added: We are pleased to be supporting this local initiative and providing native broadleaf trees which will assist with reducing the carbon footprint of our Crewe-based delivery company.

Crewe Swimming Pool Group

A swimming group from Crewe Swimming Pool has raised over £1,000 towards purchasing a new electronic wheelchair for Vicky Perez. Vicky, aged 34, is well known in the Crewe area for her achievements in sport as she is a former artistic gymnastics world champion and British Sports Acrobatics Wheelchair Champion. Each week Vicky participates in an ‘AquaFit’ water aerobics session at Crewe Swimming Pool as part of her exercise regime. Her current wheelchair is showing its age and earlier this year she had an incident in Crewe where a wheel fell off. The wheelchair provides her with the independence to allow her to visit the pool, shop and visit friends and family.

A Curry and Pie Afternoon at The Captain Webb pub, Underwood Lane, Crewe raised over £500. The owners - Mags & Dave Oakes – generously allowed their pub lounge to be used for the event and also provided all the plates, cutlery, and serviettes. The Bombay Restaurant, Mill Street, Crewe donated popadoms. The curries were made by swim member Jo Tilley and husband Sid. Fifty-nine meals were served raising £295. Puddings donated by swim members, a raffle with vouchers donated by South Cheshire College, quizzes and donations raised a further £227.

A risqué ‘Crewe Pool Hunks’ 2013 calendar has so far raised £400.

Mick Garner donated a mobility scooter which raised £200 towards most of the printing of the calendar.

Refreshments sold at the 75th anniversary open day at Crewe Pool raised £83.53.

Karen Charlton from the swimming group said, “We are overwhelmed with everyone’s generosity and the help people have given in making this fund raiser a success”.

Police appeal for information after Crewe indecent exposure

 

Police are appealing for information after man exposed himself to two women as they walked along Macon Way in Crewe in the early hours of Wednesday 28 November 2012.

The women in their early 20s were close by to the playing field at around 3.15am when they were approached by a man who then exposed himself to them and followed them for a short distance.

The women immediately reported the offence to police. The man is described as in his 40s, of average build and wearing black stockings, a black bra and heels.

PC Clare Curbishley said: "This was an isolated incident and the offender made no attempt to grab the women. Anyone with information that may help to trace this man should contact police.

"We would also remind women out late at night not to walk home alone, stick to areas that are well lit and do not use paths that are secluded."

Anyone with information should contact PC Clare Curbishley on 101 quoting incident number 64 of 28 November 2012.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Burglary prevention advice to East Cheshire residents

 

Residents in East Cheshire are being urged to brighten up their homes during the dark winter nights.

Residents across the eastern area are being urged to make their homes look ′lived in′ to avoid being victim to opportunist thieves.

Traditionally at this time of year there tends to be an increase in the number of burglaries reported to police as homes are left in darkness whilst people are out at work.

Officers are urging residents across the area to remain security conscious and to take steps to reduce their chances of falling foul of thieves.

DI Nigel Groom head of the burglary team for the eastern area, said: "Many burglars are attracted to homes that have been left in darkness.

"We are urging residents to take a few simple steps to ensure their home is secure − especially if you are going to be late home from work or out for the night."

Residents are being encouraged to reassess their current security measures in a bid to reduce their chances of being targeted:

• Buy timer switches for lights, radios and other appliances to give the impression that someone is at home − even if they are not.
• Make sure all windows and doors are closed and secured at all times.
• Keep desirable items out of view to passers-by - valuables should not be visible from windows and doors in your home.
• The same applies to valuable items stored away in garages or sheds - ensure that garages and sheds are locked with strong padlocks and, ideally, fitted with an alarm.
• Install outside lights - dusk till dawn lights with a low wattage bulb will give a constant light when needed. They switch on as it gets dark and turn off when it gets lighter.
• Consider other security measures in your garden such as motion sensitive lights, using gravel, which is noisy if anyone steps on it, and planting prickly bushes.
• Remember to be a good neighbour - if you see anyone acting suspiciously in your area - report it to police immediately.

DI Nigel Groom added: "We are committed to tackling burglaries in East Cheshire and will do all we can to ensure that those involved in this type of crime are caught and punished.

"Residents across the area can join in the fight against this type of crime. Neighbours are being urged to keep a watchful eye on their own neighbourhood and look out for people acting suspiciously in their area.

"Be on your guard and if you see anyone acting suspiciously then please report it to the police immediately - even the smallest amount of information can be useful when piecing together a case."

Spread the warmth – preparing for severe winter weather

 

With stockpiles of salt, an online information centre and modern gritting vehicles – Cheshire East Council says it is fully equipped to cope with the current wintry conditions.

As part of the Cheshire East Council’s ‘Spread the Warmth’ campaign, the authority is reminding residents of its preparations and current actions as the winter weather takes hold.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “Winter weather can be a worrying time for many people, especially those who need to travel. We aim to be as informative as possible in the event of severe weather conditions.

“I want to reassure residents that we are well equipped to deal with snow and ice in the weeks and months ahead.”

Duty officers receive detailed weather reports, around the clock, during the winter months. These officers then decide if gritting vehicles or snow-ploughs are required.

Thanks to Cheshire East Council’s online Highways Information Centre, gritting vehicles can be tracked live as they salt local routes: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways

Councillor Menlove continued: “The monitoring of weather conditions here in Cheshire East never stops during the winter months. Gritting vehicles or snow-ploughs can be dispatched in minutes in the event of conditions deteriorating quickly.

“Freezing temperatures usually result in gritting taking place twice a day – once in the early hours of the morning and again in the evening – but this can be increased or decreased according the conditions that day. Crews have been sent out regularly over the past few weeks to salt the roads, particularly on higher ground.

“We cannot guarantee that the route will be completely ice or snow-free – what we can do is ensure that every effort is made to keep salt stocks high, monitor weather conditions and take the appropriate action.”

Sean Reynolds, the chair of the local Adult Safeguarding Board, said: “Frozen roads, as well as the extra hours of darkness, bring obvious additional risks such as falls and involvement in road traffic accidents.

“For older people, a relatively gentle fall can result in a serious fracture. For Cheshire East’s most vulnerable citizens, winter can also mean increased loneliness and isolation.

“With this in mind, I would urge those feeling vulnerable to ask a friend, family member or neighbour to help them out with simple but important daily routines such as their food shopping or getting rubbish out to their bins.”

Dog handlers seek support from the public

Cheshire Police are asking local breeders, suppliers and the general public if they would like to donate suitable dogs or bitches for the purposes of training them to work alongside the police dog handlers.

Ideally, the police dog handlers are looking for a German Shepherd or Alsatian dog, or Mallinois dog aged between 12 months and 2 years old. The dog must be confident around people and other animals and enjoy the interaction.

Because of the training that the handlers put the dogs through, it is also essential that the dog meets with the following criteria:-

What makes a good training dog?

- A dog with confidence and with plenty of energy and enthusiasm

- Friendly in nature, i.e., wagging its tail and not aggressive around the public

- Playful − likes to run after a ball once thrown and

- A good nose − as some of the training will focus on searching for and finding toys when they are hidden out of sight

However, please note that dogs that have been reported to the police following any complaints made by the public are not being considered.

For anyone who has a dog they would like to donate, can you please ring and ask for Mike Jones on 01606 362681. For more information on police dogs please visit cheshire.police.uk.

Consider the consequences of your actions or else, Cheshire Police warn!

 

"No means no" and at this time of the year, sexual assaults and rapes are characteristically higher than at any other time. Cheshire Police are ensuring potential offenders are clear about the law relating to rape and how consent is key to having any sexual relationship or encounter with another person. All cases of rape and sexual assault will be investigated and anyone who commits rape which is such a distressing act cannot expect to offer any appalling excuses for their actions as the law is quite clear!

One of the myths Cheshire Police are trying to dispel about rape and sexual assault relates to where rapes are most likely to happen and who are the perpetrators. It is often perceived as an offence that takes place in open or desolate areas and involves the victim being approached by a stranger. This scenario cannot be further from the truth, the majority of rapes happen in the home, either the victims or the offender’s home and the people involved know each other.

These vile sexual acts scar for life many victims and many victims are constantly being subjected to forced sexual acts without the offender showing any signs of remorse or guilt.

Cheshire Police continue their campaign to reduce the number of rapes by making sure that their message reaches men between the ages of 30 and 50. Having looked at offences committed over the last few years, Cheshire Police have found the biggest group of offenders committing rape are men who fall within this age group. With the launch of ‘rape shatters lives, there is no excuse’ campaign by Cheshire Police, there will be no excuse for offenders who indulge in such selfish and abhorrent acts.

Cheshire Police are asking everyone to answer this question - ′have you ever tried to take things further without mutual consent? ′

The message is clear as one Cheshire Police spokesperson states, "Do not think that you can get away with sex without having the consent of the other person, Cheshire Police will put offenders before the courts as victims deserve to be heard and live their life free from fear of being forced to have sex. Everyone has the right to say no to sex."

Cheshire Police recently dealt with an offender who was sentenced to six years imprisonment. The local Cheshire man had been for a night out in Liverpool with a group of friends. At the end of the night, they all went back to the offender’s house, where they stayed up drinking and taking drugs.

Everyone had had a lot to drink and one of the girls fell asleep on the offender’s bed, although she doesn’t remember how she came to be in his bedroom. The victim awoke to find the offender on top of her raping her. The convicted offender denied having sex with her despite the forensic evidence showing his semen was present on her internal vaginal swabs.

Cheshire Police established a Dedicated Rape Unit a year ago and officers within the unit dealt with a total of 232 rape and sexual assaults between 19 September 2011 and 30^th September 2012 and have made 130 arrests.

By using the specialist skills and expertise of the detectives in the Unit and by working closely with the Crown Prosecution service whose officers form part of the Unit, Cheshire police have been able to improve on the number of cases of rape that are solved and Cheshire now ranks 3^rd highest for detection rates within the most similar group of forces.

The detection rate from October 2011 to September 2012 is 22% with a 17% increase in total rape detections in comparison with the same period for 2010/11. Although there has been a rise in the number of rape incidents being reported in the last year, the incidences of rape and offender’s motives for assaulting someone are overriding issues and it is this which Cheshire Police will be focusing on over the coming months.

For more information on the ‘rape shatters lives’ campaign, please go to cheshire.police.uk.

Cheshire Constabulary helps communities get ready for winter

 

Cheshire Constabulary is helping communities prepare for the cold weather as part of a national ‘Get Ready for Winter′ campaign.

On 29 and 30 November, Police Community Support Officers were out and about in the community, visiting the elderly and most vulnerable members of the community to offer advice and support.

A police spokesperson said: "As autumn comes to an end and we officially move into winter, it is important that people are well prepared for the months ahead.

"Cheshire Constabulary is working in partnership with Cheshire Fire & Rescue, The Met Office and Local Authorities to get key messages and support out into the local communities of Cheshire."

The messages include home safety and security, vehicle advice, property marking, personal safety, watch schemes, winter warmth advice and details of support services available through the voluntary sector.

For more information about this and other initiatives, visit the Cheshire Police website: www.cheshire.police.uk.

Drink driving campaign launches across Cheshire

Cheshire Police will be out in force in the run up to Christmas to deliver road safety advice as part of its anti drink driving and drugs campaign and to target motorists who drive the morning after a night drinking.

As from November 30^th, Cheshire road safety messages will be delivered through a series of initiatives across Cheshire and will run alongside a national campaign by ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers) who this year are joining forces with THINK! − who form part of the Department for Transport to warn drivers that getting behind the wheel after a festive tipple could see them end up behind bars this Christmas.

ACPO today launched its anti-drink and drug driving campaign, warning that young drivers and people driving the morning after a night of drinking pose a huge risk. A hard hitting television advert highlighting the consequences of drink driving will also be shown throughout December as part of the THINK! Christmas drink drive campaign.

ACPO roads policing lead, Deputy Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, said: "If you don’t drink and drive this Christmas, you reduce the risk of killing an innocent person, or yourself. It really is that simple."

Last year, drivers aged between 20 and 24 failed more breath tests than any other age group so this year’s THINK! Christmas drink drive campaign is aimed at young people who are shown to be consistently over-represented in drink drive casualty figures."

ACPOs enforcement campaign targets well-intentioned drivers who do not think they are breaking the law but may be over the legal limit by the time they get into their cars in the morning. Police forces will be taking to roads across the county to stop and check drivers, where those found to be over the limit will face prosecution, which can lead to a jail sentence.

In conjunction with this, Cheshire Police will be running their own force wide winter drink and drug driving campaign which will be area specific to keep the roads safe. Road enforcement measures will include breathalyser checks across Cheshire and driving whilst using a mobile phone to crack down on irresponsible driving over the winter months. Last year’s winter drink driving campaign revealed that 175 arrests were made compared to 162 arrests in 2010, so there is a comparable increase in drink driving across Cheshire during the winter months.

Sergeant Rachel Gallagher of Cheshire Roads Policing Investigation Unit commented: "The message is clear − don’t drink and drive - if you have only had 2 large glasses of wine, that’s well over a third of the bottle so even if you may think you are ok to drive, do not take the risk. "

"And don′t forget the morning after, it′s all very well going out to a works Christmas party and staying over in a hotel but then it is possible that you will be over the drink drive limit the following morning. We are asking you to consider the consequences of your actions and the dangers you can pose to other motorists."

Rachel continues, "We are also asking for peer group pressure to be exerted on drink and drug driving over the winter period and not to get in a car as a passenger if you know for a fact that the driver has been drinking!"

Frank Lafferty, Road Traffic Officer also commented "If the possibility of causing death or injury to other people and to yourself isn’t enough to stop you, should consider the effects a drink-drive conviction would have on your life. If you are substantially over the alcohol limit when you are arrested, you will probably be looking at a three year driving ban and a fine of between a thousand and five thousand pounds. You may even go to prison for up to six months."

A series of winter drink drive events will also be delivered by the Cheshire Road Safety Group, which will include Cheshire Police. The ‘Think’ car - which a family donated to the emergency services over a year ago − will be used at the events, as a means to deliver road safety awareness to the younger generation. The driver of the car was a 21 year old man, who died on impact after losing control on a rural A-road. He was one and a half times over the legal alcohol limit but had not been speeding − the vehicle at impact was estimated to be only 43mph in a 60mph speed limit.

The dates for the Cheshire Road Safety Group Christmas drink drive events are as follows −

Monday 3^rd December from 10.30am − 4pm, The Cross, Chester

Saturday 8^th December from 10.30am − 2pm, outside Marks & Spencer, Northwich

Friday 7^th December from 10am − 1pm, Crewe Retail Park (near M&S)

Friday 7^th December from 2-5pm, Nantwich town centre

Tuesday 11^th December from 10-4pm, Runcorn town centre, opposite the Co-op

Wednesday 12^th December from 9am − 2pm, Widnes market (but the Think car won’t be there)

Thursday 13^th December from 10am − 4pm, Asda in Runcorn

Friday 14^th December from 1-4pm, Morrisons, Stockton Heath and then from 7-10pm at the Mulberry Tree, Stockton Heath

Thursday 20^th December from 4-9pm, Bridge Street, Warrington

Christmas makeover for Crewe’s Market Hall

 

Stalls in Crewe’s Market Hall are getting a makeover this Christmas thanks to a project spearheaded by Cheshire East Council’s Crewe Local Area Partnership (LAP).

A range of volunteers are giving up their time to decorate stalls to create a new Crewe Community Hub and also a bright backdrop for a Christmas display.

South Cheshire College public services students have been painting the stalls this week and, from December 10, members of Crewe and Nantwich Senior Forum and young people in the Cheshire East Youth Engagement Team will be decorating them.

Crewe’s B&Q store has supplied paint and the decorations to be used were created by numerous local organisations (*see below).

It is hoped the Crewe Community Hub will provide a free promotions space for charities and community and voluntary organisations and encourage people to get involved in local events and to volunteer.

There are now opportunities for such organisations to book a space in the hub for the New Year.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cabinet member in charge of communities and regulatory services, said: “It is wonderful to see so many organisations come together to volunteer and bring warmth and colour to our market halls.

“There is a need to energise unused market hall stalls and the intention is to create a sense of community, and offer a dedicated space for all age groups to improve local engagement.

“Once created, the hub will offer a great opportunity for organisations in Crewe, enabling them to be creative by holding fundraising events, engagement events, consultation or promotional displays.”

It will be officially opened by the Mayor of Crewe, and Cheshire East Councillor, Peggy Martin, in January 2013.

Notice boards in the hub will keep people informed of what is happening and how to get involved in community events and volunteering opportunities.

There will also be a designated area for young people, which was a priority for Crewe School Council members at a recent debate.

To book a space in the hub for the New Year, contact Dawn Clark, Crewe LAP manager, on 07970 533636 or Deb Lindop, local engagement officer, on 07736 694443.

Santa Claus

Reporter J White

Santa Claus has taken time off from his busy schedule to
meet and hand out presents to local children. He has setup a Nantwich branch of
his Grotto upstairs in the attic of the Nantwich Bookshop - http://www.nantwichbooks.co.uk-/ in
High Street in the centre of Nantwich. Santa and his helpers will be in
Nantwich every Saturday and Sunday in December from 10am to 4pm. The dates are 1st/2nd,
8th/9th, 15th/16th and 22nd/23rd. Price = £3 per child, or £5 for two children.
There are gifts for boys and girls. It’s the fourth year that Santa has setup
his Grotto in the Nantwich Bookshop.
The event is organised by the Rotary Club of Nantwich
Foundation Committee. Last year Santa’s Grotto raised £1,000. This year's money
will go to Nantwich-based charities, as well as towards the global eradication
of Polio: http://www.thanksforlife.org/.
Rotary Foundation Chairman Nigel Ball said, “We are once
again very grateful to Steve Lawson, the owner of Nantwich Bookshop, for his
continued help and support in allowing us to raise money for worthwhile
causes”.

The Nantwich Christmas Lights switch

Reporter J White

The Nantwich Christmas Lights switch-on took place on Saturday 1st December on the Nantwich Town Square.

 

In the afternoon RedShift Radio - http://www.redshiftradio.co.uk/ - organised a lantern parade and samba band from Nantwich Market through the town. A Christingle Service took place at St Mary’s Church. Nantwich Market stallholders dressed themselves up in Victorian attire. Nantwich Bookshop featured a narrow-gauge steam railway in front of its premises and Santa setup his Grotto in their attic. Elsewhere there was a children's mini-funfair, festive stalls and refreshments.

A three-hour entertainment programme from 4pm to 7pm was organised by Blitz Event Solutions - http://blitzeventsolutions.com/ - and featured several talented performers and musicians including Nantwich Young Voices, Stapeley Broad Lane School, X Academy of Performing Arts, and X Factor contestant Tim Gallagher who performed his latest single.

Nantwich Mayor Councillor Graham Fenton, led the countdown to the switch-on at 6.30pm, which was performed along with Olympic bronze medallist and three-time World Champion gymnast Beth Tweddle.

The switch-on was the cue for a spectacular firework display by local company Blitz Fireworks (http://www.blitzfireworks.com/), followed by an uplifting performance by local four-piece rock band Hex.

Despite the cold weather, several thousand people braved the elements to attend throughout the day.

Sue Togay (Town Centre Manager, Cheshire East Borough Council) said, “An amazing partnership between Nantwich Town Council and the traders, along with Blitz Event Solutions & Fireworks, has produced the best Christmas lights switch on we have had for many years. Many thanks to all those that have helped plan it and the wonderful people of Nantwich and the surrounding areas for coming along and supporting the town. We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous 2013.”

STATEMENT RE INTERIM CHIEF EXECUTIVE

 

A statement was issued today (Friday, Nov 30) regarding the post of Interim Chief Executive at Cheshire East Council.

Kim Ryley’s secondment from Shropshire Council to act as the Interim Chief Executive at Cheshire East Council ended today and it has been agreed that he continue in a temporary position until the end of March 2013.

As was stated earlier in the year, Mr Ryley will retire from his position as Chief Executive at Shropshire Council on November 30. It has been agreed that he will now be employed on a temporary contract by Cheshire East Council as its interim Chief Executive, on a salary equivalent to £140,000 a year, until the end of March 2013.

This arrangement will mean that Mr Ryley becomes a direct employee of Cheshire East Council which will provide a significant saving compared to the costs of employing the previous Chief Executive. This is because the salary is lower and pension contributions will not be payable by Cheshire East Council. This results in an overall reduction of about a third of the previous salary cost.

The period until Easter next year will enable the Council to complete its 3-Year Plan and Financial Strategy for the future. During this time, a decision will be made about the chief officer’s position at Cheshire East Council.

The Council will look to advertise a permanent position shortly after Christmas, for the arrangement beyond March next year.

Refurbishment of Nantwich Swimming Pool

 

A major improvement project will shortly get underway at Nantwich Pool that will improve facilities for residents, and prolong the life of the centre.

When complete, people will be able to enjoy a new fitness studio, larger fitness suite with new equipment from Matrix Fitness, a new reception, a new entrance with improved accessibility, and refurbished changing rooms – including a family changing area.

Work is due to start on December 10 and will last approximately seven months.

The fitness suite will be closed for the early part of this period, although opening hours at Barony Park and Shavington Leisure Centre will be extended to help accommodate those from Nantwich.

The swimming pool will remain open during the project. However, there may be occasions where it needs to be closed temporarily.

The improvement project has taken slightly longer than expected in order to accommodate all the developments and improvements people wanted to see, with the funding available. 

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member in charge of environmental services, said: “With its outdoor brine pool, the Nantwich Pool complex is a unique facility in the North West and this refurbishment will improve its appeal for local people and the many visitors to the town.

“I would encourage current users of the centre to bear with us whilst the works take place and I thank them in advance for their understanding.

“We want to encourage as many people as possible to stay active and enjoy taking exercise. Our investment in Nantwich Pool is proof of this.”

During the project there will be changes to access arrangements at the centre. For the latest information visit: bit.ly/NantwichRefurb, or follow the progress at facebook.com/NantwichPool. 

Improvements on Right Track

 

Work is underway at two local railway stations which have been given a £1.2m boost in a bid to get more people using public transport.

Congleton and Sandbach will benefit from the investment, with over 160 extra car parking spaces being created between them, as well as improved security throughout.

The funding has come from the Government’s Station Commercial Project Fund, and was bid for by Northern Rail with the support of Cheshire East Council which contributed £25,000 towards the project.

Sandbach station will benefit from a total of 100 extra car parking spaces and Congleton’s overspill car park will be resurfaced, creating an extra 60 spaces.

The improved car parks at both stations will benefit from new surfaces, the installation of CCTV, improved lighting and signage.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member in charge of the environment, said: “This is fantastic news for the residents of Cheshire East, many of whom will now hopefully switch to using the train.

“The Council welcomes any measure that results in a reduction of carbon emissions and we would positively encourage people to give train travel a go.

“I have seen the impact this type of investment can make to main route train stations, such as Wilmslow, and it is encouraging to see more stations benefitting from such similar investment.”

Lee Wasnidge, area director for Northern Rail Limited, said: “We’re really pleased to introduce further improvements to facilities for our passengers in Cheshire.

“With the improvements at Congleton and Sandbach due to complete early next year, we’re already looking ahead to 2013 and beyond to respond to the ever-increasing demand to travel by train in the North.”

Adoption scorecard

 

New figures show that adoption services in Cheshire East are improving, with more children being successfully placed with families year on year.

The national adoption scorecard shows that in the last year 23 children were successfully adopted, compared to 19 the previous year and 16 the year before that.

This year, another 16 children have been adopted so far and it is expected that 30 children will have been adopted by March next year.

The scorecard recently published by the Department for Education does not take account of 11 children who were adopted by their foster carers between 2009 and end of March 2012.

There are currently 26 children waiting to be placed with adoptive families.

Progress is also being made to tackle the average wait for children to be placed with adoptive families since coming into the Council’s care.

Last year, children in Cheshire East were in care for an average of 719 days before being adopted, this was down from 747 days the year before.

However, for the 16 children adopted so far this year, the average wait has come down to 602 days.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member in charge of children and families, said: “These figures are good news and they show that we are moving in the right direction. More children are being placed with loving families in a shorter period of time.

“We recognise that we need to reduce further the time it takes for children in our care to be adopted, and we are taking action across a number of areas.

“We are also optimistic that the changes brought about by the recent Family Justice Review will assist councils in this respect”.

The scorecard recently published by the Department for Education does not take account of 11 children who were adopted by their foster carers between 2009 and end of March 2012.

Cheshire East Council is committed to ensuring that those children with a plan of adoption are placed in adoptive families which can enable vulnerable children to realise their full potential and become successful in their own adult lives.

The Council is  currently looking for 20 adoptive families: some of the children are in sibling groups.

SAS Hero set free

An SAS hero jailed for keeping an Iraqi pistol as a war trophy thanked the Press yesterday for helping secure his freedom.

Danny Nightingale’s 18-month prison sentence was quashed by senior judges following a three-week newspaper campaign.

He will now be able to spend Christmas with his young family.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2240444/Sgt-Danny-Nightingale-SAS-sniper-jailed-illegally-possessing-gifted-Iraqi-pistol-freed.html#ixzz2Df6JoaJX
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