Road policing team showcase delights children with Down Syndrome

 

Cheshire Police received some excited visitors on Saturday 27 April when a group of children with Downs Syndrome were invited to meet the road policing team at Winsford Headquarters.

More than 40 youngsters from all over the county attended with their parents and carers to see the force′s cars and motorcycles.

The visit was organised by Road Policing Motorway Operations Inspector Liz Cunningham with Cheshire Down′s Syndrome Support Group volunteer, Julie Duff.

Inspector Cunningham said: "It was the ideal situation for the children because it was a controlled environment and we were able to cater for the children′s individual needs.

"Some of the children didn′t like the sirens, but others loved them."

The visit, which started at 10.45am, kept the children entertained for an hour and a half.

It was held as part of Cheshire Downs Syndrome Support Group′s annual fundraiser, Dosh For Downs Day, which encourages people to show their support by donating money and wearing odd socks.

Cheshire Police will support the event on Friday 3 May when all officers and staff will be encouraged to wear odd socks and donate to the charity.

It is hoped that the event will raise awareness about disability hate crime and how it affects the most vulnerable members of society, and encourage the reporting of incidents to the police.

YOUTH AMBASSADOR – The Facts

 

John Dwyer, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire sets the record straight about the Youth Ambassador post. John Dwyer said "There has been media coverage over the weekend about my intention to appoint a Youth Ambassador, some of which was reported incorrectly and I want to provide some facts.

I said in my pre-election campaign I would appoint a Youth Ambassador as the election process only addressed those people eligible to vote. I want to effectively engage with young people. This role is aimed at preventing young people from becoming victims of crime or to deter them from committing crime. 23% of Cheshire′s population are under the age of 18. It is important that they also have a say in the governance of policing.  There is important work to be done with young people as victims, in reducing re-offending but perhaps most importantly in safeguarding their wellbeing.  

The Youth Ambassador will work alongside the police, schools and young people′s organisations to help keep them safe from harm, drug and alcohol abuse and in other areas such as internet safety."

The job description and role profile were developed in partnership with organisations such as local authorities, youth services and youth offending team. Partners, the public and young people themselves were consulted in face to face meetings and in an on-line survey. The job has been independently assessed using the cross-industry national Hay Evaluation system at £23,799 per year.

Although we will not discriminate by age in the appointment process, it is unlikely that this will be a very young person as the Commissioner is looking for someone to fill the post who has significant experience of working with young people. The job description asks for the equivalent of 3 A’levels and 3 years youth work experience.

The appointment is by the Commissioner and is fixed until the next elections in May 2016.

The successful applicant will be subject to the usual security vetting required and CRB checked as required to work with young people. Their social media accounts will also be checked before being confirmed in post.

Rogue Trader Awareness Day 2013

 

Cheshire East Council has been working closely with police in Cheshire and the Environment Agency (EA) as part of an operation targeting rogue traders and bogus callers in the Knutsford area.

A day of action took place (Wednesday, April 24) with teams patrolling the A50 in High Legh and Mobberley Road (B5085) – both known to be major routes for traders in and out of Knutsford. There were also two ‘roaming patrols’ targeting suspected hotspots. 

Roadside checks, using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, were used along both routes, with officers stopping vehicles to make a range of checks. This included trading documentation and identification, the use of illegal diesel, waste carrier licenses and traffic offences.

If traders were transporting any tools or plant equipment, this too was checked to ensure it wasn’t stolen.

Officers also conducted spot-checks at homes where it was obvious work was being carried out. Traders were checked to ensure they were following current legislation and the householder was asked if they were pleased with the work and if they thought they had been treated fairly.

During the course of the day consumer protection and investigation officers:

• Spoke to 60 traders/ businesses;
• Made 17 trade association checks (e.g. Gas, FENSA);
• Spoke to seven residents, who were having work done, with checks made;
• Handed out numerous business advice packs and promoted the Buy with Confidence scheme to businesses; and
• Is carrying out further investigations into a charity clothing collector and a false trade association.

In addition, the police stopped 48 vehicles for a variety of motoring offences and prosecuted one person for driving without insurance.

The EA gave out seven advice and guidance packs around waste carrying. 

This is the third year that multi-agency operations to tackle rogue traders have been carried out in Cheshire East.

With a higher-than-average ageing population, the Borough’s residents are seen as more vulnerable to doorstep crime.

This is where residents are preyed upon by rogue traders, who charge large amounts of money for carrying out little or no work. In many cases the work is not even required.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cabinet member in charge of communities and regulatory services, said: “High-profile operations such as this are vital in keeping up the pressure on rogue traders in Cheshire East.

“I am pleased that we have managed to speak to so many businesses and carried out a number of checks.

“We want residents to feel confident when purchasing goods and secure in the knowledge that traders are law-abiding. These partnership operations go a long way to easing people’s fears as well as supporting legitimate traders.”

PC Andrew Baker, of Knutsford neighbourhood policing team, said: "During the operation, a number of traders passing through the area were stopped and checks were made to ensure that they were genuine and in keeping with the law.

"This resulted in a number of positive results and a large amount of valuable intelligence was gathered.

“The operation showed the benefit of joint agency working between Cheshire East Council and Cheshire police.

“We would like to thank any traders who were stopped during the course of the day for their patience and understanding.”

CONNECTING CHESHIRE SECURES FIBRE BROADBAND FOR 80,000 RURAL HOMES AND BUSINESSES

 

96 per cent of Cheshire premises to have access to fibre broadband

High-speed fibre broadband will be rolled out to around 96 per cent of Cheshire homes and businesses in the next three years under a £28.5m project between four Cheshire councils[1] and BT.

The Connecting Cheshire Partnership has secured funding to provide additional rural broadband infrastructure to over 80,000 premises that will build on BT’s on-going commercial investment in fibre across the county.

As a result more than 400,000 premises (around 96 per cent) across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington, should have access to broadband speeds of up to 80Mbps[2] by the end of 2016. Those premises in the remaining four per cent that currently experience low speeds will also see an uplift, as the project aims to deliver a minimum of 2Mbps or more to almost all homes and businesses.

The project will transform broadband speeds across Cheshire, narrowing the gap between speeds in urban and rural areas. According to Ofcom, the county’s average downstream speed is currently around 11Mbps, while approximately 12 per cent of the population receive less than 2Mbps[3]. BT was chosen by Connecting Cheshire following an extensive and thorough selection process.

The investment in fibre broadband will boost the local economy and help to create or protect local jobs. A recent study[4] for Cheshire, Warrington and Halton estimated that full coverage of superfast broadband would generate a gross impact of £1.3 billion in gross value added (GVA)[5] over 15 years and create 11,500 jobs, with a further £330m of economic benefits to households.

BT was awarded the contract following a procurement exercise through the Government’s Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) framework .The company is contributing £9m towards fibre deployment in ‘non-commercial’ areas, while The Connecting Cheshire Partnership is contributing £1.85m, with a further £4m coming from the Government’s BDUK funds and £13.6m from European Regional Development Funds (ERDF)[6].

  Openreach, BT’s local network division, will now start the work on the ground with engineers surveying locations around the county and analysing the best way to roll out the network. This initial survey work will take about eight months, so Connecting Cheshire should be in a position to announce which communities will be included in the first stage of the roll-out by December 2013. Connecting Cheshire and BT will work together to prioritise a strategic roll-out so that the whole county’s best interests are served.

Fibre to the Cabinet will be the main technology deployed. This delivers wholesale downstream speeds of up to 80Mbps and upstream speeds of up to 20Mbps.  Fibre to the Premises technology – delivering speeds of up to 330Mbps  – will also be deployed in some areas and will be available on demand throughout the whole of the fibre footprint, should local businesses want the ultra-fast speed it offers.[7]

Councillor David Brown, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, on behalf of the Connecting Cheshire Partnership said: “The award of this contract to BT marks the end of a comprehensive process to secure the best broadband deal for Cheshire.

“The four councils across Cheshire are committed to providing reliable high-speed fibre broadband for both our home and business users. From children doing homework, to caring for our elderly population and from social media, to ecommerce and home entertainment – fast broadband is the critical enabler. The social, environmental and economic benefits will be huge, making Cheshire one of the best-connected regions in the country.”

Tatton MP George Osborne said: “This is great news for not just my Tatton constituency but the whole of Cheshire. Extending the reach of fibre broadband is a real opportunity to provide a huge strategic boost to our urban and rural areas, for both homes and businesses to become better connected.”

Bill Murphy, managing director of BT Next Generation Access, added: “Cheshire has a large number of small and medium sized enterprises and a high volume of business start-ups, which collectively contribute a substantial proportion of the regional economy. The rollout of more fibre broadband will act as a powerful economic driver for these businesses.

“Ensuring enhanced connectivity is vital to secure future growth. Exploiting the strategic benefits of high-speed broadband across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington will deliver huge returns on investment. It is no longer enough to be connected, it must be fast, reliable and affordable to fully realise the county’s potential.”

BT’s network will be open to all communications providers on an equal wholesale basis and so Cheshire consumers and businesses will benefit from a highly-competitive market, in turn bringing greater choice and affordable prices.

For local businesses, the fibre broadband network will underpin the introduction of many new services and applications. Users will be able to run multiple bandwidth-hungry applications at the same time and receive large amounts of data much more quickly and efficiently. Computer processing and storage of files will also become more sophisticated and secure using ‘cloud computing’ technology. There will be faster back-up of computer systems and wider use of high-quality video conferencing within firms and between them and their customers.

Happy Birthday Jax the Alaskan Malamute

This week has been Jax’s Birthday 1 year old above when we got him as a puppy Lots more pictures of him growing up on  Skydrive take a look. He even has his own Blog http://alaskanmalamutejax.blogspot.co.uk/

We are still trying to work out how big and heavy he will grow I have seen quotes they can reach up to 125lbs
Some even make 180lbs
They are handy if your car breaks down and you need a tow

Jax is following the Alaskan Malamute code which is

If I like its mine
If I saw it first its mine
If its in my mouth its mine
If I can take it from you its mine
If it looks like mine its mine
If I had it a while ago its mine
If you have something and put it down its mine
If I chew something up  the bits are mine
If it used to be yours get over it
If its broken its yours
If you get in my yard you aint getting out
My house my yard your ass another perfect day
Burglars please remove jewellery before entering as the dog cant digest them when he eats you

I dont chew old slippers only new ones

Above You might get in the Yard But you aint getting out now 1 year old and about 8St and walks for 5 hours a day

Miracles do happen but take a long time

 

We reported the case of over 16 months to replace a light bulb in Oxford st Crewe and broad St Crewe. Cllr Brian Sylvester has been on the case for months emailing weekly to get this sorted like a Jack Russell with a bone he didnt stop until they actual got the lights back on this week why it takes so long only God knows you shouldn't have to get a Cllr to fight for it lights should be put on very quickly

Drive to tackle potholes moves up a gear – so just ‘Tell Dave’!

 

Cheshire East Council has filled more than a staggering 21,643 potholes in our roads so far this year – and now the drive to tackle the problem is moving up a gear.

The warmer spring weather means repairs to the Borough’s 2,673km of highways can now really gather momentum – as it is far less effective to carry out repairs in wet and freezing conditions.

Cheshire East Highways’ team filled 21,643 potholes between January 1 and April 21 this year. We are on target to fill and repair more than 50,000 by the end of 2013.

And this is where you can play your part – you just need to ‘Tell Dave’.

So we can act swiftly to target the worst problems, members of the public are being encouraged to report all potholes to Councillor ‘Dave’ Topping – Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet member in charge of environment.

A Council report shows 400km of roads managed by CEC are in need of repair.

The authority is investing £25m in targeted road repairs and resurfacing works over two years. The aim is to prioritise the defects and roads that are in the worst condition and end the ‘cycle of decline’ in the road network.

Councillor Topping said: “We have been working really hard to repair the crumbling fabric of our roads – but there is still much to do. That is why we want people to report potholes to the council, so we can target the worst problems more effectively and quickly.

“Successive bad winters and flooding last summer have left our roads in a poor condition and we know what we have to do to keep the network in a safe condition and clear the backlog of repairs.

“A measure of our commitment is that we are investing £25m over two years to repair local roads – and this will have a major impact on improving road conditions for local people and drivers.”

Of the 400km of roads classed as defective in Cheshire East, 25 per cent are in Nantwich, 18 per cent are in Congleton, 18 per cent are in Macclesfield, 17 per cent are in Crewe, 13 per cent are in Knutsford, five per cent are in Poynton and four per cent are in Wilmslow.

You can report a pothole via the Council’s website at: www.cheshireeasthighways.org/ReportIt

Alternatively, ring the highways team on 0300 123 5020.

HS2 Exceptional Hardship Scheme consultation extended

 

Residents with an interest in how the high-speed rail line HS2 might affect their property or business now have three more weeks to take part in a consultation.

Patrick McLoughlin, Secretary of State for Transport, has announced that the deadline for responses to the Exceptional Hardship Scheme for phase two of HS2 has been extended from April 29 to May 20.

Cheshire East Council continues to urge people to take part so they can have their say in addressing any impact the proposed line will have on residential properties and affected businesses.

In January, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced its initial preferred route, which runs through much of Cheshire East.

While welcoming the economic benefits the scheme will bring to the Borough, and also pushing for a dedicated HS2 rail hub in Crewe, the Council understands that it is not all good news for everybody.

Although the Exceptional Hardship Scheme consultation is not the formal consultation on the HS2 route and stations (this is due to start any time from July of this year), it is no less important.

Residents can take part in the consultation by visiting www.hs2.org.uk/have-your-say/consultations/phase-two/exceptional-hardship-scheme

If anyone is unable to access the internet, they can contact HS2 on 0300 123 1102 to order a hard copy by post.

There is also a wealth of information at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/hs2 where further detail on the route and exactly where it runs can be found. There is also a link through to the Exceptional Hardship Scheme consultation page.

Meanwhile, the HS2 public enquiries team is available on 020 7944 4908 or HS2enquiries@hs2.org.uk

Competition winner spends day with PCC

 

Back in March, the Police & Crime Commissioner held a competition which gave someone in Cheshire the opportunity to sample what a day in the life of a Commissioner is like.

Malcolm Naylor was the winning entrant, and on Wednesday 24 April he came in and spent the day with John Dwyer.

Malcolm′s day started at 9am; he attended a Decision Meeting in which the Commissioner and senior officers from the Constabulary considered the Crime Prevention Fund, people and estates strategies. Malcolm observed John doing an interview with Heart FM regarding the Youth Ambassador recruitment.

Malcolm and John then welcomed some of the runners up of the competition at lunch time, with John participating in a probing question and answer session.

John said: "I′m happy that I had the opportunity to meet the runners up of the competition. I listened to the issues that they raised and the questions they asked. I hope that the answers I gave helped them to better understand my role as a Police & Crime Commissioner."

After lunch, Malcolm had his own private question and answer session with John followed by a tour of HQ (including Call Handling department and the Tactical Training Centre). Malcolm was then interviewed by BBC Radio Merseyside, who asked him how his day had been and whether he had enjoyed the experience.

Finally, to round off the day Malcolm accompanied John to a community forum in Weaver and Cuddington.

Malcolm said: "I was delighted to have won this competition. I entered because I wanted to know how Mr Dwyer would meet his five stated ‘priorities′. After spending the day with John, I was pleasantly surprised how transparent and accountable both him and his team are. I′m glad I had this experience, because I′ve had an insight into what his role is about."

John added: "I′m glad I had the opportunity to meet Mr Naylor and that the time he spent with me has been both worthwhile and a useful experience. I hope opportunities like this provide people with more information about the role of the Police & Crime Commissioner."

Leisure volunteers scoop top award

 

Grassroots sport is alive and well in Cheshire East thanks to the leisure development volunteer programme that has just won a prestigious national award.

The team beat off competition from around the country to win Volunteer Project of the Year at the National Street Games Awards.

The Council scheme has now been running for five years with 120 regular volunteers giving a range of sporting opportunities to around 2,000 people.

A judging panel made up of leading athletes and sports journalists recognised the hard work and commitment of volunteers, as well as the innovation and development of the programme itself.

A specially-developed mentoring scheme gives volunteers the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and experience in a leadership role.

The programme has provided full and part-time voluntary positions for individuals who are not in education, employment or training (NEET) – funding training and qualifications that improves employability.

Volunteers are asked to give their input into developing the sports programme, to set up their own projects and to pass on their knowledge to others.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care, said: “I am absolutely delighted that the hard work of our volunteers and the sports development team has been recognised and I congratulate everyone involved.

“The volunteers were instrumental in the success of key events last year such as the Olympic Torch Relay and the athletes’ homecoming events.

“It is the largest sports volunteer programme in the north west and it has excellent links with local schools, providing a route for pupils to get involved with volunteering.”

For more information on the volunteer programme, or if you would like to volunteer within your community, please contact the leisure development team on 01625 383790 or by email: volunteers@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Commissioner advertises Youth Ambassador Post

 

John Dwyer, the Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, is looking to appoint someone to act as a conduit between young people and the police.

John said, "My role as Commissioner is to be the bridge between the public and the police, and it′s important that our young people are not left out of that partnership. I want to appoint a Youth Ambassador, someone who has experience of working with young people to ensure they have a voice and can help me to shape the delivery of policing."

The Youth Ambassador′s role will not only provide young people with a point of contact to register their views, but they will also deliver key messages such as internet safety and the dangers of drugs and alcohol.

Cheshire′s Youth Ambassador post is now being advertised on the Cheshire PCC website. The advert is running from today (22 April) till 3 May.

If you or anyone you know would like to apply for the Youth Ambassador post, visit http://www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/for more information on how to apply.

Cheshire East Local Plan Alternative Site Option Consultation

 

A further four week consultation linked to the Local Plan is proposed from May 3, when views from the public will be sought.

The consultation will give members of the public a chance to have their say about some sites which have not previously been in the public domain. The decision to consult will be taken at a special meeting of Strategic Planning board on May 1 and confirmed by the portfolio holder.

Cheshire East Council is committed to a plan-led approach to development so we can secure the jobs, homes and infrastructure that the Borough needs for the future.

It also gives the best chance for full and proper debate on all the issues concerned and we are working to progress the new Cheshire East Local Plan in a thorough but timely fashion.

Councillor David Brown, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, said:  “In order that we can be sure that we have properly considered all available options we are therefore bringing these sites to the public’s attention to ensure that the plan is robust.

“This does not mean the Council supports the development of these sites. We have reached no view at all on their merits at this stage and we are seeking people’s views because they have not featured in any previous stage of the local plan. These sites have been proposed by developers to achieve their business objectives.

“In creating a new plan we need to be sure that we have considered all reasonable alternatives in terms of our strategy and potential development sites. We have to ensure that alternatives are considered and will have to pass sustainability and environmental tests before any are accepted as part of our wider consideration of the Local Plan.

“Earlier in the year we had extensive consultation on our new Local Plan - and in response received well over 10,000 comments back.

“Some of these have proposed alternative development sites that have featured neither in the Draft Local Plan or the preceding Town Strategies.

“We therefore need to bring these sites to public attention and find out what the public think of them.

“We will be consulting on Alternative Site Options for four weeks, beginning May 3.

“I should stress that the Council is not positively proposing any of these sites for development at this stage - these are merely sites that have been presented to us as options.

“Rather than keep these under wraps we want to know what everyone thinks. 

“Many of these sites, I believe will be unacceptable but there may be some hidden jewels.

“We have formed no view as to the merits of these sites - so please gives us your views.”

A star-studded line-up ushered in a new, exciting era at Crewe Lyceum Theatre

Brian Conley, Jane McDonald and Keith Harris ensured the re-launch of Crewe Lyceum Theatre went off with a bang.

It outlined some of the typical high-class entertainment that theatregoers can expect to see at the Edwardian venue in the town centre.

The Lyceum, which celebrated its centenary in 2011, has been given a new lease of life under the management of HQ Theatres and Hospitality – the country’s second-largest regional theatre operator.

Cheshire East Council continues to part-fund the venue but with a much-reduced subsidy, ensuring a better deal for taxpayers.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “I am delighted with our new partners for the Lyceum and this is sure to be the beginning of a fruitful relationship.

“The venue is at the heart of the town and central to our plans to redevelop Crewe. Some big changes are ahead and we are working hard to give the town a much-needed economic lift with better housing, more businesses and better transport links.

“What I really hope now is that the people of Crewe and the surrounding area recognise what a tremendous facility they have on their doorstep and continue to use the Lyceum Theatre and be a part of its future.”

The foyers have been refurbished and a stylish new bistro has been created, which are now open daily. There are also opportunities for pre-theatre dining to add a touch of luxury to visits to the Lyceum.

And the venue’s programme just gets better and better – with comedians such as Jack Dee, Andy Parsons and Sean Lock all set to perform in coming months.

The traditional Christmas pantomime has also been announced, with Adam Woodyatt to perform as Captain Hook in Peter Pan.

The theatre will stage classical and popular music concerts, opera and ballet as well as national tours of well-known family shows and great stage plays and musicals.

Nick Thomas, chairman of Qdos Entertainment, the parent company of HQ Theatres and Hospitality, said: “The hugely-successful Live at the Lyceum event marked the beginning of our tenure of this historic theatre and there was no better way to showcase the venue than by the sensational line-up led by Brian Conley.

“We look forward to welcoming the people of Crewe and from beyond for many years to come and encourage the local community to make the most of their unique and beautiful Theatre.”

To take a look at the exciting new programme at Crewe Lyceum, visit www.crewelyceum.co.uk or call the box office on 01270 368242.

Residents reminded ‘Not sure? Don’t open the door!’ for National Rogue Trader Week

 

‘Not sure? Don′t open the door!′ is the key message being driven by National Rogue Trader Week to prevent the public from becoming a victim of doorstep crime. The national campaign is being supported by Cheshire Police and runs from 22-26 April.

This week is an opportunity for police, Trading Standards and other agencies to raise awareness about doorstep crime and to reassure the public that it will not be tolerated. Residents are urged to be alert to this type of crime, which includes those who go door-to-door offering unnecessary, overpriced or substandard gardening or maintenance work.

The campaign is being led by Operation Liberal, the national intelligence unit for distraction burglary and associated travelling criminality, as well as Trading Standards. The unit monitors intelligence on known criminals and organised crime groups who travel extensively throughout the UK to commit crimes.

Peter Goodman is the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) lead for Operation Liberal. He stated: "Rogue traders prey on the most vulnerable in society, conning them out of vast sums of money which in many cases are their life savings, for unnecessary and overpriced work."

The offenders often travel large distances in order to commit crime and evidence suggests that there are links between rogue traders and those who commit distraction burglaries.

Detective Superintendent Geraint Jones said: "National Rogue Trader Week provides an opportunity for us to help the public recognise doorstep crime and to encourage them to report it.

"Many door-to-door sellers are genuine, however, it is important that residents check the identity of any cold callers and do not allow themselves to be pressured into any sales that they are unsure about.

"Doorstep crime can have a devastating impact on victims, both financially and emotionally, and will not be tolerated in Cheshire.

"We urge the public to report any incidents of this nature to police on 101, or 999 if there is a crime in progress."

Tips to avoid doorstep crime

- Always check the identity of the doorstep caller by telephoning the company they are claiming to be from. Use the telephone numbers listed in your local directory

- Check whether traders are members of the Local Authority Assured Trader Schemes or the Government Trust Mark Scheme

- Discuss any work you feel needs carrying out on your property with a relative or friend who can help you find a reputable trader

- Don′t agree to anything on the spot, or sign anything. Please also do not feel pressured into having any work carried out

- Never pay cash upfront and don′t ever go to the bank or cash point with a trader

Anyone with any information about rogue traders is urged to contact Cheshire Police on 101, or 999 if there is a crime in progress.

SUCCESS FOR COLLECTIVE ENERGY SWITCHING CAMPAIGN

 

More than 4,000 people took part in the hugely successful Collective Energy Switching campaign on April 9, the vast majority winning a better deal on their gas and electricity bills following auction.

More than 70 per cent of people who registered with the Big Community Switch received significant savings, averaging £111 per year. The highest average saving was on a ‘dual fuel online tariff’ and was £139 per year.

Many residents had already switched or were happy with their current tariff. The winning providers were Sainsbury Energy, Scottish Power and British Gas.

Cheshire East Council joined forces with a group of local authorities across the country, representing more than 160,000 people in all – the largest auction of its kind in the country providing greater buying power.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member in charge of prosperity and economic regeneration, said: “This has been such a worthwhile campaign. The slogan Get Together, Save Together really tapped in to a feeling of people power.

“The campaign reached more than 2,000 vulnerable people who really needed help with their energy bills, thanks to our various partners who helped us spread the message.

“A huge media campaign organised by Cheshire East Council also helped spread the message and ensured that as many vulnerable people as possible were able to take advantage of the offer.

“I would just like to say a big thank you to everyone who took part and remind people to make sure that if they’re happy with the offer, to accept either by email or post as soon as possible. Of course, there’s no obligation to switch.”

People are asked to look out for their personalised offer by email or post over the coming weeks. Online registrants will need to click the ‘confirm’ button in their email and offline registrants will need to complete an acceptance form and return by post in the pre-paid envelope.  The deadline for returning these is May 8, 2013.

Anyone with any questions in the meantime should email: thebigcommunityswitch@ichoosr.com or alternatively call 0800 048 8285 (Mon to Fri, 8.00am until 5.30pm) The final date people can request their offer to be re-issued, either by email or letter, is May 3, 2013. For more information about the Collective Energy Switching campaign log on to: www.energytogether.co.uk.

Benefit fraudster ordered to repay more than £10,000

 

A man who fraudulently claimed more than £10,000 in benefits has been successfully prosecuted by Cheshire East Council and ordered to repay the money.

Michael Podmore, 48, claimed housing benefit, council tax benefit and jobseekers’ allowance totalling £11,753.51 as a single person between December 2009 and December 2012, when in fact his partner was living with him.

His partner had several jobs during this period – including one for Cheshire East Council. However, Podmore failed to declare this to both the Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Mr Podmore, 48, of Egerton House, Longridge, Knutsford, pleaded guilty to all the charges when he appeared at Macclesfield Magistrates’ Court (on April 12).

He was sentenced to a 12-month community order and ordered to carry out 250 hours’ unpaid work. The Council was awarded £650 costs and a compensation order was granted for the overpayment to be repaid at £185 per month.

Councillor Peter Raynes, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of finance, said:  “This prosecution should send out a clear message: that Cheshire East Council will not tolerate benefit fraud taking money from hardworking taxpayers.

“The benefit system is there to help those who need it most. Abuse of this system can not be tolerated.”

Crewe Police appeal for witnesses to street robbery

 

Police are appealing for witnesses following a street robbery in Crewe.

Between 10pm and 10.30pm on Monday 22 April 2013 an 18-year-old man was walking along Earle Street near to the Broughton Arms when three men approached him and asked if they could see inside his bag.

They then blocked his path and he tried to get away by turning around, but one of them stood in front of him blocking his path again.

Another then punched him in the face while the third man took his bag. The victim then fled.

DC Bev Wilkinson said: "The victim received a small cut to his mouth but didn′t require hospital treatment. We would urge anyone who was in the vicinity at the time or knows the identity of those responsible to contact us."

The first man is white, 5′ 9", slim and was wearing a light grey hoodie.

The second man is white 5′ 11" tall, with a large build. He was wearing a black coat with a hood.

The third is white, 5′ 3" to 5′ 4" tall. He was wearing a black hoodie.

Anyone with information should contact DC Bev Wilkinson on 101 quoting incident number 91 22 of April 2013.

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