MP’s 137 Bulletin

Friday 21, June 2013

Welcome

Welcome to this, my 137th news bulletin.

Our local employment situation has improved significantly in the last year.

Nationally, there are record numbers of women in work, fewer young people unemployed and more vacancies available for those looking for work.  The number of jobseekers in Crewe and Nantwich has actually dropped by 6.4%, and whilst this is a very positive sign, there are still a lot of people out there that we can help get into work.

That’s why, in partnership with the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, the Chronicle, and Crewe Alex FC, I am organising another jobs fair at the Alex next Thursday, June 27th.

Since the Government took office, the private sector has created 1.25 million new jobs.  Within 10 miles of the centre of Crewe, there are over 2,800 jobs advertised. Increase that range to 20 miles and it’s over 12,000.  In Crewe and Nantwich 2,277 jobseekers were recorded in April 2013. So the jobs are out there, and it’s a question of matching the right skills and the right people to the right job.

That’s what the Jobs Fair is here to help achieve. But it’s not just a recruitment fair. We’ll have people on hand to provide advice about the skills and training you need to make yourself competitive in the jobs marketplace.  Sometimes it’s a question of understanding that bit extra that you need in order to get the job you’re happy with, be that a college qualification or some volunteering experience.

So whilst headline rates of unemployment vary, we shouldn’t forget the progress we are making in Crewe and Nantwich.  But we should also not be complacent. To be respected in the world economy we in the UK need to do all that we can to back people who want to work hard and get on in life to look after themselves and their families, and in Crewe and Nantwich we have to make our contribution to that effort.

So if you’re looking for work, I hope to see you on Thursday at the Alex!

Please remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions for me, or if there is anything I can do to assist you.

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

Best wishes, 

Edward Timpson
Member of Parliament for Crewe & Nantwich

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Locally I have...

• Been honoured to roll the first pie at this year's Wybunbury Fig Pie Wakes.
• Welcomed, with the civic party at Crewe, the returning soldiers of the 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment, who marched through the town to mark their homecoming from duty in Afghanistan.
• Held two advice surgeries, in my office in Crewe, and at Wulvern's Pickmere Court, where I was able to make myself available to residents there and other members of the public.  Remember - if you need my advice or assistance, you can always get in touch with me by e-mail, or call my office - details below.
• Met with representatives of Weston & Basford Parish Council, to discuss their concerns about planning locally, and discuss how I can support the Parish in future.

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Westminster Report

Read my most recent Crewe & Nantwich Talk

Click here or on the image.

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Photo News

I was delighted to roll the first pie at the traditional (and this year very sunny) Wybunbury Fig Pie Wakes this month.

You can see all of my photos by visiting my website.

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Community News

Local Kidney Research coffee morning raises £1,340 for charity

In April, I was pleased to provide a raffle prize, and to draw the raffle itself, at a coffee morning organised in Crewe, by local fundraiser Danita O'Keeffe, in aid of Kidney Research UK.

Danita has contacted me to let me know that the total amount raised from the morning was an impressive £1,340.
According to a recent survey conducted by Kidney Research UK, the NHS spends £1.45 billion on treating Kidney disease in England alone. That equates to £1 out of every £77 spent in the NHS - more than the  annual cost of breast, lung, colon and skin cancer combined.  The survey also revealed that people in the North West were most at risk of kidney disease, due to the high incidence of diabetes, vascular disease and hypertension confirmed by 37% of people in this area.

Congratulations to everyone involved in raising funds and awareness for this important cause.  Danita's story was reported in the Chronicle in April.

Do you have community news to share? Are you involved in any projects that could be of help or interest to local people in Crewe and Nantwich? Email me and your news could be here too!

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Scheme launches in Crewe to help sort out family matters

Crewe Chronicle

A SCHEME to help parents going through a break-up has been launched in Crewe.

Family Matters has been developed by the family law organisation Resolution with funding from the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), to support parents who will no longer qualify for legal aid.

Family Matters guides work with parents to help solve their problems. These may include issues with money, housing, childcare, understanding their rights, as well as the emotional fallout of family breakdown.

Guide Sonia Rickard said: “We have already seen a wide variety of parents with a broad range of issues. One thing they have in common is that they all want what is best for their kids – and this is sometimes really easy to forget when dealing with the trauma of a relationship breaking down.

“No two sets of parents are the same, and that’s why face to face advice is so vital in helping them reach agreements that are in the best interests of their children.”

Family Matters is based at Hall Smith Whittingham on Nantwich Road. To find out more call 01270 259730 or email familymatters.crewe@resolution.org.uk.

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THIS THURSDAY: the Crewe & Nantwich Jobs Fair

The Crewe and Nantwich Jobs Fair 2013

Thursday 27th June, 10:30am to 6:30pm, at Crewe Alexandra FC

Organised by Edward Timpson MP
in partnership with the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, The Chronicle, and Crewe Alex

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5 ways to contact Edward Timpson

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

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Think’ car reinforces drink driving message at Cheshire Show

As the ‘Think’ car continues to make its way around the county as part of the Summer drink drive campaign being supported by Cheshire Police, it draws the crowds from passers by of all ages who reflect on its personal consequences. The car was donated by a Cheshire family whose son was tragically killed over two years ago in a drink drive collision and has appeared at venues across Cheshire as well as featuring on national TV.

Its latest appearance at Cheshire Show on 18^th and 19^th June was further reinforced by the attendance of the parents − Dean and Dee Wilson, who were guest speakers to talk about the consequences of drink driving. As their son was approaching his 22^nd birthday, the car is ideally placed at schools and universities to target younger people, but at Cheshire Show, there was the opportunity to interact with parents of young teenagers who drive.

Tony Hayhurst, Road Traffic Officer and Dave Murray, Road Safety Officer for Cheshire Police were also at the show to talk to the public about the ‘Think’ car and educate them to the risks of drink driving. Dave who has worked in road policing for over 20 years commented that "This vehicle provides a great opportunity to show people of all age groups just how little alcohol it can take to put someone over the limit.  The courage and bravery of the driver’s family who support the use of the ‘Think’ car in this way can only be admired. 

"It offers a degree of comfort that something positive can be achieved from such tragic circumstances. We really need to get the message across that any amount of alcohol is a risk in terms of driving and that it can take a surprisingly low amount of alcohol to be over the limit and this is the most effective way to do that."

For more information on the ‘Think’ car and road policing news, please visit www.cheshire.police.uk.

Man arrested in connection with Chester rape

 

Cheshire Police have arrested Peter Watton, a man who officers wanted to speak to in connection with the rape of a woman in Chester.

Watton was arrested on at 9.45 p.m. on Thursday 20 June 2013.

Cheshire Police have been keen to speak to Watton, 37 years of age, in connection with an incident on Friday 14 June when a 44 year old woman was held for several hours and raped while jogging with her pet dog in the Dukes Drive area of Chester.

Watton was arrested alongside the A483 Chester to Wrexham Road, just across the Cheshire border into North Wales. Following arrest he was taken to a Cheshire custody suite where he will be interviewed by officers investigating the incident.

Following the Cheshire Police investigation into the rape of a 44 year old woman in Chester on Friday 14 June, 37 year old Peter Watton, of Lache, Chester, will appear before Magistrates in Chester this morning, Saturday 22nd June.
He has been charged with the following offences; Rape of a woman (8 counts) Assault of a woman by penetration  (2 counts) Kidnap False Imprisonment.

Police appeal for witnesses following fatal collision in Middlewich

 

Cheshire Police are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision in Middlewich.

At 10.47pm on Tuesday 18 June 2013 a black Vauxhall Astra was travelling on the A533 Booth Lane, toward Middlewich. As the vehicle got near to the junction with Dragons Lane it collided head on with a red Honda Jazz travelling in the opposite direction.

As a result of the collision the driver of the Honda Jazz, a 75-year-old woman, and her front seat passenger, 79-year-old woman, sadly received fatal injuries. Both are from Sandbach.

The driver of the Vauxhall Astra, an 18-year-old woman from Middlewich, received serious internal injuries and was taken to North Staffordshire Hospital where her condition is described as stable.

The front seat passenger in the Astra, an 18-year-old man from Middlewich also received serious internal injuries and is currently being treated at North Staffordshire Hospital.

A third passenger, a 18-year-old man also from Middleiwch received minor injuries and is currently being treated for slight injuries at Leighton Hospital.

Anyone who may have seen the collision or either vehicle prior to the collision taking place should contact the Eastern Roads Policing Investigation Unit on 101 quoting incident nmber 1015 of 18 June 2013.

Peak Physique dangerous dogs attack

Peak Physique of 1 Underwood Lane Crewe who run the local gym for body builders were today involved in an incident with an OAP and a puppy. The OAP who lives close by took his dog out for a walk on a lead past the Peak Physique gym when two dogs that are owned by the Peak Physique gym savagely attacked the puppy and the OAP. The dogs come to the gym with the owner and are then let loose to roam the streets and the local area. One is a bulldog and the other a staffy type of dog.

The OAP suffered shock and to make matters worse the owners made no attempts to get hold of the dogs and then about 7 people came out from the gym all body builders and threatened the OAP with violence.  The OAPs son had to get between the threatening body builder and his dad as he was going to use physical violence on the OAP. The son pointed out  what a coward this man was if the best he could do is try and hit an OAP.

The Police were called and they said they have had complaints about these dogs before. People in the area specially the old people with dogs are to terrified to go out, one old lady is 83 and has a small dog with no teeth and now she cant take it out as it would stand no chance against these dangerous dogs.

People in the area are now living in fear as they cant let children out or walk  past the area in case they get attacked if the dogs have savagely attacked once they may do it again and as they roam un supervised who know what will happen next time it may be a child.

I will leave it to the reader if anyone want a gym do they really want to go to a gym that is terrorising  the local people and who's members and owner think they have the right to threaten violence to OAP,s  

It is a real privilege to be allowed into peoples’ lives at such a sensitive time

The concept of a Hospice can be scary for many. The concept of exercise can be scary too! Dr Kate Smith, our Medical Director at St Luke’s tells us her story.

“I decided that I wanted to be a doctor from the age of about 6-7. I think I originally wanted to go into space but even at that tender age I realised that there was a lot of physics involved in being an astronaut, but they were bound to need doctors in space so I’d do that instead! Reality eventually took over and I followed the standard medical route, which I have never regretted.

My first links with St Luke’s Hospice were in 1988 when I was working as a GP in Winsford. Edith Reeves (our first matron who I’d known from Leighton Hospital) phoned me one day and asked if I would be a volunteer doctor providing emergency cover when the Day Hospice opened in February that year, so this is my 25th anniversary at St Luke’s.

As anyone who works here will know, you gradually get drawn into the place, and so it happened to me. When the In-Patient unit was built, it was suggested that I apply for the post of Medical Director, which I did, and was successful – I have been in the job since October 1990. I think coming to work here was one of the best decisions I have made. From my time in the hospital I realised that the care provided for people at the end of their lives seemed to have a lower priority than trying to cure them, and death was seen as something of a failure. I felt very strongly that there must be a better way to do things and this was something that I could do.

It is a real privilege to be allowed into peoples’ lives at such a sensitive time, and we all become a team working together – not just the clinical staff, but the people who come to us as patients and their relatives and their friends. And also on the frontline are the catering and housekeeping staff, and behind the scenes administration and fundraising, all helping to keep St Luke’s running smoothly.

We know there are more people needing the sort of palliative care that St Luke’s provides than we can accommodate here, and also that a lot of people will want to stay in their own homes, so together with the education team, we help the staff in the hospitals, care homes and in the community to learn more about symptom management and how to improve care for patients in the advanced stages of their illness.

This is the first year that I have done the Midnight Walk, but I felt that as it was St Luke’s 25th anniversary and my 25th year here as well that it seemed like a good idea. Also, I have been keeping a bit fitter this year, and have lost quite a bit of weight, so the hips and knees aren’t quite so achy! My main exercise is swimming, but since I’ve been practising for the walk I have realised that the muscles used in swimming are not the same as those used in walking!

I live in Middlewich and I’m doing a lot of walking along the canal towpaths, discovering bits of the town I never knew existed. You can soon feel you are out in the middle of the countryside, and by walking you see much more of the wildlife – I spotted my first swallows of the year the other day! People you meet out walking are all friendly and so are their dogs.

If you have ever considered taking part in the Midnight Walk for St Luke’s Hospice, why not take the plunge and do it this very special year? If you think 13 miles is too much, then you can do the Half Moon walk (6.5 miles) this is a bit more manageable (it’s what I’m doing!). Whichever walk you choose, you will know that you are part of a fantastic friendly team raising funds to support a very special place.”

If you would like to support Dr Kate’s walk, you can sponsor her here http://www.justgiving.com/Kate-Smith30

You can sign up for St Luke’s Midnight Walk atwww.midnightwalk.co.uk

New information as search continues for Peter Watton

 

Detectives are urging a man they want to speak to in connection with a rape in Chester to contact police.
The search continues for 37-year-old Peter Watton who is local to the Chester area but also has links to Crewe as well as Merseyside.
The public is urged not to approach Peter who was released from prison on 12 June and is in breach of his licence conditions. He is considered a risk to the public and is wanted on a recall to prison.
Peter has some distinctive tattoos which include the word PETE on the knuckles of his left hand in blue ink, a tribal tattoo on his left arm his wrist up to his neck, and the word BLACON in blue ink on the wrist of his left forearm.
A 44-year-old woman was held for several hours and raped in woodland while jogging with her pet dog in the Dukes Drive area of Handbridge. She is being supported by specialist officers.
Detective Superintendent Andy Southcott said: "This was a brutal attack and I know the community have been shocked to hear about it. While I do not want to create unnecessary panic I have a duty to make people aware of this, and to do all I can to find the person responsible.
"I would particularly appeal to people that know Peter but may not have spoken to police through some sense of misguided loyalty to get in touch. We want to speak to him about a very serious crime and people with information should take this opportunity to share it with us."
A picture of a bike used by the suspect has also been released. Police believe this bike may have been stolen and are keen to speak to anyone in the Chester area that may be missing a grey/blue X rated mountain bike.
Active searches are ongoing in the Handbridge area to locate Peter using various resources including police dogs.
Detective Inspector Simon Lonsdale said: "This is a very serious but isolated incident. I would like to reassure the public that we have a number of lines of enquiry that we are following and extra police and support officers will be patrolling the area. People using the area around Eaton Road and the river Dee should remain vigilant and take basic precautions such as not going to isolated areas alone and reporting anything untoward to police."
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Peter Watton should call Cheshire Police on 999 quoting incident number 6 of 15 June, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Sport and active recreation on the increase in Cheshire East

 

New figures from Sport England show more Cheshire East residents are keeping in trim.

More than 113,500 adults (39.1 per cent) are regularly taking part in sport and active recreation at least once a week, every week – making Cheshire East the highest achiever in the Chester and Warrington sub-region. The figure was 36.8 per cent in 2006.

Collectively, Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester and Warrington Borough Council have progressed to becoming the fourth most active sub-region in the country. 

Across the nation as a whole, Sport England figures show that 15.3 million people are playing sport at least once a week, with good progress among young people.

Last week Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, Cheshire East Councillor Janet Clowes helped to launch a local strategy ‘Count me in’, that aims to build on this growth and create even more opportunities for those with disabilities and impairments locally.

In partnership with Sport Cheshire, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Warrington Borough Council, the Cheshire East seeks to get an additional 10,000 disabled people more active, more often, by 2017.

Councillor Clowes, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of health and adult social care, said: “The latest figures from the Sport England Active People Survey show an increase in the numbers of adults in Cheshire East taking part in sport once a week for at least 30 minutes. This is good news and moving in the right direction – but we mustn’t be complacent and there is more to do.

“A total of 39.1 per cent of the surveyed adults responded to say that they were undertaking sporting activity in line with the criteria. This compares to the national average of 35.2 per cent and a North West average of 35.5 per cent.

“Cheshire East continues to invest in its leisure facilities and leisure development provision in innovative ways – encouraging people of all abilities to participate in sport. 

“For example, leisure and adult social care teams are working together at Macclesfield and Wilmslow leisure centres, where the integration of the adult day care provision into leisure centres has enabled and enhanced the offer that is available for day care clients, allowing them to participate in sporting opportunities in a way that was previously very difficult.

Current examples include, for example, family swimming, wheelchair basketball and Boccia (target ball for people with disabilities).

“In Cheshire East, we have also supported community organisations and clubs such as the Cheshire Academy of Integrated Sports and Arts and the Wingate Centre for Disabilities. The provision is varied and mixed across Cheshire East as we continue to facilitate a joined up approach to opportunities.

“Our investment of more than £1m improving the fitness suite and facilities at Nantwich pool and plans to develop a Lifestyle Centre in Crewe are further evidence of the Council’s commitment to increasing the quality of the sporting offer to our residents.

“The need to boost participation is important from a health perspective, as the benefits of regular exercise can contribute to a healthier lifestyle and reduced risk of ill health.

“With the Council now responsible for public health, there is a great opportunity to work with our partners, including the voluntary sector, to promote and develop our sport and leisure services to deliver improved health outcomes for all.

“Although the numbers of adults participating are increasing there are still some 60 per cent of the Cheshire East population who need to become more active – and we will continue to work hard to get more people active more often.”

Sport Cheshire’s CEO Anne Ibrahim congratulated the Cheshire East Council on the concerted efforts they have made to get local people active.

She said: “These figures reflect the energy and commitment of the Council, local residents, clubs and volunteers. I’m thrilled to see the Borough do so well and hope that, one year on from the London 2012 Olympic

Cheshire firefighters urge everyone to become fire safety hero

 

Cheshire fire chiefs are encouraging local families and child carers to be a 'safety hero' by taking simple measures to stay safe as part of Child Safety Week 2013, run by the Child Accident Prevention Trust from 24 to 30 June.
Preventable accidents are one of the biggest killers in the UK, and the message coming loud and clear this week is that a few moments' extra thought can make all the difference.  Small steps like testing your smoke alarms and making sure candles and matches are out of reach, or a quick glance down the hall to ensure an escape route is clear in case of a fire, take just seconds but can save lives.
Evan Morris, the Service's Head of Community Safety, said: "There's nothing more important than the safety of a child in the home, and getting into the habit of taking a quick glance round the room for hazards is a simple step that will make safety an automatic reflext for any parent or carer, and help give real peace of mind.
"Another really vital thing mums and dads can do to keep their family safe is talk to their children about the importance of fire safety and make sure they know what to do if the worst happens.  Fitting a smoke alarm and involving the children in testing it regularly can also help keep them fire-aware and, most importantly, provide the vital seconds you need to escape in a fire.  This could develop a life-saving habit for the future."
Here are our top tips for a safer home:

• Don't let your child play with fire - keep candles, lighters and matches well out of children's reach and never leave burning candles unattended
• Keep safe in the kitchen - make sure children know that the kitchen is not a play area - never leave younger children alone in the kitchen when you're cooking and never let them play near the oven and hob
• Socket safety - teach children not to poke anything, especially fingers, into sockets
• Nominate your child to be the 'Escape Champ' - regularly role-play escape routes and give children the responsibility to keep escape routes clear
• Get 'key clever' - encourage your children to check that keys are in the correct place; keys for windows and doors should always be kept in an accessible place so you can get out quickly in the event of fire
• Discuss how to call 999 - make sure children know which number to call in an emergency.  They should also know their address.  You can pin both up by the phone; explain the importance of only calling 999 in a real emergency
• Fit and maintain a smoke alarm - a working smoke alarm can give you the vital time you need to escape a house fire.  You should have one on each level of your home and test it weekly
• Don't remove the batteries - if your smoke alarm keeps going off accidentally while you are cooking, don't remove the batteries.  Instead, move the alarm or change it for one with a silencer button
• In the event of a fire - 'Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999!!' - don't delay for valuables, don't investigate or try to tackle the fire.  Use a mobile, a neighbour's phone or a phonebox to call 999.  If someone needs to be rescued wait safely outside for the firefighters who have the equipment and training to do it - NEVER go back in.

For more fire safety advice, please visit our website - www.cheshirefire.gov.uk.
For more information about Child Safety Week go to the CAPT website - www.childsafetyweek.org.uk

Man wanted in connection with Chester rape

Detectives in Chester are appealing to the public for assistance in tracing the whereabouts of a man police want to speak to after a woman was raped in Chester.
On the afternoon of Friday 14th June 2013, a 44 year old woman was attacked on common ground in The Dukes Drive area of Handbridge, Chester.
The victim had been jogging with her pet dog and was unable to contact police until the early hours of Saturday the 15th June 2013. She is being supported by specially trained officers.
Police wish to speak to 37-year-old Peter Watton in connection with the investigation. He is local to the Chester area and was released from prison on 12 June. Peter is considered a risk to the public and is in breach of his licence conditions and is wanted on a recall to prison.
Detective Superintendent Andy Southcott said "We have a number of active lines of inquiry that we are progressing and believe that Peter Watton may be able to assist us in our investigation.
"I would urge anyone who has any information about Watton′s whereabouts or who see′s him not to approach him but to contact Cheshire Police immediately on 999. My concern is not only for the public at large but also for Peter himself, and I would also appeal directly to Peter Watton to make contact with the Police or present himself at the nearest Police Station."
Detective Inspector Simon Lonsdale said " This is a very serious but isolated incident. I would like to reassure the public that we have a number of lines of enquiry that we are following and extra police and support officers will be patrolling the area. People using the area around Eaton Road and the river Dee should remain vigilant and take basic precautions such as not going to isolated areas alone and reporting anything untoward to police".
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of Peter Watton should call Cheshire Police on 999 quoting incident number 6 of 15 June, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Cheerbrook's Big Taste Weekend a big success.

 

                 We were very pleased to attend the Cheerbrook Big Taste in my Ward at the weekend. It was a great success, with large crowds turning out the sample the excellent local produce on display. Visitors were treated to a fine range of culinary delights on offer as the event displayed local produce at its best. A local band entertained the crowd and raised money for  local charity at the same time. The Big Taste was very well received by everyone andI am sure it will go from strength to strength in future years. All praise to the Cheerbrook Farm Shop. We are very fortunate to have one of the best farm shops in the country in our borough.

Yours faithfully,
Cllr Brian Silvester
Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor

Cheshire East Council

Tel/fax 01270 567757

Manchester gang behind bars following burglary spree across east Cheshire

 

A Manchester gang who targeted affluent homes across east Cheshire and escaped with a combined haul of more than £120,000 have been sentenced.

Christopher Kelly, 34, from The Winnows, Denton; Peter James Edge, 28, from Denfield Court, Cemetery Road, Denton; Gareth Winfield, 34, from Farley Avenue, Debdale, and Kelly Edge, 23, from Hyde Road, Gorton pleaded guilty to a number of charges of conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to commit burglary at an earlier hearing.

On 6 June 2013 the three men were sentenced to 10 years, five years and four and a half years respectively. Edge was sentenced at Chester Crown court on 17 June 2013. She was given a two year prison sentence suspended for two years and a six months residence order.

Between 11 July 2011 and 20 December 2011 the gang raided 10 homes in the east Cheshire area stealing in excess of £120,000 worth of property including Rolex watches and cash.

Members of the criminal group had been travelling from Manchester,deliberately seeking out homes in semi-rural affluent areas of Knutsford, Macclesfield Holmes Chapel and Alderley Edge.

As a pattern emerged which signalled the burglaries could be the work of one gang, Cheshire Police′s Force Crime Operations Unit launched Operation Kingfisher.

The investigation team pieced together the circumstances of the conspiracy and linked a number of crimes to the group by the meticulous examination of multiple strands of evidence including the group′s access to and use of vehicles, as well as witness and forensic evidence.

In one incident the gang used violence. This was at the Vernon Arms in Poynton on 4 September 2011. Three men forced their way into the premises while it was closing and two women who worked there were threatened. One of the women was punched on two separate occasions during their ordeal, receiving minor injuries. They escaped with cash. This was without doubt an extremely traumatic experience for both staff members.

Christopher Kelly admitted the robbery at the Vernon Arms in September 2011 and his role in a number of the house burglaries, Kelly Edge admitted her role in one burglary, Peter Edge admitted his role in five burglaries and Gareth Winfield admitted his role in a further five burglaries.

Detective Inspector Sarah Pengelly of Cheshire Police′s Force Crime Operations Unit said: "These defendants showed a blatant disregard for the people they targeted and in one case they were prepared to use violence to get what they wanted.

"We recognise the profound and long term effect of such crimes, so it is particularly pleasing to see that we have played our part in putting these criminals behind bars.

"I hope that this investigation and these sentences reassure Cheshire communities that we take these incidents very seriously and strive to bring offenders to justice."

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service celebrates 20 years of working with The Prince's Trust

 

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is celebrating two decades of delivering The Prince’s Trust Team programme, an inspiring partnership project that has seen thousands of young people pass through its doors.

To mark this special anniversary the Service held a gala dinner at Chester Racecourse, which was attended by a host of dignitaries, celebrities and people who had played a key role in the success of the programme over the years. In addition the event saw a number of past team members return to share their experience of how the course had helped transform their lives.

Paul Hancock, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s Chief Fire Officer said: “It was a great evening and so nice to be able to look back and reflect on what has been a wonderful project that has made a difference to the lives of so many. We were the first fire and rescue service in the country to become a Prince’s Trust programme delivery partner we are immensely proud of our involvement with The Prince’s Trust and the benefits it is bringing the young people, their families and the wider community.

“I would like to thank everyone who has worked with the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and The Prince's Trust Team programme over the past 20 years and may we continue to inspire and encourage young people together for many decades to come.”

The Team programme is a 12-week personal development scheme which helps unemployed 16 to 25-year-olds build the skills and confidence they need to get a job.

The event, which was hosted by Prince’s Trust Ambassador and ITV weather presenter Claire Nasir and her husband BBC Radio 6 music presenter Chris Hawkins, featured a video message from His Royal Highness Prince Charles, which thanked the Service for the work it had done over the last 20 years.

Other guests included the Fire Minister Brandon Lewis MP, Cheshire’s Lord Lieutenant, David Briggs and rugby player James Roby.

Minister for Fire Brandon Lewis MP attended the event. He said: “I was delighted to attend this event and join in the celebrations of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service celebrating delivering The Prince’s Trust programme for 20 years.

“I very much recognise the value of the work fire and rescue authorities undertake in engaging with children and young people. I know that these programmes can help develop the confidence, skills and attitudes that young people need to become more engaged with their communities and to become active and responsible citizens.”

The event would not have been complete without the presence of some of the young people who had benefitted from the Team programme. Fiona Morris, a former team member gave an inspiring speech at the event.

She said: “The programme was ideal for me as it helped to build my confidence and self-esteem,” says Fiona “Learning about the other young people's diverse problems and individual difficulties taught me that I was not alone, and as a group we began to draw inspiration from each other.

“I joined The Prince's Trust course at a very vulnerable time in my life. Luckily I found the support I needed. I'm not sure I would have had the confidence to succeed if I hadn't met so many wonderful people who believed I could achieve anything.”
The Service hopes to continue its work with The Prince’s Trust for many more years to come.

Chief Fire Officer Hancock added: “What we have achieved so far has been fantastic. However, while it is nice to celebrate the past 20 years we know we must keep looking to the future as there are many more young people out there who could benefit from our help.”

Jonathan Townsend, Regional Director for The Prince’s Trust in the North of England, said: “There are still one in five young people who are currently struggling to find a job across the UK. The Team programme can be a vital lifeline for those out of work, giving them the confidence and skills to find employment. We have been very fortunate to have the continued support of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, who have transformed so many young lives in the area over the past 20 years. We look forward to working with them again in the future.

For more information on how to get involved in a Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Prince’s Trust Team Programme or to become a future team member visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk

Are you watching your blind spot?

 

Cheshire Police have been gearing up to launch a rural campaign which seeks to raise awareness to tractor drivers about their blind spot. ‘Am I in Your Blind Spot?′ has been timed to launch at the Cheshire Show on 18^th and 19^th June to give officers the opportunity to engage with the farming community and hand out demo videos and ‘blind spot′ mirrors to farmers to support the campaign launch. The mirrors are specifically to help tractors drivers who may be carrying heavy loaded trailers and find it difficult to see traffic approaching from the rear when making right turn road manoeuvres.

Following a series of fatal motorcycle collisions on rural roads with agricultural vehicles over the recent months - a small amount but still fatals, the campaign is being launched to highlight the dangers on rural roads. ‘Am I in Your Blind Spot′ will initially be workshop based with a series of talks being delivered to farmers utilising the Cheshire Young Farmers clubs starting in July this year.

Sergeant Rick Weaver, of the Road Policing Unit, who is leading the campaign, said that "We recognised the need for a campaign that would focus on rural road safety. Following some research I was able to source a ‘blind spot′ mirror that could be fitted to any existing tractor mirror. This affords the tractor driver extended views to the rear and more importantly a clear view behind when negotiating a right turn into farm entrances or fields."

For more information on tractor road safety, you can visit http://www.cheshire.police.uk.

Cooking fires remain a concern for Crewe firefighters

 

Following a number of cooking related fires in the Crewe area recently, firefighters would like to warn residents of the dangers.
A forgotten pot on a high heat or an overfilled pan of oil can quickly turn a culinary delight into a matter of life and death.

Last year over half of all accidental fires in the home in England were linked to cooking.

So Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) are urging everyone to think safety first when cooking. A few simple measures will keep you and your loved ones safe.

Top tips for cooking are:

• Take care when cooking with oil – it sets alight easily
• Do not leave cooking unattended – a forgotten pan can lead to disaster
• If cooking oil starts to smoke, it's too hot – turn off the heat and leave it to cool
• Use a thermostat controlled electric deep fat fryer instead of a chip pan as they can't overheat
• Avoid children being in the kitchen alone when cooking on the hob
• Don't overfill a chip pan with oil – never fill it more than one third full
• Make sure food is dry before putting it in hot oil so it doesn't splash

What to do if a pan catches fire:

• Don't take any risks. Turn the heat off if it is safe to do so. NEVER throw water over it.
• Don't tackle the fire yourself – Get Out, Stay Out, Call 999.

Crewe Station Manager Paul Binyon said: "A moment's distraction could turn your kitchen into a tragic scene. Unfortunately fires can easily start if people don't take enough care. They can also occur when people leave their cooking on while they go outside to enjoy the fine weather.

"By following a few simple precautions you can greatly reduce the risks for yourself and your family. I would also urge people to make sure that they have a working smoke alarm installed. If there is a fire, a smoke alarm will warn you, giving you and everyone in your home time to escape to safety.”

For more information about cooking safety visit www.cheshirefire.gov.uk or follow cheshirefrs on facebook or @cheshirefire on Twitter.

Commissioner encourages local businesses to supply goods & services to Cheshire Constabulary

 

As part of his focus on local businesses, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer wants to encourage local businesses to supply goods and services to Cheshire Constabulary.

Local businesses can find details of how to do business with Cheshire Constabulary by following the link from the ‘About Us’ / ‘Business Opportunities’ section on the Cheshire Constabulary website www.cheshire.police.uk.

Local Businesses are recommended to register on the Bluelight Emergency Services E-Tendering System as all of Cheshire Constabulary’s procurements are carried out using this system. Registration is FREE and as the www.bluelight.gov.uk site is a complete internet based e-tendering solution, no special software or equipment is required.

Once registered, local businesses will be able to view and express interest in tender opportunities from Cheshire Constabulary as well as those from other participating Authorities. Email notifications of any future opportunities advertised can also be sent allowing businesses to be made aware of opportunities in the future.

John Dwyer has also launched a new initiative designed to expose the true scale − and an accurate cost - of business crime across the county.

"Tackling business crime is one of my key priorities in my Police & Crime Plan," explained John Dwyer. "In order to gain an understanding of the seriousness of crime against businesses I am undertaking this ‘Crime against Business’ Survey."

The aim of the survey is to provide the Commissioner with a better understanding of the nature, cost and extent of crime against business within Cheshire so that he can hold the Chief Constable to account and ensure that any problems are tackled in the most appropriate and effective ways.

To take part in the business crime survey, which will take no more than 10 minutes, click onto www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk

Information on how to do business with all Police Forces in the North West can be found at: http://www.policeprocurementnorthwest.co.uk

Sandbach man imprisoned for rape

 

A Sandbach man has been sentenced to over five years behind bars after pleading guilty to raping a woman at her home in Winsford last summer.

The attack took place on 25 June last year when the defendant, 44 year old Noel Maskery, previously of Fairfield Avenue, Sandbach, Cheshire, was staying overnight at the victims house in Winsford.
Due to his chaotic domestic circumstances, Maskery was struggling to find a place to live and the victim, who had known him for more than 20 years, extended Maskery the courtesy of a spare bed for the night on the agreement that he slept in the victim′s eldest son′s room.

The victim, who was 53 years old at the time of the incident, left Maskery downstairs in the kitchen whilst she retired to her own bedroom. The victim told officers during the investigation that she was unusually tired. In her account she told officers she believed Maskery had drugged her.
The victim awoke late the following morning the find herself half undressed and Maskery asleep beside her. She was in pain and knew she had been subjected to a sexual assault. Distressed, she went to a friend′s home and contacted Police.

Officers from Cheshire Police′s Dedicated Rape Unit swiftly arrested Maskery on suspicion of rape and he continually denied any sexual contact with his victim.
Speaking after sentencing, Detective Inspector Debbie Dodd who heads up the Dedicated Rape Unit for Cheshire Police that conducted the investigation said "Maskery exploited the goodwill and trust of his victim to put himself in a position where he could prey on her vulnerable state. The victim will live with this for the rest of her life. My team conducted a painstaking investigation to bring Maskery to justice."
She continued "Anyone who has been subjected to this type of crime should feel confident that they will receive the support they need from the Dedicated Rape Unit and other support agencies we work alongside. Foremost, any victim of a crime such as this will be treated with the dignity and respect they deserve, and any allegations will be thoroughly investigated and with the needs of the victim as our main priority."