Courier fraudsters

Courier fraudsters have been identifying themselves to victims on the telephone as “Detective Constable Martin Benton of New Scotland Yard Fraud Department”. The fraudsters will invent a story regarding fraudulent activity on your card and request your bank/card details.
No such person exists at the Metropolitan Police. If you receive a call from someone purporting to be this individual, terminate the call immediately.  
Protect yourself against courier fraud:

• Your bank will never send a courier to your home
• Your bank and the police will never collect your bank card
• Your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN
• If you receive one of these calls end it immediately

Victim Advice:

• If you have handed over any details to the fraudster, call your bank and cancel your cards immediately.
• ​If you want to call your bank, then do it from another telephone.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone 0300 123 2040.

Council crackdown on scams – older people most likely victims

 

Cheshire East Council has joined forces with partners as part of a crackdown on conmen.

Working with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) and the National Trading Standards Scams Team, the Council is urging all residents to report attempted scams in a campaign to raise awareness of con artists who obtain money and property from unsuspecting victims.

According to statistics, less than five per cent of victims report their experience and so the Council’s trading standards officers and the CAB are urging all members of the public not to stay silent but to report any suspicions or activity.

Older people and the vulnerable are the group most likely to fall prey to callous con artists, who will resort to any tactics.

According to a recent Council report from trading standards one Cheshire East victim was conned out of £30,000.

In Cheshire East, more than 500 residents were found to be on a list of potential victims after providing their details through surveys, online forms and catalogue orders.

It is estimated the full potential financial risk could have been in the region of £1.4m.

The Council’s trading standards team have been in contact with those named to impress upon them the risks of providing personal details to third parties.

Today’s ‘scammers’ use more sophisticated methods including ‘vishing’ phone calls, in which they will convincingly impersonate bank staff or computer companies and persuade unsuspecting victims to reveal bank details and passwords.

Job advertisements and offers for goods and services or competition prizes can also turn out to be scams, especially where individuals are asked to pay money up front.

In the ‘Scams Awareness Month’ campaign, Cheshire East Council and the CAB are urging people to do two things before succumbing to an unsolicited approach – ‘Don’t be rushed and don’t be hushed!’

People should take their time to make a decision and get their facts together before parting with any money or personal details.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cheshire East Council cabinet member in charge of communities, said: “Scams and the con artists who practice them are despicable.

“It is often older people, the frail and vulnerable who are most at risk from this abhorrent criminal practice, which appears to have grown in scale and become more sophisticated in the wake of digital technology, telephone banking and remote selling.

“But the more traditional door-to-door conmen – and women -- are still out there, conning people into paying huge amounts of money for shoddy driveway and property repairs.

“I would urge all Cheshire East residents to assist us in trying to stamp out this cynical practice altogether.”

Steph Cordon, Cheshire East Council’s head of communities said: “We are working with the Citizens Advice Bureau in this campaign and I appeal to all residents, particularly neighbours of older people living alone, to be vigilant and to report any suspicions they have of a potential scam.

“Victims should not feel embarrassed and should not stay silent. Remember if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.”

Scammers operate in all areas of everyday life and Cheshire East residents are advised to be cautious if asked to discuss their pension arrangements and plans, if they participate in online shopping and auctions, or online property searches.

Investment fraud is another market to be infiltrated while debit and credit card fraud continues to be the most common.

Some important points to be aware of:

· If in doubt don’t respond;

· Your bank will never ask for your PIN or password or for you to transfer money;

· Your bank will not visit you at home to collect cash, your PIN, card or chequebook;

· Ignore offers to fix your computer;

· If you haven’t entered a competition you cannot win a prize;

· Don’t be rushed or pressured;

· Don’t be afraid to speak out.

Additional contact details are the national Action Fraud hotline on 0300 123 2040, Citizens Advice on 03454 040506 or go to www.adviceguide.org.uk

Poppy project tells knitters: ‘Your town needs you!’

 

A voluntary group is calling on more people to join their drive to commemorate the First World War with thousands of knitted poppies.

Crewe and Nantwich Senior Forum has made 450 so far – but needs 2,500 in time for Remembrance Sunday in November.

The Poppy Explosion Project will decorate trees in Crewe’s Memorial Square to make the annual commemoration even more special this year.

The project, part of Cheshire East Council’s Cheshire East Reflects programme, has received funding for wool, needles and other equipment from Crewe Town Council and the Freemasons’ Cheshire Provincial Mark Benevolent Fund.

Forum chairman Adrian Lindop said: “We have set out to produce a vivid and wonderful town centre display made by the people of Crewe that will not only symbolise our remembrance but will lift spirits and make people smile when they see it.”

The senior forum, a community group set up for the over-50s, meets every Friday at the Union Street Baptist Church, between 10am and 12.30pm. Members are inviting church and friendship groups to pick up their needles to take part in the project, as well people in nursing homes private or supported living.

Mr Lindop added: “We know there are some great knitters out there and this is a good reason for you to get involved in the comfort of your own home.

“We have already received offers of help from The Georges Community Centre, Your Housing Group – Beechmere, MMU, West Street Knitting Club, Creative Crewe and Eagle Bridge Knitting Group.”

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “It will be wonderful to see Memorial Square dressed with thousands of poppies on Remembrance Sunday.

“The many, many hours of work going into this project are a sign of how much we value the sacrifice made by the heroes of 100 years ago.”

For more information, please contact Adrian Lindop on: 07738 583874 or email adrianlindop@gmail.com.

Council welcomes watchdog call for reform in energy market

 

Cheshire East Council has welcomed the findings of the Competition and Markets Authority into the need to reform the UK’s consumer energy market.

In its report (published Thursday July 9) the CMA is highly critical of the Big Six suppliers, accusing them of profiteering and harming large groups of customers through a combination of deliberate tactics,including fostering apathy and misconceptions.

They are accused of a deliberate lack of transparency, confusing and innacurate bills and the perception of difficulties in changing providers.

The Council recently launched its own energy tariff, Fairerpower in conjunction with award wining supplier OVO energy, with the intention of taking on the Big Six and reducing fuel poverty.

After only three months over 2,000 customers are saving on average £220 which is more than the £160 average annual saving the CMA feels is achievable by most users.

Fairerpower is also attracting customers from the 60 percent of people who have never switched.

In addition, Fairerpower has also launched a Pay As You Go Tariff which is saving customers on average of £103 a year compared to the cheapest PAYG tariff.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council said: “I am pleased the CMA has carried out this investigation into the energy market. It was long overdue. I welcome its findings although we as a Council have not  sat back and waited for others to reform the market.”

“By successfully launching Fairerpower we are tackling fuel poverty amongst our residents while giving everyone the opportunity for a fairer deal on their energy useage.”

Fairerpower customers get:

• Potential average savings of up to £200-£250 a year (See note 1);
• Ability to fix contracts for 12 months;
• No exit fees;
• 3 per cent interest reward paid on all credit balances, up to £1,000 (See note 2);
• Award-winning customer service.

Fishing Event

 

Cheshire Police and partner agencies will be holding our Annual fishing competition. It will take place on Thursday 27^th August at Coole Acres Fishery Audlem. Registration is at 10am, the fishing will finish around 3pm with presentation to take place after.
The event is open to any young person between the ages of 10 and 16.
Refreshments will be provided during the day.
JK Angling will be there on the day to assist those taking part.
Novices welcome

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Cheshire Police have been made aware of incidents involving markings on brick work in white chalk. No offences have occurred in relation to the markings. If you have any concerns over markings on your homes please call us on 101. For more information on security to your property please see: http://ow.ly/PdZh4

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The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) wishes to remind investors that fraudsters are still active and are using various methods to dupe victims into investing in fine wine.
Whilst it might be easy to identify a fraudulent investment in non-existent fine wine, there is another tactic which is much harder to detect that relies on limited knowledge of the investor in this specific area.
In many cases, the fraud relates to the value of the wine as opposed to the existence of the wine. Therefore, fraudsters will be able to prove to the victims that they have the wine in stock, however the wine in stock will be significantly cheaper than the inflated price the fraudsters ask the victims to pay.
Whilst it may look like a ‘real deal’, the dramatically inflated prices make the promise of any returns unrealistic.
Assessments of reports show that fraudsters charge victims an average of 47% more than the comparative market values at the time of sale.
The brokers who typically cold call victims boast that an increasing market in China will guarantee tax free profits. When questioned about risk, fraudsters will convincingly say that it is “extremely low”.
How to protect yourself against investment fraud:

• If you’re considering any type of investment, always remember: if it seems too good to be true, then it probably is. High returns can only be achieved with high risk.If you get a call out of the blue, be wary; if in doubt don’t be polite, just hang up.
• Take the time to seek independent legal or financial advice before making a decision.
• Always check the credentials of the company you’re dealing with. Check for known fraudulent organisations at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone 0300 123 2040.

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There have been several reports of vehicles being broken into and valuables taken from within the vehicles.  Officers are appealing for any information. We are also advising residents and car owners to remove any items of value from within the vehicles.

Car Security

Most crime is opportunist and so is preventable with a little common sense and some basic precautions.

Here's a checklist of things you can do to help prevent car crime.

• Parking – park somewhere safe, for example: your garage, a well–lit, busy street or a car park displaying the 'Park Mark' logo of the ACPO Safer Parking Scheme.
• Reduce theft – set the alarm/immobiliser and fit a physical deterrent such as a steering wheel clamp.
• Valuable items – keep valuable items out of sight, for example; Sat Navs, mobile phones, CDs, stereos etc. All of these items attract thieves.
• Locking the car – whenever you leave the car, close all the windows and lock the doors, even at petrol stations.
• Car keys – take them with you whenever you get out of the car, and don't leave them on display at home. Remember thieves do break into houses to steal car keys.
• Documents – never leave valuable documents in your car.

For extra security, fit an anti-theft device such as an alarm or immobiliser. If you are buying a new car it is a good idea to check the level of built-in security features. Consider having your registration number etched on all your car windows. This is a cheap and effective deterrent to professional thieves.

EXPLORING EDWARDIAN POSTCARDS – A TALK

 

What?            A 45-minute talk by Linda Clarke of Cheshire Archives and Local Studies

Where?         Nantwich Library, Beam Street, Nantwich

Why?              To promote access to visual images, held at Cheshire Archives and Local Studies,  to work alongside the exhibition entitled ‘Life in Cheshire East during 1910 – 1920’.

When?           Tuesday, July 14,  2015, from 2.30pm–4pm

DETAILS:

· Linda Clarke, Local Studies Advisor at the Cheshire Archives & Local Studies, Chester and expert on Edwardian and Victorian photographs will present the talk;

· FREE Talk, accompanied by light refreshments (tea/coffee, biscuits) and an opportunity to visit the exhibition;

· Held at Nantwich Library, Beam Street, Nantwich, which has just gone through a programme of refurbishment for the benefit of local residents;

· The talk will look at the history of the picture postcard in the Edwardian period 1901 – 1910.  This was the heyday for communicating by post and an estimate of the number of these sent in the UK is 5,920,933,334 – a massive number!;

· Cities had nearly 10 deliveries a day, so sending a postcard was a very efficient means of communication;

· The boom came to an end after the First World War, when people and businesses started to communicate by telephone;

· The legacy is a tremendous number of picture postcards, some posted, others collected in albums, for use to enjoy and which reflect upon the history and social attitudes of the period;

· Cheshire Archives and Local Studies holds a large number of picture postcards of landscapes, places, people, soldiers, buildings & novelty cards – some of which can be viewed on the Cheshire Image Bank at www.cheshireimagebank.org.uk ;

· The photographs in the exhibition have been drawn from the collections held at Cheshire Archives and Local Studies and Cheshire East Libraries.  The digitisation was funded by Cheshire East Council through its commemorative programme, ‘Cheshire East Reflects’ and more than 3,000 photographs and postcards have been digitised and added to the Cheshire Image Bank, the free online website of images of Cheshire’s past.  The exhibition uses some of the best of these pictures from across the borough to reflect what life was like for residents in the early years of the decade, the war years and the post-war period.  The images illustrate activities such as work and leisure, buildings which survive or are long gone, and the attitudes and politics of the time.

· The exhibition will run from the afternoon of Monday July 6 to Saturday July 18 during normal library opening hours, and can be accessed permanently on the Cheshire Image Bank at www.cheshireimagebank.org.uk

· Contact Nantwich Library on 01270 375361 or email nantwich.library@cheshireeast.gov.uk  for further details.  The Cheshire East Reflects website can be viewed at http://cheshireeastreflects.com/

Pupils push for proactive response to self-harm and safeguarding

 

Legal highs, self-harm and bullying all came under the spotlight when young students across Cheshire East revealed they want to see greater protection and support for their vulnerable peers. 

A recent survey, The Cheshire East Good Childhood Report 2014, suggests one in 10 young people in Cheshire East suffers low self-esteem and confidence.

Pupils from seven schools in the Borough shared their thoughts and ideas with professionals from Cheshire East Council, the police, health trusts and other partner agencies at a one-day conference at Wychwood Park, near Crewe, organised by Cheshire East Local Safeguarding Children Board, held to discuss safeguarding and protection of young people. 

Speakers challenged the professionals to view the problem from their point of view instead of through adult eyes and standard processes.

The message from the conference paralleled the call from Cheshire East Council Leader Councillor Michael Jones that there needs to be far more early intervention work to tackle the growing problem of self-harm, bullying and drug abuse.

And more worrying is the discovery that the Borough has a higher than average number of hospital admissions due to self-harming.

Cllr Jones said: “There will be many reasons for this and young people say that it is important that the focus should be on ‘why’ rather than the act itself.

“I want to see my authority and our partners tackling the causes – not just the symptoms.

“The mental health and emotional wellbeing of children and young people is vitally important to both a good experience of childhood and in determining long-term health into adulthood.

“Early help is critical. Over half of all adults with mental health problems tend to be diagnosed in childhood.

“Young people should be enjoying their childhood and shaping their future not harbouring dark thoughts of self harm or even suicide.”  

Ian Rush, chairman of the Cheshire East Local Safeguarding Children Board said:  “This was not a conference where the adults held the stage.

“It was about young people from all schools across Cheshire East telling us what they are doing, what they are worried about and how they are solving some of these problems themselves.”

Joe McBride, from Cheshire East Youth Council, said:  “I think it’s really important that the Youth Council attends events like this because there will always be young people who want to have their voices heard.

“This is an opportunity for us to listen to their views, so we can tailor the work that we do to meet their needs.”                                  

Cllr Rachel Bailey, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member in charge of children and families, said: “The engagement with schools and young people is phenomenal and the messages have focussed on their concerns and how they can feel safer and better looked after.

“Our work from the conference doesn’t stop here. The message now needs to go back to all schools, through assemblies, through parents’ evenings and beyond. 

“I am absolutely delighted that the safeguarding board has sponsored the event, which brought together all agencies – health, police, fire, probation and education. 

“We know that Cheshire East is the best place to live in the North West. We know our economy is strong and we know that we need to enable young people to be part of that success.”

You can view a short film of the event by following this link: https://vimeo.com/132531708

Participating schools included: Brine Leas (Nantwich), St John’s Wood (Knutsford),  Shavington High School, Poynton High School, Adelaide School (Crewe), Middlewich High School and Eaton Bank (Congleton.) 

Crewe residents and businesses invited to give their views at ‘Your Town – Your Choice’ events

 

People in Crewe are invited to a series of events to give their views on the regeneration of the town centre.

The meetings are part of Cheshire East Council’s ‘Your Town – Your Choice’ consultation to find out residents’ views on a range of issues including redevelopment, car parking, markets and the bus station.

There are two events aimed at residents:

• Noon–2pm on Monday, July 13, at Crewe Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, CW1 2DA;
• 6pm–8pm on Monday, July 20, at the YMCA, Gresty Rd, Crewe, CW2 6EL.

And one aimed at businesses:

• 5pm–7pm on Monday, July 13, at Crewe Lyceum Theatre, Heath Street, Crewe, CW1 2DA.

Everyone is welcome but attendees should register by emailing: amy.beasley@cheshireeast.gov.uk or calling her on 01270 685705.

Those attending will be able to pick up a questionnaire about the redevelopment of the town – the Council wants as many people as possible to fill it in either on paper or online through the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/crewe-town-centre/crewe-town-centre.aspx.

All those completing the survey can enter a prize draw to win a VIP family ticket to the Hollywood Special Effects Show at Crewe Lyceum Theatre.

The Council is already committed to several major projects to unlock the potential of Crewe, revitalise the town centre and boost the surrounding local economy.

These include proposals for a HS2 hub station – which would generate £10bn of investment and 100,000 new jobs along the M6 corridor around south Cheshire and North Staffordshire – the £6m acquisition of the Royal Arcade site, which comprises the bus station and 26 retail units on Victoria Street and Queensway, and the opening of the new £15m Crewe Lifestyle Centre..

The Council has invited expressions of interest from developers and is looking at innovative investment models and partnership arrangements to secure investment, funding and delivery for the overall vision for the town.

Cheshire East Council Leader Councillor Michael Jones said: “Crewe is on the verge of the most exciting town centre redevelopment in living memory.

“It is about delivery for local people and shows our continued commitment to listening to local views and putting residents first. I am looking forward to hearing what people have to say.

“We want to create a town centre fit for the 21st century and the aspirations of the people of Crewe.”

Cheshire East Council remains committed to pest control

 

Cheshire East Council is reviewing its pest control service but will remain just as committed as ever to tackling infestation.

Cheshire East’s current in-house service deals with a variety of pests including rats, mice, wasps, ants and fleas. 

The service makes a loss and its £60,000 subsidy is being removed as part of planned savings in the Council’s 2015/16 budget.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cabinet member for communities, has been asked to review three options, including leaving the service unchanged or scrapping it altogether.

A Council report says that a third option of reducing the service would be the most appropriate way to make savings while meeting Cheshire East’s commitment to deal with public health pests.

Local authorities have a legal duty to ensure that their area is kept free from rats and mice but there is no requirement to provide a pest control service.

The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 gives Councils enforcement powers to make property owners take action.

Under the option for reduced provision, the Council’s pest control service would concentrate on treatment of rodents in domestic premises and would continue doing contract work, including placing rat bait in sewers for United Utilities.

To help the service cover its costs, current charges of £10 for treatment of rats in domestic premises would be increased to £40 with a concessionary charge of £20 for those on income-related benefits.

Ten years ago, almost all local authorities offered free or subsidised pest control to their residents. However, a survey in 2013 found that only seven per cent of those with an in-house service still offered free treatments. Cheshire East began charging in October 2012.

In recent years there has been a steady decline in the number of call-outs, partly because of an increase in private sector pest control services.

If the service is reduced, the report suggests that the Council should give details of private providers on its website and train its customer contact centre in dealing with queries from the public.

A reduced service would also mean the loss of two of the five team members through redundancy.

Councillor Gilbert said: “We take our duties on pest control very seriously and will continue to do so.

“However, we also have to consider whether we can justify the cost of our existing in-house service for the treatment of some pests when this service is offered by the private sector.

“If we opt to reduce the service, we will remain committed to tackling rodent infestation through providing treatments and exercising our enforcement powers.”

Council Leader calls for pace to increase on Northern Powerhouse

 

The Leader of Cheshire East Council is calling for a major shake-up in the way the UK plans and delivers major infrastructure projects.

It follows the recent Government announcement on delays to major rail investment.

Cheshire East Council and Jacobs plc, the parent company of the Council’s highways contractor, have written to Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin to promote ‘open book’ procurement and collaboration.

They believe this will transform the way in which major infrastructure projects are delivered in the UK, potentially saving billions of pounds and bringing schemes to fruition much more quickly. Also, primarily through small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing the skills base ‘to deliver’.

This would provide a huge boost for the Northern Powerhouse, a programme of infrastructure improvements and devolution championed by Chancellor of the Exchequer and Tatton MP George Osborne as a way of rebalancing the UK economy away from a dependence on growth in London and the South East.

Councillor Michael Jones believes that better procurement and delivery could boost the Northern Powerhouse initiative, unlocking billions of pounds of private sector investment and transforming job prospects for the unemployed and people on low wages.

He said: “Cheshire East is the gateway to the Northern Powerhouse and we are fully committed to playing our part in its success.

“Whilst the decision to postpone the Trans-Pennine electrification is disappointing, we see the Northern Powerhouse as not just about improving rail connectivity, which is very important, but also improving strategic road networks, ports and airports.

“Billions of pounds worth of private and public investment is already starting to transform these opportunities. It is also about expanding the base of specialist manufacturing and science-based industries that already exist across the northern economy.

“The Northern Powerhouse is also the opportunity to better plan investment into HS2 and HS3 – and the Trans-Pennine decision possibly enhances HS3.”

The Council believes that an HS2 hub station at Crewe would accelerate the delivery of HS2 to the North and deliver a major boost to jobs and housing across Cheshire and its surrounding area.

HS2 will not only create better connectivity but also free up capacity on the West Coast Main Line for both passengers and growth in rail freight movements.

Cllr Jones added: “The current approach to delivery is constraining the ability of SMEs to grow and is stifling markets and competition.

“There are many signs that this has also led to both a fragmented supply chain, which makes managing project delivery more complex and left gaps in key areas, such as electrification and signalling. It is a shame that ‘tier one’ suppliers are able to undermine SMEs and the skills base they grow.

“It is time for greater transparency. We need to focus not only on planning infrastructure but also on planning delivery – on time and within budget. It should also be a platform for enhancing skills delivery.

“Furthermore, our ambitious plans for infrastructure allow us to create growth and enhance investment, exemplified by the Northern Powerhouse. It is potentially revolutionary for the northern economy.

“We must embrace the Government’s goals and inspire everyone to contribute to the rebalancing of our economy, which offers hope to the unemployed and those on low incomes.”

The Wistaston Singers

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

The Wistaston Singers perform a ‘Strawberry & Cream Tea Concert’ this Saturday 11th July 2015 (3pm) at St Stephen’s Methodist Church, Gainsborough Road, Crewe. Cream tea and strawberries during the interval. Parking available at Ruskin Road School. Tickets: adults = £6, children = £3. Proceeds in aid of Church and Choir funds. For further information please contact Choir Secretary Jill Oakes Tel: 01270 662940.

Major changes in the Cheshire Police service

Major changes in the Cheshire Police service in what has been termed as a 'Root and Branch' reform, will be introduced on July 6th. The reorganisation is being  introduced to save £34 million over four years. It will see Police officers briefed outside their beat areas and the number of policing units halved..Under the current arrangement, there are 19 Neighbourhood Policing Units across the county.They will be replaced by just eight Local Policing Units,Chester, Ellesmere Port, Northwich, Crewe, Macclesfield, Runcorn, Warrington and Widnes.Police Officers and PCSO's will have to travel to their patches following daily briefings at a central deployment base in one of the eight locations.For example Nantwich Police will have to travel to Crewe and Congleton Police will have to travel all the way to Macclesfield and then back again at the end of the shift.

Police officers will spending far too much time travelling between Police stations instead of catching criminals and stopping speeding motorists in residential areas.Cheshire Police should come into the 21st century and do the briefing via the internet, which would mean that officers would not have to make long trips before they started their beat duties and at the end of their shift.

There are only two Policing Units in Cheshire East to cover 370,000 residents and 450 square miles. There are three in Cheshire West, which is smaller in area and has a smaller population.Under the current arrangement, there are 19 Neighbourhood Policing Units across the county.The number of Policing Units is being cut by a massive 58%.

Nineteen neighbourhood units are being reduced to just eight local policing units which means that there is going to be less of a focus on the already under-policed smaller communities of Cheshire, such as Nantwich, Alsager,Sandbach,Congleton,Middlewich,Holmes Chapel, Alderley Edge,Bollington,Knutsford,Wilmslow and Poynton and the vast rural areas.

I am amazed that local communities,Parish and Town Councils and residents have not been consulted about what is clearly a cost-cutting exercise which could have a very detrimental impact on the policing in Cheshire.In Poynton for example it has been estimated that PCSO's will lose a massive 25% of their time on the beat because of these changes.I am surprised that Cheshire East Council have not raised any concerns about this reduction in the Police Service for their residents.Much concern was expressed at the recent Cheshire Crime Panel about the impact of the reforms and the lack of consultation.

Yours faithfully.

Cllr Brian Silvester

UKIP Councillor

COUNCILLORS CALL FOR ACTION TO REMOVE HGVs FROM THE BUSY A534 CREWE/NANTWICH ROAD

 

Following on from the recent speed limit reduction from 40mph to 30mph on the A534 Crewe/Nantwich Road, Cheshire East Councillors representing Wistaston and Willaston & Rope Wards, Margaret Simon, Jacquie Weatherill and Sarah Pochin are now asking for action to be taken to remove HGVs from it. The road is currently a Primary Route which sends strategic through traffic along the Crewe/Nantwich Road and past Crewe Station. The completion of the Crewe Green Link Road will be a real success story for Crewe and they want to capitalise on its benefits.  They want the road to be de-primed.

Over the last few years the number of HGVs using this road has dramatically increased and this, in turn, has badly affected the quality of life of the residents who live along it.  They have continuously lobbied their Councillors asking for their help to reduce the number of HGVs by encouraging them to use the A500 by-pass instead when they travel through the Crewe area.  These heavy vehicles often travel in convoys during the night.

Cllr Margaret Simon said:

"We have a golden opportunity, right now, to make a difference to the lives of our Crewe Road residents.  Now that the Crewe Green Link Road is underway, this is the time to get more signage in place and direct the HGVs off this road and on to the A500.  It would improve things for everyone living along and using the A534 from the Peacock Roundabout right up to Crewe Station."

Cllr Jacquie Weatherill said:

"Our residents are fed up with the noise from these vehicles and the sheer weight of them causes vibration to many of their properties.  When the HGVs are travelling in convoy at night the continuous noise wakes them up.  They shouldn't have to put up with it.  Once the Crewe Green Link Road is open we will be actively encouraging local hauliers to stop using the A534 Crewe/Nantwich Road and to use the new strategic route."

Cllr Sarah Pochin, who was recently elected to represent Willaston and Rope Ward, said:

"The Crewe Green Link Road will be a real bonus for Crewe, we need to make sure that it becomes the chosen route for these heavy lorries.  There have been several campaigns to reduce the weight limit of vehicles using the A534 Crewe/Nantwich Road.  This is the time to take action. If we can make this happen, by encouraging more traffic to use a better strategic alternative route, we will hopefully see a reduction in traffic through Wistaston and Willaston."

Photograph shows - left to right:

Cheshire East Councillors, Margaret Simon, Sarah Pochin and Jacquie Weatherill

on the A534 Crewe/Nantwich Road close to Willaston War Memorial

Best regards

Margaret

Margaret Simon

Cheshire East Councillor for Wistaston Ward

Telephone: 01270 651582

Mobile: 07894 478768

email: margaret.simon@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Tourism brings £800m boost to Cheshire East economy

 

Tourism spending has hit a new record in Cheshire East thanks to higher visitor numbers and longer hotel stays.

Income generated by the visitor economy rose to £807m in 2014, a rise of 9.4 per cent on the prior year and nearly 50 per cent up on 2009.

The figures, arrived at using the STEAM method for calculating the value of the visitor economy (See Note), were announced at the Marketing Cheshire Visitor Economy Conference by Councillor Les Gilbert, Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet member for communities.

Councillor Gilbert said: “Tourism growth in Cheshire East has exceeded our targets and is way above industry expectations.

“With the new visitor facilities planned at Jodrell Bank, hotel developments due imminently and the prospect of an HS2 hub station at Crewe, we can anticipate even better to come.”

Cheshire East Council Leader, Councillor Michael Jones, said: “The success of our visitor economy is great for the borough, great for jobs and great for local businesses.

“The Council is doing all it can to support this successful industry and to promote Cheshire East as a destination for leisure and business tourism.”

The number of people employed in tourism in the Borough grew by 3.7 per cent in 2014 to 10,900, which means that the industry has boosted its workforce by 26 per cent since 2009.

The total number of visitors increased 5.2 per cent to 14.62 million last year. They spent 15.8 per cent more on accommodation, and 8.4 per cent more on food, drink and recreational activities.

Cheshire East has also seen an influx in visitors to artisan markets, which is reflected in an 8.5 per cent increase in shopping expenditure since 2013.

There was a slight drop of 1.2 per cent in the numbers staying in hotels, guest houses and holiday cottages in 2014, but those who did stay spent 11.1 per cent more.

And average hotel occupancy is now rising, reaching 72.3 per cent April 2015 compared with 71.2 per cent a year earlier.

Council holds ceremony in memory of Tunisia beach terror victims

 

Cheshire East Council has held a minute’s silence and lowered its flag in remembrance of the victims of the terror attack in Tunisia.

A total of 30 holidaying Britons are confirmed to have died in the gun and grenade attack on a beach near Sousse last Friday, which left 38 people dead.

Following a personal initiative by Council Leader Michael Jones, Cheshire East held a flag-lowering ceremony outside its HQ in Sandbach, followed by a minute’s silence at noon today (July 3).

The ceremony was led by Council Deputy Leader Councillor David Brown and attended by around 200 council staff and Members. The minute’s silence was marked at Council offices across Cheshire East.

Council Chief Executive Mike Suarez led a minute’s silence at the Assembly Room at Macclesfield Town Hall.

Cllr Brown said: “Everyone will have been horrified by the recent atrocity in Tunisia, which saw such an awful loss of life.

“Today’s ceremony was a simple and solemn occasion when the people of Cheshire East, and indeed people across the nation, joined together symbolically as a community to bear witness and remember.”

Mike Suarez said: “The events on what had previously been a tranquil beach in Tunisia were truly shocking and horrific.

“We felt it was important, as a Council, to hold this act of remembrance out of respect for the victims and in support of their grieving families and friends.”

Prime Minister David Cameron announced earlier this week that a national minute’s silence would be held today for the victims of the Tunisia terror attack.

Gunman Seifeddine Rezgui, a 23-year-old student, who had links to the Islamic State jihadist group, was shot dead by police after the killings on the beach at the Port El Kantaoui resort last Friday.

Cheshire East Council Deputy Leader Cllr David Brown leads the lowering of the Union flag and one minute’s silence outside Cheshire East Council’s Westfields HQ, in Sandbach

https://vimeo.com/132527569

Council acts to deliver respite services more locally

 

Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet has today backed proposals to redirect respite care into the independent sector and deliver services more locally.

A report put before councillors had recommended that current care arrangements at Hollins View and Lincoln House be procured instead via the independent sector to help deliver more personalised care and support for people.

Both sites offer the Borough’s estimated 40,000 carers a well-deserved break from caring for people with conditions such as dementia.

A full consultation exercise was undertaken with carers and their families and many highlighted that greater choice was needed about where they received their help.

The report, backed in a unanimous vote by Cabinet today (Tuesday), highlights that the Council is currently out of step, as 90 per cent of respite care provision in neighbouring local authorities across the North West is in the independent sector.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council said the decision taken by Cabinet would improve respite care provision because local people would be able to access beds and support in their local community area.

Cllr Jones said: “This is the best solution and right thing to do as it is about putting residents first and local first – and local is best.

“We will guarantee local first care for people accessing respite care. Some campaigners appear obsessed with brick and mortar – but I care about the people and providing the right support and care in the right place and at the right time.

“The majority of service users accessing Cheshire East respite service are already using independent sector providers, either exclusively (56 per cent) or in combination with a stay in Council facilities (10 per cent).  We will now be able to offer better value and a better range of respite for carers.”

The decision will mean the Council can deliver substantially better value for money for local taxpayers – as it can secure quality residential respite care in the independent sector at an average of 48 per cent less than the cost of in-house provision.

Moreover, the projected growth in demand cannot be met by in-house respite provision. More than sufficient capacity is available within the private sector, which currently (17/6/15) has 202 vacancies.

Currently just seven people are accessing respite care at Hollins View and nine at Lincoln House.

Moreover, 70 per cent of bed nights in Hollins View and 54 per cent of bed nights in Lincoln House are for stays of 29 or more consecutive nights which are not respite care.

The Council intends to retain both Hollins View and Lincoln House sites for use to deliver other local services to local residents.

The Council remains committed to putting the interest of residents first and has developed a Carers’ Strategy in conjunction with health partners, which details the collective commitment to carers and helping ensure their access to information, advice and support.

Hollins View and Lincoln House are currently commissioned to provide the Council’s in-house residential care and the report recommended that widening out the service to the independent sector will also help residents in our rural communities, who may need the service.

Both sites were the subject of a high-profile Cabinet meeting in December 2014 when Cabinet agreed to continue respite services until December 2015.

The report back then recommended closure because ‘residential respite support in the independent sector would be at a lower cost than in-house provision’.

The total cost of in-house provision of respite care is £3.13m.

Lincoln House provides 14.19 per cent of Cheshire East’s total respite care, while Hollins View provides just 13.18 per cent of the total.

Across the North West region there is a shift away from in-house provision of adult social care.

Currently, none of Tameside, Wirral, Trafford, Manchester, Knowsley, Stoke-on-Trent, Stockport, Shropshire or Liverpool borough authorities offers any in-house respite care provision.

Across 19 local authorities surveyed in the North West the average is for 90 per cent external provision of all adult social care and 10 per cent internal provision.

One authority, Warrington, is in the process of outsourcing their remaining Council-operated homes to a social enterprise. While Stockport has 100 per cent external provision of adult social care. 

Council issues advice ahead of heatwave

 

A heatwave is expected to engulf parts of England tomorrow and Wednesday – with Cheshire East possibly seeing temperatures of up to 30C.

The Met Office says there is a 60 per cent possibility of ‘heatwave conditions’ between noon on Tuesday, June 30 and 6am on Thursday, July 2 in the North West and an 80 per cent chance for other parts of the country.

Cheshire East Council is urging residents to check in on their friends and neighbours, who may be vulnerable to the heat. People might be able to offer to do their shopping for them, for example, so they don’t have to go out in the hot weather.

The authority also stresses that babies, children or elderly people should not be left alone in stationary cars.

If people are worried about their health during a heatwave they should contact their doctor, a pharmacist or NHS 111, especially if they are taking medication, feel unwell or have any unusual symptoms.

Cheshire East is briefing staff to ensure carers have the information they need to keep vulnerable adults safe and well during this period and is sharing tips on keeping cool and well during a heatwave on its Twitter and Facebook pages.

Meanwhile, the Department of Health has published a Heatwave Plan for England, which is intended to protect people from heat-related harm to health. To find out more, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/heatwave-plan-for-england.

Some key advice from the Government is as follows:

How to keep the heat out:

• Keep curtains on windows exposed to the sun closed while the temperature outside is higher than it is inside;

• Once the temperature outside has dropped lower than it is inside, open the windows – this may require late night visiting and such advice needs to be balanced by any possible security concerns;

• Water external and internal plants and spray the ground outside windows with water (avoid creating slip hazards) to help cool the air (however, check local drought water restrictions before using hosepipes);

• Advise the person to stay out of the sun, especially between the hours of 11am and 3pm;

• Advise them to stay in the shade and to wear hats, sunscreen, thin scarves and light clothing if going outside.

How to keep body temperatures down:

• Ensure that the person reduces their levels of physical exertion;

• Suggest they take regular cool showers or baths, or at least an overall body wash;

• Advise them to wear light, loose cotton clothes to absorb sweat and prevent skin irritation;

• Suggest that they sprinkle their clothes with water regularly, and splash cool water on their face and the back of their neck. A damp cloth on the back of the neck helps temperature regulation;

• Recommend cold food, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content;

• Advise them to drink regularly, preferably water or fruit juice, but avoid alcohol and caffeine (tea, coffee, colas);

• Monitor their daily fluid intake, particularly if they have several carers or are not always able to drink unaided.

Provide extra care:

• Keep in regular contact throughout the heatwave, and try to arrange for someone to visit at least once a day;

• Keep giving advice on what to do to help keep cool;

• During extended periods of raised temperatures ensure that persons over the age of 65 are advised to increase their fluid intake to reduce the risk of blood-stream infections.