Crewe News

Tuesday, 21 July 2015

Crewe sun-seekers urged to stay safe and stylish by avoiding inadequate sunglasses

SPECSAVERS Crewe is warning people about the dangers of wearing sunglasses that do not provide adequate UV protection and is urging sun-seekers to stay safe this summer.

The increase in the hours of sunshine during the summer means the risk of UV damage is higher.

Excessive UV exposure, over a period of time, can cause or accelerate the development of cataracts or macula degeneration, which is the leading cause of blindness in later life. It can also cause unhealthy and permanent changes to the front of the eye which are cosmetically undesirable.

And while most people are aware of the effect of sun damage to their skin, many do not consider the potential impact on their eyes.

Michael Elleray, optical consultant at Specsavers in Market Street, says: ‘We talk to people about their eye health every day, and most simply do not consider sunlight as a factor that may cause serious, irreversible damage.

‘People slather themselves in sun cream, then lie back and look up to a bright, sunny sky, not realising that there is a very real danger of serious, lasting damage to their eyes and vision.

‘Similarly, many people buy sunglasses without considering whether they offer adequate protection against UV rays. Many sunglasses are designed with fashion, rather than safety, in mind.

‘Sunglasses should bear the CE kite mark and offer 99-100 per cent UV protection, which is indicated on labelling with the mark UV-400. Consumers should be aware that the price, darkness and tint of the sunglasses do not necessarily have a bearing on the strength of the protection offered and that labels should always be checked.’

The team at Specsavers Crewe can check the suitability of sunglasses this summer and offer advice and answer any questions regarding summer eye health. By raising awareness of the importance of choosing the right sunglasses, staff hope that the number of people damaging their eyes will be reduced.

The team can also talk people through the wide range of prescription sunglasses available and give details of the current special offers on prescription sunglasses. Alternatively, the team can advise contact lens wearers whether they are currently wearing a contact lens that blocks UV and, if necessary, how to swap to a UV blocking contact lens.

Specsavers stocks a wide range of designer prescription sunglasses for all tastes and age ranges. Its designer ranges include the brands Converse, French Connection, Boss Orange, Red or Dead, Tommy Hilfiger, Karen Millen and many more. These can be bought with or without prescription lenses, and can be worn with contact lenses.

To book your next appointment at Specsavers Crewe call 01270 250707 or visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/Crewe.

Fund-raising garden party in Wistaston, South Cheshire.

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

A Garden Party in aid of Diabetes UK took place on the evening of Wednesday 8th July 2015 at 6 Westfield Drive, Wistaston. Sheena & Ken Sambrook once again allowed their house and front & back gardens to be used for this annual event, which always takes place on the second Wednesday in July.

Sheena and Ken who also organised the event are President and Treasurer respectively of the Crewe and South Cheshire Voluntary Group of Diabetes UK: http://crewe-and-south-cheshire.diabetesukgroup.org/ .

Entrance was 50p and included a coffee or tea, whilst strawberries, cakes, greetings cards and plants were also available for sale, along with bring & buy and raffle stalls.

Over eighty people attended over the course of the evening, which included Mayor of Cheshire East Council, Councillor Hilda Gaddum, along with the recently crowned Wistaston Rose Queen (Rachel Astbury) and her Attendant (Chelsea Horne).

Ken Sambrook said, "We would like to thank everyone who has supported the event. £690 was raised which is a fantastic total."

Ken we are always amazed at the wonderful support we receive from friends in the local community that makes the evening such a great success enabling us to continue to support diabetes uk.

All proceeds will go to support newly diagnosed children and adolescents with diabetes to allow them to attend one of several educational residential holidays held around the United Kingdom. The residential allows them to integrate with other young people with diabetes and share experiences, which may assist them to learn to control their condition. On average the Crewe and South Cheshire Voluntary Group raises £7,500 per year for Diabetes UK.

The next local event in aid of Diabetes UK is a Coffee Morning at Nantwich Parish Rooms (St Mary's Church, Church Lane, Nantwich) on Saturday 25th July 2015, 10am to 12 noon.

RHS Flower Show set to be another bloomin’ success

The RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park is set to be another great success with over 300 delicately-created displays and garden features.

And once again local organisations, including Reaseheath College and Cheshire Gardens of Distinction, have dug deep into their wealth of talent and skills to create potentially award-winning designs.

The five-day event begins at Tatton Park next Tuesday and organisers are anticipating attendance figures to top 80,000.

Sustainability and greening the grey parts of Britain are the main themes of the show with a message that too many gardens – front and back – are being concreted over.

Garden designers, students and volunteers have been busy for several days preparing their displays which are situated in 29 themed gardens across the site.

The team from Reaseheath College, Nantwich, are putting the finishing touches to their displays, one of them using old bottles to emphasise the sustainability message.

And Tatton Park’s own garden team are looking east for their inspiration.

The park is famous for its Japanese garden - but it’s China that provides the theme for the team entry this year.

The ‘Mother of Gardens’ showcases the great botanical gift China has given the world.

Gardens would be very different places otherwise and Tatton’s is no exception.

The team have produced a Chinese house with dove tree, bamboo, hibiscus, kiwi fruit and buddleia and it is certain to be an eye-catching attraction for the show’s many visitors.

The staff from Connecting Cheshire are also creating their own exhibit, drawing on the organisations work delivering fibre optic broadband to homes across Cheshire for their design theme, while aspiring young designers are putting their talents on show.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cheshire East Council Cabinet member for communities, said: “We at Cheshire East Council are extremely privileged to be able to host this wonderful event at Tatton Park, an award-winning visitor attraction.

“It truly represents the Chelsea of the North and we hope that all gardening enthusiasts will come along.

“But you don’t have to be a gardener to enjoy the RHS Tatton experience.

“Tatton Park is a wonderful venue for this event and there is so much more to do once you are here.

“The RHS Flower Show provides us with an opportunity to showcase our own amazing gardens as well as the many other historic and fascinating features of Tatton Park.

“We are very pleased that the Royal Horticultural Society has once again shown its commitment to the Borough and Tatton.

Caroline Simpson, Cheshire East Council executive director of economic development and growth, said: “It is a joy to see the RHS Flower Show become a regular feature in our summer calendar in Cheshire East.

“It is a huge boost to the visitor economy and we are delighted to be able to host this event year on year.”

RHS Show manager Chris Hulewicz, said: “The RHS Flower Show at Tatton Park is known for its inclusive and supportive approach to gardening and landscape design.

“With all of these clever designs, as well as an array of allotments and Grow Your Own exhibits on display, we hope visitors will leave the show motivated to turn their own patch of grey Britain green.

“Tatton Park is wonderful. We are surrounded by this landscape of trees and this really adds to the vista.”

In addition to the many professionally designed displays, there are also entries from schools and charities.

The BBC is covering the show with live broadcasts and a number of celebrity gardeners and designers will be attending.

Flags at half-mast for Bosley victim

Cheshire East Council is flying its flags at half-mast as a mark of respect for the person known to have died in the Wood Flour Mill tragedy at Bosley near Macclesfield.

Flags on municipal buildings in Crewe, Macclesfield and Sandbach have been lowered and the Leader of the Council, Michael Jones is urging all other businesses and organisations in Cheshire East and Staffordshire Moorlands, that have a flag to do the same.

Teams from the Council are continuing to work closely with the community and the various agencies to offer and provide support, help and guidance wherever required.

Rescue teams are still trying to locate three other missing people following Friday’s explosions and fire.

Anyone in need of help and advice can call the Council helpline number 0300 123 5034.

At least two offers of employment have been made by local companies and the Council is working hard behind the scenes to identify other potential employment opportunities for some 50 people who will have lost their jobs as a result of the incident.

A drop-in centre has been set up at the Bosley St. Mary’s Primary School, Leek Road, Macclesfield SK11 0NX where members of the community can seek help and advice about benefits, employment opportunities and housing.

‘Single mum’ benefits cheat faces £15,000 bill for fraud

A woman faces a bill for more than £15,000 after she claimed benefits while keeping it secret that her live-in partner was supporting the family financially.

Emma Bebbington, 39, claimed housing benefit and income support for nearly two years after failing to disclose that her partner was living with her.

By falsely claiming that she was a lone parent on a low income, she received £14,785 before her lies were uncovered by Cheshire East Council’s benefit investigations team.

Bebbington, of Gallantry Bank, Bickerton, Malpas, admitted three charges of failing to tell Cheshire East Council of a change in her financial circumstances while she claimed housing benefit, Council Tax benefit and Council Tax support.

South and East Cheshire Magistrates, sitting at Crewe (on July 8) heard that Bebbington had maintained these benefit claims until December 2014. It was then that Cheshire East Council’s fraud investigation team uncovered Bebbington had a partner who had been living with her and supporting her financially since February 2012.

Magistrates sentenced Bebbington to a 12-month community penalty and ordered her to do 80 hours’ unpaid work. She was also ordered to pay £250 costs and a £60 victim surcharge.

In addition, Bebbington will have to repay in full all the monies she fraudulently obtained.

The prosecution was brought by Cheshire East Council’s legal team.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Cheshire East Council’s Cabinet member for communities, said: “Cheshire East is an enforcing Council and we are committed to stopping fraudsters from helping themselves to taxpayers’ money to which they are not entitled.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy towards benefit fraud because we are determined to ensure that the benefits system works for people who really need help.

“So far this year, our benefit investigations team has identified £772,492 in fraudulently claimed housing benefit, Council Tax benefit, jobseekers’ allowance, income support and employment support allowance paid by Cheshire East Council and the Department for Work and Pensions.

“All of these monies are repayable by the offenders and this Council will ensure they are repaid.

“During this year, 36 people have been prosecuted, 23 issued with administrative penalties or fines and 26 more cautioned for benefits offences and Blue Badge misuse.

“Anyone who thinks they can get away with claiming benefits they are not entitled to is making a very big mistake – and they will find themselves worse off as a consequence.

“They risk ending up with a criminal conviction for a serious offence of dishonesty and a big bill to pay back all the money they have falsely claimed.”

Residents can report people they suspect of benefit fraud by calling free on the confidential fraud hotline number 0800 389 2787. There is no need to give a name and calls are treated in strictest confidence.

Alternatively, suspected fraud can be reported through the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

Council opens drop-In facility at Bosley Primary school for residents

Cheshire East Council is opening a drop-in facility for people affected by the incident at Bosley from 2:30pm today in Bosley St Mary’s Primary school, Leek Old Rd, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 0NX.

Council specialists will be on hand to provide advice and support on matters related to housing, employment and benefits.

In addition, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will be on hand to provide advice.

The Council has been working closely with the community to successfully provide accommodation for those families who have been displaced by the disaster within the village and its immediate area.

Cheshire East Council is also working with Staffordshire Moorlands Council to ensure residents who live over the border but work at the site, are fully supported.

Zoning in on nurturing next generation of life-science world-beaters

Proposals for new ‘zones’ to nurture the next generation of hi-tech science sites have been put to Ministers by a group of top industry and public sector leaders – including Cheshire East Council Leader Michael Jones.

The group has been developing an innovative new policy to support the life science industry. It follows a meeting with Minister for Life Sciences George Freeman earlier this year.

The report of the group, chaired by Cllr Jones and drawn from across the country, proposes new Science Opportunity Zones – which would be applied to the most successful and promising life-science sites across the UK.

The new zone status would be a new step in the partnership between industry and government to support the growth of the life-science sector and builds on many of the strengths of the existing Enterprise Zone programme.

The report reviews experiences from the development of leading life-science sites across the country and considers how the status could be used to support them by mobilising key stakeholders, facilitating planning, attracting investment and supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The proposals come as Cheshire East Council last week welcomed news of further Government investment in the bioscience industry at Alderley Park.

After submitting the report, Cllr Jones said: “Given our recent experiences in successfully supporting the next chapter of growth at Alderley Park, we have been able to work with colleagues from industry and other local authorities to look at the collective lessons we have all faced and to look at the best examples from other countries.

“Science Opportunity Zone status is a way that we can make sure that our best life-science sites are able to grow and that, crucially, they can compete with the very best sites globally.

“I commend the work of my colleagues from the private sector and local authorities in Kent and Dover for their support in developing these exciting proposals.

“This is just another demonstration of Cheshire East Council’s absolute commitment to supporting the life-science sector, both here in Cheshire East and more widely.”

The Chancellor, George Osborne MP, unveiled a £5m fund to kick start a new research programme in pharmaceuticals and technologies at Alderley Park when he visited the research centre last week.

The Tatton MP said the best of the UK’s businesses, scientists, clinicians and engineers will work side-by-side in the new ‘catapult in medicines technologies.’

The programme will further boost the economic recovery of Alderley Park and play a key role in the bioscience element in the vision for the Northern Powerhouse.

Cheshire East Council has a 10 per cent stake in the Manchester Science Partnership which aims to build on Alderley Park’s international reputation as a centre of excellent in the world of bioscience and life science research and development.

Friday, 17 July 2015

ARCHAEOLOGY FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 25 YEARS WITH THE AGE OF METAL

The Sandstone Ridge Trust is hosting a 3 day event at Beeston Castle to celebrate 25 years of the CBA as part of this years festival of Archaeology. Visitors can explore the prehistory of Beeston Crag with a guided tour of the site, whilst learning about Cheshire during the Stone and Bronze age’s with costumed living history displays.Hands on ancient crafts workshops suitable for all the family include stone carving and casting. Displays throughout the day on 21st, 22nd and 23rd July from 11 am to 4 pm with guided tours of the site at midday and 3 pm. Usual admission charges to the castle.

The Trust’s contribution to the festival is a legacy event from the previous Habitats and Hillforts landscape partnership .You can learn more about its work and current project ‘Ridge, Rocks and Springs’ whilst exploring the prehistory that lies beneath the iconic medieval castle at Beeston. Costumed living history displays bring the distant past to life with replica tools and everyday items from prehistory.Youngsters can discover artifacts in our sandbox excavation or have a go at carving a mold for a cast replica axe head. Ever had the urge to scratch your name? Then come along and feel free to add to our graffiti stone or carve a letter, make a cord or start a fire! A great day out to kick start the summer holidays with a mix of crafts, experimental archaeology and discovery set among the stunning views of the Cheshire Ridge.

Gary Ball, Project coordinator for the event said “ this is a great opportunity to learn and have fun whilst exploring Cheshire's prehistoric past. It is one of many such events as part of the Council for British Archaeology festival and we are pleased to be taking part .The event is a partnership, with English Heritage, Reaseheath college ,the Grosvenor museum and Cheshire museum services and sees volunteers, agencies and professional heritage suppliers working to create a unique event. We hope it brings history to life whilst entertaining and informing the visitors.”

Details are on our website at www.thesandstoneridgetrust.co.uk

Venue details www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/beeston-castle-and-woodland-park/

Contact infosrttrust@gmail.com

Rio 2016 Olympics Lottery Scam Alert

This is a message sent via The Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network (England & Wales). This information has been sent on behalf of Action Fraud (National Fraud Intelligence Bureau)

(Please do not reply directly to this email, please use the Reply button at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has received intelligence regarding two new Lottery Fraud letters/email attachments (Scam 1 & Scam 2) using the 2016 Rio Olympics as a theme.
The scams try to trick people into believing they have won the following:
Scam 1: An online lottery prize of £650,000 and a trip to Brazil to watch the Olympics as the recipient’s email address was chosen out of a possible ten million at random.
Scam 2: An online lottery prize of £820,000 and a trip to Brazil to watch the Rio Carnival and the Olympics as the recipient’s winning numbers 8 17 34 38 42 and 51 were selected.
In order to collect the winnings the recipient is requested to contact:
Scam 1:
Mr Dima Robert
MillMan Street, WC1N 3JB. London A5200.
Tel: +447035973561
Email: RioOlympics2016@represnetative.com
Scam 2:
‘UK Pay out Officer’
Email:paymaster-office@bol.co.br
+44 7937428753
Protect yourself from lottery fraud

Never respond to any such communication. If you have not entered a lottery then you cannot have won it.
Official lotteries in other countries operate in much the same way as the UK’s National Lotto.
No official lotteries that we know of contact people to tell them of their win.
We do not know of any official lottery operators who ask for fees to collect winnings. Any request for a fee payment is a good indication that someone is trying to defraud you.
Never disclose your bank details or pay fees in advance.
If they have provided an email address to respond to, be very suspicious of addresses such as @hotmail.com or @yahoo.com or numbers beginning with 07 because these are free to get hold of.
Genuine lotteries thrive on publicity. If they ask you to keep your win a secret, it is likely to be a fraud.
Many fraudulent lotteries have bad spelling and grammar – see this as a warning that fraudsters are at work.

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.

FiRELiNK eNewsletter for July 2015 from Cheshire Fire And Rescue Service

This is a message sent via The Neighbourhood & Home Watch Network (England & Wales). This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service

(Please do not reply directly to this email, please use the Reply button at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Ashley Lawton (Cheshire Fire , Administrator, Cheshire Fire)

Welcome to the July edition of the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service e-Newsletter.

Five year strategy - 2015 to 2020

We have made significant progress in recent years on improving the safety of residents and businesses across Cheshire, Halton and Warrington.
Our previous four-year strategy enabled Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service to deliver savings of nearly £5 million between 2011 and 2015, while still maintaining the overall downward trend in incidents and emergencies.
The challenge over the next five years will be even harder as it becomes more difficult to maintain improvements in community safety at the same time as the need to make savings increases.

Find out more about our Five year strategy - 2015 to 2020

Alarms4life - Smoke alarms for rented properties

Landlords across Cheshire are being urged to act now to ensure they are ready for new safety laws aimed at saving dozens of lives a year.

New regulations are expected to come into effect from October 2015, subject to parliamentary approval.

Find out more - Smoke alarms for rented properties

Toddler's dress sets on fire due to candle

A toddler from Ellesmere Port was left badly burnt after a candle set light to her dress.

Her mother now wants to warn other parents of the danger of using candles around children.

Find out more - Toddler's dress sets on fire due to candle

Summer safety

Stay safe during the summer months, use the links below to access fire safety tips and advice:

Fire Station open days

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service fire stations will be holding free fire station open days over the next couple of months.

Find out more - Fire Station open days

Your local fire station

Find out about your local fire station - where it is, what open days or special events they are holding and how to get in contact with them.

Find out more - Your local fire station

Tuesday, 14 July 2015

Fake Designer goods

People looking for a cheap designer bargain online are being targeted by fraudsters advertising fake designer goods. The items received are usually cheap and inferior counterfeits of handbags, clothes and sunglasses amongst other things.
The general rule is ‘if it looks too good to be true then it probably is.’ Designer products sold at heavily discounted prices are an immediate sign that something isn’t quite right.
What can you do to protect yourself?

Where possible, buy from well-known, High Street retailers. If you've never heard of a firm, or it is based overseas, be sceptical.
Avoid paying by cheque or bank transfer. Use PayPal or a credit card as they will give you additional protection.
Search the internet. Type the website you are buying from and look for reviews of what others customers are saying about the company. Bad customer service feedback usually finds their way online quite quickly.
Check for spelling mistakes or poor grammar on websites as this may suggest the website has been put together by a fraudster.
Sign up to Action Fraud Alert at https://www.actionfraudalert.co.uk/ to keep you updated with what’s going on.

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 ramps up crackdown on sky lanterns ‘menace’

Cheshire East Council has ramped up its crackdown on ‘sky lanterns’ and is to ban them from all licenced events in the Borough.

Cabinet member for communities Councillor Les Gilbert is set to ban the launch of candle-lit ‘Chinese’ lanterns as part of the conditions of any hire and event licences granted by the authority. At a portfolio holder meeting next week (July 20) he will also remind people and shopkeepers of the dangers posed by these airborne hazards.

‘Chinese’ or sky lanterns consist of a paper-covered wire or bamboo frame and an open flame heat source which can float in the sky for long distances. When they land they can pose a serious threat to livestock, property and farm machinery.

The burning lantern remnants can start fires, endanger lives, destroy property, distress wildlife, pets and farm animals and cause unsightly littering.

Councillor Les Gilbert, Council Cabinet member for communities, said: “These lanterns are a menace and causing real misery to farmers, their livestock and wildlife.

“Cheshire East is an enforcing Council that puts local residents first. We have listened to the concerns of local people and will impose a ban on sky lanterns being launched from any of the events licenced by the authority.

“I would also remind the public of the dangers sky lanterns pose and ask for their vigilance and support to protect our local communities from the stress and negative impacts of this thoughtless fad, which can do so much harm.

“If people breach the terms and conditions of an events licence, then we will be minded to refuse to grant them a licence in the future.”

The Council’s trading standards officers will also pass on the message to shopkeepers that they should promote an alternative to sky lanterns – and inform them they are banned from Cheshire East -licenced events.

Keith Brooks, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s head of protection and prevention, said: “Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service does not support the use of sky lanterns and asks members of the public and event organisers to refrain from using them.

“While these lanterns are undoubtedly a popular and beautiful sight, the potential damage they can cause is significant.”

Landowners have called for a ban on sky lanterns in the UK following cases of livestock being injured or killed from eating lantern parts or getting entangled in the wire frames.

The Chief Fire Officers Association called for an urgent review on their use following a huge fire in Smethwick, West Midlands, in 2013, which took 200 firefighters and 39 fire appliances to control and extinguish. Video footage showed a sky lantern was the cause.

Spain, Malta and Austria have already banned the use of sky lanterns. Tesco stopped selling sky lanterns in 2012.

Council listens to strong response from residents at Crewe regeneration events

Residents and businesses turned out in force for the first ‘Your Town, Your Choice’ consultation events in Crewe this week.

More than 85 suggestions were put forward by visitors at the residents’ event at Crewe Lyceum on Monday afternoon and by the local business community on Monday evening.

Passionate residents were keen to see better road infrastructure in and around Crewe, more entertainment and leisure venues in the town centre and for the bus station to be vastly improved but not moved from the centre of the town.

There was also desire from some resident to retain some of Crewe’s heritage in any redevelopment.

People are being asked to fill in a questionnaire as part of the consultation and more than 500 of these have been completed online since the beginning of the month.

Councillor Michael Jones, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “I have said before that Crewe is on the cusp of its most significant transformation ever – but it is important that we get it right.

“We must not promise and then not deliver. This is the best chance Crewe has had for regeneration in 30 years.

“I thank everyone who has given us their thoughts so far. We are a listening Council that puts residents first and we will be considering everyone’s comments.”

Mike Christelow, of Wistaston, who was one of more than 60 residents in attendance on Monday afternoon, said: “I think the Council’s intentions are very positive and make a real bold statement, which is exactly what Crewe needs. I think the delivery of these intentions will remain a very significant challenge. It won’t be a simple thing but it is what is needed.

“I’d like to see the development of more cultural and entertainment opportunities in the town centre. A cinema, theatre and leisure activities, hotel and investment in education are things that might turn Crewe into more of a destination town in its own right.”

William Snook, of Edleston Road, added: “I’d like to see better access to Crewe by road and more nightlife attractions in the town for the younger generation to enjoy – as most are going to Nantwich, Chester and Manchester for a night out.

“Some more diverse pubs and clubs could bring in some more revenue to Crewe and keep our town as modern and fresh as possible.”

People have until the end of July to take part in the consultation and there will be a further residents’ event at the Crewe YMCA, on Gresty Road, next Monday evening (July 20), from 6pm until 8pm.

The event will take a slightly different format to Monday’s sessions in that there will be a presentation at around 6.15pm, followed by break-out group sessions to garner feedback.

Attendees should register in advance by email at: amy.beasley@cheshireeast.gov.uk or call 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 via the Council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/crewetowncentre.

Questionnaires can also be found in Crewe Municipal Buildings, Crewe Library, Delamere House, Edward Timpson’s office on Victoria Street, Rimini café on Queensway and Crewe Lyceum.

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.

More funding for Council’s work with complex families

Cheshire East Council has secured a second phase of funding thanks to its success in working with complex families.

The Council has successfully transformed the lives of 585 families through support and intervention measures aimed at overcoming problems and challenges that have held them back.

The Cheshire East programme, known as Family Focus, has brought about a significant reduction in youth crime and anti-social behaviour, improved school attendance and assisted many adults into employment.

Louise Casey, the Government’s ‘Troubled Families’ Tzar met members of the various teams together with Council Leader Michael Jones during a recent visit and praised the council for its achievements.

The Troubled Families programme was announced in 2012 with a national target of getting 120,000 families out of poverty, crime and other social and family issues that impact on their lives.

The Cheshire East Family Focus team will now receive more funding to roll out a second phase of the programme, which is partly funded on a results basis and partly through grants.

The Council expects to assist nearly two thousand families by 2020, and will continue its work with the police, DWP, health Services, social services, schools and social and private landlords.

Council Leader Michael Jones said: “Supporting people into work, steering them away from crime and helping them to be less dependent on benefits has to be good for them and for our residents.

“We are delighted that Louise Casey has shown faith in us to continue this programme.

“After I was re-elected in May, I said publicly that I wanted to do more to tackle the adverse impact of social pressures and chaotic family life on young people.

“Too many of our young people are carrying dark thoughts of self-harm triggered by low self-esteem and the Cheshire East family service programme that we have developed has made great strides in restoring proper life balances to so many people.

“But the work does not end here!”

In March, the Department for Communities and Local Government announced that since 2012 the Troubled Families programme had helped more than 105,600 families that had benefitted from the support they received from local authorities and the net saving to the taxpayer was in the order of £1.2billion.

The programme is aimed at benefitting families that meet a number of criteria including lack of employment, domestic abuse, crime and anti-social behaviour, poor school attendance and children known to various agencies delivering early help services and social care.