Leader fund helping rural businesses to diversify

 

A remote farm near Macclesfield where the owners are diversifying into tourism, is among five projects to benefit from a rural funding programme in Cheshire East.

Both Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester councils have worked in partnership to issue ‘Leader’ grants of almost £274,000 to aid nine rural businesses under the government’s Rural Development Programme for England.

The money has helped to create more than 39 full-time jobs, since it was introduced in Cheshire a year ago.

A grant to Whitelee Farm, in Wincle, will enable the owners to set up ‘off-grid’ tourist accommodation with the purchase of two luxury ‘shepherds huts’.

The huts will enable tourists to enjoy a total escape from the pace and distractions of everyday life, including general noise and light pollution. 

There are no telephones or wi-fi in the huts and so the farm hopes to attract visitors who simply want to get away from it all. 

But they will contain some luxuries such as a log-burning stove and a wet room.

Emma Heald, who submitted the grant application on behalf of the farm, said: “When looking to the future of the farm, a big challenge we faced was how to fund the initiatives needed to create a sustainable family business for future generations.

“We found that working with the Cheshire East Leader team an extremely positive experience.

“They guided us through what has been an intensive and, in our case, an ultimately rewarding process.”

The shepherds huts will create a manager’s position, while in Marbury two full-time posts have been generated through the creation of a new equestrian centre at Townley Farm. A disused farm building was converted to include stables, indoor and outdoor manages, washrooms, tack rooms and a solarium.

Among the nine projects approved for funding across Cheshire, Warrington and Dunham Massey, are the expansion of an existing caravan park, help to set up an equestrian centre and support for a business to produce specialised farming equipment designed to improve animal welfare.

Councillor Janet Clowes, cabinet member for rural affairs, said: “The Leader programme is uniquely positioned to help a wide range of rural businesses and organisation in Cheshire East, owing to its locally-delivered nature.

“It is extremely encouraging to see the diverse range of projects that have been approved for funding in the programme’s first year.

“Following the Chancellor’s statement guaranteeing European funding until the point of withdrawal from the European Union, the LEADER team are keen to hear from anyone seeking capital grand funding for projects that will benefit the rural economy.”

The Leadeer programme, which spans Cheshire East, Warrington and Cheshire West and Chester, aims to help create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the rural economy and is delivered at local level rather than at national level.

A local action group of key representatives from various organisations meets to determine grant applications.

Details on the programme’s requirements as well as the sort of costs it can contribute towards can be found on the Cheshire Leader website, which gives details for Leader programmes in both Cheshire East and CWAC: www.cheshireleaderfund.co.uk, or contact Sean Bell, the Cheshire Leader Support Officer, on sean.bell@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or 01244 973824 for more information.

Council to declare new air quality management areas

 

Cheshire East Council is taking further steps to ensure air quality in the borough is at its best.

Building on its commitment to promoting clean air, the council undertakes regular air quality monitoring of nitrogen dioxide at more than 100 sites across the borough to identify any area that is likely to exceed the national limit.

With the borough recently voted as one of the best places to live in the UK, the council is  keen to ensure that residents enjoy quality of life and quality of clean air.

Road traffic is known to be the main contributor of nitrogen dioxide and, as a result of our monitoring, we have identified the need to declare six new air quality management areas in the towns of Sandbach, Middlewich and Macclesfield.

As part of this declaration process, the council would like to invite residents to get involved by letting us know their views on air quality in Cheshire East, along with the opportunity to get involved in developing action plans for improving air quality in their local towns.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) continues to place Cheshire East in the lowest band for air pollution, below cities such as Manchester and London.

By declaring these new air quality management areas, our residents can be assured that the council will give focussed attention to reduce air pollution and that they can continue to enjoy all the great outdoor activities Cheshire East has to offer.

Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for communities and health, said: “Clean air is a priority for this council and, as chair of the air quality steering group, we will be overseeing the development of a replacement air quality action plan and monitoring its subsequent implementation.

“There is a legal requirement on the council to declare these air quality management areas, but as a further step, the council wishes to take on board the views of our residents and businesses and engage them in the process of developing the new action plan in their area.”

The consultation and further information can be found on the following website:  http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/air_quality_consultation

Further information on air quality can be found on the council’s website http://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/air_quality and on the government’s website https://uk-air.defra.gov.uk/

You can contact the air quality team by calling 0300 123 5015 or via  airquality@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Soccer hero Wayne makes it evening to remember for young authors

 

Young bookworms at Cheshire East Council’s Wilmslow Library were left open-mouthed when the climax to a story writing competition turned into a tale of the very unexpected.

As the children sat patiently, waiting for the announcement of the winner, the tension suddenly turned to a moment of uncontrollable excitement as England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney appeared from behind the shelves of books to announce the winner and runners-up.

Seventy children, aged eight to 11, took part in the competition and were unaware that the soccer hero was to turn up in person to reveal the winning entry, before spending more than 30 minutes chatting with the children and being photographed with them.

Librarian Marg Charlesworth said: “Having Wayne take time out to attend this evening is far more than we could have wished for.

“The children have been absolutely thrilled to see him here.  He has shown a great interest in their hard work.”

Ajmain Alam, nine, from Gorsey Bank Primary School, produced the 800-word winning story called ‘John’s Magic Gloves’.

His father John said: “He loves football and plays in goal for the under-nine’s team at school and with the Wilmslow Academy.  He is a bit overwhelmed by it all. 

“Meeting Wayne Rooney has been the highlight of his year. We are very proud of him.”

The Sarafina restaurant company sponsored the event and paid to have Ajmain’s story turned into a bound book with illustrations. 

Copies of the book went on sale last night, autographed by the soccer star and with proceeds going to the ambulance service charity CardiacSmart, to raise funds for a defibrillator. 

Erik Garner, from Wilmslow Football Academy, set up the competition in which young writers had to pen a simple story with a football theme.

He said: “I spoke to Wayne about this and he didn’t hesitate to offer his support and agreed to come along to hand out the prizes. “The stories have been fantastic and the children have shown great imagination.”

Wilmslow Football Academy has more than 1,000 registered young players from as young as 18 months, who are known as the little strikers. 

Councillor Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities and health, said: “I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Wayne for showing his personal support for this project and for making this evening’s event so special.

“To have one of the world’s most famous footballers support our library and the work that we do with children in terms of literature, reading and writing, is simply fantastic and I am grateful to Eric Garner for his hard work in arranging this.”

Theft Alert!

Subject: Theft Alert!

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary

(Please do not reply or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Jess Street (Police, PCSO, Crewe LPU East PCSO)

Dear Residents,
There have been two separate incidents of theft of wooden scaffolding in the Stoneley Road area of Crewe.
The first of these incidents is believed to have occurred around 14th November 2016, and the second around 3/4th December 2016, where a total of approximately 30 wooden planks have now been taken.
If you have seen anything suspicious in the area or have any information regarding this incident, please call us on 101. Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous please call our CrimeStoppers line on 0800 555 111.
Kind regards,
Jess
PCSO 21618 Jess Street
Crewe LPU

The Wistaston Singers performed at a Christmas Carol concert

Reporter Jonathan White, Wistaston

The Wistaston Singers performed at a Christmas Carol concert on the afternoon of Saturday 10th December 2016 at St Stephen’s Methodist Church on Gainsborough Road in Crewe.

Phil Houghton was the Musical Director and organist and also introduced each carol and soloist. Jane Hale was the accompanist.

Soloists included Rev’d Jennifer Matthews, members of The Wistaston Singers and thirteen year old Ezri Petts who travelled especially from Bakewell in Derbyshire to participate in the concert. Ezri is the granddaughter of Musical Director Phil Houghton.

Carols sang by the choir and congregation included ‘Once in Royal David's City’, ‘What Sweeter Music’, ‘See Amid the Winter's Snow’, ‘Away in a Manger’, ‘I waited for the Lord’, ‘While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks’, ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’, ‘It Came Upon the Midnight Clear’, ‘Hark! The Herald Angels Sing’, ‘Three Kings’, ‘White Christmas’, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’, ‘Good King Wenceslas’, ‘Coventry Carol’, ‘Nativity Carol’. The finale was a rousing ‘O Come, All ye Faithful’.

Refreshments were served during the interval.

Proceeds from the concert will go to St Stephen’s Methodist Church and choir funds.

The Wistaston Singers were originally formed by members of the choir at St Mary's Parish Church, Wistaston in May 2000 and now number over forty members singing four-part harmony music. The choir perform a variety and eclectic choice of music ranging from choral church music and anthems, Gilbert and Sullivan items, music from the shows, music from modern composers such as John Rutter encompassing from the 15th century to the 21st century. They perform up to five concerts a year at various venues in south Cheshire, plus one concert out of area. The choir is also available to perform at weddings in the area. The choir rehearse weekly in the parish rooms of St Mary's Church, Nantwich on a Wednesday evening from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. New members are always welcome and further details may be obtained from Choir Secretary Jill Oakes, Tel: 01270 662940 and email: jillandjohnoakes@uwclub.net

Appeal withdrawal recognises Jodrell Bank protection zone

 

Cheshire East Council has welcomed the withdrawal of a planning appeal, which threatened the protective zone around the Jodrell Bank observatory.

Developers Aus-Bore Estates proposed the construction of 65 new homes on land off Manor Lane in Holmes Chapel, but have now withdrawn their plans owing to previous decisions protecting the world-renowned Lovell Telescope.

A scheme for 119 homes, at Main Road in Goostrey, was recently turned down by the council and the decision backed by the secretary of state, on the grounds that the development would impact on the protective zone around Jodrell Bank.

The minister recognised that the ‘reasonable protection’ of the observatory was a matter of global significance.

In the light of that decision, Aus-Bore Estates have decided not to pursue their intended appeal against the council’s refusal of planning at Manor Lane in Holmes Chapel.

Manchester University has opposed a number of planning applications for housing schemes in the vicinity of Jodrell owing to the high level of electrical interference generated by modern homes, including computers, mobile phones and other electronic appliances.

The decision to withdraw means that a planning appeal inquiry, due to commence on December 14 for four days, will not now go ahead.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for planning and housing, said: “We welcome the withdrawal of this appeal which could have threatened the efficient operation of Jodrell Bank”.

“However, we are disappointed that it has arisen at this late stage as it was always very clear that the protection of Jodrell Bank was a significant issue in this case.

“We will continue to work closely with Manchester University and the observatory staff at Jodrell Bank to ensure we safeguard the efficiency of the telescope wherever we can.”

He stated that Cheshire East Council would continue to resist proposed housing schemes that posed a serious threat to the award-winning research centre, which is to play a key role in the Square Kilometre Array, a ground breaking project involving the creation of hundreds of telescopes in Australia and South Africa.

The SKA will open up a new dimension in astrophysics and research.

Illegal tobacco and alcohol seized in crackdown

 

Trading standards officers from Cheshire East Council have seized cigarettes, vodka and tobacco worth more than £17,000 during a swoop on illegal sellers.

More than 25,000 illegal cigarettes, about 800 bottles of vodka and 5.5kg of hand-rolling tobacco were uncovered during raids on properties in Crewe yesterday (Wednesday, December 7).

Officers and sniffer dogs discovered concealed stashes of tobacco at nine premises with products hidden in various places, including under floorboards and in storage units in shops.

Operation ‘Ignite’ follows on from the intelligence-led ‘Operation Henry 2’, which seized illegal tobacco products valued at more than £9,000 in March this year.

Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for communities and health, said: “People who deal in illegal tobacco are more likely to encourage others, especially children and young adults, to smoke.

“All tobacco is harmful but the illegal black market in tobacco, and in particular the availability of cheap cigarettes, makes it harder for smokers to quit and remain smoke free.

“We are an enforcing council and our trading standards officers are working hard to keep these illegal products off the streets and are cracking down on the businesses and individuals that flout the law.

“Detection dogs can find tobacco and cigarettes in the most unlikely places and in addition to having their stock confiscated, offenders could face unlimited fines and up to 10 years in prison.”

Anyone with information about illegal tobacco can call the ‘tackling illegal tobacco’ hotline on 0300 999 0000 or report online at: www.keep-it-out.co.uk

Winter Wellbeing – accessing health services appropriately

 

Cheshire East Council and its partners are offering a range of advice and support to residents on how to keep warm, well and safe this winter.

This week, we urge residents to ensure they are accessing health services appropriately.

During the winter months, health services can become overwhelmed through excess demand.

To help limit the impact, it’s important that residents are aware which service is right for them at a given time. The advice is to:

· Call NHS 111 if you urgently need medical help or advice but it is not a life-threatening situation. You can also call NHS 111 if you're not sure which NHS service you need;

· Call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk;

· Visit a walk-in centre or minor injuries unit if you have a minor illness or injury (cuts, sprains or rashes) and it can't wait until your GP surgery is open;

· Ask your local pharmacist for advice – your pharmacist can give you advice for many common minor illnesses, such as diarrhoea, minor infections, headache, travel advice or sore throats; and

· Make an appointment with your GP if you are feeling unwell and it is not an emergency.

If you start to feel unwell, even if it is just a cough or cold, don’t wait until it gets more serious – get help from your pharmacist. The sooner you get advice the better.

If you’ve been described antibiotics or other medication, don’t forget to pick up your prescription before the Christmas holidays start as many GP surgeries and pharmacies will be closed during that time.

Make sure you also speak to your pharmacist about medicines you should have in stock to help get you and your family through the winter season. Also check to see if older neighbours, relatives and friends have the necessary medication.

If you do need help over the holiday period, when your GP surgery or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 or visit www.nhs.uk, where you can be directed to a local service that is open.

Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for communities and health at Cheshire East Council, said: “Residents have a range of services they can access if they feel unwell or need advice during winter. But it’s important that the services they do access are appropriate to their needs.

“You can do your part in helping to take the strain off health services by stocking up on medication before the Christmas holidays, keeping an eye on vulnerable members of the community and ensuring you get help and advice as soon as you start to feel unwell.”

For further winter-related advice, visit: www.facebook.com/cheshireeastcouncil

and www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter

Residents can help friends and neighbours, who do not have internet access, by printing off information from the website and giving it to them.

Fairerpower saves Cheshire residents £2m on energy bills

 

A partnership business set up by Cheshire East Council to help local residents reduce their energy bills has saved households £2m.

More than 7,000 people have now signed up to buy their gas and electricity through Fairerpower, a partnership between the Council and award-winning Ovo Energy, since its launch in March 2015.

Cheshire East residents who have switched to Fairerpower are saving an average of £246 on their annual fixed-tariff bills

Fairerpower was formed based upon the belief that people were spending too much on their energy bills by not switching providers for years. The not-for-profit organisation aims to offer a competitive energy plan that gives more back to the people of Cheshire. 

Now Fairerpower is advising residents to consider a switch to a fixed tariff deal to avoid getting caught out by the fluctuating cost of energy.

Councillor Don Stockton, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Fairerpower is building trust through award-winning customer service while securing cheaper and fairer prices for local residents across Cheshire. This was our promise when we started and we are delivering and giving many people a cheaper alternative.

“I would urge residents to consider fixing their energy bills before Christmas, as energy costs look set to rise. Visit our website at www.fairerpower.co.uk or call 0800 4086701 to get quote.”

By joining the more than 7,000 people already with Fairerpower you can benefit from:

● Low rates for both electricity and gas;

● Potential average savings of £200 to £300; ⁽¹⁾

● Simple, straightforward billing;

● Fixed 12-month term with our fixed tariff – no increases over that period;

● No exit fees – you’re always free to leave! ⁽²⁾

● Award-winning customer service;

● Hassle-free switching – Fairerpower will do it all for you;

● Three per cent interest reward on all credit balances; ⁽³⁾ and

● One of the cheapest energy tariffs available for pre-pay customers.

Cheshire East Council became the first local authority in the UK to sell power since the gas and electricity supply system was nationalised in 1948.

Switching to Fairerpower is easy and is an option for all 170,000 households in the borough. Since December 2015, the scheme has been extended to allow residents living in Chester West and Chester to become Fairerpower customers too.

So why not join?

Call 0800 4086701 or visit www.fairerpower.co.uk

Council backs new approach to connecting with communities

 

Cheshire East Council’s cabinet members have approved a new approach to engaging with communities across the borough and supporting their development.

The ‘Connected Communities’ approach has been developed as a two-way partnership between the council and Cheshire East’s communities to improve wellbeing and self-reliance, as well as reduce social isolation.

It has five key themes within it:

· Connected to people – helping people in communities to become more connected to others;

· Connected to services – delivering services differently, with more community outreach services;

· Connected to neighbourhoods – strengthening networks and partnerships across neighbourhoods, towns and villages;

· Connected to voluntary, community and faith (VCF) sector organisations – developing the VCF sector infrastructure and our links to thematic communities; and

· Connected to decision making – local people influencing decision making, policy and the way we commission services.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Local people are rightly proud of Cheshire East. We know it is a fabulous place to live, work and visit and we want to work with our communities to make it even better and sustain that success into the future.

“If we work together we can make sure we have the right services, in the right places.

“We are committed to investing in community work and believe that, by developing our approach to engaging with and supporting its development, we can ensure we maximise potential and generate wealth, helping all our communities to become more enterprising and enabling more deprived areas to lift themselves out of dependence.”

The council is also making a ‘deal’ with communities and has committed to a series of pledges.

In exchange, the council wants residents and communities to make their own pledges, including that they will support volunteering, report any concerns, develop skills and connect with the people around them.

Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for communities and health at Cheshire East Council, said: “A genuinely sustainable future for our communities means ensuring that we live within the limits of the resources available to us. This is a huge challenge and requires new ways of working and a commitment from residents, businesses and services to work together and to be innovative and creative.

“Cheshire East has had, from its start, a strong commitment to developing strong communities, so this new approach focuses on how we can best lead our communities forward to future prosperity.”

Activity involved in Connected Communities includes a participatory budgeting pilot, which sees local residents and community groups discussing spending priorities, making spending proposals and voting on them.

It also includes support for town partnerships and the establishment of mentoring programmes and groups that tackle issues such as social isolation.

In Crewe there is a pilot ‘Neighbourhood Action’ initiative, which it’s anticipated will be extended to the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods across the borough. There are also volunteer ‘community connectors’, who listen to other residents and support them to address local issues.

Weston Christmas Light Display’ 2016.

Reporter J White ‘Weston Christmas Light Display’ 2016. I’ve uploaded all my photos to a Flickr page: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jonathanawhite/albums/72157673322994444 .

The ‘Weston Christmas Light Display’, supporting The Donna Louise Children's Hospice, takes place at Carters Green Farm, Jack Lane, Weston, near Crewe every day in December until Wednesday 28th December 2016 (6:15pm to 9:00pm). On a Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening and the last few days before Christmas, Santa Claus will take time off from his busy schedule to visit the farm and sit in his sleigh. Entry is by donation and there is plentiful parking.

Graham Witter, who is a final year Business Management student and Pride of Crewe Community Individual Award winner, has once again setup hundreds of lights at Carters Green Farm to raise money for charity. He started to install the lights in early-October and several hundred plugs are required to hook up all the displays to the electricity supply. The display covers farm buildings, the garden, an adjacent yard and a barn, and contains a combination of rope lights, LED lights, and animated 3D figures, together with background Christmas music. There is also a small wooden Santa’s grotto and a life-size Santa's sleigh. A special feature this year is a 1950s Whitby Morrison Mr Whippy ice cream van, which Graham has transformed into a bespoke vehicle for Santa containing festive decorations.

For the fourth year running Graham is raising money for The Donna Louise Children's Hospice http://www.donnalouisetrust.org . Over the past three years the event has raised an impressive £17,000 and last year the £10,280 raised for the charity was used to purchase new lighting equipment for their refurbished sensory room.

Graham chose to raise money for The Donna Louise Children's Hospice, as his sister – Jessica – went to the hospice for specialist care, and its staff were always there to offer support to the family. Jessica passed away on 31st December 2015, having enjoyed the event for many years. After some careful thought, Graham decided to continue with his display in her memory.

Graham said, "I would like to thank all the sponsors and supporters of the 2016 Weston Christmas Light Display. I invite everyone along to my winter wonderland to raise money for The Donna Louise Children’s Hospice. Please come and enjoy a fantastic light show, a free mince pie, festive music and enjoy a selfie with Santa. I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year."

To visit the display if heading from Crewe turn right off Weston Road (just after Crewe Hall) into Main Road towards Weston, then left into Jack Lane. If heading from Weston go over the A500 bypass bridge on Main Road and turn right in Jack Lane. From all directions look out for the yellow reflective road signs, then follow the blue directional one-way arrows on Jack Lane.

For further information relating to the display please contact Graham Witter on 01270 586754 or visit https://www.facebook.com/westonlightdisplay

Local male arrested for burglary offences in Crewe.

Subject: Local male arrested for burglary offences in Crewe.

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Cheshire Constabulary

(Please do not reply or forward this email directly; please use the Reply, Share buttons at the bottom of this message)

Message sent by

Jess Street (Police, PCSO, Crewe LPU East PCSO)

Dear Residents,
Between 7^th and 19^th November 2016 a number of overnight burglaries were committed in Crewe. Police commenced an investigation which led to a local male from Nantwich being arrested on suspicion of burglary.
On Wednesday 30th November 2016 he was charged with 5 burglary dwelling offences. He remains in custody.
Police are continuing in their investigations and will be re-interviewing the male in connection with further offences.

Winter Wellbeing – nominated neighbour scheme

 

Cheshire East Council and its partners are offering a range of advice and support to residents on how to keep warm, well and safe this winter.

This week, we urge residents to consider joining the council’s ‘nominated neighbour’ scheme.

The scheme has been developed to tackle bogus callers, rogue traders and other kinds of distraction thefts and burglaries.

The project means people can be protected by someone they know and trust, such as a neighbour or relative.

The vulnerable person is given a card that they hold up to a window or door which advises any unidentified or unexpected caller to go to the address of a nominated neighbour. This person will then check the caller’s identity.

If they are genuine, the nominated neighbour will return with them and supervise the visit to make sure that nothing untoward takes place and will remain there until the caller has left.

Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for communities and health at Cheshire East Council, said: “This scheme helps people within our communities feel safer in dealing with unwanted or unexpected people who call at their homes. In turn, it protects our residents and reduces incidents of doorstep crime.

“While it is the older and vulnerable adults who are more at risk from becoming victims, anyone can be targeted.

“That’s why I’d urge all Cheshire East residents to consider joining the scheme and support others to live safely in their own homes.”

When the festive season is at its height, the temptation to buy last-minute goods on the cheap is strong. But the council is urging residents to avoid people who are selling such goods, who may rip them off.

Cllr Bates said: “The nominated neighbour scheme makes the most of our extremely strong community relationships and will limit the opportunity for doorstep callers to con their way into homes.

“Once they fail to gain access and the community is alerted to their activities, it will act as a strong deterrent to stop them returning in the future.”

“A simple phone call to the Citizens Advice consumer service is all that is needed for an information pack about the scheme to be sent out.”

If you would like a nominated neighbour scheme pack sent to you, or to a vulnerable relative or resident of Cheshire East, contact the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 040506. More information is available at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/business/trading_standards.aspx

For further winter-related advice, visit: www.facebook.com/cheshireeastcouncil

and www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter

Residents can help friends and neighbours, who do not have internet access, by downloading and printing off information from the website and giving it to them.

Cheshire East launches ‘One You’ service to boost residents’ health

 

Lifestyle and health advice services in the borough have been brought together under one support system – known as ‘One You’ Cheshire East.

The integrated system will work to improve residents’ health, tackle health inequalities and reduce the load on the council and NHS.

It will focus on early intervention to help residents avoid future ill-health by supporting them to drink less alcohol, eat well, lose weight, move more and be smoke free.

Help and advice will be provided in a range of ways, including a dedicated website and lifestyle support staff. The services offered will be flexible and tailored to each individual’s needs.

Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for communities and health at Cheshire East Council, said: “Our vision is to provide support to enable residents to live well for longer by helping them to address the factors that affect their health and wellbeing earlier and through preventative behaviour change.

“By bringing the help and support under one umbrella, it will make it easier and quicker for our residents to access information and improve their health, as well as increase cost-effectiveness.”

‘One You’ is one of the largest Public Health England campaigns and encourages adults to take control of their health to enjoy significant benefits now and in later life.

Everyday habits and behaviours – such as eating too much unhealthy food, drinking more alcohol than is recommended, continuing to smoke and not being active enough – are responsible for around 40 per cent of all deaths in England and cost the NHS more than £11 billion a year.

The stakeholder launch of ‘One You Cheshire East’, which Peaks and Plains has been commissioned to deliver, took place today and the public launch is scheduled for mid-January.

Residents will be able to access the services via self-referral and referrals from a health or social care professional.

Support to stop smoking will be delivered by a number of community providers – Well Pharmacies, Rowland Pharmacies, Healthbox and Wirral Community Trust – while specialist stop smoking services for clients in hospital settings, pregnant women and people with mental health issues will be provided by Kickstart.

Everybody Sport and Recreation, the trust that manages the council’s leisure centres, will deliver the programmes to help residents eat well, lose weight and move more.

Mark Palethorpe, strategic director of adult social care and health at Cheshire East Council, said: “This integrated support system will help people to make lifestyle changes that can make a huge difference to their health both now and in the future.

“By being able to tailor the support given to residents, it will ensure they get the right help and advice in a way that works best for them.”

While One You Cheshire East is a borough-wide service, the team will be focusing on improving the health of people in areas of the biggest health inequality

Services will have access criteria, but information will be available to help those not eligible to improve their health through the dedicated website and lifestyle support workers.

The One You Cheshire East website can be found at: www.oneyoucheshireeast.org

Cheshire East children’s challenges highlight rights campaign

 

Young people from Cheshire East are giving professionals a taste of ‘life in their shoes’ to mark children’s rights month.

Cheshire East Council and their partners have been taking part in challenges set by young members of Cheshire East Youth Council, a group coordinated by The Children’s Society.

The challenges have been chosen from a range of activities, which include sitting an exam, taking a ‘no car’ challenge and living on £21 a week.

They represent an innovative new approach on the ‘takeover’ activity, which forms part of the annual children’s rights month, organised by The Children’s Society. It is an initiative of the Cheshire East participation network – a partnership of agencies and services which work with children.

The month highlights the importance of the rights of children and young people, encouraging them to express their views and be actively involved in decisions that affect their lives.

The ‘Takeover Takeaway’ activities flip on its head the month’s usual concept of giving young people experience of jobs done by professionals in local organisations.

Nigel Moorhouse, Cheshire East Council’s Director of children’s social care, said: “It’s traditional to allow children to shadow adults in their daily working lives to give them a taste of what they might expect later in life and Cheshire East provides many opportunities for young people to do this.

“However, this year we’ve taken a different approach. By having a go at some of these challenges, we are hopefully making a real connection. The challenges are certainly not easy!

“I’m taking the £21 challenge, which is a unique way to show the difficulties that our young care leavers face. It’s really tough to manage on £3 a day.

I’ve been learning new recipes and embracing the task. I’m using the Easy Pleasy Cookbook to help me along the way which has been designed by our care leavers. It features recipes and top tips for eating healthily on a budget.”

“I have a lot of respect for all those young people in Cheshire East who do this every day.”

Among those taking part in challenges were Cheshire East children’s services colleagues Lesley Seal and Jacquie Sims who sat GCSE exam papers in English and maths respectively. Ian Donegani experienced what it is like to be bullied online.

Molly Humphries, 16, who is a member of the UK Youth Parliament, said: “It’s great to see some of the adults taking on these challenges. Our idea was to create a ‘Takeaway Menu’ full of experiences, that cost nothing but help adults to better understand and help young people in Cheshire East.”

Amanda Greenwood, participation service manager at The Children’s Society, said: “We help some really vulnerable children all over the country who have had a difficult upbringing and may not enjoy rights most people would expect to apply to all young people in the UK.

“We are passionate about ensuring all children and young people have a say in their lives and the services that affect and support them.

“We work with some fantastic young people in Cheshire East and it is great to see their engagement with our participation services. These have definitely come to fruition during November Children’s Rights Month and helped to raise awareness of this important issue.”

For more information visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ncrm

Bentley Motors unveils long-term ambitions for Crewe site

 

A ‘development framework’ has been unveiled which outlines how the long-term future of the Bentley factory in Crewe could look – supporting Bentley as a core component at the heart of Crewe’s economy.
Drawn up by Bentley Motors in consultation with Cheshire East Council, the framework provides the platform to deliver a modern, advanced manufacturing operation in the future which will be more efficient, secure and productive.
The ambition is to create a campus-style site which could potentially grow and expand in line with the company’s ambitions. The campus will be where manufacturing, design, research and development, engineering operations and boosted security ‘are fully integrated within a single site with seamless connectivity that enables the efficient flow of people, goods and services’.

Managed by Cheshire East Council’s arms-length Skills and Growth Company, with input from across the authority, the framework seeks to set out the important design, development and planning policy considerations which will be used in the determination of potential future planning applications relating to the Bentley site.

Bentley Motors’ aspirations for its expanded site would require the closure of parts of Pyms Lane and Sunnybank Road to the public. However, no decision has been taken on these proposals, which will form part of the consultation. Any future change to road access would require submission of a planning application and be subject to the normal planning consent process.

The council’s household waste recycling centre at Pyms Lane is also within the long-term ambition for the campus. There are no plans to close this centre and any future change to the facility would have to be consistent with the household waste and recycling requirements of Crewe and would require a future approval.

The framework will go before cabinet on December 6 for approval as a document for public consultation. Following a proposed six-week public consultation, running from January 3 to February 14, it is intended the document be reviewed and returned to cabinet for a decision.

Councillor Don Stockton, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for regeneration, said: “Bentley Motors’ operation at the Pyms Lane site is of paramount importance to the local, regional and indeed national economies and we would welcome the views of residents and businesses on this future vision for Bentley in Crewe.

“More than 4,000 people are employed directly by the company, which provides many apprenticeship opportunities locally. It is also Crewe’s largest single employer, accounting for more than £1billion of UK exports each year.

“Alongside these benefits and its support for the creation of Crewe University Technical College, more than 80 of Bentley’s suppliers are located within 50 miles of the site, which subsequently benefits local businesses.

“This draft development framework seeks to show how Bentley’s long-term aspirations align with the council’s wider ambitions for growth and the regeneration in Crewe in the light of the opportunities afforded by HS2. By providing a clear potential future site boundary, the framework gives increased clarity between Bentley’s future growth ambitions and other developments locally.”

Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said: “This development framework represents a long-term vision for what our factory could look like in the future, based on successfully achieving all of our business objectives over the coming years.
“It is vital that we plan for the long-term future of our business as we look to evolve our headquarters into industry-leading facilities within a single site.”

Most of the land identified within the campus ‘vision’ is owned by the council and any change would be subject to detailed future negotiations.

As part of the masterplan public consultation, Bentley will host two drop-in events at its Pyms Lane offices.

● January 12, from 3pm to 8pm;

● January 14, from 10am to 2pm.

Cabinet will make a decision in spring 2017 on whether to endorse the masterplan, subject to the responses of the consultation.

Bentley Motors is an iconic and internationally recognised British brand that has been based at its Pyms Lane HQ for more than 70 years. It recruits more than 60 trainees each year, with around 85 per cent of these recruited from the Crewe area. 

Cheshire East hails protection of Jodrell Bank in planning appeal decision

 

Cheshire East Council has hailed the decision of the secretary of state to reject the development of 119 homes close to the Jodrell Bank observatory. 

The landmark decision recognised that the ‘reasonable protection’ of the observatory is a matter of global significance.

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for housing and planning, said: “We are delighted the secretary of state has supported the council’s case and has dismissed this planning appeal.

“Jodrell Bank observatory is a vital asset to this borough, the nation and the international scientific community. The protective zone around the telescope has been in place since 1973 and we are very pleased that its importance has been recognised and reinforced.

“As a council, we are doing everything possible to meet the housing needs of our area. However, this was simply the wrong development in the wrong place. It is very good to see that the long-term protection of vital scientific work has prevailed over the short-term high demand in housing supply.

“This further underlines the importance of the ongoing collaboration between the council and Manchester University over operations at the site.”

The planning appeal concerned the development of 119 new homes at Main Road, in Goostrey, about two miles south east of the observatory, proposed by Gladman Developments.

In making this decision, the secretary of state considered that the development would ‘impair the efficiency of the Jodrell Bank radio telescope’ and that ‘the protection of Jodrell Bank observatory as a facility of international importance transcends the housing land supply circumstances of the case’.

Overall he concluded that the harm to the efficiency of the radio telescope carried ‘substantial weight against the proposal.’