Is Anyone Missing Two Sheep? Farmers - Owners of Livestock

Is Anyone Missing Two Sheep? Farmers - Owners of Livestock

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Good evening,
We have reports of two sheep which have been found on a farm in Barthomley over this past week.
If you are missing the two sheep, please get into contact with on 07989650474 or email lizzie.jolley@cheshire.pnn.police.uk
We are unaware if these sheep have tags on or not.
One sheep is potentially pregnant and the sheep are currently in a field which keeps on flooding. We have made attempts to get hold of the sheep, but they have not yet been able to be caught. The sheep have grass and water in the field which they are in.

Recruitment - Cheshire Police

Recruitment - Cheshire Police

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Good evening,
For many in our community it's been a difficult few months with COVID-19 changing circumstances in work for many people.
We would therefore like to make you aware of our current recruitment which can be found using the link below! There's so many different roles for the different experience and personalities around our communities.
https://mfss.taleo.net/careersection/mfss-external+cheshire+constabulary/jobsearch.ftl?lang=en
(Having difficulties with the link provided - please visit our Cheshire Police Website - Scroll to the bottom of the page - Press on Careers on the bottom left - This will then take you to a new page with a current vacancies tab - press this and it will take you to a list of jobs.)
Thank you for your time and have a great day!
Kind regards,
PCSO Lizzie Jolley 22582

Dog Owners - Keep Control of Your Dog

Dog Owners - Keep Control of Your Dog

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Good evening,
We have been made aware of two incidents on the Haslington Ward area of dogs getting bitten by other dogs who were not on leads and were not under control. (The Haslington Ward covers Haslington and the 10 other rural villages in Crewe East.)
You are responsible for your dog being under control and being on the lead. It does not matter how much you trust your dog, animals can be unpredictable and can react differently in different situations.
The dog will potentially go on a dangerous dog register if it bites another dog or person.
More information can be found on the government website on laws and restrictions.
Thank you for your time.
Kind regards,
PCSO Lizzie Jolley 22582

Council sees surge in waste reduction volunteers

Cheshire East Council's waste reduction volunteer programme has seen a surge of new recruits signing up to play their part in improving their local environment.

Since the outbreak of Covid-19, volunteers from across the borough have come forward to join the programme and help protect Cheshire East's environment – with many using lockdown as the opportunity to give back to their communities.

As well as educating people to understand the importance of recycling, reducing food waste and how they can compost at home, volunteers have also been working to help tackle 'lockdown littering'.

Alison Jenkins, programme coordinator for Ansa - the council's wholly-owned environmental services company - said: “It’s been a challenging year for so many people and a huge portion of our new volunteers have reached out to us after they found they had lots of extra time on their hands or were left disconnected from their usual networks.

“Some joined us wanting to learn more about recycling, others wanted to share their own knowledge, but many just wanted to hit the streets to do their part to combat lockdown litter, including disposable face coverings, gloves and even surgical gowns.”

Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and waste, added: "The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have been hugely challenging for us all and so it is heartening to hear that in spite of this, people are continuing to give up their own time to help protect our environment and carry out this important work.

"I would like to thank all volunteers for their efforts and remind everyone of their own responsibility to help keep Cheshire East clean – we all have a part to play in reducing, reusing, and recycling waste."

Carol Goodwin is one of the latest recruits to have joined the programme. She said: “Seeing the disrespect to our green spaces really drove me to take part in the programme, however, it was a real opportunity for me to connect with others during Ansa’s regular virtual afternoon tea sessions where volunteers come together to share ideas, advice and just connect.

"The programme has been a real spirit lifter; it feels good to be making a difference and meeting like-minded people, but the team has also supported me to take up wonderful new hobbies to benefit the environment – such as home composting.”

If you would like to be part of the programme or to find out more, contact Alison by emailing: alison.jenkins@ansa.co.uk or calling: 01270 686827. More information is also available at: www.ansa.co.uk

Cheshire East Council says look after your mental health during lockdown

We’ve all sadly spent the first full week of a new year in lockdown – hardly the way we all hoped to start 2021.

This third, and what could be the most difficult lockdown yet, is proving to be extremely challenging for many, with the added pressure of home-schooling, dark nights and the cold weather snap. Cheshire East Council is advising residents of the importance of looking after their mental health during this difficult time. 

There has been growing concern about rising infection rates, a new, more contagious strain of the virus and mounting pressures on our local NHS services. All these pressures and concerns have been realised as we face lockdown restrictions once again.

Many people may be feeling burned-out and tired with the ongoing restrictions, with the added gloom that January can bring due to the anti-climax and financial fall out of Christmas, so it’s more important than ever to look after your mental health during a challenging time for many people and their families.

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health for Cheshire East Council, said: “Winter is the time of year that many of us experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) – this is a type of depression that comes and goes in a seasonal pattern. Symptoms can include a persistent low mood, irritability, feelings of despair and worthlessness and lacking energy.

“This winter has the added challenge of Covid-19 restrictions, which for many people, may add to experiences of SAD or result in some people experiencing this winter depression for the first time.

“Last year taught us all that mental health is so important and has enabled many people to reach out to others, whichever way they have been affected by the pandemic – such as losing a loved one, losing their job, financial concerns and feelings of loneliness and isolation.

“We must all continue to speak to others and seek help from specialist organisations if we need to. There are a range of support groups and organisations, which will be open and running throughout the national lockdown. For details, visit:   https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/livewell/health-matters/health-conditions/mental-health/mental-health.aspx.”

Councillor Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for public health and corporates services, said: “Now more than ever we must take care of ourselves and each other. Let’s not forget the sense of togetherness that the first lockdown last year brought and go back to the virtual ways of communicating that we learnt.

“Take time to check in on friends and loved ones via a phone or video call, write and post a letter or card to brighten someone’s day and show that you’re thinking of them.”

Cheshire East Council appointed two mental health champions, Councillor Sally Handley and Councillor Jonathan Parry last year, to help combat the distress and anxiety many people are feeling during this uncertain time.

Councillor Sally Handley said: “We know many residents enjoyed spending time with family or friends during the Christmas day measures relaxation.

“Sadly, this was short-lived, and we must now adhere to the strictest restrictions of not mixing with other households and staying at home. This is difficult for many of us, who enjoy and thrive on the company of others.” 

Councillor Jonathan Parry said: “We all need to stay indoors, work from home where possible, not mix with another household apart from a support or childcare bubble and only shop for essentials such as food and medicines. 

“It’s important that we all take care of our mental wellbeing during this time and check-in on friends and relatives, who may need our support.”

Ideas to protect and support mental health are:

● Have a routine and set short-term goals – plan regular calls/video calls with friends and relatives and make time for regular breaks if working from home and/or home-schooling; 

● Plan leisure time and exercise for you and the family – wrap up warm and head outside for a winter walk, discover online exercise classes, compile a reading list and set yourself a challenge, plan themed movie nights in and learn a new skill or rediscover an old one, such as baking;    

● Look at your sleeping habits – sleep is essential for our mental health, so keep track of how many hours sleep you get and practice good habits before bedtime to help you relax and unwind such as having a hot bath and a warm milky drink;

● Look at your eating habits – dark winter nights call for comfort food but excessing can leave you feeling sluggish and affect your mental health. Enjoy a balanced diet packed with plenty of energy and mood-boosting foods such as fruit and foods rich in vitamin C and;

● Reach out for help as early as possible – seek help with things like debt, finances or practical support with shopping for food or medicines. Worrying about these will have a negative effect on your mental health.

Children and young people may be finding home-schooling and online learning away from their friends particularly difficult or be struggling with the work set. For help and support with this, please contact your child’s school or college.

If any children or young people are feeling low, they are urged to speak to their parents, carers, teacher or support worker. There are also a whole host of ways that the council can support them.

Places to access help are also available on the children’s pages on the council’s live well section of their website, https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/livewell/livewell.aspx

For further help and advice on mental wellbeing, including information on local support services, visit: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/livewell/health-matters/health-conditions/mental-health/mental-health.aspx

For details on how Cheshire East Council can help with money worries or for information on debt charities such as the National Debt Line and Age UK, visit: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/housing/housing_options/housing_options_advice/money_matters.aspx

If you or someone you know need support from our People Helping People scheme, please visit: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/council_information/coronavirus/cheshire-east-people-helping-people.aspx

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.

For more advice and information follow the council’s social media pages, visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/cheshireeastcouncil and Twitter at: @CheshireEast

Villages in Cheshire East en route to benefit from new transport fund

Cheshire East Council expects to secure nearly £1.3m from the Department for Transport’s Rural Mobility Fund to improve links to the south west of Nantwich, it was announced at cabinet today.

The new services will positively impact the residents of Bunbury, Wrenbury and Audlem, where the public transport service offer is currently very limited.

The £1.26m funding will be used to operate new demand-responsive services, initially for three years. Two 16-seat accessible vehicles will be operating from 7am-9pm, which would allow for journeys to work and education, along with healthcare, shopping and leisure. The service will be available to all residents on a fare-paying basis.

The new service will utilise an innovative app-based booking system, which up until now has mainly been used in urban areas by major bus companies and transport authorities. The system will be flexible enough to integrate with existing public transport networks, providing an efficient, sustainable transport alternative at the touch of a button.

Speaking after the cabinet meeting today, Cheshire East Council deputy leader Councillor Craig Browne, said: “Although we must be cautious when encouraging people to get out and use public transport during a global pandemic, this is a fantastic opportunity to develop our plans for this innovative, new service and launch it later in the year.

“To successfully bid for any public funding at this extremely challenging time is something to celebrate and the availability of this new service in one of the more remote parts of our borough will be very welcome news to all those residents, who live, work and travel in those areas.”

The council will work with the Department for Transport over the coming weeks to finalise the business case for these new routes. Subject to funding being confirmed, the new service is expected to be up and running by Tuesday 1 June. 

Council launches vision for children and young people across Cheshire East

Cheshire East Council launched a vision called ‘Together for Children and Young People’ at a meeting of cabinet today (12 January) which sets out how, together with their partners, the council will make Cheshire East a great place to be young.

The vision is based on what children, young people, parents, carers and practitioners think is important and will be used to ensure all staff working with children and young people have a shared aim and are ambitious for children. The vision is centred around the importance of working together in partnership with children, young people and families.

The vision builds on six outcomes from the Cheshire East Children and Young People’s Plan:

1. Children and young people who are cared for are happy and given every opportunity to achieve their full potential;
2. Children and young people feel and are safe;
3. Children and young people are happy and experience good mental health and wellbeing;
4. Children and young people are healthy and make positive choices;
5. Children and young people leave school with the best skills and qualifications they can achieve and the life skills they need to thrive into adulthood; and
6. Children, young people, and young adults with additional needs have better chances in life.

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “There are nearly 105,000 children and young people who live in Cheshire East, representing around 27 per cent of the population.

“Children’s services across the borough, from schools to social care, early years and health, work together day in, day out to nurture and support our youngest residents.

“We recognise that the current pandemic is really tough for children, young people and their families, with disruption to education, impact on mental health and uncertainty about their futures.

“This shared vision, developed together with our children and young people, reflects their aspirations and needs and is backed by the belief that children are best supported within their families and communities.

“With the right help, by the right people at the right time, the vision sets out how we want to ensure families get support early and as soon as they need it to prevent issues becoming more difficult.

“All children should enjoy the best education that prepares them to thrive in adulthood and we continue to work with and support all our schools during this time.   These are challenging times for everyone involved and we hope that all children and young people will be able to return to school or college as soon as it is safe to do so.

“I fully endorse this vision, which focusses on the needs of children and young people, and ensures that together with our partners, we will make Cheshire East a great place to be young.”

Libraries launch new order and collect service

Cheshire East Council is launching a new order and collect service today to encourage people to continue accessing library services during lockdown.

With lockdown measures meaning that the public are unable to access many services in the usual manner, the council’s libraries service has come up with a way to enable residents to continue enjoying the many books we have at 15 of our libraries.

While our digital services are also available to access reading and information at this time, the new Covid-safe order and collect service provides an alternative for those who prefer a physical book to maintain their positive mental health and wellbeing.

The order and collect service is simple and straightforward to use. Residents simply need to:

● call or email their local library and say which subject they are interested in;

● provide their library card number and contact details;

● give a brief description of the books, providing authors and genres if they know them; and

● arrange a suitable collection time with the librarian.

Although the council is unable to provide specific book requests this time, library staff will endeavour to provide the best possible matches. Residents can ask for eight titles for each request and can use the service as many times as they wish.

The order and collect service is available for adults and children’s books, so parents and carers can receive books on behalf of children and young people as well. Collections can also be made on behalf of residents, who may be less comfortable leaving their homes or who may be self-isolating.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities, said: “We are all adapting to different ways of living our lives during lockdown, so it’s a really positive thing to be able to adapt our services accordingly in order that our residents don’t miss out.

“I quite like the idea of our experienced librarians using their judgement to surprise our residents with choices. It’s a little bit like if you make a purchase on Amazon and it says, ‘if you liked this then you might also like these similar titles’. The new order and collect service enables residents to connect with their local library in a Covid-safe and secure way and this, of course, is the most important aspect of what we are doing in launching this new service.” 

The council understands that not everyone will feel comfortable to venture out during lockdown, so our popular online services will be continuing during lockdown. E-books, e-audio and e-magazines are still there for everyone at https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/libraries/libraries.aspx

Your Chance To Put Your Questions To Chief Constable and PCC

Your Chance To Put Your Questions To Chief Constable and PCC

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Cheshire Police Chief Constable Darren Martland and Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane will be holding three virtual public engagement sessions over the coming weeks for Cheshire residents to attend.
It’s part of a new consultation to obtain your views on policing priorities and funding and community safety.
The sessions will take place on the following dates:
Tuesday 12 January, 6.30pm-8pm
Saturday 16 January, 1pm-2.30pm
Tuesday 19 January, 6.30pm-8pm
If you would like to attend one of the virtual sessions please email your name and address, the date of the session you’d like to attend and your question for the Commissioner or Chief Constable to pcc@cheshire.pnn.police.uk.
Registration for each session closes 24 hours before it takes place. The link to join the sessions will be emailed to those registered shortly before each session.
Questions can also be submitted by those unable to attend the sessions to pcc@cheshire.pnn.police.uk using the subject title ‘question’.
Alternatively, if you’re unable to attend the sessions but you’d like to give your views on policing priorities and funding, you can complete this short online survey: https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/siam/surveylanding/surveylogin.asp?sk=160759151682
The consultation closes at midnight on Sunday 24 January 2021.

Message Sent By
Daniel Millington (Cheshire Police / Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Media Office

Cheshire East residents receive the Covid-19 vaccine

Residents in Cheshire East have started to receive the Oxford Astra-Zeneca Covid-19 vaccination as GP-led services rolled out in ten locations last week.

Initially focusing on protecting those at highest risk, services started to go live last week, continuing through to this week, in:

• Wilmslow
• Congleton
• Knutsford
• Macclesfield
• Poynton
• Crewe (x 2 locations)
• Nantwich
• Middlewich
• Alsager

A small number of pharmacy-led sites have also been identified across Cheshire East that could support GP-led services where required, to ensure that residents are vaccinated as quickly as possible.
Further to the hospital-based service which started vaccinating at the Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust on Tuesday 8 December 2020, vaccinations also started at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on Monday 28 December and at East Cheshire NHS Trust last Wednesday.

The mayor of Cheshire East, 81-year-old Councillor Barry Burkhill, had his vaccine this weekend at Wilmslow Health Centre. Barry said: “It was a well-oiled machine of organisation with many nurses and doctors administering the injections in different sections of the health centre. 

“It is so important for everyone who receives either a phone call or letter from the NHS inviting them to attend for their jab, to accept and gain the protection from this vicious virus. It not only protects you but also helps to eventually stop the spread to others. I would urge everyone to have their vaccine jab when it is offered. It only takes a few minutes and is almost painless.”

NHS organisations have started vaccinating frontline health and care workers such as nurses, doctors and social workers. The programme is to be expanded in the coming weeks to ensure that the majority of care home staff and residents are protected.

Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “It’s vitally important that Cheshire East residents attend their appointment and start to get protection against this deadly virus. Like the rest of the country, we’ve had to wait in line for the vaccine and be patient as the country’s biggest vaccination programme to date is rolled out.

“I’m delighted that it’s now full steam ahead for Cheshire East with ten GP practices rolling the vaccination programme out, in addition to Macclesfield District General Hospital and a number of pharmacies across the area.”

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “I know that there is great anticipation among residents, with many keen to receive the vaccine, so that we may all start to return to a more normal way of life as soon as possible.

“It’s important that residents wait to receive their invitation to have the vaccine, there is no need to contact the NHS or your local GP – you will automatically get your appointment as soon as possible, depending on what priority group you are in.

“In the meantime, we must all remember the importance of good hand hygiene, wearing a face covering where appropriate and keeping a distance from others when leaving home to shop for essentials or taking daily exercise.”

You can help the NHS deliver the Covid-19 vaccination programme effectively by following this simple guidance:

• People in the priority groups will be contacted when it’s their turn to receive the vaccine. Please do not contact the NHS to seek a vaccine before then;
• When you are invited for a vaccine, please act on your invite and make sure you attend appointments when you arrange them; and
• Please continue to wear a face covering and abide by social distancing and hand hygiene guidance as, until the vaccine has been fully rolled out, this is the most effective way to save lives.

Alongside delivering a Covid-19 vaccine, GP practices across Cheshire will continue to offer routine appointments to those that need them.

If you are in any doubt about which local health service you need, contact NHS 111 first – either by dialling 111 or going online at: 111.nhs.uk

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.

For more advice and information, follow the council’s social media channels. Visit their Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/cheshireeastcouncil and at Twitter at: @CheshireEast

Alert - Coronavirus Vaccination Scams

Alert - Coronavirus Vaccination Scams

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As of 7 January 2021, Action Fraud had received 57 reports from members of the public who have been sent text messages claiming to be from the NHS, offering them the opportunity to sign up for coronavirus vaccinations. The texts ask the recipient to click on a link which takes them to an online form where they are prompted to input personal and financial details. In some cases the online form has looked very similar to the real NHS website.
Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said:
“Remember, the vaccine is only available on the NHS and is free of charge. The NHS will never ask you for details about your bank account or to pay for the vaccine. If you receive an email, text message or phone call purporting to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, this is a scam.”
How to protect yourself:
In the UK, coronavirus vaccinations will only be available via the National Health Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a local GP surgery or pharmacy, to receive your vaccination. Remember, the vaccinations are free of charge and you will not be asked for a payment.
The NHS will never:

• ask for your bank account or card details
• ask for your PIN or banking passwords
• arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
• ask for documentation to prove your identity, such as a passport or utility bills

If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726, which is free of charge.
If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.
*Please forward this email to any friends, family members, or colleagues that may find this information useful*

Message Sent By
Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)

Domestic Violence Matters

Domestic Violence Matters

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Good afternoon,
With the current lock down we are here to advise and help regarding domestic violence crimes. Please do not suffer in silence and reach out if you need help. The police shall treat any reports made to us with seriousness.
Please see the link below for further details.
https://www.ncdv.org.uk/self-referrals/
(If this link does not work when clicked, please copy and paste into your browser)
Regards,
PC MARTIN & PCSO OLIVER

Covid - 19 Vaccine Scams

Covid - 19 Vaccine Scams

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It's great news that the COVID -19 vaccine rollout has begun.
However, already reports of scam recorded phone messages and emails asking you to press a number or click a link to make a vaccine appointment.
You are then asked for financial and personal details.
Remember, the vaccine is FREE. If you're unsure after receiving a call or email, check with your medical provider.
Report to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 or Police 101
Many Thanks
Pcso Penny Probin. Crewe Central Police

Message Sent By
Penny Probin (Police, Community Support Officer, Crewe LPU)

Stop Loan Sharks - New Android App

Stop Loan Sharks - New Android App

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Crewe Central Police recommend the new app to stop loan sharks.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team (IMLT) have launched a new smartphone app to make it quicker and easier for people to report loan sharks and access support services.
The Stop Loan Sharks app, which launched today (23 September), includes a contact form and phone number to report loan sharks, as well as information to help victims of illegal money lending to get support.
It also offers users advice on the tell-tale signs that someone is a loan shark. These include offering cash loans without any paperwork, charging extortionate interest, use of benefits or bank cards as security, and threatening behaviour or violence to get money.
The app was developed in partnership with MakoMedia and funded from cash recovered from loan sharks under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).
The app also provides information to various frontline professionals who may meet loan shark victims in the course of their work: such as debt advisors, social workers and housing staff. These professionals can read information on how to recognise the signs and respond to disclosures and where to refer clients to for specialist support.
Other features include a search tool to help users find credit unions and legitimate lenders, links to confidential debt advice services and push notifications about loan shark arrests and court cases.
Users can also access case studies, experiences and real-life stories from actual victims and survivors of illegal money lending, alongside links to other media and videos.
The launch of the Stop Loan Sharks app came after the latest IMLT data revealed an increase in online reports during the first half of 2020.
Tony Quigley, Head of the Illegal Money Lending Team, said: “We are pleased to launch our new smartphone app and give victims of illegal money lending additional ways in which to access specialist practical and emotional support quickly, easily, discreetly, and safely.
“We know from research it takes on average three years for a victim to come forward for help after borrowing from a loan shark. Using technology will improve a victim’s access to support services at the touch of a button and make it easier for people to report incidents and find legitimate lenders.
“This app is a valuable tool and provides excellent information for partner agencies, helping them to recognise the symptoms and effects of illegal money lending when dealing with customers. Loan sharks could be having a detrimental impact financially, physically and emotionally on their clients and service users, so it’s important we work together to stamp out this callous crime and ensure victims are given the support they need.”
Anyone needing support can get in touch via the Stop Loan Sharks App or by calling the 24-hour helpline on 0300 555 2222. Live Chat is available on our homepage 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The Stop Loan Sharks app is free to download on both iOS and Android devices on the App Store and Google Play Store.
Nationally, Illegal Money Lending Teams have secured more than 400 prosecutions for illegal money lending and related activity, leading to 586 years’ worth of custodial sentences. They have written off £83 million worth of illegal debt and helped over 30,000 people.
Stay Safe
Pcso Penny Probin

Message Sent By
Penny Probin (Police, Community Support Officer, Crewe LPU)

Council responds to new national lockdown including closure of schools

Cheshire East Council has responded to the prime minister’s announcement of tougher Covid restrictions, by recognising that the lockdown is needed as a national response to the rapid spread of Covid-19.

These new measures mean that schools and colleges across Cheshire East are now closed to most pupils except for vulnerable children and children of critical workers and are unlikely to reopen until after the February half term at the earliest. 

Schools will move to remote learning and will ensure pupils and parents have a timetable outlining what to expect as soon as possible. Vulnerable children are encouraged to continue to attend school as safety measures remain in place. The reduced number of pupils should further ease any risks and enable appropriate support to be provided.

Everyone will still be able to access early years settings such as nurseries.

After the first lockdown, the council, working in consultation with school leaders, parents, and unions, took the bold step of delaying the reopening of schools to ensure that buildings and practices were Covid secure, the wellbeing of staff and pupils prioritised, and outbreaks managed.

The phased reopening in June gave everyone time to prepare risk assessments and work together to deliver lessons safely. The risk assessments prepared during the delayed reopening in 2020 have helped schools in Cheshire East remain open safely.

Over the last few months, the council has also been working very closely with its schools to develop programmes to help learners respond to the challenges of school lockdown.  These include many innovative practices, which directly help learners, including the most disadvantaged, to get the best remote learning opportunities.

In its latest message, the council also thanks schools, colleges, nurseries, children, young people and their parents for their tireless efforts in adapting to unprecedented disruption to education in more than 170 schools and colleges and more than 300 early years providers across the borough.

Responding to the government’s decision to close schools for most pupils, Councillor Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “Schools and colleges are the last places we want to close as we recognise the importance of attending school for children’s education and wellbeing.

“At the same time, we recognise the national crisis this country faces and urge all residents to adhere to the new restrictions as well as maintaining social distancing at all times.”

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, added: “We recognise that the next few weeks will be tough for children, young people, parents and school staff.

“Our hope is that this latest lockdown will give us some time for infection rates to reduce, schools to prepare for rapid testing and to lobby government to ensure that school staff are prioritised for vaccinations.”

Councillor Kathryn Flavell, cabinet member for children and families, said: “I firmly believe that for most children, school is the best place for them to learn. Our priority continues to be the safety of children, young people and school staff.

“I am in awe of the resilience of our education team, schools and nurseries which have constantly adapted to new ways of working from providing risk assessments, managing outbreaks, distributing around 800 laptops and providing additional school transport. The list goes on. 

“I would like to thank everyone across Cheshire East, who works in education or childcare for your commitment and dedication to ensuring that our children and young people get the best education and making Cheshire East a great place to learn.”

Dr Matt Tyrer, Cheshire East Council’s director of public health, said: “We are now seeing infection rates in Cheshire East of more than 350 cases per 100,000 people over the last seven days. This is a significant increase from the numbers we were seeing just a few days ago when we moved to tier 4 and is evidence that new restrictions are necessary.

“We have heard this week that the second kind of vaccine has been approved for use in the UK and vaccinations are now taking place across the borough. This is great news, but our optimism must be tempered by a resolve to stick to the basics – don’t forget ‘hands, face, space’ and you must make sure that if you have symptoms, you self-isolate and get a test.”

Visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/covid19 for more information about support, advice and guidance for individuals and businesses, including those who need financial help, or who need additional support because they are shielding.

Have Your Say on Police Funding and Priorities

Have Your Say on Police Funding and Priorities

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Cheshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is asking you what your policing priorities are as part of a new consultation.
PCC David Keane has launched an online survey to obtain the views of Cheshire residents to find out your priorities for policing and community safety.
As well as asking what your top priority for Cheshire Police is, he also wants to know how safe you feel in your area and if you would support a £1.25 per month increase to the policing precept element of council tax to address increasing pressures on Cheshire Constabulary.
You can complete the online survey here: https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/siam/surveylanding/surveylogin.asp?sk=160759151682
The online consultation will be supported by virtual public engagement sessions that the Commissioner will hold with Chief Constable Darren Martland during the next three weeks.
They will provide residents with the opportunity to talk directly to the Commissioner and Chief Constable about their views on community safety issues and the precept.
They will take place on the following dates:
Tuesday 12 January, 6.30pm-8pm
Saturday 16 January, 1pm-2.30pm
Tuesday 19 January, 6.30pm-8pm
If you would like to attend one of the virtual sessions please email your name and address, the date of the session you’d like to attend and your question for the commissioner or chief constable to pcc@cheshire.pnn.police.uk. Registration for each session closes 24 hours before it takes place. The link to join the sessions will be emailed to those registered shortly before each session.
Questions can also be submitted by those unable to attend the sessions to pcc@cheshire.pnn.police.uk using the subject title ‘question’.
The consultation has been launched following the release of the government’s Provisional Police Funding Settlement which sets out local police budgets for the next financial year.
PCC David Keane said: “2020 was one of the most challenging years in living memory and I know that many of us are anxious about the future.
“The pandemic has shown us just how important policing and other key public services are when it comes to protecting our communities.
“Unfortunately, COVID-19 has also made the future financial position for policing even more challenging.
“Funding for Cheshire Police has been cut significantly by the government over the last decade. We have made more than £60 million of savings during this time, whilst striving to ensure this vital service remains effective.
“During this period, I’ve maintained my commitment to bring back real community policing to Cheshire. With the support of the public, I have been able to increase officer numbers to ensure every community in Cheshire has its own dedicated Police Constable and Police Community Support Officer.
“The funding referred to by the government is dependent on local residents paying more in council tax (£1.25 a month for the average Band D property) over the next year.
“The Chief Constable has confirmed that without this increase, Cheshire Police would be unable to maintain our existing level of service and that we would not be able to continue investing in a visible, truly local policing service that also addresses complex issues and serious and organised crime in our communities.
“As your voice in policing, I want to hear your views on this proposal and I want to know what your policing priorities are for the coming year.
“Please take the time to the complete the short survey and have your say.”
https://wh1.snapsurveys.com/siam/surveylanding/surveylogin.asp?sk=160759151682
The consultation closes at midnight on Sunday 24 January 2021.

Message Sent By
Daniel Millington (Cheshire Police / Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Media Officer, Corporate Communications)

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