STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL 00.01 ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9

 

Annual children’s services assessment

“Children’s services in Cheshire East have made good progress and continue to perform well.”

These are just some of the comments published today as part of Ofsted’s annual assessment of children’s services at Cheshire East Council.

The Council was judged to be “performing well” overall. It is a rating of three on a four-point scale. Ofsted inspected a range of services, including, schools, colleges, children’s centres, children’s homes, foster care, youth offending services and arrangements for contact, referral and assessment where there are concerns regarding the welfare of a child.

The report noted that progress had been made by the Council working with partner agencies in reducing the number of children aged five – 11 that are overweight, through promoting healthy lifestyles and providing services for children with emotional and mental difficulties. Additionally it acknowledged the recent unannounced inspection of front-line child protection services that found a number of strengths, some areas for development and no areas of priority action.

All schools and colleges were found to be good at helping young children to do well and enjoy their learning. The Council was also found to be providing good support to those schools that need it most. Ofsted also recognised that bullying is taken very seriously and anti-bullying strategies have been introduced across the authority.

Educational attainment was also praised with primary schools helping children reach a good standard of English and maths before secondary school. By the age of 16, more than half of young people gain five or more good GCSEs, which is better than areas of similar size.

There were areas where further development has been identified. These are:

• increasing the number of secondary schools that are good or better;
• improving attendance rates of those children who are frequently absent from school; and
• improving achievement for young people aged 16 and 19 from low-income families.

Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and family services, said: “I am very pleased by the findings of this report. It recognises the amount of hard work being done by our staff within children’s services and those within schools, early years and college settings, on a daily basis to improve services for children and young people.

“This is all the more impressive considering Cheshire East is a new unitary authority, with all the challenges that presents.

“However, this is just one step along the way and by acting on the recommendations we must aim to achieve a rating of excellent next year.”

For a full copy of the report and more information go to www.ofsted.gov.uk

Helping People with Disabilities Find Work

People with disabilities in Cheshire East are to benefit from greater support to help them to gain employment.

Cheshire East Council has introduced a Work Choice programme, which provides tailored support to help individuals move into and remain in long-term sustainable jobs.

It will build upon the success of the authority’s supported employment service, which currently supports more than 200 people with disabilities who are in work.

The new programme is targeted at severely disabled people who face the most complex barriers to employment and who may require greater support in the workplace.

It will assist them to identify and gain suitable employment and provide support with practical aspects, such as travel and workplace accessibility.

An event was held to celebrate the Work Choice launch in partnership with Shaw Trust, the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of services to people with disabilities, which will deliver the programme in Cheshire East.

Service users, employers and representatives from Cheshire & Warrington Business Link were among the guests at the launch at Macclesfield Library.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “The launch event provided an excellent opportunity to promote the Work Choice programme, not only to people with disabilities but also to prospective employers.

“People with disabilities are seven times more likely to be out of work, so the programme will play an important role in overcoming the barriers which individuals face in gaining and keeping a job.

“It will also ensure that employers get the support and encouragement they may need to enable them to employ more people with disabilities.

“Work Choice is an extremely positive scheme which underpins our commitment to improving life opportunities for everybody in Cheshire East.

“We are very keen to hear from people with disabilities who would like to find out more about Work Choice, and also from employers who may be interested in providing employment or work experience opportunities.”

There are more than 11,000 people with disabilities out of work and claiming incapacity benefit or employment support allowance in Cheshire East.

This compares to an approximate figure of 6,000 non-disabled people who are out of work and currently claim job seeker’s allowance.

Individuals or employers who would like more information about Work Choice should contact Cheshire East Council’s supported employment service on 01260 375468.

Trip to casualty hammers home the costs of alcohol abuse

Council leaders visited the emergency services’ frontline in casualty to witness at first hand the massive costs of alcohol abuse.

Cheshire East Council Chief Executive Erika Wenzel and health and wellbeing chief Councillor Andrew Knowles saw the huge strains placed on 999 crews and medical staff by drink-related incidents during their visit to Macclesfield District General Hospital’s A&E department on Saturday night (December 4).

In one incident, three police officers were needed to deal with a drunken man who needed treatment, while in an adjoining cubicle a young couple awaited treatment for their sick baby.

Council bosses also witnessed the harm alcohol can have on people’s mental health, including being present when two people who had attempted suicide after heavy drinking were admitted for treatment and seeing one woman who was hallucinating after not having a drink for four days.

Recent figures show that alcohol-related illness and injuries costs Central and Eastern Cheshire Primary Care Trust (PCT) about £34m a year.

Cllr Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “Visiting casualty on a busy Saturday night was a real eye-opener and showed all too vividly the huge impact alcohol abuse has on the already-stretched resources of our police, ambulance crews, nurses and doctors.

“The 999 workers and hospital staff were fantastic and showed real dedication in sometimes very challenging circumstances dealing with drunken patients.

“Cheshire East Council is working hard with partners to try to tackle alcohol abuse and greatly reduce the huge burden to our taxpayers – which costs the PCT alone about £34m a year. This is money which could be spent elsewhere on tackling less-preventable health problems or on care for the elderly.

“It is crucial that people are sensible with alcohol and drink only in moderation. Doing this will help save our local taxpayers millions of pounds each year and improve life opportunities and health for everyone in Cheshire East.”

Mrs Wenzel added: “I was very impressed by the professionalism and dedication of all the emergency services’ and hospital staff.

“Alcohol abuse is an increasingly-serious problem nationwide – and we all have a role to play in tackling it.”

Are you really aware of the effects that alcohol can have on your health and wellbeing?

A health report by the Government last week revealed regular heavy drinking is leading to a rapid rise in liver disease, which is now the fifth-biggest cause of death in England.

A recent campaign to help tackle alcohol abuse among young people and find out about their drinking habits, carried out by the drink awareness charity Drinkaware, showed that more than one in three young adults goes out with the intention of getting drunk.

Despite this, 75 per cent of 18-24-year-olds regret their drunken behaviour, which includes:

● 27 per cent not knowing how they got home;

● 18 per cent having a one-night stand;

● Three per cent ending up in hospital.

Drinking alcohol is linked to both anxiety and depression. A recent UK survey found that people suffering from anxiety or depression were twice as likely to be heavy or problem drinkers.

Alcohol has also been linked to self-harm, suicide and psychosis. It has been estimated that alcohol plays a part in up to 65 per cent of suicides in the UK.

Last Christmas, more than 4,000 people were breath tested in Cheshire and 201 were arrested for being over the drink-drive limit.

Cheshire East Council is working with strategic partners to reduce the impact of alcohol on health, crime and the number of alcohol-related hospital admissions.

The joint Alcohol Strategy was launched at a conference at Sandbach, in July, in partnership with the PCT. Alcohol Awareness Week was held from October 18-24.

The estimated cost of alcohol to the NHS is around £2.7bn every year.

For more information contact Cheshire East Council’s health improvement team on 01270 686600 or visit the Alcohol Concern website at: www.alcoholconcern.org.uk

Christmas bin collection – Crewe and Nantwich

 

Householders across Crewe and Nantwich have received information on when their bins will be collected this Christmas and New Year.

Cheshire East Council has designed calendars in the form of stickers which have been placed on all bins to keep everyone informed of any changes which may be taking place.

Local residents will receive a calendar which explains when the fortnightly collections of their black residual waste bin and silver recycling bins will take place.

Residents in Crewe and Nantwich who normally have their rubbish collected on a Monday or Tuesday will have changes to their collections and are asked to read the calendar placed on their bins carefully.

Residents whose rubbish is collected on a Wednesday, Thursday or Friday will be unaffected over the Christmas period as collections will remain the same.

To ensure collection, bins must be placed on the kerbside by 7.30am on the day of collection.

Garden waste collections have been suspended and will resume on January 17. This is an annual occurrence and is in response to decreased demand for the service. Cheshire East’s Household Recycling Centres will continue to accept garden waste during this time.

Cheshire East Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said:

“I would like to thank residents for their patience with regard to changes to collection dates. Every effort has been made to ensure that collections are made regularly over the Christmas period.”

Anyone who would like more information on their Christmas and New Year bin collections can contact Cheshire East Council on 0300 123 5011.

Official Opening – Crewe-to-Nantwich Greenway

The first part of an exciting greenway that will link Crewe and Nantwich, has been unveiled.

The Mayor of Crewe, Councillor Jacquie Weatherill, was joined by Sustrans’ regional director, Peter Foster, other local councillors and specially invited guests for the event at Crewe Golf and Leisure Club (on Wednesday, December 1).

After a speech by the Mayor, the group made the short trip to the newly-installed bridge, between Crewe Golf Course and King George V Playing Fields. The ribbon was cut and Phase one of Sustrans’ Connect2 Crewe-to-Nantwich Greenway was officially open.

A handful of guests brought their cycles along to experience the cycleway for themselves.

The greenway will create a 4km rural corridor between the two towns, alongside the A530 Middlewich Road.

It will be set well back from the main road, connecting the excellent riverside walks in Nantwich with Crewe’s historic Queens Park, which is undergoing a massive restoration.

Phase one runs from King George V Playing Fields to the Rising Sun pub, at Wistaston. Last month, three bridges were installed along the route.

The project forms part of Sustrans’ Connect2, which is developing new walking and cycling routes across the UK.

Sustrans, the charity that enables people to make more of their everyday journeys by foot, bike and public transport, won £50m from the Big Lottery Fund for Connect2 following a public vote in 2007. Part of this award is being used to help fund the Crewe-to-Nantwich greenway.

Cllr Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “I am delighted to see that the first part of this project has been completed.

“This project will open up parts of our countryside to people and there is no doubt this project will enhance the Cheshire East environment.”

Cllr Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “Where possible we should always try and leave the car at home and walk or cycle to our destination.

“Hopefully this greenway will make it easier for people to do this and improve health opportunities for people in Cheshire East.”

Cllr Robert Parker, ward member for Crewe West, said: “This greenway will really benefit Crewe and I am sure it will be a popular route for people of all ages.”

Peter Foster, North West regional director for Sustrans, said: “It’s great to see this section of the Connect2 project open for use, enabling people to walk and cycle through their local area.  I’m sure it will be used a great deal over Christmas.

“This is just the first step of a wider project, which will make it much easier and safer for people to get between Crewe and Nantwich without having to rely on their car.”

Cheshire East Council, in partnership with Sustrans, is running a competition in the south Cheshire Chronicle newspapers. One lucky reader will have the chance to win a bicycle of their choice up to the value of £400 from JE Williams and Son in Crewe.

For the chance of wining please answer the following question: How long is the Connect2 Crewe to Nantwich Greenway ?

Please send your entries into:

The Chronicle Office

Victoria Street

Crewe

Please ensure you indicate your name, age if under 16, address, post code and daytime telephone number or email address.

Cheshire East leading the way in adult social care

 

Cheshire East Council is one of the leading authorities in the North West at encouraging and supporting the delivery of adult social care services, according to a new report.

The findings, by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), were based on a study of the quality of care services purchased by Councils across the country.

The Council delivers its care via a range of providers such as privately run businesses, charitable organisations.

CQC, the Government’s health and social care regulator, found that 100 per cent of the 2,393 home care users in Cheshire East receive ‘excellent’ or ‘good’ care, as rated by its inspection earlier this year.

It also shows that 93 per cent of the 1,558 people being supported in care homes receive the same level of care, which is higher than the North West average of 89 per cent.

These figures also compare favourably on a national scale.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “This report uses 2009 information to arrive at percentages of care home residents and home care users receiving services that had been inspected by CQC rated as ‘excellent’ or ‘good’.

“The services operating within the Council area need to be of a high quality for customers when they need to use them.

“The report cites Cheshire East alongside other Councils’ performance and shows that we are performing well. But importantly we are not complacent about this and, together with service providers, customers their relatives and friends we will continue to strive for improvement.”

There are 107 establishments which were awarded either two stars or the maximum three stars following unannounced inspections in May 2010.

Anyone who wishes to make comments about care homes should visit www.cqc.org.uk

Cheshire East LINks (Local Information Networks) also has powers to enter and view care homes. Recent reports can be viewed on www.celink.org.uk

Students get the drink-drive message

Teenagers who have just passed their driving tests got a useful lesson in road safety thanks to a Cheshire East Council campaign.

In the first of a number of events, the authority’s Cheers Bar arrived at Alsager High School, where 17 and 18-year-olds were taught about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Road safety officers are visiting schools across the area to promote the campaign in the run up to Christmas.

The Cheers Bar, set up in or around a school’s sixth form centre, welcomes students with a free soft drink, inviting them to discuss drinking and driving with the road safety team.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “The students at Alsager were very interested to hear about what we had to tell them.

“Not only did they take into account the drink and drive law, they learned how they should not attempt to calculate how much they have consumed before intending to drive.

“Participants also wore beer goggles and were made to walk in a line to see how much their vision can be impaired by alcohol.”

Last Christmas, more than 4,000 people were breath tested in Cheshire and 201 were arrested for being over the drink-drive limit.

Cheshire East aims to get the message across to newly-qualified drivers, which could make the difference in reducing the number of people committing this dangerous offence.

The Cheers Bar promotes a number of messages, such as reminding new drivers that they may still be over the legal limit the morning after they have been drinking.

More information on road safety can be found on the Cheshire East Council website: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

The Cheers Bar campaign will visit the following schools:

Monday, December 6 (12.30pm) – Sandbach School

Wednesday, December 8 (11.20am) – Congleton High

Friday, December 10 (Noon) – Sandbach High

Monday, December 13 (12.15pm) – Knutsford High

Tuesday, December 14 (Noon) – Fallibroome High

Dates for Alderley Edge School for Girls and Poynton High are yet to be confirmed.

Cafe contracts up for grabs at parks

 

Firms are being invited to tender to run the new cafeteria in Crewe’s Queens Park.

Building work is under way and the facility is due to open next year.

The offer to prospective contractors has been placed on Cheshire East Councils website and is an electronic application known as ‘the chest’.

Contracts are also up for grabs at the cafeterias within Congleton Park and West Park, Macclesfield. Prospective contractors can submit interest for any of the cafeteria operations. The closing date for tender submissions is December 13.

The website – www.thechest.nwce.gov.uk – also has a suppliers’ guide, which has useful tips and advice for first-time users.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “This is a wonderful local opportunity to work within Queens Park on the first year following refurbishment. There are lots of ideas to work hand in glove with Cheshire East Council to provide a creative and enjoyable facility within the new cafeteria pavilion.”

Work on the cafeteria began in July. It is hoped the construction will be completed by February.

Queens Park is undergoing a £6.5m transformation to bring it back to its former glory. The Heritage Lottery Fund is providing a £2.7m support grant with the rest of the investment coming from Cheshire East Council.

Within the park’s 45 acres are walkways, trees, shrubs, planting, children’s play area, crown green bowling, putting, boating lake (currently drained for construction works), grassed areas, memorials and cafeteria.

For more information on the Queens Park restoration project visit the Queens Park web pages at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk – then click on ‘leisure, culture and tourism’ and follow links to the park pages.

Santa’s grotto comes to Queens Park

The park lake is frozen over so Santa can land ok

Children will get the chance to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas when he comes to Queens Park in Crewe.

A grotto will open to youngsters on Sunday, December 5, from 4.30pm and then on each Saturday and Sunday leading up to Christmas between 10am and 4pm and on Wednesday, December 22.

Entry to the grotto, next to the children’s play area, costs £1 and includes a small gift, with all proceeds going towards the Friends of Queens Park Group, which is organising the grotto along with Crewe and Nantwich Lions Association.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “It is good to know we have some fantastic local organisations working to make Christmas a magical experience for Cheshire East residents and to improve community life.

“I thank the Friends of Queens Park Group and Crewe and Nantwich Lions Association for their dedication.”

Councillor Betty Howell, ward member for Crewe South, said: “Monies raised are going towards the refurbishment of the Burma Star Memorial, so there is a lasting tribute and remembrance to those who gave their all and who should also be remembered at this time of year.”

For more information on the event or on Queens Park itself, ring Elaine Dodd on 01270 537896.

Anyone wishing to attend the next Friends of Queens Park gathering, which is a festive social meeting, should make their way to West Lodge on Tuesday, December 7, at 5.30pm.

Cheshire East recognised at major awards ceremony

 

Cheshire East Council’s adult social care service has been given the thumbs up in the Guardian newspaper’s Public Services Awards.

The authority was a runner-up in the ‘Innovation and Progress: Transformation’ section of the seventh annual ceremony.

It means Cheshire East was given special recognition amongst 700 teams and individuals who entered the 2010 awards.

From its inception in April 2009, the Council recognised the need to improve and streamline its adult social care services. This was driven by a desire to improve efficiency and outcomes but also to lead on the previous Government’s aim of introducing more personalisation and choice into services.

A full review of existing processes revealed a system that involved more than 80 steps. However, more than 50% delivered no perceived benefit to customers. A team was set up to completely redesign this system, with focus on personalisation and prevention.

The resulting social care redesign involved around 1,700 staff with the objective of transforming the experience of customers and staff at every stage – enabling customers to take advantage of personalisation while reducing the Council’s burden of bureaucracy.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said:

“The culture of adult services is one of providing better services to more people from a fixed or reducing budget through continually focussing on what is really important and which most meets the needs of our customers, while training and better equipping our staff.

“These achievements have been the result of a strong and enthusiastic management team whose dedication, focus and commitment to delivering the best is contagious.”

The awards also recognised Cheshire East’s Empower card – a pre-loaded debit card for use by personal budget holders, which is a UK first.

Family Fun Day – Lyceum Square

Hundreds of people enjoyed a family fun day in Crewe on Saturday (November 27), to celebrate the return of the outdoor market to the newly-refurbished Lyceum Square.

On a crisp sunny day there was live music, face painting, stilt walkers, balloon modelling, cup-cake decorating and fairground rides among the entertainment and activities.

The soundtrack to the fun day was provided from a gazebo next to the café. There were performances from keyboard crooner Tom Seal, and Crewe Community Arts.

One particular attraction was a competition to guess the weight of a Porbeagle Shark. The shark, which was caught off the Faroe Islands, is a relation of the Great White and can weigh up to 1,000 pounds. They normally feed on Mackerel, Herring and Squid.

The competition was run by Stuart Hornby Fishmongers, who are based in the indoor market. The ‘prize’ for the correct guess was the shark’s jaws, with the runners up receiving shark steaks.

Visitors also had the opportunity to take part in a treasure hunt through the market with the chance to win tickets to the pantomime Aladdin, at Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre.

Local radio station The Cat, was also in attendance, broadcasting live from the fun day.

The outdoor market was temporarily relocated to Market Square earlier this year to allow for a £1.7m facelift of Lyceum Square.

Councillor Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, said: “The family fun day was an unqualified success and really celebrated the return of the outdoor market to Lyceum Square.

“The Lyceum Square refurbishment is good news for Crewe, and shows our commitment to growing and developing a sustainable Cheshire East.”

Councillor Peggy Martin, ward member for Crewe East, said: “It was good to see people of all ages out in the winter sun enjoying a real community event.

“Lyceum Square is now open for business and I hope that residents of Crewe will shop locally this festive season.”

‘Boot Your Loot’ to frustrate thieves this Christmas

 

Boot Your Loot! – that’s the message to shoppers from Cheshire East’s Community Wardens this Christmas.

The Council is urging people to lock purchases out of sight in their vehicles – to give thieves slim pickings this festive season.

The Community Wardens team has launched the initiative, aimed at combating theft and car crime across Cheshire East during the busy holiday season.

Community Wardens will be patrolling towns in Cheshire East alerting shoppers to the dangers of leaving valuables on show in parked cars, tempting would-be thieves.

The registration details will be taken of any vehicle found with items left unattended. The wardens will then issue, to the registered keeper, an advisory letter and vehicle crime prevention leaflet that features a poem, promoting the campaign:

Christmas is a time to celebrate

Having good food and presents from a mate

How would it feel if the cupboard was bare?

A thief had taken all you prepare

How many times has it come to pass?

Your presents have been taken in a flash

All the hard work you did to buy

For a thief to take them in the blink of an eye

Take my advice

Lock them away

Don’t give the thief a bonus on Christmas Day

BOOT YOUR LOOT!

Belongings such as mobile phones, handbags, laptop computers, CD players and satellite navigation kits are on thieves ‘most wanted’ list this Christmas and New Year, with shopping bags also a firm favourite.

Vehicle crime affects many of us and can bring misery and despair as well as being a great inconvenience. The level of recorded vehicle crime in England and Wales has been reducing since the mid 1990s – but there is no room for complacency. Theft from vehicles accounts for about 20 per cent of all recorded crime.

Car break-ins usually involve a smashed window or a damaged lock, which are both costly and time consuming to the victim. On average, it takes between four and five hours to arrange and replace a smashed window or lock. The cost varies from £100 to £400.

Most vehicle crime is opportunistic and preventable. By following some simple advice and working together we can ensure that this type of crime keeps falling.

Top 10 tips to keep your car safe:

● Secure the doors and windows every time you leave the car;

● Items such as coats, bags and laptops should be removed from view;

● Remove any evidence of SatNav, including unit cradles and ring marks – the home address should also be removed from the memory;

● If you have a garage – use it;

● Stereos, CDs and other audio equipment should be removed from view when leaving the car;

● When parking in a narrow street, always move your wing mirror in, so they do not get knocked off by a passing car;

● Use a public car park that is part of the police approved ‘Safer Parking Scheme’. Go to www.saferparking.com to find your nearest one;

● If possible, use park-and-ride schemes and leave your car at home;

● Ensure that vans are secured and emptied of power tools – especially if being left over night;

● Good security in newer cars means that the only way to steal it is with the keys. Always take good care of them and never leave them by your front door or window.

Cheshire East Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “We are encouraging all car owners to remove any valuables on display in their vehicle, as this is proven to reduce the likelihood of theft.

“Just a few minutes spent placing personal items in the boot or removing them from your vehicle may prevent a ruined day out during the holiday period. Our advice is to lock your valuables in the boot of your car or simply to remove them altogether.”

Make a Difference in Your Local Community

 

People in Crewe and Nantwich are being invited to find out more about key issues which affect their communities.

Two public events are to be held in each town which will throw the spotlight on green spaces and highways respectively.

The Area Assembly meetings are organised by the Local Area Partnership (LAP), which bring together a range of partners with a shared goal of delivering improved outcomes for individual communities.

The Nantwich meeting will offer people an insight into the challenges of managing and maintaining Cheshire East’s 1,700-mile road network.

It will take place on Thursday, December 2, from 6-8pm at Crewe Vagrants Sports Club in Newcastle Road, Willaston.

The Crewe meeting will focus on a range of topics associated with parks and green spaces, including allotment schemes and the restoration of Queens Park.

It will be held on Monday, December 6, from 6-8.30pm at Crewe Alexandra Football Club in Gresty Road.

The LAP partners include Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Police, Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service, town and parish councils, housing associations, health and education providers and the community and voluntary sectors.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, Cabinet member with responsibility for safer and stronger communities, said: “Area Assemblies are open to anyone who has an interest in making their local community a better place to live.

“They offer people the opportunity to find out more about the work of the LAP and to tell us about community matters and concerns.

“Crucially, they give local residents the power to influence issues which are important to them, underpinning our commitment to giving the people of Cheshire East more choice and control about services and resources.

“I urge the people of Crewe and Nantwich not to miss this opportunity to play their part in improving their neighbourhood.”

Area Assembly meetings are held quarterly. Further information about LAPs and Area Assemblies can be found on the Council’s website www.cheshireeast.gov.uk

People have their say on the future development of Cheshire East

 

More than 60 people attended a consultation to discuss ways to boost jobs and develop new housing in Cheshire East.

And there is still time for YOU to have your say.

People are being urged to take part in shaping the future development of Cheshire East to help unleash its potential. Everybody is being invited to give their views on the Cheshire East Local Development Framework.

This development plan will look at how our towns and villages should grow and change over the next 20 years, how transport connections could be improved and how the environment can be enhanced.

This plan will affect everyone who lives or works in Cheshire East or who visits the area. The first stage of consultation started on November 8 and runs until December 17.

More than 60 people packed the Council Chamber at Crewe (on November 19) at a Housing Market Partnership workshop to consider the housing challenges facing Cheshire East and discuss approaches to providing enough new homes for people.

The Housing Market Partnership is a multidisciplinary group of stakeholders who meet to discuss housing and planning related issues. A total of 48 representatives of registered social landlords, developers, estate agents and house builders attended the workshop alongside 20 Cheshire East officers and Cabinet member Councillor David Brown.

The Council also wants your views on planning ahead to meet the key challenges facing Cheshire East up to 2030. These include:

● Meeting housing need – how much housing is needed and where?

● Promoting economic prosperity, jobs and growth;

● Supporting town centres;

● Improving transport connections;

● Working to promote cultural and social wellbeing;

● Conserving and enhancing the natural and built environment;

● Reducing impact on climate change.

People will also be asked to give their views on three options for growth in Cheshire East:

● Option One: Growth in Crewe and towns in the south of the borough. This would see limited growth in the north of the borough, no change to the green belt and limited rural development;

● Option Two: Growth in Crewe, Macclesfield and towns in the south of the borough. This would include change to the green belt at Macclesfield and some limited rural development;

● Option Three: Growth in Crewe, Macclesfield and neighbouring towns in between. This would include changes to the green belt and some limited rural development.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “This is a really important consultation and a great opportunity for people to help shape the future direction of Cheshire East.

“It is pleasing to see the number of people who are interested in having their say on the future of Cheshire East. Everyone is encouraged to have their say and get involved with the consultation, as this will form the basis for development in Cheshire East for the next 20 years.

“Once this document is approved, it will form the basis for both housing and economic development sites in specific locations.”

Future LDF workshop/focus groups will be held on:

● Wednesday, December 1, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, at the Assembly Room, Macclesfield Town Hall – for infrastructure providers/environmental groups;

● Tuesday, December 7, from 8am to 9.30am, at Crewe Alexandra Football Club, in Gresty Road, Crewe – for a business breakfast event;

● Wednesday, December 8, from 6pm to 7.30pm, at The Assembly Room, Macclesfield Town Hall – for a business community workshop;

There will be further opportunities for people to get involved during further consultation on the Local Development Framework, focusing on towns, in 2011.

Copies of the consultation document are available online on the Council’s website, at local libraries and at the Council offices at Westfields, Sandbach.

Comments can be submitted online at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ldf

Alternatively, email ldf@cheshireeast.gov.uk or write to:

Spatial Planning Team, Westfields, Middlewich Road, Sandbach CW11 1HZ.

For more information and to comment, visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ldf

All Change For Crewe – Political rivals united in historic move to back regeneration

Cheshire East’s leading rival political parties have united behind an ambitious vision for the regeneration of Crewe.

The leaders of the local Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Labour parties joined the Mayor of Crewe to sign a historic ‘Concordat’, in a public show of joint support for moves to turn Crewe and the surrounding area into an ‘economic powerhouse’ by 2031.

The landmark signing, at Crewe’s newly revamped Lyceum Square, was witnessed by councillors and Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson.

Over the past year, consultants appointed to advise the Council, working with key stakeholders, have identified what they believe needs to be done to ‘unlock’ the huge potential of the town and surrounding area and turn it into a leading player in Britain’s 21st century economy.

This vision is called ‘All Change for Crewe’.

Now political rivals have joined forces in a landmark move to help make this ambitious vision a reality.

The Concordat was signed by Conservative Cheshire East Council Leader Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, Labour Group Leader Cllr Dorothy Flude, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Ainsley Arnold (signed on his behalf by Deputy Leader Cllr Rod Fletcher) and Mayor of Crewe Cllr Jacquie Weatherill.

It says: “We, the undersigned, hereby commit our wholehearted support to the regeneration and development of Crewe, as set out in the ‘All Change for Crewe’ reports.

“We recognise the clear evidence of why regeneration is needed and the tangible opportunities on which to build a Crewe that will be more productive and positive for all its residents, businesses and visitors.

“We fully recognise Crewe as one of Cheshire East’s spatial priorities through a range of short, medium and long-term initiatives and strategies.”

Cllr Fitzgerald said: “The signing of this Concordat demonstrates the determination across the main political parties of the council to achieve an ambitious and lasting regeneration of Crewe.

“This unity of purpose is highly significant, highly unusual and truly historic – and shows the importance which all the major political parties place on this hugely-important project. “It also shows, beyond doubt, that the people and political leaders of Crewe mean business.”

Cllr Fletcher said: “As someone who has worked in Crewe for over 30 years I’m highly delighted that we are moving forward and I hope that we can progress this regeneration as quickly as possible.”

Cllr Flude said: “The ‘Vision for Crewe’ is a very important document. As we can see, it is important to the people of Crewe and it’s also important that the people of Crewe attend the public engagement roadshows to give their feedback and opinions.

“Crewe is Cheshire East’s most important town. It is the town with the youngest population, the town with excellent road and rail links and the town with much of Cheshire East’s industry and diverse business parks.

“It is important that we look to the future with the development of Basford and the revamping of the railway station, which will bring a much-needed vibrancy to businesses and the whole ethos of the town.”

Mayor Weatherill said: “This Concordat is highly significant and a cause for real optimism. It shows the strength and depth of commitment across the political spectrum and whole community to revitalising both Crewe’s economy and its attractiveness as a place to live. This is a landmark day.”

Consultants have identified how the Council and other partner agencies can unlock what they see as the unique potential of Crewe over the next 20 years.

The focus is on increasing economic productivity and performance, which is underpinned by five key strategic themes, which are to:

● Radically improve strategic transport links and create a state-of-the-art broadband internet network;

● Develop a more diversified ‘knowledge economy’ that attracts and keeps hi-tech firms and skilled workers;

● Enhance the attractiveness of Crewe as a place to live and work – including boosting schools and local transport and expanding the town’s population;

● Develop key underutilised sites – including the Basford East investment site, Crewe rail station and the town centre;

● Improve the town’s public image and leadership.

A revamped Crewe train station and town centre and the completion of the Crewe Green Link Road will be at the heart of several major projects planned to revitalise the town and the surrounding region.

Attracting more educated, skilled and ambitious workers to Crewe would boost the economy and be central to plans for the town to become a dynamic regional centre by 2031. The aim is to increase the economy by £850m per year by 2031.

Cheshire East has been holding a month of public engagement events and has an online questionnaire to seek your views on what the priorities for the regeneration of Crewe should be. And there is still time for you to play your part – before the closing date for feedback, on December 6.

The final round of public consultation events will be held at:

● South Cheshire College, on Monday, November 29, from 11am to 1pm;

● Crewe Railway Station, on Tuesday, November 30, from 8am to 11am;

● South Cheshire College, on Wednesday, December 1, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm;

● Crewe Library, on Thursday, December 2, from 2pm to 4pm.

For further information, visit the council’s website at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/allchangeforcrewe and complete our online questionnaire by the deadline of December 6.

Care Quality Commission Report

 

A new report has found that Cheshire East Council’s adult social services are performing well.

The Care Quality Commission (CQC), the government’s health and social care regulator, published its annual finding this week.

They inspected adult services provided directly by the Council, or those services which the Council commissions from the private or voluntary sectors.

The Council was judged on seven areas:

• improving health and wellbeing;
• improving quality of life;
• making a positive contribution;
• increasing choice and control;
• freedom from discrimination and harassment;
• economic well-being; and
• maintaining personal dignity and respect.

Noting 'clear and effective leadership that is driving forward the transformation agenda', the CQC summarised its view of the Council as follows:

Overall the council is performing well in achieving positive outcomes for people. During its first year the council has shown a commitment to transforming adult social care to improve outcomes for the citizens of Cheshire East. There are clear timelines for actions with clear risk assessments that are monitored regularly. These plans indicate changes in the use of resources from reaction to prevention and from managing conditions to active reablement.

Councillor Roland Domleo, Cabinet member with responsibility for adult services, said: “I am very pleased by the findings of this report.

“It recognises the hard work being done daily by this Council and our partners to improve the care we offer to our residents.

“We cannot afford to be complacent and the report has outlined areas for improvement, which we are already addressing.

“However, set alongside recent reports indicating that we have very high care standards in Cheshire East and that we are in the top three authorities for the delivery of personal budgets, this report is further evidence of our progress in Cheshire East in meeting the needs of older citizens and those with disabilities."

Teenage conceptions fall in Cheshire East

 

The number of teenage conceptions in Cheshire East has fallen for the third quarter in a row.

Figures released this month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show there were 42 conceptions in the third quarter of 2009 in Cheshire East amongst 15-17 year-olds.

It means the authority now has the second lowest average rate in the North West and is well below the national average.

It shows a fall from 47 conceptions in the second quarter and from 49 in the first and is a continuation of a sharp drop from the end of 2008 when 67 15-17 year-old conceptions were recorded.

Reducing teenage conceptions is seen as vital to improving the health and wellbeing of Cheshire East and the United Kingdom as a whole.

Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, said: “Cheshire East Council works in partnership with schools, colleges, Central and Eastern Cheshire PCT, Connexions and the voluntary sector to reduce the number of Under 18 conceptions in the area and it is pleasing to see that this rate is decreasing.

“It is good to see that many of our young people are taking a longer-term view about their sexual health and wellbeing.”

The authority has a multi-agency teenage conception plan which focuses on:

• Effective age-appropriate sex and relationships education in Cheshire East schools and colleges;
• Information advice and guidance for young people, their parents and carers;
• Delivering accessible young people-friendly sexual health services across Cheshire East.

This plan is faith and culturally sensitive and is based on the premise of giving children and young people the skills, knowledge and understanding to make safe and healthy choices about their lives.

It is universal and preventative but the plan also targets groups of young people who are most vulnerable to provide extra support.