Sick Young Individuals Queens Park

A very Sad Tale

We live in a sick society and this case does highlight why the park needs wardens. Some time ago we mention an old man affectionately know as squirrel man. This man could be seen everyday in the park come rain shine and even when there was snow and ice and –20 he sat by the lake feeding the wildlife who ate out of his hand. He has not been seen for a while but it came to light why this week. Apparently some very sick young individuals started demanding he give them money and as a result he is to afraid to come to the park any more.

It goes without saying if you see anything like this or know these yobs call the Police and lets get them locked up

A new Family has moved in to the Park

Yes there are a few new families of ducks that have moved in and its good to see wildlife doing well

Having a day out with mum

A worrying development is the lake as you can see above the warm weather has brought out the weeds which are popping up all over the lake. The problem was the lake was dredged and then when the contractors went bust it was left without water for a long time and weeds started to grow. We are now seeing the results of this in the lake. I dont know if it can be removed by weed killer now there are fish in the lake or if it can be removed without draining we will wait and see but if its not talked it may take over the lake

Crime News

The local Neighbourhood Policing Inspector at Crewe, Inspector Andy Smith, has asked us to highlight the seasonal issue of sneak in burglaries and thefts as widely as possible amongst the local community due to the time of year. 
Historically, lighter nights and warmer weather often leads to an increase in sneak in burglaries or thefts in various ways.
In light of the Easter break, when many of us will hopefully be enjoying some time off with our families and friends, please remind members to be mindful of their security both in their homes and when out and about.  Although this can be a well publicised issue, we still have instances of people being victims of this type of crime so it is important to remind as many people as possible about this issue.
1.)  Ensure that doors and windows are locked and secured at night.  With many of us having windows open during the day and our doors unlocked it can be easy to retire to bed and overlook an open window (such as a downstairs bathroom etc) or unlocked door.
2.) With the warmer weather many of us will be accessing sheds and outbuildings more frequently to gain access to tools, gardening equipment and sports equipment.  Again, ensure that these are properly secured overnight.
In relation to the above two points, it is worthwhile to get into the habit of doing a quick walks around your house and outbuildings just prior to going to bed.  Take a couple of minutes to double check that sheds, garages, all windows and doors are secure on a nightly basis.
3.) If you leave your property for a short period during the day allow the same level of security as you would do overnight.  Many people are unaware that more burglaries occur during daylight hours than overnight  Therefore, don't be tempted to leave a window open 'as you are just nipping out for 10 minutes' or leave tools and equipment in the garden.  Such equipment could be used to gain access to your property or a neighbour's property or may be taken by an opportunist thief.
4.) If you are preoccupied outside or upstairs ensure that you close any downstairs windows and secure the doors.  It only takes a matter of seconds for an opportunist thief to walk in and take a purse, wallet, handbag or mobile phone.  Most of us are creatures of habit and tend to take off these items when we come through the door, hanging bags over a banister or popping wallets , phones and keys down on a table so they are often conveniently located near to the main access points of your property meaning these items are easily accessible.  Sneak in burglaries often occur during daylight hours so it is important to be mindful of these even when you are at home.
5.) Whilst out and about in your vehicle, don't be tempted to leave car windows down whilst you nip in a shop or petrol station and ensure that any valuables are put out of sight every time you leave your vehicle - even if only briefly.  Many of us are conscious that a thief may take a sat nav, cd player, phone, purse etc but it is worth remembering that they can take items that may seem less appealing to us such as sunglasses, coats and clothing, a rucksack, loose change and other such items.  To be ultra safe try and leave nothing on show in your vehicle when it is unoccupied.
If anyone would like any specific information in relation to sneak in burglaries, home security, vehicle security or garden security for their members please let me know what type of advice you would like from these options and in what quantity and I will send it out to you for your schemes.

 

In the last couple of weeks I have received a large number of phishing emails into both my work and personal email in-boxes.  Several purporting to be from various banks and one claiming to be from HM Revenues and Customs in relation to a tax refund.
Information has been sent out about various types of these emails in the past.  However, in view of the fact that there seems to be a number of these floating around at present I thought it worthwhile to send out a general reminder email for members and circulation.  Some of these emails are very basic and extremely unbelievable in their make up but others can appear to be very realistic (in terms of design and web address sent from) and someone could fall foul of one of these if caught at the right moment.  As home watch members I am sure that you are very security conscious about such emails but please try and share this message with friends and family, particularly if some are less familiar with the internet or are vulnerable.
Please remind contacts that they should never respond to any email that tries to get them to provide any personal or financial details via an email or by clicking a link to another page.  Various threats (your account will be shut down/suspended) and sweeteners (you are due a tax refund) will be offered to try and encourage people to provide their details in whatever way possible.  Genuine financial organisations will never try and obtain your details in this manner.  They will never ask for your password.  If you receive an email of this nature you can be confident that it is a hoax.
Sometimes, people are concerned that an email may be genuine - if it is one of the more well designed ones.  If in any doubt or you have concerns find a contact yourself for the Customer Services Department of the organisation in question (never open a link or follow what is already provided) and contact them directly to discuss the matter in person. 
Many organisations have a facility on their websites to report suspicious or hoax emails.  As such if anyone receives such emails they always appreciate them being reported directly via this facility so that they can investigate the origins wherever possible.

Green Crew Junior Wardens’ litter pick for World Earth Day

A group of young eco-warriors did their bit for the environment in Crewe on World Earth Day (Thursday, April 21).

The Green Crew Junior Wardens took to the Frank Webb Avenue open fields in their hi-visibility jackets for a litter pick to mark the occasion and to launch the junior warden scheme.

Planned by the Greenscape Community Vision group, youngsters were involved in activities such as planting, pruning, designing posters, making bird boxes and feeders and reporting issues on the park.

Donna Peddie, Cheshire East partnerships local engagement officer, said: “The day was a big success and we had 20 new young people sign up to the scheme, as well as one dad who signed up as a volunteer.

“The young people did the litter picking challenge in teams, collecting around 12 bags full of rubbish from the fields, park and surrounding area.

“The team who collected the most received a goody bag full of treats, seed pots and ‘grow your own’ tomato kits amongst other prizes, all designed to encourage healthy eating and growing at home.”

The day was part of an initiative by Cheshire East Council’s partnerships team, working with the youth intervention service project, Catch 22, and sponsored by Wulvern Housing.

It was designed to support the work of Greenscape Vision and to promote green issues, caring for the environment and recycling.

The junior warden scheme is designed to give young people a chance to have their say and a chance to make positive changes in the area where they live.

The group will soon be meeting on a weekly basis, with the intention of starting weekend sessions in the future. A camping trip is being organised for June and other incentives such as educational activity days are being planned.

Save the Queens Park Wardens

 

I wonder if anyone knows that from June there are no Park Rangers. One sadly passed away a few months ago and there are no plans to replace him, another has already been made redundant and the third retires in June and again there are no plans for a replacement. I also believe that the external security company brought in by the Council to add additional security when the ranger's are off duty has also had the contract cancelled. An open invitation for all the undesirables to wreck all the good work in a very short space of time. I wonder if the Heritage Lottery hierarchy are aware of this. I would have thought that there were conditions attached to the bid that required the Council to commit staff to protect the park!

The wardens carry out many task open and shutting the park, controlling yobs and security, provide first aid, ensure any events have all they need to be able to carry out the event. They keep the park clean report faults and many other functions.

If they go the 6.5million spent will rapidly go down the pan as yobs start wrecking the park. What if you are taken ill or have an accident who will be there to save your life?

Its hard to see how they can be made redundant as someone must perform these task and if anyone does then the Wardens haven’t been made redundant but have suffered wrongful dismissal. To make someone redundant the job most have gone. Its not clear what the intentions are for the Queens Park but there was talk about leaving it open 24/7 while this may work in other posh areas in Crewe it will be wrecked within a week. Why spend 6.5 million to get the park right and then leave it to yobs to wreck.

The cost of the wardens is a drop in the ocean and not great saving are to be achieved by this move. Everyone is up in arms that knows about this and I visit the Queens Park daily and everyone is against loosing the wardens this could be the election big issue.

Support our campaign to save them by email your support to the link

click here to email

Cheshire East pays tribute to former Shavington councillor

 

Cheshire East Council is leading the tributes to a former councillor who has sadly passed away.

Barbara Teale, 85, was first elected to the former Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council in 1979 as a Conservative member representing the Shavington ward.

Mrs Teale, who also served as a Shavington parish councillor, had retired as a teacher at Shavington Primary School prior to her election.

Born in Burnley, Lancashire in 1925, she moved to Shavington in 1961. She died on April 8 and her funeral was held on April 21.

Cheshire East Chief Executive Erika Wenzel said: “Those that knew her tell me Barbara Teale was a dedicated and hard working councillor who served her constituents very well.

“It is always extremely sad to hear of the loss of someone who worked so hard for the people of their area. My thoughts are with Mrs Teale’s family at this difficult time.”

Mrs Teale was deputy chairman of the housing committee and of the health and works committee during her time on the borough council. She stepped down as a councillor in 1986.

Cheshire East mourns loss of Councillor Betty Howell

Leaders at Cheshire East Council are paying tribute to a councillor who sadly passed away on Monday (April 18).

Betty Howell, 62, who lived at Railbrook Court, Railway Street, Crewe, had served as a councillor since 1999. She was a member for the Crewe South ward on Cheshire East.

Cllr Howell was born in Manchester in 1948 and moved to Crewe at the age of 29. She had worked as a teacher at King’s Grove High School, Crewe.

Erika Wenzel, Chief Executive at Cheshire East, said: “It was with great sadness that I learned of the death of Councillor Betty Howell.

“Cllr Howell was first elected to the former Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council in May 1999.

“Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time. We will announce any funeral details as they become known.”

Cllr Howell sat on the Southern Planning Committee on Cheshire East and had been a member of the development control committee since her election to Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council.

In 2003/2004, she was deputy leader of the Liberal Democrat party and a year earlier had been a governor at King’s Grove.

Cllr Howell’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, May 3 at 2pm at Crewe Crematorium.

Phone Scam

I have had a couple of people email me recently to make enquiries, having received warning emails about this issue from friends, family or other sources.  As such, it seems that this email is circulating again and although we have not had reports falling victim of this scam in Cheshire, understandably the email about the scam causes concern for those who open it.  As such, it seems an opportune time to make people aware that this is circulating again and to reiterate a general message to members to be cautious when interacting with anyone via the telephone, particularly people trying to obtain financial details from you however realistic they may appear.
I have attached a link that offers a round up of the scam in question that initially began circulating a couple of years ago.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8263637.stm

It’s all change for Cheshire East’s voting wards

It’s all change for Cheshire East’s voting wards – so find out how it is affecting YOU by visiting the Council’s easy-to-use website

IT’S all change for Cheshire East’s electoral wards.

The number of Borough wards is rising from 27 to 52 and the number of councillors increasing by just one – from 81 to 82. But help is at hand to show you how it affects you – just visit the Council’s helpful website.

It just takes a quick few clicks on Cheshire East’s home page – at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk – to find your new electoral ward and access other helpful facts about your local area.

Just enter your postcode in the home page section ‘Your local area’, on the right of the screen, and click. Then click on the ‘Community Information’ section.

You can even find out what leisure facilities, schools, libraries or children’s centres are most local to you by clicking on linked web pages.

Borough and parish elections – and a nationwide referendum on the alternative vote system – are taking place less than a month away, on Thursday, May 5.

And the Council is urging voters to make sure they are registered to vote – before it’s too late. The deadline is on Thursday, April 14.

Cheshire East Council Chief Executive Erika Wenzel, who will be the Returning Officer at the elections, said: “The Council website really is an invaluable source of information about your ward, the election, council services and much, much more.

“This election is your opportunity to have a voice on the issues that affect all our lives. I would urge everyone to ensure they are registered to vote and to cast their vote on Election Day. It really is too important to miss out.”

It only takes a few minutes to find out if you are registered to vote or to request a postal vote. Ring the Council’s electoral services team on 0300 123 5016 or email them at: customerservice3@cheshireeast.gov.uk

To request voter registration forms, visit the Council’s ‘Registering to Vote’ webpage at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/voting or print off the online forms from: www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

The referendum is on the voting system used for elections to Parliament. The question being put to voters on Thursday, May 5, is: “At present, the UK uses the ‘first past the post’ system to elect MPs to the House of Commons. Should the ‘alternative vote’ system be used instead?”

For further information about the local elections and referendum vote, visit:

www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/elections

West St Stabbing

11:45 Today on West St and from the Late Shop to Ford Lane the area was blocked off by Police vans & cars. A man had reported to Police that he had been attacked with a machete he was taken to Leighton Hospital with very bad cuts to his arm.

Later 4 people were arrested a 23 year old and 62 year old man and two women one 53 years old. Armed Police were in attendance but no shots were fired and the area remained closed until 2 o'clock. There were more people watching than we get for the carnival 

Cheshire East libraries loan three million items

 

Local book fans have been keeping Cheshire East library staff very busy during the last 12 months.

Recent figures reveal that 3,076,388 items – which include books, CDs and DVDs – were loaned by Cheshire East libraries between April 2010 and March 2011.

It is hoped the figure will help Cheshire East Council maintain its title as the most prolific lender of books of all unitary authorities in the country.   

The Council-run libraries, a total of 21 across Cheshire East, issued 8,482 items for every 1,000 people – showing an average of eight items loaned per person for 2010/2011.

Macclesfield Library was the busiest, issuing 416,976 items, closely followed by Crewe Library with 368,498 items and Nantwich with 245,707 items.

Last year, statistics collated by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance & Accountability (CIPFA) revealed that the Council lent 2,913,226 items – more than any other unitary authority in the country. 

And staff are bracing themselves for an even busier year as several Cheshire East libraries recently underwent major refurbishment work to boost facilities.

Facilities at Congleton, Alsager, Wilmslow and Knutsford libraries have been upgraded, and now boast larger, more inviting seating areas, larger children’s areas and better customer service desks.

New self-service ‘kiosk’ facilities have been installed, which will reduce queueing for people who choose to issue, return and renew their own items.

Guy Kilminster, Head of health and wellbeing, said: “I am very proud of these excellent borrowing figures. The popularity of our libraries is testament to the hard work put in by the library staff and the quantity and quality of our stock.

“As part of our vision to improve community life, the Council is always looking for ways to encourage local residents to visit and enjoy our superb libraries. These figures show that libraries continue to play a big part in our community.”  

More information on local libraries, including a link to the virtual reference library, can be found at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/libraries

ACTION CALL ON SCHOOL PARKING PROBLEMS

Cllr Brian Silvester is calling for action to stop thoughtless parking around the Berkeley Primary School in Rope.(See e-mails below) He said,

"A minority of parents park near to junctions and block the access to houses. I am calling on all parents to park thoughtfully and not block people in or make it difficult for vehicles to get around corners and through junctions safely. I am pleased that the local Police will visit the school site at the beginning and end of the school day and issue warning notices to those minority of parents who do not park considerately."

Crewe burglar jailed

 

A prolific burglar who committed a string of thefts around Crewe was caught after forensic experts matched his DNA to blood found at the scene.
John Patrick Healey (32) of McNeil Avenue in Crewe was sentenced at Chester Crown Court today to.three years on 28^th March 2011.
He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to two charges of burglary and asked for 12 theft from motor vehicle offences and 20 burglary dwellings to be taken into consideration.
All the offences took place over a 12 month period before he was arrested on 26 January 2011 following a DNA hit from blood that was found at a burglary in Buttermere Drive in Crewe.
The burglary team fast-tracked the blood found at the scene to see if there was a DNA match.
At the same time, detectives were looking at other similar offences in the area.  
The DNA was confirmed as a match late afternoon on 26^th January. Detectives went out straight away to look for him and tracked him down to an address in Crewe, where he was arrested.
During interview he admitted to the Buttermere Drive offence along with a burglary in Broughton Road, Crewe which took place on 23^rd January 2011.
The long process then began to put to Healey the offences that had been linked to him and to ensure that the range of offences he was admitting to in interview were legitimate confessions.
Crewe burglary unit Detective Sgt Glyn Leech said: "The impact of having someone in your house can be enormous and quite devastating. Burglary is a serious offence and an unpleasant crime as it is carried out in the one place where people should feel safest – in their own homes.

Youngsters have a splashing time at Crewe’s Swimming Gala

A hundred young swimmers from schools across Cheshire East took part in the annual Crewe Primary Schools Swimming Gala last week (March 29).

Ten schools battled it out inside Crewe Pool before hundreds of cheering parents but there could be only one winner - Leighton Primary School, who was also last year’s joint winner. The runner-up was Saint Mary’s.

Mayor of Cheshire East Councillor Gordon Baxendale said: “It was a thoroughly enjoyable day with lots of excitement, from the cheering parents on the balcony to the youngsters in the pool who were having a great deal of fun.

“The competition has become a hugely successful event each year and we are keen to keep that going not just because swimming is a healthy activity for the children but also because it brings the parents together and strengthens community ties.

“Thanks to all of those who made the day possible, including School Sports Partnership and Crewe Flyers as well as the teachers, youngsters and their parents.”

The schools that took part in the day were: Hungerford, Wistaston Green, Wimboldsley, Brierley, Monks Coppenhall, Vine Tree, Gainsborough and Eddleston, Leighton and St Mary’s.

All of the swimmers were presented with a medal and a certificate and the winners also received a trophy and a special prize.

Brian SILVESTER and the dangerous footpath

We reported on this dangerous footpath on the 11 March and to date nothing has happened except its getting more dangerous day by day as the roses grow. It the very much used alley between West St and Victoria Av by Bentley and used daily by lots of people going to work. It the whole of the path covering many house with deadly roses across the path which can do some serious damage as well as give you Tetanus. The problem is worse at night as you cant see them as there are few lights and they are masked by overgrown trees.

Wulvern Housing appears to be the landlord for all these properties but they cant give a toss about public safety as they have been told but taken no action.

Now Brian Sylvester is on the case   lets hope he can get this sorted before someone is hurt.

Back alley blockage cleared

The adopted back alley behind Chell St., Crewe was blocked with bricks from a collapsed wall. Cllr Brian Silvester asked the Cheshire East Council to contact the owner of the wall to get the bricks removed  so that the back alley could be used properly again. (See e-mails below) Cllr. Silvester said, "The owner did not do this so the Council moved them to clear the back alley. The owner of the wall will be charged with  the cost of the work. I am pleased that this has finally been sorted out and I am grateful to the Council for taking proactive action on this. Residents in the area are very pleased that they can now use their back alley properly again."

Councillor Celebrates 35 Years Dedicated Service

Councillor Brian Silvester held a social evening on the 25th March at Willaston Social Club to celebrate 35 years of dedicated service as a Councillor. During the evening there was a raffle and an 'Auction of Promises' which raised over £1,500 for local good causes, including Willaston Scouts and Willaston in Bloom, in memory of Mike Heywood, the former Chairman of the Willaston Parish Council. Guest speakers included Dennis Dunn, Dean of MMU Cheshire and  former Crewe and Nantwich Borough Councillor John Dwyer.

Cllr Silvester said," This is a remarkable milestone in my life. There have been numerous highlights and successes and I will always treasure those.

I greatly enjoy serving as a Councillor. There are two main aspects of the role. Firstly I find it very satisfying to help constituents with their problems and concerns. Secondly it gives me an opportunity to improve and shape our local community.

I would like to thank all those residents who have voted for me to be their Councillor over the last 35 years. It is an honour to serve them. I would also like to thank the local Conservative Party members who have selected me to be their candidate and helped me get re-elected to the Council time after time.

I now look forward to the next 35 years !"

Only days left to register your vote!

 

Act now – or lose your vote. That’s the message from Cheshire East Council.

With Borough and parish elections and a nationwide referendum on the alternative vote system taking place on Thursday, May 5, the Council is urging voters to make sure they are registered to vote – before it’s too late.

Cheshire East Council Chief Executive Erika Wenzel, who will be the Returning Officer at the elections, said: “The deadline to register is Thursday, April 14, so if you’re not already registered, don’t delay. It’s your opportunity to have a voice on the issues that affect all our lives – don’t lose it.”

To find out if you are registered to vote or to request a postal vote, takes only a few minutes. Ring the Council’s electoral services team on 0300 123 5016 or email them at: customerservice3@cheshireeast.gov.uk

To request voter registration forms, visit the Council’s ‘Registering to Vote’ webpage at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/voting or print off the online forms from: www.aboutmyvote.co.uk

Barbara Lines, Electoral Commission regional manager, said: “The Electoral Commission, the independent elections watchdog, is sending a booklet to every household in Britain with information about how to have your say on May 5.

“Don’t let the deadline and the chance to have your say pass you by.”

The referendum is on the voting system used for elections to Parliament.  The question being put to voters on Thursday, May 5, is: “At present, the UK uses the ‘first past the post’ system to elect MPs to the House of Commons. Should the ‘alternative vote’ system be used instead?”

For further information about the local elections and referendum vote, visit:

www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/elections

Outdoor adventure showcased in new guide

Locals hoping to get up close and personal with nature this spring can take inspiration from a new visitor guide.

The handy guide, called ‘Open Air’, has been produced by Cheshire East Council to highlight outdoor leisure opportunities at local parks and green spaces.

As well as showcasing Cheshire East beauty spots, the A5 full-colour guide lists outdoor events and activities organised by the Council’s ranger service.

Caving, kayaking and a 20-mile Cheshire walking challenge are among the outdoor activities highlighted, alongside gentle strolls, guided walks and storytelling for youngsters.

The guide showcases large family events, such as the popular Middlewood Way Open Day as well as opportunities to learn new activities, such as sculpting and bushcraft survival skills. 

Also on offer are popular ranger-led trails, tours and expeditions on themes such as canals and valleys, geology and even mini beast safaris.

The guide’s packed calendar of events should appeal to the thousands of annual visitors to Cheshire East’s countryside. Recent figures, gathered from electronic people counters, reveal more than 470,000 people visited country parks in 2010.

The people counters recorded a staggering 473,000 people passing them from January to December 2010. The counters are situated at: Tegg’s Nose Country Park, in Macclesfield; Middlewood Way, in Macclesfield; the Wheelock Rail Trail, in Sandbach; and Macclesfield Riverside Park. 

Guy Kilminster, Head of health and wellbeing, said: “The Open Air guide not only lists more than 100 activities and events across Cheshire East but also highlights the area’s stunning beauty spots that visitors can explore by themselves.

“The electronic people counters have shown that our country parks continue to be popular but let’s not forget that the equipment only counts visitors through single entry points. We have estimated that the actual number of visitors to these parks in 2010 was more likely to be around the one million mark.

“We’re very lucky here in Cheshire East to have such glorious countryside on our doorstep.”

Copies are available at Cheshire East libraries, leisure centres, nature reserve, tourist information points and Cheshire East Council public reception areas.

For more information about events and Cheshire East Council’s Ranger Service, visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/rangers

Disabled children see life through a lens with photography project

Snap-happy disabled youngsters got the chance to show off their photography skills as part of an exhibition in Middlewich.

Users of Cheshire East Council’s Aiming High service put on show the pictures they had taken during a professional photography project at Middlewich Community Church, on Tuesday, March 29.

They also talked about how Aiming High – a national, government-funded project which focuses on improving the lives of disabled children and their families – has helped them.

As part of the event, there was a presentation made by the young people to Cheshire East’s deputy mayor of a set of 10 large prints of their favourite photographs.

Lorraine Butcher, Director of children and families at Cheshire East Council, said: “The aim of this event was to celebrate what has been achieved so far by Aiming High in Cheshire East.

“It plans to give disabled children the opportunity to have short breaks and holidays where they can meet new friends and benefit from and enjoy new experiences.

“This is all part of our aim of improving life opportunities and health for everybody in Cheshire East.”

Aiming High’s short breaks come in a variety of formats and each one can last from just a few hours to a few days and occasionally longer.

They include day, evening, overnight and weekend activities and can take place in a community setting, the child’s own home, any residential setting or the home of an approved carer.

They provide disabled children and young people with enjoyable experiences away from their primary carers and can also provide parents and families with a necessary and valuable break from caring responsibilities.

For more information, visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk, click on Social Care and Health, and then Aiming High for Disabled Children.