Cheshire East hails protection of Jodrell Bank in planning appeal decision

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Crewe Christmas lights switch-on

Reporter Mark Ray, Crewe

The Crewe Christmas lights switch-on took place on Friday 25th November 2016 on the Market Square.

Jonty Sargeant from Signal 1 compered the event. Entertainment on stage included music from TheFunkyChoir.com and Paul Snook Band.

There were activities for children and families with the opportunity to have a photo with Santa sponsored by Kids Planet Crewe, along with face painting, stilt walkers, a juggler, Christmas characters, and a mini-funfair.

There were numerous stalls including South Cheshire College, CE Youth Support League, Swinton Insurance, Simply Gourmet Ltd, The Little Italian Van, Haslington Bakery, Candy Floss Van.

Following a countdown the lights were switched on by Mayor of Crewe Councillor Marilyn Houston, Mayoress of Crewe Pauline Kowalski, two students from South Cheshire College, and Aladdin and the Princess from Crewe Lyceum's pantomime.

The switch-on was followed by a firework display by Crewe-based company Blitz Fireworks.

The event was organised by Crewe Town Council in partnership with Signal 1 and was enjoyed by thousands of people.

The switch-on also marked the start of late-night shopping until 8pm every Thursday in Crewe during December (including 19th-23rd).

Nantwich brothers triumph in national apprentice awards

 

Talented brothers William and Andrew Emerton are officially two of the best young roofers in Great Britain after triumphing in a national skills competition.

William, 21, who studied at Leeds College of Building, won the ‘Roof: Slating and Tiling’ discipline of the SkillBuild 2016 final, a competition organised and supported by the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). His brother Andrew, 19, took the bronze medal in the roofing category. Both William and Andrew work for their long established family business, Emerton Roofing (Western) Limited in Nantwich, Cheshire.

Emerton Roofing’s roots go back to 1925, when Ralph W. Emerton set up in business as a slater and tiler in Crewe. From here the company expanded until 1950 when his son Gerald Emerton joined the firm and took the business to the next level, including incorporating flat roofing and roof restoration on historical buildings. In 1962 Gerald formed Emerton Roofing (Western) Limited, as a limited company. Gerald was later joined in the steadily growing company by his son, current Managing Director, Simon in 1980. In the following years, Emerton Roofing have continued to offer an award winning service across the UK, specialising in traditional slating, clay and concrete tiling, roof leadwork and a variety of flat roofing methods.

In 2013 William and Andrew, who studied at Malbank High School, joined the family business as young apprentices, quickly gaining Level 2 status in Slating and Tiling at Bolton Construction College. They then went onto Leeds College of Building where they have completed their Level 3 Slating and Tiling qualification. Their good work on the course prompted tutor, Chris Messenger, to enter the brothers into one of the regional heats of the ‘SkillBuild’ competition. SkillBuild has been running for over 45 years and sees the very best in construction talent compete against each other to be crowned the SkillBuild winner in their chosen trade. The competitions assess an individual’s knowledge, practical skills and employability attributes against a set of strict criteria. The competition is run by CITB, covering ten craft occupations; including Bricklaying, Carpentry, Stonemasonry and Roofing. The roofing section is organised by the National Federation of Roofing Contractors.

In regional heat held at Leeds, the brothers managed to qualify for the national final, held last weekend (17-19 November) as part of ‘The Skills Show’ at Birmingham’s NEC. The 8 finalists were then set a 19 hour task across 2 and a half days in which they had to combine their slating and tiling skills against a strict 300 point specification. William and Andrew excelled and were very proud to be presented with the gold and bronze medal respectively.

William now has a chance to compete in 2018 representing the UK at the WorldSkills final in Latvia.

Cheshire East Council supports White Ribbon Day

 

Cheshire East Council is calling on people to support White Ribbon Day and help raise awareness of the campaign to stop violence against women.

The council leadership has reaffirmed the pledge ‘never to commit, condone or remain silent about men's violence against women’.

As part of this campaign it supported a ‘Getting It Right Together’ event for members of the public and service providers, hosted at Congleton Town Hall yesterday by Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Partnership. 

Those who attended listened to the experiences of people directly affected, made a commitment to improving the way services respond and discussed priorities for the next three years. They also showed their support for children’s rights to live free from fear in their homes as part of November Children’s Rights Month.

November 25 has been White Ribbon Day, or the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, since it was inaugurated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1999. It is part of the international White Ribbon Campaign – one of the world’s largest men’s anti-violence programmes.

Cheshire East Council has been a proud supporter of the campaign for more than six years. Members of the council workforce are demonstrating their commitment by wearing the iconic white ribbon.

Councillor David Brown, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “There is no place or justification for violence against women and girls. I am proud to wear the white ribbon and be part of this important campaign. We want all residents of Cheshire East to feel safe and be supported.”

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cheshire East’s Cabinet member for adult care and integration, said: “We are proud to be working in partnership with public sector and charitable organisations to help prevent and reduce the great harm caused by domestic abuse and sexual violence against women and girls.”

While the international campaign recognises that most men are not violent towards women and all of our services support both sexes, men all over the world are helping to raise awareness of the anti-violence message. The council is urging residents of Cheshire East to make a stand against violence towards women and to make the white ribbon pledge.

For more information visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk or follow us @CheshireEast

If you are affected by domestic abuse – whether you are a man or a woman – or you are concerned for someone else, phone Cheshire East’s domestic abuse hub on 0300 123 5101 at any time. In an emergency always call 999.

Call for Labour Candidate to apologise after obscene gesture.

 

The Labour Candidate for the Crewe West by-election,Tasha Maroni, tweeted a photo of herself giving the middle finger in front of the street name of where her UKIP opponent,Cllr Brian Silvester, lives.(See attached photo)

Cllr Silvester said," It is totally inappropriate for a Candidate to be making vile,obscene gestures like this.What on earth was she thinking of? 

It was a very childish and immature thing to do.She is not not fit to represent her constituents.They deserve better,no matter what party they are.

She should apologise to me,all the residents of Rimsdale Close and the electors of Crewe West.

Also the Labour Party should take disciplinary action against her."

Most people will be shocked to learn that, five months after the EU referendum,the Conservative Government is still refusing to guarantee that EU citizens,legally residing in towns like Crewe,will be allowed to remain after we leave the EU.Have the Tories now moved to the far right? Have they left leave of their senses? Is there any local Conservative willing to support this despicable approach? What does Edward Timpson MP think of this extreme right wing policy?
UKIP, like all other parties,but not the Conservatives,agree that EU citizens, who are legally living in UK,should be allowed to remain in the UK after Brexit. That is the correct and the moral thing to do.I am sure that the many decent members of the Conservatives locally will agree with that and they should speak out before more damage is done to their party.

We all want to protect the interest of Brits living in the EU after Brexit but it is entirely wrong to use EU citizens legally settled here as a bargaining chip. They need an assurance that their remaining in the UK after Brexit is not in question.

yours faithfully,

Cllr Brian Silvester

Crewe West UKIP Candidate

Winter Wellbeing – doorstep crime

 

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

This week, we discuss doorstep crime and rogue traders looking to make a ‘quick buck’.

The festive season is a special time, filled with joy and celebration, but there are a few people who use it to take advantage of others.

Each year millions of people in the UK fall prey to scammers, costing victims in the region of £5 billion per year.

Scams come through the post, over the phone, by text message, online and face to face.

Anyone can fall victim to a scam, with older and vulnerable adults more at risk, and the effects on that person can quite often be devastating.

That’s why the council is urging people to be wary of rogue traders and doorstep criminals this winter.

Here are a few signs that may give a scam away and a couple of tips to help to protect yourself:

· If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is;

· You shouldn’t have to pay anything upfront to claim a prize;

· If you are contacted out of the blue, then you should be suspicious;

· Don’t be rushed and try and resist pressure to make a decision about a purchase straight away;

· Never give out your personal details or send money to someone you have never met;

· Don’t suffer in silence – speak out about scams.

Rogue trading is a national problem, with evidence suggesting burglaries are sometimes associated with rogue traders.

Offenders often travel vast distances to commit offences related to gardening or maintenance work at attractive rates – but the quality of work is substandard, unnecessary and overpriced. 

They also use persuasive sales techniques to encourage people into making hasty decisions.

For work costing more than £42 and where the contract is formed in a place away from the trader’s business address, e.g. a resident’s home address, there is a requirement in law for traders to provide cancellation rights. 

This gives 14 days for contracts to be cancelled. Rogue traders do not give cancellation rights and they also pressurise people to have the work started straight away.

Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for communities and health, said: “During winter, some of our residents might find themselves feeling more vulnerable and isolated. Sadly, it’s vulnerability that bogus callers and rogue tradesmen prey upon.

“That’s why the council is urging residents to be wary of unexpected callers and appealing for people to speak out about scams.

“If you have an elderly or vulnerable neighbour, friend or relative then please check in on them and make sure they are aware of what to look out for. If you suspect they may have fallen victim to a scam, don’t hesitate to report it.”

If you suspect you or someone you know is being scammed, you can report it to Cheshire East Council’s trading standards team via the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 040506.

The team also urges residents to report cases of rogue traders or uninvited doorstep callers.

For further winter-related advice, please visit: www.facebook.com/cheshireeastcouncil and www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter

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

Xmas Operation vs Retail Crime

Subject: Xmas Operation vs Retail Crime

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

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Peter Wakefield (Police, PC, Crewe LPU Centre Beat Mgmt)

As Beat Manager for Crewe Central I'd like to publicise that we have prepared a Christmas operation to combat the historical increase in shoplifting in Crewe town centre. We start officially on Friday 25th November at the Xmas Lights Switch-On, then continue through the month of December. It's called 'Operation Bittersweet'. Expect to see more officers in town, feel free to introduce yourselves!
PC 2995 Wakefield

Community News

Subject: Community News

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

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Message sent by

Angela Egerton (Police, Sergeant, Crewe LPU Sgt)

Four men have been sentenced to a combined total of 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to robbery at a Nantwich jewellers.
Lewis Chalmers, 27, from Oswald Road in Chorlton Cum Hardy, Patrick David Massey, 26, Pegwell Drive, Salford, Darren James McAndrew, 32, Edlington Walk, Newton Heath and Joseph Anthony Schofield, 20, from Dob Brook Close in Manchester appeared at Warrington Crown Court on 21 November 2016 to be sentenced.
All defendants had pleaded guilty to robbery.
The robbery was reported to police at 11.18am on Wednesday 27 July 2016.
Offenders wearing balaclavas had forced a hole in the window and stole a number of watches before making off in a vehicle.
“Following a 28 minute pursuit by Cheshire police, working with four other forces - North West Motorway Group, Central Police Motorway Group, West Midlands Motorway Group and Staffordshire Police - they tracked down and followed a van on the M6 and subsequently arrested.

Young people urged to take part in Your Say survey – and grab chance to win a MacBook Air!

 

Young people are being urged to have their say on careers advice – and grab the chance to win a MacBook Air.

If are you are aged 14 to 24 and at a Cheshire East school or college, or attended one in the past, here is your chance to have your say on the careers guidance you’ve received.

The council’s arms-length Skills and Growth Company wants to ensure everyone receives the best careers advice, including the right kind of guidance in choosing their career, what skills or qualifications are needed and where to gain them.

A short online survey has been put together to enable feedback to be provided via a mobile phone, tablet or computer. The survey results will not only be beneficial for improving the careers advice and guidance students receive across Cheshire East but also everyone who takes part is in with a chance of winning a MacBook Air laptop.

As a further incentive, the first 200 participants that refer a friend to complete the survey will receive a £5 Amazon voucher.

Councillor George Hayes, chairman of The Skills and Growth Company, said: “The survey has been developed to gather young people’s views on careers education in Cheshire East, to help identify what they see as potential barriers to employment and help shape our priorities for the future.

“Therefore, five or 10 minutes of your time to complete the survey would be greatly appreciated.”

To have your say to be in with a chance of winning the MacBook Air visit: www.yoursaycheshire.co.uk

The questionnaire closes on December 19, 2016.

Community grants to raise aspirations across borough

 

Community organisations across the borough have been given a boost of almost £50,000 by Cheshire East Council after the latest round of community grant funding was announced.

A total of 19 voluntary, community and faith sector organisations were awarded a total of £47,387 in the latest round of community grant funding.

The funding was awarded to successful applicants from a broad range of community groups across Cheshire East, including. Macclesfield Seals Disabled Swimming Club, Barthomley Village Hall and Sandbach Community Football Centre.

Macclesfield Seals were awarded £800 to celebrate their 60th anniversary next year with an event at Macclesfield Town Hall. The event will be used to recruit new volunteers.

Sandbach Community Football Centre is looking to increase its usage during the evenings and at weekends. A £4,000 grant has been given to the centre by Cheshire East, which will be used to make a significant improvement to their grass pitch. This will increase sporting opportunities for all users of the facility and allow members to hold more community events.

Councillor Paul Bates, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for communities and health, said: “It was very satisfying to see such a broad spectrum of the community represented and successfully apply for funding.

“The best part is yet to come – and that is seeing it all in action. I am passionate about seeing a healthier and more active aspiration in our local communities and this commitment comes through strongly in this latest round of funding.

“I wish all our community groups the very best of luck in realising their ambitions.”

If you are involved in a community group and have a specific reason to seek funding, please get your application in early by registering your project at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/communitygrant

The closing date for the next round of applications is December 30.

Mandy rides off with prize bike

 

Mandy Willett has cycled off with a brand new £900 mountain bike after winning the Cheshire Tour of Britain prize draw.

The top of the range Norco Torrent bike was kindly donated by Evans Cycles of Macclesfield.

In September, Cheshire East successfully hosted Stage Three of The Tour of Britain, the most prestigious cycle race in the UK and the country’s largest free-to-attend sporting event.

Everyone who signed up for the Cheshire Tour of Britain newsletter was entered into the draw and Mandy’s name was selected at random.

An estimated 300,000 people watched the event on the day and the race was broadcast to 129 countries with a potential international television audience of more than100 million people. The event also boosted the local economy by more than £3.5 million. 

Mandy, a keen cyclist from Timperley, near Altrincham, is delighted with her prize.

She said; “I am absolutely delighted. Winning this fabulous prize is a wonderful surprise. Watching the tour as it passed through Cheshire was an unforgettable experience and I’ll think of it every time I go out on my new bike.”

Councillor David Brown, Cheshire East Council deputy leader, said: “I am delighted to present Mandy with her prize and I am sure that, being a keen cyclist, she will certainly make good use of it. Hosting the Tour of Britain was a great day for everyone in Cheshire East and will live long in all our memories.” 

MP,s 171st news bulletin

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome to this, my 171st news bulletin...

HS2

On Tuesday, the Government confirmed the route for the high-speed rail line, HS2, from Crewe to Manchester - an announcement that builds on the decision taken in November 2015 to accelerate construction of the Phase Two route between Fradley and Crewe.
This Y-shaped phase, illustrated below, will open in two stages. Phase 2a, from the West Midlands to Crewe, will launch in 2027 - six years earlier than originally planned - and Phase 2b, from Crewe to Manchester and from the West Midlands to Leeds, South Yorkshire and the East Midlands, will open in 2033. A rolling stock depot, previously earmarked for Golborne, near Wigan, will also now be sited north of Crewe, at Wimboldsley.
Taken together, this is a game changer for South Cheshire. It is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to provide local people with excellent access to conventional and high-speed services, and is a project that will place Crewe at the heart of the Northern Gateway. It will also serve as a draw for businesses looking to benefit from the connectivity, and, in turn, bring new jobs, training opportunities and inward investment to the area.

The concept of a new 'hub station', to be located on the site of Crewe's existing station, remains a possibility, too - a move which, with the right investment, could create up to 120,000 jobs by 2040 and inject £10bn a year into the region’s wider economy.
The delivery of HS2 is, as many of you will know, something I have long campaigned for. So, to be told that it will arrive six years earlier than planned, and that Crewe could still be an integrated hub station, is positive news indeed.

• You can read the Government's full 'HS2 Phase 2B: command paper' online at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/hs2-phase-2b-decision-document

Edward Timpson MP
Member of Parliament for Crewe and Nantwich
Please remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions, or if there is anything I can do to assist you.

Recently, I...

• Joined military, civic, and charitable organisations in laying wreaths at Remembrance services in Crewe and Nantwich
• Received a tour of the new Pep & Co store, at Crewe's Market Shopping Centre
• Was quized by Adelaide School pupils, during their visit to the Houses of Parliament
• Visited St Mary's Primary School in Crewe
• Hosted an MP drop-in session for the National Association of Boys and Girls Clubs (NABGC)
• Gave a keynote speech at The Prince's Trust 'National Care Leavers' Week Conference
• Attended and delivered a speech at the National Children and Adult Services Conference
• Presented an award to NHS South Cheshire CCG, in recognition of their work towards improving cancer survival rates in the region
• Met Nantwich's Paralympic medal hero, Andy Small, at the Channel 4 'Superhumans' event in Westminster
• Supported Nantwich Christie Hospital Group volunteers at their Flag Day street collection in Nantwich town centre
• Attended a parade at St. Matthews Church, Haslington, to exchange a British Legion flag with a Red Cross Standard, and unveiled a plaque at the Church in memory of the area's war dead
• Helped the Wrenbury & District Model Railway Club and the Royal Marines Charity with their fundraising efforts at Tesco, in Crewe
• Held my regular advice surgeries in Crewe and in Nantwich

(Photo: Edward Timpson MP, with staff of South Cheshire CCG, South Cheshire 'Action on Cancer' and Crewe 'Every Breath You Take')
NHS South Cheshire CCG recognised for improved cancer survival rates
14 October 2016

Last month, I had the pleasure of presenting a certificate to NHS South Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) for their work in improving cancer survival rates and promoting symptom awareness across the region.

NHS South Cheshire CCG is now rated one of most improved CCGs in England, with recent figures showing an 11 per cent increase in one year survival rates in the region since 1998.
This progress is tied to a number of innovative initiatives, including the Crewe-based ‘Every Breath You Take’ campaign. This small campaign team has used a variety of methods to spread its message - to both health professionals and the general public - and has participated in many community events, trained 115 local champions, and encouraged hundreds of people, aged 50 and over, to self request a chest X-ray at Leighton Hospital.
Early detection of cancer is often vital, so its important that we are all aware of possible signs and symptoms, and see a doctor if in any doubt. 

• You can find out more about South Cheshire CCG's initiatives at http://www.southcheshireccg.nhs.uk/news_items/10759-life-saving-cheshire-campaign-celebrates-a-breath-taking-year-of-success, and follow the team at Crewe's 'Every Breath You Take' on Twitter, @ebytcrewe.

Christmas lights 'Switch On' event in Crewe, Friday 25 November
Visit Cheshire:
Crewe's Christmas lights 'Switch On' event will take place on Friday 25th November, from 5pm, in Market Square.
A busy programme of events is scheduled, including music from the TheFunkyChoir.com and the Paul Snook Band, and FREE activities for children (such as face painting and photos with Father Christmas). The 'switch on', itself, is at 6:30pm, and will be followed by a firework display.

Nantwich Christmas Lights 'Switch On' - 19 November 2016
Nantwich Town Council:
Olympic and Paralympic heroes, Bryony Page and Andy Small, will be guests of honour at this year's Christmas lights switch on event in Nantwich, on Saturday 19th November. Starting at 3:30pm, the event will include performances from local talents, Josh Whittaker and Callum Wright, and the big switch-on will be followed by a musical firework spectacular at 5.30pm

Crewe Rotary Club - Father Christmas Float Dates, December 2016

Crewe Life:
Starting on Monday 5th December, Crewe Rotary Club will be taking Father Christmas and his float around the Crewe, Haslington and Wistaston area. As ever, all money raised will be used to fund local projects. More information can be found on the above link, or @SantaRotaryCrewe on Facebook

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INFORMATION BULLETIN: Festive period waste and recycling collections

 

Cheshire East Council is reminding residents that there may be changes to their bin collections over the festive period.

The changes will only affect those households that have their recycling or waste collections on a Monday or a Tuesday.

If your collection day falls on Monday December 26 (Boxing Day), Tuesday December 27, or Monday January 2, please check the sticker which will be applied to your bin from the beginning of December.

Some collections will be brought forward and others pushed back. You can also refer to the online calendar at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/MyCollectionDay/ for your revised festive period collection day.

Waste and recycling collections will otherwise run as normal from Tuesday January 3.

Residents are also reminded that they could take any surplus recycling or waste to their nearest household waste recycling centres, which are open every day except Christmas Day.

More information is available at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/recycling

Council urges residents to be good winter neighbours

 

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

This week, we encourage people to be good ‘winter neighbours’.

As the weather turns colder, Cheshire East Council is urging residents to be good ‘winter neighbours’ by checking in on their friends and neighbours – especially if they are older or have health problems.

They may need your help and support to prepare for the lower temperatures and a phonecall or knock at the door can also prevent them from feeling isolated.

It is also worth considering and checking if someone’s home is warm enough. Living rooms should be heated to 21C and bedrooms to 18C.

It is also a good idea to find out if your neighbour has enough food and medication to prevent them from having to go out in very cold or icy weather.

Councillor Paul Bates, cabinet member for communities and health, said: “We recognise that while winter and the festive season can be an exciting time for our residents, it can also be a very lonely and worrying time for some.

“That’s why the council will be issuing advice and information throughout winter to help our residents to prepare for the colder weather. We are also encouraging residents to be good ‘winter neighbours’ and take the time to check on people who might need their help.

“It can make all the difference to them and helps to ease pressure on urgent and emergency health services at a critical time of the year.

“Residents can also help by finding out what support services are available in their area and taking the information to family, friends and neighbours, who need extra help.”

Here are a few tips on how to be a good winter neighbour:

● Check on elderly neighbours or relatives to make sure they are safe and well and prevent them from becoming lonely;

● Make sure they have enough food and medicines to prevent them having to go out in very cold or icy weather;

● Give your telephone number to elderly neighbours so they can contact you for help;

● Check their home is warm enough;

● Keep drives and footpaths clear of snow and ice for your neighbours. Advice is available from Cheshire East Highways about clearing snow and ice.

The council is also encouraging residents to always be on the lookout for signs that something might be wrong with a neighbour, friend or vulnerable member of the community. Warning signs include:

● Milk still out on the doorstep late in the day;

● Newspapers and post stuck in the letterbox;

● Curtains drawn during the day;

● Lights on during the day;

● A home in darkness when there should be someone at home;

● A dog barking all day or the cat scratching to be let in;

● Bins not put out on collection days.

There are a range of services available through the community and voluntary sector in Cheshire East that can help people stay safe and well during the colder months. Call 01270 763100 for further information or visit: www.cvsce.org.uk/contact

The British Red Cross has a useful app that can be downloaded which features practical advice and gives warnings of severe weather. It is available online at: www.redcross.org.uk/emergencyapp

There are also ‘action cards’ from Public Health England about planning for cold weather. They are available using this link: goo.gl/IacLPp

For safeguarding concerns about the welfare or safety of a particular adult, call 0300 1235010 (weekdays from 8:30am-5pm) or 0300 1235022 outside these hours.

The family information service can be contacted on 0300 1235033 and for concerns about the welfare or safety of a child, call 0300 1235012 (weekdays from 8.30am-5pm) or 0300 1235022 outside these hours.

For domestic abuse assistance, call the 24-hour Cheshire East Domestic Abuse Hub helpline on 0300 1235101.

For further winter-related advice, visit: www.facebook.com/cheshireeastcouncil and www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter

Volunteer custody visitors needed

Subject: Volunteer custody visitors needed

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This is a message sent via Neighbourhood Watch. This information has been sent on behalf of Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire

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Message sent by

Peter Caldwell (Police, New Media Manager, Chesh Engagement Unit)

David Keane, the Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, is currently looking for volunteers to fulfil the role of custody visitor.

Custody visitors are members of the public who visit one of the three police custody suites in Cheshire to check on the conditions and welfare of the people being detained within police custody.  They are impartial and independent of the police service.

If you are interested in knowing more about custody visiting, details are available on the Commissioner’s website where there is also a role profile of one of the current custody visitors available to read.

To apply to become a custody visitor, download an application pack from the website or email your name and address to police.crime.commissioner@cheshire.pnn.police.uk or telephone 01606 364103 for an application pack. 

If you have any questions regarding the role, contact the Governance Officer on 01606 364005.

The closing date for applications is Monday 9th January 2017.

Orbitas gets switched on for winter

 

Cheshire East Council-owned company Orbitas has launched a scheme to help vulnerable residents keep on top of crucial jobs this winter.

The handyperson and electrical service will offer minor maintenance work for Cheshire East’s elderly and vulnerable residents.

A team of qualified electrical engineers are also available to carry out specialist portable appliance testing (PAT) for local businesses, schools and community centres (PAT testing is not a legal requirement for private individuals).

Crewe-based Orbitas is keen to speak to organisations who would like to have an assessment to ensure that all their electrical equipment is safe and properly maintained to prevent any potential danger in the future.

Their qualified electricians offer competitive rates and a high-quality service, providing organisations with both peace of mind and value for money.

Jan Griffiths, Orbitas building and specialist project manager said: “While PAT testing isn’t a legal requirement, the law does require employers to ensure that all electrical equipment is safe and properly maintained. Basically, if you have an appliance that has a plug, it qualifies as needing to be PAT tested.

“We would urge any Cheshire East school, community centre or business to contact us and arrange a visit to assess any requirements they may have.”

The company also provides a popular, professional and competitively-priced handyperson service to carry out small repairs and general work in the homes of elderly and disabled people who need a helping hand. This includes items ranging from fitting grabrails and changing light bulbs to fixing leaky taps and fixing gates.

Orbitas chairman Councillor David Marren said: “Orbitas provides a professional and reliable service to the local community – whether it is a business, school or community centre that wants to test its appliances or an odd job that enables elderly and vulnerable people to maintain their independence.

“It can be quite difficult to find good, trustworthy workmen for those little jobs that come up so I am delighted that Orbitas is able to offer that service.”

For further information and to make an appointment with Orbitas handyperson or electrical services, ring 0300 123 5017, and choose option three or visit: www.orbitas.co.uk/handyperson

Orbitas is a wholly-owned company of Cheshire East Council.

Rail apprentice on fast track

 

A Crewe apprentice is on a career fast-track as the railway industry gears up for an exciting phase of investment and growth.  

Kirsty Walley grabbed her opportunity to link up with Crewe-based TBM Rail when she left school, and has recently moved on to Unipart Rail who operate a depot on Gresty Road.

Formed in 2009, TBM Rail provides passenger comfort services to train operating companies. A key part of the business expansion has involved investing in people through structured apprenticeship programmes.

Seeing one of the firm’s original apprentices fly the nest was a sad moment for the staff, but TBM Rail director Neil Smith is delighted to see her progress.

He said: “We knew that expanding the business required fresh ideas and new skills, and that’s exactly what Kirsty brought to the table.

“From day one she listened, learned and took initiative. It was a pleasure watching her develop into the role and become a valued member of the company.”  

After five years, and with her working portfolio boasting many accomplishments, Kirsty decided that the time was right to explore fresh challenges.

She said: “I found the opportunity on the government apprenticeship website, and as well as starting a really hands-on job I studied Business Administration at the college.

“During my teenage years and even after leaving school I was always keen to work within the rail environment, so finding the job with TBM Rail was ideal for me.

“The role was always varied, with a diverse range of client accounts managed from the unit in Crewe.”

South Cheshire College work in partnership with many firms to ensure that students are equipped with the right practical and business skills.

Maria Davison, Work Based Learning and Employment Engagement Director, said: “At South Cheshire College our curriculum and work-based programmes are all geared towards preparing students for the world of work. 

“We are delighted for Kirsty who has progressed her career since leaving the college and wish her all the best in the future.”

Unipart Rail are excited to engage young professionals who have gained vital industry experience. They also run an extensive apprenticeship programme.

Dawn Allett, Senior HR Advisor at Unipart Rail, said: “TBM Rail is just one of many railway businesses in Crewe that sees Apprentice programmes as crucial to the future of the Industry.

“At Unipart Rail on Gresty Road, apprentices form a core part of the strategy for ensuring a successful future, and the scheme won the Inspiring Apprenticeship Cheshire & Warrington, Cheshire Business Award in 2013.

“Whilst apprentices are usually thought to be in technical roles, at Unipart Rail they also have apprentices in office-based roles.

“With regular ‘Recognition’ events, the Apprentices share their learning with colleagues from across the business, embedding their skills within the wider business operations and demonstrating to their colleagues the successes they have achieved.”