Crewe Town Photographs: 2011

Friday, 16 September 2011

How did they steal that?

Take a look at the picture above from Oxford St can you see whats missing? During the night thieves climbed up onto the roofs and stole the lead not from one but lots of the flats. The roof is inchs from the main rooms

We have received some information from Staffordshire Police warning of bogus callers that they have been having within their force. They have been operating near to Mow Cop and there is concerns that they have started to cross the border into Cheshire. They have been described as 3 Asian males driving a dark blue Audi - they have been stating that they are there dealing with a water leak but it is not known whether they are stating that they are from the waterboard. We are letting you know this information so that we can a warning out before we start to have any problems.

HOLMES CHAPEL - Detectives investigating three burglaries in Holmes Chapel are appealing for witnesses.

Sometime between 6pm and 9pm on Friday 9th September 2011 two houses in Middlewich Road and one in Westmorland Terrace were targeted by thieves.

The offenders broke into the properties and escaped with jewellery and electrical items.

We would appeal to anyone who saw people or vehicles acting suspiciously in the area at the time to contact Crewe burglary unit on 0845 458 0000. Alternatively information can be given anonymously on the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.

- DS Glyn Leech

Holmes Chapel is fortunate in that we don't suffer from many domestic burglaries however resident should always be vigilant and look out for neighbours.

If you're going away ask a neighbour you know well to keep an eye on your property.

CREWE - Date of Incident: 11.30pm on 2nd September 2011
Location of incident: Market Street, Crewe

Crewe detectives are investigating a robbery which happened in Market Street, Crewe on Friday 2nd September 2011 at 11.30pm.

The victim was leaving the Imperial Pub and walked up Edleston Road onto Market Street. After crossing Chester Street he encountered a group of three men and a woman next to the Natwest Bank.

Two men from the group punched the victim in the head knocking him to the ground. They then kicked and punched him while he was on the floor. They stole his white Alcatel QT710 mobile phone from his trouser pocket before walking off towards Edleston Road.

The victim suffered grazes and bruising to his body and bruising to his head.

One of the men is described as white, 5ft 8, around 25 and of stocky build. He was wearing a light coloured jacket.

The other man was described as being a white, 5ft 8, 25 and of skinny build. He was wearing light coloured clothing.

The woman is described as white, in her early 20s and of average build with long blonde hair in a pony tail. She was wearing a light coloured jacket.

Anyone with information should contact PC Paul Myatt at Crewe CID on 0845 458 0000 quoting incident number 17 of 2nd September 2011. Alternatively information can be given anonymously on the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.

NEW STREET SIGNS WILL PREVENT CONFUSION

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor Brian Silvester has welcomed the news that new street signs are to be erected for The Fields, off Cheerbrook Road in Willaston ( See below)

He said,"There have had repeated problems with the none collection of the bins in the cul de sac, The Fields. The street signs at the junction with Cheerbrook Road are vey old, dilapidated and not vey clear to see. I am very pleased that the Cheshire East Council has responded positively to my request to replace the signs. I am also pleased that the worn signage on Cheerbrook Road (at the junction with Wistaston Road) is to be replaced."

Further to my press release below the Headteacher has put the following statement in the latest newsletter for parents. (attached)

'Parking

Laidon Avenue is extremely busy at the beginning and end of the day and parents are asked not to park in the school parking places or opposite the zig-zag safety markers nor to turn vehicles or drop children in the school car park entrance. Parking continues to be a difficult situation for the school and its neighbours and could I therefore remind parents to respect the areas surrounding the school and not to park in front of driveways or on pavements in the roads close to the school. Will you please ensure that minders or grandparents who may also be collecting children from school are aware of this. Additionally the area around Beechcroft Avenue and Lochleven Road becomes very congested and parents are requested to park and drive with consideration for our neighbours and other road users. I have recently received a letter from a local councillor who has been contacted by residents of Lochleven road expressing their concern about this issue. The police have been informed and will be patrolling the area. Please do not park near the top of Ropebank Avenue. You may prefer to park slightly further away from school to try and minimise the congestion.'

I welcome the action the school has taken and hope that the small minority of parents who park irresponsibly will take the advice on board and will park sensibly in future to prevent congestion and possible accidents and stop the inconvenience to nearby residents caused by the inconsiderate parking.

With best wishes,

Brian Silvester

Cllr Brian Silvester BA (Hons)
Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor

Tel/fax 01270 567757

PRESS RELEASE

Call for action on parking problems at Berkeley Primary School, Rope

Willaston and Rope Ward Councillor Brian Silvester is calling on the small minority of parents who park inconsiderately around the Berkeley Primary School in Rope to park more sensibly. He said," There are serious parking problems at the beginning and the end of the school day at the top of Lochleven Road and Rope Bank Avenue at the junction with Laidon Ave. Parents dropping off and picking up at the school park at the junctions which makes it very difficult for vehicles to pull out safely. Also some parents park in front of drives and this makes it impossible for residents to get their cars out. I have written to the Police and the School (see below) to ask them to take action at the beginning of term to nip this problem in the bud. Local residents are rightly angry at the careless parking of a small minority of parents and I hope the action that is being taken will solve the problem to a large degree."

Youngsters showcase their talents at Lyceum’s 100th birthday bash

Cheshire East youngsters have showcased their talents at a vibrant event to celebrate the 100th birthday of Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre.

Cheshire East Youth Theatre (CEYT) marked the centenary with a colourful and unusual performance of Cinderella at the historic venue.

The show, titled ‘Inside Out’, was created in just one week and gave the audience an insight into the process of staging a show and what goes on behind the scenes. It was also the first time that youngsters from all six groups that make up CEYT had performed together on stage.

The audience saw filmed footage of cast interviews and mock auditions, as well as witnessing the drama of Cinderella unfold on stage.

A total of 36 youngsters, aged from five to 16, grabbed the memorable opportunity to perform at the Lyceum – and for some it was their first time treading the boards.

Cheshire East Councillor Hilda Gaddum, Cabinet member with responsibility for children and family services, said: “This is a vibrant and talented youth theatre group and the celebration at the Lyceum was an excellent opportunity for its young members to showcase their talents and hard work – as well as celebrate the Lyceum’s centenary.

“Youth theatre is a fantastic opportunity for our young people to learn a range of skills that will stand them in good stead throughout their lives. It is also a superb place for young people to develop their confidence and a genuinely life-enriching experience for all who take part.”

Among those who attended the show, on September 9, were: Cheshire East Council’s strategic director for children, families and adults Lorraine Butcher; arts, heritage and museums manager Helen Paton; Crewe Mayor and Cheshire East Councillor Roy Cartlidge; Councillor John Hammond; and Councillor Laura Jeuda.

Councillor Irene Faseyi, who represents Crewe Central ward, said of the event: “It is wonderful to see so many talented young people putting on an impressive show to mark the Lyceum’s centenary. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this fantastic event.”

CEYT, which is organised by Cheshire East Council and based at the Lyceum, is for young people aged five to 18. It recently branched out to create two new youth theatre groups in Alsager and Sandbach.

CEYT is made up of six groups. Lyceum Youth Theatre has four age groups: five to seven; eight to 10; 11 to 13; and 14 to 18, based in the theatre’s rehearsal room. Alsager Youth Theatre, based in Alsager Community Church Hall, and Sandbach Youth Theatre, based in Sandbach Town Hall, are both for youngsters aged seven to 11. New groups will be opening during the next term.

The youth theatres are run by professional drama workers and the groups help young people build a range of theatre skills including improvisation, voice and speech, characterisation and movement. The experience also teaches youngsters how to work effectively as a team, develop communication skills and build self confidence.

Members get the chance to attend workshops and tread the boards of Crewe’s Lyceum stage, as well as perform at other local venues and regional festivals. No previous experience is necessary and there are no auditions needed.

Anyone interested in joining Cheshire East Youth Theatre should ring co-ordinator Hayley Lindley on 07709180296 or email her at: ceyt@cheshireeast.gov.uk

Tuesday, 13 September 2011

Queens Park celebrations go off with a bang

A spectacular celebration of Crewe’s heritage brought thousands of people flocking to Queens Park on Saturday.

A full report and pictures at the main Queens Park Website

The beautiful Victorian park, which has undergone a £6.5m restoration, was alive with activity, live music, troupe dancers, falconry displays and a travelling theatre show.

It was all topped off with a magnificent pyrotechnic show including a firework display by the newly-restored lake, flame shapes, gas jets and special effects.

The day started with a colourful procession from Pyms Lane to the park, which involved children from 11 Crewe schools in fancy dress and was led by the Crewe Sea Cadets Corps Band.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “What a fantastic celebration of Crewe’s heritage. The town’s ‘jewel in the crown’ was given a fitting celebration event and I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all of those involved in making it such a success.”

Crewe Railroaders were on hand to display their American football skills, as were Laurel and Hardy impersonators Haurel and Lardy and children could enjoy the funfair and revamped playground.

Shavington singer-songwriter Louise Green, 14, wowed the crowds with her performances and she was crowned the winner of the Starquest 2011 talent show finale.

Meanwhile, Crewe acts such as Tom Seals and The Retrospective kept the party going with impressive performances in the restored bandstand.

Cheshire East Mayor Councillor Roger West, who officially re-opened the park, said: “We are extremely fortunate to have such a fine park in Crewe and it is one of the best in the North West.

“I was delighted to see so many people turn out and support Cheshire East in marking the hard work which has gone into making Queens Park fit for the modern day, while retaining its Victorian roots.”

Councillor Roy Cartlidge, Cheshire East ward member for Crewe St Barnabas and Mayor of Crewe, added: “This was a fantastic show of the meaning of ‘community’ and we had much positive feedback from the visitors.

“The procession route was packed out with onlookers, who said it was great to see a traditional parade, something which would be great to repeat in future. I have also received feedback from visitors who described the firework display as the best they had seen anywhere.

“It was pleasing to see people out and about in period dress and I personally had a lot of fun dressing up. It was a fitting way to celebrate such a big restoration.”

Various groups were given recognition for their part in the procession, including Tim Prevett’s Ghost Walks, which won first place overall.

Beechwood and Pebble Brook primary schools were joint-first in the school section while the Crewe Sea Cadets Corps Band won first prize in the ‘community’ category.

Crewe’s Liberty Morris was first in the ‘troupe’ section and best vehicle on display went to Cheshire Fire Service.

Bringing books to life with Cheshire East Council

Keen readers and writers will get an opportunity to spend time with some of their favourite authors at Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre later this month.

A ‘bringing books to life’ event is being staged by Cheshire East Council’s library service on Saturday, September 24.

It will feature best selling Manchester author Cath Staincliffe, who wrote the Blue Murder TV series, and the highly-acclaimed S J Watson.

Jenn Ashworth, whose first novel A Kind of Intimacy won a Betty Trask Award, will also be present, as will Nigel Cawthorne, who wrote A Brief History of Sherlock Holmes.

The event will be chaired by acclaimed poet Jo Bell.

Councillor David Brown, Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity, said: “I would encourage avid readers and writers to get themselves along to this event as we have four excellent writers in attendance.

“They will be on hand for readings and workshops on the day and visitors will also be able to purchase books, provided by Waterstones in Crewe. The authors will also be available to sign them.”

It costs £18 for the day and registration to the event takes place from 10 to 10.30am. Councillor Brown and Jo Bell will then give a brief introduction to the day before the authors provide an opportunity for questions and answers before the workshops begin.

Councillor Irene Faseyi, ward member for Crewe Central, said: “This is the very first readers’ and writers’ day organised by the Cheshire East libraries service and it is just another way in which people can mark the Lyceum Theatre’s centenary year.

“Our libraries are key resources for our residents, who can build up a wealth of knowledge through visiting them.”

There will also be a debate with Professor Michael Schmidt, the founder of Carcanet Press, and a prize draw. To book a seat, call 01270 537333.

Memorial plans unveiled for brave bomb disposal team in Crewe and Nantwich

To die in the line of duty is the ultimate sacrifice a person can make.

And the word ‘hero’ is rightfully bestowed on those who have fallen in the name of their country.

These people should always be remembered and Cheshire East Council is now to erect a memorial in recognition of six men from the Royal Engineers, who were killed whilst attempting to disarm German bombs in a field between Crewe and Nantwich in August 1940.

With the 100^th anniversary of the Royal Engineers approaching in 2012, the Council feels the bravery of the former bomb disposal unit, whose members were Sergeant Edward Greengrass, Sapper Harold Thompson, Sapper Michael Lambert, Sapper Albert Edward Fearon, Sapper George Lucas and Sapper John Percival, should be honoured.

The men successfully defused three bombs which had fallen in the field near Alvaston Hall. But as they worked on the final bomb it exploded, killing all six men.

The Council’s Cabinet has accepted a motion put forward by councillors Dorothy Flude and Chris Thorley to erect a small memorial near to Alvaston Hall.

Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “As an authority we take the role of the military, both past and present, very seriously.

“These six men sacrificed their lives in order to protect the local population. The fact that their bravery wasn’t recognised at the time makes this new memorial all the more important.”

Councillor Flude, ward member for Crewe South, said: “This was such a tragedy but due to issues of security and morale, the incident was not reported in the press at the time and their names are not recorded locally.

“Our brave and well-trained men and women are currently diffusing bombs in places like Afghanistan. But these six men did not have such a luxury of training and knowledge and found themselves making the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. It is only right they are remembered.”

Councillor Thorley, ward member for Crewe East, added: “It is of the highest importance that these men are remembered for their extreme bravery and I am delighted that Cheshire East Council is to provide a fitting memorial to them.”

According to the War Graves Commission, Thompson, Lambert, Fearon and Lucas were killed instantly and Sergeant Greengrass died two days later in hospital. There is, however, no official record of a Sapper John Percival.

Desmond Curtis, Chairman of the Crewe branch of the Royal Engineers Association, said: “I fully support the move by Cheshire East Council to erect a memorial to remember these brave men.

“The work of many bomb disposal units from the Second World War has gone unnoticed so memorials such as this are very special.”

Cheshire East Council is now attempting to make contact with the families of the men, who could help to provide any memoirs to help the authority to create a lasting tribute.

Sgt Greengrass is buried at Wandsworth, London; Sapper Thompson at Hornchurch, London; Sapper Lambert at Kensall Green, London; Sapper Fearon at Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Sapper Lucas in Manchester.

An unveiling ceremony, involving families, the Royal Engineers Association, and army and Council representatives is now being planned.

Cheshire East would like anyone who may have information regarding these men to contact 01270 686012.

MP,s Bulletin 93

Welcome ...

Welcome to this my 93rd electronic news bulletin.

Over recess the whole country was been shocked by the most appalling scenes of looting, violence, vandalising and thieving. Although no-one from Crewe and Nantwich was involved in either the inciting of riots or the riots themselves, we can be proud of our Cheshire Police who went to the aid of other forces in Manchester and even London.

In response to my question in the House of Commons the Prime Minister recognised that “Cheshire police gave help to Greater Manchester police and, I think, to other areas as well. I want to reassure his constituents and people throughout the country that this Government, this House, this Parliament are on the side of the law-abiding. What needs to happen is a process of taking back the streets on behalf of the law-abiding, and of demonstrating to the whole country that the guilty will be punished.” Indeed I am glad that, in the weeks since the riots, those guilty of bringing fear and destruction to peaceful doorsteps have been brought to justice.

For the future of our economy, our society and to tackle the problems that caused the riots we need a first-class education for every child. That's why we want to create an education system based on real excellence, with a complete intolerance of failure.

This is an ambitious goal. But when China is going through an educational renaissance, and India is churning out science graduates, any complacency now would be fatal for our prosperity. And it's key to mending our broken society - education doesn't just give people the tools to make a good living, it gives them the character to live a good life and be good citizens.

The trouble is that for years we've been bogged down in a great debate about how we achieve a first-class education for every child. Standards or structures? Learning by rote or by play? Elitism or all winning prizes? These debates are over - because it's clear what works. Discipline works, rigour works, freedom for schools works, having high expectations and aspirations works.

Now we've got to get on with it - and we don't have any time to lose. So there are three bold things we're doing: we're ramping up standards, and bringing back the values of a good education; we're changing the structure of education, allowing new providers in to start schools, and giving schools greater independence; and we're confronting educational failure, where it still exists and persists, head-on.

Please remember, you can always contact me directly if you have any questions for me.

You can forward the bulletin on to your friends and family, who can sign up themselves by clicking here for my website.

Best wishes

Edward Timpson
Member of Parliament for Crewe & Nantwich

I have recently ...

Held a surgery in Shavington Village Hall
Accompanied Charles Hendry MP, Minister for Energy, on a visit to Bentley Motors in Crewe
Met with the Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Launched the Dog Walker's facility at the opening of the Georges Community Centre
Hosted the launch of The Letterbox Club in Parliament. More here
Launched the new Nantwich route of Dial A Ride at East Cheshire Community Transport
Attended a Royal British Legion Reception in Parliament
Opened 'At One' a new design, print and marketing business in Crewe (thanks to Vicky and Mark for their hospitality)
Met with the South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce to discuss local businesses
Held an "On Your Street" session bringing my surgery to your doorstep
Opening the Richmond Village 'Connecting the Community Day'

...This weekend I will be

Attending the re-opening of Queens Park
Playing for the All Stars v Hollyoaks in a football match near Crewe
Visiting the Crewe Bangladesh Welfare Association Annual Party

Photos & Video ...

Edward with Charles Hendry MP, Minister for Energy, at Bentley Motors in Crewe

You can view all my photos and video at edwardtimpsonmp.com

Petitions

To sign Edward's Welfare Petition click here

To Sign Edward's Immigration Petition click here

Community News

Dog Walkers Facility at the Georges Community Centre

On Saturday 3rd September I attended the re-opening of the Marshfield Bank Community Centre, now named the Georges Community Centre. The Georges is now run by Big Society Works Ltd, a local steering group and the wider Crewe community. The re-launch has already been a great success raising over £1500 for the Centre, securing many more volunteers and further engaging the local community. Email the Centre here

Do you have community news to share? Email me and it could be here too!

Edward's Words from Westminster

Crewe Chronicle

This weekend I was pleased to be able to attend the busy re-opening of the Marshfield Bank Community Centre on the King George V Playing Fields in Crewe - renamed "The Georges".
In a first for Cheshire, the local council has brought in the not for profit "Big Society Works" organisation to work hand in hand with local residents to them help set up and run for themselves a vibrant and community-focused facility that offers what local residents want.
The speed and enthusiasm with which it has got off the ground bodes well, with a youth club, lunch clubs for older people, dance classes and the ever-popular bingo amongst the first offerings.
A number of local businesses helped improve the Centre's fabric and presentation by donating their free time, expertise and stock, including floor coverings and computers for the new cyber cafe. I'm pleased they managed to raise even more money on the launch day, and recruit volunteers to run their centre.
I was also delighted to be able to officially launch a dog-walkers' facility at the Centre that was designed and delivered by a team of young people from South Cheshire College, who also raised the money for the facility.
It provides refreshments for dogs and owners alike, as well as free poop sacks and bins to discourage fouling, which is a real problem on the playing fields.
This community project, which followed a residential element, was one of the first to be completed under the Government's new National Citizen Service.
National Citizen Service has been taking place during the summer for those pupils who have finished year 11. It runs for three weeks full-time, including two weeks away from home. After that, participants need to complete another 30 hours on a part-time basis. Working in a team, they have the chance to take part in exciting outdoor activities like mountaineering, canoeing and abseiling.
They also get the opportunity to design and deliver their own project in their local community - projects such as this at The Georges.
With strong community involvement and support, this a great opportunity for local people to have a real sense of pride in and ownership of where they live and work. Why don't you go and find out for yourself, and maybe even get involved?

Virgin London Marathon 2011

Raising money for Parkinson's UK in Crewe & Nantwich

In April I completed my 9th marathon, raising money for Parkinson's UK Crewe Branch. There's still time to sponsor me on my webpage and help support a great organisation!

Edward Timpson MP Welcomes Business Rates Plan

Crewe & Nantwich Guardian
CREWE and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has welcomed the Government’s plan to localise business rates.

Authorities will get to keep their own business rates under new local government financing proposals.

Local Government secretary Eric Pickles presented the findings of a six-month review into council finance that sought to repatriate rates, create a financial incentive for councils to promote local growth, reduce dependency upon central Government grants and maintain protections for business and vulnerable areas.

Ministers believe a new system is needed to end a long-standing problem where councils have no direct growth incentive, to build stronger relationships with business and to put councils in charge of their own financial circumstances.

National discounts and rate relief will also continue to be supported, meaning no change to such groups as charities, amateur sports clubs, voluntary groups, those in hardship, and eligible rural or small firms.

Mr Timpson said: “The current system of local government funding inherited from Labour is broken. It is confusing, arbitrary, complex and widely seen as unfair.

“Our plans to allow councils to retain their locally-raised business rates will free councils from dependence upon central Government grant and give them a strong financial incentive to drive local economic growth.

“No longer will local areas’ money be snatched away by Whitehall.

“This is localism in action and exactly what councils want.

“It will be much more straightforward.

“By letting councils keep the products of enterprise we will end their disparaging dependence on government handouts, finally start rewarding economic growth and support local firms and new jobs.”

Crewe Health and Safety Firm Hands Award to Top Achiever

Crewe Chronicle

CREWE’S Safety Advisory Services (SAS) Ltd has selected its local outstanding achiever of the year in health and safety management.

Ron Birchall, managing director of SAS Ltd, and local MP Edward Timpson were on hand to present Eric Barbour of Lloyds Banking Group the award after he completed the NVQ Level 5 in Management of Health and Safety at SAS Ltd’s Crewe Training Centre.

Eric is team leader of the senior specialist team for Lloyds.

Mr Birchall said: “He has been outstanding with his own progression and developments. Eric is very active with his charity work and is a good role model for the health and safety profession.

“He is also a good ambassador for common sense health and safety.

“Eric was presented with his certificate of achievement plus a plaque in recognition for his dedication and hard work put in throughout the course of the year.”

For more information about the firm visit www.sas-ltd.co.uk.