Council Leader Salutes Staff as Icy Blast Grips Borough

The view from Bulkeley Hill over the weekend

Almost 1,000 tonnes of salt were used to treat Cheshire East’s roads over the weekend after heavy snow and freezing temperatures hit the borough.

Snow began to fall in Cheshire East on Friday, with much of it seen in the south and west, as well as on high ground.

Since then, highways teams have been working round the clock to keep the network moving and have continually been monitoring the weather conditions.

On Saturday, highways teams carried out four full treatments of the network and hand gritted in town centres. Yesterday, treatments were carried out in the morning and afternoon, with four routes in the south receiving an additional treatment.

Highways teams also stepped in and ploughed along the A534, near the Bickerton Poacher, after a small number of vehicles became stuck in the snow.

Today, the network has already received one full treatment and all main routes are currently clear. Hand gritting is also being carried out in town centre and footpaths are being checked.

The council’s adverse weather desk has also been in action 24 hours a day over the weekend.

Councillor Rachel Bailey, leader of Cheshire East Council, “I’d like to thank staff for their hard work over the weekend in helping to tackle the effects of the heavy snow and freezing temperatures on our roads.

“While we’ve already used almost 1,000 tonnes of salt to treat the road network, we will be receiving fresh deliveries today and later this week and still have more than 4,000 tonnes in stock.

“Almost 750 miles of road are treated each time we grit but we cannot ensure that all roads will be clear of snow and ice. I therefore urge residents to take care in adverse driving conditions or when out walking.

“I’d also like to remind motorists that when we treat the road network, the salts are not fully effective until they are ‘activated’ by vehicles.”

The Met Office has advised that daylight temperatures across Cheshire East will be between 0C and -2C today, falling to between -4C and -10C overnight. Tuesday is expected to be another cold day.

Cllr Bailey added: “It was great to see so many families out enjoying the snow this weekend. However, it’s important to remember that not everyone copes well in cold weather, so keep in touch.

“Elderly friends, family members and neighbours may need extra help and support and I’d urge residents to check in on them where possible. A quick phone call could make all the difference to them.”

To keep up to date with gritting operations, or to view the gritting routes, follow Cheshire East highways on Twitter at: @CECHighways or visit: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/winter.

The service can also be contacted on 0300 123 5020 for any enquiries or to report debris on roads and other hazards.

Cheshire East's New Strategy Seeks to Help Rough Sleepers and Avoid Homelessness

Have your say on the Council's homelessness strategy - last chance to participate is Thursday 14 December

The nine-week consultation on Cheshire East Council’s draft homelessness strategy ends on 14th December.

The council has been working with a number of groups and organisations to draft a strategy aimed at reducing the problem of homelessness and providing the right services for the homeless.

Statutory bodies, the voluntary sector, charities and faith groups as well as local businesses, have all been involved in contributing to the strategy, which can be viewed on the council’s website.

Forty people, representing various organisations, including charities and faith groups, social housing providers and the police, attended a successful event at Crewe Alexandra FC football stadium in November.

Improving communication and links with the wider community is one suggestion that will be acted upon, as well as the forging of stronger relationships with the council to prevent and reduce homelessness. A number of other positive ideas and suggestions emerged from the meeting.  

The strategy and consultation coincide with the imminent implementation of the government’s Homelessness Reduction Act, which comes into effect on 3 April 2018.  

Councillor Ainsley Arnold, cabinet member for housing, planning and regeneration, said: “Homelessness is an issue that councils, like Cheshire East, wish to deal with in the most positive and sensitive way, working with partners to reduce the number of people sleeping on our streets or who do not have a place they can call home.

“Like many authorities, this council is aware that the problem of homelessness needs to be addressed so that the right measures can be put in place to prevent people from losing the roof over their heads.

“We have received a great many positive ideas from the groups we have engaged with and these suggestions will be incorporated into the feedback from the consultation.

“I want to thank all those organisations and individuals who have contributed to this consultation.”

The council’s current homelessness strategy (2014-17) must be reviewed and a new strategy – from 2018 to 2022 – approved. The new draft strategy contains four key priorities:

·         To help secure appropriate, affordable accommodation for the homeless;

·         To take steps to prevent homelessness;

·         Avoid rough sleeping wherever possible; and

·         Ensure appropriate support to help people stay in their accommodation.

The council is eager to tackle the detrimental effects of homelessness, such as the impact on family life and children, an individual’s physical and mental health, including the loss of self-esteem and confidence and the impact it can have on the local economy, leading to unemployment.

While homelessness in the borough has risen, this is put down to a number of factors, including family or tenancy issues.  However, the number of cases where homelessness has been prevented, has also risen year on year.

To view the new draft Homelessness Strategy visit: http://bit.ly/2Ac60wp

To view the current 2014-17 Homelessness Strategy visit: http://bit.ly/2BeeCqc

Acton Christmas Tree Festival

A ‘Christmas Tree Festival’ took place at St Mary’s Church in Acton near Nantwich from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th December 2017.

Acton Christmas Tree Festival 2017

There was a grand opening on Friday 8th December in the afternoon with a guest appearance from Father Christmas, followed in the evening with a ‘Mingle and Jingle’ charity Christmas concert. Festival events took place on Saturday 9th December and Sunday 10th December with a prize raffle, light refreshments and a stall selling handmade items made by parishioners.

Over forty trees have been sponsored and decorated by parishioners, local societies, and local businesses. There were also three Christmas trees made out of alternative materials: a slate tree from Emerton Roofing, a wooden tree from Lavender Hulme and a hanging tree from a local tree surgeon. There is also a nativity scene and a dolls house village Christmas scene.

The trees will remain on display in St Mary’s Church until 28th December.

Future Christmas services at St Mary’s Church, Acton include:
-Sunday 17th December - 11am Messy Nativity; 6:30pm Carol Service.
-Sunday 24th December, Christmas Eve - 2:30 to 4:30pm Tea at the Tower; 5pm Christingle Service; 11:30pm Midnight Communion.
-Monday 25th December, Christmas Day - 11am Holy Communion.

St. Mary's Church, Acton

‘Tea at the Tower’ takes place every Sunday afternoon (2:30 to 4:30pm).

For further information on church activities at St Mary’s Church, Acton please visit http://www.stmarysacton.com

Story text and photos submitted by Jonathan White, Wistaston.

Wistaston's Annual Christmas Concert

Wistaston Community Council's annual 'Christmas Concert' took place on the evening of Friday 8th December 2017 at St Mary's Church Hall, Church Lane, Wistaston.

The concert featured the Wells Green Choir led by Myra Wood, Shavington Academy Music Ensemble led by John Clarke and Wistaston Church Lane Academy Choir led by Helen Collett and Victoria Palethorpe.

Shavington Academy Music Ensemble  led by John Clarke
photo by Andrea Ollerhead 

Carols sung by the audience were ‘Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer’, ‘Jingle Bells’, ‘Once in Royal David's City’ and ‘O Come, All Ye Faithful’.

Festive refreshments were available during the interval. There was a prize raffle.

The event was also attended by Mayor of Cheshire East Councillor Arthur Moran and the Mayoress Carole Thomas. The event was also supported by members of Wistaston Community Council, Wells Green Choir, The Woodside public house, H. Clewlow Butchers, Shavington Academy and Wistaston Church Lane Academy.

Wistaston Community Council desperately requires new members to help organise next year’s Christmas Concert, as well as other Wistaston-based events such as the Spring concert, Summer Fete, Flower and Produce Show and the Fireworks Display. Please visit http://www.wistastoncommunity.co.uk for further information if you would like to join.

Out and About Blog: Christmas Events Aplenty in This Week's RedShift Round Up

Liz 's Christmas tour includes Weston Lights, Richmond Village, Residence and the RedShift Christmas Party ...

How much can I cram into my article this week? It's been spectacularly busy and my plan was to go for a chronological approach ... but one event stood out as the highlight of my week.

Weston Christmas Lights

It's Sunday evening and I have just returned home from one of our community’s most fabulous events: The Weston Christmas Lights. I wasn’t feeling 100% on Friday for the launch night so I popped along tonight with my Mum and Michael-John. We were just a few minutes ahead of the switch-on so I was able to video it as each and every light sprung to life, and I have to admit, once again, I found the experience quite moving.

Graham Witter, from Carter Green’s Farm on Jack Lane, Weston, first opened his parents' farm five years ago to raise money for the Donna Louise Hospice, a charity very close to his family's heart.

Graham’s sister Jessica sadly passed away on New Year’s Eve 2015 and had received a huge amount of support and respite care from the Donna Louise. Please help Graham and his family smash the fantastic £22,680 raised last year by popping down between 6.15pm and 9pm every single evening until 28 December.

You can enjoy the wonderful lights, a chat and selfie with Santa, and even an ice cream from the Whitby Morrison ice cream van in return for a donation.

Richmond VillageTraditional Christmas Market

On both Saturday and Sunday I enjoyed the Richmond Village Traditional Christmas Market. I was playing the festive tunes with RedShift and also running my Tropic Skincare stand. I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend, watching the children enjoy a festive donkey ride and face painting by former RedShift presenter, Sharon from Hullabaloo Kids.

South Cheshire Chamber Business Awards

On Friday last week, I hosted my annual four-hour Chamber Business Awards Show. I love being able to chat to the winners and sponsors in more detail than the time allows on stage at Crewe Hall at the Awards themselves. The AudioCasts from the show are available to listen to via our website www.redshiftonline.org.

RedShift Community Hub Christmas Drinks

Back to Thursday of last week and it was another special annual event - our Community Hub Christmas drinks at the Residence of course!  We had a lovely evening and must say a huge thank you to Ben Rafferty and his team for looking after us so well and sponsoring our canapes and welcome drinks.

RedShift Team Christmas Party

I am looking forward to our team Christmas party tonight at Regent’s Park. It has been organised by our youth volunteers who have invited the #ClimbKili2017 walkers to thank them for the fundraising that is going directly towards the running costs of our youth projects and activities.

Crewe Pledge Meeting

Last week I attended a Crewe Pledge meeting at South Cheshire College. I haven’t been able to attend the last couple of meetings and it was good to see how well the team of business and education members has grown. Communication and knowledge sharing has really developed to help relationships and opportunities prosper for businesses and education in Crewe. Find out about the Crewe Pledge here: www.thecrewepledge.co.uk

Santa Floats Visit Nantwich

I promised to give Santa himself a mention this week ... well, his team of helpers from Crewe Rotary, Nantwich Rotary and the Round Table! Yes, we have three super teams of Santa Floats that cover Crewe & Nantwich collecting for local charities. If you would like to help one of the teams of volunteers, please drop me a line and I will pass your details on: hello@redshiftonline.org.

Volunteer of the Week

My Volunteer of the Week needs no further introduction as it has to be - of course - the fabulous Graham Witter (photographed at the top, with me and my Mum). Graham not only gives up his December (and hundreds of hours throughout the year to prepare and build sponsorship) to raise a huge amount for his favourite charity the Donna Louise Hospice, but he also gets stuck into other events throughout the year including the Nantwich Food Festival, Nantwich Show and our Big Day Out event. The world needs more Grahams and in my humble opinion, at his young age of just 23 years old, he is a superb addition to our great community. Happy Christmas and thank you Graham!

Cheshire East Council Agrees Steps to Boost Adult Social Care Services

Cheshire East Council set to make changes to improve the way it delivers adult social care

Cheshire East Council is significantly increasing spending on adult social care – investing £10.9m in 2018/19.  However, the council faces a significant financial challenge – due to reductions in government grants, rising costs and increased demand for care services.

The council’s aim is to boost the quality, capacity, flexibility, choice, impact and value for money of these services – to deliver the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

The cabinet today backed proposals to recommission care at home, residential care and respite care. This is usual local authority practice.

It also voted to carry out a review of respite care provision, with wide stakeholder consultation, to identify ways to improve efficiency and effectiveness and reduce low occupancy of block-booked beds. 

There are more than 40,000 residents in Cheshire East who look after or give support to family members, friends or neighbours because of mental health issues, disability or problems due to old age.

The council currently spends £37.4m a year on accommodation with care services within the borough and a further £13m on highly-specialised provision in other local authority areas. Additionally, it spends about £13.5m a year on care at home services plus £13.7m on Supported Living services, where housing and support are provided separately.

Respite Care

Councillor Janet Clowes, cabinet member for adult social care and integration, said: “Carers have told us that they want an alternative respite offer to the bed-based services that are currently available. The council is now carrying out a review and consulting with carers and other stakeholders about how the alternative respite provision should be delivered, in order to more effectively and efficiently provide the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

“So, as part of a review of respite provision, we will look at different models of respite support to ensure greater choice and flexibility for service users – such as short breaks and supported living, home-based services, Shared Lives support and respite in an extra-care housing setting.

“The current offer of respite care was intended to enable carers to access respite in a variety of geographical locations. However, there are issues with low occupancy and, as

the system operates on block provision (where providers get paid a block amount of money even if the beds are not occupied) it means that some beds are going unoccupied. There is, therefore, a need to review the current provision, to ensure it delivers real choice, value for money and the best outcomes for respite care users.

“Subject to consultation, some beds are proposed to be ‘block purchased’ to be available all year round to continue to provide geographical coverage across the borough – together  with additional beds purchased as and when necessary to meet demand and in the appropriate location. The new provision would begin in October 2018.”

Care at Home

The council is to change the way it commissions care at home (domiciliary care) for our local residents. This service will be for adults with less complex care and support needs residing in Cheshire East.

There is a need to transform the care and support offer to ensure Cheshire has greater capacity and flexibility – and an improved range of services that deliver value for money for our residents.  The council is working with local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) to explore options to jointly commission care and support services delivered to residents in their home. 

Cllr Liz Wardlaw, cabinet member for health, said: “In Cheshire East, we face an ageing population and the borough needs to increase the capacity and capability of care services that enable people to remain living at home longer, reduce the need for a move to a care home and provide timely and appropriate care.

“With our partners, we need to ensure that health and social care services provide people with safe, effective, compassionate high-quality care and that, together, we encourage care services to improve the care and support they deliver.”

Residential Care

Cheshire East is also set to change the way it commissions residential care for people who receive financial support for their care from the authority. Under the new proposals, providers of residential homes will be asked to sign up to a ‘framework’, which will ensure they deliver the highest possible quality, care and support.

Residents who receive financial support for their care will be placed in care homes that meet the quality standards required by the authority. Residents who are already placed in care homes will not be expected to move.

The council is working with South Cheshire and Eastern Cheshire CCGs to ensure the seamless provision of care and support during the transition to new provision which will take place in 2018.

Cheshire East Council has a duty under the Care Act 2014 to promote the efficient and effective operation and sustainability of the care market for the borough.

● If you require further information about care at home contact the council’s Danielle Stuart 01625 374207. For accommodation with care, contact Jonathon Evans on 01270 686403. For information about the review of respite care, contact Jane Stanley-McCrave on 01270 375119.

Cheshire East Council Secures Three Fly-Tipping Penalties

Three fines in a fortnight for fly-tipping in Cheshire East 

Cheshire East Council have successfully secured three penalties for fly-tipping in just two weeks.

The penalties come as a result of investigations from Cheshire East’s community enforcement officers in Crewe’s West Street, Mill Street and Swinnerton Street as the council continues its crackdown on anti-social behaviour.

The £400 fixed penalty notices were issued in a two-week period after the council and
local communities worked closely together to identify problem areas and provide
information.

In all three cases, accurate information from residents living in the immediate areas led to questioning of the offenders and, ultimately, the issuing of fines. 

In one of the cases, CCTV footage was used to identify dumped gas bottles, which also led to two other people being given formal warnings.

Councillor Janet Clowes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member with responsibility for safer communities, said: “The council’s campaign to reduce fly-tipping is now truly beginning to see results. 

"With our campaigns team we have worked hard to educate people on the anti-social nature of this offence and, as a result, we have seen a reduction in the amount of waste that is being disposed of inappropriately in the borough.

“Unfortunately, there will always be some people who don’t listen to the strong messages
and fail to heed our warnings. There is no excuse for this disgusting behaviour and these
three penalties show that we will not stop pursuing people who have ignored our clear
and consistent advice.”

Revamped Cheese Room Opens at Nantwich Museum

Let Mr & Mrs Mouse and their family guide you through the local history of cheese making

Thanks to a generous grant from Nantwich estate agents Baker Wynne & Wilson, the Cheese Room at Nantwich Museum has been redecorated and redesigned. 

A team of volunteers, led by Museum Manager Kate Dobson, cleaned and repainted the room and researched and designed new display boards plus labels for a wide range of artefacts. 

Kate praised their work commenting: "The project was only made possible as a result of the hard work and dedication of a group of volunteers".

Mr and Mrs Mouse and their family help to guide visitors through the information panels, which describe the history of local cheesemaking. A timeline identifies when at one time the Navy only used Cheshire cheese, the first dairy school was established and the first annual cheese show in Nantwich took place which went on to become the most important cheese show in the country.

The secrets of making Cheshire cheese are revealed through the displays and a film illustrating the supply of milk from Higher Farm, Byley to local cheese maker Joseph Heler Ltd.

The range of artefacts brings the display to life and includes a milk cooler, churns, cheese vat, curd mill and cheese press. Of particular note, and in pride of place, is the magnificent silver Dutton Cup presented in 1895 to farmer John Dutton by the Cheshire Dairy Farmers Association at Nantwich Dairy Show.

Throughout the exhibition the Mouse family pose questions about cheesemaking and the exhibits, whilst visitors can also test their knowledge of cow breeds!

Admission is free to the museum and exhibition.  For further information:

Email: enquiries@nantwichmuseum.org.uk 
Phone: 01270 627104
Website: www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/nantwich.museumoffical
Twitter: @NantwichMuseum

Ever Thought of Volunteering for Charity?

Now's your chance to make a difference by volunteering for St Luke's Hospice's new shop in Nantwich

St Luke’s Hospice couldn’t exist without its amazing team of volunteers who help raise funds to provide quality care and services for patients and their families in Mid and South Cheshire.  

They are currently looking for people who can assist in their new Nantwich shop on Pepper Street, serving customers, sorting donations and helping with displays.

If you have a few hours to spare and would like to make a difference in your local community, whilst meeting new people and making new friends please get in touch.  

For more information pop into the shop or visit our website

stlukes-hospice.co.uk/ways-to-support-us/volunteer or contact Pam Ford, Volunteer Support Coordinator at Pamela_Ford@stlukes-hospice.co.uk or by calling 01606 555690.

Christmas Fun at Nantwich Museum

Nantwich Museum looks forward to welcoming visitors in the run up to Christmas. 

As well as the current exhibitions and "Nantwich Civic Society at 50" and "Kaleidoscope 3",  at 11.00 am Saturday 16 December the Wistaston Singers will lead a drop-in Sing-a- long Concert of Christmas music.

Wistaston Singers at the Museum

The museum shop will be open supplying a wide range of goods including cards, books, games, toys, souvenirs, craftwork and jewellery for all ages.

New this year is a range of "Nantwich Museum" branded preserves and confectionery. Christmas cards include an exclusive range featuring the artwork of museum artist Les Pickford with "Coach & Horses" - the latest addition to the range.

A special offer, which would also make an ideal Christmas present, is a subscription to become a "Friend of Nantwich Museum" with no renewal due until April 2019.

A subscription helps to support the work of the museum. Membership includes email newsletters, discounts on talks and events, an annual dinner, invitations to exclusive Member events and an opportunity to vote at the AGM (including the election of trustees who manage the Museum). 

Individual membership costs £20 and families £30. Application forms and further details are available from the Museum. 

The museum will close at 4.30 pm Friday 22 December and re-open 10.30 am Tuesday 2 January 2018.

For further information contact: Nantwich Museum:
Email: enquiries@nantwichmuseum.org.uk 
Phone: 01270 627104
Website: www.nantwichmuseum.org.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/nantwich.museumoffical
Twitter: @NantwichMuseum

Etsy Christmas Artisan Market Proves a Hit in Nantwich

Biddmead's lovely wreaths

More than 65 local craftspeople join together to provide a range of unusual gift items at Reaseheath College 

The second Christmas Artisan Market came to Reaseheath College today. Despite the drizzle, within the first hour more than 500 people had passed through the doors with almost 2000 visitors by the end of the day.

I had a sneak preview before the doors opened to the public, and was astonished at the selection of beautifully crafted items on display.

Dawn from DesignWand

I was welcomed by a warming glass of mulled wine and caught up with Christine Taylor, the Captain of Etsy South Cheshire, the organiser of today's market and owner of Lilac Sprig. 

Christine had recently been a guest on RedShift Radio, where she was interviewed by Steve Bebe about the Christmas Market. Listen to the interview here.

Today, Christine explained that there were more than 65 stands to visit, selling everything from wooden goods, jewellery, papercrafts, leather items, knitted and crocheted goodies to children's clothes, paintings, beads, craft supplies, cards and even dog treats, all of it crafted by local makers from the South Cheshire area.

After chatting to Christine, I made my way round the stalls in the first two areas, chatting to some of the stallholders as I went. The Homemade Haven was a particular favourite, with Zoe Mayson selling lots of cute items including clothes peg fridge magnets, tiny little stickers, pencil rolls and button items. I managed to nab a couple of stocking fillers from here!

Moonsalt Jewellery's gorgeous range

Sarah Jane's Moonsalt Jewellery was stunning. She handcrafts bohemian jewels inspired by nature and the sea. I was particularly smitten with a silver ring with a dark turquoise abalone shell in a teardrop shape.

Tara Cork - Perch Upholstery

Another favourite of the day was Perch Upholstery. Tara Cork's fabulous designs include my soon-to-try latest hobby: arm knitting! For those of you who haven't heard of it, you use massively thick yarn and (obviously) your arms as needles. I was totally inspired by her footstools and plantpots using some gorgeous "vegan" yarn (what used to be called acrylic, in the olden days!).  I absolutely can't wait to give this a go. 

In the meantime, if you need any items of furniture re-upholstering, Tara's your gal! During our chat it transpired that we have a mutual friend for whom she recently undertook a commission to re-upholster a chair. I have actually seen that chair both "before" and "after" so I know first hand what a great job Tara does!

Buttons and Bobbins' unusual pictures

Buttons and Bobbins had some really unusual pictures using buttons and personalisation. I especially liked the family tree picture with big silver buttons representing the parents and smaller ones for the children, all surrounded by green buttons in differing shades.

Katy takes commissions so don't hesitate to get in touch with her if you want something a little bit different for a friend or family member's special occasion.

I was running out of time as I had to be somewhere else at 10am so I rushed

Stuart Gray - SG Leathers

round many of the other stalls but ones of particular note were SG Leathers where Stuart Gray's phenomenal skills were on display handcrafting leather items, Knit 2tog 53 for kids where Carol Facer knits beautiful items for kids, Karen Sutton at My Beaus and Belles who handcrafts beautiful bespoke children's clothing and accessories, AnitasKnitsOnline - another knitter, Anita Whittingham, who also takes commissions and finally Alfie's Hut where Susan Knight handcrafts the most gorgeous homewares using quality wool fabrics including some lovely tartans.

ArtySally's fabulous paintings

Another lovely stall was ArtySally run by the fabulously talented Sally Huntginton. I recently commissioned a picture of one of our chickens from Sally for my partner's birthday and he was exceptionally pleased with it. Sally has an inimitable style: we now want more of her funky paintings in our new extension next year!

Susan from Alfie's Hut (love the name!)

Finally a special mention to Biddmead's (see top picture) where I was sorely tempted to buy a wreath but ended up buying a cute little slate heart. Alison Coverdale is promoting the idea that your front door should never be "undressed", so once Christmas is over and you take down your Christmas wreath, how about buying a spring wreath to put up in its place? Love that idea!

Huge congratulations to Christine and all the Etsy makers who put on a fabulous market today. Roll on next December - I can't wait to make a return journey!