Politics

Roads Minister visits Reaseheath College in Nantwich

Roads Minister visits Reaseheath College in Nantwich

Reaseheath College welcomed Roads and Local Transport Minister Richard Holden MP onto campus during National Apprenticeship Week to see the progress of the UK’s first dedicated Bus and Coach Engineering Academy.

The academy is the result of an innovative and forward-thinking partnership between Reaseheath and First Bus.

February 17, 2023
CEC councillors’ allowances look set to be frozen in 2023-24

CEC councillors’ allowances look set to be frozen in 2023-24

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East councillors’ allowances are expected to be frozen for the next year as Cheshire East cuts back on its spending.

A recommendation in the budget, which goes to full council on February 22, urges councillors to consider freezing their allowances for the 2023/24 financial year.

February 14, 2023
A530 on track to re-open next week, says Cheshire East

A530 on track to re-open next week, says Cheshire East

The A530 Middlewich Road is set to re-open next week, Cheshire East Council has confirmed.

The key road has been closed since May last year between Pyms Lane and Leighton Hospital as part of the North West Crewe Package (NWCP) scheme.

February 13, 2023
Work to start on large solar farm near Leighton Hospital

Work to start on large solar farm near Leighton Hospital

Cheshire East Council is to start work on a large-scale solar farm near Leighton Hospital which will generate renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions.

The 4.1 megawatt solar farm – enough to power about 1,200 houses – is being built on land next to the composting plant in Leighton Grange Farm in Crewe.

February 13, 2023
Utility firms could face £2,500 daily charge for digging up Cheshire East roads

Utility firms could face £2,500 daily charge for digging up Cheshire East roads

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Utility companies could be charged up to £2,500 “rent” a day for digging up roads to carry out repairs in Cheshire East.

That is one possibility Cheshire East Council is looking into to generate much-needed cash and to ensure the companies carry out the work speedily so roads can be re-opened quicker.

February 11, 2023
Coole Fishery expansion plan near Nantwich deferred by councillors

Coole Fishery expansion plan near Nantwich deferred by councillors

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Councillors have deferred an application to expand a fishery and leisure park at Newhall near Nantwich so they can visit the site to assess the suitability of the access road.

Coole Acres Fishery and Leisure Park, on Coole Lane, applied to Cheshire East Council for permission to remodel hatchery ponds to create a new lake and to use land for the siting of 19 holiday lodges and two mobile camping pods

February 10, 2023
Great British Railways HQ decision set for Easter, MP told

Great British Railways HQ decision set for Easter, MP told

Crewe will find out before Easter if it is to be headquarters of the new Great British Railways (GBR).

Crewe & Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan says he met with the Rail Minister Hew Merriman to push the case for the town, and added than an announcement of where the headquarter will be is expected by Easter.

February 9, 2023
Residents to pay 6.4% more for Cheshire Police from April

Residents to pay 6.4% more for Cheshire Police from April

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Nantwich residents will see a 6.4% hike in the police precept after an attempt to veto the rise and replace it with a 5% increase failed.

This means residents living in a band D property will see an extra £15 for the year added to the policing element of their council tax bill.

February 8, 2023
Cutting CEC library hours will hit less fortunate, councillors warn

Cutting CEC library hours will hit less fortunate, councillors warn

Plans to cut library opening hours will hit those who are less fortunate and need a warm and quiet space, councillors said.

Cheshire East Council has vowed not to close any libraries as it strives to find £20m in savings, but is looking at reducing hours to save on costs.

February 7, 2023
Cheshire East puppy farm inspectors faced threats, council reveals

Cheshire East puppy farm inspectors faced threats, council reveals

CCTV has been installed at the homes of some Cheshire East Council staff who have been threatened and intimidated after inspecting puppy farms and breeders, writes Belinda Ryan.

One Cheshire East officer, who had been subjected to intimidation and abuse, admitted the council did not know how many unlicensed puppy farms were operating in the borough.

February 7, 2023
CEC now to cut back on leisure centre discounts in Nantwich

CEC now to cut back on leisure centre discounts in Nantwich

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East bosses are now planning to raise the age from 60 to 67 for its leisure centre discounted memberships.

And they also propose to scrap the two hours free parking at Nantwich and Crewe facilities.

February 6, 2023
Councillors fear more rats and fly-tipping amid garden bin charges

Councillors fear more rats and fly-tipping amid garden bin charges

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
CEC councillors fear a rise in rats and increased fly-tipping if charges for emptying garden waste bins are brought in.

Proposals outlined in the mid-term financial strategy 2023-7 (budget) reveal Cheshire East could rake in up to £4m a year by introducing the charge.

February 6, 2023
Behaviour at CEC under Michael Jones “one of worst examples”

Behaviour at CEC under Michael Jones “one of worst examples”

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
The behaviour and culture at Cheshire East Council under the leadership of Michael Jones is “one of the worst examples” the investigating auditors had ever come across, the council was told.

The public interest report, from the council’s former auditors Grant Thornton, referred to bullying and intimidation under the former Conservative leader, who stepped down in 2015.

February 3, 2023