Politics

Policing Cheshire’s badger cull costs more than £1.3 million, figures show

Policing Cheshire’s badger cull costs more than £1.3 million, figures show

By Stephen Topping, local democracy reporter
The policing of Cheshire’s badger cull has cost taxpayers more than £1.3 million in the past two years.

Figures released by Cheshire Police show the force’s cull operation cost £484,892.16 last year – following the £831,093.07 cost in 2017.

March 20, 2019
Cheshire PCC Keane grilled over role in former Chief Constable inquiry

Cheshire PCC Keane grilled over role in former Chief Constable inquiry

By Stephen Topping, local democracy reporter
David Keane insists he followed legal advice from the “top QC in the land” when pursuing ex-chief constable Simon Byrne’s gross misconduct inquiry.

Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner (PCC) was grilled on his role in putting forward 74 allegations against the officer at a police and crime panel meeting on Friday.

March 17, 2019
Crewe & Nantwich MP blasts Boris Johnson over ‘historical sex abuse’ comments

Crewe & Nantwich MP blasts Boris Johnson over ‘historical sex abuse’ comments

Crewe & Nantwich MP Laura Smith has blasted Boris Johnson for what she called “abhorrent” remarks about historical sex abuse cases.

Johnson angered many when he remarked on LBC that investigating historical child sex abuse cases was a waste of public money.

March 13, 2019
Nantwich residents urged to register for May 2 local elections

Nantwich residents urged to register for May 2 local elections

Nantwich residents are being urged to register to vote in the forthcoming local elections on May 2.

Those who are not registered will not be able to cast votes to elect councillors to represent them on Cheshire East Council as well on local town and parish councils.

March 9, 2019
Nantwich Town Council misses out on New Homes Bonus funding

Nantwich Town Council misses out on New Homes Bonus funding

Nantwich Town Council has missed out on funds to pay for community projects under the New Homes Bonus scheme, councillors were told.

The council had submitted a number of bids for a share of the £162,000 pot made available under the New Homes Bonus fund by Cheshire East Council.

March 8, 2019
Cheshire East Tories reject call for changes to council committee system

Cheshire East Tories reject call for changes to council committee system

By Stephen Topping, local democracy reporter
A plan to transform the way Cheshire East Council is run has been rebuffed by the ruling Conservative group – paving the way for a referendum.

Independent members – including two Nantwich councillors – wanted to see Cheshire East change from a cabinet-led system to a committee system of governance.

March 7, 2019
Cheshire East population grows older, but working-age numbers drop

Cheshire East population grows older, but working-age numbers drop

By Stephen Topping, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East’s population is increasing and getting older, according to new research.

Figures presented to Cheshire East council’s strategic planning board shows the borough’s population has risen from 370,700 in 2011 to 378,800 in 2017.

March 1, 2019
Nantwich has second lowest vacant shops rate in Cheshire East

Nantwich has second lowest vacant shops rate in Cheshire East

By Stephen Topping, local democracy reporter
Nantwich has the second lowest rate of vacant shops in Cheshire East.

But neighbouring Crewe along with Congleton have the highest rates of empty retail units, new figures have revealed.

February 28, 2019
Cheshire East “Little Bus” dial-a-ride service future uncertain amid budget cuts

Cheshire East “Little Bus” dial-a-ride service future uncertain amid budget cuts

By Stephen Topping, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council chiefs have begun to discuss the future of the ‘Little Bus’ with the dial-a-ride service facing a possible cut in the newly-approved budget.

Cheshire East’s full council approved the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) for 2019 to 2022 – including next year’s budget – at Thursday’s meeting.

February 23, 2019
Councillors approve 2.99% Council Tax rise across Cheshire East

Councillors approve 2.99% Council Tax rise across Cheshire East

By Stephen Topping, local democracy reporter
Residents in Cheshire East will face an increase in Council Tax from April after members approved the budget for next year.

A 2.99 per cent tax increase will come into effect – with the bill for a Band D property rising from £1,404.28 to £1,446.27.

February 23, 2019
Cllr Rachel Bailey

Taxpayers fork out more than £360 for Cheshire East Council leader to park her car

Cheshire East residents who face higher car parking fees have forked out more than £360 for the Council Leader to park her car in the past three years.

The figures – obtained through Freedom of Information – are revealed on the day Leader Cllr Rachel Bailey and her Conservative colleagues voted to increase car parking charges across the borough.

February 21, 2019
Councillors urge MPs to back bid to change Cheshire East Council system

Councillors urge MPs to back bid to change Cheshire East Council system

By Stephen Topping, local democracy reporter
Independent councillors in Nantwich and Crewe are urging MPs to get behind plans to transform the way Cheshire East Council is run ahead of a crucial meeting.

Members of the Independent group, including Nantwich councillors Arthur Moran and Penny Butterill, have secured a special council meeting on March 5 to debate whether to change from a cabinet system to a committee system.

February 20, 2019
Alpraham residents blast councils over state of “boundary” road

Alpraham residents blast councils over state of “boundary” road

Residents in Alpraham say one of their local roads is one of the most poorly maintained in Cheshire – because two authorities will not claim responsibility.

Vale Road in Alpraham is set in idyllic countryside on the border between Cheshire East Council and Cheshire West Council.

February 18, 2019