Politics

Cheshire East councillors approve controversial changes to parking charges

Cheshire East councillors approve controversial changes to parking charges

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Controversial plans to introduce parking charges in “free” towns and hike up prices in those which already pay have been backed by councillors.

Eleven members of Cheshire East’s highways and transport committee today (Thursday) voted in favour of implementing the new charges, with one voting against and one abstaining.

January 25, 2024
CEC bosses “disappointed” at safeguarding decision on HS2

CEC bosses “disappointed” at safeguarding decision on HS2

Cheshire East Council say they are “disappointed” the Government has removed “safeguarding” along the axed HS2 Phase 2a route into South Cheshire.

The Dept of Transport announced last week safeguarding would be lifted, which means land acquired as part of the planned route is no longer protected and could now be sold or potentially developed for other projects.

January 25, 2024
Residents can have say on new political map for Cheshire East

Residents can have say on new political map for Cheshire East

Nantwich residents can have their say on plans for a new pattern of wards being developed for Cheshire East Council.

The Local Government Boundary Commission has decided the number of councillors in Cheshire East should remain at 82.

January 24, 2024
Nantwich “road to nowhere” to finally open this summer

Nantwich “road to nowhere” to finally open this summer

The Nantwich “road to nowhere” could finally be opened this summer – two and half years after its initial opening date!

The A51 spine road around Reaseheath was built more than two years ago by housing developers behind the massive Kingsbourne estate between the A51, Welshmen’s Lane and Waterlode.

January 23, 2024
Cash-strapped Cheshire East Council spent £37,500 on recruiting new chief executive

Cash-strapped Cheshire East Council spent £37,500 on recruiting new chief executive

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cash-strapped Cheshire East Council spent more than £37,500 on a “rigorous recruitment and selection process” to appoint its new chief executive.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service asked for the total costs after listening to the appointments committee in the summer, where it became clear recruiting and appointing a new top boss wasn’t going to be cheap.

January 23, 2024
Adult social care costs rocketing with £5m overspend likely

Adult social care costs rocketing with £5m overspend likely

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Adult social care costs are rocketing in Cheshire East with some needs so complex it can cost about £9,000 a week for one person, councillors were told.

Jill Broomhall, director of adults and social care, said the average age of people being assessed for care need in the borough was 89.

January 22, 2024
Cheshire East Council “not at risk of bankruptcy”, says councillor

Cheshire East Council “not at risk of bankruptcy”, says councillor

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council is not at risk of going “bankrupt”, said its finance sub-committee chair.

And if it did ever have to trigger a S114 notice suppliers and staff would be paid, claims Cllr Nick Mannion.

January 20, 2024
Te Ata Browne is Green Party candidate for Crewe & Nantwich

Te Ata Browne is Green Party candidate for Crewe & Nantwich

Green Party members in Crewe & Nantwich have selected Te Ata Browne as their parliamentary candidate for the next General Election.

She has also been selected as the Green Party candidate for the Crewe Central by-election to be held on February 8.

January 19, 2024
flooding in Nantwich in October 2019

Anger over CEC failure to publish report into 2019 Nantwich flooding

A Nantwich resident has blasted Cheshire East Council for failing to publish its investigation into a serious flooding event – more than four years ago!

Trevor Evans was one of a number of residents and businesses who suffered when River Weaver burst its banks in October 2019 after days of torrential rain.

January 18, 2024
One in eight posts at cash-strapped Cheshire East Council are vacant

One in eight posts at cash-strapped Cheshire East Council are vacant

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Nearly an eighth of posts at Cheshire East Council are vacant as the cash-strapped authority tries to slash its wage bill to help balance its books.

Cheshire East is currently forecasting a £13 million overspend by the end of this financial year in March – but is still hoping to find a way to break even.

January 17, 2024
Cheshire East to keep “free after 3pm” car parking after public consultation

Cheshire East to keep “free after 3pm” car parking after public consultation

The “free after 3pm” car parking scheme on some Cheshire East Council car parks will be kept after the results of a public consultation.

But parking charges looks set to be introduced in most car parks where it is currently free, and charges may also be brought in on Sundays.

January 17, 2024
Five candidates battle in election for Crewe Central seat

Five candidates battle in election for Crewe Central seat

Five candidates will battle it out in the Crewe Central ward next month for a seat on Cheshire East Council.

Te Ata Brown is standing for the Green party while Kim Jamson will be hoping she can hold on to the seat for Labour.

January 16, 2024
Cheshire East battling to avert bankruptcy and Section 114 notice

Cheshire East battling to avert bankruptcy and Section 114 notice

Cheshire East Council has hit back at speculation it is about to go bust, saying it is “working extremely hard” to address financial pressures without triggering a Section 114 notice.

Speculation has been rife since the press suggested the cash-strapped council may be forced to declare bankruptcy following the government’s decision to scrap the northern leg of HS2.

January 13, 2024