Politics

Cheshire Police Crime Commissioner “sorry” for schoolgirl skirts comment

Cheshire Police Crime Commissioner “sorry” for schoolgirl skirts comment

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
~Cheshire’s police and crime commissioner has apologised for an “inappropriate and unacceptable” comment he made about schoolgirls wearing ‘very short skirts’ and said he is not a misogynist.

John Dwyer made the comment during a meeting of Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council back in November in a discussion about abuse and violence faced by women and young girls.

February 3, 2024
Red-faced council chiefs “sorry” over Wrenbury road

Red-faced council chiefs “sorry” over Wrenbury road

Red-faced highways chiefs have said “sorry” over the horrific state of a busy road in Wrenbury, near Nantwich.

It comes after angry residents erected a sign on Station Road, warning drivers the road would “break their soul as well as their vehicle”.

February 2, 2024
Villagers create own warning “sign” for worst road in Cheshire East!

Villagers create own warning “sign” for worst road in Cheshire East!

Miffed off villagers in Wrenbury have created their own roadside sign – to warn motorists of the horrific state of the highway!

The sign, stating “This road may break your vehicle – and your soul”, has been erected by the side of Station Road in Wrenbury.

January 31, 2024
Three Cheshire East Council tips set to be “mothballed” in April

Three Cheshire East Council tips set to be “mothballed” in April

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Three Cheshire East tips expected to close in April look set to be mothballed rather than permanently shut – with a final decision being taken in September.

Cheshire East’s environment and communities committee voted by six to five in favour of recommending that there be an “emergency reduction of household waste recycling centres (HWRC)… from April 1, 2024, in advance of the formal HWRC review being presented to committee later in 2024”.

January 31, 2024
Planners back retail and employment phase of Stapeley development

Planners back retail and employment phase of Stapeley development

Planners are recommending councillors approve an application for the retail and employment phase of the Maylands Park development at Stapeley in Nantwich, writes Belinda Ryan.

Outline approval for the whole controversial scheme – which includes residential and employment use – was granted on appeal by the Secretary of State in July 2020.

January 29, 2024
Cheshire East to consult on Sunday and evening parking charges

Cheshire East to consult on Sunday and evening parking charges

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council is to consult the public on introducing Sunday and evening parking charges along with cashless machines after the move was backed by councillors.

The decision to hold a further public consultation was taken immediately after the highways and transport committee agreed to introduce parking charges in the currently ‘free’ towns and villages and hike up fees in those which already pay.

January 28, 2024
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