Politics

Confused drivers paying for “free” parking in Nantwich

Confused drivers paying for “free” parking in Nantwich

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Drivers are paying to use a Nantwich car park when they don’t have to because of confusion over official signs.

Official signs on Snow Hill car park say charges apply until 6pm. But an old laminated A4 sheet higher up says it’s “free after three”.

November 2, 2024
Crewe’s Flag Lane Baths to be “Engage Academy” for excluded pupils

Crewe’s Flag Lane Baths to be “Engage Academy” for excluded pupils

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council is expected to press ahead with plans which would see the former Flag Lane Baths bulldozed to make way for an alternative provision school.

The initial proposal by the Always Ahead charity to transform the Crewe building into a community hub was abandoned earlier this year.

November 1, 2024
CEC predicted overspend reduced by £6.5 million, says council

CEC predicted overspend reduced by £6.5 million, says council

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council says its predicted overspend for this financial year has reduced by £6.5 million.

But it warned that “further urgent action is needed” to bring spending back in line with budget.

October 31, 2024
Problem-plagued £11 million car park reopens after vandalism

Problem-plagued £11 million car park reopens after vandalism

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
The £11 million multi-storey car park in Crewe has now re-opened after being closed for emergency repairs following an attack by vandals.

Cheshire East Council was forced to keep the town centre car park closed yesterday (Monday) after the exit shutters were vandalised over the weekend by yobs.

October 28, 2024
Young people’s discounted bus travel trial launched in Cheshire East

Young people’s discounted bus travel trial launched in Cheshire East

A new bus ticket for young people aged 16-19 has been launched today offering significant discounted fares across Cheshire East.

The 16-19 bus saver card offers a third off the standard adult fare and is valid on local bus services for journeys that start and/or finish within Cheshire East at any time.

October 28, 2024
Cheshire East admits library cuts could impact vulnerable

Cheshire East admits library cuts could impact vulnerable

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council has admitted its plans to cut library opening hours “may impact some residents’ ability to stay warm”.

The cash-strapped council is expected to vote through its controversial proposals to slash opening hours at some libraries when the environment and communities committee meets next month.

October 25, 2024
Crewe & Nantwich MP calls for action on farming pollution

Crewe & Nantwich MP calls for action on farming pollution

Crewe & Nantwich MP Connor Naismith has called for strong action against agricultural pollution after recent slurry dumping incidents in the River Weaver.

Mr Naismith MP spoke out in the House of Commons this week about the “urgent need for addressing agricultural slurry dumping”.

October 25, 2024
Tories furious over CEC Labour plan for household support fund

Tories furious over CEC Labour plan for household support fund

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Labour’s plans to use the household support fund to help hard-up Cheshire East pensioners who lose their winter fuel allowance could leave the elderly and vulnerable families worse off, Cheshire East Tories claim.

Thousands of pensioners across the borough will lose their winter fuel allowance of up to £300 after the government scrapped it for all except those on pension credit or other eligible benefits

October 24, 2024
Anger grows over Cheshire East Council plan for bin collections

Anger grows over Cheshire East Council plan for bin collections

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
The vice-chairman of Cheshire East’s environment and communities committee has quit because she is opposed to the council’s plans to introduce three-weekly black bin collections.

Crewe Labour councillor Dawn Clark is now planning to campaign against her own administration’s plans to empty the household waste bins just once every three weeks.

October 22, 2024
New £11 million car park in Crewe makes just £75 a day

New £11 million car park in Crewe makes just £75 a day

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
The new £11 million multi-storey car park in Crewe is raising just £75 a day in parking charges.

And that’s before the running costs are taken into account.

October 18, 2024
CEC leader admits council needs to “raise its game”

CEC leader admits council needs to “raise its game”

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
The leader of Cheshire East Council and a former mayor have said the council has not been run well enough since it was formed in 2009 and “needs to raise its game”.

October 18, 2024
Nantwich councillor wants fast-track of new rural bus service

Nantwich councillor wants fast-track of new rural bus service

By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
A Nantwich councillor has urged Cheshire East to fast-track new bus contracts in the Nantwich rural area because residents have been left with no service since the end of August.

D&G Bus stopped running the 70, 72 and 73 services from September 1, impacting passengers in Nantwich, Wrenbury, Audlem and Bunbury.

October 17, 2024
Connor Naismith

Crewe & Nantwich MP urges Chancellor over new rail line

Crewe and Nantwich MP Connor Naismith says he has written to the Chancellor and Transport Secretary to lobby for Crewe to be a key stop on any proposed new rail line.

The letter forms part of Mr Naismith’s “#ConnectCrewe” campaign, which aims to highlight its role in the UK’s transport infrastructure and economic impact of including the town in plans for an HS2 replacement line.

October 16, 2024