Prime Minister Rishi Sunak finally confirmed the worst kept secret today – that phase 2a of HS2 between Birmingham and Crewe will be scrapped.
The decision will sparked mixed reaction across the political divide and among business leaders in Cheshire East with many fearing it will deal a blow to the local economy.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
A damning audit report on Cheshire East Council’s arrangements for managing S106 agreements has revealed millions of pounds hasn’t been allocated to agreed schemes.
A summary of the report to the audit and governance committee stated eight contributions received between 2018/19 and 2021/22 totalling £5.8 million were identified as unallocated.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
A Cheshire East councillor has spoken publicly about having to seek medical help because he wanted to take his own life – but said he still doesn’t know why he suddenly felt suicidal.
Cllr Stewart Gardiner was speaking at a meeting of the health and wellbeing board during a discussion on the Cheshire East self-harm and suicide prevention action plan.
Cheshire East Council has extended a public space protection order to clamp down on dog fouling in the borough.
The authority says it’s one of three extended orders aimed at anti-social behaviour offences
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East’s leaders have written to the Prime Minister over the speculation surrounding the future of HS2 and called for an urgent meeting before any decision is taken.
The government has so far refused to confirm or deny speculation that the route north of Birmingham is to be scrapped as the cost spirals.
Residents in Nantwich are being urged to air views on Cheshire East Council’s proposed changes to parking arrangements and charges.
It could see parking costing £1 an hour on some car parks in Nantwich, including Bowling Green and Church Lane.
Crewe and Nantwich MP Kieran Mullan has called on his Government bosses to stand by their pledge to go ahead with Phase 2 of the HS2 high speed rail line to Crewe.
It comes as speculation grows that the Tory Government could scrap the line from Midlands to the North West to save up to £150 billion as costs soar.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Up to three of Cheshire East Council’s seven household waste sites could close in the future, a council report has revealed.
Councillors on the environment and communities committee will be asked to give officers the go-ahead to draft a public consultation to go out next year.
Cheshire East Council is set to report financial pressures of £12.8 million against its 2023/24 budget, latest figures show.
But the authority says savings already identified have reduced this from an eye-watering £26.6m deficit.
Police say they are aware of anti-social behaviour already affecting the newly opened skate park on the Barony in Nantwich.
Councillors and Crewe and Nantwich MP have voiced concerns about the problems just a few days after the park officially re-opened earlier this month.
Police chiefs have pledged to target e-scooters “plaguing” the streets of Nantwich, town councillors were told.
Crime Commissioner John Dwyer said six e-scooters in the town had already been seized and issued a warning to parents not to buy the “illegal” machines for their kids.
Nantwich Town councillors have agreed to pay £22,000 to keep the town’s library open for an extra half day.
But a debate at last night’s town council meeting descended into a political row over the issue.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council’s current £46.9m deficit on its special educational needs budget is forecast to rise to a whopping £306.9m by 2028.
Councils across the UK are struggling with massive deficits in their dedicated schools grant budget because funding has not matched soaring demand and spiralling costs.
Recent Comments