By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Parking charges look set to be reviewed across Cheshire East as the council struggles to balance its books because of soaring inflation costs.
Plans to introduce pay and display in towns such as Middlewich, Sandbach and Alsager – which currently offer free parking – were scuppered last year when the highways committee voted against the plan.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Plans to expand a special school in South Cheshire to accommodate an extra 60 pupils have been recommended for approval, despite some objections.
Springfield School in Crewe caters for 200 children and young people, between the ages of four and 19, who have severe learning difficulties and complex needs.
By Jonathan Sutton, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council could soon start issuing fines to drivers who leave their engine idling as a review of the policy is taking place.
This could mean parents waiting to pick up their children outside schools in the borough who refuse to turn their engine off could face a £60 fine.
More people in Nantwich than anywhere else in Cheshire East have registered to take part in a new “pick up litter and get fit” scheme.
The Cheshire East Council initiative encourages people to get active, spend time outdoors and help to keep local neighbourhoods litter free.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council is paying £3,000 more per pupil than most equivalent councils to transport some children to school each year.
This includes paying on average £71 for a 10-mile taxi journey or £118 for a 20-mile journey – way above the expected £21 or £41 costs respectively.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Labour leader says the recession was made in Downing Street and now we’re all paying the price with tax hikes, increased interest charges and higher inflation.
Cllr Sam Corcoran, speaking in response to Chancellor Jeremy Hunt’s autumn statement, said over the last decade the Conservatives “have hollowed out public services and the economy”.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East has backed calls for law changes to make sprinklers mandatory in some buildings and heard from a fire officer how ‘it’s tantamount to having a firefighter in each room’.
The council’s environment and communities committee voted unanimously to back Cheshire Fire Authority in its fight to make sprinklers compulsory in buildings such as care homes, houses in multiple occupation, schools and apartment blocks.
More than £1.2 million was paid out in allowances and expenses between 82 Cheshire East councillors in 2021-22, latest figures show.
Cheshire East Council has published details of the allowances paid to elected members during the last financial year, as required by law.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council is waiting for government guidance on primary school SATS because the bank holiday for the King’s coronation clashes with the first day of the national tests.
The Key Stage 2 tests, taken by 11-year-olds at schools across the country, are scheduled to take place from Monday May 8 to Thursday May 11 next year.
Re-surfacing works to Beam Street in Nantwich have been delayed until 2023 because council chiefs say “it is the sensible option to postpone” before Christmas.
A section of Beam Street between Waterlode and Manor Road was shut for 18 weeks between June and October for a footway improvement scheme.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Attempts to impose 20mph limits on new housing developments in Cheshire East often fail because the wording of the council’s speed management strategy means efforts can be blocked, a councillor said.
Cllr Suzie Akers Smith is now meeting with the head of highways to ask if the document can be re-worded so officers can’t stop attempts by councillors at the planning stage to have 20mph limits designated for new residential developments.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
All but essential services could face cuts as Cheshire East Council tackles unprecedented financial pressures fuelled by soaring costs and increasing demand.
The council’s finance bosses are asking all service committees to draw up an action plan to look at how they can cut costs, do things differently or find ways of increasing revenue.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council has drawn up a 78-point action plan to modernise its planning service following a backlog in applications and increase in complaints.
A resident survey revealed only 20% of customers are happy with the service.
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