By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East councillors have given the go-ahead for officers to find sponsors for a new primary school which should be up and running by September 2028.
The free school proposed for Basford East on the outskirts of Crewe was originally due to have opened this month.
Villagers have pulled together to produce a new book capturing the rich history of Shavington.
“A Step Back in Time” will be launched this autumn following a community-wide effort to gather and preserve photographs and stories of the village.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council cannot put off making tough decisions otherwise the forecast £3.1 million overspend this year could end up closer to the pessimistic prediction of £18.7 million, councillors warned.
Cllr Dawn Clark, chair of the finance sub-committee, said: “The requirement to continue to identify further actions to bring the council back to a position where we are living within our means, remains.”
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Three Cheshire East councillors reported “serious” incidents of abuse on the same day a report revealed more than a third had considered quitting because of harassment and intimidation.
Death threats, excrement posted through letterboxes, stalking, trolling and obscene phone calls are some of the harassment, abuse and intimidation experienced by borough councillors.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Councillors have been promised a full update on the plan to transform Cheshire East and save up to £91 million over the next four years after not receiving regular progress reports.
The cash-strapped council only managed to come up with a balanced budget with the help of £17.6 million exceptional financial support from the government.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East councillors are calling on the government to reduce its housing target saying the borough needs “plan-led development, not developer-led planning”.
The target has soared by more than 150% from 997 dwellings per annum to 2,471, following changes brought in by the Labour government.
Organisers are planning an even ‘bigger and better’ event next year after Nantwich’s first Youth Arts Festival attracted crowds of creative kids.
A of six town councillors, all with children of their own, planned a full programme of activities including art, drama, craft, pottery and theatrical make up.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Councillors have expressed concern about the impact on services and staff after learning nearly 20% of posts at Cheshire East Council are vacant.
The council currently employees 2,692 full-time equivalent staff.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East councillors have given the go-ahead for two residential schemes on land earmarked for commercial use in Nantwich.
But one councillor said he hoped this was not seen as an invitation for developers to submit housing applications on land allocated for employment.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Councillors have called for Cheshire East Council to look at how it delegates decision-making to officers following an angry backlash over the location of mobile tips and the hike in parking charges and hours.
Cllr Sue Adams (Con) has called for the whole process to be looked at so changes like the introduction of Sunday and evening parking charges cannot just be “sneaked through” by officers as a delegated decision.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Cheshire East Council’s deputy leader is being stalked and some councillors don’t feel safe in their own homes because of abuse and harassment from the public.
The problem has increased to such an extent, the council set up a task and finish group to look into the issue.
By Belinda Ryan, local democracy reporter
Councillors have clashed over which party was responsible for the loss-making £11 million multi-storey car park with one seeking assurances a decision like that can never be made again.
The £11 million car park, which was funded by Cheshire East Council, made a loss of nearly £70,000 in its first six months of operation.
Cheshire East councillors have narrowly approved its budget by 42 to 37 votes, which includes a 4.99% hike in council tax.
The Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and non-grouped councillors – including former Labour member Laura Smith – all voted against the cost-cutting budget at full council.
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