Dear fellow residents,

I hope that the new year is off to a good start for you and your families.  It's already the end of January and time for another email update newsletter!

If you want to check my previous newsletters you can read them all online.

Here's my latest update! I'm sharing news about our Community Clean-Up, efforts to improve gritting routes, tackling potholes this winter, and how you can help by sharing concerns with the police through our Residents' Voice survey. Plus, we’re welcoming a new business to the area, updates on my work in St Barnabas, and much more!

You can always see my latest updates on my facebook page.  Remember to click like and follow to stay updated.  I'm also on Instagram too.

Please forward or share this newsletter with your St Barnabas area friends and neighbours so I can keep other residents up to date on what I am up to in our area.

Anyone can sign up to receive my newsletter by visiting

www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/newsletter

If you've missed a previous newsletter, you can view them all online here.

✨COMMUNITY CLEAN UP – THANK YOU!✨

I want to say a massive thank you to the 14 wonderful volunteers of all ages, who joined me on the 28th December for our Community Clean Up event at Leighton Brook Park.

It was, as always, an incredible display of community spirit, with residents coming together to make a positive impact on our local environment.

The group worked tirelessly, focusing on the areas surrounding Leighton Brook Park, collecting litter and tidying up the space for everyone to enjoy. In total we collected around 20 bags of waste, along with a few unexpected finds, including a ride-on electric car and some larger discarded items.

Not everyone could make it into the group photos, as some volunteers were still hard at work, scouring the woods for any remaining litter! Thanks guys!

A massive thank you once again to everyone who participated – your hard work and dedication have truly made a difference in our community. It’s inspiring to see so many come together to keep our surroundings clean and beautiful!

Also thank you to the team at Ansa Environmental Services Ltd for their help in picking up the filled bags and other items, and to Crewe Town Council for helping to provide equipment.

Stay tuned to my newsletters for details of our next event!

POTHOLE PATROL - WORKING TO IMPROVE OUR ROADS

Over the past 18 months, I’ve been tirelessly working to secure permanent improvements to several key roads in our community, including West Street, Underwood Lane, and Minshull New Road. While progress has been slow, I remain committed to pushing for the long-term solutions our roads desperately need.

West Street: Still Struggling with Poor Road Conditions

Despite numerous efforts to engage with the highways department, the condition of West Street remains poor, with only temporary, ad hoc repairs being made in response to the potholes and other issues I’ve raised.

Although this section of West Street has now been added to the works improvement plan, I am still waiting for confirmation on whether it will be included in any upcoming scheduled works. The safety risks posed by these potholes are ongoing, and while I will continue to push for permanent repairs, I remain focused on keeping this issue on their radar.

I inspected the road again and found several new potholes, even though some had been repaired recently. I’ve reported six more, requesting interim repairs, as the ongoing safety concerns remain urgent.

Underwood Lane: More Potholes Around Speed Cushions

My pothole patrol took me to Underwood Lane, where I’ve raised concerns with the highways department regarding the potholes around the speed cushions. Once again, it’s déjà vu, as it feels like I was addressing this exact same issue last year.

It’s incredibly frustrating, but my commitment to pushing for proper road repairs hasn’t wavered. If only we could find a pot of gold to fund these improvements, right? For now, though, I’ll continue advocating for repairs with the resources I have available.

Minshull New Road: Ongoing Safety Risks and Temporary Fixes

I also visited Minshull New Road, particularly the section between Badger Avenue and West Street, where I found several new potholes. While some were recently fixed, I’ve reported six additional ones for interim repairs, as the safety risks are still very much present. Like with West Street, while temporary repairs have been made, the underlying issues with the road surface have not been fully addressed.

I’m still pushing for permanent improvements to Minshull New Road, but as with the other roads, the condition remains poor. My work isn’t finished, and I won’t stop fighting for a long-term fix that will ensure the safety and quality of our roads for years to come.

While the progress may feel slow at times, I promise you that I won’t stop pushing for permanent road repairs and improvements. Thanks so much for your patience and continued support as I keep this issue on the radar of those who can make real, lasting change. Together, we can ensure that our roads become safer and better for everyone.

How you can help

You can report any potholes, road or footpath defects as a resident.  This is easy to do using your phone, or computer you can report online.

Alternatively you can call Cheshire East Highways by phone on 0300 123 5020.

To report any issues that present an immediate danger, please call 0300 123 5020 during working hours or out of working hours on 0300 123 5025

🚨🚨 **YOUR VOICE MATTERS!** 🚨🚨  

Are you fed up with:  

• Drug use/dealing
• Anti-social behaviour
• Speeding vehicles **  
• Anti social driving 
• Parking problems 
• Vandalism, graffiti, or property damage

📢 Crewe St Barnabas Police want to hear from YOU! They're here to make a difference in our community, but they need to know what’s happening in OUR area.  

💬 **What do you want them to focus on?**  

You can share your concerns anonymously. It only takes **2 minutes** to fill out the Residents' Voice Survey.  

👉 Click here: https://online1.snapsurveys.com/ResidentsVoice

Select Crewe as your local policing unit, and St Barnabas as your community area

Let them know **YOUR ROAD** and **YOUR ISSUES.** Together, we can make a change! 🌟

❄️ GRITTING CONCERNS NEAR LEIGHTON HOSPITAL ❄️

I’ve been hearing from residents about concerns regarding gritting around Leighton Hospital and the newly opened NWCP road network.

After looking into it, it seems the current gritting route plan does not yet include all of the newly opened roads and roundabouts, such as Tottys Hall Way and Brian Palin Way.

I’ve contacted Highways to clarify the situation and request that these roads be added to the gritting plan.

Ensuring the safety of all road users is vital, especially for those traveling to and from the hospital, including emergency vehicles.

🌟 **LEIGHTON BROOK PARK LIGHTING REPAIRS & UPGRADES** 🌟  

A big thank you to the team from KDE Ltd who worked in Leighton Brook Park last week following my request to repair the storm-damaged lighting.  

Not only were the repairs completed, but they also upgraded the lights to energy-efficient LEDs! These improvements mean:  

✅ Better lighting for the park  

✅ Lower running costs  

✅ Longer-lasting, durable lights  

Great to see these positive changes for our community! 💡👏

MINSHULL NEW ROAD / FLOWERS LANE ROUNDABOUT FLOODING

A big thank you to the resident who alerted me to the recent flooding at the Minshull New Road/Flowers Lane/Bradfield Road roundabout.

I raised this issue with Highways back in September, and a jetting job was scheduled to clear the drainage. However, it seems there's still a problem here.

I've contacted Highways again to request a further review of the situation. 

If you spot flooding in our area, you can contact Highways on 0300 123 5020 during working hours, or 0300 123 5025 if it’s urgent outside of working hours.

STREET LIGHTING UPDATE - FIXED!

I am pleased to confirm that the street lighting around Sandiway Road, Windsor Avenue, Westbourne Avenue and Falmouth Road is back in action after repairs were carried out.  I have been out and checked all roads are currently now lit.

Thank you to Cheshire East Highways and ScottishPower for their prompt action, and also to all residents who contacted me with regards to this issue.

Hopefully this fix will be permanent, but any further issues can be reported by calling 0300 123 5020.

FREE evening Street Sports sessions each Wednesday 5-6pm at Leighton Brook Park

📌 Location: Leighton Brook Park, Frank Webb Avenue, CW1 3NE

👟 What to bring: Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear should be worn for all activities and bring a bottle of water.

📆 When: Wednesday evenings 5pm to 6pm

💰 Cost: It’s free to attend and you can just turn up!  Ages 8 to 16.

⚽️ What to expect?  Get involved with evening sports, team and play activities in the flood lit games area

🚶‍♂️ **REDWOOD DRIVE FOOTPATH REPAIRED** 🚶‍♀️  

A big thank you to the team at BT Openreach for quickly responding to my request to repair the footpath on Redwood Drive around one of their utility covers.  

I spotted this issue while out in the area recently—it was a real trip hazard and dangerous for pedestrians.  

Another problem sorted for the residents of St Barnabas! 💪✅

💬 SPOTTED AN ISSUE? LET ME KNOW!

If you’ve noticed something in the area that needs attention, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. You can report it here:

👉 https://www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/contact/

I’m here to help! 😊

WINDSOR AVENUE UPDATE

🚧✨ The road lines on Windsor Avenue have been repainted for safer driving, cycling, and walking. 🚶‍♀️🚲🚗 Big thanks to the highways team for their work! 🙌 I'm dedicated to improving our streets, so let me know your suggestions for other areas needing a refresh.

WORKING TO TACKLE FLYTIPING IN OUR AREA

🚨 Let's tackle fly-tipping in Crewe St Barnabas together!

💪 Keep our community clean by using the **FixMyStreet** app! 🌍

📲 Report issues fast & easy: https://www.fixmystreet.com

👉 For more ways to help, check out: https://www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report

Together, we can make a difference! ✨ #KeepCreweClean #FlyTipping #FixMyStreet #StBarnabas

Click to watch the video below

🚨 WATCH OUT FOR SCAM TEXT MESSAGES 🚨

I recently received a scam text message that I want to warn everyone about. Fraudsters are targeting vulnerable pensioners, claiming to replace the winter fuel allowance with another payment in a new scam.

These texts direct you to a fake website designed to steal your personal details, including bank account information.

👉 What to do:

Be cautious of any unexpected texts with similar wording.

Do NOT click on links you don’t recognise or trust.

Report suspicious messages to your service provider or the appropriate authorities.

If you need support with heating costs or warm spaces this winter, there are safe and legitimate resources available. For more details, click here: 

Let’s stay safe and look out for one another. Share this post to spread the word! 💙

🚨🐾 DOG FOULING - PICK IT UP, BAG IT, BIN IT! 🐾🚨

I've been hearing from many residents about an increase in dog fouling around our area, so I’ve been working to address it.  Ironically, after putting up new signage I ended up stepping in dog mess myself! 😤

To tackle this issue, there will be extra patrols from community enforcement officers in St Barnabas.  Anyone caught not cleaning up after their dog could face a fixed penalty fine of up to £1000.  The officers can also issue fines for littering.

If you spot dog fouling that needs cleaning or have information about offenders, please report it:

📞 Call: 0300 123 5011

📱 Use the FixMyStreet app or visit https://www.fixmystreet.com/

Let’s all do our part to keep our streets clean. Bag it and bin it! 🐕‍🦺🙏

Thank you!

SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS - CHINESE TAKEAWAY REOPENS

It’s fantastic to see that the Chinese takeaway on West Street is back open! I had the chance to stop by recently, catch up with the friendly staff at Wonderful Chinese Takeaway, and learn more about the new menu offerings they have in store.

Supporting local independent businesses like this one is more important than ever, especially in St Barnabas.   By shopping locally, we help strengthen our community and ensure that these businesses continue to thrive for everyone.

If you’re not in the mood to cook this weekend, why not treat yourself to a meal from the takeaway? You can pop in at 365 West Street, right across from St Barnabas Church, or make it even easier by ordering online or giving them a call for delivery straight to your door. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a great meal without the hassle!

Order online:

https://www.wonderfulcrewe.co.uk/

SCHOOL PARKING - LET'S STAY SAFE!

As we head into the new school term, please be considerate when parking outside our local schools Underwood West Academy and Leighton Academy during school drop off and pick up times.

Parking restrictions outside schools are there to keep you and your children safe. Parking inconsiderately can put people in danger and you also risk being fined. 

✨ Safety tips for parking outside schools

When picking up or dropping off children at schools, you should do the following:

⏰ Allow yourself plenty of time as the area is likely to be busy.

❌ Do not park on yellow zigzag lines and avoid parking opposite them.

✔️ If you decide to park further away, please be considerate of local residents and avoid blocking driveways or access ways.

🏃 Even better, have you thought about walking to school?

Save money! Save fuel!  Get more active, it’s an opportunity to spend more time with them before and after school and, if you combine your walks with other parents and children, it’s a fantastic way for both you and your kids to get to know new people.

🚨 Please report any parking concerns by calling 101 or via Operation Park Safe

And finally....

CLEMENT DRIVE - STREET LIGHT 6... NOW WORKING! 💡

Residents of Clement Drive will know the story behind the now infamous street light 6.  The saga has been going on so long it even has its own folder in my email inbox.

Residents told me that the street light has never worked since the housing development was built. 

I am glad that with some (lots of!) persistence, the original housing developer has eventually resolved the issues - the light is actually connected to power, and is now finally working, even if it is about 20 years late !

Persistence pays off! 💪

If there's a street lighting issue near you, please log it on the FixMyStreet app, or online: https://www.fixmystreet.com/

That's it for now but there are many more updates on local issues and upcoming events on my Facebook and Instagram so please do follow them as I can't fit everything on the email newsletter.

If you have something you'd like me to look in to please do get in contact.

Councillor James Pratt

Crewe, St Barnabas Ward

Cheshire East & Crewe Town Council

Promoted by James Pratt of CNCA, 13 Churchyardside, CW5 5DE