Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
EASTER IS ON ITS WAY! WHAT'S ON IN OUR PARK THIS HALF TERM?
I'm always working to bring more activities for young people in our area, from Pop-Up in the Parks to Crewe Alex in the Community and Street Sports. That’s why I’m thrilled to announce that the HAF programme, run by Wishing Well, will be at Leighton Brook Park this Easter!
📅 Wednesday 9th April & Wednesday 16th April
⏰ 2pm – 4pm | FREE Holiday Activities & Food (HAF)
🎨⚽🎶 Enjoy fun games, sports, crafts, and music – plus a free meal!
⏰ 5pm – 6pm | FREE Street Sports
🏀⚽🤾 Evening sports and team activities in the games area!
Leighton Brook Park, Frank Webb Avenue CW1 3NE
Ages 4 to 16. Children over 8 can attend independently if they can manage their own personal care needs. No need to book, but please register and sign in when you arrive.
For any queries, call 📞 07894 123413 or 01270 256919
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/whats-happening-in-leighton-brook-park-this-easter/
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
📢 CREWE TOWN COUNCIL NEWSLETTER SPRING EDITION - OUT NOW 📰
Read it online here 👇www.crewetowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/2nd-CTC-newsletter-FINAL.pdf
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
♻️ RECYCLING - WHAT GOES IN YOUR SILVER BIN? ♻️
Wondering what you can recycle in your silver bin? Here’s a quick guide! ✅
You CAN recycle:
✔️ Tins, cans & clean foil
✔️ Glass bottles & jars
✔️ Flexible plastic bottles & containers
✔️ Cartons, paper & cardboard
✔️ Empty, non-hazardous aerosols
🔹 Make sure your recycling is clean, dry, and loose (not in a tied bag).
For more details, visit the ‘What waste goes where’ page on the Cheshire East
website. www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling/bins/what-waste-goes-where.aspx
Let's keep our community green! 🌍💚
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
Street Sports is on tonight! ⚽🏀🎾 Join us 5-6pm at Leighton Brook Park (CW1 3NE) for free sports fun! Open to ages 8-16—just turn up! 🏆🔥 Hosted by Start Well at The Wishing Well & supported by Crewe Town Council
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
Yesterday we met with Katie from Guinness, and talked about how we could help local residents to be more confident on how to report different things to the right places. We feel that this would help local people to solve their problems quicker, as their concerns would go to the most appropriate team!
10 TIPS ON WHO TO CONTACT FOR HOUSING RELATED CONCERNS - THE GUINNESS PARTNERSHIP / POLICE
1. Noise complaints -
Police ❎
Guinness ✅ (Guinness can open a case for noise complaints, this can also be referred to www.gov.uk/report-noise-pollution-to-council. This is on a case by case basis.)
2. Drugs -
Police ✅ - You speak with your local Officer or you can also report anonymously using this link - orlo.uk/zI6sP
Guinness ✅ - You can speak with your Housing Officer.
(Both the Police and Guinness should be made aware if you believe there is drug use happening in a Guinness property. Please keep a log of times and dates that this is happening. Please include any details that can help us, for example vehicle registration plates, names, addresses. Do not put yourself at risk obtaining this information.)
3. Criminal damage -
Police ✅ (Call 101 to report or 999 always in an emergency.)
Guinness ✅ (Yes Guinness need to know if this is caused by someone who is not a tenant.)
4. ASB (Anti-social behaviour) -
Police ✅
Guinness ✅ (Any incidents on Guinness grounds should be reported to Guinness - orlo.uk/Vly1V )
5. Neighbour disputes -
Police ✅ (We can support in matters that are not civil, and will deal with any offences.)
Guinness ✅ (Guinness may be able to support with properties belonging to Guinness.)
6. Parking -
Police ✅ - Let us know about your parking concerns using our survey 📲 orlo.uk/gtSvP & For guidance - orlo.uk/731j4
Guinness ✅ - Guinness may be able to support with parking issues on Guinness land.
7. Hoarding -
Police ❎ (Although we do not directly deal with hoarding, we can signpost and support with referrals if this is having an impact on the community around them.
Guinness ✅
8. Domestic abuse -
Police ✅ - orlo.uk/bagyp
Guinness ✅ - orlo.uk/EOG8V
9. Burglary -
Police ✅ Call 101 to report or 999 always in an emergency.
Guinness ✅ - Your Guinness Community Liaison Officer may be able to support you with a home safety plan.
10. Animal nuisance / dog attacks -
Police ✅ - The Police can deal with dogs dangerously out of control.
Guinness ✅ - This can be reported via the 'MyGuinness' app.
Please be mindful that each circumstance will be dealt case by case.
We hope that this can be useful to you.
Stay safe,
PCSO Lizzie Jolley 22582
#pcsojolley22582 #crewepolice
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🚍 NEW LATER BUS SERVICE NOW RUNNING 🚍
Good news for those needing to travel between Crewe and Leighton Hospital! From 31 March, a new later bus service (Route 42) will run Monday to Friday.
🕕 Bus Times:
Leaves Crewe Bus Station at 18:20
Arrives at Leighton Hospital at 18:35
Continues to Congleton, arriving at 19:45
The route travels via Frank Webb Avenue and Rolls Avenue, making it easier for more people to access important services later in the evening.
Make sure to take advantage of this new service! 🚍✨
Full schedule here:
www.dgbus.co.uk/media/5073/42_2025-03-31.pdf
#Crewe #LeightonHospital #NewBusService #PublicTransport
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🌟 CREWE TOWN CENTRE REGENERATION – HAVE YOUR SAY! 🌟
We all know that the Royal Arcade project hasn’t turned out the way we hoped, and many residents feel let down by the delays and setbacks. While this all started before my time as a councillor for Crewe, my focus is on pushing forward and making the best of the situation!
On the bright side, we now have a modern bus station and multi-storey car park (yes, I mentioned it! 😆). But the demolished shopping area and lack of progress on the Royal Arcade has left a big gap in our town centre.
I recently attended a meeting to hear more about plans for the so-called "rubble site." While a long-term solution is still being explored, the short-term plan includes:
✅ Grassing over sections of the site
✅ A new footpath with lighting to connect the bus station & car park with Victoria Street/Queensway
✅ Paved areas for events and activities
✅ Lower-level wooden fencing to replace the current fencing
Now, this is where YOU come in! Cheshire East Council wants your views on what features should be included—think seating, gates, play areas, or even a basketball court! 🏀
📢 Have your say and check out the proposals here:
surveys.cheshireeast.gov.uk/s/Crewe_Royal_Arcade_Meanwhile_Development_Survey_2025/
Let’s work together to shape the future of Crewe! 💬👇
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🌟 Meet Matt Reen, Community Project Manager at The Wishing Well Project 🌟
At Wishing Well, their mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of local people. They are dedicated to ensuring that children and families start well, adults live well, and older people age well.
Matt’s focus with this project is about raising awareness of energy efficiency in the home, aiming to reduce fuel poverty within our community.
What can Matt help with?
✅ Educating on the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and how to stay safe
✅ Informing you about the benefits of joining the Priority Services Register (PSR)
✅ Helping vulnerable households, including those on low incomes, with long-term conditions, or communication needs
How can Matt help you?
🏡 Delivering workshops to community groups
🏡 Offering advice and tips on keeping your home warmer
🏡 Providing free carbon monoxide monitors for homeowners
🏡 Giving away free slow cookers to help reduce costs
🏡 Registering you for the Priority Services Register (PSR)
For more info, advice or to book a workshop for your group, get in touch with Matt:
📧 Matt.Reen@wishingwellproject.net
📞 01270 256919
Matt is working in partnership with Cadent Gas to support our community!
#EnergyEfficiency #FuelPoverty #CommunitySupport #WishingWellProject
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🌍🚮 WILSON HOUSE SCOUTS LITTER PICK - THANK YOU! 🚮🌍
It was fantastic to join Wilson House Scouts, leaders, and families this morning for a litter pick in Leighton Brook Park! 🌿♻️
The scouts are working towards their World Challenge Badge, and they did an amazing job—collecting litter, spotting the solar eclipse, and even discovering a rat’s skull in the wooded area! 🦴🌘
A huge thank you to everyone who gave up their time this morning, especially Scout Leader Hayley for helping to organise the session. Your efforts make a real difference to our local environment! 👏💚
A special thanks as well to Crewe Town Council and Ansa Environmental Services Ltd for their support in providing equipment and collecting the bags of waste—we really appreciate it! 🙌♻️
If you’d like to get involved in The Great British Spring Clean, please let me know! Together, we can keep our community clean and green. 🍃✨
#CommunitySpirit #WilsonHouseScouts #LitterPick #LeightonBrookPark #GreatBritishSpringClean #Crewe
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🚧 BEECHMERE SITE UPDATE 🚧
Following my recent meetings with Your Housing Group and my updates on the graffiti removal at the Beechmere site, I’m pleased to share that further security improvements have been made.
The temporary fencing has now been replaced with permanent fencing to better secure the site.
⚠️ Please be aware that the site is NOT safe for children or anyone else. ⚠️
Parents, please ensure your children do not enter the site for their safety.
🔹 The site is monitored by CCTV. 🔹
If you see any trespassers or antisocial behaviour around the site, please report it by calling 101. For any other concerns about the site, you can contact 0345 345 0272.
Thank you for your support in keeping our community safe! 👏
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🛠️ FIX IT FRIDAY 🛠️
I’ve been out around the ward today, keeping an eye on local issues and reporting them to the relevant teams.
🚧 I’ve reported a pavement problem to Highways on West Street near Minshull New Road.
🚮 I’ve also reported fly-tipping on Frank Webb Avenue.
If you spot a problem, you can report roads or pavement issues, fly-tipping, and many other concerns.
📲 Scan the QR code or visit 👉 www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/ to report it!
Let’s work together to keep our community safe and tidy! 💪😊
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🚨 DERBY DOCKS - CCTV INSTALLED 🚨
Although Derby Docks is just outside St Barnabas ward, I know many residents use this facility, and I’ve heard from lots of you who were really concerned about the recent vandalism at the playground – something you may have seen reported in the news.
It’s truly disheartening when things like this happen in our communities.
I recently raised concerns about anti-social behaviour in our parks with the police and other agencies. Last night, I met on-site with Cheshire East’s CCTV manager, and I want to say a huge thank you to Stuart and his team, who pulled out all the stops to get a new CCTV camera rapidly deployed here.
📷 The camera is now in place, monitored 24/7 from the control room, and recording continuously.
I also noticed that much of the lighting in the area is out of action, and I’ve asked for this to be investigated.
Discussions are underway regarding repairs to the playground equipment, and I hope to update you on this soon.
If you witness anti-social behaviour at this location, please report it:
📞 101 – for non-urgent issues
📞 999 – if something is being damaged or anyone is at risk
Let’s work together to keep our community safe! 💙 #Crewe #CommunitySafety #CCTV
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🚯 FLYTIPPING REPORTED! 🚯
Once again, I’ve been out across our area and have come across more incidents of fly tipping that I’ve now reported. It’s frustrating to see rubbish dumped in our streets and green spaces, making our community look neglected.
Fly tipping is not only unsightly but also harmful to the environment and can attract further dumping if left unattended.
If you know where any of these items have come from, or if you spot fly tipping that needs clearing, please report it via the FixMyStreet app or use this link:
🔗 Report fly tipping here
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
Let’s work together to keep our area clean and safe for everyone! 🏡♻️ #KeepCreweClean #ReportFlyTipping #CommunityMatters
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🌿✨ DO YOUR BIT TO HELP KEEP CREWE ST BARNABAS CLEAN! ✨🌿
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who has taken part in the Great British Spring Clean so far! Your efforts are making a real difference in keeping Crewe St Barnabas clean and green! 🌍💚
If you haven’t joined in yet, there’s still time! Why not make it a fun family activity? Grab the kids, some litter-picking gear, and show them how small actions make a big difference! 🗑️♻️
Join me for a litter pick or do your own with family & friends. If you need equipment, just send me a message! Every effort counts!
📩 Message me to get involved or at www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/contact
Let’s keep up the great work for a cleaner, greener community! 💪🏡
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
📢 ROLLS AVENUE WALL DAMAGE – 2 YEARS ON! 📢
Today marks two years since the wall on Rolls Avenue was damaged in a car accident – and yet, it still hasn’t been repaired. Despite my ongoing efforts to engage with those responsible, little progress has been made.
Each property owner is responsible for the section of the wall in front of their home, as outlined in their property deeds.
It’s disappointing for both the tenants living there and their neighbours that this issue remains unresolved. I sincerely hope we see some action on this soon!
If you’re affected by this or have any thoughts, feel free to get in touch. 👇
Calls for action on Crewe wall damaged for two years following crash
A Crewe councillor and local residents have called for action on a housing estate wall, Rolls Avenue, damaged for two years following a car crash.
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
📢 BEECHMERE CLEAN-UP UNDERWAY! 🚧
Following my recent meetings with Your Housing Group, who are responsible for the Beechmere site, I visited this morning to check in with the contractor handling the clean-up.
✅ Hoardings have been repainted to cover recent graffiti.
✅ We’ve secured an open entry point to the site.
A big thank you to the contractor for their hard work in improving the site. 👏
If you spot any trespassers or antisocial behaviour on the site, please report it by calling 101.
For any other concerns about the site, contact 0345 345 0272.
I hope to be able to provide residents with a further update on the site soon.
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
📢 DONATIONS NEEDED – CAN YOU HELP? 📢
The Community Share Hub at Underwood West Academy is in need of donations, and we’d love your support!
If you can donate, we are looking for:
👕 School uniform (including PE kits)
👗 Clothes
🧸 Toys
👟 Shoes
All donations can be dropped off at the main school office at Underwood West Academy on Newcastle Street. Every contribution makes a difference to families in our community.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity! 💙
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
WHAT HAVE I BEEN UP TO TODAY?
I've been out and about today working across our area of St Barnabas!
🌳 Litter picked around the playground in Leighton Brook Park
🏠 Had a meeting on site with Your Housing Group Regional Housing Manager and Neighbourhood Officer to discuss local housing issues, including the removal of the graffiti from the Beechmere site
📚 Visited Underwood West Academy
👥 Met with 3 residents at their homes to discuss local concerns
🚮 Reported 10 incidents of fly tipping
Also spotted this beautiful tree in blossom on Goulden Street! 🌸
I’ve got a meeting this evening to discuss the proposals for the town centre regeneration of the "rubble site". About time!
If there's something you think I could help with, please get in touch! 😊
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/contact/
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
JOB VACANCY Minshulls garden centre
Email your CV to: recruitment@minshulls.co.uk
Details below 👇
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🚨 Street Light Repair on Frank Webb Avenue Still Not Completed After 15 Months! 🚨
As your local councillor, I have been working to get the street light outside the Premier Shop on Frank Webb Avenue fixed after it was damaged by a vehicle in November 2023. Despite repeated contact with Highways over the past 15 months, little progress has been made, and residents are still left without proper lighting in this busy area.
I have contacted Highways multiple times, including in June 2024, August 2024, October 2024, November 2024, January 2025, February 2025, and most recently March 2025. The last update from Highways on 15th January 2025 stated:
"We are aware that the new lighting column is not yet functioning. We have had to request a transfer of the electricity supply direct from Scottish Power. We had instructed our own contractors to carry out this work; however, due to an issue they found when they uncovered the cable, it had to be referred back to Scottish Power."
A new column was installed in December 2024, but no light fitting was added, and the original column is still leaning and wrapped in yellow tape.
This is not only an eyesore but a serious safety issue. I am calling on Highways and the contractors to urgently complete the repair. We are now three months on from the partial repair, and this issue must be resolved.
Residents deserve better, and I will continue to push for answers and action until this is fixed. If you’ve been affected by this, please let me know, and I’ll keep pressing for a solution.
#Crewe #FrankWebbAvenue #StreetLighting #CouncillorJamesPratt #FixTheLight #LocalIssues
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
MISSED BIN COLLECTIONS - HOW DO I REPORT IT?
You should wait until after 6pm to report a missed collection as the crew may still be working in the area. You can report a missed bin up to 2 working days after the day it should have been collected.
You can report by calling 0300 123 5011 or online using this link:
www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling/bins/missed-bin-collections.aspx
If you're not sure when your bin will be collected, check here:
www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling/bins/bin-collection-days.aspx
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🛒 ABANDONED SHOPPING TROLLEYS – HOW TO REPORT THEM 🚨
Whilst out in our area today, I came across this abandoned shopping trolley in the playground at Leighton Brook Park. I have reported it to the Crewe Town Council Rangers for removal.
🔹 HOW TO REPORT AN ABANDONED SUPERMARKET TROLLEY 🔹
If you spot a lost or abandoned trolley in our area, please use this link to report it so it can be collected:
👉 www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/abandoned-trolley-report/
Supermarket trolleys left on our streets and in our parks make our area look neglected. Let’s work together to keep Crewe St Barnabas looking its best – please report them when you see them!
#Crewe #CommunityCare #ReportIt #KeepCreweTidy
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🛑 POTHOLE PATROL! 🛑
I’ve been back out on our streets checking up on pothole repairs. It’s good to see some improvements, with slightly better repairs on Minshull New Road.
However, I’ve also reported more potholes on Monks Lane, West Street, and Brooklands Grove this time.
If you spot a pothole, make sure to report it so we can get it sorted! 🚧👇
🔗 Report an issue here:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
#Crewe #PotholePatrol #SaferStreets
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🚨 LOOKING FOR A JOB? LOVE BEING ACTIVE AND WORKING OUTDOORS? 🚨
Crewe Town Council is on the lookout for a Town Ranger to help keep our community looking its best! 🌿💪
If you enjoy working outside, staying active, and making a real difference in your town, this could be the perfect role for you!
DETAILS BELOW 👇
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🚨 MINSHULL NEW ROAD BRIDGE ACCIDENT 🚨
Unfortunately, there has been another road traffic accident today on Minshull New Road, near the bridge over Leighton Brook, opposite Meadowbrook Cemetery. The police were quick to attend the scene, and I have already contacted Cheshire East Highways to ensure the site is made safe, and that repairs are scheduled as soon as possible.
It’s deeply concerning and frustrating that this is the second accident in less than a year, with a very similar incident happening just last July. This stretch of road continues to be a problem, and it’s high time that more attention is given to the safety of this area.
I’ve raised these concerns with Cheshire East again and have been vocal about the lack of progress on road safety improvements to Minshull New Road, which were supposed to be carried out as part of the NWCP (North West Crewe Package) completed last summer. It’s disappointing that these planned improvements haven’t materialised, and we are still seeing dangerous incidents occurring.
I will continue to push for action from Cheshire East to ensure that the road is made safer for everyone – whether you're driving, cycling, or walking in this area. It's essential that road safety measures are prioritised here, before anyone else is hurt.
As always, I will keep you all updated on any developments. In the meantime, if you notice any issues on the roads, please report them via FixMyStreet or get in touch with me so I can make sure they are brought to the attention of the relevant authorities. Let’s work together to keep our community safe!
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🚧 PAVEMENT PROBLEMS! 🚧
I’ve been out and about in our area, identifying several pavement issues that I’ve now reported to Cheshire East Highways, many around Badger Avenue.
Once again, I’m pushing for much-needed maintenance to keep our pavements safe.
Trip hazards aren’t just a danger to the elderly—they’re a risk to everyone using our footpaths.
If you spot a problem, let me know or report it via the FixMyStreet app! Let’s work together to keep our streets safe. 👟💬 #Crewe #PavementSafety #fixmystreet
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🌿 LEIGHTON BROOK PARK - LITTER PICK COMPLETE! 🌿
What a beautiful sunny morning it’s been! I’ve been out litter picking around Leighton Brook Park and the playground, and I’m happy to say it’s now spotless again.
Please help keep it this way by using the bins provided. ♻️
It was also great to chat with residents while I was out and about, discussing various local issues.
If you’d like to help keep our community clean, I can provide litter-picking equipment and bags - just get in touch! It’s a great way to get active, especially with the kids, while making a difference. 🌍💚
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/contact/
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🧹 ALLEYWAY CLEAN-UP PROJECT! 🧹
I’ve been out and about in St Barnabas, delivering information to residents and encouraging them to join our Alleyway Clean-Up Project—part of the new Cleaner Crewe initiative!
Do you have an alleyway near your home that’s in need of some TLC? 🌿🚮
Now’s your chance to nominate it and get involved! Let’s work together to transform these spaces and make our community cleaner, safer, and more inviting.
Find out more and get involved here:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/CleanUp/
#CleanerCrewe #CommunityAction #AlleywayCleanUp #GetInvolved
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
CHASSANGE SQUARE HMO APPLICATION
What are your thoughts?
You can still have your say on this proposal by submitting your feedback to the planning department. Simply click the link in the comments below and select "Make a Representation."
You'll need to be logged in to submit your response, but setting up an account only takes a moment.
Now’s your chance to make your voice heard! ⬇️
Crewe councillor objects to 'unsuitable' plans to convert house into HMO
Crewe St Barnabas councillor, James Pratt, objected to proposals to convert a three-storey terraced townhouse into a six-person HMO at 31 Chassasgne Square.
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
🚧 UNDERWOOD LANE ROAD UPDATE 🚧
After I reported the potholes, crumbling speed cushions, and a loose manhole cover on Underwood Lane, I expected action—but very little has been done! The unsafe manhole cover I flagged is still loose, and the road surface continues to deteriorate.
I’ve been back to take further photos and have now written to highways again, urging them to properly assess and fix these issues.
If road safety measures like speed cushions are installed, they need to be maintained—otherwise, what’s the point? 🤔
I’ll keep pushing for action! Let me know if you’ve noticed any other issues. #Crewe #RoadSafety #FixOurRoads