π¨πΎ DOG FOULING - PICK IT UP, BAG IT, BIN IT! πΎπ¨
I've been hearing from many residents about an increase in dog fouling around our area, so Iβve been working to address it. Ironically, after putting up new signage today, I ended up stepping in dog mess myself! π€
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 Β£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:
π Call: 0300 123 5011
π± Use the FixMyStreet app or visit www.fixmystreet.com/
Letβs all do our part to keep our streets clean. Bag it and bin it! πβπ¦Ίπ
Thank you!
16 - 19 BUS SAVER - SAVE MONEY ON BUS FARES
The 16-19 Bus Saver offers an additional third off discount on the Β£2 fare cap, meaning your single bus journey will cost less than Β£2.
It's a new discount scheme for young people aged 16 to 19 who live in Cheshire East. With the pass, you can save a third on adult single fares across all bus services, as long as your journey is within, starts, or ends in Cheshire East.
Find out more & apply online here:
www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/public_transport/bus-passes-and-tickets/16-19-bus-saver.aspx
WHAT ISSUES ARE YOU EXPERIENCING?
TELL OUR LOCAL POLICING TEAM!
Take 2 minutes to complete the anonymous Residents Voice Survey
www.cheshire.police.uk/residentsvoicecrewe
π§ WORKING TO GET HIGHWAYS ISSUES FIXED π§
I recently reported a couple of issues to Cheshire East Highways:
π¦ The poor condition of the road near the pedestrian crossing on Bradfield Road.
π‘ An insecure lamp post column on Minshull New Road.
I have been advised by Highways that the pothole issue was repaired last week to make it safe. Iβll be visiting the site to check the repair and see if any additional work is needed.
If you notice any similar issues, please report them to Highways by calling 0300 123 5020 or using the FixMyStreet app.
LEIGHTON BROOK PARK TIDY UP - FRANK WEBB AVENUE
I noticed that the perimeter fencing around Leighton Brook Park on Frank Webb Avenue was becoming very overgrown and looking a bit of a mess with brambles spreading towards the footpath. It certainly grows quickly!
Thank you to the ANSA team who recently responded to my request and gave it a good cut back. It certainly looks much tider now!
If there's something you've spotted that you think needs attention, let me know using the link below π
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/contact/
Cllr James Pratt
Crewe St Barnabas Police have been out on Patrol across our area this afternoon including the Frank Bott fields near Windsor avenue.
Let our local policing team know about what issues matter to you. Take 2 minutes and fill in the anonymous Residents Voice Survey π
www.cheshire.police.uk/residentsvoicecrewe
COMMUNITY COHESION GROUP - PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON OUR LOCAL POLICING
Wednesday 15th January 2025 β 7:30pm -21:30 Crewe Lifestyle Centre.
Community Cohesion Groups (CCG) bring together individuals who live and/or work in the local community to scrutinise local police activity.
You will have the opportunity to review crimes and look at body worn footage, offering your feedback and opinions on what you are shown including Stop and Search, Use of Force and Hate Crime reports.
In addition to these, you will have the opportunity to look at other areas of concern in your local area during the Community Forum.
If you are interested in attending please email amelia.jones@cheshire.police.uk
CLEMENT DRIVE - STREET LIGHT 6... NOW WORKING! π‘
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! πͺ
If there's a street lighting issue near you, please log it on the FixMyStreet app, or online: www.fixmystreet.com/
FRANK WEBB AVENUE - FLY TIPPING REPORTED
Iβve been out and about across our area this week and have reported 7 instances of fly-tipping, including this massive pile behind the alleygate at the top of Frank Webb Avenue, near West Street. If you have any information about where this came from, please call 0300 123 5015 and quote reference 6939937.
If you spot any fly-tipping, letβs work together to keep St Barnabas clean and safe. Report it so it can be investigated and cleared. Just call 0300 123 5015 to make a difference!
Or report online π
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
MINSHULL NEW ROAD - POTHOLE PATROL
I visited Minshull New Road this week, and noticed several new potholes on the section between Badger Avenue and West Street. A couple were recently fixed, but Iβve reported six more to request interim repairs since the safety risks are still a major concern.
Iβm still working to secure permanent improvements to the road surface on Minshull New Road, but the condition remains poor. While the highways department has made some temporary repairs, they haven't fully addressed the ongoing issues.
I wonβt stop pushing for a long-term fix and will continue to make sure this stays on their radar.
Thanks for your patience and support as I keep working to get this sorted!
If you spot a pothole, please report it online π
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
βοΈ GRITTING CONCERNS NEAR LEIGHTON HOSPITAL βοΈ
Iβve 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.
This afternoon, Iβve 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.
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 this morning 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 itβs urgent outside of working hours.
POTHOLE PATROL - UNDERWOOD LANE
My Pothole Patrol is continues this week, and Iβve been out on Underwood Lane! ππ₯
Iβve raised concerns with highways about the potholes around the speed cushions and requested repairs. Deja vu... seems like I was doing this exact thing last year too! π€¦ββοΈ
If only there was a rainbow with a pot of gold to fund proper road repairs. For now, though, Iβll keep doing my best to push for fixes with what resources I have available. ππͺ
Thanks for your continued support as I keep pushing for better roads!
Help me to keep making St Barnabas Better! - report issues online (including potholes!) π
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
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.
β¨ Safety tips for parking outside schools
When picking up or dropping off children at schools, you should do the following:
β° Allow yourself plenty of time as the area is likely to be busy.
β Do not park on yellow zigzag lines and avoid parking opposite them.
βοΈ If you decide to park further away, please be considerate of local residents and avoid blocking driveways or access ways.
π Even better, have you thought about walking to school?
Save money! Save fuel! Get more active, itβs an opportunity to spend more time with them before and after school and, if you combine your walks with other parents and children, itβs a fantastic way for both you and your kids to get to know new people.
π¨ Please report any parking concerns by calling 101 or via Operation Park Safe
www.cheshire.police.uk/police-forces/cheshire-constabulary/areas/cheshire/campaigns/op-park-safe
POTHOLE PATROL - WEST STREET
Despite my best efforts over the past 18 months to secure permanent improvements to the road surface on West Street, the condition remains poor, with only temporary, ad hoc repairs being made in response to issues Iβve raised with the highways department.
Although Iβve been in frequent contact with highways in an attempt to secure lasting repairs, progress has been slow. This section of West Street has been added to the works improvement plan, but Iβm still waiting for confirmation as to whether it will be included in any upcoming scheduled works Regardless of the outcome, I will continue to push for permanent repairs and work to keep this issue on their radar.
Today, I inspected West Street once again and found several new potholes. While a few have been repaired recently, I have reported six more to request interim repairs, as the ongoing safety concerns remain urgent.
If you spot a pothole, please report it online π
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
BROOM STREET / FALLOWFIELD COURT
Thank you to the residents who informed me about a recent fly-tipping incident on Broom Street, near the garages by Fallowfield Court.
This area is managed by Guinness Housing. I've contacted them today, and they are making arrangements to have the fly-tipping cleared, thank you!
If you need to report any issues to Guinness Housing, you can reach them at 0303 123 1890.
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 carried out earlier today. 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.
SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESS - CHINESE TAKEAWAY REOPENS
Itβs 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 youβre not in the mood to cook this week, 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. Itβs a perfect way to enjoy a great meal without the hassle!
Order online:
www.wonderfulcrewe.co.uk/
KEEPING WARM IN THE COLD WEATHER
With the cold weather hitting this week, it's important to check in on our elderly and vulnerable neighbours and family.
Recent cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment have left a lot of pensioners without the support they need, making it harder for them to stay warm in this freezing weather.
If you or someone you know is struggling, I put together some information on support available which you may find useful.
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/keep-warm-this-winter-help-and-advice/
Letβs all look out for each other and make sure everyone is safe and warm during this cold snap. Donβt hesitate to ask for help if you need it!
STREET LIGHTING FAULT UPDATE
I am aware of a street lighting issue affecting Sandiway Road, Westbourne Avenue, Windsor Avenue, and Falmouth Road.
I am working closely with the highways team to resolve this. I visited the affected roads this evening to assess the situation and speak with residents.
I have contacted the highways street lighting manager to raise my concerns and highlight the priority of the repair
I will continue to push for a quick resolution, as it is clearly unacceptable to have roads without any lighting.
MISSED BIN COLLECTIONS
Some residents have reported missed grey recycling bin collections on New Yearβs Eve.
If this affects you, please call 0300 123 5011 or use the link below to log a missed collection for your property.
www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling/bins/missed-bin-collections.aspx
You can report a missed collection up to 2 working days after the scheduled date. Please wait until after 6PM on collection day to report a missed bin, as the team may still be working until this time.
Ensure your bins are placed at the edge of your property by 6:30AM on your scheduled collection day, and return them to your property promptly once emptied.
REFLECTING ON 2024 - A LOOK BACK AT THE PAST YEAR
As 2024 comes to a close, Iβve been reflecting on the year thatβs passed - my first full year as the councillor for Crewe St Barnabas. It's been a year full of achievements, memorable events, and those small wins that make a big difference to our community.
A huge thank you to everyone who has supported and helped me along the way including Leighton Academy, Underwood West Academy, The Guinness Partnership, Start Well at The Wishing Well, Ansa Environmental Services Ltd, Crewe Town Council, Cheshire East Highways Morrisons Crewe and many more, as well of course the brilliant residents of St Barnabas. I truly appreciate all your contributions!
Wishing you and your families a wonderful New Year, and all the best for 2025! πβ¨
β¨COMMUNITY CLEAN UP - THANK YOU!β¨
I want to say a massive thank you to the 14 wonderful volunteers of all ages, who joined me this morning 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 photo, 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 today β your hard work and dedication have truly made a difference in our community. Itβs inspiring to see so many come together to keep our surroundings clean and beautiful!
Also thank you to the team Ansa Environmental Services Ltd for their help in picking up the filled bags and other items.
π *Join Us for a Community Clean-Up!* π
*When?* This morning at *10:00 AM*
*Where?* Meet us by the playground at *Leighton Brook Park* (Frank Webb Avenue)
All the equipment you need will be provided β just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to make a difference! We recommend wearing old trainers or boots and something comfortable to move in.
Letβs work together look after our community. *Your help matters!* π
See you there! π
ALLEYWAY CLEAN UP MCNEILL AVENUE / WEST STREET
A massive thank you to Customer Liaison Officer Louise at The Guinness Partnership who helped me to get the alleyway behind McNeill Avenue and West Street cleared up πππ₯
The alleyway was overgrown and becoming impassable for residents, many who raised concerns to me about it. Louise arranged for contractors to clear the overgrowth, and with the support of Ansa Environmental Services Ltd any fly tipping has been cleared and the area is once again clean and tidy.
Help keep this area clear! If you spot fly tipping in the alleyway, please call 0300 123 5011 or report using the FixMyStreet app on your phone. I will also keep an eye on this area π
Remember to keep alley gates LOCKED and secure. If you have lost your alley gate key and need a replacement, please call 01270 375295.
More info on Alley Gates π www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/alley-gates-in-crewe-st-barnabas/
LEIGHTON BROOK PARK COMMUNITY CLEAN UP - SATURDAY 28TH DECEMBER @ 10AM
Just a quick reminder of our Community Clean Up this Saturday 28th December at 10AM in Leighton Brook Park, Frank Webb Avenue.
I hope you can make it - your help will make a real difference to our community by keeping our local park litter free.
All equipment will be supplied, everyone is welcome young or old. Please feel free to do as much or as little as you can manage, because every bit helps! Even if you can't litter pick, please come along and support us.
It's a great opportunity to get out the house and get active during the Christmas holidays, bring the kids and burn off some energy whilst making a positive difference to our community.
Meet near the playground at 10am.
More details:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/community-clean-up-24/
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
Wishing all St Barnabas residents and their families a MERRY CHRISTMAS and all the best for the New Year ahead.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me this past year. The kind words and messages of support from fellow residents have been fantastic.
As we head into the new year there will be new challenges. I won't win every one but I will certainly try! Let's keep making St Barnabas BETTER in 2025!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!
βοΈπ
πβοΈβοΈππ¦
Cllr James Pratt, Crewe St Barnabas
Support from Cheshire East over Christmas:
If you need to contact the Council out of hours, please call 0300 123 5025
For Social Care emergencies, contact the Social Care Out of Hours team on 0300 123 5022.
Guinness Housing Tenants please call 0303 123 1890 for all emergency repairs