Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
FRANK WEBB AVENUE - STREET LIGHTING REPAIRS
It was great to see the street lighting on Frank Webb Avenue finally receiving the repairs I’ve been pushing for – especially the long-awaited repair to the partly installed street light outside the Premier shop. I’ve been chasing this repair for quite some time!
The improvements to the lighting outside the shop and near the bus stop have made the area much brighter and safer for residents.
If you notice a street light that’s not working, you can report it by calling 0300 123 5020 or online here: www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
YOUTH SUPPORT IN LEIGHTON BROOK PARK – EVERY TUESDAY! 
It was great to catch up with Peter and Lauren from the Cheshire East Youth Support team last week – they’re doing fantastic work with our young people 
I’m pleased to say that youth support workers are now popping by Leighton Brook Park on Tuesday evenings!
They’ll be around between 5pm and 8pm – so if you’re in the park, come and say hello 
This kind of detached youth work is all about meeting young people where they are, offering support, advice, and a listening ear – helping them build confidence and make positive choices 
It’s also a great way to strengthen links between young people and their local community, and helps create safer, more welcoming spaces for everyone 
And don’t forget – Street Sports with The Wishing Well takes place every Wednesday from 5–6pm, also in Leighton Brook Park 
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
ZEBRA CROSSING – FLOWERS LANE UPDATE
I’ve been concerned for some time about the condition of the zebra crossing on Flowers Lane near Gordon Geddes Way — the road markings have significantly faded, making it harder for drivers to spot the crossing, which has understandably raised safety concerns from local residents.
Although this location isn’t within St Barnabas ward, many local residents have contacted me about it, especially those who regularly walk this route to and from Leighton Hospital. The issue was even more apparent during the recent "Walk to Work Day", when several Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust staff raised it with me directly.
I had already flagged this with Cheshire East Highways, but I’ve continued to press for action - and I’m really pleased to confirm that lining renewal works are now included in a current programme and should be completed very soon as the works move to this area.
In the meantime, temporary signage has been installed to alert drivers to the faded markings.
Thanks to everyone who got in touch — I’ll be keeping an eye on progress and will post again once the work is done.
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
DARLINGTON AVENUE - SHOPPING TROLLEY & FLYTIPPING REPORTED
A supermarket trolley has been left abandoned on Darlington Avenue, along with multiple flytipping spots around the area. 
I've already put in a request to have the trolley removed and the fly tipping cleared, but I need YOUR help!
SEE IT, REPORT IT! 
If you spot issues like this around our area, don’t hesitate to report them so we can get them sorted quickly! From lost trolleys to flytipping, we can all help make our community cleaner and safer.
Report any issues you spot online here: www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
Let's work together to keep Darlington Avenue and our whole area looking great! 
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
BEECHMERE FIRE – UPCOMING TRIAL
Many of us in Crewe -and especially here in St Barnabas - remember the devastating fire at Beechmere Retirement Village in August 2019, which destroyed the home and community of around 150 older residents. It was a day that deeply affected not only people in St Barnabas, but also the wider Crewe community.
Next week, on Tuesday 6 May, the trial begins at Chester Crown Court into alleged breaches of fire safety regulations by four companies involved in the design, assessment, management and maintenance of Beechmere.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is bringing the prosecution under the Fire Safety (Regulatory Reform) Order 2005. The four companies, all of whom deny the charges, face 14 allegations in total. The case is expected to run for 8–10 weeks.
You can read more about the charges here:
www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/news-events/latest-news/beechmere/
This is an important moment for many families, former residents, and frontline responders who were impacted by what happened. I know how raw the memories still are for many of you. I’ll be following the proceedings closely as I'm sure many of you will be too.
If you or someone you know is still affected by the events at Beechmere and would like support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. This community continues to stand with those affected.
I hope to be able to share some more positive news about the future of the site relatively soon.
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
LATEST NEWSLETTER NOW OUT!
The newest edition of my email newsletter is flying into inboxes as we speak! 
This month, I’m giving a big shoutout to Wishing Well for their brilliant Easter HAF sessions, plus updates on:
Community policing
Road safety & speeding
Support for young people
Alleyway improvement projects
My thoughts on regenerating our town centre
...and loads more I’ve been working on in and around St Barnabas!
If you haven’t subscribed yet, now’s a great time — it only takes a moment 
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/newsletter/
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
MAKING THE MOST OF THE SUNSHINE!
Leighton Brook Park is looking amazing in the sunshine today! We're so lucky to have this fantastic space right on our doorstep — from the brilliant playground and MUGA to the open areas for sport and the lovely natural spots by the brook and woods.
And don’t forget — STREET SPORTS is on TONIGHT at 5pm in the MUGA! Come along, get active, and join in the fun. Everyone's welcome!
Let’s make the most of the good weather! 
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
JOB VACANCY - EAT WELL SERVICE AT WISHING WELL
Catering assistant and delivery driver. Details below
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
YOUTH WORKERS IN LEIGHTON BROOK PARK - TUESDAY EVENINGS
I've been working with Cheshire East Council to get more support for our young people - and I’m really pleased to say Cheshire East Youth Support workers are now visiting Leighton Brook Park on Tuesday evenings!
Come and say hello from 6pm tonight – they'll be dropping by on Tuesdays between 5pm–8pm in Leighton Brook Park.
Detached youth work means meeting young people where they are, offering support, guidance, and someone to talk to. It’s all about helping them make positive choices and feel supported and confident
It also helps build stronger connections between young people and their communities – and plays a part in creating safer, more welcoming public spaces for everyone
Don't forget on Wednesdays we also have Street Sports with Wishing Well from 5-6pm too, also in Leighton Brook Park.
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
MINSHULL NEW ROAD – SAFETY CONCERNS
Many residents have contacted me recently about ongoing concerns with road safety and speeding on Minshull New Road. This is an issue I have been raising with Cheshire East Highways for some time without any meaningful response, despite my ongoing efforts.
From what I recall, there have been around four accidents in this area recently — the most recent only last week.
It’s particularly worrying that these incidents are happening near Leighton Academy one of our primary schools.
As part of the North West Crewe Package (NWCP) – the new road network around the hospital – work was supposed to be carried out to improve safety around the school and move traffic onto the new roads. However, I am very concerned that during the opening of the NWCP, the Chair of the Highways Committee stated, “These works have also helped to create a safer environment for children coming to and from Leighton Academy – another positive aspect of this worthy project,” when, in fact, no work had actually been carried out!
Only this Sunday, Crewe St Barnabas Police carried out a speed check on Minshull New Road and recorded vehicles travelling at 41mph in what is a 30mph zone.
Please slow down – speeding puts lives at risk, especially near our schools.
Today, I have written again to Highways and Planning to reiterate the urgent need for these works to be completed to protect our community, particularly our children.
I will keep pushing for improvements and will keep asking the questions until I get answers!
I’ll continue to press for progress and will keep residents updated.
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
We have taken the Trucam out on to Minshull New Road today.
Vehicles were recorded travelling up to 41mph on this 30mph residential street past a park.
Slow down.
#Fatal5
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
HAVE YOUR SAY ON LOCAL POLICING IN ST BARNABAS
Please give your feedback on policing in our area and let Crewe St Barnabas Police know of any general concerns. Please complete the anonymous Residents Voice Survey and select St Barnabas as our area
www.cheshire.police.uk/residentsvoicecrewe
Please report any specific non emergency concerns by calling 101.
If anyone is in danger or if private or public property is being damaged, always call 999
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM DOORSTEP CRIME
As the warmer months approach, you might see an increase in cold callers offering services like gardening or home improvements. While doorstep cold calling isn’t illegal, it’s important to stay vigilant.
Here are some tips to keep yourself safe:
Keep doors locked and don’t open to unannounced visitors. 
Speak to them through a window if you’re unsure. 
Don’t be pressured or intimidated by callers. 
Always ask for ID and verify the company they claim to be from. 
If in doubt, ask them to leave and arrange a written appointment. 
Consider joining a Neighbourhood Watch and set up a personal password with service providers.
Remember – you’re in control of your door! If you feel threatened, call 999 immediately. If you spot a bogus caller, report it to the police on 101.
Stay safe this spring and summer, and don’t hesitate to ask family and friends for support! 
Read more online here:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/crime-prevention-advice-doorstep-crime/
#BogusCallers #StaySafe #SpringSafety #CommunitySupport
REGENERATING OUR TOWN CENTRE
OPINION: Residential units can play 'vital role' in regenerating Crewe town centre
Crewe St Barnabas councillor, James Pratt (Conservative), given his opinion to Nub News on how new town centre residential units can revitalise the area.
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
*PLEASE STOP LITTERING!*
This little hedgehog was spotted nibbling on a McDonald's wrapper on Rolls avenue tonight, mistaking it for food. 
It might look cute at first glance, but it's heartbreaking — our rubbish is endangering local wildlife.
Fast food packaging, bottles, and wrappers don’t just “disappear.” They stick around, harming animals and polluting our environment. 
If you can carry it to eat it, you can carry it home to bin it. Let’s protect the animals who live here — they deserve better. 
#KeepItClean #LitterKills #LoveWhereYouLive #ProtectWildlife #HedgehogFriendly
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
BADGER AVENUE SUBSTATION - FLYTIPPING CLEARED
A huge thank you to Michael, a contractor for SP Energy Networks, who responded quickly to my request and cleared the recent flytipping from inside the substation on Badger Avenue.
Flytipping inside an electrical substation is completely unacceptable, especially as emergency access is needed at all times. We’ve all seen the dangers of incidents at substations in the media recently, and it’s something we must take seriously.
If you spot any flytipping that needs clearing, please report it online here:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
Let’s work together to keep our community safe and clean! 
#Flytipping #CommunitySafety #BadgerAvenue
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
HAPPY EASTER & THANK YOU!
As we head into the Easter bank holiday weekend and the final days of the half term holidays, I’d like to take a moment to wish you all a lovely long weekend – whether you're celebrating Easter or just enjoying a break. 
It’s been brilliant to see so many of you getting involved in the activities across our community this week. A big thank you to everyone who came along to our holiday sessions – especially the 105 young people who attended at Leighton Brook Park. Your support and enthusiasm really brought the events to life!
Special thanks to The Wishing Well team for organising such fun and engaging activities for local children and families right here in our local park, and to Morrisons Crewe for their generous donation of Easter eggs, which made Wednesday’s Easter egg hunt extra special. 
It was also lovely to see Crewe St Barnabas supporting the community throughout the week – a fantastic team effort that shows what can be achieved when we work together.
And there’s more to come! Keep following my Facebook page for updates on upcoming events and activities taking place in Crewe over the summer holidays – there’s lots to look forward to!
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
REACHING OUT TO THE COMMUNITY – DUNELM CREWE NEEDS YOU!
The team at Dunelm Crewe is taking part in a fundraiser in support of Age UK’s Act Now, Age Better campaign. Their goal is to raise £1,955 between Wednesday 30th April and Tuesday 6th May.
They’re reaching out to the amazing Crewe community for help with the following items to support their efforts:
Tombola gifts – chocolates, unwanted gifts, biscuits, etc.
Lucky dip prizes – small items such as books, DVDs, and similar.
If any local or larger businesses would like to donate a prize, the team will happily give you a well-deserved shout-out during the fundraiser!
All donations need to be dropped off in-store by Tuesday 29th April.
A huge thank you for your continued support!
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
NEED HELP TO STOP SMOKING? TRY THE NEW APP!
There’s a lot of negative press about smoking, but today, I want to focus on the positives of quitting! Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and the benefits start almost immediately.
Reduced Risk of Serious Diseases
Quitting significantly lowers your chances of developing smoking-related illnesses, and the longer you stay smoke-free, the greater the benefits:
After 1 year – Your risk of a heart attack is halved compared to a smoker.
After 10 years – Your risk of dying from lung cancer falls to half that of a smoker.
After 15 years – Your heart attack risk is the same as someone who has never smoked.
Plus, you’ll be less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, eye disease, and even dementia.
Download the Free NHS Quit Smoking App
Need support to quit? The NHS Quit Smoking app provides personalised help to keep you on track!
With the app, you can:
Track your progress
See how much you're saving
Get daily support
Be inspired by others who’ve quit
Once you reach 28 days smoke-free, you're much more likely to quit for good!
Every day smoke-free is a step towards a healthier, longer life. If you're thinking about quitting, take that first step today – your future self will thank you! 
www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
#QuitSmoking #HealthyLiving #SmokeFreeLife #PositiveChanges #NHSQuitSmokingApp
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
ROUNDABOUT MARKINGS REPAINTED!
I’ve had a number of residents raise concerns with me about the traffic issues at the Crewe Road/Macon Way roundabout, particularly near the fire station and B&Q.
It's clear that gridlock has often been caused by blocked junction exits, with the box junction markings having worn away over time, making them barely visible.
I took this up with Highways, and while they didn’t agree with my suggestion of adding signs saying "Only enter the box junction if exit is clear," I’m pleased to share that they have now repainted the markings!
Fingers crossed this will make the junction clearer, and if we all stick to the rules, traffic flow should improve. Let’s help keep Crewe moving! 
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
FLY-TIPPING ON REDWOOD DRIVE
This afternoon I was out on Redwood Drive after concerns were raised by local residents about recent fly-tipping in the area.
I had some good conversations with residents and dropped off information to nearby homes about how to properly dispose of waste and how to report fly-tipping if you see it.
Don’t forget – you can dispose of household waste for free at Pyms Lane Household Waste and Recycling Centre (CW1 3PJ)
www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling/using-household-waste-recycling-centres/using-household-waste-recycling-centres.aspx
To report fly-tipping, call 0300 123 5011 or use this link to report it online:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue
Let’s all do our bit to keep Crewe St Barnabas clean and tidy 
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
WISHING WELL @ LEIGHTON BROOK PARK TODAY
FREE EASTER HALF TERM ACTIVITIES!
Don't forget to join the The Wishing Well team in our local park today!
2pm – 4pm | FREE Holiday Activities & Food (HAF)
Fun games, sports, crafts, and music – plus a meal included!
Easter egg hunt! Thanks to Morrisons Crewe for their donation!
5pm – 6pm | FREE Street Sports
Evening sports and team activities in the games area!
Ages 4 - 16. Children over 8 can attend independently if they are able to attend to their own personal care needs. No booking needed, but please register and sign in on arrival.
Leighton Brook Park, Frank Webb Avenue CW1 3NE
For any queries, call 07894 123413 or 01270 256919
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
EASTER EGG DONATION FROM MORRISONS
A massive thank you to Morrisons Crewe for their generous donation of over 20 Easter eggs for our upcoming Easter Egg Hunt with The Wishing Well team, taking place tomorrow afternoon!
Come along for some fantastic family fun from 2pm tomorrow at Leighton Brook Park (just off Frank Webb Avenue) as part of our holiday activities & food sessions
Then stay for Street Sports at 5pm in the MUGA!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Leighton Brook Park, Frank Webb Avenue, Crewe CW1 3NE
Wednesday 16th April, 2pm – 6pm
For more details, visit: www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/free-kids-activities-this-easter-half-term
#Crewe #EasterFun #CommunityEvent #<a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/ThankYouMorrisons" class="eflb-hash" target="_blank">ThankYouMorrisons #WishingWell #StreetSports
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Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
WHAT’S ON THIS EASTER IN LEIGHTON BROOK PARK!
I’m always working to bring more activities for young people to our area, from Pop-Up in the Parks to Crewe Alex in the Community and Street Sports. So, I’m really excited to share that the HAF programme run by Wishing Well is coming to Leighton Brook Park this Easter!
Wednesday 16th April
2pm – 4pm | FREE Holiday Activities & Food (HAF)
Fun games, sports, crafts, and music – plus a meal included!
5pm – 6pm | FREE Street Sports
Evening sports and team activities in the games area!
Children over 8 can attend independently if they are able to attend to their own personal care needs. No booking needed, but please register and sign in on arrival.
For any queries, please call 07894 123413
Let’s make this Easter one to remember! 
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
EASTER HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES *TODAY*!
Crewe, St Barnabas - Councillor James Pratt
MINSHULL NEW ROAD – RAILINGS (FINALLY!) REPLACED!
I think we had all got a bit too used to those ‘temporary’ plastic barriers near the roundabout on Minshull New Road! This is something I’ve been pushing highways to sort for a long time – and at last, it’s done!
A huge thank you to Andrea, our senior highways officer, for her help in getting this sorted. It looks so much better now! 
If you spot a highways issue, report it online or let me know:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/