Wistaston fundraiser

One for your diary, and plenty of notice... Wistaston Memorial Hall & Community Centre’s Annual Duck Race and Children’s Model Boat Race takes place on Saturday 11th September, at the Recreation Ground, Joey the Swan, Wistaston, plus a number of charity stalls will also be in attendance.  The event is sponsored by Cheshire Conservatories and Windows Ltd. Stalls open from 1pm, the children’s Model Boat Race starts at 2:30pm. Duck Race starts at 3:15pm. Duck Race tickets = £1 each.

Duck Race prizes: • First placed duck = £100 (plus a trophy donated by Les Fothergill, 2006 Wistonian of the Year) • Second placed duck = £50 • Third placed duck = £25

Children’s Model Boat Race (maximum length of boat is 25cm) prizes: • First place = £5 book token (plus a trophy donated by Herbert Locke MBE) • Second place = £3 book token • Third place = £2 book token • Also a new competition for the best designed boat – prizes £5, £3, £2.The proceeds will go to the Memorial Hall funds.

Young footy players wanted

Crewe boys team Leighton Lions is holding a footy trial this Friday as they search for additional players to compliment the existing team that plays in the Sunday morning South Cheshire League. The team is U12 age group, so players will be starting year 7 at senior school this September. Usual rules and regulations apply, subs will be £3 each week, league sign-on fee required etc. The team trains each Friday at the King George V playing fields, between 7pm and 8.15pm. Please contact Stuart Sims on 01270-500611 or Raymond Lindsay on 01270-586721 if your lad is interested. You can also email Stuart on s.sims2@sky.com. Trial date is: Friday 30th July, 7pm - 8.15pm

Spotlight on local students

Ex-BBC director Reg Sanders teamed up with students at South Cheshire College to create a viral campaign ahead of the Nantwich Live TV Talent Extravaganza Event in August. Reg called on the skills of Performing Arts students to produce the short masterpiece which encourages people to upload their own auditions on the You Tube website for the brand new live show. Students were filmed by Reg, who is an expert in 3D cinematography, on a 3D camera rig, to build the buzz ahead of the event on Sunday 1st August. The Nantwich Live TV Talent Extravaganza will take Dorfold Park in Nantwich by storm and is set to be one of the biggest family events of the summer.

The cream of UK television talent from the most recent X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent contests will be appearing at the show and include Lemar, Stavros Flatley and John and Edward. Ade Baker, Film Production and Management Lecturer at college, worked alongside Reg for the film shoot and was delighted with how the students peformed. Ade said: “The students had a fantastic time working with Reg and were inspired by his energy and enthusiasm. Having the opportunity to work with a ‘real life’ director is also great for their CVs and Reg is an excellent contact for the College who we look forward to working with again in the future.”

Talented students who starred in the campaign can be seen by visiting www.youtube.com/nantwichlive. Reg said: “Working with Ade and the students at South Cheshire College has been wonderful and to have such a pool of talent on the doorstep is a real bonus.” For more information about Performing Arts and Film and Media courses at South Cheshire College please call 01270-654654 or visit http://www.s-cheshire.ac.uk/

Nantwich Show

The rain kinda held off for the Nantwich Show, well for most of the day. Cheers to Sam Hulse for the following photo diary of the day at Dorfold Park on the edge of Nantwich...

Alex Target 3000

With the new season fast approaching everyone at Crewe Alex hopes that a decent pre-season will see supporters back in numbers for the first game at Gresty Road. They are also hoping that more fans will take up the excellent season ticket offer (see here). The Crewe Alexandra Supporters' Initiative are backing the Target 3000 campaign, and they issued this statement as we approach the ticket deadline...

"The 2010/2011 football season starts on the 7th August, and we at the Crewe Alexandra Supporters initiative encourage all Crewe Alex supporters to purchase a season ticket as part of our continued support of TARGET 3000. The players have asked for the fans to be there twelfth man, and help them push for better this year. Let us show our continued support, by pushing the number of season tickets above the magic 3000 number, so that we can all enjoy the benefits of cash back and hopefully witness a very successful season."

Alex win (again), and there's a new face in that little PA box...

Another friendly, another win chalked up for the Alex. In terms of Crewe's prospects in this season's League Two campaign it's hard to gauge. Blackpool fielded a mish-mash of trialists and fringe players, while the Alex looked at full strength. And it was Miller who scored! More importantly, on the sidelines there was a new face (well, not so new but a change). Brian Smith, 19 years on the mic at Gresty Road, due to business/work commitments has been forced to leave the little box in the corner of the Popside stand. He's been the man playing the tunes and making the announcements at home games since the early 90s. Now the PA at CAFC is in the capable hands of Andy Scoffin, blog regular and Alex supporter of over 40 years. Andy thanked Brian for all his hard work on the pitch before the friendly with Blackpool, and said the most daunting thing is unprouncable player surnames -none of those in the Alex squad, thankfully. Andy will oversee two games at Gresty Road this Saturday, as following the main match vs Wrexham both clubs under 14 teams take to the pitch... 

Vinefest this Saturday

Saturday 31st July: Vinefest @ The Vine pub, Shavington. Free entry, with collections for charity. The organisers will be raising money for the North West Air Ambulance. Live music, classic cars, motorcycles and a BBQ. From 12 noon... 

Check out all other music, festivals, Crewe Carnival info on the Crewe Gig Guide HERE

Funding pulled on Crewe projects

We all know that more grim financial news is coming, perhaps in the autumn and affecting lives from early 2011 onwards. Before that, there was a kick in the teeth for a number of big Crewe projects that were in line to receive funding from the North West Development Agency (cheers to Chris for the snippet). Sadly, the agency revealed that "all un-committed projects will not receive NWDA funding in 2010/11, there will be no new new financial commitments in 2011/12 and operational funding for most partner organisations will not be renewed."

The projects to be hit hardest in this area are:

• Crewe Rail Gateway
• Crewe Green/Basford Link Road
• Crewe Vision Partnership, contribution to costs

The last item concerns me most, as I wonder if this will see the overall "Vision" project put on hold for a year or more!

Beach volleyball in Crewe

To cheer you up a tad while the unsummery weather persists, just think about some beach volleyball here in Crewe. Really, and two female international beach volleyball players are hoping Cheshire East serves up a smash hit. On August 1st the players from the Vanuatu Islands in the South Pacific are to be welcomed to their new training camp in Crewe in preparation to fulfil their Olympic dream and qualify for London 2012. Henriette Iatika and Miller Elwin will be hosted through a partnership between Cheshire East Council and Manchester Metropolitan University Cheshire (MMUC). The girls will be based at Booth Hall, part of the MMUC campus. They will have the opportunity to train at various state-of-the-art sports facilities including a new beach volleyball facility that will be open for future use by a new Cheshire East beach volleyball club. MMUC was named last year as an official 2012 pre-Games training camp. It was agreed that a beach volleyball court would be built at the Crewe sports campus as part of the legacy for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralymic games. The aim is to bring people together through sport and create a lasting legacy for Cheshire East. The volleyball team and their Australian coach will be able to enjoy all that Cheshire East has to offer in between playing at three qualifying tournaments in Finland, Norway and the Netherlands.

Coucillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing said: “We’re very excited to be working with MMUC and can’t wait to host the volleyball team and show them all the things we have available here in Cheshire East. They will have the opportunity to bring some sporting inspiration to other young people through their competitive energy and share their culture and customs with us.”

Dennis Dunn, Dean of MMUC and Pro Vice Chancellor of MMU added: ”We feel extremely proud to welcome this international team to Cheshire East. “We look forward to hosting the athletes throughout their trip and providing them with an educating and fulfilling experience of the North West. We hope they will take away some happy memories and lasting new friendships when they return home.” 

There is an opportunity to meet the beach volleyball team at the Playday event at Shavington Leisure Centre in Crewe on August 4 from midday. Miller and Henriette will be received by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Roger West and meet local children.

Local MP concerned about littering

Local MP Edward Timpson was criticised in his first couple of years for not asking many questions in "The House" down in London Town. Not necessary true, but he's certainly been making himself heard in recent weeks. Speaking to the Leader of the House, Sir George Young, Mr Timpson highlighted the problem of littering and the fact that it cost the country over £850 million a year, including a shocking increase of over £100 million in the last year alone. Sir George agreed that even small efforts could help during tough economic times. He said: "I hope that all citizens will take their responsibilities seriously and avoid putting extra pressure on local authorities by increasing the sums that they have to spend on clearing up litter."

Mr Timpson said he had raised the issue because of feedback he had received from a recent leaflet. Many Crewe and Nantwich residents had expressed concerns about the amount of litter on the streets. He said: "Littering may seem a trivial matter, but it's something that affects people every day. Councils spend hundreds of millions keeping the streets clean, but if we all were a bit more thoughtful I'm sure we could reduce that burden. Nothing infuriates me more than to see someone drop litter needlessly, whether it is on the street, in a park or out of a car window. There is no excuse."

You can check out the local MP's website HERE, where you will find details about getting in touch with him. 

More from the Queen's visit...

I bumped into my old mate Bohdan last week and discovered that he'd been at Crewe Station when the Queen visited recently. Now he's a man usually armed with a camera, and sure enough he'd grabbed a few pictures that day. So, a few more for those with an interest in the lady from Buckingham Palace...

Cheshire East Council rejects election changes

Cheshire East Council has rejected proposals to nearly double the number of electoral wards. The council says the Local Government Boundary Commission has failed to listen to the concerns of local residents and councillors – and that the proposed changes would be too complex and costly. The Local Government Boundary Commission (LGBC) for England has proposed increasing the number of Cheshire East wards from 27 to 52 and boosting the number of councillors from 81 to 82. Under its proposals, Cheshire East Council would have six three-member wards, 18 two-member wards and 28 single-member wards. The LGBC says it will make ward representation fairer and reflect expected shifts in population. But Cheshire East councillors voted by 48 votes to 18 to reject the LGBC recommendations.

Cheshire East Council Leader Wesley Fitzgerald said: “The Boundary Commission has failed to listen to our concerns or listen to the people of East Cheshire – and we want the Government to step in on our behalf. We accept the proposal to increase the number of councillors to 82 but we need to ensure that council wards reflect local community identities and the links between communities. We need wards that would help provide convenient and effective local government.”

Not in our back yard

Wind turbines will always be controvercial, although most accept that we must explore and exploit all 'green' forms of energy. The turbine outside Tesco supermarket has always fascinated me, mainly because it never seems to be in action generating energy. They must cost a fortune to make, transport and install, so you wonder if some of them are simply to tick boxes and satisfy committees. Anyway, there's a proposal to site a new turbine on the Blakelow Business Park out near Shavington. As you can imagine, the local are revolting (no jokes, please). A campaign to block the planning application is being led by councillors Brian Silvester and Margaret Simon on the grounds that there will be a "detrimental impact on the visual landscape, noise pollution" and that something called 'shadow flicker' will occur at certain times of the day, thus affecting properties in the turbine's line of sight. Is this a classic example of Nimbyism, or should such turbines be kept out of sight, out of mind? Would you have one within a few hundred yards of your home?

Added interest in Sunday/Monday's papers, as Chris Huhne (the Energy Secretary) has stated that he will push for increased numbers of wind turbines on and offshore to boost the UK's production of renewable power. For info, there are currently 253 wind farms operating in the UK, with another 12 offshore. A further 468 wind farms are planned.

Edward Timpson raises Crewe sorting office move in the House of Commons

Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson is keeping up the political pressure to make sure workers at Crewe sorting office get a fair hearing. Mr Timpson raised the matter again during business questions in the House of Commons last week when he said: “So that areas already hard hit by the Labour party's broken promises on moving public sector jobs to the north do not suffer any more, may we find time for a debate on the distribution of Royal Mail jobs, particularly when we have a melée of a debate about privatisation, so that the 600 workers for Crewe's second largest employer get the attention that they deserve?”

The centre on Weston Road is due to close, with services moved to Warrington, and some workers are being bussed there already. But the Communication Workers’ Union, alongside Mr Timpson, have fought a long campaign to keep at least some jobs in Crewe. In response to Mr Timpson’s question the Leader of the House of Commons paid tribute the MP’s work saying:  “I commend my hon. Friend's actions to protect local jobs and I have read his comment on ConservativeHome, which records his concern about the Crewe sorting office.”

Last Friday Mr Timpson’s office managed to secure a short-notice meeting with the Lid Dem Special Advisor at the Department of Business after Edward spoke to Vince Cable in person. Speaking afterwards Mr Timpson said: "They have promised to go away and look again more closely aat which of the two significant buildings is sold at the request of myself and the CWU. Let's wait and see what they come back with." 

Delamere Forest

Every school holidays I get emails from blog readers asking where to take the kids - on a budget! More so this year, with cash tight for most. So today three of us headed out to Delamere Forest, only 25 minutes in the car, a hefty bike ride if you're fit enough, or even by train (if you don't mind changing at Chester). The eldest had gone to the Crocky Trail (at Waverton, on the way to Chester) with his footy team mates, so we thought we'd take the little fella somewhere to burn some energy, get close to nature and have a picnic. Cheshire's largest woodland area ticks all the boxes, with several walking routes (some made accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs) of various lengths, a visitor centre (with cafe), bike hire, picnic areas and plenty of water. As you can see from the top snap, kids and throwing stones is something that never changes.

On your travels you see groups on bikes, ponies and plenty of dogs - usually in the water. This fine Springer Spaniel was happy to pose at the water's edge, before splashing everyone and demanding another stick to be thrown. So you can grab a half/full day treking around the forest for the price of a car parking ticket. All good healthy fun. If you want a bit more (and have the cash) there's also a Go Ape adventure centre within the forest, self-explanatory, but you can check out the details here if that's your kinda thing. I've added links to Delamere Forest and the Crocky Trail in the "Days out near Crewe" section, halfway down the right-hand side of the blog...

Crewe to Scarborough, by steam...

Cheers to Cliff Gallimore for the excellent snap, showing the start of the Crewe to Scarborough steam-hauled service. Trains will be running every Friday, with the 6201 Princess Elizabeth, 6233 Duchess of Sutherland and 60019 Bittern engines to be used over the comming weeks. The 6201 is seen here passing Crewe's Sydney Bridge... 

Vuvuzela hits Nantwich!

The old market town of Nantwich needs waking up a bit, so a few hundred Crewies and a Vuvuzela was just the tonic on a dreary Saturday afternoon by the River Weaver. Ok, so there was only one of the horns that were the main talking point of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, but young Matthew (yep, his mum said it was ok to use the snap and list his name) gave his new instrument a regular blast throughout the game, especially when the Alex were romping home in the second half.

A second string Crewe side took to the field as the morning's sunshine turned to light rain, and a scrappy first half threatened to play out without incident. It was all a bit cat and mouse. I was, however, impressed with the Alex defence, regularly stubbing out what little attack Nantwich had to offer. Alex old boy Rodney Jack still has a decent touch but the legs are gone. He had to pass when once upon a time he'd have flown down the wing leaving a defender in his wake.

At t'other end the Alex didn't have too much to offer, but a Jimmy McCarthy opener eventually saw the Alex start to play with more style. Former Dabbers youngster Kelvin Mellor headed two before the break and he looks a decent prospect. What puzzled many of the travelling Alex was the rumour that the lads on show were unlikely to feature in the first team. Ok for some of them, especially Joel Grant who blows hot and cold regardless of the opposition, but young AJ Leitch-Smith is a man who knows how to finish. He drilled a couple past the lanky Nantwich 'keeper in the second half to keep fans interested and suggest that we have depth in attack should the likes of Zola fail to deliver in the opening games. It was good to see Kevin Street in the action for the home side, and it was another positive step forward as Dario prepares the lads for League Two action. You can't base much on these friendlies (5-0 was about right), so perhaps Tuesday's game with Blackpool (when the real first teamers step forward) will give us a better idea. Here's hoping they let the Vuvuzela inside Gresty Road...

Sandstone fundraiser...

Last Saturday (17th July 2010) five people (Chris Raiswell, Alastair Bain, Ben Reinhardt, Vicky Kearns and Tony Mason) accomplished the amazing feat of walking the entire 34 mile long Sandstone Trail - http://www.sandstonetrail.co.uk/ - in just one day! They all left Whitchurch at 5.10am and arrived at Frodsham at 7.25pm. Tony’s pedometer recorded 72,340 steps in total! A special mention must be made to Ben's wife Ruth who drove all the walkers to Whitchurch at 4.30am on Saturday morning. The walk was in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care - http://www.mariecurie.org.uk/ - and they’ve raised £300, plus another walker (Sam Palin) raised £400 when they completed the same walk last month. If readers would like to make further contributions to the fundraising they can send cheques – payable to ‘Marie Curie Cancer Care’ - to Tony Mason, 1A Eastern Road Willaston Nantwich CW5 7HS. The photograph (thanks to Jonathan white) shows the five walkers, taken at the half-way point at Beeston Castle. 

Pubs - can they survive?

Up early, I fancied getting out and about this morning. It was gorgeous sunshine at 7am and there were a few things I wanted to check out around the town. Mrs Crewe blog had told me that the Cross Keys pub is going to be turned into flats. "What," I said, disturbed that such information had slipped by me unnoticed. "Well it was on Facebook," she said. Well, there you go, just like rumours of old that someone down the pub had said it and, therefore, it must be true! So my trusty cycle took me down North Street and on to the Cross Keys roundabout for my first port of call. I have seen no planning application listed (yet) and there's a standard "To Let" sign up on the side of the boozer suggesting that they are looking to reopen with new management at some point. Still, it's been boarded up good and proper and with a topsy-turvy trading history across the last few years I wonder if time really has been called on another landmark Crewe pub? It's a big plot, and I can't see the planners objecting to a modest housing development. Shame, as this was my local once when we lived off Stoneley Road. I wonder if the pub will be remembered, as the Ashbank (Pym's Lane) was when the new cul-de-sac created next to Rolls Royce/Bentley Motors incorporated the old pub's name? 

Star Quest @ Queens Park

The Queens Park team in Crewe is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the Star Quest talent show for the first time on Sunday 25th July. The show makes a return this year after 2009’s event was cancelled. It promises to be a great day; entrants are performing from 12 noon through to mid afternoon with the winner receiving a £100 cash prize and the opportunity to perform alongside Darius Campbell at Crewe Carnival on Saturday 28th August. The overall best singer will also get the chance to make a recording at Orchard Studios in Crewe. There will also be a variety of stalls from local community groups hoping to raise some valuable funds.

All change at Leighton

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has announced that its Chief Executive, Mr Phil Morley, has tendered his resignation, following his successful appointment to the role of Chief Executive of Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust. Phil leaves the Trust in October 2010. After five years of dedicated service, Phil has accepted the position in one of the country’s 10 biggest trusts, with an aim to share the excellent skills and leadership qualities he has brought to Mid Cheshire over recent years. 

Valley Brook flooding

Thursday's rain was a tad intense and it's no surprise that a few parts of Crewe ended the day a little damp. Thankfully, it's only areas around the Valley Brook that seem to take a hit, that and the other end of town by Macon Way. Here's a few snaps from blog reader Jez Rourke showing the area near Crewe Baths...

MP supporting Royal British Legion

Local Crewe and Nantwich MP Edward Timpson has continued his strong support for the Royal British Legion by attending the launch of the new Independent Inquest Advice (IIA) Service. The IIA, which is part funded by the Ministry of Defence, aims to provide high quality, timely and independent advice to bereaved families during the investigation into in-Service deaths. Two full-time lawyers, will guide families through the "complex and harrowing" investigation that follows a military death. The scheme was formed after consultation with bereaved families and the War Widows’ Association, and will now be trialed for two years.

Mr Timpson said he knew the grief and uncertainty that families faced and that he wanted to attend to learn how the new service could be of use to his constituents. This sentiment was echoed by Diana Barnes, widow of Corporal Jason Barnes, who died in Afghanistan in 2008, who said: "Military inquests are so complex, you don't really know what to expect. There's a lot of waiting around and not knowing.”

The MP joined members of bereaved families and senior service personnel at the launch in London last week. Chris Simpkins, director general of the Royal British Legion, said he wanted the scheme to help "bereaved armed forces families to understand, and feel better equipped to deal with, the whole investigation into their loved ones' deaths."

Speaking after the launch Mr Timpson said: “The whole country owes so much to our service men and women. But we must remember that every time a soldier dies in Iraq or Afghanistan that they leave behind a family who will spend years trying to come to terms with the loss. As an ex-barrister I know just how complicated the law can be, and I hope this scheme can help families understand and help them through the process.” 

Help and advice for local landlords

Local letting specialist Martin & Co, with offices in both Crewe and Nantwich have just released their Summer Client Update and are encouraging local landlords to receive their free quarterly update. The summer newsletter is now into its second year of circulation and provides a wide variety of information for both new landlords and experienced property investors alike. Every landlord can opt-in to receive their own quarterly copy which will help them to stay abreast of industry developments and ensure that they maximise the return on their investment. The latest edition summarises the current lettings market, capital gains tax from a lettings agents point of view and information on the latest changes to Houses of Multiple Occupancy legislation given the change in government.

Commenting on the new client update, Nantwich Office Manager, Lyndi Hayton said: “Being a landlord or property investor is a serious financial venture and this update is simply part of Martin & Co’s commitment to use its experience to deliver best quality advice and support to existing and potential clients. As no other agent has rented out as many properties in Crewe and Nantwich as we have in the last few months, people naturally turn to us for advice as the market leading letting specialist in South Cheshire."

To request your personal copy please contact either the Crewe Office on 01270-500905, e-mail crewe@martinco.com or the Nantwich Office on 01270-611333, e-mail nantwich@martinco.com.

Staffs-Cheshire East partnership?

There's an interesting piece in today's Sentinel suggesting that a cross county partnership should be established between North Staffordshire and East Cheshire, to promote economic growth in the region. It's all based upon a a travel-to-work area, the way we live, work and play. It makes sense that travel and regional promotion are brought together, but although it would ultimately mean a catchment of around 750,000 people I'm not sure that makes us (it, the region) any more attractive to potential investors. It's all a bit spread out, isn't it? Anyway, possible plans to develop this idea are being drawn up by Newcastle Borough Council. Cheshire East have nodded, raised the odd eyebrow, but not really become actively engaged as yet. So this could be another slow burner. No good for Crewe, as our very own ongoing Master Plan is yet to surface. Over in Macclesfield they are getting ready to view potential economic development plans - already! You get the feeling that we're going to arrive in 2011 with no direction or leadership attached to Crewe's future, despite a lot of promises. Come on Cheshire East, impress us...

Sherborne Estate transformation

After a few weeks break, local photographer Simon J Newbury continues his documentary of the regeneration of the Sherborne Road Estate. "Work continues at a fast pace and it's hard to think that only a few months ago this was bare soil! The work is clearly taking shape now and the new porches are a breath of fresh air for the remaining houses. The new builds look fantastic and the new design of the estate is changing the face of the place. Work is running on time and the regeneration project has really revitalised the demeanour of the area. I'm hoping to return this week to continue the photographic documentary and I am hoping that the project can be finished with an exhibition of the best images from the documentary." We'll let you know if Simon secures a venue to display his photos... 

Website: http://www.simonjnewburyphotography.co.uk/home.htm

Stolen drain covers recovered

It sounds almost comical, but it's serious stuff - in terms of safety and the cost to tax payers. Indeed, a collection of stolen gully tops (drain covers) have been recovered from a scrap yard in Sandbach. The ironwork had been dumped outside Sandbach Car and Commercial Dismantlers Ltd on July 5th. The owners spotted an abandoned car outside their premises and on further inspection discovered the gully tops. They then reported the matter to local police. The owner of the vehicle has not yet been found. The discovery comes just weeks after more than 50 gully tops were stolen from the Crewe area.

Cheshire East Council is urging scrap yard owners and local residents to remain vigilant and report any such thefts or anything suspicious via Highways Operations on 0845-0002666. Alternatively, such thefts can be reported to Cheshire Police on 0845-4580000. 

Middlewich Transport Festival

There are motoring events everywhere at the moment, and Cliff Gallimore went to the Middlewich Transport Festival last weekend to see a decent array of vehicles on display - such as motorcycles, cars and military vehicles. Here are a few from the cavalcade...

1. Triumph Rocket three motorcycle; 2. MG car in the cavalcade approching the main town street with motorcycles following behind; 3.  Ford 1 Ton open sided truck 

Drug busts around Crewe

Is there a serious drug problem in Crewe? If you'd witnessed one of the dawn raids that took place in Crewe on Tuesday then you might suspect that there is. Hundreds of officers were involved in what has been described as perhaps the biggest coordinated sequence of raids in years, arresting 20 people connected to the supply and distribution of class A drugs. Personally, I have not witnessed much dealing or many disputes because of drugs in and around the town. I know there is plenty of use, especially at weekends around the pubs. Many people talk of someone they know who takes something or other. There have been campaigns to clamp down, and arrests have been made. And yet we don't appear to have turf wars and you don't see blatant trading on the town's streets. So news of the raids is good, keeping a problem contained and, hopefully, stopping the spread of something than ruins many more lives than just that of the users. Did you witness any of this week's raids, and do you think that Crewe has a problem?

College gets its keys...

South Cheshire College is a step closer to opening its multi-million pound campus after receiving the keys to the new building. Trevor Hough, Construction Director at BAM Construction, officially handed over the building to College Principal Peter Swift on the site of the new campus which has been taking shape over the past two years. The impressive £75 million facility will open its doors to students from September and will revolutionise further education in Crewe and Nantwich. As well as housing state-of-the-art teaching and learning areas, staff and students will be able to make the most of other outstanding facilities which include a 300 seat theatre, a shop, a travel centre, a restaurant and brasserie and fitness academy.

Users of the building will be supported by a more advanced wired and wireless ICT infrastructure than any other college in the country. The wireless network has been designed for around 3,000 simultaneous users and is available both inside and outside the building. There will also be four café outlets where staff and students can enjoy hot and cold snacks and an all weather pitch which will be used for a range of sporting activities. The crescent-shaped building on three levels has been engineered around a ancient copse of trees which will provide an attractive outdoor haven and social spaces for students.

At the official handover, Peter Swift was joined by representatives from the College’s board of governors, Nigel Peet, Director of Operations and Campus Development and Jenny Harris, New Build Planning Co-ordinator. 

Crewe-Nantwich cycle path...

I took a walk around Queens Park Drive over the weekend, round the back towards the golf course. They've pushed on with hedge and verge clearance, to make space for the 3m path and cycle way that will loop around the park, down past the King George V fields and on towards the Rising Sun pub. The latter stages to join up with Nantwich have not been confirmed, but a crossing (with traffic lights) is planned for the busy road that joins the towns.

Cholmondeley Castle fireworks

Some pics from Cholmondeley Castle (near Malpas) later, where Jonathan White watched the annual fireworks concert and Military Tattoo and sent us this great image. It's also the Cholmondeley Pageant of Power, so here are a few more...