Welcome to this week's newsletter.
Charges have been brought against a number of organisations following the investigation into the Beechmere Fire. I am glad that things are now moving forward and I hope that residents and their families get the answers they deserve. We must now let the justice system take its course.
This week marked the 75th anniversary of the NHS. To mark this, No.10 Downing Street hosted a reception for NHS Champions where I went along with Karen, a local NHS nurse shortlisted for an NHS Parliamentary Award, and Roger and Raj who played a critical part in the vaccine rollout in Crewe. The NHS Parliamentary Awards took place this week and we had two entries shortlisted included Karen. We can be proud of them getting to the final!
The Government announced that it has accepted recommendations by Competition and Market Authority’s (CMA) to take action on unfair fuel pricing by retailers. Fuel duty was cut to help people with the cost of living, so it is not right that people are not feeling the benefit. Read on below to find out more.
A new helpline has been launched for veterans at risk of homelessness, part of Op Fortitude – a two-year £8.55 million programme to end veteran rough sleeping. Everyone deserve the safety and security of a place they call home - least of all those who have bravely served our country.
Finally, you may have heard in the news that train companies plan to phase out basing ticket office staff in ticket offices in train stations. Instead of being in the office the staff will be in reception areas, by ticket machines and at the gates.
There was a similar change to London Underground which I think has improved service. Nowadays only 12% of tickets are purchased at a ticket office - following a downward trend over the past few decades. So I think we can make better use of the staff based in them by having them out with customers. You will still be able to buy tickets with cash.
Though Avanti West Coast, who run Crewe station have put forward a reduction in ticket staff hours as part of this which I don't support. They have launched a consultation on this proposed change and I would encourage you to have your say here: https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/consultation
The simple and easy thing to put on the form is that you want ticket office staff support to match or exceed the existing ticket office opening hours.
That's all from me!
Have a great weekend.
Beechmere Fire Update - Charges Been Brought
NHS 75th Anniversary & Number 10 Reception
Fairer Fuel Pricing
NHS Parliamentary Awards
Helpline for Veterans
Congratulations to Buttertons
Traffic Report
Beechmere Fire Update - Charges Been Brought
Charges have been filed against a total of 6 companies for failing to comply with the Fire Safety (Regulatory Reform) Order 2005 at Beechmere. Charges are also being brought for alleged breaches at another retirement village, Hazelmere in Winsford.
I am glad that the investigation into the tragic events at the Beechmere Retirement Complex is finally moving forward. I know that many residents and their families have been very frustrated at the long wait to get the answers that they deserve.
They still don’t have those answers, but we have now taken a major step forward. Whilst I did ask Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service to meet with residents, they were limited in what they could say at the time. Given the number of organisations named today, it was obviously a complex investigation.
We must now let the justice system run its course. I am sure throughout this process there will be difficult moments for former residents and their families. We know sadly some residents have passed away since the fire.
As well as ensuring where necessary there is accountability for what happened, this trial can also help ensure that lessons are learned so that nothing like this ever happens again.
Click the link to find out more: https://www.cheshirefire.gov.uk/news-events/latest-news/beechmere/
NHS 75th Anniversary & Number 10 Reception
This week marked the 75th anniversary of our NHS.
It is the institution most treasured by the public - thanks to the dedicated people who work in it. Their level of care and commitment to everyone who goes through the doors of a hospital or doctor's surgery has touched every family up and down the country. We can be proud of each and every one.
I understand that there are currently challenges facing our health service - particularly following the pandemic.
We are continuing to support them with record levels of funding and record numbers of doctors and nurses. Just last week, the Prime Minister announced the first-ever long-term plan for the NHS workforce, training, retaining and recruiting even more staff over the next 15 years and embracing new technologies and innovation.
This will help make our health service fit for the future, ensuring it can care for patients for another 75 years and beyond.
To mark the anniversary, a reception was held at Number 10 Downing Street for NHS Champions. I invited a few locals along, including Karen who was a Leighton hospitals nominee for the NHS Parliamentary Awards (read more about Karen and her nomination below). I also invited Roger Morris and Raj Patel. As you may know, Roger who runs the Honda Garage in Crewe, offered his space as a vaccination centre during the pandemic. Raj, runs the Hollowood Pharmacy that ran the vaccination operation. Their efforts helped hugely to get people vaccinated and save lives.
Fairer Fuel Prices
I know that many people are still feeling the pinch of increased cost of living - least of all when filling up at the petrol pump.
The Government cut fuel duty help ease the pressure - so it is wrong that some drivers are not feeling the benefit and are being overcharged.
That is why the Government has accepted the Competition and Market Authority’s (CMA) recommendations and will create a new open data scheme to monitor road fuel prices across the UK market - helping people know who is overcharging.
The CMA have also been asked set up a ‘fuel finder scheme’ by next month that will allow motorists to easily compare prices on an app, online and on their sat-navs.
NHS Parliamentary Awards
The NHS Parliamentary Awards took place this week on the 75th anniversary of the NHS.
We had two nominees in the final locally.
Karen Cotici, a Registered Nurse apprentice at Leighton Hospital, was shortlisted for the NHS Rising Star Award. Karen began her career at Mid Cheshire Hospitals as an apprentice before training as a Healthcare Assistant and then starting her degree in Nursing at Keele University, where she continues her placement in Leighton Hospital’s Emergency Dept. Karen has achieved all of this alongside being a busy mum of four.
I also nominated The Dynamic Support Database – Clinical Support Tool team for the Future NHS Award alongside other Cheshire MPs. The DSD at Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS is a validated measure for rating admission needs, which clinically prioritises individuals based on mental health hospital admission risk. Stratifying the need for people with Learning disabilities and Autism allows enhanced support services to reduce hospital admissions.
Whilst they didn't win, we can be proud of them getting into the final! It is a huge achievement.
Helpline for Veterans
Everyone deserve the safety and security of a place they call home - least of all those who have bravely served our country.
The Government have launched a new hotline that will allow ex-servicemen and women to be referred to a network of support including housing providers and local charities.
This is a part of Op Fortitude – a two-year £8.55 million programme to end veteran rough sleeping.
The hotline can be reached by calling 0800 952 0774.
We are lucky to also have a number of organisations locally who support veterans, such as Help For Heroes, the Armed Forces Breakfast Club and the Royal British Legion.
Congratulations Buttertons
Congratulations to Buttertons Big Brown Cow Ice Cream for winning the awards for Supreme Champion Dairy Product - Non Cheese at the International Cheese & Dairy Awards with their Big Brown Cow Ice Cream Apple Pie"
This is another fantastic achievement for a well loved local business.
I know that husband and wife team Robert and Helen - who have been making ice cream at Buttertons Farm since 2008 - are to retire soon. I wish you both the best for the future!
Traffic Report
The following are road closures for the week ahead as reported by Cheshire East.
Prunus Road, Crewe - until 21st July
Flag Lane, Crewe (Between Bridle Road and Castle Street) - Until 7th August
Delamere Street, Crewe (Between Flag Lane and St Mary's Street) - Until 7th August
Mill Lane, Oakhanger - Until 31st October
Flowers Lane, 26th June until 26th Nov
Smithy Lane - Until 1st Nov
Primrose Hill - Until 21st July
Minshull New Road (Between Badger Avenue and Rolls Avenue) - Until 31st August
Doddington Road - 10th July
The Crescent, Nantwich - 3rd until 7th July