Welcome to this week's newsletter.
One thing Crewe badly needs is local Councillors that feel the pressure of needing to win residents votes. There is much more competition in other areas and its a good thing.
You need Councillors who work hard and don't take votes for granted. Most Labour Councillors in Crewe expect to win no matter what and they don't work hard enough. Last year we broke that mold with Cllr James Pratt winning in Crewe St Barnabas. The residents there are seeing the difference a hard working Councillor can make day in day out.
Next week we have a chance to upset the apple cart again if Roger Morris can win Crewe Central! He is a local businessman committed to the area who put his community first during COVID. If he wins I think this would put all the Councillors in Crewe on notice that they have to work hard. That is good for everyone, whether you normally vote Labour or Conservative.
This is the last call to anyone who lives in any part of Crewe to please come and help us secure this change. If you can spare even an hour between now and end of the day Thursday 8th please let me know. We have leaflets to deliver and doors to knock whatever you prefer!
Find out more about Roger:
https://www.facebook.com/CreweCentralWard
https://www.crewecentral.org.uk/
Starting this week, pharmacies will offer treatment for common conditions like sore throats without needing a GP prescription. This change not only streamlines access to care but also frees up millions of GP appointments, reducing waiting times for those who require a doctor's attention.
I had the pleasure of catching up with Bernard Morgan this week to give him my best wishes as he prepares to celebrate his 100th birthday next week. Bernard, a D-Day veteran, landed on the Normandy beaches at just 20 years old. Throughout his life, he's dedicated himself to preserving the memory of his comrades, ensuring their sacrifices are never forgotten. What a long life lived well.
Last weekend's Battle of Nantwich celebration was a tremendous success. Joining the Deputy Mayor, I had the honour of laying a wreath and inspecting the troops. It was great to witness families across generations participating in the event. A huge thank you to the dedicated volunteers whose hard work made it all possible.
From this week, veterans can now apply for the new Armed Forces Veterans ID Card. Beyond serving as a recognition of their service, these cards offer a convenient way to prove veteran status and access the various services available to former armed forces members.
The 'Buy British' campaign has reached another milestone, with Aldi launching a 'Best of British' section for click-and-collect shoppers. Last August, I joined forces with over 120 MPs in supporting this initiative to highlight British products online. This not only expands consumer choice but also supports our hardworking farmers. Thank you to everyone who backed this campaign.
Finally, in response to a concerning uptick in youth uptake of disposable vapes, the Prime Minister has announced their ban. While vaping can aid adult smokers in quitting, it's imperative to prevent youth uptake due to the unknown long-term effects and the addictive nature of nicotine. Additionally, new measures will restrict flavours targeting children and mandate plainer packaging. Shops selling to minors will face fines as part of our broader mission to create a smoke-free generation.
Have a great weekend.
New Pharmacy Services
Happy 100th Birthday Bernard!
Battle of Nantwich
Veterans ID Card
Buy British Campaign Success
Traffic Report
New Pharmacy Services
From this week, people will be able to get treatment for certain common conditions, such as sore throats, at their local pharmacy without a GP prescription.
This will not only make it easier and faster to get treatment, but also free up millions of GP appointments meaning those who need to see a doctor can also do so quicker.
We have more doctors and nurses than ever before, and more appointments and treatment than ever before, but demand continues to grow. I appreciate that there are still challenges in our health service, and I am continuing to push the Government to do more, but this is a positive step that will help cut waiting times.
Happy 100th Birthday Bernard!
It was great to meet up with local war hero Bernard Morgan again, to wish him well ahead of his 100th birthday next week! Unfortunately I am in Parliament on the big day!
For those of you who don't know, Bernard landed on the beaches in Normandy in WW2 aged just 20. Later in life he has used his stories and collection of memorabilia to honour his fellow serviceman and what they went through - making sure that their sacrifice is never forgotten. Here is an example of his efforts to help us all remember:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/av/uk-63582381
Thank you Bernard for all that you have done!
Battle of Nantwich
Last weekend we had another fantastic Battle of Nantwich celebration. I was able to lay a wreath and inspect the troops along with the Deputy Mayor. It was great to see all different generations of families taking part!
Well done and thank you to all of the amazing volunteers who made the day possible!
Veterans ID Cards
Veterans can now apply for the new Armed Forces Veterans ID Card.
The cards are not only a recognition of service, but are a quick and easy way to prove veteran status and access the many services available to former members of the armed forces.
To find out more and apply click the link here: https://www.gov.uk/veteran-card
Buy British Campaign Success
Fantastic news that the campaign for a 'Buy British' section on supermarkets' online stores, has achieved another milestone with Aldi launching a 'Best of British' section for click and collect shoppers.
Last August, I joined forces with 120 cross-party MPs in signing an open letter, spearheaded by Dr. Luke Evans MP and supported by the Government, urging supermarkets to highlight the very best of British products online. This not only gives consumers more choice, and allows them to support our hardworking farmers.
Thank you to everyone who has supported this campaign.
Banning Disposable Vapes
The Prime Minister has announced that disposable vapes will be banned, following an alarming rise in young people taking them up.
While vaping can help adult smokers quit, it is important that children never take it up. The long term effects of vaping are still unknown and the nicotine they contain is still addictive.
Alongside this, new powers will be introduced to restrict flavours that are marketed towards children and ensure manufactures produce plainer, less visually appealing packaging. We are also changing how vapes will be displayed in shops - ensuring they are out of sight of children and shops that do sell to children will face fines.
This follows the Government's plan to create the first smoke-free generation. Smoking is the single biggest preventable killer, therefore under current plans, those who are currently 15 years old or under will never be able to buy tobacco.
Traffic Report
The following are road closures for the week ahead as reported by Cheshire East.
Moss Lane - Until 2nd June
Manor Way - Until 9th February
Brookland Ave - Until 12th February
Marsh Lane - 5th February
Barony Road - 6th until 7th February
Walthall Street - until 9th February
Collins Street - 4th February