Dear {{ contact.FIRSTNAME }}
In Westminster this week I attended a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Fire Safety and Rescue. I know that many residents are hoping to see improvements following the Beechmere Fire and as such I have been pushing for legislation concerning the use of timber in Buildings and taking extra precautions when vulnerable people are involved.
I also appeared in a Westminster Hall debate to say thank you and recognise many of the amazing volunteers and charity groups who have done amazing work in Crewe and Nantwich over the pandemic. You can watch my appearance in one of the links below.
Locally, several Crewe and Nantwich schools will benefit from the Governments Condition Improvement Fund, which will be used to improve school buildings. We are also very close to the closing date for restart grants. If you own a business that has been affected by the pandemic make sure you apply before time runs out.
Have a great weekend.
FLEXIBLE SEASON TICKETS
From yesterday, Flexible Season Tickets are now available to buy. Working patterns have changed dramatically over the past year, with many working from home at least a few days a week. These new tickets allow you to save money, while continuing to work flexibly.
For more details click here: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/times_fares/ticket_types/flexi-season.as…
RESTART GRANTS
Applications for Restart Grants close next Wednesday. If you have a business that have been affected by Coronavirus restrictions make sure you apply soon so you don't miss out.
Find out more and apply here: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/business/business_rates/business-rates-…
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS - WESTMINSTER HALL DEBATE
Yesterday I had the chance to take part in a special debate in Parliament to recognise and pay thanks to the work that local organisations and volunteers have done over the course of the pandemic.
People like Liz and the Nantwich Buddies, Wybunbury Viral Kindness with Janet Clowes - Wybunbury Ward Councillor, Helen, Connie and Phillip from Haslington Support Group, Nadia and the team at the Community Isolation Facebook group, Jean, Ernie and Geraldine and others at The Wishing Well Project, the very many people who joined my volunteer support group (too many to name!) and many other volunteers at the likes of Hopes and Beams, St Paul's Centre, Nantwich foodbank, YMCA Crewe and The Salvation Army, Crewe Corps who have all worked so hard helping us respond to the challenges of COVID.
There will be many others I didn't get the chance to thank so feel free to add your thanks to any volunteers or groups that helped yo.
Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do!
FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS
The Government is spending £483 million to improve school buildings across England. This includes local schools Brine Leas Academy , Wistaston Academy , Wistaston Church Lane Academy, The Berkeley Academy and Highfields Academy. This will be used for works such as re-roofing and improving building accessibility.
Well done to all that were successful in their bids. Full information about this fund can be found via the link in the comments.
FIRE SAFETY
This week I attended a meeting of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Fire Safety. Following the Beechmere Fire I am continuing to press for new regulations that recognises the risks associated with the use of timber in buildings and the need to treat buildings with vulnerable people in differently. I also think that a wider use of mandatory sprinklers is something to be considered.
PROTECTING LANDSCAPES
The UK has so many beautiful and iconic landscapes and it is important that we aim to protect them as much as we can. This week the Government has annouced:
- New areas to be considered for status as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including Cheshire's Sandstone Ridge
- A funding program to help farmers improve protected landscapes, as well as improving public access onto land
- Commitments to boost natural recovery through projects such as creating ponds and wetlands
More information available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/ambitious-proposals-to-create-and-im…
TRAFFIC REPORT
The following are road closures for the week ahead as reported by Cheshire East.
Groby Road (Between Remer Street and Stoneley Road) - Until 16th July
Maw Green Road Rail Bridge – 30th June
B5077 (Between Bartholomy Road and Mill Lane) - Until 1st July
Wrinehill Road, Wybunbury (Between Cobbs Lane and Cliff Cottage) – until 30th June
Mill Lane, Wybunbury – Until 23rd July