Welcome to this week's newsletter.
The Crewe to Manchester HS2 leg took a step closer on Monday when the legal process for the line to be built began its journey through Parliament. This is a fantastic opportunity for the area, providing jobs and investment and improving transport across the region. I invited Pete Waterman down to the station to mark the occasion as he has been a champion of the project from the start.
We also have some news below about the Cheshire East Cleaner Alleyways Project. I know there is still a long long way to go but there has been a big increase in fines being issued which I think is a good sign.
There was other good news, with the announcement that Bentley will be investing £2.5 Billion into it's factory, in which they will build their first electric car. This will secure thousands of jobs at the site for years to come.
We also marked Holocaust Memorial Day this week to remember the millions who were murdered at the hands of the Nazis. I signed the Holocaust Educational Trust's Book of Commitment to record my support for this day of remembrance. As we think about a dark period in our history I am mindful that at the same time we have seen tensions rise on the Ukraine-Russia border.
The UK remains firmly behind Ukraine. I joined other MPs in meeting with the Ukrainian Ambassador this week to offer him my admiration for the bravery of their armed forces and volunteers who seem prepared to risk everything to protect their country and it's sovereignty. I never expected in my lifetime that we would face the prospect of the invasion of a country as significant as Ukraine by Russia. I appreciate why ultimately it would not be wise to become part of the conflict itself. But we must not pretend that it is certain Russia will stop there. The NATO alliance is vital for keeping them in check.
I recently visited a unique company in Weston that sells biltong - a dried South African meat. I always enjoy visiting successful local businesses, especially those built from scratch. The link to their website is below - so why not give their products a try!
A couple of things for your diary with further details below! I've asked local business Unipart Rail to partner with local charity Motherwell Cheshire to deliver a Mental Health First-Aid Training session for young people over 16 to learn valuable skills in supporting mental health (Friday 25th February, 12:00PM – 4:00PM) and we also have our monthly charity bingo back on in Hough Village Hall (Thurs 3rd Feb 7pm), this month raising money for Crewe Clean Team.
This week marked the end of Plan B restrictions in full. As of Thursday, masks and Covid passes were no longer mandatory though we are asked to still wear them by some transport providers and premises. We are able to make this progress much sooner than other places in the world because of the success of the vaccine rollout. Do remind anyone you know to get theirs if they haven't gotten around to it yet. There is a list of upcoming walk-in centres below.
Have a great weekend.
Ukraine
You will no doubt have read about the tensions around the Ukraine-Russian border this week, with an estimated 100,000 Russian troops gathered there. The UK is playing a leading role worldwide in ensuring that the situation does not turn hostile.
We, along with our international allies, put our full support behind Ukraine. We have already supplied Ukraine with weapons to help defend herself, and a small team of British training personnel have been deployed to assist local forces. The British lead NATO deployment in Estonia is also ready to contribute to any NATO effort to defend our allies should Ukrainian territory be invaded and concern arise that the Russians wont stop there.
The Government is also leading the way on diplomatic solutions, with warnings of severe economic sanctions in the event of any incursion on Ukrainian territory.
The Prime Minister has reminded Russia that a conflict is in no one's interest; least of all Russia. While nobody wants an armed conflict, and all steps are being taken to avoid one, we must be prepared for any possible situation.
HS2 Crewe to Manchester Leg One Step Closer
This week, the Crewe to Manchester leg of HS2 has moved one step closer as the actual legal process in Parliament to allow it to go ahead has started. In technical language, the bill has been laid before Parliament!
It was great to have the new Rail Minister, Wendy Morton, at Crewe station to talk about what happens next. I invited Pete Waterman down to mark the occasion, as he has been a huge champion and helped get this off the ground. A huge thanks to Pete for all his efforts over the years. Pete is also helping us with our bid to get the Great British Railways HQ based in Crewe, and we both spoke to Wendy about that.
HS2 is already creating jobs and investment in Crewe, such as the announcement a few weeks ago that the Alstom owned Crewe Works site will be building the bogeys for 54 HS2 trains.
It was great news when the Crewe to Manchester leg was confirmed in the Government’s Integrated Rail Plan and will not only bring quick, reliable connections across the region but also better access to job opportunities for local people. It isn't about getting to London quicker, it is about improving transport across our region as the big intercity travel will move onto the high-speed lines.
Plan B Lifted & Travel Rules Update
As of Thursday, all plan B restrictions have been lifted in England. This means that face masks are no longer a legal requirement on public transport and in shops. Covid passes for certain settings are also not required anymore.
We are ahead of all other areas in removing restrictions, and, as such, are one of the freest countries in Europe. This is thanks to everyone who have received the booster vaccine and the amazing teams of volunteers and NHS staff who have helped rollout the vaccine quickly and effectively.
The Government announced this week changes to the rules around international travel. All testing measures for those fully vaccinated arriving in the UK will be removed from 4am on 11th February. From then, only a passenger locator form will be required.
Those not fully vaccinated will need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR on or before day 2 after they arrive.
Weston Biltong Company
I recently visited The Weston Biltong Company, a local business that makes and sells biltong, a South African dried meat. Some of their products are made with unique meats such as zebra, kangaroo, and ostrich! Run by husband-and-wife team Ryan and Cheryl Walker, they make all their products by hand at their site at Radway Green Business Park.
I met with Ryan, the company director, and was shown around their site, learning about biltong, and had a go at weighing and packaging some! Outside of the more unusual meats, they also make regular biltong, using UK sourced beef, supporting our farming industry.
The company also like to do things for the community, supporting charitable projects. For example, they sponsored a group of marines who raised money rowing in the world's toughest boat race by providing them with enough biltong for the whole journey!
It is amazing to see a local business doing so well with a new and original idea. I really admire people that start and grow a business from scratch!
Thank you to Cllr Steve Edgar for letting me know about this great local business.
Find out more here: https://www.thewestonbiltongcompany.co.uk/
Way to Work
The Government have this week announced a target to help 500,000 people into work by the end of June. The ‘Way to Work’ campaign will get people off Universal Credit and fill the record-high number of vacancies.
There are currently 1.2 million vacancies, which is 59% higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Job seekers will be supported with more one-to-one, tailored job support to help them fund work.
In addition, they will be expected to search more widely for jobs from the fourth week of their claim, and to look in different sectors in which they previously worked.
The best way to get on in life is through work, with people being at least £6,000 better off in full-time work than on benefits.
Bentley Investment
Bentley’s first electric car, to arrive in 2025, will be built at the luxury firm’s Crewe plant in the UK, it confirmed this week.
The news cements the future of the Bentley factory, which employs 4000 people, as it commits £2.5 billion to the site and research and development over the next decade with a particular focus on sustainability.
More information is available here: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/bentleys-first-electric-car-be-built-crewe-plant
Holocaust Memorial Day
Thursday was Holocaust Memorial Day where we remember the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust - along with the millions of other lives taken by Nazi persecution. This year we are marking 77 years since the end of the second world war.
I signed the Holocaust Educational Trust’s Book of Commitment to record my support for such an important day. We must use this day to reflect and remember the dark time in our history.
Apprenticeship Opportunity
Everybody Sport and Recreation, Health and Wellbeing Charity based in Cheshire East have just launched applications for their 2022 apprenticeship opportunities. Including Community Activator Coach Level 2, Leisure Team Member Level 2 and Marketing Assistant Level 3.
Everybody spoke to Ryan Dutton, 22, who completed his Level 2 Leisure Team Member Apprenticeship at Nantwich Leisure Centre with Everybody Sport and Recreation.
Find out more about Ryan’s apprenticeship journey here – https://everybody.org.uk/2022/01/19/from-an-everybody-apprentice-to-a-full-time-lifeguard/
Apply for apprenticeships here: https://everybody.org.uk/what-we-offer/training-and-apprenticeships/apprenticeships/
Unipart Rail - Motherwell Mental Health Training
After touring local business Unipart Rail last year we agreed to work together to see if I could find ways for them to support the local community. We have made the most of their kind offer and after putting them in touch, they are now partnering with local women’s charity Motherwell Cheshire to deliver a Mental Health First-Aid Training session for over 16s to learn valuable skills in supporting mental health.
This is a wonderful opportunity for young people to gain further insight into mental health and earn an accredited Level 1 qualification in mental health first-aid.
The event is scheduled to take place on Friday 25th February, 12:00PM – 4:00PM, with food provided. If you would like to attend, please contact Motherwell Cheshire directly to request further details:
01606 557666
referrals@motherwellcheshirecio.com
Cleaner Crewe Alleyways
It is good news that since the Cheshire East Cleaner Crewe Project started last year six £200 fines and two £400 fines for fly-tipping offences have been issued along with 16 formal breaches of section 46 warning letters, one of which resulted in a further £60 fine. This is a big change in approach. There might have been just 1 in a normal year if any at all.
This is happening alongside a huge volunteer effort of hours of cleaning up eight alleyways and wall-mounting more than 350 flowerpots.
I know there is still a very long way to go and there are still lots of problems. This work has coincided with problems with the regular waste collection because of COVID staff absence.
But the project has put in place some important foundations for tackling issues that have blighted these alleyways for years. The project team should be proud for being so determined and putting so much effort into making things better for residents and our communities. We just have to keep going!
Glad to be playing a part with the Westminster/Walthall Street project you will have seen me posting about.
University Standards Rating
Going to university is a big decision, and prospective students should be safe in the knowledge that whatever course they chose is of high quality and provide good foundations for their future career.
That is why the Government is introducing new minimum standards for universities, set by the Office for Students, which will help keep higher education transparent and value for money, and prevent students from being ripped off by poor quality courses which do not provide many opportunities after graduation.
This rating will take into account many factors, such as how many students carry on into 2nd year, and the outcomes following graduation. Universities that do not meet the required level will be marked as ‘requiring improvement.’
More information can be found here: https://inews.co.uk/opinion/uk-universities-standards-rating-students-ripped-off-1413896
Dentist Appointments
Over 350,000 more dentist's appointments are set to be provided thanks to a £50 million funding boost from the Government. I have heard from constituents that some people are struggling to get appointments, so this funding is very welcome.
Children, people with learning disabilities, autism, or severe mental health problems, will be prioritised for these appointments, many of which will be available out of hours.
Hough Charity Bingo Game
Hough Community Bingo Club will be hosting a charity bingo game, at Hough Village Hall, to raise money for Crewe Clean Team.
This will take place on Thursday 3rd February, with door opening at 7pm. Each book is £5.
Why not make your way down if you are looking for something to do that evening and support a good cause!
Walk In Vaccination Centres
The following walk-in vaccination centres are open over the next few days. If you still need one of your doses, and are eligible, why not make your way down?
Hollowood Chemists, West Street, Crewe, CW1 3WQ - Saturday 29 January to Monday 31 January - 8:30am - 7:30pm - Pfizer and Moderna (1st, 2nd and booster)
Nantwich Masonic Lodge, Wybunbury Road, Willaston, CW5 7ER - Saturday 29 January to Sunday 30 January - 8:30am - 7:30pm - Pfizer and Moderna (1st, 2nd and booster)
Nantwich Civic Hall - Monday 31st January between 2pm and 7pm. (1st, 2nd and Booster)
Traffic Report
The follow are road closures for the week ahead as reported by Cheshire East.
Elm Drive, Crewe - Until 25th February
Barthomeley Road (Between Deans Lane and Rushy Lane) - Until 16th February
Barker Street, Nantwich - 3rd February