CEC TO CEASE FUNDING RVS LUNCH CLUB

For many years, the WRVS (now RVS) Luncheon Club has provided healthy, wholesome meals for some of the most vulnerable, socially isolated and elderly members of our community. Operating from the hall at the back of the Methodist Church, the group provide a hot meal every Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime for about 25-30 elderly people. Until now, Cheshire East Council have helped fund the group, but have recently announced that all funding will cease from 1st April 2018. 

Anne Bale, President of the Luncheon Club commented “we enable elderly people, most of whom live alone, to socialise over a nutritious meal in a safe and supportive environment.  For £4 the members get a two course set meal with waitress service often with ’seconds’ just like at home.  The volunteers also pass on important information such as tips to prevent our members being scammed or invitations to special events for older people”.

As a result CEC’s decision, the club looks set to lose around £4,000 next year. Recognising the valuable community service provided by the Luncheon Club, the Parish Council will seek to step in and offer some support, whilst the Methodist Church has promised to run a couple of fundraising concerts and the Allotment Society has offered to help by growing fruit & vegetables; however, there is still likely to be a shortfall in the region of £2,000.

I am therefore appealing to any local organisation, business or individual who may be able to step in and help out with sponsorship.

DECEMBER COMMUNITY SURGERY AT THE LIBRARY

I would like to confirm that for this month only, I will be bringing my regular Community Surgery forward by one day, to Friday 22nd December. On this occasion, I will be holding my surgery at Alderley Edge Library, where staff are inviting all members of the community for hot drinks and mince pies between 10am - 12noon on Friday. Given the recent proposals by CEC to close Alderley Edge Library, this seems a perfect opportunity to show our support for and solidarity with the library staff.

PARISH COUNCIL NOTICEBOARD

On Saturday morning, ably assisted by Geoff Hall, Myles Garbett and Fenton Simpson, I helped remove the old "carousel" noticeboard outside Waitrose. It has now been taken to its new home at Chorley Hall Lane Allotments, where it will be given a facelift and "up-cycled" to be used as a new noticeboard for the Allotment Society. Our new community noticeboard has now been ordered and should be in place by the end of January. It will be a three-panel, flat noticeboard and will be placed up against the low wall on The Parade, now that the litter bin and column have also been removed.

WILMSLOW ROAD - RESURFACING

I am pleased to report that CE Highways have confirmed that part of Wilmslow Road is to be resurfaced during the current financial year. I have had to fight hard to get this work programmed, as it was not originally included in this year's capital budget; however, I have to say that the excellent relationship I have with several of the officers has certainly helped in enabling this project to be brought forward. As a result, a 70 metre stretch of Wilmslow Road will be completely resurfaced, including the reconstruction of a 20 metre section at the junction with Brook Lane. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the work being carried out, a road closure will be unavoidable; however, to minimise disruption the work has been scheduled to take place during February half-term.

WILMSLOW ROAD - SIDING OUT (UPDATE)

As many residents will have no doubt noticed, work on the footpath siding out programme on Wilmslow Road began today. There is already a big improvement, with part of the footpath (especially around the Bus Stop) that has not seen the light of day for many years, now re-exposed. I would like to thank CE Highways for responding to my request and I am sure this work will make it much easier for pedestrians (especially those with pushchairs or wheelchairs) to use the footpath.

VISIT TO ALDERLEY EDGE GUIDES & BROWNIES

Earlier this week, I was delighted to join Parish Cllr Rachael Grantham on a visit to Alderley Edge Guides & Brownies as part of their discussion of UK Parliament month. We both explained a bit about our respective roles: Rachael as Chair of the Parish Council and myself as the Cheshire East Ward Councillor. We then led the girls in a debate about the future of the library, followed by a vote in which they decided by 14 votes to 4 that the library should not be closed by Cheshire East. It was a pleasure to be invited and we have extended an invitation to a Parish Council meeting in the New Year.

QUESTION TIME - TYTHERINGTON HIGH SCHOOL

Earlier this week, I was pleased to join two of my fellow Cheshire East Councillors at a "Question Time" style event organised by Tytherington High School. It was a very enjoyable event and there were many pertinent questions, from "is Brexit going to happen" to "can Labour win under Jeremy Corbyn". It would be nice to do a similar event at one of our local schools in the near future.

COMMUNITY SURGERY - NOVEMBER

I am pleased to confirm that my community surgery this month will be held on Saturday 25th November, at Aldeli, starting at 11am. Please do come and join me for a coffee and a chat about any local issues that may be causing you concern, or to ask me any questions you may have about my role at Cheshire East Council. I look forward to seeing you there.

PATCHING WORKS - HEYES LANE & OAKFIELD ROAD

I am pleased to confirm that CE Highways are planning to carry out carriageway/footway patching works on Heyes Lane (opposite Barrington House) and Oakfield Road (between No.15 to No.23) on Monday 13th November. Traffic signals will be in place on Heyes Lane and traffic controls on Oakfield Road, so please take extra care if you are in the area and allow more time for your journey.

CEC TO CLOSE ALDERLEY EDGE LIBRARY?

Cheshire East Council have published their Pre-Budget Consultation for 2018/19 and I am dismayed that their proposals include the closure of Alderley Edge Library (along with other libraries in Disley and Prestbury). I firmly believe that libraries continue to provide a vital cultural and educational resource within the communities they serve, as well as providing an important social function for residents who may be living in isolation. Closing our library would be a retrograde step, particularly taking into account the relatively minor cost saving of £50,000 to CEC from doing so. The consultation document can be found at:
http://cheshireeast.gov.uk/council_and_democracy/your_council/council_finance_and_governance/cheshire_east_budget/cheshire_east_budget.aspx and I would like to encourage all residents to make their voices heard loud and clear, by completing the online consultation at: surveys.cheshireeast.gov.uk/s/CEBudget18/

COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH - CONGLETON ROAD

On Thursday morning, I joined the Speedwatch volunteers on Congleton Road. We recorded a total of 25 vehicles travelling at 36mph or above. Twelve of the vehicles were travelling in excess of 40mph, whilst the highest recorded speed was 47mph (the limit in this area is 30mph). One driver (who had been clocked at 41mph) did take the time to pull over and suggest that we would use our time more productively in an alternative location!

WILMSLOW ROAD - SIDING OUT

I am pleased to confirm that work has been scheduled by CE Highways for "siding out" on Wilmslow Road, commencing next week. "Siding Out" is a programme whereby the footpath that has been gradually lost over the course of time to debris collecting in the grass verge, is reclaimed by digging back the overgrowth and re-exposing the footpath. I asked for Wilmslow Road to be included in this year's programme as there are certain sections, particularly near the Bus Stop and opposite Harden Park, where the footpath has become very narrow and potentially dangerous for pedestrians. I would like to thank Cheshire East Highways for responding positively to my request.

CHRISTMAS TREES - 2017/18

I am pleased to confirm that we will once again have three Christmas Trees in the village this year. Unfortunately, it will not be possible to have one on The Parade (outside Waitrose) again, due to difficulties caused by some of the existing street furniture; however, I have been in discussion with ANSA and CE Highways and they have given their approval to a tree being located on the island at the bottom of Macclesfield Road instead. The junction is an important gateway to Alderley Edge and it will be nice to have a Christmas Tree at both ends of the village this year. The footpath across the island will be closed off by CE Highways, whilst the Christmas Tree is in situ.

NOTICEBOARD AT THE PARADE

I am pleased to report that the litter bin has been removed this week, by ANSA; however, the redundant column was found to still be connected to the mains and therefore I have had to write to Aberdeen Asset Management (the owners of The Parade), asking them to remove it. Only then, will we be able to install the new Parish Council noticeboard, which will be a flat (three-panel) noticeboard that will be located directly in front of the low retaining wall. The existing carousel noticeboard will unfortunately have to remain in place until this work has been carried out. This is all very frustrating, but is a result of trying to deal with issues on land that is no longer under Council ownership.

CEC CABINET OF UNITY

Yesterday, I attended a meeting of Full Council and seconded a motion in favour of establishing a Cabinet of Unity. I would like to share a transcript of my speech, with residents who may not have been able to attend the meeting:

The proposed motion seeks to put people before politics and as such it is deserving of my support.

When I was elected in 2015 on a non-political mandate, I assured residents I would not support any motion that was politically motivated.  I believe this motion is not politically motivated, rather it is essential to restore the confidence of residents in this Council.

At the last elections the residents of Cheshire East elected a majority Conservative administration, but it should be noted that this was a majority, not a totality.  This should, in my view, be reflected in the Chairs of the Council’s Committees and in its Cabinet.

For opposition members, or cross-benchers such as myself, the question is how do we best add value in the current situation? It would be easy just to sit on the sidelines, always ready to offer criticism, not actually being in a position to make difficult decisions or accept responsibility.

Or could we do things differently, perhaps radically so? Could we challenge the leadership to share some of the responsibility that currently sits on their shoulders alone; equally, could they challenge us to share some of that responsibility with them?

A strong leadership, confident in its own abilities, recognises a plurality of views and ideas. It embraces them and becomes stronger itself as a result. Disregarding them, especially for political reasons, makes the Council weaker and does a disservice to the residents we represent.

No political group has a monopoly on talent or ability.  As I look around the chamber I see members opposite me, in front of me, and alongside me.  Politically I may not always agree with them; but, I recognise that their individual skills and abilities could bring valuable experience to the Council.

If we truly want to be a “Residents First” Council as we claim, we have to listen to residents views through their elected members and utilise their skills, talents and abilities. We cannot ever be “Residents First” if our instinct remains “Party First” – one, by definition, has to come second.

This motion represents an important step in the right direction and I am therefore pleased to support it.

Unfortunately, the motion was defeated, with all but two Conservatives voting against.

COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH - RYLEYS LANE

On Wednesday afternoon, I joined the Community Speedwatch team on Ryleys Lane, between 3pm - 4pm. On this occasion, we were also joined by our PCSO, Chris Hopkins. Over the course of an hour, we recorded 21 vehicles exceeding 35mph (threshold for reporting), of which four were recorded travelling in excess of 40mph. The highest recorded speed on this occasion was 44mph. Our next session will be on Thursday 9th November, at 11am. If anyone is able to help out for an hour a month, please get in touch with me - the more volunteers we have, the more sessions we can do!

CALL FOR SITES - PUBLIC MEETING

Earlier this year, CEC carried out a "Call for Sites" consultation which invited developers and landowners to identify sites that they wanted to develop as part of the Local Plan. CEC recently issued the results of that consultation to Town & Parish Councils, which they have shared with the Alderley Edge Neighbourhood Plan steering group. 

The sites, as identified on the attached map, are as follows:
CFS130 (Land North of Beech Road) - 3.80 hectares 
CFS132 (Land at Horseshoe Farm) - 0.75 hectares*
CFS350 (Land at Chorley Hall Lane) - 1.41 hectares
CFS359/400 (Land South of Lydiat Lane) - 2.43 hectares**
CFS370 (Land West of Heyes Lane) - 4.87 hectares
CFS394(Land South of Netherfields) - 2.23 hectares
CFS404 (Land North & South of Chelford Road) - 47.81 hectares
CFS405 (Land at Whitehall Meadow) - 3.27 hectares
CFS620 (Land to the rear of 40 Congleton Road) - 14.01 hectares

*Site proposed for employment use
**Site proposed for a mix of employment and residential use

The Parish Council and the Neighbourhood Plan steering group have called a public meeting to discuss the potential implications of these additional sites, to share the information they have to date, inform residents how they can help our community avoid the threat of over-development, and discuss what is needed to take the Neighbourhood Plan forward.

“If you have an interest in the future of our village - and particularly if you have experience of the planning process - then please attend the public meeting at Alderley Edge School for Girls, on Thursday 16th November, at 7.30pm, or contact the steering group. We would appreciate it if you could register your interest in attending, by emailing the Neighbourhood Plan group in advance at AlderleyNP@gmail.com ”

COMMUNITY SURGERY - OCTOBER

I am pleased to announce that my next Community Surgery will be held on Saturday 28th October at Aldeli, starting at 10am. I am also delighted to confirm that Tatton MP Esther McVey has accepted my invitation to run this as a joint surgery. Do please come along and join us both for a coffee and a chat about any ward or constituency issues that may be causing you concern.

COMMUNITY SPEEDWATCH - HEYES LANE

Yesterday I was pleased to join the Community Speedwatch team on Heyes Lane. Between 4.30pm-5.30pm we recorded 32 vehicles exceeding 35mph (which is the threshold for the driver to be sent a letter by the police). The highest recorded speed was 42mph. Our next session will be on 18th October, when we will be concentrating on Chorley Hall Lane. We are always looking for more volunteers to help out, as the more volunteers we have, the more sessions we are able to run. If you are able to give an hour a month to join the team, please let me know.

RYLEYS LANE - PEDESTRIAN REFUGE

I am pleased to report that I am in discussion with CE Highways with a view to introducing a pedestrian refuge on Ryleys Lane. The proposed refuge would be located between the junction with Redesmere Drive and the layby in front of The Ryleys School. Residents will recall that earlier in the year I arranged for an assessment for a zebra crossing at this location, but unfortunately the traffic vs. pedestrian statistics did not support this type of crossing. I am therefore pursuing an alternative option, which will help make Ryleys Lane safer to cross as a route to school, as well as acting to reduce vehicle speeds by narrowing the driveable road surface. The scheme will also see the introduction of a pair of dropped kerbs on Ryleys Lane and will be paid for using residual Section 106 funds raised on the TESCO Express development on London Road.

CHL CLOSURE SURVEY RESULTS

The traffic survey* carried out last Monday by members of the Parish Council and local volunteers, was repeated yesterday in order to gain comparative results with Chorley Hall Lane both fully open (Monday 2nd October) and fully closed (Monday 25th September). I am pleased to share the results below, which were taken to assess the increase in traffic through the village whilst Chorley Hall Lane was closed (simulating what would happen if CHL became one-way only).

Monday 25th Sept (Road Closed)            Monday 2nd October (Road Open)
Total No. of Cars 336                               Total No. of Cars 187
Total No. of Vans 47                                 Total No. of Vans 32
Total No. of Lorries 15                             Total No. of Lorries 5
Total No. of Cycles 1                                Total No. of Cycles 2
Total No. of Vehicles 399                         Total No. of Vehicles 226
Average per hour 89                                 Average per hour 50

The formal assessment carried out by CE Highways in March of this year, showed that on average 85 vehicles per hour pass along Chorley Hall Lane (off-peak). Assuming the survey results to be representative, on average 39 of these vehicles (46%) choose to travel through the village as an alternative route. It therefore follows that the remaining 46 vehicles (54%) choose to avoid the village and take a different route (e.g. via Nether Alderley).

The CE assessment showed that the number of vehicles travelling along Chorley Hall Lane increases to 200 per hour between 7.30am - 8.30am and 150 per hour between 4.00pm - 5.00pm. Again, assuming the survey results to be representative, this would equate to 92 extra vehicles along London Road/Ryleys Lane between 7.30am - 8.30am and 69 extra vehicles between 4.00pm - 5.00pm. I would like to thank everyone who helped out with the survey.

*Data collected between 9.30am - 2.00pm to match road closure times

NO ENTRY MARKINGS COMPLETED

I am pleased to report that the new "No Entry" markings have now been installed at one end of Brown Street, Chapel Street & Stevens Street, following my request to CE Highways earlier in the summer. This was following reports and complaints from a number of residents about the existing restrictions not being respected by drivers, due to inadequate signage. I would like to thank CE Highways for responding positively and quickly to my request.

RAILWAY BRIDGE - RAISED KERBS

Residents may have noticed officers from CE Highways carrying out an inspection of the railway bridge on London Road/Wilmslow Road earlier today. This is in preparation for raising of the kerbs and footpaths on the westerly side of the bridge and follows an assessment by Network Rail into the likelihood of a vehicle ending up on the railway line in the event of a collision. Unfortunately, it will be necessary for the bridge to be closed for a period of one week whilst the work is undertaken; however, the good news is that CE Highways intend to resurface Wilmslow Road at the same time. I will give a further update when I have more information regarding the timescale for the project.

CONGLETON ROAD - PEDESTRIAN REFUGE

I am pleased to report that I am in discussion with CE Highways with a view to installing a central reservation on Congleton Road. The purpose would be to create a safer crossing point near Woodlands Court, as I have recently been contacted by elderly residents who have experienced difficulties in accessing the Bus Stop on the opposite side of the road. A central reservation would also act as a traffic calming measure, by narrowing the surface of the road at this location. Please let me know whether or not you agree that this would be a good idea. The scheme would be funded through residual Section 106 monies raised on the TESCO Express development on London Road.

JUNCTION PROTECTION - OAKHURST CHASE

I am pleased to report that the junction protection at Oakhurst Chase, announced recently via this blog, has now been completed. This scheme will be important in helping to improve visibility splays to Brook Lane, for residents and visitors to Oakhurst Chase. It will also help to facilitate access to and egress from Brookview Care Home by delivery vehicles. I would like to thank CE Highways for implementing this project so quickly, following my request earlier in the summer.

CEC TO LET LAND OFF WILMSLOW ROAD

I have been advised by CEC Assets Team that land to the west of Wilmslow Road (currently owned by the Council) is to be advertised "to let" for grazing purposes. I have quizzed CEC further to ascertain their intentions for the site and they have confirmed that this decision has been taken following the decision by Alderley Edge School for Girls not to proceed with their plans for the site. Lee Beckett (CEC Assets) confirmed to me that "to ensure the land is managed, maintained and that the Council receive a little income, then we are proposing to let the land on a temporary basis for grazing." The land in question lies opposite the Ryleys School Playing Field and is not the land in which David Wilson Homes have expressed an interest, which is in private ownership.

TRAFFIC SURVEY RESULTS

Earlier today I joined some of the Parish Councillors to collect traffic data at the junction of Ryleys Lane and Wilmslow Road. The purpose of the survey was to record how many vehicles were diverted through the village as a result of the temporary closure of Chorley Hall Lane.

Vehicles were recorded as follows:
- total no. of vehicles 399
- average no. of vehicles per hour 89
- total no. of cars 336
- total no. of vans 47
- total no. of lorries 15
- total no. of cycles 1

The assessment carried out by CE Highways earlier in the year, found an average number of vehicle movements at the same times of day (9.30am-2.00pm) to be 85 per hour, which means that all the vehicles recorded today were either there as a result of the road closure, or some of the vehicles affected by the road closure chose an alternative route to access Chelford Rd (e.g. via Nether Alderley).

Next Monday, we will be repeating the exercise to establish how many vehicles use this route when Chorley Hall Lane is open as usual. If anyone is able to help for an hour between 10am and 2pm, please let me know.

SEPTEMBER SPEEDWATCH RESULTS

On Thursday morning, I joined our PCSO and volunteers from the local community to carry out a speedwatch session on Ryleys Lane. Over the course of one hour (10am-11am) we recorded the following results:

Total number of vehicles exceeding the threshold (35mph) - 33
Total number of vehicles exceeding 40mph - 9
Highest recorded speed - 42mph
Number driving whist using a mobile phone (noted by PCSO) - 1

Our next session will be on Thursday 5th October, where the focus will be Heyes Lane. If you are able to spare an hour a month to help out, please contact me via the comments box below.

PLANNED ROADWORKS W/C 25TH SEPT

I can confirm that roadworks will take place at the following locations next week:

Chorley Hall Lane (Railway Bridge) - pilot holes - 25th Sept (road closed 9.30am - 3.00pm)

Wilmslow Road (Roundabout) - lining works - 26th/28th Sept (lane closure)

Heyes Lane (outside No. 35) - United Utilities Water - 25th/27th Sept (two-way signals)

DROPPED KERBS - INSTALLATION DATE

I am delighted to confirm that a date has been set for the installation of dropped kerbs at the junction of South Street and West Street, as well as at the Post Office. The purpose of these dropped kerbs is to help make the centre of the village more accessible from South Street Car Park for residents with mobility difficulties. The proposed works are due to be carried out between Monday 25th and Wednesday 27th September. Please take extra care if you are in the area, as traffic controls will be in place. Dropped kerbs are also to be installed at the junction of Stevens Street and London Road in the near future.

CHURCH LANE DISABLED BAYS

Following a meeting with officers from CE Highways yesterday, I am pleased to confirm plans to introduce two disabled parking bays on Church Lane. This is in response to a request from the Church Council and has also been discussed with Alderley Edge Primary School. The proposed bays would be in operation between the hours of 8am - 6pm (seven days a week) and the plans will be advertised during a period of public consultation in late-October/early-December.

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN SURVEY RESULTS

Alderley Edge Neighbourhood Plan

Press release

Issued: September 2017

Local Residents Have Their Say on the Future of Alderley Edge

As part of the development of a Neighbourhood Plan for Alderley Edge, residents were recently asked to complete a questionnaire about the village; what they valued most and any changes they wanted over the coming years. The Neighbourhood Plan, which is now being written by a number of residents, will guide future planning decisions in and around the village.

The team already reported some weeks ago about preferred sites for additional housing, if called for in Cheshire East’s Local Plan. These included Harden Park, Hole Farm near Brook Lane bridge, land adjacent to A34 (Ryleys Farm), land opposite Horseshoe Farm and land to the north of Beech Road. Residents also wanted to see more small, affordable housing, including bungalows, rather than continued development of larger luxury detached houses. And they considered that continued infill within the village boundaries was not acceptable;favouring smaller developments at selected sites around the boundary.

The survey also revealed that residents value the green spaces in and around the village and want to keep adegree of separation from neighbouring Wilmslow. Theywant to be part of a village community, with a distinctive identity.

In the proposed Plan, which will take Alderley Edge through to 2030, residents once again put retaining a village feel top of their list, with reducing the impact of traffic not far behind. Amongst the things most prized by them were independent, family-owned shops and residents wanted to see them given preference over the growth of further restaurants and bars.

Asked about transport, residents put concerns about poor road maintenance top of their list, closely followed by the availability of car parking and the need for more control of speeding vehicles. The favoured location for additional off-street car parking was the proposed extension of the existing Ryleys Lane car park.

The questionnaire also invited residents to comment on the centre of the village and more than three quarters of them wanted to see improvements to London Road, again focusing on increased car parking facilities around the village centre and greater encouragement for retailers in the village.

“The survey, undertaken in March, was an important early step for us as the results underpin the developmentof the Neighbourhood Plan; steering its direction. We are going to continue to consult widely on what residents and business people in the village want and at the end of the process they will have a chance to vote on the Plan in a local referendum” explained Sarah Greenwood from the Neighbourhood Plan Group. 

“We are now moving on to the next stage in the process, which will entail creating a vision statement for our village in 2030. The Neighbourhood Plan Group is open to any resident of Alderley Edge with an interest in the village’s future development. We would like to encourage those interested in contributing to register their interest at AlderleyNP@gmail.com”

The survey results can be seen in full at the Festival Hall and Alderley Edge Library. A new website is currently under construction which will give residents further information on the Neighbourhood Plan.

WORST FOOTPATHS IN ALDERLEY EDGE

Residents may be aware that I recently submitted a request to CE Highways for the footpath on West Street in the village centre to be included in next year's capital budget for resurfacing. Following a meeting of the Area Highways Group yesterday, the early indications are that West Street will be included in next year's programme. I have also been asked to highlight any other footpaths that are of particular concern and therefore plan to ask for Stevens Street to be included as well. Whilst I am aware that I won't get everything on my "shopping list" I would like to ask residents to tell me of any other areas that they think should be prioritised in either 2018 or 2019.

BLACKSHAW LANE - FOOTPATH RESURFACING

On Thursday morning I chaired a meeting of the Wilmslow Area Highways Group, which is attended by the eight councillors for Wilmslow, Handforth & Alderley Edge, along with officers from CE Highways. Following the meeting, I am delighted to announce that the footpaths on Blackshaw Lane are to be resurfaced later this year. At the time of writing, I do not have a specific date for implementation; however, I will provide an update when I have more information. I hope everyone will agree that this is very welcome news.

CHORLEY HALL LANE - ROAD CLOSURE

On behalf of CE Highways, I would like to give everyone advance notice that Chorley Hall Lane will be closed (over the railway bridge) for one day only on Monday 25th September. This is to enable an investigation into the bridge structure and road surface, in preparation for the footpath widening and introduction of a one-way system between Greenlands Walk and Carlisle Street. The attached diagrams show the proposed method of extending the footpath, permanently closing off a section of footpath using polymer lane separators with reflective strips bolted into the road surface. There will be a formal public consultation on this scheme, later in the year.