LIBRARY SAVED - PLANNED CLOSURE REVERSED BY CEC

I am absolutely delighted to announce that the proposed closure of Alderley Edge Library has been dropped by Cheshire East Council. This decision follows my recent campaign, residents' feedback on the pre-budget consultation, a petition carried out by local school children and more than 50 local people offering to help as volunteers to keep the library open. It is proposed that the library will remain open for five half-days per week, allowing CEC to reduce costs by paying for lunchtime cover for regular staff. This is extremely good news, but we all have a responsibility now to use our library as much and as often as possible to ensure that it is not placed under threat again in future.

PLANNED ROADWORKS

Works are planned at the following locations over the coming days, please allow extra time for your journey and take care if you are in the area on foot:

- Congleton Road - gas leak repair - two way signals in place until 31st January

- Macclesfield Road - BT carrying out repair work - two way signals in place on 7th Feb

- Wilmslow Road - CE Highways resurfacing - road closure between 19th to 23rd Feb

SPEEDWATCH RESULTS - JANUARY

Our team of speedwatch volunteers were out and about on Thursday morning, this time on Brook Lane. A total of 47 vehicles were recorded of which:

- 28 vehicles were recorded between 36mph and 39mph
- 18 vehicles were recorded between 40mph and 49mph
- 1 vehicle was recorded at a staggering 55mph and made no attempt to slow

The average speed recorded during the session was 39.64mph, whereas the speed limit at this location is just 30mph. The drivers will receive a written warning from the police.

Our next session will be on 15th February at 10am.

LIBRARY PETITION GAINS OVER 600 SIGNATURES

This afternoon it was a pleasure to meet Alice & Iris, two pupils at Alderley Edge Community Primary School who have been working on a petition to keep the library open. Between them, they have collected over 600 signatures, from their friends at Alderley Edge Community Primary School, Alderley Edge School for Girls, Alderley Edge Brownies & Guides, Sue Morris School of Ballet, Rainbows & Nether Alderley Primary School. This has been an amazing effort from two of the youngest members of our community and I would like to say a huge thank you and well done to them. I will now be handing their petition over to the Portfolio Holder, Cllr Liz Wardlaw, who will make her recommendation to Cabinet on Tuesday 6th February. If any resident of the village would like to attend Cabinet, or the meeting of Full Council on Thursday 22nd February, please let me know.

COMMUNITY SURGERY - JANUARY

I am pleased to confirm that my next community surgery will take place on Saturday 27th January at Aldeli, starting at 10am. Do come and join me for a coffee and a chat about any community issues that may be causing you concern. I look forward to seeing you then.

DISCIPLINARY INVESTIGATIONS COST CEC £720,000

Following a question tabled by the independent group at the December Council Meeting, it has now been revealed that the total cost to Cheshire East Council of the current disciplinary investigations is estimated at £720,000. This figure, which equates to the funds needed to keep Alderley Edge Library open for the next ten years, includes:
- external investigators and temporary staffing arrangements £110,000
- suspension payments and acting-up allowances £346,000
- resignation of Director of Legal Services & Monitoring Officer £264,000