Date: 01 February 2023

Reference Number: 6024

Wanna Dance?, a project run by Cheshire Dance and the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), is continuing to go from strength to strength, helping people with profound intellectual and multiple disabilities (PIMD) supported by Vivo Care Choices to take part in dance activities.

Vivo, which is now an in-house service at Cheshire West and Chester Council, has worked with Cheshire Dance to provide weekly group dance sessions across west Cheshire for more than a decade.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, Cheshire Dance developed a pilot project of Wanna Dance? in 2021 as a way for people with PIMD who were unable to access their online sessions to keep dancing with Vivo staff.

Following the lifting of restrictions, the programme has since gone on to see people using Vivo’s services take part in one-to-one, face-to-face sessions with Cheshire Dance artists to explore how they might like to dance.

The artists work with each person in the moment, exploring communication and connection beyond words through dance with touch, sensory objects and music.

Jane McLean, Creative Director of Cheshire Dance, explained: “Working one-to-one with members of the Vivo community allows us to respond to a person’s unique movements.

“This helps us to notice verbal and non-verbal signals and enables us to really understand how our dancing partner likes to dance.

“We can respond and review our approach in the moment and provide an enhanced dance experience that is right for each participant.

“During each and every session, we value and celebrate all movements together, no matter how small they may seem.”

The project has been highly commended by Vivo staff, family members and carers and has since progressed, with Cheshire Dance taking up a 12-month Dance Artist in Residency role across the Canal Street and Lightfoot Lodge centres from autumn 2022.

During this next year, Cheshire Dance will explore how members of the Vivo community with the most complex needs might want to engage in the art form and continue to hold one-to-one sessions for people using services, with staff also being given the opportunity to develop their skills and confidence.

A staff member involved with the project said: “It’s great for John to have the choice with his dancing.

“The Wanna Dance? sessions get him engaged as he’s always laughing and screaming.

“I think changes in his alertness levels are because of these sessions as he’s developed every week, showing good eye contact and recall.”

Councillor Val Armstrong, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, commented: “This is another excellent project being run by our in-house service Vivo in partnership with Cheshire Dance and UCLan.

“At Vivo, we want to be at the heart of the local community and provide plenty of opportunities for people we support to enjoy life to the full.

“These sessions not only help people keep active and take part in dance, but it’s all tailored to their own preferences and what they enjoy.

“It’s clear to see that these sessions are having such a positive impact on the people we support and helping them become more independent.”

The Wanna Dance? programme has been founded on a commitment to involve people with PIMD in decisions about their continuing engagement through dance, with opportunities for their likes, dislikes and preferences to be heard and impacted on their experience.

Jane McLean added: “During phase two, we will build on all of this and work with staff to provide training that is bespoke and relevant to the Vivo community member they care for, ensuring activities are manageable for them to replicate.

“We want the staff to feel confident and comfortable to dance with people with disabilities and for everyone taking part to enjoy the experience.”

The programme sets out to not only explore how people with complex disabilities might like to dance, but also seeks to reexamine models of how dance artists can work in social care settings embedded as members of the staff team, specialising in non-verbal communication and physical expressions.

Cheshire Dance strives to enable everyone to access dance, regardless of age, ability or disability.

Some 97 per cent of its work is with people from protected characteristics groups, working extensively with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) and hosting a national PMLD Networking Group that brings together dance artists from across the UK, meeting regularly across the year to share learning, undertake training and develop practice.

For more information on the PMLD Networking Group and the Wanna Dance? programme, visit: pmld-dance.org.

For more information about Vivo and the range of services it provides in the local community, visit: vivocarechoices.co.uk.

Date: 31 January 2023

Reference Number: 6019

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet will consider the construction plans for Soot Hill and the recommendation to enter a contract with Balfour Beatty for the construction works to start in March, with a scheduled completion by December. The costs of these works are estimated at £3.5m.

A section of the highway at Soot Hill in Northwich was closed in December 2021 after a period of heavy rainfall triggered a land slip.  A section of retaining wall collapsed.

Work during the past year has prepared the area for repair works to reopen the road. The site has been laser scan surveyed, the adjacent building has been propped, a section of safety barrier has been removed (which was precariously suspended above live high voltage cables). United Utilities has redirected the water main; BT have moved telephone cables and Scottish Power have diverted the live power cables.  Geotechnical engineers have completed ground investigations, feasibility reports have been produced, and contractor Balfour Beatty selected.

Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member – Environment, Highways & Strategic Transport said: “I understand the huge frustration that the landslip at Soot Hill has created for residents, and we share those frustrations. I want to assure you that Council officers and specialist engineers, and our partners, have worked effectively under uniquely difficult circumstances to expedite the recovery as much as possible. 

“While some of the work is not immediately apparent on site, significant progress is being made.  We have today published papers for our Cabinet meeting on 8 February 2023, which represents a further important step forward.

“The repair costs are large, and we’ve been working on plans to ensure these don’t increase further, where possible this risk has been mitigated by advanced purchase of materials and site surveys.  We have prioritised the Soot Hill project at the expense of many other demands on our scarce highways budget, including pot hole repairs.

“I have asked for monthly progress reports to be added to the website page that also includes a timeline for the work that has taken place.” The timeline explaining the complex issues for repairing Soot Hill is available on the Council website:   https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/transport-and-roads/highways/major-road-schemes/land-slip-at-soot-hill-northwich/timeline-for-soot-hill

The current programme shows anticipated completion in December 2023. 

“Millions of people across the country and the Commonwealth are invited to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort over a weekend of special events.”

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronation-weekend-celebrations-that-will-bring-communities-together-announced?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications-topic&utm_source=3d76df38-dad4-4575-ba3c-56e43afa9cc7&utm_content=daily

Saturday 6th May 2023

The Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey

Sunday 7th May 2023

The Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle

The Coronation Big Lunch  

Monday 8th May 2023 

The Big Help Out

Announcement from Buckingham Palace (21 January 2023):https://www.royal.uk/coronation-weekend-plans-announced 

“Buckingham Palace is pleased to announce further details on the ceremonial, celebratory and community events that will take place over the Coronation Weekend between Saturday 6th and Monday 8th May 2023.

The Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will take place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday 6th May, 2023. The Service will be conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury. As previously announced, the Service will reflect the Monarch’s role today and look towards the future, while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.

Across the Coronation Weekend, there will be further opportunities for people to come together in celebration of the historic occasion. On Sunday, 7th May 2023, a special Coronation Concert will be staged and broadcast live at Windsor Castle by the BBC and BBC Studios, with several thousand pairs of tickets to be made available via public ballot.

The Coronation Big Lunch, at which neighbours and communities are invited to share food and fun together, will take place across the country on the same date. On Monday, 8th May 2023, members of the public will be invited to take part in The Big Help Out, which will encourage people to try volunteering for themselves and join the work being undertaken to support their local areas. 

Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort hope the Coronation Weekend will provide an opportunity to spend time and celebrate with friends, families and communities across the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth. Their Majesties are looking forward to marking the occasion with the public throughout 2023.”

Date: 18 January 2023

Reference Number: 6005

Cheshire West and Chester Council will receive the full first year (2022-23) funding allocation from The UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). Following the approval by The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), a total of £1.805m will be allocated (£1.217m of UKSPF revenue funding, £453k of Multiply revenue funding and £135k of UKSPF capital funding). 

The UKSPF was launched by the Government in April 2022 and forms part of the broader Levelling Up agenda. The Council has been awarded an allocation of up to £12,642,312 over three-years, of which £1,497,303 is ring-fenced for Multiply (to support adult numeracy activities).  

The Council’s Cabinet has approved the proposals for the allocation of the first-year funding.

Councillor Richard Beacham, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Growth, Economy & Regeneration said: “We have developed our investment plans in partnership with local people from health, education and voluntary sectors, as well as professionals from a range of businesses and other public bodies.

“Our priority for this financial year is to spend our allocation on projects that tackle the big issues faced by residents including the economy and the climate. We want to ensure every area of our Borough benefits from this funding and that’s why we will continue to develop an exciting mix of projects in the coming years which promote good jobs, bring pride to our communities and celebrate arts and culture.”

Future allocations for year two (2023-24 – £3.2m) and year three (2024-25 – £7.6m) will only be ratified by DLUHC at the start of each year, and allocations will be informed by performance in year one.

The People and Skills element of this funding comes on stream in year three so will be restricted to one-year projects.

For more details about the Shared Prosperity Fund visit: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/business/shared-prosperity-fund/shared-prosperity-fund.aspx

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund will be used to help deliver Cheshire West and Chester Council’s vision for an Inclusive Economy. It prioritises reducing poverty and inequality, supporting people to develop new skills and get into good jobs with fair wages, combatting the climate emergency, supporting community wellbeing, and enhancing the vibrancy of the Borough. For more information about the Inclusive Economy: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/business/inclusive-economy

Date: 20 January 2023

Reference Number: 6007

Northwich Library will be opening in its temporary location at Weaver Hall Museum on Monday 30 January, while the library building on Witton Street is being renovated.

The new temporary library features a curated collection of the latest fiction and non-fiction titles for adults and children, internet access via public computers and free Wi-Fi, plus a range of events, activities and groups. 

Initial opening times for the temporary library location are:

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 9am to 5pm
Thursday and Friday: 9am to 7pm
Saturday: 9am to 1pm

Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Poverty and Wellbeing, Councillor Louise Gittins said: “Apologies for any inconvenience while the existing library building is being renovated, but the temporary location is very close by.  Weaver Hall Museum is walkable from the existing library building in approximately 15 minutes, either through the town or along the river through the park. It also offers free parking.

“A pop-up library service will also be available at Brio Northwich Memorial Court, so residents can return items to a town centre location and borrow from a small collection. This location will be regularly serviced by library staff.

“Don’t forget to look out for library events at Weaver Hall, Memorial Court and across the town centre.”

Temporary extended opening hours at Barnton, Sandiway and Weaverham libraries will end on Saturday 28 January and return to their standard opening times.

For up to date information on library services and the renovation of Northwich Library please see our website: Northwich Library | Cheshire West and Chester Council

A message from John Dwyer, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire:

It’s at this time of year that attention turns towards setting the police budget for the coming financial year, and I’m getting in touch today to let you know that I have set up a survey for Cheshire residents to tell me about their priorities and their views on the police precept.

The survey can be completed here: www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/policebudget202324

I know that people will have questions about what the budget and any proposed precept increase would mean for them too, so I have set up an FAQs page on my website here as well: https://www.cheshire-pcc.gov.uk/what-the-commissioner-does/setting-the-police-budget/budget-2023-24/

Please do let me know if you require any paper copies of the survey or any assistance with accessibility requirements.

The backdrop this budget is being set against is undoubtedly more challenging than last year. I know that the cost of living is affecting families and businesses and it’s no different for the police too, with inflation adding nearly £14 million to our costs. The Constabulary has worked hard to identify savings through priority-based budgeting and has managed to close the funding gap by £6.7 million.

Despite these challenges, there is a real determination to protect the progress made over the past year and in recent months, including reductions in 101 and 999 call answer times, reductions in attendance times for both emergency and non-emergency incidents, and an increase in arrest and charge rates.

Date: 10 January 2023

Reference Number: 5995

Cheshire West and Chester Council has been awarded just over £128,000 to enable and encourage more people to walk, wheel and cycle by Active Travel England. The grant from the Active Travel Capability Fund is part of a national £32.9million investment to help accelerate walking and cycling schemes across the country, to tackle the climate emergency and make roads safer for everyone.

The Council was successful in applying for this funding which has been allocated to:

• Develop the Council’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan – further scheme planning, design and consultation
• Assess emergency active travel measures
• Investigate cycle and e-cycle hire opportunities
• Train Council staff and members on active travel guidance and standards to support highway schemes and developments

The Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said: “We’re delighted to receive this grant, it will help fund our long-term ambitions to encourage more journeys to be made in a more sustainable way.

“We want to expand our walking and cycling network across the borough, linking with public transport services.  This funding will help us to develop future plans and continue to promote active travel events and schemes.”

The grant supports the Council’s Climate Emergency response plan, and the delivery of its Health and Wellbeing Strategy, Low Emission Strategy, Local Transport Plan and accompanying Cycling Strategy.

Date: 09 January 2023

Reference Number: 5991

Residents and visitors in Cheshire West and Chester can now save money and “Get Around for £2”, following the launch of a Government scheme to cap fares for single bus journeys.

From 1 January to 31 March 2023, over 130 bus operators will charge no more than £2 for their single tickets across over 4,600 routes nationally, helping families, commuters and other passengers save money. 

The scheme hopes to give bus travel a boost in the borough, encouraging more people to discover how easy and stress-free travelling by bus is.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said: “The initiative encourages people to get back on the bus to help the industry continue its recovery from the pandemic. It will also reduce CO₂ emissions and tackle congestion by taking an estimated two million cars off the road nationally.

“If you’ve never used buses before, why not give it a go and see if bus travel could work for you – this is ideal opportunity to hop on board.

“Buses are a key part of our vision for clean, efficient and modern transport network in the borough, that is affordable for everyone.  This is a great way to start the new year and we will continue to work with our bus operators, through our Enhanced Partnership, to ensure passengers can access reliable and affordable bus services once the scheme ends in March.”

The scheme is on the Government’s Help for Households website, as the new cap can deliver real savings for those most affected by the rising cost of living.

Bus operators not taking part in the scheme in Cheshire West and Chester include:  Aintree Coachline on routes 40, 41 and 272 and M&H Coaches on their route X1.

A full list of operators taking part is available at: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/2-bus-fare-cap

Councillor Shore added: “Don’t forget, visitors to Chester city centre are able to use our excellent Park & Ride service, although it’s not part of this scheme, the fare is just £2 for a return journey, so you can save money to travel quick and easy into the City.”

Date: 09 January 2023

Reference Number: 5990

A new website launches today giving access to live air quality data from across the borough and from local authorities across the country.

A key element of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Low Emission Strategy (LES) included a commitment to improve the standard of air quality data provided to residents and to introduce a mobile-based platform to give residents easy and convenient access to the data.

From 9 January, the website can be accessed via a link on the Council’s website or viewed at: https://cheshirewest-air.info  

The website provides residents with improved access to near real-time data from the Council’s monitoring stations. The data also feeds through to the UK Air Quality website which hosts live air quality data from local authorities across the country:  https://ukairquality.net .

Gases being monitored vary by location and by monitor type. Borough wide, nitrogen dioxide is monitored using diffusion tubes. There are three traffic-related Air Quality Management Areas, in Frodsham, Ellesmere Port and Chester respectively, all with a focus on nitrogen dioxide.

There is also an industrial emissions Air Quality Management Area, located in Thornton le Moors with the focus on sulphur dioxide.  The Council also monitors particulate matter (PM10) emissions from both industrial and transport sources to ensure compliance with the national standards.

Councillor Karen Shore, Cabinet Member for Environment, Communities and Strategic Transport said: “The new website allows the air quality data to be easily checked at all times including historic data. The improved functionality allows different parameters to be selected based on location, timeframe and pollutants and the data can be exported if needed.  

“The new website is being launched at the same time we are planning to revoke the Air Quality Management Area in Ellesmere Port that was declared in May 2005 for transport related levels of nitrogen dioxide.

“Over the past five years, monitoring has demonstrated a trend of reducing levels. The levels now comply with the national standard and are likely to continue to improve which will allow us to revoke the order. This reduction in levels is the result of the Air Quality Action Plan vehicle queue reduction measures combined with improved vehicle emission standards.”