Macclesfield Conservatives

Rutley supports local traders

2009-11-23T21:09:00.011Z

David meets Ian Allport, Chairman of the Indoor Market Traders Association

The state of the economy continues to make conditions tough for local traders in Macclesfield. The number of empty shops in the town centre shows just how testing these times are for retailers.

David Rutley, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, said "I have been meeting with many local traders to better understand the challenges that they are facing. These businesses play a vital role in Macclesfield and are at the heart of the local economy and the community."

He continued, "While there has been some good news with the recent opening of Iceland on Mill Street and action by the Council, it is clear that local traders need all our support to get through these difficult times. It is particularly sobering to learn that the indoor market has seen trade fall by 30 per cent over the last year alone."

David is working with local Cheshire East Councillors to determine what more can be done to support the Indoor Market, including whether additional sign posting could be made available to attract more customers.

Ian Allport, Chairman of the Indoor Market Traders Association, said.."There is no question that the Indoor Market and other local traders are finding conditions very difficult. It's good to see that David is showing a real interest and taking action to help".

David has also met with Diane Smith, the Town Centre Manager, and with the Macclesfield Guild and Chamber of Commerce as part of David's wider campaign to support local traders. David said, "I look forward to working closely with local traders to better understand the issues they are facing and to give my support to these all important businesses."

Campaigning for a Woodford Farewell Event

2009-11-23T20:58:00.045Z

Local Conservatives have joined forces with local residents to campaign for a commemorative event when the Woodford Aerodrome closes its doors in 2012. The Woodford Airshows ran for 33 years, displaying different aircraft and drawing crowds of up to 100,000 people. Local Conservatives have argued that a farewell event should be held, to celebrate the history of the site and pay tribute to all who have worked there.

Conservative Parliamentary Candidates David Rutley (Macclesfield) and Ben Jeffreys (Cheadle) met with Woodford Councillor Bryan Leck and local resident Tom Newey to discuss the launch of a campaign internet site, www.woodfordfarewell2012.com.

Tom, a 19 year old Poynton resident has launched a Facebook page, which has already attracted nearly 1,000 members. He explained: “My grandad worked at BAE in the paint shop for over 20 years, and my dad still works there on the Nimrod. I remember going to the Air Displays and seeing some brilliant shows. We need to celebrate the history of Woodford one last time, before it’s lost forever.”

Ben Jeffreys, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Cheadle, said "As a history teacher living in Bramhall, I have always been both interested in, and proud of, the history of our area. It would be a wonderful tribute to the Woodford Aerodrome's rich past, and to all who have worked there, if we can secure a farewell event in 2012”.

David Rutley, the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Macclesfield, added: “"I think that such an event would be a fitting farewell and a mark of respect to all the people who have worked at the Aerodrome and the huge contribution it has made over the decades. It would have great appeal to all those interested in the proud history of the Aerodrome".”

David hits the ground running

2009-11-23T20:54:00.031Z

David Rutley with Cheshire East Councillor's Harold Davenport and Matthew Davies

David Rutley is keeping his promise to fight for local residents and to put Macclesfield first. He is already hard at work talking to residents out on the doorstep and in local town centres. David also has a busy schedule attending meetings with community groups and taking forward local campaigns.

Campaign activity has already included meetings with local traders in Macclesfield to determine how best to help revitalise the town centre. David has also been campaigning with local residents in Poynton for a farewell event for the Woodford Aerodrome and is working closely with local Councillors across the constituency tackling a range of local issues.

David said, “I have made a commitment to work for all local residents regardless of their views and it is a commitment that I will keep. In the weeks and months ahead, I look forward to working closely with local Councillors, residents, community groups and businesses to lead campaigns on issues that matter most to Macclesfield.”

If any residents or community groups would like to get in touch with David, then please contact him on 01625 422848 or mcatory@btconnect.com

Rutley - the right choice

2009-11-23T20:09:00.016Z

Sir Nicholas and David after the Open Primary

David Rutley was selected as the Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Macclesfield at an Open Primary at Fallibroome High School on 17^th October.

At a time when political parties need to engage voters more actively in the political process, the Open Primary was a real success in involving the people of Macclesfield in deciding who would become the Conservative Candidate.

Three hundred residents registered to attend the event. Those that attended had the chance to question vigorously all the participants in the contest and then to vote for their preferred candidate.

After the Open Primary, David Rutley said, “I would like to thank all those who attended and organised the Open Primary to select the Conservative candidate for Macclesfield. It was a great honour to have been chosen as the candidate at that meeting.”

Sir Nicholas Winterton DL MP added “I know that David will continue the tradition of being a hard working constituency MP who will fight for Macclesfield and the people of Macclesfield.”

PARLIAMENTARY CANDIDATE SELECTION PRIMARY

2009-10-12T09:28:00.000+01:00

Following the announcement by Sir Nicholas Winterton that he would not stand as the Candidate again for the Macclesfield Constituency at the next General Election, a selection process is under way to find a new Conservative Candidate.

The final stage of that process is a US-style “Primary” to be held on Saturday 17th October 2009 at 1pm in The Performance Hall, Fallibroome High School, Priory Lane, Macclesfield, SK10 4AF.

If you are an elector in the Macclesfield Constituency you will be eligible to vote at the Primary (provided you are at least 18 years old), but you must be present for the whole meeting at which each candidate will be interviewed and questioned for thirty minutes. The meeting is likely to be around 5 hours long including a break for refreshments.

You must pre-register to attend the Primary by supplying your full name, address with post code, and telephone number to:
Macclesfield Conservative Office, West Bank Road, Macclesfield, SK10 3BT
or telephone 01625 422848 from 9.30am to 1.30pm
or Email mcatory@btconnect.com
or online at www.northwestconservatives.com where you can also find statements from the candidates with brief CVs

You must register by 5pm on Thursday 15th October 2009. Please arrive in plenty of time. Parking is possible to the rear of the Leisure Centre, from where there is direct access into the School grounds.

LOCAL MP RE-ELECTED FALKLANDS GROUP CHAIRMAN FOR 12TH TIME

2009-08-02T11:37:00.000+01:00

Local MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton DL has been re-elected unanimously and unopposed as Chairman of the United Kingdom-Falkland Islands All-Party Parliamentary Group – for the twelfth consecutive year – at the Group’s Annual General Meeting at the House of Commons on 13th July. The Group consists of Members from all political parties in both Houses of Parliament interested in maintaining the security and economic prosperity of the Falkland Islands and their inhabitants. Speaking following the well-attended AGM, the Macclesfield MP said:

“Now more than a quarter of a century on from the liberation of the Falkland Islands by British Armed Forces, following the illegal occupation by Argentina in 1982, I am proud to have been re-elected unopposed as Chairman of the United Kingdom-Falkland Islands All-Party Parliamentary Group for the twelfth consecutive year.

“Greater recognition of the Islands and their proud people is needed. For example, I fully support the right for Overseas Territories Representatives to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph in Whitehall on Remembrance Sunday each year.

“The Falkland Islands’ strategic role as a gateway to valuable mineral reserves and associated wealth increases each year. An anticipated hydrocarbon exploration programme will begin later this year with a high chance of success in the Northern Basin.

“The United Kingdom must never let down her guard again, with Argentina threatening to use its troops in the Antarctic region to defend its interests.

“I am pleased that there have been two further next of kin visits with 200 family members of those servicemen killed during the 1982 conflict landing on the Islands on each flight.

“The Group will continue to play a particularly important and active role in fostering stronger links between the UK and the Falkland Islands and their loyal inhabitants. We greatly value the regular contact and close co-operation between the Falkland Islands representative in London, Sukey Cameron MBE, the Governor, members of the Falkland Islands Legislative Assembly and the UK Parliament, and enjoy our discussions with Assembly Members on matters such as further developing the Islands’ economic prosperity, environmental protection, fishing, mineral exploitation, and security strategy, whenever they visit the UK. We also try to meet the Governor and Assembly Members whenever they visit the UK, and various members visit the Islands annually in return,”

concluded Sir Nicholas Winterton DL MP.

LOCAL MP WORKING FOR STRONGER COMMONWEALTH TIES

2009-07-30T11:37:00.000+01:00

Local MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton, has been re-elected to the Executive Committee of the United Kingdom Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association at its recent AGM at the House of Commons under the Chairmanship of the newly appointed Speaker, the Rt Hon John Bercow MP.

“I am delighted to have been re-elected to the Executive Committee of the UK Branch of the CPA. The CPA does important work in strengthening the already firm links between the 53 independent sovereign nations of the Commonwealth and regularly hosts visits by leaders and parliamentarians to Westminster and countrywide.

“Each year, the UK Branch of the CPA organises opportunities for UK Parliamentarians to visit Commonwealth nations in order to meet elected members, presidents, prime ministers and a wide cross-section of people in the country concerned. The CPA builds on their common heritage in language, culture and education, which enables them to work together in an atmosphere of greater trust and understanding than generally prevails among nations.

“Visits provide important and valuable cross-cultural exchanges of knowledge and experience, bringing together the representatives of the 1.7 billion people of many faiths, races, languages, traditions and levels of economic development, which make up the Commonwealth,” concluded the Macclesfield MP.

Sir Nick raises concerns about BAE systems’ US rival

2009-07-28T11:37:00.001+01:00

Local MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton has welcomed the response to a recent Written Parliamentary Question which he tabled seeking clarification on the background of the Ministry of Defence’s Nimrod MRA4 production contract, which the Macclesfield MP hopes will be placed with BAE Systems as a priority in order to underpin the viability of the BAE System’s site at Woodford for the foreseeable future. The Helix project could be a bonus for the company and workforce if they are successful in gaining this business.

In his question, the Macclesfield MP raised the circumstances surrounding BAE Systems’ rival firm in the United States L-3 Communications Corporation, involved in the rival Boeing Rivet Joint aircraft bid, which is facing legal proceedings following an investigation by the authorities into its business operating practices.

In his Written Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Defence, Sir Nicholas Winterton DL MP asked:

“What reports he has received of the outcome of legal proceedings in the United States against L-3 Communications Corporation; if he will assess the effect on his Department's policies on (a) security and (b) ethical procurement of its contract with L-3 Communications Corporation to examine the replacement of the Nimrod R-1 fleet; and if he will make a statement.”

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Defence, Quentin Davies MP responded:

“The Ministry of Defence is aware of the legal proceedings in the USA involving L-3 Communications, with whom MOD has a number of contracts.

“We have not yet made a final decision on the solution for sustaining the Airborne Signals Intelligence Capability, currently provided by Nimrod R-1.

“All major equipment procurements are subject to MOD’s assurance processes, which include an assessment of the suitability of prospective contractors before any commitments are entered into,” concluded the Defence Procurement Minister.

Sir Nicholas Winterton MP welcomed the Minister’s fairly positive response. Approximately £400mllion had been set aside for the Helix Programme and the debate has centred on two options, namely, revamp and commission the MRA4 platform or the US Boeing Rivet Joint aircraft. The BAE Systems Woodford plant would benefit from a decision to revamp and use the MRA4 platform and the production activity would be likely to extend to 2012, safeguarding some 700 manufacturing jobs at the BAE Systems Woodford site. A further 300 or so jobs associated with production will also be secured at the other BAE Systems’ sites.

The Ministry of Defence and the Defence Procurement Agency have considered the suitability, risks and costs involved in using the Nimrod MRA4 platform or the Rivet Joint aircraft for the Helix Project. The “command and control” element of competing aircraft will have a bearing on the Ministry of Defence’s final decision – the Boeing Rivet Joint aircraft is comprised of a system inherently compatible with that used by the United States military.

Standing room only as Pickles visits Macclesfield

2009-07-22T13:01:00.000+01:00

It was standing room only on Monday night when the Chairman of the Conservative Party, Eric Pickles MP, paid a visit to the local party.

After arriving by train, Eric first met with association officers in the Conservative Office before addressing around 70 members gathered in the Conservative Club.

Pickles, who is Member of Parliament for Brentwood and Ongar, spoke about the upcoming parliamentary candidate selection to take place in Macclesfield. He outlined the different options available to the membership in Macclesfield, and mentioned that whilst there were already a good number of approved candidates several local people had recently applied to get onto the list.

When describing the selection process for the Conservative party, Eric mentioned the way the other parties select their candidates with little local involvement and said "They look at the way we do it and it makes them jealous".

After he discussed the possible process he took questions from the floor. Once the business of the selection had been dealt with he continued to answer questions on a range of political issues including Education, Europe, constitutional reform and local government.

Chairman of the local party, David Freear, said "Eric was very well received by the membership, who appreciated him taking the time to visit Macclesfield. We all enjoyed his down to earth personality and are looking forward to the selection process due to start in September".

LOCAL MP CALLS FOR A HALT TO SHARED SURFACE STREETS

2009-06-22T08:29:00.002+01:00

Local MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton DL has experienced a dangerous new street design that puts blind and partially sighted people, disabled and elderly people, and young children in danger, at an event held by Guide Dogs.

The Macclesfield MP tried out a mock shared surface street whilst blindfolded as part of Guide Dogs ‘Say NO to shared streets’ campaign, at the House of Commons 10th June. These streets – when the road and pavement are built at the same level with the kerb removed – force all road users to make ‘eye contact’ to establish who moves first. This obviously undermines the safety, confidence and independence of vulnerable pedestrians. Wheelchair users have to share their space with intimidating cyclists and vehicles, and young children no longer have a kerb safely at which to stop, look and listen. MPs also learnt about the importance of safe and accessible towns and high streets for vulnerable pedestrians.

David Cowdrey, Guide Dogs Campaign Manager, commented:

“We know that shared surface streets are dangerous and discriminate against the safety and independence of vulnerable pedestrians. If people can’t tell where the road begins and the pavement ends, how can you feel safe? We need everyone to get behind our campaign so that they are free to use their town centres and high streets as they wish – instead of them becoming no-go areas.“

The ‘Say NO to shared streets’ campaign is supported by nearly 20 other national disability organisations including MENCAP, Leonard Cheshire Disability, RNID, RNIB and Arthritis Care.

LOCAL MP CALLS FOR GREATER RECOGNITION FOR UK’S CARERS

2009-06-05T13:11:00.001+01:00

Local MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton DL has teamed up with TV and radio presenter, Jonathan Dimbleby, to support this year’s Carers Week (8-14 June), and to celebrate the contribution made by those people in the Macclesfield constituency and throughout the UK who provide unpaid care for someone who is ill, frail or disabled.

The theme for Carers Week is ‘Carers… the UK’s secret service’ and calls for carers to receive greater recognition for the work they carry out, so vital for their families and friends, and for their communities.

Sir Nicholas Winterton DL MP and Jonathan Dimbleby have joined together to pay tribute to carers, and to urge that they receive more support in their caring roles. The Macclesfield MP said:

“There are thousands of people in the Macclesfield constituency who sacrifice their time – and often their health, finances, work and social life – in order to care for a loved one. They deserve to be recognised for the priceless contribution they make, both to our local community and to society at large.

“I am taking part in Carers Week firstly to express my gratitude and respect for our carers, but also to make them aware that there are services and support out there to help them. Caring can be demanding and difficult, so it’s important that carers know that they don’t have to struggle on alone.”

Jonathan Dimbleby, who has personal experience of being a carer, said:

“Just imagine for a moment what would happen if carers ceased to care and simply gave up. There would be no-one to look after millions of frail, elderly and disabled people. It would be a nightmare: chaos, panic and much worse.

“Of course carers would never behave like that. They are motivated by love, duty and compassion. But those of us who have been in that role, even for a short time, know how testing and draining it can be. That is why Britain’s ‘secret service’ must not be forgotten, ignored or exploited.”

Other celebrities supporting this campaign, all of whom have experience of caring, include Sir Geoff Hurst, Sir David Jason, Fiona Phillips and Arlene Phillips.

Carers Week is organised by a partnership of 10 national charities: Carers UK, Counsel and Care, Crossroads Caring for Carers, Help the Hospices, Macmillan Cancer Support, MS Society, Parkinson’s Disease Society, The Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Vitalise and WRVS. For more information about local events and activities taking place as part of Carers Week, visit www.carersweek.org or call 0845 241 2582.

Sir Nicholas shows support for improving Osteoporosis services in England

2009-05-22T14:31:00.002+01:00

A new manifesto has been launched today that outlines steps to eradicate unnecessary broken bones and save the NHS hundreds of millions of pounds currently spent on fracture care. The National Osteoporosis Society published detailed actions that Politicians and Policymakers in England must take to stop people with osteoporosis breaking bones again and again. Manifestos for Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland have also been published.

“Painful and debilitating fractures are not an inevitable result of osteoporosis, yet most healthcare services do little to prevent them,” said Claire Severgnini, Chief Executive of the National Osteoporosis Society. “Thousands of needless fractures are being allowed to occur each year until this major public health problem and health inequality is tackled. Our manifesto highlights the key challenges that must be met to provide the appropriate diagnosis, care and treatments that people with osteoporosis deserve.”

Sir Nicholas Winterton DL MP joined MPs at Westminster today for the launch of the Manifesto which compliments the Prevention Package for Older People, currently being developed by the Department of Health to enable the commissioning of high quality falls and fracture prevention services.
Osteoporosis causes fragile bones, which can lead to agonising and disabling fractures. It is a long-term condition which is currently putting 2.3 million people in England at risk of painful fractures, which are costly to treat. Each year, fractures in patients aged 60 years and over account for more than 2 million hospital bed days in England alone.

“Much can be done to prevent these fractures but services are scarce,” said Professor David Reid, Chair of the National Osteoporosis Society. “Fracture rates can be halved by the timely identification of osteoporosis and the consequent prescription of treatment to increase bone strength. This Manifesto provides simple guidance to significantly reduce the impact of osteoporosis and fractures.”

The Osteoporosis Manifesto identifies five areas where vast improvements are needed: the management of falls, fragility fractures and osteoporosis; clinical guidance; the assessment of clinical performance; primary care services and public awareness and education.

“With budgets pushed to breaking point, focussing on these five key areas would help to save time and money,” added Professor Reid. ”This isn’t an empty call to action; we know that these measures work. They can improve quality of life, restore independence and help to save thousands of lives each year.”

The National Osteoporosis Society is the only UK wide charity dedicated to improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. In the UK, one in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 will break a bone, mainly because of osteoporosis.1,150 people are dying every month in the UK as a result of hip fractures.

Sir Nicholas celebrates benefit victory for blind people

2009-05-22T06:32:00.003+01:00

Local MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton DL has hailed changes to benefits rules that will give local blind people an extra £30 a week to pay for travel costs that will see them able to get out and about safely and independently. On Wednesday, 20th May joined RNIB and many other blind people’s organisations to celebrate this historic change.

Currently blind people are only able to claim the lower rate of the mobility benefit, called Disability Living Allowance, paid at £18.65 per week. Following a three year parliamentary campaign, the government has agreed to pay blind people the higher rate of the benefit at £49.10 per week. This extra money will kick in from April 2011.

Sir Nicholas Winterton DL MP said:

“I am delighted to be celebrating this victory for blind people. I have campaigned in parliament for the last three years to end the injustice that saw blind people unable to claim the higher rate of mobility support, worth an extra £30 a week.”

Steve Winyard, Head of Campaigns at RNIB, said:

“This extra money will make a huge difference to the lives of blind people across the country. Most of us can only begin to appreciate the massive barriers blind people face to getting around- busy roads without safe crossings, wheelie bins and advertising boards on the pavement, or public transport that is impossible to use. Now blind people will be able to pay for safe door to door transport by taxi or minicab, which is what they tell us they want.”

On 17th March, Minister for Disabled People, Jonathan Shaw MP accepted an amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill that will end blind people’s exclusion from being able to claim the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance. Over 20,000 people will be eligible for the extra £30 per week available through the Higher Rate Mobility Component. During the debate on the amendment MPs from all parties paid tribute to the tenacity of their blind and partially sighted constituents, who lobbied for over three years to get the change made.

Macclesfield MP pays tribute to manufacturers

2009-05-21T14:31:00.000+01:00

Local MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton raised the issue of the parlous state of the United Kingdom’s manufacturing industry in the House of Commons during Prime Minister’s Question Time on 20th May. However, the Macclesfield MP first paid tribute to the outgoing Speaker of the House of Commons, the Rt Hon Michael Martin MP, who announced his retirement earlier in the week.

The Macclesfield MP asked:

“Does the Prime Minister accept that manufacturing industry is one of the only sources of sustainable non-inflationary economic growth? Sadly, the number employed in manufacturing has dropped from 4.5 million in 1997 to 2.73 million today.

“Will he and his Government ensure that they do not place any additional burdens, such as the increase in national insurance, fuel tax and regulation, on manufacturing industry? We want to be competitive. Please will he encourage, and not de-incentivise, industry and manufacturing in this country?”

The Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP replied:

“The future of this country will be built on modern manufacturing strength. In advanced manufacturing we are one of the great leaders of the world; we have some of the greatest companies in the world—they operate from Britain but are global players with huge strengths in new technology and in innovation. Our manufacturing strategy is to support our large companies and to encourage innovation so that we have small and medium-sized companies coming forward.

“We gave additional investment allowances for manufacturing in the Budget, our corporation tax is the lowest that it has been for many, many years, and we continue to support small businesses with enterprise grants; 128,000 businesses have now received some help from the Government during this downturn to get through these difficult times.

“As 50 per cent. of our manufacturing is exported, it is so important that the European economy moves forward as well; it is very important to us that we work with Europe so that we achieve growth and jobs for the future,” concluded the Prime Minister.

"Public Transport in the North West going nowhere with disability" young campaigners tell local MP

2009-05-12T22:12:00.000+01:00

Disabled commuters in the North West are forced to pay more for an inconsistent and inaccessible public transport system across the UK, as revealed by a three month undercover investigation published this week.

The investigative report End of the Line, which was presented this week to Sir Nicholas Winterton MP, of the Muscular Dystrophy All Party Parliamentary Group, includes a number of mystery commuter journeys taken across the North West. The trips were undertaken by young disabled campaigners in order to assess the state of our nation’s public transport system.

End of the Line is the first report as part of the Inclusion Now campaign being organised by the Trailblazers – the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign’s nationwide network of 16 to 30-year-olds who are fighting for the rights of young disabled people.

Having completed surveys every time the Trailblazers made a journey on public transport, as well as using blogs and focus groups, today’s report exclusively reveals:

• wheelchair users are forced to pay more to use public transport than their non-disabled peers;

[A typical train journey from London to Manchester with a Disabled Adult’s Railcard costs £35.65 while a typical coach journey would cost £13.20. The majority of coaches are inaccessible, leaving trains as the only option available for longer journeys]

• half of trains lacked basic disabled facilities at stations and on board the trains;

• on a third of bus journeys, the mystery commuter was unable to board the first bus which arrived at the bus stop;

[This is a consequence of the access ramp being broken, the accessible space on the buses being unavailable or the driver failing to stop]

• two out of five of the young disabled people were forced to pay more to use a wheelchair accessible taxi, compared with their non-disabled peers;

[As a result of the strain of using the bus and rail networks many disabled people feel forced to use taxis to be able to travel around a town or city.]

These results come four years after the Disability Discrimination Act came into force, suggesting that transport providers are still failing to fulfil their duties in providing an equal service to disabled commuters.

The young campaigners presented their findings to MPs and Peers at the House of Commons, where they will call on the Government and local authorities, together with transport providers, to review their accessibility policies.

Macclesfield MP Sir Nicholas Winterton MP, of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Muscular Dystrophy, met with campaigners in Parliament, and said:
“Many people with muscle disease feel that our public transport system does not meet the needs of its passengers. I hope that the report’s findings will help boost independence and improve the quality of life for all people living with muscle disease.
“It’s fantastic that young people are being given the opportunity to see their ideas make a difference and have an impact in their local communities.”

Trailblazer Ambassador, 19-year-old Jessica Berry from Cheshire, who has limb girdle muscular dystrophy, met with Sir Nicholas Winterton MP and said:

“Most people find it easy to get around and be independent, but when you are disabled simple tasks like travelling spontaneously can be extremely difficult.

“It’s incredible that transport providers think the level of service they currently provide for disabled commuters is good enough. The End of the Line report shows there is still a long way to go before the transport system in the UK really is accessible.

“I hope that by joining forces with other young disabled campaigners from across the UK we’ll have a real impact and access to public transport can be improved.

Commenting on the Trailblazers’ report, a spokesperson for the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:

“The Equality and Human Rights Commission welcomes the Trailblazers and their current campaign to promote access to public transport.

“Although the Disability Discrimination Act started to come into force in December 2006 many disabled people still not do experience equal access to transport, leisure facilities and education.

The Muscular Dystrophy Campaign is the only national charity focusing on all muscle diseases. It invests £3 million a year in care support services, research, muscle centres, networks, information and resources. It has pioneered the search for treatments and cures for 50 years and provides practical, medical and emotional support to people affected.

For more information please contact the press office: Sal Lalji on 0207 803 4844, mobile: 07827 241 043 or email: s.lalji@muscular-dystrophy.org

New Play Area for the Weston Estate

2009-05-03T22:19:00.000+01:00

A new toddler play area on the Weston Estate in Macclesfield is one step closer to reality as work begins on site. Groundwork Cheshire, the former Macclesfield Borough Council and the Weston and Ivy Community Development Group developed the project on Earlsway with the support of the community and, now that funding has been secured, work can start to install the new equipment.

Cheshire East Council has added £20,000 to a £50,000 grant from The Waste Recycling Group Limited. This money will be used to provide a range of fun equipment that will help to stimulate young children, keeping them fit and healthy. The play equipment includes a nursery rhyme multi-play unit, 'talking flowers', play panels, colourful ground markings and 'springies' as well as traditional equipment such as swings and a roundabout. The play area has been designed with disabled access in mind.

The scheme is a part of wider developments in the area, including work to develop the large recreation field opposite the play area. Work is also starting on a project, in which Groundwork Cheshire, the Community Development Group, local councillors, Cheshire East Council, Cheshire Peaks and Plains Housing Trust and other partner organisations will be supporting local residents in planning a long-term strategy of community development for the area. Residents are asked to contact Beth Brockett at Groundwork on 01606 723160 or beth.brockett@groundwork.org.uk if they would like to get involved.

Cheshire East Chief Executive Erika Wenzel, Council Leader Wesley Fitzgerald and Councillor Darryl Beckford visited the Weston Estate on Wednesday 22 April to offer their support to the play area project and future neighbourhood working.

Erika says: "It'll be great for the children and parents to have a new play area to use in the area and congratulations to everyone on their hard work. We are happy to see the work start on site. The aim of Cheshire East is to bring everyone together to help improve their own community and make it an area to be proud of."

The planned completion date is in early June. Councillor Darryl Beckford, Ward Member for Macclesfield West says: "The play area provides much-needed facilities for the families who live in Macclesfield West. The location will provide a central hub for families in the community to congregate, and I hope they will treasure and guard the play area fiercely! On behalf of the residents of my ward, I'd like to thank all those who have worked so hard to bring this project to life."

Richard Smith of WREN says: "We are delighted that work is about to start on this scheme to provide much needed play equipment for local children. Our advisory panel in Cheshire were very supportive of the project and we hope the facilities will bring enjoyment to a great many children for years to come."

Picture: (From left) Cllr Wesley Fitzgerald, Beth Brockett (Groundwork Cheshire), Paul Hitchener and Louise Booth (residents and members of Community Development Group), Cllr Darryl Beckford, Cllr Sandy Bentley.

Local MP fighting for local excellence

2009-04-07T09:48:00.000+01:00

Local MP, Sir Nicholas Winterton raised the issue of the future of local newspapers and the Cheshire Choir in the House of Commons during the Easter Adjournment debate on 2nd April 2009. Sir Nicholas Winterton MP has made urgent representations to the Guardian Media Group and to the new Cheshire East Council expressing deep concern about the future of local news coverage and the Cheshire Choir respectively.

The Macclesfield MP said:

“First, let me highlight to the Deputy Leader of the House the ongoing crisis facing local newspapers. In my area, the Manchester Evening News—or the Guardian Media Group, which is the umbrella company—is closing the offices of all its weekly newspapers, with 150 people being made redundant, some 78 of whom are journalists. That is very serious. How will people learn about what is happening in their local courts or, for that matter, what is going on with their local authority, local sports clubs or local charities? There will be a deficit of democracy and information. The Government should pay heed to that.”

The Macclesfield MP continued:

“I should also like to highlight the plight facing the Cheshire youth choir. At the weekend, I was privileged to hear it twice: once as part of a concert put on by the Macclesfield male voice choir, with which it shared the concert, and again on Sunday, when I attended the magnificent thanksgiving service in Chester cathedral to mark the 120 years of Cheshire county council. At midnight on my birthday, which was on Tuesday, the council ceased to exist, as did the six borough and district councils in Cheshire.

“The Cheshire youth choir made a fantastic contribution to that service, under the inspired leadership and direction of Dr. Shirley Court. It is truly inspirational, it is magnificent, it is fabulous! I cannot find sufficient words to describe my admiration for that choir, and it is successful because of Dr. Shirley Court. Under the restructuring of local government in Cheshire, there is no guarantee that resources will continue to be made available to the choir beyond July. Will the Government tell the new authorities—Cheshire East and Cheshire West—that the choir must continue as a choir for the whole of Cheshire under the leadership of someone who is respected internationally, nationally and locally. She is unique, and if Cheshire loses her, I can only say that those who are responsible are fools,”

concluded Sir Nicholas Winterton DL MP.

World Kidney Day

2009-03-31T09:17:00.000+01:00

Sir Nicholas Winterton MP supported patients with kidney disease by attending a reception in the House of Commons to mark World Kidney Day on 12th March 2009.

Sir Nicholas heard about the latest work that is going on to improve the care of people with kidney disease. At the reception, Dr Donal O’Donoghue, National Clinical Director for Kidney Care at the Department of Health launched new patient care plans designed to tailor care to individual patients.

Mrs. Fiona Loud, Chair of the Kidney Alliance who organised the event, said that kidney disease is common, harmful and treatable. She stressed the importance of minimising the risk of kidney disease by avoiding high blood pressure, which is one of several factors associated with kidney disease that also include diabetes. People with a family history should be particularly vigilant.

Around 13,000 people die each year from kidney related illnesses in this country, yet according to a survey carried out just before World Kidney Day, only 50% of people with symptoms were checked for kidney disease by their GP and nearly a third of them had to ask for tests.

Sir Nicholas Winterton MP said:

“I was interested to learn about the experiences of patients with kidney disease and the dedicated work that health care professionals in the NHS carry out to help them. The advances made in diagnosis and treatment are vital and we must continue to pursue new developments, but clearly it is equally important that we also take better care of our kidneys”.

World Kidney Day is celebrated in more than 100 countries over six continents.
Further information can be found at www.worldkidneyday.co.uk