David Marren

05/05/2023

I'm afraid this is the last post on this site. Thank you for all the positive comments and I'm sure I'll see many of you around. Time to put my feet up.

Best wishes to you all.

05/05/2023

Cheshire East Election result 2023 Shavington Electoral Ward

Candidate Party Votes

Linda Buchanan Labour Party 573 40.81%
David Marren Independent 486 34.62%
Clair Waine Conservative Party 345 24.57%

A little disappointed but I do pass on my congratulations to Linda Buchanan who is from tonight your Cheshire East Ward Councillor.
Congratulations Linda.
Thank you to everybody that has voted for me.

However, I’m afraid I will not be able to keep this site going any longer because I am no longer your Ward Councillor. My last posts will be this evening.

04/05/2023

Public Footpath between Ashcroft Avenue and Greenfields Avenue.

I received a request a while ago about some lighting to be installed along the walkway to improve the health and safety of those residents using this walkway. Concern was expressed about walking along it when it was dark, not just because of feeling unsafe but because it is far more likely you would walk upon dog mess if you couldn’t see it.

The footpath is owned by CEC but not all walkways are, some are owned by the Housing Association and others are privately owned.

The lighting will cost more than £10k and I did ask the Parish Council for financial support but couldn’t get any.

Extract from the minutes Finance & Strategy Committee meeting held 28th September 2022
ScG FC/22/3/10 To consider a proposal from Cllr Marren (CEC) to match fund the installation costs for n.2 streetlights along the footpath between Ashcroft Avenue and Greenfield Avenue up to £1,400 from reserve Member NOTED the report.
RESOLVED: that the proposal from Cllr Marren (CEC) to top-up the installation costs for n.2 streetlights along the footpath between Ashcroft Avenue and Greenfield Avenue up to £1,400 is not recommended to Full Council. Cllr Ferguson abstained from the vote.

So, it has taken me a bit longer but now we have success. I have been notified this morning that Street lighting have a date booked of 13th/14thMay for two new columns though they are still awaiting confirmation of acceptance from the DNO.

The DNO is the Distribution Network Operator. In this instance it is Scottish Power. The feeder pillar that is being installed will need a new supply connected into it so that CEC Street lighting can feed this to the new columns. CEC Street lighting will be installing using their own cable as there is no direct feed from Scottish Power’s supply cable along the footpath.

Whoopie. That is a big win.

30/04/2023

Elections on May 4th

If you live in Shavington Ward you should have received an election leaflet off me. I’m afraid I’m not able to knock on doors as my mother was rushed to Royal Stoke hospital a week ago and my priority has had to shift from door knocking. I’m sorry for that.

I’ve decided to post this as a follow up to the leaflet as I am seeking support for my re-election.

This site was started four years ago and anyone could access this site. I’ve used it to publicise changes to Council services, forthcoming roadworks, grants that are available, opportunities for families and lots more. I posted information affecting the ward and wider area virtually every day.

Maintaining this site is a way of sharing information about what the Council and I have been doing and much more effectively than leafleting once in a blue moon.

You will also know that I have written two pages in every issue of the “Village Voice” in the last four years to let you know of issues. Additionally, I submit, to each Full Council meeting held by Shavington cm Gresty Parish Council, a 10-15 page report which will detail information I believe they ought to know about or issues they need to address. You’ll find my reports on the Council’s website.

I don’t believe my predecessor did this.
You will all have seen the new pedestrian crossing on Crewe Road. There were significant delays in its delivery, both Covid and Brexit related, but I have had direct contact with WPI Civil Engineering Ltd and it has been delivered. A Toucan crossing in Rope Lane was blocked by me. I called out to site CEC’s Chief Executive and the Highways Chairman, separately, and demonstrated to them that officers were putting it in the wrong place. I have had confirmation that a Puffin crossing will now definitely be built and in the right place; close to Broomhall Drive.

I know roads are a problem. They are a problem across all of Cheshire East, but this is a long standing, Government initiated problem. The cost of bringing Cheshire East’s roads to a good standard is £200,000,000. In 2020/21 the Dept for Transport Grant to Cheshire East for roads was £19,000,000. Next year it is £17,300,000. So, it is hard going getting our roads uplifted although you will recall we had significant patching repairs to Crewe Road, Main Road, Park Estate, Woodnoth Drive and various junctions on the Greenfields estate.

Use of the school carpark is now a serious community issue and it is only still open because I have personally intervened and spoken to the School’s Chief Executive Officer and asked him to keep it open until a discussion can be held with the newly elected Parish Council.
In CEC’s review of Parish Boundaries, the Conservative Leader of Cheshire East Council, Cllr Janet Clowes, argued that our Parish boundary should be changed so that Huntersfield, and the Persimmon and Anwyl estates would become part of Wynbunbury Parish. The Conservative candidate Claire Wain said nothing to the decision makers at Cheshire East to save our boundary; presumably because she was towing a party line. The Labour Party candidate, Linda Buchanon, who lives in Wynbunbury and votes in Wynbunbury, said nothing to the decision makers at Cheshire East Council to save our boundary.
I did speak out against changing the boundary and my views were heard and the boundary wasn’t changed. The Conservatives will reopen this issue should they gain control of CEC.

I frequently deal with problems and help residents with issues such as planning complaints, blocked gullies, street lighting problems, refuse and litter bin issues, overgrown hedges, uncut grass areas, verge damage and street cleaning issues and loads of others. I resolve most issues I’m given and I’ve had lots.
I put the residents who elect me before party or group and I can easily prove that. Nearly all Conservative and Labour Councillors put their party before their residents because the groups pre brief before debate and have a line to follow and sometimes are actually “whipped” to vote in a certain way.
Because of this, I advised the Independent Remuneration Panel, a couple of months ago, to scrap the allowance for Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs and I will continue to argue for that because these positions are, in my view, used to gain compliance. They can be used or offered like bribes and removed as a punishment for not voting as instructed. I will continue to argue that they shouldn’t be paid while the leader alone hires and fires.

I would like you to vote for me, to vote for David Marren in the Cheshire East election. I know how Councils should work as I was an Executive Director with Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council and at the time you were given your wheelie bins for recycling and garden waste. I was responsible for the collection of waste. I mention that because I definitely won’t be voting to charge you for the collection of garden waste because it should be collected with kitchen waste. I know how Cheshire East Council works and I know how it can be improved. I will put you before Party. As a Cheshire East Councillor my responsibility is to you, not to Cheshire East Council.

Please vote for me on May 4th as I know I need your support. And please ask others to support me if you can.

Thank you.

29/04/2023

Discounted days out

A variety of reduced-price tickets for schools and other youth organisations at a range of attractions across the UK.

29/04/2023

Job opportunity

Cheshire East Council is seeking a Creative Producer for the Creative Connections Summer Arts Programme in the new Ly2 outdoor venue in Crewe Town Centre.

They are seeking a motivated, creative leader with excellent event management and delivery capabilities. The Creative Producer will be responsible for the delivery of a three-month programme of events, engagement and community activity, taking place on Saturdays from June-August 2023.

You will be ready to produce a programme of performances and activities offering a variety of experiences to local audiences and creating opportunities to engage and get involved.

This programme will be developed from a foundation which is already in place, including a community engagement plan, key commissions and ongoing conversations with partners and stakeholders.

• Closing date 4 May, shortlist 5 May
• Interviews 9 May
• Anticipated start date: May 2023
• Planning and programming: May-June 2023
• Event and activity delivery: June-August 2023
• Evaluation and reporting: August-September 2023

The freelance fee for this project is £15,000 based on 3 days a week for 20 weeks.

For a full brief email Janey Moran [email protected]

29/04/2023

Save the dates!

Alpha Omega WPS Foundation will be holding a Summer Family Festival on 22nd July

29/04/2023

Local fundraiser

Violet is 9 years old, lives in Shavington, and has just been selected to represent England Under-13s Girls Ice Hockey team in June!

She is an extremely talented young player and plays in goal for the national team, however Ice Hockey is an incredibly expensive sport to play. Her parents are desperate to help her fulfil her potential and represent the local area on the international stage, but after driving over 20,000 miles in the last 12 month to attend training and with safety kit costing well over £1,000 are reaching out to the local community to ask for help.

If you’re able to donate anything, however big or small, or even just able to share the fundraiser on your social media it would be a great help!

Fundraiser by Mike Lennon : Violet’ Go Goalie Fund (gofundme.com)

https://www.gofundme.com/f/violet-go-goalie-fund?utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_content=undefined&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer&utm_term=undefined

On behalf of Violet’s parents, a huge thank you to anyone who is able to help!

Hi, my name is Violet and I am 9 years old. I play ice hockey as a netminder and have been pl… Mike Lennon needs your support for Violet’ Go Goalie Fund

29/04/2023

Carers Hub

Making Space are the new Carers Hub service provider across Cheshire East, supporting carers of all ages (including young people) with one-to-one advice, group sessions, needs assessments, benefits checks, and a range of other help.

Please visit their website for more information.

Our team of professional carer support workers get to know you and your situation and design a personalised services package.

28/04/2023

Immediate One Way Closure: Nantwich Road, Crewe

Scottish Power have informed CEC of an emergency fault on Nantwich Road, Crewe, therefore a one way closure between Nantwich Road Roundabout to the junction of Gresty Road will be installed at approximately 7pm tonight.
Unfortunately CEC are currently unable to advise on an end date, but have asked Scottish Power to repair as a matter of urgency.
As soon as the Council receive further information including an official diversion, I will notify you.

Location Map -

One platform to plan, monitor, communicate and analyse traffic disruptions.

23/04/2023

National Emergency Alerts system test

On Sunday 23 April at 3pm, a test emergency alert will be sent to mobile phones across the UK.
This is to trial a new national Emergency Alerts system, which enables people to be contacted via their mobile phone when their lives or property may be in danger.
It will only be used to warn residents in the event of local or national emergencies, like public health emergencies, severe floods, fires, and industrial incidents. Only the government and emergency services will be able to send them.
Emergency Alerts are sent to all compatible 4G and 5G mobile phones and they do not need your location or phone number. Anyone who does not have a compatible mobile phone will be kept informed through other channels.
If you get an Emergency Alert on your phone, you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound for 10 seconds. A message on your screen will tell you about the emergency and how best to respond. You’ll be able to check an alert is genuine at: gov.uk/alerts.
https://www.gov.uk/alerts?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

If you receive an alert, read the alert carefully and follow the instructions. If you receive an alert when you are driving, do not pick up your phone and attempt to deal with the message – find a safe and legal place to pull over first.
The emergency alert will sound even if you have your phone on silent, which may put some groups at risk, particularly those in an abusive relationship who have a secret or secondary phone.
If you are in a vulnerable domestic situation, you can opt out of an Emergency Alert, however, we strongly recommend that most people do not opt out of the service, as it is intended to warn you when lives are in danger.
If you’d like to opt out search your settings for ‘emergency alerts’ and turn off Emergency alerts. If this does not work, please contact your device manufacturer, or you can switch off your phone, or place it in airplane mode.
For further advice go to gov.uk/alerts/opt-out or see this video created by Refuge – the UK charity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2MBcHwmiy8
providing specialist support for women and children experiencing domestic violence.
To find out more about Emergency Alerts, visit the government website at: gov.uk/alerts. https://www.gov.uk/alerts/how-alerts-work

The government is rolling out a new Emergency Alerts system and a test alert will be sent at 3pm on Sunday 23 April. The alerts will be used to let you know ...

21/04/2023

Council advises of changes to bus services

Cheshire East Council is advising residents of new revised bus timetables following the decision by Arriva North West to no longer operate services in the borough.
Arriva North West has confirmed that it will close its Winsford and Macclesfield depots on 22 April and will no longer operate any bus services in the Crewe, Macclesfield, Winsford and Northwich areas.
New commercial bus routes have been registered by other bus operators as part of their own networks, and new timetables will come into effect from Sunday 23 April.
Most local bus routes have been covered by alternative commercial routes. However, there are a number of changes to bus services in Cheshire East and full details can be found at: cheshireeast.gov.uk/busservicechanges
Passengers are reminded that tickets are not generally transferrable between bus operators and are advised to contact the operators direct for more information.
All council contract changes, which cover a limited number of late evening and weekend services, have been managed within the authority’s existing budget.
The council will continue to monitor the bus network closely, and further updates will be provided at: cheshireeast.gov.uk/busservicechanges
Passengers may be able to use one of the community and flexible transport services or the Go-Too on-demand bus service for travel to Nantwich and in the adjacent rural areas.
For more information, visit: cheshireeast.gov.uk/BusTimetables
D&G Bus, Stagecoach and First Bus Potteries have all registered new commercial routes as a result of the decision by Arriva to withdraw services.
D&G Bus (dgbus.co.uk) http://www.dgbus.co.uk/
Stagecoach (stagecoachbus.com) https://www.stagecoachbus.com/
Potteries | First Bus https://www.firstbus.co.uk/potteries

Our UK Bus division operates around a fifth of local bus services in the UK and is one of the largest bus operators with a fleet of approximately 6,400 buses around the England, Scotland and Wales. We have bus routes serving 40 of the UK’s largest towns and cities providing great value public tran...