Hello fellow residents! I’m James Pratt, your local councillor for Crewe St Barnabas. I live right here in the heart of our St Barnabas community, in the West End of Crewe.
I’m proud to represent our area on both Cheshire East Council and Crewe Town Council, working to make sure your voice is heard and local priorities are delivered across Crewe & Nantwich.
From Minshull New Road, to Underwood Lane, West Street to Wheelman Road, Badger Avenue, Frank Webb, Rolls Avenue, Chassagne Square, Kettell to McNeill Avenue and all roads and communities in between – we are all Crewe St Barnabas.
I’m your local councillor – and a fellow resident of our community. I’m working hard to tackle the everyday issues that matter, including potholes, litter, fly-tipping, parking problems, street lighting and anti-social behaviour.
If there’s something you’d like me to look into, please get in touch – or you can report issues online.
Read my latest news updates or check my recent facebook posts to find out what I’m up to!
Please follow and share my Facebook and Instagram and TikTok accounts, or sign up for my Email Newsletter so I can keep you up to date on local issues.
You can also take a look at my video looking back at some of our achievements in 2024!
| I wrote to every household in the area and delivered residents surveys to to find what issues you’d like to see tackled in our community. You can still complete this survey online if you have not already. |
If you would like to contact me about any local issue please do get in touch.
Thank you for your support!

Here’s what I’ve been up to recently…
Feeling very grateful today. I was honoured to receive an award presented by Superintendent Andrew Blizzard for making a difference in our community, and as the only councillor to receive one, it really means a lot to me.
This recognition really isn’t just about me though, It reflects the hard work, support and kindness of so many people and organisations I’m fortunate to work alongside in Crewe, as well as the amazing community I represent. I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to serve, and this gives me even more motivation to keep doing my best.
Thank you to everyone I work with to help make Crewe St Barnabas a better place to live. ❤️
CHRISTMAS TOY APPEAL 2025
The Start Well at The Wishing Well team is inviting the community to support this year’s Christmas Toy Appeal. They are collecting new, unwrapped toys for children aged 0 to 16, helping to bring some festive magic to families who need it most.
Could you donate a toy or become a drop off collection point?
Every gift and every new collection point makes a real difference. If you can help, they would love to hear from you. 🎄💫❤️
SPOTTED: DAMAGED STREET LIGHT ON FRANK WEBB AVENUE
While out recently, I noticed a street light on Frank Webb Avenue had been damaged. It’s been made safe for now, but I’ve reported it to highways and asked for a replacement to be installed as soon as possible.
As the nights get longer over winter, keeping our streets well-lit is key to safety. If you see any damaged lights or other issues in your area, please report them online or let me know – every little bit helps keep St Barnabas safe!
Report online 👇
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
FREE IT SESSIONS AT CREWE LIBRARY
Crewe Library is offering a series of free IT sessions designed specifically for people aged 55 and over, as well as disabled adults. Led by Becky Lea from AbilityNet, these sessions provide a friendly and supportive environment to improve your digital skills.
Sessions will run from 2pm on the following dates:
Wednesday 19th November – Introduction to Tech
Wednesday 3rd December – Introduction to the internet, emails and more
Wednesday 17th December – NHS app, online shopping and more
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own devices so they can follow along during the sessions.
Whether you’re looking to get more confident using your smartphone, tablet or computer, or want to explore online services safely, these sessions are a great opportunity to learn at your own pace.
LEAF CLEARING PLANNED IN ST BARNABAS
As in previous years, I’ve raised concerns about the heavy leaf fall along Frank Webb Avenue and Kettell Avenue. The street cleansing team have planned work to clear the leaves soon – a big thank you to them for helping keep our streets safe and tidy.
Earlier in the year, I met with Highways on site to show them the issues many residents face because of the trees. I’ve requested updates on the maintenance work and will share more in future updates.
If your property has been affected by damage from trees, please fill in my online form as I try to get things sorted. 👇
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/crewe-st-barnabas-tree-survey-have-your-say/
MINSHULL NEW ROAD - ROAD SAFETY UPDATE
It has been a very wet and windy day, but this afternoon I met with Cheshire East Highways at Leighton Academy to discuss road safety concerns on Minshull New Road.
Many residents have been asking why the planned safety scheme for Minshull New Road linked to the NWCP roads package near the hospital has not yet been delivered. This is something I have been seeking updates on ever since the new roads opened last summer.
Speeding traffic, narrow and often flooded footpaths, difficulty crossing the road and general safety worries around the school are raised with me regularly.
I highlighted all of these points during the meeting and asked the highways officer to walk the full length of the road on both sides of the school so the issues could be seen first hand.
The original intention had been to close the road outside the school, but this has not taken place. It may be that a different proposal is put forward.
Traffic monitoring is currently underway to understand the present situation and to inform the next steps.
Any new proposals will be put out to consultation so residents can have their say.
I have asked for a further meeting once the monitoring work has been completed, and I will continue to do my best to ensure this remains a matter of priority.
I will share updates as soon as I have them.
Cllr James Pratt
UNDERWOOD LANE - SMOOTHLY DONE!
I took a walk down to Underwood Lane this week to see the resurfacing works I’d been pushing for. After many months of campaigning and a meeting with highways on site earlier this year, it’s great to see the repairs finally complete – no more potholes or crumbling speed bumps!
Another issue ticked off the list! There’s still more to do across our area, and I’ll keep working to make sure our local roads get the attention they need.
My continued ambition is to be your councillor who actually gets things done for our St Barnabas community.
REMINDER: ROADWORKS TOMORROW
Just a quick reminder that roadworks are due to take place tomorrow on Minshull New Road, between the Badger Avenue roundabout (by Morrisons Daily) and West Street.
These works are for gulley clearing (drain unblocking) and are scheduled between 9.30am and 2.30pm, so they should avoid the school run.
Please allow a little extra time for your journey and drive carefully through the area.






















