Dear fellow residents,

I hope you're all keeping well and had a brilliant Summer Holiday season!  It was wonderful to see so many of you at my Summer Fun Day last week!

Here's my latest newsletter update, as we prepare for the next school term, and as we move into late summer! (I don't want to call it Autumn just yet!)

Here's an update on trees, roundabouts, our fun day, pavements, Kings Trust, Morrisons, water leaks & more that I've been up to during the last month.

If you want to see my previous newsletters you can read them all online.

You can always see my latest updates on my facebook page.  Remember to click like and follow to stay updated.  I'm also on Instagram and now Tiktok too.

Please forward or share this newsletter with your St Barnabas area friends and neighbours so I can keep other residents up to date on what I am up to in our area.

Anyone can sign up to receive my newsletter by visiting

www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/newsletter

If you've missed a previous newsletter, you can view them all online here.

HOW TO REPORT ISSUES

I delivered an information card to all households some time ago with useful numbers and contact details, but I’m still regularly asked how residents can report things.

To make it easier, I’ve pulled everything together here:

https://www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/

 (this is the same link I add to most of my posts)

You can also scan the QR code on my posts to go straight to the page.

Please do report any issues you see – it helps us make sure you get the best value from your council tax!

🚶‍♂️ WORKING TO IMPROVE OUR PAVEMENTS!

A big thank you to a resident on Westbourne Avenue for highlighting the poor condition of the pavement. I raised the issue with Cheshire East Highways, and I’m pleased to say it’s now been fixed!

Some time ago, I nearly tripped on Badger Avenue, and I know I’m not the only one concerned.  Several residents have raised similar issues. Highways have told me that Badger Avenue is on the list to be repaired when the budget allows. In the meantime, I’ll keep requesting that the worst spots are dealt with as soon as possible.

If you see a pavement or road in a poor state, you can also report it directly to Cheshire East online or by phone 0300 123 5020.  It really helps strengthen the case for action.

https://www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/

Let’s keep working together to make St Barnabas a safer and better place for everyone! 💪

SUMMER FUN DAY - THANK YOU! 💖🤩

A huge thank you to everyone who came along to support Leighton Brook Park Family Fun Day last week, my first big event for our community here in Crewe St Barnabas! 🎪

Despite some slightly challenging weather, the sun came back out!  We all had a fantastic time, with a great turnout, and support from some brilliant local charities, organisations and local businesses. ☀️

I'd like to thank The Wishing Well, Alex Soccer Centre, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Crewe Fire Station, South Cheshire ABC, Bentley Motors, BYD, Your Housing Group, Cheshire East Family Hubs South, St Paul's Centre, Crewe Police, The Guinness Partnership The Cat, The Dome Youth Zone, Jacob Pizza, LilyBeans Coffee Ltd, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Crewe Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club, Mentell Crewe, Foster4 Cheshire and Merseyside, Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The King's Trust, Cheshire East Youth Support Service, Ray's Ice Cream van and to Kier Group PLC for sponsoring our toilets! 🌟

And thank you to anyone I missed, and to everyone who came out and support the event!

See more photos here

Thank you to Peter Robinson for the brilliant photos!

ABANDONED SHOPPING TROLLEYS – LET’S KEEP CREWE ST BARNABAS LOOKING ITS BEST

🌧️ Despite the rain, it was still nice to be out and about in our community over the weekend.

I noticed two abandoned shopping trolleys in Crewe St Barnabas – one on Badger Avenue and another on Rolls Avenue. I’ve reported these so they can be collected.

Abandoned trolleys might seem a small thing, but they do make a difference. They can make our streets look scruffy, get in the way on pavements, and even end up in green spaces or play areas where they don’t belong.

💡 This is where we can all play our part. If you see an abandoned trolley, please report it by calling 0300 123 5011 or using the online link below.

https://www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/

Together, by each doing our bit, we can keep Crewe St Barnabas looking clean, safe and welcoming for everyone

CELEBRATING THE SUCCESS OF KING’S TRUST CREWE TEAM 75

I had the pleasure of joining The King's Trust Crewe Team 75 for their graduation ceremony – and what an inspiring occasion it was!

Over the past 12 weeks, this fantastic group from Crewe and Nantwich have taken part in the King’s Trust Programme, tackling everything from team building and problem solving on a residential at Petty Pool, to work placements and community support roles.

I first met them back in June during their two-week community project at Underwood West Academy, where I serve as a governor. They worked hard to transform an outdoor area into a much brighter, more welcoming space for pupils and staff.

Hearing their speeches yesterday was truly uplifting – each member reflecting on their journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and their exciting plans for the future.

A huge congratulations to Aiden, Albie, Benjamin, Evie, Isaac, James, Niamh, and Tyler – you should all be incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved! 🎉👏

Thank you also to Sarah and Ash from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Crewe Fire Station for leading the project and supporting Team 75 throughout their journey.

You can read more about the team's community project at Underwood West Academy here.

REDWOOD DRIVE - TIDY UP DONE ON THE BRIDGE!

Thanks to the Cheshire East parks team who came out and tidied up the weeds and nettles around the little bridge in Leighton Brook Park near Redwood Drive.

I've requested a few other jobs around the park, including the trees blocking the pavement on Minshull New Road opposite the cemetery by the bus stop, so hopefully they'll be done also soon.

Spotted a problem? Raise it here

https://www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/

HONOURING VJ DAY – CREWE REMEMBERS

I joined the community in Queen’s Park for Crewe’s VJ Day 80 Commemoration Service, alongside Lady Redmond, the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, veterans, Armed Forces organisations, the Royal British Legion and the Friends of Queen’s Park.

VJ Day, 15 August 1945, marked the end of the Second World War and honours those who served in the Far East – including all who gave their lives in the service of their country.

Burma Star Island in Queen’s Park remembers those who fought in the Burma Campaign, many of whom endured unimaginable hardship as prisoners of war.

We will remember them.

Thank you to Peter Robinson for the photographs.

🚨 FLYTIPPING ON WHEELMAN ROAD REPORTED 🚨

It’s really disappointing to see that someone thought it was okay to dump a bed frame and several mattresses at the back of Wheelman Road, on the Frank Bott fields.

This land belongs to Guinness housing, and I’ve already asked for the rubbish to be cleared.

👉 If you spot fly tipping on Guinness land, please call 0303 123 1890 to report it.

Let’s all do our bit to keep our community clean and safe.

THANK YOU TO MORRISONS CREWE AND WISHING WELL FOR A BRILLIANT SUMMER IN LEIGHTON BROOK PARK

I recently visited Morrisons Crewe, not just for a bit of shopping, but to catch up with Sandrene, their fantastic Community Champion.

I shared details about Start Well at The Wishing Well and the summer sessions taking place for young people in Leighton Brook Park, and asked if Morrisons could support by providing water to keep everyone refreshed during the hot weather.

The response was amazing – Morrisons generously donated hundreds of bottles of water along with snacks for the children. Even better, Sandrene joined me and the Wishing Well team in the park to see the sessions in action.

A huge thank you to Sandrene and everyone at Morrisons Crewe for their kind support, and to The Wishing Well team for running such brilliant sessions for local children and families over the summer holidays. You’ve helped make the summer extra special in our community!

STREET SPORTS CONTINUE IN LEIGHTON BROOK PARK

The fun doesn’t stop in Leighton Brook Park! Street Sports sessions are continuing every Thursday and Friday evening, offering young people the chance to get active, try out new games and enjoy sport in a friendly and welcoming environment.

📌 Location: Leighton Brook Park, Frank Webb Avenue, CW1 3NE
👟 What to bring: Please wear comfortable clothing and suitable footwear, and don’t forget a bottle of water.
📆 When: Friday evenings, 5pm to 6pm (running until 31st October 2025)
💰 Cost: Free – no need to book, just turn up! Open to ages 8 to 16.
⚽️ What to expect: Join in with evening sports, team games and play activities in the floodlit games area.

Come along, get active and enjoy the sessions – it’s a great way to have fun with friends and make the most of your local park!

KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY CLEAN THIS SUMMER ☀️🌿

I’ve been out regularly over the summer with my litter picker, making the most of the sunshine while helping to keep our area looking its best. It’s amazing what a difference a quick litter pick can make! 💪✨

A big thank you to those who’ve stopped for a chat and even offered a drink in the heat – it really means a lot! 🥤😊

If you’d like to get involved – whether by joining in or doing your own litter pick – just drop me a message. I can help with bags and equipment so you’re all set.

Let’s keep our community clean and green together. 🌎💚

JAMES ATKINSON WAY ROUNDABOUT GETS A FRESH NEW LOOK!

Big thanks to Kris for getting in touch about the roundabout on the entrance road to James Atkinson Way. The road markings there had almost completely worn away.

I raised this with Highways recently, and I’m happy to report the repainting has now been done. It’s great to tick this off the list, alongside the fresh markings at the Skylark Close junction too.

I’m still chasing up some other similar jobs, including the give way lines at the Kettell Avenue and Bowen Cooke Avenue junctions. As always, I’ll keep you posted with updates!

KEEPING BUSY THROUGH AUGUST! ☀️

It’s been a busy month out and about across St Barnabas ward – and the sunshine has made it even more enjoyable!

Over August I’ve been walking every road in the ward, checking for issues and chatting with residents. A big thank you to everyone who’s stopped for a word along the way. I even met a remarkable gentleman who’s lived in the same house on Glover Street for an incredible 70 years!

Throughout the month I’ve reported a long list of things needing attention – from potholes and other highways issues to fly-tipping, graffiti, and areas in need of a tidy-up.

I also caught up with a group of young people at Leighton Brook Park, discussing the facilities. I’m pleased to say the MUGA floodlights have now been repaired, so the park is ready for evening sports and activities.

I promised in 2023 that I’d work hard to make St Barnabas better – and I’m sticking to that. 💪

Even in August, when many councillors slow down, I’ve been keeping busy and getting things done for our community.

🌳 TREE WORK FINALLY UNDERWAY! 🌳

Great news for residents on Rolls Avenue - after months of lobbying Cheshire East on behalf of several residents who’ve raised the issue with me, work has been taking place this week on around 15 trees that back directly onto their gardens. I’m delighted to see this finally happening and glad my efforts have helped get it sorted.

Next on the list is action for residents on Frank Webb Avenue. I’ve already met with a senior highways officer to identify problem trees, and funding is now being sought to carry out the necessary work. I hope this effort will eventually lead to proper action being taken to maintain those trees.

📢 If you have a tree issue in your area, I need to hear from you! Please fill in this quick form so I can raise it with Cheshire East.

🚰 GETTING WATER LEAKS SORTED 🚰

While out and about, I spotted a water leak on Timbrell Avenue and another on Badger Avenue/Frank Webb juction. I’ve reported them to United Utilities, as we definitely don’t want clean water going to waste.

United Utilities have confirmed they will be out soon to dig and investigate the leak. Please take extra care if you’re travelling along Timbrell Avenue and on the Badger/Frank Webb junction while the works are taking place.

📞 If you spot a similar leak or water issue, please call 0345 672 3723.

That's it for now as I can't fit everything on this monthly newsletter - but there are many more updates on local issues and upcoming events on my Facebook, Instagram and now tiktok so please do follow them to stay updated.

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If you have something you'd like me to look in to please do get in contact.

Councillor James Pratt

Crewe, St Barnabas Ward

Cheshire East & Crewe Town Council

Promoted by James Pratt of CNCA, 13 Churchyardside, CW5 5DE