Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
MISSED BIN COLLECTIONS – TUESDAY
I’m aware that some households around Badger Avenue and West Street have missed their recycling collections. The issues on Badger Avenue may be related to roadworks, although both sides of the road were accessible and collections should still have been possible!
I have raised my concerns with the Waste and Recycling team and requested that the collections in these areas are reviewed and that return visits are arranged where necessary. I have also previously raised concerns about recent missed collections on West Street and asked for changes to be reviewed to resolve access issues around the collection point at the top of Bowen Cooke Avenue.
As your councillor, I don’t have direct control over bin collections or access to the system that logs where collections have been missed, but I am doing my best to raise these issues to help ensure we all receive the decent service we deserve.
If your bin was not collected, please report it directly by calling 0300 123 5011 or using the online system:
www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/waste_and_recycling/bins/missed-bin-collections.aspx
Thank you for reporting any missed collections so the team can resolve them quickly.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🚨 MINSHULL NEW ROAD POTHOLES ! 🚨
Following the lack of progress on the concerns I’ve continually raised, I have written to the Head of Cheshire East Highways, and again to the Senior Highways Officer about the shocking state of Minshull New Road. If you follow my social media posts you'll know how many times I've raised this!
We know this is not a new problem – I’ve been raising issues about this road since 2023 and have been 'pothole reporting' its deteriorating condition weekly since before Christmas. What started as small cracks some years ago have now turned into seriously poor and dangerous surface conditions – exactly what I warned would happen over the years. And nothing has been done to fix it properly.
Since 16 February, 34 residents have contacted me directly about this road, not counting the many more who’ve raised it at surgeries or on social media. This road is busy, unsafe, and it’s becoming impossible to justify the lack of action.
If you’re fed up too, please email Cheshire East at letusknow@cheshireeast.gov.uk
and copy me in at james.pratt@cheshireeast.gov.uk
The more voices we have, the harder it is for this dangerous stretch to be ignored.
It’s time this road is treated with the urgency it deserves! I will keep trying!
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
GETTING THINGS DONE LOCALLY! 👍
I met up with the Town Council Rangers this morning to borrow some litter picking gear and spent a bit of time clearing litter from the bottom half of Frank Webb Avenue and the field towards Brooklands Grove.
While I was out, it was also good to chat with a few local residents about issues in the area, including a water leak on Smith Grove which I’ve reported to United Utilities.
Being a councillor isn’t just about meetings and emails. It’s about getting out, speaking to residents and just getting on with things. Living in the community I represent definitely helps with that too.
If there’s something you need my help with, please do get in touch by filling in this form:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/contact/
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
POTHOLE PATROLLING! 🛣️
I’ve spotted a couple more potholes locally - this time on Goulden Street and Underwood Lane (and of course the rest on Minshull New Road!)
All have been reported for repair. I’m also continuing to push for more substantial resurfacing works in parts of St Barnabas where continual patching simply is not enough. Plans are now being developed for improvements in some of these areas.
If you notice a pothole, please report it - even a temporary fix is better than leaving it to get worse. The more reports logged, the stronger the case for action.
To report highways issues such as roads, potholes or flooding:
📞 0300 123 5020
💻 www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
FLY TIPPING – LET’S KEEP STREETS CLEAN! 🚮
I’ve been out and about across our area recently reporting several examples of fly tipping. No one wants to live with waste dumped on their streets or in our communities, and it’s something I take seriously.
It also costs the Council a huge amount to clear up each year – around a quarter of a million pounds. And who pays for that? Us, through our council tax. I’d much rather see that money spent on things that benefit our community!
If you know anything about who’s responsible for this kind of mess, please let me know. And if you live on a street with an alleygate, please keep it LOCKED – it really helps prevent fly tipping, especially where vehicles are involved. If you need an alleygate key, please call 01270 375295.
I’m also pleased that mobile CCTV is now being used in our area – something I’ve been pushing for a long time.
If you see fly tipping, report it so it can be cleared:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
The waste team can check for evidence in dumped items, and the fines for those caught are hefty. Let’s work together to keep St Barnabas clean and safe! 💪❤️
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
MORE POTHOLE PATROLLING! 🛠️
While out on foot recently, I spotted a couple more potholes on Windsor Avenue and Smith Grove. I’ve reported them to highways, and hopefully they’ll be patched up in the next few days – but I’ll be keeping a close eye to make sure it happens! Living in the area makes it easier to keep on top of these issues and follow the progress myself.
Of course, temporary patching isn’t ideal, and I’m constantly pushing for better, more permanent repairs on our roads in St Barnabas – like some of the improvements we’ve already seen. We just need more of it!
If you come across a pothole, don’t wait – you can report it here:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
I’m out regularly keeping an eye on our streets because our local roads really matter, and I want them safe and well cared for. 🚶♂️💪❤️
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
COMMUNITY DROP IN SURGERY - THANK YOU!
Thank you to everyone who came along yesterday to our community drop in surgery at the Community Hub on Timbrell Avenue.
It was really helpful to hear directly from residents about the issues affecting them and our local area. We will now be following up on the concerns raised and continuing to work on behalf of residents in the St Barnabas community.
Many thanks as well to PCSOs Jen and Dan from Crewe Police for attending, and to Katie from Guinness Housing for her support.
If you didn’t manage to get down last night but would still like to raise an issue, please email me at:
james.pratt@cheshireeast.gov.uk
or fill in my online form here:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/contact/
I will be happy to help where I can!
Cllr James Pratt
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
📣 REMINDER! TONIGHT! 5PM TO 6PM
📍 TIMBRELL AVENUE COMMUNITY DROP-IN SURGERY
Come along to the community hub building, 58–60 Timbrell Avenue, and meet your local community team in St Barnabas. This is your chance to raise concerns, share ideas, or just have a chat about what matters to you.
Guinness Housing and our local Crewe Police Community Team will be there (as well as me!) to offer support and advice.
No appointment needed – just drop in. We’d love to see you 👋
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE 6-BED HMO AT WEST STREET
I’ve submitted my formal objection to the proposal to turn 451 West Street into a six-bedroom HMO. This small two-bedroom terraced house has no off-road parking, very limited communal space, no plan for proper waste or cycle facilities, and one bedroom with very restricted head height. The street already struggles with parking and fly-tipping, and this plan would make things worse for neighbours.
crewe.nub.news/news/opinion/opinion-new-crewe-hmo-proposals-planning-by-the-back-door-289266
Residents are encouraged to share their views with Cheshire East Council to help protect our street from overdevelopment.
Have your say, click on "Make a Representation"
pa.cheshireeast.gov.uk/planning/index.html?fa=getApplication&id=404064
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
LIFESTYLE CENTRE - LIGHT OUT (AGAIN!)
Thanks to everyone who originally raised with me the issue of the lights on Forge Street down the side of the Lifestyle centre not working.
It took a while for the electricity board to get it sorted (really, it shouldn't take that long) and it was great to see them working again - well lit and much safer.
However I've noticed that one of the lights is out again. So, obviously I've reported it to highways to request a fix.
Hopefully it will be sorted soon. I'll keep an eye on it!
If you spot a light out, you can report it here
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
HELP GET LOST TROLLEYS OFF OUR STREETS
Out and about this week I came across a runaway trolley from Morrisons abandoned on Badger Avenue. Not quite the scenic feature we are aiming for here in St Barnabas!
Aside from making the street look scruffy, dumped trolleys can cause an obstruction on our pavements. This one has now been reported for collection.
As ever, you are the eyes and ears of our community. If you spot a stray trolley, please take a moment to report it so we can get it removed and keep our streets looking tidy.
You can report it by calling 0300 123 5011 or online at:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
It only takes a couple of minutes, and it really does make a difference. Thank you for helping keep our area looking its best.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
NWCP LITTER BIN REQUEST
A number of residents have raised concerns to me about littering and the lack of litter/dog waste bins along the new roads such as Tottys Hall Way and Brian Palin Way towards the hospital on the new NWCP roads.
I did raise a request for bins here - although I have been successful over time in getting around 10 litter bins added for our ward, at this time I'm told there's no funding to install further new bins right now.
We'll have to keep an eye on this going forward - perhaps when the new homes are built there will be more "oommph" behind the request. Perhaps something we can raise with the developers to fund?
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🚨 CREWE YOUNG PEOPLE – THIS MONDAY! 🚨
🗓 2nd March 2026 | ⏰ 6–8pm | 📍 Platform & Lyceum Square
💥 FREE activities:
🎧 DJ turntables
🎮 PlayStation 5
🎤 Karaoke
🧱 Giant Jenga
🎨 Crafts
✨ Light Reaction Games
☕ Free drinks & snacks
Come hang out, have fun, and meet people who are here to support you!
In partnership with Crewe Police, CreweCreates, South Cheshire ABC, The Dome Youth Zone, YMCA Cheshire, Crewe Alexandra F.C. and more!
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
BROOKLANDS GROVE - FENCE FIXED!
A big thank you to residents of Brooklands Grove who got in touch with me about the state of the fence between their road and the green space at the end of the grove.
When I went out to have a look, it was clear it had seen better days. Parts were rotten, sections were missing and some of it was barely standing. Not only did it look untidy, it was not helping from a safety point of view either.
I am really pleased to say the fence has now been properly repaired. It looks far better and, just as importantly, it helps slow down anyone flying through on two wheels as they come off the entrance. A simple fix, but one that makes a real difference.
While I was there, I was shown an old council sign hidden away in the bushes. It reads NO GOLF. I have to say it made me laugh. I am struggling to picture teeing off on Brooklands Grove these days. Does anyone remember this?
The new fencing also works well alongside the lockable bollards at the Frank Webb Avenue entrance that were installed last summer, stopping unauthorised vehicle access onto the green space and helping keep it for residents to enjoy.
If there is something in your area that needs sorting, please keep letting me know. It is always better when we work on these things together.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
COUNCIL TAX AND COMMON SENSE
Yesterday was Full Council and, as you can imagine, the budget meeting is always a long one. There was a lot to get through and plenty that will affect residents across Cheshire East.
One issue that affects every single household is council tax.
You may have seen that the council’s original request to increase council tax by almost 10% was refused before the meeting. What was then put forward was a rise of 4.99% – the maximum allowed without a referendum. Again.
I voted against it.
I fully understand that costs have gone up. Inflation, increasing demand for services and the need to invest sensibly are all real pressures. I am not against investment where it delivers results.
But week after week I hear from residents whose bins have not been collected. I see road repairs done badly, only for the same stretch of road to be patched up again months or sometimes just weeks later at further cost. Black bin collections are about to move from every two weeks to every three. We already pay extra for garden waste, we have to mess around booking a slot at the tip. And many of the issues raised with me could be resolved quickly if we simply did things properly first time, instead of going round in circles and wasting time and money.
I cannot justify asking residents to pay more while so many basic services are falling short. The council is not getting the basic services right.
Despite voting against it, the 4.99% increase was approved after being outvoted by Labour and Independent councillors.
The council cannot afford to waste money. And, I wonder - can you?
I will continue to push for better value for money and better services for our community.
We will all have our own thoughts on this, and I will welcome your comments below:
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
LEIGHTON BROOK PARK TIDY UP DONE
Thanks to the Parks team who responded to my recent request to tidy up the brambles around the railings in Leighton Brook Park. It's a lot tidier, and less spiky now!
As they say on Vernon Way - Every little helps! And I aim to give you Extra!!
If there's something you've spotted that needs attention please let me know
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/contact/
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH - WE DON’T WANT THIS MESS IN OUR COMMUNITY
More flytipping reported again this week.
This time the rubbish has been dumped at:
📍 Frank Webb Avenue near the alley gate
📍 Bowen Cooke Avenue near the bin collection point and alley gates
📍 Frank Webb Avenue near the rear alleyway to Underwood West Academy
It is frustrating, it is unfair on residents, and it is not what our community deserves. We take pride in where we live. We do not want this mess in our neighbourhood.
Clean-up has been requested and action is being taken.
The good news - mobile CCTV is nearly ready to be deployed in our area. About time. Those responsible should know that we are not turning a blind eye.
If you see anything suspicious or need to report fly-tipping, littering or missed bin collections:
📞 Call 0300 123 5011
🌐 www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
Together we can keep our community clean, safe and something we are proud of.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🎉 FREE WEEKLY SPORTS SESSIONS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE! 🎉
I've been out today talking to residents and delivering flyers to promote the new FREE football sessions starting Wednesday in our local park.
I’m thrilled to be working with Crewe Alexandra in the Community, supported by Guinness Housing, to bring more free activities for our young people in Leighton Brook Park, right in the heart of our Crewe St Barnabas community.
⚽ WHEN & WHERE
🗓 Starting Wednesday 25 February, then every Wednesday
⏰ 6pm – 7.15pm
📍 Floodlit Sports MUGA, Leighton Brook Park, Frank Webb Avenue, CW1 3NE
🚶♂️ Walk down on foot, or parking available on Frank Webb Avenue
👧🧑 WHO CAN JOIN
Ages 8–16 | Completely free | No booking – just turn up!
💪 WHY GET INVOLVED
✅ Stay active and healthy
✅ Build confidence & teamwork skills
✅ Make new friends
✅ Have fun in a safe, welcoming environment
Don’t miss out – come along, get active, and be part of something special in our community!
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
GOULDEN STREET – STILL WORK TO DO! 🛠️
I’ve been out and about across our area again, boots on, and stopped by Goulden Street. Even after my last visit and Facebook post flagging issues to highways, there are still more potholes – including this absolute whopper!
I’ve reported them straight away and asked for a more permanent fix. I’ll keep everyone updated on progress. Huge thanks to all of you who’ve been supporting me in getting our roads sorted – it really helps when we all speak up!
While I was there, I also spotted some fly tipping and reported that too. If you see any fly tipping, please don’t ignore it – reporting it is the quickest way to get it cleared.
You can find out how to report most local issues here:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
Our streets should be safe and well cared for, and I’m out on foot regularly doing my best to make sure they are. 🚧💪
St Barnabas matters! ❤️
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
⚽ FREE WEEKLY SPORTS SESSIONS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE! ⚽
I’m thrilled to be working with Crewe Alexandra in the Community, supported by Guinness Housing, to bring more free activities for our young people in Leighton Brook Park, right in the heart of our Crewe St Barnabas community.
⚽ WHEN & WHERE
🗓 Starting Wednesday 25 February, then every Wednesday
⏰ 6pm – 7.15pm
📍 Floodlit Sports MUGA, Leighton Brook Park, Frank Webb Avenue, CW1 3NE
🚶♂️ Walk down on foot, or parking available on Frank Webb Avenue
👧🧑 WHO CAN JOIN
Ages 8–16 | Completely free | No booking – just turn up!
💪 WHY GET INVOLVED
✅ Stay active and healthy
✅ Build confidence & teamwork skills
✅ Make new friends
✅ Have fun in a safe, welcoming environment
Don’t miss out – come along, get active, and be part of something special in our community!
Know someone who'd love this? Please SHARE THIS POST!
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
HOME BARGAINS / DUNELM STEPS – FIXED!
Back in December, I shared concerns from several residents about the steps in the Home Bargains and Dunelm car park by the Lifestyle Centre on Forge Street.
Residents had told me the steps were steep and only had a handrail on one side. One person mentioned that when pulling a shopping trolley up, there was nothing to hold on to – clearly not ideal!
As the steps are on the retail park’s land, not council land, Cheshire East couldn’t take action. Fair enough?
But giving up isn’t my style! I tracked down the retail park landlord and got in touch. Working with Dunelm, I’m really pleased to say a new handrail has now been installed.
You asked, I acted – and the steps are safer for those using them.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
WISHING WELL HOLIDAY FUN ☀️
I popped down to Leighton Brook Park on Frank Webb Avenue this afternoon to see the The Wishing Well session in action and it was lovely to see so many young people getting involved.
Most were busy playing sports in the MUGA, but was great to chat to some other members of the team who were taking a breather!
There was a real buzz around the park, with children enjoying sports, colouring and crafts, along with a free meal for all the children who attended. It is fantastic to see our local spaces being used in such a positive way for families.
The best part is that these sessions are completely free, so do keep an eye out for details of the next ones.
I am proud to support such a wonderful organisation. Thank you to the Start Well team from Wishing Well - you are making a real difference in our community. ❤️
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
MUM, I’M BORED!!!! DAD I WANT TO GO OUT!!
If you have been hearing that a lot this half term, I have the perfect solution for tomorrow - it is right on our doorstep - and it's FREE!
Join the fantastic team from Start Well at The Wishing Well, Thursday, from 1pm to 3pm at Leighton Brook Park on Frank Webb Avenue, CW1 3NE.
There will be a wide range of sport, play and nature-based activities, giving children of all ages the chance to get active, explore the outdoors and spend time with friends in a safe and welcoming environment.
A free meal is included so everyone can refuel after a fun-filled afternoon. Children aged 8 and over are welcome to attend on their own. There is no need to book - just turn up and sign in.
I am proud to be working in partnership with Wishing Well to continue bringing great opportunities for young people to the heart of our community. A big thank you to the amazing team for making this possible.
Please share with friends and family who might be interested.
For more information, call 07894 123413.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
DELIVERING RESULTS FOR OUR COMMUNITY
Thank you to the Highways drainage team who were out today addressing a blocked drain on Rolls Avenue, which had been causing water to run down the road.
I appreciate the team attending early this morning and getting the problem sorted. It is good to see issues reported locally being dealt with quickly and effectively.
If you notice a highways problem such as blocked drains, potholes, flooding or other road issues, please report it:
📞 0300 123 5020
🌐 www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
Reporting problems helps ensure they can be fixed as soon as possible.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
FAMILY FUN AFTERNOON AT LEIGHTON BROOK PARK
This school holiday half-term, join us on Thursday 19 February, 1-3pm at Leighton Brook Park (Frank Webb Avenue, CW1 3NE) for an afternoon of sport, play and nature-based activities.
A free meal will be provided, and children over 8 can attend independently. No need to book – just turn up and sign in!
I’m thrilled to continue working with Wishing Well to bring even more activities for our young people to Leighton Brook Park, right in the heart of our community. A big thank you to the Wishing Well team for making this possible!
For more information, call 07894 123413.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
WORKING THE WEEKEND
Out and about today in between dodging the rain - pink hoodie on for Valentine’s weekend spirit!
A couple of fly tipping issues have been reported around McNeill, Bowen Cooke and West Street. I am pleased to say CCTV is now in the process of being installed in this area, something I have been pushing for a long time. It is a positive step towards tackling this ongoing problem.
I also carried out a litter pick around Leighton Brook Park, and thankfully there was not too much to collect. I have logged further litter picking requests for parts of Timbrell Avenue and Badger Avenue to make sure those areas are sorted too.
And in the name of Valentine’s weekend, I treated myself to a bargain 50p biscuit from Morrisons Daily. You cannot beat a good deal!
If you spot anything that needs reporting locally, please do let me know or report it online here:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
ALLEYWAY CLEAN-UP, MONKS LANE TO DARLINGTON AVENUE
I recently noticed fly-tipped items and litter along the alleyway linking Monks Lane to Darlington Avenue / Kettell Avenue.
I requested it be cleared, and it’s now been done – it looks much better!
Spot an issue like this in our area? Don’t ignore it – report it and help keep St Barnabas a cleaner, better place to live: www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY LOOKING ITS BEST IN ST BARNABAS
While passing the roundabout on Minshull New Road near Morrisons Local earlier this week, I noticed litter starting to build up. I asked for it to be added to the schedule and I am pleased to say the street cleaning team have now been out and given it a proper tidy up.
A big thank you to the crew for their hard work. It has made a real difference and the area looks so much better.
If you ever spot an area that needs attention, please do report it so we can get it sorted and keep our community looking its best. You can raise issues here:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/report-an-issue/
Working together, we can take pride in where we live.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
FRANK WEBB AVENUE TREES UPDATE
For several years I’ve been pushing for proper maintenance of the trees on Frank Webb Avenue. Residents have told me they haven’t been pollarded for years. Over that time, I’ve heard from 17 different households about concerns over the lack of maintenance. Some trees are even touching roofs, blocking street lights, causing huge leaf fall, making roads and pavements slippery, and damaging driveways, garden walls and cars.
I've continually raised these issues with highways. On one occasion, I was even called into a highways meeting to “manage my expectations” about getting anything done. My response was simple: I represent the residents where we live, and I will continue to call for the work that’s needed. That's a councillors job, right?
Last July, I met with a senior highways officer and we identified many trees on Frank Webb Avenue – and a few elsewhere – that needed work to maintain them.
But this week, without any discussion, a tree on Frank Webb Avenue was cut down to an ugly stump. Apart from one tree on Darlington Avenue being pollarded, nothing else has been done.
This isn’t the outcome we wanted. I will continue to push for proper maintenance to keep our streets safe, well-lit, and looking cared for.
If you think this is as disappointing as I do, please email letusknow@cheshireeast.gov.uk
and feel free to CC me at james.pratt@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
POTHOLE PATROL UPDATE – MINSHULL NEW ROAD
Back out in my frequented spot this morning for more pothole patrol on Minshull New Road.
Despite reporting all the potholes before Christmas, meeting up with a highways officer on site a couple of weeks ago, and checking the area again last week and earlier this week, there’s been almost no work done so far.
Rest assured, I’ll keep chasing this up. I’ve also asked if the debris left from the potholes can be cleared to make the road safer.
And if anyone in Crewe fancies lending a bit of moral support to a lowly councillor battling the potholes, I’m accepting tea, biscuits, and motivational comments. Preferably all three.
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