Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
📢 WANT TO KNOW WHAT’S HAPPENING IN YOUR STREET AND OUR AREA?
I’m your local councillor, James, and I’ve got a free email newsletter to keep you up to date.
✅ Local news
✅ What’s changing in Crewe
✅ Events, help and support
✅ What I’m doing for our area
It’s easy to sign up and only takes a minute:
👉 www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/newsletters/
Let’s keep in touch so you always know what’s going on. Please share this with friends and neighbours too!
#YourCouncillor #StayInformed #CreweStBarnabas
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
CREWE PRIDE IS GO!
Crewe Pride is GO! 🌈Dua Beyond currently on stage. Fantastic atmosphere! 🎉
Come down and join the party in Lyceum Square ❤️ After party tonight Crewe Market Hall
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🎖️ CREWE ARMED FORCES WEEKEND – FREE FAMILY EVENT!
Join us at Queens Park, Crewe (CW2 7SE) for a fantastic 2-day celebration of HM Armed Forces – packed with fun for all ages!
🗓️ Saturday & Sunday | 10am – 4pm
✅ Military vehicles & re-enactments
✅ 40+ stalls, exhibitions & memorabilia
✅ Live music, funfair, helicopter, dog shows
✅ Face painting, glitter tattoos, kids' electric cars & more!
🍔 Food stalls galore
🎪 FREE ENTRY – Everyone welcome!
More details here:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/crewe-armed-forces-weekend-2025-set-to-thrill-with-two-days-of-free-family-fun/
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
MEETING WITH CHESHIRE’S POLICE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER - RAISING YOUR CONCERNS LOCALLY
On Monday, I met with Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire Dan Price and Inspector Josh Jones from Crewe Police to discuss a wide range of concerns raised by residents in St Barnabas, including speeding, dangerous parking, antisocial behaviour and drug activity in our community.
Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent survey and shared their feedback – it was invaluable in shaping the discussion.
We’re now exploring the possibility of holding a police Q&A session for residents to raise any local concerns directly with the team and receive updates on the work being done to keep our community safe.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this idea. Let me know if you’d find a meeting useful.
Read about the meeting in more detail here 👇
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/working-together-for-a-safer-crewe-st-barnabas-meeting-with-the-police-and-crime-commissioner/
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
LISTENING TO YOU – AND TAKING ACTION 💬💪
After residents raised concerns about an illegal encampment on the field between Frank Webb Avenue and Brooklands Grove, I stepped in and contacted the Cheshire and Warrington Traveller Team. They responded quickly to evict the group ✅
To stop it happening again, I asked Cheshire East to secure the field. Despite chasing it up, I heard nothing – so I was just as surprised as everyone else when a large gate suddenly appeared yesterday! 😮
It was blocking access for people with prams, mobility scooters and more I’ll be raising this with Cheshire East.
In the meantime, I took direct action and cleared a way through myself – because residents need access now.
Thanks to everyone who got in touch – your concerns help me act on your behalf 🙌
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🚨 STAY ONE STEP AHEAD OF SCAMS! 🚨
The latest Scams Awareness newsletter is here, packed with essential tips on how to protect yourself from scams! 🛡️ In this edition, you'll find updates on:
📞 The upcoming digital telephone switch over
📱 Mobile phone scams
📧 Email scams
🚫 How to block unwanted calls
🛡️ DWP scams
It's everything you need to stay safe and informed in today's digital world!
💡 Don’t miss out – read the full newsletter and learn how to protect yourself here:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/scams-awareness-newsletter-from-age-concern/
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
💧 LEIGHTON BROOK CLEAN-UP – ROUND 2! 💪
This morning we were back at Leighton Brook for Round 2 of the Community Clean-Up – and once again, an amazing team of volunteers rolled up their sleeves to make a real difference!
From tyres to trolleys, we cleared out all sorts of rubbish and gave the brook a much-needed boost.
Huge thanks to Anna, Glyn and Peter for their fantastic help with this project – your hard work really made a difference.
🎥 Watch the video to see the effort and teamwork in action!
If you want to help keep our community clean, send me a message – we’d love to have you on board.
#LeightonBrook #CreweCommunity #CleanupCrewe #PrideInCrewe
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🌳 LOOKING AFTER OUR PARK 🌳
A big thank you to our Crewe Town Council Park Ranger, Wayne, who has once again been doing a fantastic job this week looking after Leighton Brook Park here in St Barnabas.
This week, among other things, he’s been strimming around the fencing and keeping the area clean and tidy.
Some might say he’s just doing his job, but when someone puts in real effort and takes pride in their work, it really shows. Thanks again Wayne - we appreciate everything you do! 👏
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
A BIG THANK YOU TO CAITLIN AND HER FAMILY!
A huge thank you to Caitlin and her family for their amazing efforts in our community! 🙌 Following my recent posts asking if anyone would like to help with litter picking and if they needed any equipment, Caitlin reached out as her daughter was really keen to get involved.
I was so pleased to drop off some equipment to them, and shortly after, I received these fantastic pictures of their hard work! 🌍💚
Thank you again for your dedication and effort! If anyone else would like to help out, feel free to get in touch, and I’ll arrange some equipment for you. Let’s keep our community clean! ✨ Thank you!
❤️ CREWE ST BARNABAS
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
✨ HAPPY ST BARNABAS DAY! 🎉
Today is St Barnabas day! Join the celebration this evening at 7.30pm at St Barnabas, Church, West Street for a special evening in honour of St Barnabas’ Day.
Everyone is welcome, and there’ll be a big parish party afterwards - a lovely way to come together as a community and celebrate our patron saint!
The evening will include a Solemn Mass and Benediction, with the Bishop of Oswestry preaching.
Spread the word and come along if you can! 🙏🎉
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
NURSERY PLACES AVAILABLE FOR SEPTEMBER 2025 - LEIGHTON ACADEMY
Places are now available in the nursery at Leighton Academy for September 2025 for children aged 3 years and above.
The nursery offers government-funded and paid places for 15 hours, or 30 hours of childcare for eligible families, for children aged 2, 3 and 4 years.
Wraparound childcare is also available through LA Stars breakfast and after-school club for children from the age of 3. This provision is extended to cover holiday periods when the nursery is closed, if required.
For further information or to arrange a visit, please contact the nursery team via email at:
nurseryadmin@leighton.cheshire.sch.uk
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
📣 PARENT CHAMPIONS WANTED – THIS THURSDAY! 🌟
Are you a parent or carer in Crewe with a passion for supporting families and making a difference in our community?
Our local Cheshire East family hub are looking for Parent Champions to help spread the word about the amazing services on offer - and they would love to have you on board!
💬 Would you like to:
✅ Meet new people?
✅ Access free training?
✅ Gain valuable work experience and learn new skills?
Join the team on Thursday for coffee and cake and to find out more about becoming a Parent Champion plus how you can get involved.
📅 Thursday 12th June 2025
🕥 10.30am - 11.30am
📍 Oak Tree Family Hub, Newcastle Street, Crewe CW1 3LF
(Next door to Underwood West Academy)
Together, we can shape better services for local families. 💚
Find out more at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/familyhubs
And follow Cheshire East Information,Advice & Support - CEIAS and Family Information Service
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🌟 MINSHULL NEW ROAD STREET LIGHT REPLACED! 🌟
I’ve been chasing this one for a while now! After the street light near Morrisons Local on Minshull New Road was damaged in an accident last year, I’m pleased to finally share that it’s been replaced! Here’s a photo of what was left back in November, and the shiny new replacement now in place.
As we’re enjoying the lighter evenings, it’s important to remember that our streets still need proper lighting to keep our community safe at night.
If you’ve spotted a street light issue in your area, make sure to report it online or feel free to let me know!
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/contact/
Cllr James Pratt
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
NEW BUSINESS INVESTING IN NANTWICH!
Fantastic to see new businesses investing in Crewe and Nantwich, strengthening our local economy and bringing exciting opportunities for residents and visitors alike. I fully support ventures like GOAT Nantwich, the new sports bar and restaurant set to open this summer on High Street, which will add more choice and vibrancy to the area.
Businesses like this help to create jobs and enhance our town’s hospitality scene, and I look forward to seeing it thrive. Wishing the team behind GOAT all the best as they get ready to open! Follow their journey on their GOAT Nantwich facebook page!
🏆🍽️⚽ #Crewe #Nantwich #SupportingLocal #GOAT
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
WEST STREET FLY-TIPPING
I’ve had a report from a resident about some fly-tipping at the Old School House on West Street. I went to have a look myself yesterday. Although this is private property and not something the council is responsible for clearing, I want to make sure we get it sorted.
This morning, I’ve contacted Your Housing Group to ask if they can take care of the rubbish.
Thanks for keeping an eye out and letting me know about issues like this - together we can help keep our community clean and safe..
If you need to report an issue, the link is in the comments
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
♻️ WASTE COLLECTION UPDATE ♻️
One of the bin lorries has unfortunately experienced a technical issue during today’s round.
The good news is that a replacement vehicle is already on its way and will be finishing the round as soon as possible.
Thanks for bearing with us, and a big thank you to Caroline at Cheshire East Council for the swift update 👍
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
FIXING OUR ROADS - UNDERWOOD LANE
I’ve been out on Underwood Lane again, taking a close look at the dreadful state of the road - something I’ve been reporting for many months now. I’ve lost count of the potholes I’ve flagged up, and the patchy repairs that just don’t hold. Some new ones I have logged have been marked up for repair. I doubt they will last long.
This isn’t a new fight. I’ve been pushing for better roads long before I was elected in 2023. Working with Highways takes time, as getting improvements into the annual plans isn’t always quick or straightforward - but I’m not giving up!
I hear you loud and clear. So many of you are fed up with the condition of our roads. That’s why I’m pushing hard for proper, lasting repairs not only on Underwood Lane but also West Street, Minshull New Road and many more here in St Barnabas.
I’ve already shared updates on West Street, and I hope to bring you a firm plan for Underwood Lane very soon. Thank you for your patience and support - I’m determined to keep fighting until our roads are where they should be.
Please raise your concerns to support my call for repairs to our roads by emailing james.pratt@cheshireeast.gov.uk
Thank you!
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🚫 BUS STOP DAMAGE – UNDERWOOD LANE 🚫
I noticed this afternoon that one of the glass panels at the bus stop on Underwood Lane near Windsor Avenue has been damaged.
I've reported this to Cheshire East Council so that it can be cleaned up and repaired as soon as possible.
If you saw anything or have any information about how it happened, please call 101 to report it to the police – or report anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 (Crimestoppers).
Thank you for your understanding, and apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🛵 SCOOTERS TAKE OVER NANTWICH! 🛵
If you're out and about, don’t miss the Nantwich Scooter Festival, taking place in the town centre today until 4pm!
There’s a fantastic display of classic and modern scooters, with a custom show and judging taking place at The White Horse. A brilliant day for scooter enthusiasts and a great reason to pop into town and see what’s going on.
Come along, enjoy the music, the atmosphere, and support our local businesses while you’re here. 🛍️☕🛵
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
CREWE PRIDE 2025 – SATURDAY 14 JUNE: JOIN THE CELEBRATION OF LOVE, UNITY AND COMMUNITY!
🌈✨ Get ready, Crewe! Crewe Pride 2025 is just around the corner! It’s going to be bigger and brighter than ever! ✨🌈
Join us on Saturday 14 June from 12pm to 7pm in the heart of Crewe town centre and Crewe Lyceum Square for a fantastic day full of colour, music, and community spirit. 🎉
🎤 From amazing tribute acts like Dua Beyond and ABBA Sensation to local talents and surprise street entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
🛍️ Don’t miss the fantastic stalls featuring local artists, makers, charities, and businesses, plus fun family-friendly activities to keep all ages entertained.
Whether you’re coming to celebrate, support, or just have a brilliant day out, Crewe Pride 2025 is the place to be! Best of all ....it’s FREE!
Mark your calendars, bring your friends and family, and let’s show Crewe at its most colourful and inclusive! 🌟💜
Find out more and get involved 👉 www.crewepride.uk/
#CrewePride2025 #Pride #CelebrateDiversity #CreweCommunity #LoveIsLove
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🌟 LOCAL LITTER HEROES – THANK YOU, ANNA! 🌟
A huge shout-out to Anna, who’s been out litter picking again across our area – thank you so much for your continued efforts! 👏
Anna is one of several brilliant local volunteers helping to keep our community clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone. Whether it’s a solo effort or part of a group, every little bit really does make a big difference.
If you’d like to get involved, I’d love to hear from you! Just drop me a message or email me at james.pratt@cheshireeast.gov.uk, and I can help get you set up with some litter picking gear.
A massive thank you to everyone who’s doing their bit – together, we’re making a real impact. 💚
#CreweCleanUp #CommunityPride #LitterHeroes #StBarnabas
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
ST PAUL'S CENTRE – SERVING OUR COMMUNITY IN CREWE
It was an absolute pleasure to visit St Paul's Centre earlier this week – thank you so much for having me!
I was genuinely blown away by the scale and impact of the work being done. From food support to bikes, shoes, furniture and much, much more – it’s incredibly inspiring to see such practical, compassionate help being provided for people right across Crewe.
I had the chance to meet Jez Chalmers, their CEO, along with many of the brilliant staff, who told me more about the amazing projects they’re running to support our local community. Thank you to Jez and Kate for showing me around.
It's way too much to tell you about in one post, so I’ll be sharing more about these initiatives over the coming weeks – so do keep an eye out.
In the meantime, if you’d like to find out more about their work, visit: www.stpaulscentre.org.uk
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
REDWOOD DRIVE FOOTPATH CLOSURE – UPDATE
Back in 2023, many residents, along with myself, raised concerns with the planning department about Taylor Wimpey’s proposal to relocate the footpath on Redwood Drive due to subsidence near the brook. Following this, the application was withdrawn to allow for a more detailed proposal, including plans for lighting.
Last year, both Taylor Wimpey’s contractor and Cheshire East Council carried out a safety inspection, which unfortunately led to the decision to close the footpath for everyone’s safety.
Despite my ongoing efforts and regular updates, the footpath remains closed for now.
Yesterday morning, I met with a contractor working on behalf of Taylor Wimpey to explore possible solutions. I’ll now be arranging a meeting with a highways officer to push for progress and consider any alternative options.
I’ll keep you all posted as soon as I have more news. Meanwhile, if you have any concerns or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to email me at james.pratt@cheshireeast.gov.uk.
Thanks for your patience and understanding.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🚗 EVENING & SUNDAY CAR PARKING CHARGES – BANANAS DECISIONS? 🍌
You may have seen this photo doing the rounds in the media – I took it yesterday outside Delamere House, Cheshire East Council’s HQ in Crewe.
It’s clear I’m not alone in thinking that introducing car park charges in the evenings and on Sundays is a bananas decision.
Yes, car park charges should be fair – previously towns like Crewe and Nantwich were paying while places like Middlewich and Sandbach had free parking! That imbalance has now been levelled out, which is a step forward.
However, just as investment is coming into Crewe – with the fantastic Crewe Market Hall , the Open In Crewe £30k grants for new businesses (which have helped attract great independents like Total Tile UK, Odenlounge Crewe, and Big Mugs), the Crewe Youth Zone currently under construction, and the new History Centre already underway – the council is working against this progress by bringing in evening and Sunday charges. It makes no sense.
🛍️ Good news though – if you're visiting The Market Shopping Centre, Crewe in Crewe, there's still FREE parking after 4.30pm and ALL DAY on SUNDAYS!
If you know of any other free parking, please add it in the comments!
Support our local businesses in Crewe & Nantwich! 💙
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
ROAD CLOSURE NEAR HOSPITAL STARTING TOMORROW
Just a quick heads-up in case you've missed the signs – Highways have approved a road closure on Brian Palin Way (the road between the Tottys Hall way roundabout and Middlewich Road) for utility repair and maintenance works by SP Energy Networks.
This work the first part in a series of upcoming works is to facilitate the future construction of the hospital, on land located north of the existing hospital site. SP Energy Networks (SPEN) will install high-voltage electrical cabling along several key routes in the surrounding area.
This closure is due to start on 6th June and could remain in place until 3rd July (though there’s a discrepancy between the signage and the online information!)
Please be prepared to use an alternative route. The most logical diversion would be via Tottys Hall Way and Bob Brown Way – that’s the next roundabout along, past the front of the hospital.
Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have provided more detail about this and future works here:
www.mcht.nhs.uk/news-and-events/news/new-hospital-infrastructure-work-begins-next-month
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
GOOD NEWS GROWING IN CREWE!
Great to catch up with the Crewe Town Council Rangers on my way to a meeting this morning. They’ve been working hard on the planters along Edleston Road with some seasonal floral planting – it’s looking fantastic. Thanks, guys! 🌸🌿💪
I’m also hearing encouraging updates about several vacant units in the town centre, with growing interest from potential occupants. I hope to share more details soon – more positive news for our town centre!
Don't forget if you're looking to get Open In Crewe, there are grants of up to £30k to help new business get set up, along with dedicated support to guide you through the process.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🌿 A HUGE THANK YOU TO WILSON HOUSE SCOUTS! 🌿
A big shoutout to the amazing Wilson House Scouts who were out in force yesterday evening at McLaren Street Park and the playing field, giving the area a much-needed clean-up.
Their continued efforts in litter picking have made a real difference – helping to keep our green spaces clean, safe, and welcoming for everyone to enjoy.
I'm incredibly grateful for their time, energy, and community spirit. Well done to all involved! 👏
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
📢 BUSINESS RATES – WHAT IT MEANS FOR OUR TOWN CENTRES
I’m often contacted by local residents and business owners worried about the impact of high business rates – and it's clear why.
The Chancellor announced a reduction in business rates relief for the retail, hospitality, and leisure sectors – cutting the current 75% relief to 40% from April.
This change puts real pressure on our high streets – affecting everything from small independent shops to larger employers right here in Crewe, Nantwich and beyond.
I recently spoke with neighbouring Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson who led a debate in Parliament this afternoon to raise awareness of how damaging these changes could be for town centres like ours here in Crewe and Nantwich.
Thank you to Gavin Williamson MP for listening to our concerns in Crewe and Nantwich and raising them during today’s debate.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
RECENT ARMED FORCES EVENT UPDATE – EXHIBITOR & CONTACT LIST NOW AVAILABLE!
If you missed the recent Armed Forces recruitment and engagement event at Crewe Market Hall, here’s a quick recap:
The event attracted a great turnout of young people, support organisations, and businesses, all coming together to share information, advice, and opportunities. There was also dedicated one-to-one support available for veterans and those serving in the Armed Forces.
As promised, I’ve now compiled a list of many of the exhibitors and their contact details so you can explore the support and opportunities available.
Find the full update here:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/supporting-our-armed-forces-community-recruitment-engagement-event-at-crewe-market-hall/
(You'll find the exhibitor list at the end)
Thank you to the many organisations that attended on the day including:
British Forces Resettlement Services - BFRS
SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity
RBL CREWE Branch & Nantwich & District Branch - Royal British Legion
Crewe Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club
Walking With The Wounded
National Careers Service
Breaking Barriers
Royal Air Force
Park Foster Care
iRecruitment LTD
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
Reaseheath College
Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
United Utilities
Right at Home South Cheshire
1st Enable Ltd
Homes For Support Ltd
Empeiria Training and Consulting
The QHotels Collection Crewe Hall
Home Instead South Cheshire
Ionic Recruitment Ltd
SynergyX Logistics
Cottons Hotel & Spa
Cheshire East Armed Forces Champion
75 Engineer Regiment
And many more!