Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
HOW TO GET A SHOPPING TROLLEY OFF YOUR STREET?
Over the past couple of weeks I've noticed several shopping trolleys abandoned around our streets, including Frank Webb Avenue and Fallowfield Court. It seems to become an issue each year when the weather warms up.
Not only does it make our area look scruffy and uncared for (no one wants that!) but they also tend to end up in places that take a lot of time, effort to and ultimately cost to remove them. Especially when they end up in areas such as in the water of Leighton Brook.
I reported the ones in the photo for removal. And you can too.
HOW YOU CAN HELP?
If you come across one, please report it here so it can be picked up. Thank you
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/abandoned-trolley-report
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
WORKING TOGETHER TO KEEP ST BARNABAS SAFE THIS SUMMER
Thankfully, anti-social behaviour across our area has remained at very low levels in recent times, following a huge amount of work with partner organisations and Cheshire Police. Sadly though, in recent weeks we’ve seen a rise in anti-social behaviour and low-level criminal damage in parts of our community.
This has included damage to a newly installed bench and litter bin, donated as part of a community project I’ve been working on alongside Guinness Housing, with fantastic support from local volunteers and children from Underwood West Primary School.
There has also been damage to private property, including fencing, as well as incidents involving damage to trees and other nuisance behaviour.
Some people may see these as minor issues or simply blame the school holidays, but these incidents do have a real impact. It’s disheartening for volunteers who give up their time to improve the area, and upsetting for residents whose homes and property are being damaged.
I want to reassure residents that, whilst I do not have direct enforcement powers as a councillor, I have raised these concerns with the Police Inspector for Crewe, our local Beat Sergeant, and PC Beresford to request additional patrols and support in the area. I have also asked the police and CCTV team to help identify and deal with those responsible.
In addition, I had already secured visits from youth support workers from Cheshire East Council and OnSide, the organisation behind Crewe’s new Dome Youth Zone, and I have asked for further local engagement and support.
Alongside this, I continue to work with other local organisations to provide positive activities for young people locally. This includes Wishing Well activity sessions on Leighton Brook Park during the school holidays, as well as Crewe Alexandra’s Premier Kicks football sessions every Wednesday evening from 6pm.
These activities are designed to provide safe spaces, positive opportunities, and constructive outlets for young people.
I’ve also successfully campaigned for and secured funding for new football goalposts at Leighton Brook Park, which should be installed soon.
I also want to make clear that local CCTV, particularly around Leighton Brook Park, will be used where possible to help identify those responsible for criminal damage and anti-social behaviour. Actions have consequences, and where offenders are identified, I will be pushing for appropriate action to be taken.
There is absolutely no excuse for the behaviour we’ve recently seen, and it is not something I will tolerate.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Please continue to report incidents by calling 101 or reporting online. Whilst reports of anti-social behaviour may not always result in an immediate response, every report helps build a clearer picture of the issues affecting our area. If incidents are not reported, resources are often directed elsewhere.
Following recent changes to neighbourhood policing arrangements under the Labour Police and Crime Commissioner, local policing teams are continuing to operate under increasing pressure, including reductions in PCSO numbers across Cheshire and the loss of our local PCSO Jen Jolley. That makes it more important than ever that concerns in our area are properly logged and prioritised.
If you witness anti-social behaviour, please report it. You can call 101, report online, or use the anonymous Residents’ Voice survey if you would prefer not to give your details. The survey link is in the comments below.
Of course, if someone is at risk or property is being damaged at the time, always call 999.
Finally, if you have children, please take a moment to check where they are and what they’re doing. Knowing where they are, who they’re with, and what their plans are helps keep both them and our community safe.
Let’s continue working together to keep St Barnabas a safe, welcoming and positive community this summer.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🎉 HALF TERM FUN TODAY WITH WISHING WELL IN OUR PARK 🎉
Looking for something fun to do today? Come along to Wishing Well’s half term session this afternoon!
⏰ 1pm to 3pm
📍 Leighton Brook Park, Frank Webb Avenue, CW1 3NE
There’ll be plenty for young people to enjoy including:
⚽ Sports
🎨 Colouring and play activities
🌿 Nature-based fun
🍽 Every child will receive a FREE meal, plus snacks and refreshments.
👧 Open to ages 0 to 16
Children over 8 can attend independently if they are able to manage their own needs. Families are very welcome too.
✅ No booking needed - just come along and join in!
Thanks to Start Well at The Wishing Well
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
EARLY PICK DONE!
Out this morning for a quick litter pick around Frank Webb Avenue and Leighton Brook Park before the day heats up (and my laptop does too!)
Don't forget Wishing Well are our the park this afternoon between 1pm and 3pm, bring the kids down for free activities this afternoon. It's FREE!
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🎉 HALF TERM FUN WITH WISHING WELL IN OUR PARK 🎉
Come and have fun with Start Well at The Wishing Well this half term!
🗓 Friday 29th May
⏰ 1pm to 3pm
📍 Leighton Brook Park, Frank Webb Avenue, CW1 3NE
There’s lots for young people to enjoy including:
⚽ Sports
🎨 Play and colouring
🌿 Nature-based activities
Every child will receive a FREE meal, along with snacks and refreshments during the session.
👧 Open to ages 0 to 16
Children over 8 can attend independently if they are able to manage their own needs. Families are very welcome too.
✅ No booking needed - just come along and join in!
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
CRAZY RACES IS GO!
The sun is shining, the karts are careering down the track and the crowd are going wild!
Crewe Krazy Races with Crewe Town Council
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MORNING! ☀️ LEIGHTON BROOK PARK LOOKING GREAT AHEAD OF KRAZY RACES TODAY!
I’ve been out this morning doing a quick whizz round Leighton Brook Park litter picking and thankfully there wasn’t much to do at all. The park is still looking fantastic after Leighton Academy's litter pick on Friday. A huge thank you to everyone involved! 👏
Now it’s time to get ready for the FREE Krazy Races at Brooklands! 🚗💨
Everything kicks off at 10.45am and runs through until 5pm, so there’s plenty to look forward to throughout the day.
📍 Brooklands Park, Badger Avenue between Ford Lane and Broad Street.
Be sure to follow the Krazy Races Facebook page for updates and photos as the day goes on.
It’s going to be HOT today ☀️ so please come prepared:
💧 Bring plenty of water
🧴 Wear sunscreen
⛱️ Find some shade where you can
Have a brilliant Sunday everyone!
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
📢📢📢 CREWE KRAZY RACES TOMORROW! 🏎️💜
Reminder - it’s tomorrow!
Crewe Krazy Races Soapbox Derby returns THIS Sunday, 24th May, in partnership with Crewe Town Council! 10.45AM - 5PM. It's FREE!
📍 Brooklands, Badger Avenue (between Broad St and Ford Lane)
Here’s a video from last year’s event so you can see what to expect 👀
FREE TO ATTEND! Expect:
🏁 20 race teams
🚗 Italian car display
✈️ Special flyover before 1PM
🍔 Street food & stalls
🎭 Family entertainment
📺 Giant screen showing all the action
One of Crewe’s biggest family events is back for a day full of racing, laughs, crashes, creativity and plenty of Krazy fun! 💜🤍💜
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
LEIGHTON BROOK PARK LITTER PICK WITH LEIGHTON ACADEMY
I had a fantastic afternoon in the sunshine today, joined by the brilliant Year 5 pupils from Leighton Academy for a litter pick in our wonderful Leighton Brook Park.
It was great to speak with the students about how they feel about our area and to engage with them on sustainability, dealing with waste, and how we can all work together to look after our community spaces, such as our park.
They were incredibly keen to get involved, collecting around 15 bags of litter from the areas surrounding the playground and woodland.
This is the fifth year I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside Leighton Academy on the litter pick, and every year we’ve noticed the amount of rubbish collected decreasing as our community continues to be cleaner and more welcoming for everyone. It’s wonderful to see how working together can make such a positive difference to where we live.
A huge thank you to Mrs Smith, all the teachers and support staff who made today possible, and of course the fantastic Year 5 pupils. Thanks to Crewe Town Council for supporting by providing equipment.
Have a wonderful half term!
View more photos here:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/leighton-academy-year-5-help-keep-leighton-brook-park-clean/
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
FREE FOOTBALL SESSIONS EVERY WEDNESDAY ⚽
Last night I popped by to once again catch up with the Crewe Alexandra in the Community Premier Kicks sessions right here in our park! Huge thanks to the coaches for running these fantastic free sessions for our young people. It was a great turnout and brilliant to see everyone getting involved.
They’re still going strong every week, and the best bit? They’re completely FREE!
📍 Where: Leighton Brook Park, Frank Webb Avenue CW1 3NE
🕕 When: Every Wednesday, 6pm – 7.15pm
Just head to the MUGA – everyone’s welcome!
Come along, join in, and have some fun! Please share this to help spread the word – let’s get as many young people involved as possible!
Thanks so much to the Crewe Alexandra in the Community coaches for their continued support with these sessions. ❤️
Oh, and did I mention our new grass field goal posts are coming soon? ⚽︎ Yep!!⚽︎⚽︎⚽︎
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
LEIGHTON BROOK PARK CCTV KEEPING OUR COMMUNITY SAFE
This week I met with Cheshire East CCTV at Leighton Brook Park, where engineers visited to carry out a full service on our park camera. This included cleaning the camera, checking it is fully up to date, and making sure it is working properly.
The camera can pan and zoom across a wide area, making it a great tool to help keep an eye on the park and support the safety of everyone using our community space.
In addition, I also campaigned for a mobile CCTV camera in Crewe St Barnabas to help tackle fly-tipping in our area, which is now operating and has already helped identify fly-tipping offenders.
A big thank you to the CCTV team, who work 24/7 day and night to help keep our community safe, and to Crewe Town Council for funding these cameras.
If you want to know a little more about the camera, click the link in the comments to see my visit to the CCTV control room!
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
📣 REMINDER! TOMORROW 5PM TO 6PM
📍 TIMBRELL AVENUE COMMUNITY DROP-IN SURGERY - WED 20TH
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
OPERATION SCEPTRE KNIFE SWEEP IN LEIGHTON BROOK PARK
Today I joined local Crewe Police officers as part of Operation Sceptre, the national week of action tackling knife crime, for a knife sweep at Leighton Brook Park.
It was reassuring that nothing was found during the search, which reflects the ongoing work being done to keep our parks and public spaces safe for everyone. Operations like this also play an important role in prevention, visibility and community reassurance.
I want to thank PC Beresford, PC Hughes, PCSO Probin, PCSO Berry, and Aimee from Guinness for their work and support during the operation, and for the wider efforts they continue to make across our area.
These proactive patrols, alongside education work in schools and engagement with local retailers and partners, are a key part of tackling knife crime and keeping our Crewe St Barnabas community safe.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
⚽ LEIGHTON BROOK PARK FOOTBALL GOAL POSTS COMING SOON
I’m really pleased to share that new football goal posts for the grass field at Leighton Brook Park have finally been ordered and will be installed soon!
This has been a long journey, but one driven by our young people from the very beginning.
Young people in our area told me how much they enjoy playing football. It gives them a chance to meet friends, stay active and have something positive to do. But many also said they don’t always enjoy playing on the hard tarmac surface in the MUGA and wanted somewhere to play on the grass.
So we made it our mission to bring proper goal posts onto the park’s grass field.
I asked local young people to help consult the community and they did a fantastic job, collecting more than 40 surveys in support of the idea. Not a single person opposed it.
Following that, Cheshire East asked for consultation with nearby residents, and again there were no objections.
The next challenge was funding, as there was no money available through the normal parks budget. As a member of the Cheshire East Safer Partnership, I put forward the project and I’m delighted that we were able to secure the funding needed to make it happen.
A huge thank you to the young people in our community, to Kenny and Sophia from Guinness, and to Ray at Crewe Alexandra FC for all their support with this project.
It’s great to see this community-led idea becoming a reality and I can’t wait to see young people enjoying football on the grass pitch very soon. ⚽
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
RESIDENTS LOCKED OUT OF ALLEY GATE BEHIND WEST STREET
I have been contacted by residents regarding the alley gates behind West Street, between gates 16 and 17, after it appears that a lock may have been changed without replacement keys being provided or residents being informed in advance.
As a result, residents were unable to access the alley or put their bins out for collection, causing understandable frustration and concern, especially given the previous issues with fly tipping in the area.
I was not informed that any works were taking place. I have contacted the council and requested that the issue is addressed urgently, including ensuring residents are provided with replacement keys as quickly as possible if required - or that the lock is simply changed with one compatible with their existing keys.
I have also asked that residents who were unable to put their bins out due to being unable to access the alley are contacted so arrangements can be made for a re-collection.
Residents should not be left unable to access their alleyways without clear communication or arrangements being put in place beforehand.
If your bins were missed as a result of not being able to access the alleyway, this can be reported to the Waste and Recycling Team on 0300 123 5011, Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5pm.
If you have any further concerns regarding the alley gating scheme, the emergency contact telephone number for repairs, maintenance, or related enquiries is 0300 123 5011.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
ARMED FORCES SUPPORT EVENT IN CREWE TOMORROW
If you know anyone in our St Barnabas community who is a veteran, currently serving, or part of an armed forces family, please do share this with them.
There’s an Armed Forces Support Event taking place tomorrow in Crewe, bringing together a range of organisations offering advice, wellbeing support and connections to local services for veterans, serving personnel, families and carers.
📅 Wednesday 13 May
🕛 From 12 noon
📍 The Salvation Army, Prince Albert Street, Crewe (CW1 2DF)
These events can make a real difference by helping people access the right support, meet others and find out what help is available locally.
Please feel free to share this post so it reaches those who may benefit.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
BADGER AVENUE CUT BACK
While I was out and about recently, I noticed the pavement opposite Morrisons Local on Badger Avenue was getting quite overgrown. The bush had really started to take over the path.
It turned out the bush was actually inside the substation, so it wasn’t something the council would deal with. I got in touch with SP Energy Networks and their contractor has now been out and given it a good cut back. The pavement is clear again, so no more bushes poking you as you walk past!!
Thanks to their team for sorting it so quickly.
If you spot a problem in the area, please do let me know so I can raise it with the right people:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/contact/
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
CREWE 18TH BROWNIES LITTER PICK
Yesterday evening I had the pleasure of joining the Crewe 18th Brownies at their HQ on Pyms lane for a litter pick of the nearby area.
It was wonderful to meet the the group, and see how enthusiastic the young people were about getting stuck in to clean up the neighbouring community.
Many bags were collected from around Pyms Lane, Minshull New Road and Badger Avenue. One of the questions that came up again and again from the girls was, why do people drop so much litter? Many could certainly learn from their young wisdom!
Thank you so much to the girls, their leaders and volunteers for their dedication and a great session.
Cllr James Pratt
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
ALLEY WAY CLEAN-UP – MONKS LANE/DARLINGTON
On my “ward walks” I often wander up the alley from Monks Lane towards Darlington/McNeill Avenue, and I’ve walked past this substation more times than I can count… covered in some truly questionable “artwork”. Honestly, it wasn’t doing anyone any favours.
So this time, I decided enough was enough and it was time to do something about it. Huge thanks to the team at SP Energy Networks and their contractors for swooping in and giving it a proper repaint – it looks so much better.
Proof that St Barnabas matters… and that getting stuff done does too! 💪
Seen something I could tackle? Click the link in the comments to contact me!
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
FRANK WEBB AVENUE CLEAN UP - DONE!
Big thanks to Kenny, one of Guinness housings Customer Liaison Officers who responded to my request to clean up one of the side alleys on Frank Webb Avenue that Guinness are responsible for.
Their contractors have made a visit and the junk that had been dumped is no longer.
It looks much better - especially for those who live near by. I am one of those many people!
If you see fly tipping, not sure what to do? Just drop me an email james.pratt@cheshireeast.gov.uk and I'll help!
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
WORKING TOGETHER - MAKING A REAL DIFFERENCE 🌿
A big thank you to the fantastic local volunteers in St Barnabas who’ve been out litter picking this week and helping keep our area looking its best. You know who you are - and your effort genuinely makes a difference 😊
I’ve also been out most days, and you may have noticed the green bags appearing around our streets, green spaces, and our local park - all down to people giving a bit of their time to make a positive difference. And it really shows
We haven’t covered everywhere yet, which is why it would be great to get even more people involved. Every bag collected makes a difference, and together we can go even further.
If you’d like to join in, just drop me a message or comment. Whether it’s helping out in your street, looking after our local park, or getting the kids involved in something positive, I can get you set up with bags and equipment.
We can all do something, however small, and if we each make a little effort it really does add up to a big difference. Let’s keep building on this and take pride in St Barnabas 👍
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
LITTER BINS IN OUR AREA – NEEDING ATTENTION!
I frequently walk around our area doing my “ward walks” to spot issues, and one thing I’ve noticed is that the litter bins around McNeill Avenue and Darlington Avenue are almost always full. I log a request for them to be emptied, but next time I walk round, I see they are full again.
I’ve raised this officially with Cheshire East to check whether these bins are actually being emptied – and if they are, I’ve asked if they can be emptied more regularly. These areas suffer from a lot of littering, which obviously isn’t helped if bins are too full to use or if rubbish blows onto the street.
Let’s see what happens!
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
A FRESH LICK OF PAINT IN OUR PARK! 🎨
Big thanks to our Crewe Town Council Park Ranger who’s been busy recently repainting the benches, picnic tables and some of the playground equipment in Leighton Brook Park on Frank Webb Avenue. What a lovely job he's done!
It looks much smarter and ready for spring and summer! Here’s some pics of the repainted benches – shiny shiny! ✨
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
🚧 GREAT NEWS EVERYONE-MORE DELAYS ON BADGER AVENUE 🚧
Get ready for even more disruption at the Badger Avenue/Underwood Lane junction.
After almost three years of pushing for actual safety improvements at the Badger Avenue/Frank Webb Avenue junction - including multiple meetings and even standing on site multiple times with highways road safety officers - the plans I worked to get drawn up (yes, including a mini roundabout to make things safer for drivers, parents, and children heading to Underwood West Academy) were later scrapped by highways.
I was then encouraged to request a pedestrian crossing instead... which, surprise surprise, was later rejected too.
But don’t worry - highways have come up with a solution!!
They’re going to replace perfectly working traffic signal equipment on the crossing at the Badger Avenue/Underwood Lane junction instead. 🤦♂️ Wonderful !!
So brace yourselves for up to 12 days of disruption, temporary traffic lights, and delays while this happens. Quite how it takes nearly two weeks to replace something that isn’t broken is anyone’s guess.
Progress, apparently.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
Great result Crewe Police. It was only the other day we were discussing this issue. Excellent prompt action, thank you! 👍
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
Huge thanks to Cheryl for her continued efforts towards our goal of a litter free St Barnabas.
If you'd like to get involved too,I can get you set up with a kit of equipment. However much you can do it all makes a difference.
Please message me if you would like to help too.
Thank you again Cheryl 😊
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
BADGER AVENUE PAVEMENT PROBLEMS
Residents regularly contact me about the condition of the pavements on Badger Avenue, particularly the persistent puddles and uneven paving slabs. I have raised these concerns with Highways on a number of occasions. While some limited repairs have been carried out in specific problem spots, the wider area has only been placed on a programme of works to be considered.
The dropped crossing at the junction with Bowen Cooke is a clear example. I have once again asked Highways to inspect this location. It does not just flood during rainfall, the water remains there for several days afterwards.
There are also missing dropped crossings further up Badger Avenue by North View, which make it difficult for those less mobile and with children to use this pavement. I've again requested this be reviewed after my last request was refused!
I will continue to press for action. If issues are not reported and followed up, they are far less likely to be addressed. Let's keep going!
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY - GREAT FINDS IN CREWE!
Cllr Toni Mortimer and I popped into town after our meeting this morning, and it was brilliant to pick up a bargain at the St Paul's Centre store on Victoria Street (followed by some lovely chips from Vernon's Fish Bar!)
Every pound spent in the St Paul's shop goes straight back into supporting our local community, so you can shop and make a difference at the same time.
There are so many different items to discover in the shop, so come along and see what’s in the Victoria street store.
You may already know about the popular Friday sales at St Paul’s on Hightown (in the old church). The great news is that the sales floor is now also open on Tuesdays from midday to 4pm, meaning there will be a second big sale every single week.
Pop in, grab a bargain, and support a great local cause! ❤️
Follow St Paul's Centre on facebook for further updates.
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
KERB APPEAL – WHEELMAN ROAD & RAILTON AVENUE 🚧
While out and about in our area, I noticed the damaged kerbs on Wheelman Road and Railton Avenue. These were raised previously by myself and repaired, but unfortunately they’re in a poor state again – and I think we can guess why!
I’ve reported it to highways to see what can be done. In the meantime, please avoid driving on kerbs and grass verges unless absolutely necessary. Most of our roads are wide enough to park on the road without causing damage to the areas outside our homes, so in most cases there's no need anyway.
Many of the loose kerb stones have now been repaired since my reports to Highways.
Boring bit! A quick reminder: drivers can actually be prosecuted for driving on a footpath or verge (Highways Act), especially if it’s causing an obstruction or significant damage.
We don’t want anyone getting fined, and we all want our streets to be safe and look good. Keeping an eye on these small details helps make St Barnabas a nicer place for everyone. 💪❤️
Councillor James Pratt - Crewe, St Barnabas
ANOTHER GREAT TEAM EFFORT
A huge thank you to Cheryl, Paul and young George who came along to the ad-hoc litter pick around Leighton Brook Park this afternoon. Apologies I forgot to grab a photo of us all!
Together we cleared one instance of fly-tipping and collected three bags of litter.
The park is looking fantastic and ready for the weekend. Great effort all round!
Also a big thank you to Doreen and Glyn who have been working on our other community project this week.
If you'd like to be involved, or are interested in receiving some litter picking equipment, please contact me:
www.crewestbarnabas.org.uk/contact-form
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