Leader's and Deputy Leader's Announcements
To receive such announcements as may be made by the Leader and Deputy Leader.
Minutes:
The Leader, in summary:
1 Reported that he had attended the re-opening of Crewe Lyceum Square which was one of the projects forming the regeneration programme for Crewe. Other elements of the programme included the new multi storey car park which would allow Oak Street car park to be used as a site for Crewe Youth Zone.
2 Reported that he had attended the reopening of the refurbished Congleton Leisure Centre.
3 Announced the new Member Champions which included:
Mental Health – Councillor Dawn Clark
Menopause – Councillor Judy Snowball
Diversity (EDI) – Councillor Stewart Gardiner
Heritage – Councillor Fiona Wilson / Councillor Brian Puddicombe
Food Poverty/Food Security – Councillor Anna Burton
Armed Forces - Councillor Ashley Farrall
Walking & Cycling – Councillor Chris Hilliard
Environment & Climate Change – Councillor Mary Brooks
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) – Councillor Laura Crane
Public Transport – Councillor Lata Anderson
The Deputy Leader, in summary:
1 Reported that the Council had been working closely with neighbouring Councils to discuss issues of common interest. Following an invitation from the Minister for Levelling Up to explore these ideas further, a number of briefings were being arranged to help Members understand the options that were open to the Council and explain more around the decisions that Members may have to make.
2 Reported that the Council was working with the Department for Levelling Up and the Department for Transport on one of only two ‘deep dives’ nationally to explore in more detail the opportunities that exist from levering transport investment to level up communities in Cheshire East.
3 Reported that he had attended the opening of the newly redeveloped Congleton Leisure Centre and thanked all those involved in the project which had resulted in an accessible community leisure facility for future generations.
4 Reported that good progress had been made on constructing an improved cycle and pedestrian link between Macclesfield and the Middlewood Way. Once the scheme was completed, a promotional campaign would be launched to make residents and visitors aware of the improved links.
5 Reported that Cheshire East Council had successfully secured approximately £1.3m from Active Travel England for the northern section of the Wilmslow to Handforth cycleway.
6 Reported that, following the announcement from Transport Focus that they were consulting on proposals by a number of train companies to remove ticket office staff from railway stations across the borough, a response would be submitted on behalf of Cheshire East Council opposing the proposals.
7 Reported that the Cheshire East Registration Service had been voted the best ceremony provider in the North West for the sixth year in a row.