Cheshire Independent Issue 196

JANUARY 2025 4 PEOPLE in Cheshire are the first in the country to take part in citizens’ assemblies to help shape local policing plans. Currently being piloted in Crewe, the assemblies will be held across Cheshire to inform Dan Price, the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) of priorities at a local level. People in the Crewe and Nantwich area are the first to take part in a series of three face to face workshops, organised by an inde- pendent research agency. Representatives from local bod- ies such as Cheshire East Council, local MP Connor Naismith and the Cheshire Constabulary also provide oversight as part of an advisory panel. Each of the assemblies consist of a group of people who live in the local policing area who are brought together to give their views on local crime and policingmatters The people who take part are randomly selected so they reflect the local population in terms of demographics. The assemblies will be rolled out across Cheshire, focused on the nine local policing areas in the county. Dan Price said: “As the voice of the public in policing matters, I want to ensure that the plans I put in place and the topics I focus on are relevant to those living and breathing the everyday issues at a local level. “I want to make sure that my policies and priorities are created together with people representing all parts of society.” A GIANT convoy of more than 100 tractors will once again drive through the rural streets of Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Derbyshire this December. The event raises thou- sands of pounds for The Christie Charity and is also a tribute to three much-loved members of the farming com- munity, Harvey Mitchell, Lisa Messenger and Stu- art Wainwright. First organised in 2020, the annual fixture in the local calendar attracts thou- sands of onlookers across Poynton, Disley, New Mills, Marple and beyond. The event is organised by 24-year-old agricultur- al-based contractor Ferguson Roylance from Whitegate. When his good friend and farming colleague Harvey Mitchell died from cancer in December 2020, Ferguson wanted to do something in memory of him, and to say thanks to everyone at The Christie hospital for caring for Harvey. Harvey’s funeral was restricted, due to the pan- demic, so Ferguson and his partner Zara came up with the idea of organising a ‘trac- tor run’ where people could participate via social distanc- ing and to let Harvey’s family and friends have the chance to say goodbye to him. Ferguson said: “My aim, initially was to give people a chance to say goodbye to Harvey while raising money for the hospital that looked after him. “I’m not experienced in organising events, but it turned out to be a huge success – hundreds of peo- ple stood along the roads, socially distanced, to watch and wave as we passed by with our tractors. “It was a heartfelt way to honour Harvey’s mem- ory and support essential care for cancer patients and their families.” STORMDarragh left its mark on Chesh- ire with fallen trees, flooding, blocked roads and disruption to train services. The storm brought heavy rain and gusts of up to 50mph, with Cheshire East’s highways teams responding to more than 160 emer- gency calls. Over the weekend of the storm, they attended almost 120 incidents of fallen trees and almost 30 incidents of flooding, with doz- ens of emergency closures needing to be put in place as a result. At one stage, almost 45 road closures were in place. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service crews were also busy, called out numerous times to help clear fallen trees and to make damaged buildings safe. Cheshire East council leader Nick Mannion paid tribute to the highways team’s efforts. He said: “While we are fortunate in Chesh- ire East that we did not experience the same level of impact from the storm that other parts of the country did, including our neighbours in Cheshire West and Chester, the damage and disruption caused has still been severe. “Our highways teams dealt with more calls over the course of the weekend than they did during the whole of October, which itself fea- tured two ‘named’ storms. “Crews worked throughout the day and night to make roads safe and reopen them to the public and I am extremely proud and grateful for their efforts.” In Nantwich high winds brought down trees and roads were blocked for several hours. The roof of the town’s Morrisons supermarket Citizens’ assembly is a first Compliments of the season How Darragh hit hard Farming community’s festive drive Convoy organiser: Ferguson Roylance The following year another friend of the farming commu- nity Lisa Messenger died, so the fundraising tractor con- voy was repeated to honour her as well. The convoy is also in memory of Stuart Wain- wright, who died in a farming accident in 2023. Ferguson’s initial fundrais- ing goal was £1,000 but it has raised more than £33,000 so far. Tractor drivers pay a dona- tion of £20 to join in the con- voy, which will start at Hill Top Farm, Woodford, at 11am on Sunday December 29. The convoy will pass through several towns including Marple, New Mills, Hayfield, and Disley. The event finishes at around 5.30pm at Middlewood Road, where people will gather for refreshments. Throughout the tractor convoy there will be oppor- tunities to donate to The Christie Charity. Ferguson said: “We’ve cho- sen Sunday, December 29, as it’s a slightly quieter time for many farmers and there’s also less traffic on the roads. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support from the coun- cil, police, and emergency services in making this event possible. This is our way of honouring the memory of Harvey, Lisa, and Stuart while raising funds for a worthy cause.” MACCLESFIELDMP Tim Roca visited Royal Mail’s delivery office in the town to say thank you to the posties for their Christ- mas efforts. He said: “This is the busiest time of year for postal work- ers but they’re all working so hard all year round too. “Around twice as many parcels and letters are sent through Royal Mail during the festive period. “Our posties keep our com- munities connected and are often the only friendly face seen by those who are living alone and lonely.” suffered damage and rail services through the town were cancelled. A flood warning was put in place along the River Weaver. Darragh also caused power cuts in Nantwich, as well as Knutsford and Church Lawton. Michael Gorman, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “As well as to our highways teams, our thanks also go to other colleagues across the council who worked together to ensure the impact from StormDarragh on our communities was kept as minimal as possible. “In addition, I’d like to thank residents who gave or offered their assistance, includ- ing those from the farming community, to help clear and reopen roads, and to those who called in to provide information about inci- dents needing urgent attention.”