News in Sandbach

Cheshire East councillors have selected a provider for a major IT contract to handle adult and children's services cases.

The contract, estimated to be worth £1.287 million over four years, is set to be re-awarded to LiquidLogic and Oxford Computer Consultants (OCC).

Cheshire East planners have rejected a permission in principle planning application for the erection of up to nine "self and custom-build" houses near Sandbach.

The land off Hind Heath Road in Wheelock was proposed for development by Prosperity Land. Their agent argued "that there is a need for self-build housing across the semi-rural areas".

A major review into Cheshire East's mental health support for under-25s has been approved by cabinet members.

In a mammoth report by the council's children and families scrutiny committee, 24 recommendations were put forward to the council's leadership, with all of them being approved.

A controversial plan for development in Cheshire East has been passed by council cabinet and will go out for public consultation.

The approval of a revised form of the Site Allocations and Development Policies Document (SADPD), which forms the second part of the council's 'local plan' — the blueprint for development in the borough — is the latest chapter in the saga.

Matt Hancock, Health Secretary, has not replied to any of Cheshire East's requests for more powers and resources.

That's according to CEC leader Cllr Sam Corcoran, who provided an update to residents on Twitter this morning.

Health chiefs have praised the ongoing response of Cheshire's GPs and practice staff to the challenge of Coronavirus (Covid-19) and reiterated that general practice is very much "open for business".

Dr Andrew Wilson, Clinical Chair of NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, praised practices' dedication and flexibility in rapidly expanding remote consultation to help keep patients and staff safe.

Messages of condolence have poured in from across the country following the death of Sandbach Rugby Club under-8s player, Patryk Milner last week.

Patryk, aged 7, was a well-known face at the club, along with his sister Chrissy, and has been a part of the club from a very young age. Their parents Andy Milner and Aggie Bednarczyk have been active members for many years.

Three Cheshire councils have written to Matt Hancock asking for more resources in the county's fight against coronavirus.

Cheshire East leader, Cllr Sam Corcoran, made the announcement via a video posted on Twitter this morning (Monday, October 5), in response to the boroughs being added to the government's 'area of concern' watchlist.

Cheshire Police have been working with the council last weekend to ensure venues are abiding by coronavirus regulations.

Trading standards, licensing, environmental health and police officers patrolled Knutsford, Middlewich, Macclesfield, Alderley Edge, Wilmslow and Sandbach to help educate and provide support to business owners and to talk to residents about socialising responsibly.

Cheshire East Council is asking residents, business and other organisations in the borough to give their feedback on its plan for the next four years.

The council's new Corporate Plan sets out the vision and priorities for the council, covering the full range of council services, from looking after vulnerable residents to road building and maintenance, inward investment, bin collection and built development.