BIG PICTURE
I AM writing with reference to the article on page 5 of the Macclesfield Express of May 1, titled ‘Plan to demolish war tribute ‘a disgrace’’.
In the article it states: “Macclesfield Town Council have not objected to the proposals.”
This is not actually the case.
While the town council did not object to the principle of a development at their meeting of April 12, 2019, there were no less than 11 material areas which the council required to be addressed. These were:
Insufficient parking provision for the number of dwellings in the development.
Concerns on structural integrity of buildings adjacent to underground parking.
Inadequate traffic management of neighbouring streets leading to increased congestion.
Impact to residents during construction from noise for construction traffic and building work.
Concerns on provision of parking for construction vehicles forcing works vehicles to park on the already congested side streets.
Concerns on air quality following completion of development from increase of traffic on highway.
Provision of access to the site during construction and following development completion.
That there is clarity in the protection of trees with a current tree preservation order and that the on-site cherry trees, which form a significant part of the character of the site, are retained.
Impact on wildlife habitats, notably roosting bats as observed by the residents.
A construction traffic management plan, detailing hours of work and with consideration to residents, is issued and agreed with Cheshire East Council.
That the loss of amenity due to the proposed development overlooking existing neighbouring properties be considered in light of the loss of amenity.
You should also be aware that over 100 households have lodged objections to the development covering similar points and many more. Name and address supplied
LISTEN TO THE PUBLIC
CONGRATULATIONS to the newly elected councillors of all parties, but a key message.
Whilst we know you will have your work cut out, please bear in mind you are representing the people and therefore your actions will still continue to be scrutinised by the members of the public and groups, such as Save Macclesfield Greenbelt.
So please listen to and act upon comments and requests from the public and be seen out engaging with your public.
Try to be proactive not reactive, but also show the community how they can get involved to make this a great place to live again.
Your role is an important one, and we have confidence you can do it, so please prove us right.
The councillors who have been voted out did not listen about protecting greenbelt, pollution, traffic and education, and Rachel Bailey, the ex-leader of the council, is living in a dream world if she thinks they lost due to Brexit.
They thought they were untouchable, how wrong they were.
Finally, I was sad to see such a low turnout in Gawsworth, again especially with the Greenbelt issues. Richard Slater Henbury Parish Council
PUZZLED BY POPULARITY
I’M bemused by the apparent popularity of Nigel Farage’s new political party.
While he shouts ‘betrayal’ on the one hand, has he not just ‘betrayed’ the party he set up previously - UKIP - by establishing a new one to compete with it?
It’s been widely reported that Mr Farage hardly participates in some European Parliament activities and his low attendance at the Fisheries Committee is legendary.
I wonder how he proposes to change things without taking part.
And I wonder what his party’s programme is?
What are its proposals on workers’ rights, training, tax, healthcare, food safety and environmental protection?
How should these be organised and paid for or should we not bother with them at all?
Or does Mr Farage expect to change things without either taking part or having a programme to implement? Chris Foster Address supplied
WONDERFUL PICTURE
WHAT a wonderful picture of Aurthora’s Head shown in Macclesfield Express April 24.
I have read the book written by R W Hughes, the local Macclesfield author, titles ‘Aurthora Celtic Prince.’
The author was apparently motivated to write this novel by this spectacular view which he could see from his home in Wincle.
An excellent photograph which is complemented by an action adventure story in the 4th Century.
A novel which I found difficult to put down once I had started to read it. C A Winkle, Cheshire MACCLESFIELD has bucked the national trend and increased the number of Labour Cheshire East councillors representing the town to nine, an increase of four.
Labour also increased its representation on Macclesfield Town Council to nine.
Undoubtedly Labour was helped by the current governance issues which have troubled Cheshire East Council which up to now had a majority of Tory councillors.
But this is by no means the whole story. Importantly the hard work put in over a long period by our councillors, excellent candidates and our increased membership in getting out and knocking on doors and listening to voters has paid dividends.
We now have a great balance of youth and experience across the town to represent our whole community.
Councillor Brian Puddicombe makes a welcome return in Macclesfield South where he was formerly a Macclesfield Borough Councillor.
Brian wants to see a good resolution to the issues raised by housebuilding in the South Macclesfield Development Area.
Brian also commented that on the doorstep: “We found that there is great awareness and concern about all the police investigations swirling around the Tory administration at Cheshire East.”
Labour’s parliamentary candidate and re-elected town councillor Neil Puttick said: “We have lots of exciting plans for the future and I’m looking forward to working with our expanded group of town councillors to make the most of our area.”
We thank all electors who cast their votes for us and are aware that the real hard work for Labour starts now - recognising the responsibility which electors have placed in us and delivering the promises in our manifesto.
To improve governance at Cheshire East Council and work towards reinvigorating Macclesfield Town centre.