Local News 31

Wood Park

Public rights of way/CE are going to be replacing the footbridge at the bottom of Wood Park in the coming weeks (weather permitting).  They have been granted access from the farmer's side to replace the footbridge and to build the path on the farmer's side, with some resurfacing on the lead up to the bridge from the Wood Park side
 
A footpath closure will be in place for this section of the path whilst work in being carried out.

Posting on Facebook says it will be done and ready to use by Tuesday.

Removal of hedgerow

Plans for a temporary remote compound at land opposite Alsager's existing water treatment plan, which includes 10m of hedgerow being removed to construct a temporary access to the site, has been approved.  The application site is comprised of part of a field opposite the Alsager Wastewater Treatment Works on Hassall Road, Alsager.

Alsager Town Council had concerns about the loss of the hedgerow which was contrary to the Alsager Neighbourhood Plan.  Commenting on the application, the town council requested that should any hedgerow be removed it is replanted once the compound is no longer needed.

Food and the climate emergency

Many Alsager U3A members watch online the Keele World Affairs lectures on a Thursday evening.  This week Professor Sarah Bridle spoke about the contribution which the food supply chain (from field to table) makes to carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e ie all greenhouse gases) emissions – about 25% of total emissions.  She encouraged us to think about our diets in terms of CO2e impact as well as in terms of nutrition and health.  

The Paris Climate Agreement states that we need to reduce emissions by about 50%.  At present our daily food intake is about 6 kg CO2e, so this needs to be reduced to 3 kg.  Alarmingly, one large latte coffee takes nearly all this allowance because milk (and any cow product) is one of the most CO2 generating foods.

The  low carbon website  has five tips for reducing our carbon intake:

• Don't waste food
• Use seasonal and regional food
• Reduce (or cut out) beef and cheese (or any milk) products
• Avoid air-freighted food
• Avoid food which is processed or packaged

You can use the calculator on the  take a bite website  to look at the carbon footprint of your favourite foods.

Protecting livestock from dogs

The following message was posted on Facebook by a farmer

In the last couple of months we have had several livestock worrying incidents resulting in the loss of 1 lamb, 2 ewes and 2 unborn lambs. We are still having to challenge walkers with dogs off leads in the fields off Audley Rd who, when challenged are aware of the recent incidents and all have seen the signs advising of sheep in the fields. I do not want to exercise my right to shoot your dog nor do I want to deal with aborted lambs, injured livestock or challenge walkers who allow their dog to run among sheep. We are rapidly reaching the point where we have to take drastic action to protect our sheep and their unborn lambs. We have had a long discussion with Cheshire police rural crime team who are aware of our potential actions.

You must keep your dog under close control when on agricultural land, there may be livestock in a field today where there was none yesterday, take note of any signage. Because you can't see livestock doesn't mean they are not there. Keep your dog safe and on a lead.

Catalytic converter thefts

Message received from Neighbourhood Alert and Cheshire Police

Residents Urged To Remain Vigilant Following Increase In Catalytic Converter Thefts

Police are urging residents to remain vigilant following an increase in the number of catalytic converter thefts across the county.  Over the past week officers have received at least nine reports of catalytic converter thefts in Northwich, Middlewich, Warrington, Holmes Chapel and Handforth.
The offenders have targeted a number of vehicles including Honda Jazz, Toyota Auris, Honda Accord and Toyota Corolla.

Inspector Anton Sullivan, of Cheshire Constabulary's Roads and Crime Unit, added: "Catalytic converter thefts are on the rise across the country, with offenders predominantly targeting hybrid vehicles.  I would like to reassure residents that we are doing all we can to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.  At this time our enquiries in relation to these recent incidents remain ongoing and we are keeping an open mind as to whether they are linked.  Car owners can also play a significant role in tackling catalytic converter thefts by being vigilant, reviewing any security measures they have in place and calling the police on 101 as soon as possible if they see anyone removing catalytic converters or acting suspiciously in car parks, on driveways or anywhere else where vehicles are left.

"In addition, we urge scrap metal dealers to be mindful if they are ever offered catalytic converters or exhaust systems and to contact us if they suspect that they could have been stolen."

Cheshire Constabulary's tips on how motorists can reduce their chances of becoming a victim are: 

• If possible, park your car in a garage
• If your car is at high risk, consider marking the metal shell of the converter with a unique mark, so that if it is stolen it will be easier to trace back to your vehicle
• If your catalytic converter is bolted on, the bolts can be welded shut – this would not stop a determined thief but would slow them down
• Giving some consideration to the way your car is parked could reduce the chances of your catalytic converter being stolen – high and low clearance vehicles being parked close together make it more difficult for a thief to gain access to converters
• Good quality lighting will improve natural surveillance and make a thief less likely to be able to remove a catalytic converter without being seen
• Leaving your car in an area covered by CCTV may also deter thieves – CCTV systems should be well signed.

Anyone with any information or footage regarding catalytic converter thefts in Cheshire is asked to call 101, give the details  here  or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

I should just add that a friend of mine had hers stolen some months ago from Heathend Road, so it is happening here in Alsager.

Covid vaccination

People aged 70 and over in England are being urged to arrange to have a Covid-19 vaccine if they have not already been inoculated. People can book their appointments using  this website  or by calling 119. If a suitable and convenient slot is not available people can also ring their GP practice.

Covid 19

As you know we are all still in lockdown 3.  Basically, stay at home.

In the 7 days to 6 February cases are up again in Alsager though the picture for Cheshire East and England as a whole is still down, if not as quickly as expected and hoped.  Here are the figures:

Alsager East – 11 new cases, up 5 (83%), rolling rate 168 (was 92 week to 30 January)
Alsager West – 7 new cases, up 3 (75%), rolling rate 123 (was 70 week to 30 January)

Week to 12 February

Cheshire East – rolling rate 177 (was 197)
England – rolling rate 195 (was 261)

See map  here.

Sarah Anderson