News in Macclesfield

More than 500 children in Cheshire East are cared for by the council, new data shows.

A freedom of information request to the body reveals 535 youngsters are designated 'looked after children' by CEC, with 269 aged 12-plus.

The director of public health in Cheshire East has called on residents to observe two metre social distancing following a sharp rise in cases locally.

The borough is currently in tier 2 of restrictions and neighbouring areas in Greater Manchester will move into the 'very high' tier 3 today.

David Rutley was among the Conservative MPs to vote against a motion that would see the government free school meals for children in lower-income children during the holidays.

The Macclesfield MP joined the vast majority his party colleagues to block the move which has been pushed forward by Manchester United and England footballer Marcus Rashford MBE.

Cheshire Constabulary is urging residents to work together to help in the continued fight against Coronavirus.

In recent weeks there has been a steady increase in coronavirus cases across the county, which has resulted in the introduction of a number of restrictions under the new three-tier system.

Missed bin collections in Cheshire East almost trebled last year, the LDRS can reveal.

A freedom of information request to the council showed that 21,340 collections were missed in 2019-20, compared to 7,182 the year before.

In his latest Trusted Contributor article for Nub News, Cllr James Barber writes about his support of a campaign to get free school meals extended throughout the Christmas holidays.

Labour councillors in Macclesfield have called on David Rutley MP to back a campaign to fund free school meals for children through the half term and Christmas holidays.

The campaign has been launched by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashforf MBE who successfully lobbied the government to cover the lunches over the summer.

Councillors have voted to freeze their allowances until May 2021 at Cheshire East's full council meeting.

The allowances, which were recommended to be increased by the authority's independent remuneration panel, are given to elected members as compensation for their time performing various duties associated with their role.

Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, has said he does not want to see tier 3 restrictions placed on the borough.

Responding to a question from Alsager Town councillor Sue Helliwell, the Labour representative added he had not asked the government for such a move.

Macclesfield Hospital is set to roll out a new initiative to help prevent patients falling, following a successful trial on Ward 3.

Beginning in November, the Red Frames Project will see the introduction of approximately 140 red, wheeled mobility frames which will ensure that all patients who require a walking aid whilst in hospital will have the equipment to help them, exclusively to them.