Cheshire Independent Issue 136

JULY/AUGUST 2019 2 Follow us on Facebook: Cheshire Independent Independent CHESHIRE No part of this publication may be used or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure that the articles and advertisements that are carried are authentic, however the publisher of the Cheshire Independent accepts no responsibility for claims made. Investors in Publishing Ltd 2019. Cheshire Independent is published monthly by Investors in Publishing. Publishing House, 3 Bridgebank Industrial Estate, Taylor Street, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7PD. Tel. 01204 478812 Fax. 01204 667345. www.independentnewspapers.co.uk SalesDirector: ROBINATKINS 01625 501675 robin@cheshireindependent.co.uk Editor: JOHNPATRICK john@independentnewspapers.co.uk Classified Sales: JAYNE MEADOWCROFT 01204 478812 jayne@independentnewspapers.co.uk To advertise in the Independent contact Robin via email robin @ cheshire independent .co.uk or call 01625 501675 MACCLESFIELD MP David Rutley met with a group of constituents, including students from All Hallows Catholic College, during a mass lobbyof Parliament calling forurgent action on the natural environment and climate change. A MACCLESFIELD char- ity is looking to recruit new volunteer drivers to help transport service users to its day club in the town. Age UK Cheshire East’s New Horizons Club, based in Henderson Street, offers a full day of activity for people living with dementia, giving their carers time away from their responsibilities. The club is open five days a week, and as well as provid- ing a place to go all day, the service also offers to trans- port service users to the club. Each day, clients are picked up and taken to the club from areas including Congleton, Poynton, Prest- bury and Bollington. The charity already has a number of volun- teers who assist with driving duties, using its nine-seater minibus. Damon Taylor, chief execu- tive of the charity, said: “We really value the support that our current volunteers give to the service. “Each driving session lasts about 90 minutes, and volunteers generally choose to do a morning session, starting around 9am, or an afternoon session from around 3.30pm. “In particular, we are looking for volunteers on a Monday or Wednesday, where we are currently not supported.” To drive the minibus, volunteers do not require a special licence, other than having a D1 entitlement on their driving licence. Drivers are accompanied on each trip by a member of staff or volunteer who assist service users on and off the minibus. Damon said: “I really hope that we can encourage people to volun- teer and play a valuable part in supporting local older peo- ple living with dementia.” ALMOST 700 drivers in Cheshire East have been wrongly penalised for park- ing in some free car parks in the borough. The council is now urging people hit by the incorrect penalties to come forward and claim their money back. The issue, brought to the council’s attention during a consultation to increase parking charges, has seen 675 penalty charge notices issued incorrectly between 26 October 2015 and 13 March 2019. The council says the error has been made at seven out of 116 car parks and rep- resents less than one per cent of the total penalty charge notices issued across Cheshire East. And it adds that all 675 issued were due to a parking offence being committed but because of “legal technicalities”, the penalty charge notices were not enforceable. The car parks affected are: Fairview, Fannys Croft and Station Road in Alsager; London Road in Holmes Chapel; and Hawk Street, Chapel Street and Brookhouse Road in Sandbach. The reimbursement scheme will be overseen by an independent reviewer and the council says it “will ensure any claimants have their cases reviewed”. Frank Jordan, executive director of place and act- ing deputy chief executive, said: “The issue, of penalty charge notices having been incorrectly issued on seven car parks between October 2015 and March 2019, was brought to our attention during the parking charges consultation period. “We would like to apolo- gise to those who have been incorrectly issued a penalty charge notice during this time period and urge any affected motorists to claim full reimbursement.” If you think you are one of the 675 affected, visit the penalty charge notice reim- bursement page for more information, or call 0300 123 5500. Notification as to whether you qualify for a reimbursement will be received within 28 days. Action call on climate change Parking penalty mistakes revealed Call for volunteers Retailers of fine furniture & upholstery. Makers of custom built furniture for all the rooms in your home. Over 100 years of furniture. 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