MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST CONSULTATION LETTER FOR PARENTS, CARERS AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY
We are writing to you with details of a proposal to convert Belgrave Primary School to academy status and to join The Learning Trust Multi-Academy Trust (MAT). The Wrexham Road housing development will include a brand new 1.5 intake primary school. This represents an exciting opportunity to realise Belgrave Primary School’s ambition to expand and provide even more outstanding education and care to more children in the local community. The government’s ‘free school presumption’ requires that, if a new school needs to be established, the local authority seeks proposals to establish an academy, rather than a local authority-maintained school. Therefore, Cheshire West and Chester will be soon be inviting bids from academies for the Wrexham Rd site. The Learning Trust, a local MAT that comprises Christleton and Queens Park high schools, has expressed an interest in bidding in partnership with Belgrave Primary School and for us to become the lead primary school. As many of our pupils continue their education at Queens Park High, we already have an established working relationship and share similar pupil centric ethos. A joint bid would combine The Learning Trust’s experience of building a brand new school, with Belgrave’s expertise in primary school education. This and our existing strong relationship with the local communities would maximise the prospects of a successful bid. The Governing Board has taken great care to explore all reasonable options to ensure that the children of Belgrave Primary School are placed in the strongest position for the future. We believe the best way of securing the new school and also improving standards in the future while maintaining our school’s ethos,philosophy and community future is by becoming an Academy and joining The Learning Trust. As well as the opportunities presented by the new school there are numerous benefits of joining The Learning Trust such as shared resources and more opportunities for the children and staff to work together across the three other schools within the Trust, facilitating a seamless transition from primary to secondary education. The Governing Board’s priority is to enable the school to continue to provide an excellent education for our children, retaining their unique qualities and strengths while protecting the school’s role at the heart of ourcommunity. We are therefore looking upon The Learning Trust's offer favourably and now want to consult parents, carers and members of the wider community about whether the school’s conversion to academy status should take place. The consultation period will start on the 01/05/2019 and end at 5:00pm on the 22/05/2019. There will also be the opportunity for parents and members of the community to meet and ask the Head Teacher, Governors and the CEO of the trust questions if they wish to, on Friday the 10/05/2019. Please contact the school office to arrange a time to attend. We have also prepared some Frequently Asked Questions for you to read onlineon the school website. Paper copies are also available at the School’s reception. Responses to this consultation must be emailed to [email protected]Or posted to: Consultation Response Belgrave Primary School Five Ashes Road Chester CH4 7QT Yours sincerely, Head Teacher and Chair of Governors More information can be found here: http://www.belgrave.cheshire.sch.uk/page/consultation/53573
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Each candidate was asked 'please tell us why you want our votes?' In no particular order, their individual responses are below:
Carol Braithwaite - Liberal Democrat Party Why I want your vote. Hello, I am Carol Braithwaite and along with Jonathan Rule, I am one of your Liberal Democrat candidates for the upcoming local council elections in the ward of Handbridge Park. Along with Jonathan, we are concerned about the situation for young people in our community which has led to them finding non-constructive things to do. For this reason, my main campaign focus is for more resources to be allocated to youth services in Handbridge Park. There is a link nationally between reduction of youth services and an increase in knife crime. Since the closure of the local youth club, no new facilities or services have been introduced by the Labour run council. Our community would benefit a youth street worker being in place, who can identify issues early on and look for solutions where they are needed. A friendly non-judgmental approach has been shown to reduce anti-social behaviour and improve the well-being of young people involved. It is a win/win situation for everybody in our community. Cutting funding to services for young people is a false economy. If elected Jonathan and l will look for ways to increase funding in this vital area. I would like to introduce initiatives that close the Generation Gap. For example, building skills exchanges between young people and older generations. Age Concern report that older people can feel lonely and no longer useful in society. Such projects I believe would have huge benefits in that it will help multiple generations to empower each other with new skills and experiences. Whilst other issues are often given more attention, with my colleague Jonathan, I believe that these are some of the ways we can make Handbridge Park more inclusive, more friendly and more positive. We will campaign for a greater focus of resources directed at our young residents, more youth activities and a more progressive attitude to community activities across generations. To find out more about Chester Liberal Democrats and their other campaigns by going to www.chesterlibdems.org.uk More about me I live with my husband Mark. We have been running our own IT consultancy for the last 3 years. Where we have worked in the fields of finance; telecoms, energy and transport. Mark and I have been married for 12 years and my twin brother who also lives nearby in Saltney. I originate from North Wales, but lived in Cheshire for nearly 20 years, the last 2 being in Handbridge. I re-joined the Liberal Democrats as I see that it is the only party that has the skills and vision to mend the country on a local, national and international level. Putting the focus back onto People. I care about my community at local, county, UK, EU and worldwide levels, so support and campaign for a Peoples Vote with an option to remain on the paper. I play the cornet and other brass instruments. For the last 15 years I have been involved as a player and volunteer organizer for Barnton Silver Band. I understand importance of music to people not only as a skill but in building friendships, tackling loneliness and improving mental health. I was s also been involved in setting up and running credit unions in the past when I used to live in Shropshire. Razia Daniels - Conservative Party I was elected to represent Handbridge in May 2006. It has been a huge honour and a privilege to represent residents of Handbridge, Curzon Park, Westminster Park and Lache. I have worked very closely with my colleague Cllr Neil Sullivan to support all our residents over the years and we hope you will put your trust in us once again. Since my election in 2006, I have been committed to public service full time. I have campaigned for various great causes from saving the Post Office, saving the Green Belt, the repair of Chester City Walls, “Free After 3” Parking and represented residents concerns on the Wrexham Road planning application for 1300 houses. Whether it’s speeding down Lache Lane, fly-tipping in our alleyways or potholes plaguing our roads, these are all issues which matter to you, issues that you have let me know about and issues which the Labour-run council have failed time and again to address. If re-elected, I will work very hard to ensure we get the basics right, keeping the streets clean, ensuring the potholes in our roads are filled and our green spaces are preserved, all while lobbying to ensure your Council Tax is kept low. May 2 is more than just about a local election for me. I am passionate about championing worthy causes; like looking after older people, tackling loneliness and caring about our environment. It’s about giving me a chance to represent the area I love and have represented for last 13 years where I have made many friends. If re-elected, you will give me an opportunity to once again continue campaigning for a Medical Centre, The Chester Western Relief Road and take part in developing a Neighbourhood Plan for our area which is an aspiration of local residents as expressed at a recent community meeting. I will continue to work with Residents Associations, Community Associations and Friends of Groups to ensure the views of residents are heard and engage with you all year round holding monthly street surgeries on the first Saturday every month. And lastly and more importantly I will listen to your concerns, your needs and aspirations which will help me make a difference in our community. I passionately want to continue representing the Handbridge Park Ward, and if re-elected as your Councillor I will work hard on your behalf and strive to get the best this area deserves. To find out more about the Conservatives Plan for Cheshire West and Chester Council please use this link to... ‘Our Plan’ - bit.ly/2TRsjWm Your sincerely Razia Daniels Mat Roberts - Green Party Please tell us why you want our votes?I have lived in the ward of Handbridge Park for nearly 10 years, starting in Handbridge before moving, across Wrexham Road, to Westminster Park. It is an area of Chester which is very dear to my heart, and I want to work to make it the best it can be for both you and my young family. We are living in a period where concern for the environment is becoming more and more popular. It is generally agreed that we must act quickly to preserve this world that we live in and reverse the damage we have already done to it. Thanks to programmes such as Blue Planet II, people are waking up to the very real threat posed to us by climate change. Despite this rise in public awareness, the representation of these views, both in national and local governments, is extremely low. There are currently no green voices in the CW&C council. I want this to change. I need your votes because I want to alter how our council thinks. I want to ensure that there is at least one voice, amongst the 75 CW&C councillors, that champions sustainability and a better way of living. A voice that ensures local businesses and initiatives are supported and fostered. A voice that promotes social equality, supports the most vulnerable in our society, and protects public services from the continued bite of austerity. Unlike other parties, as your Green councillor, I would not be told how to vote by my party and can therefore speak directly on behalf of our community; addressing the specific issues and concerns that you raise. Green councillors have been elected up and down the country and are making a huge impact. From improving kerb side recycling to protecting public libraries. I believe that it’s time for Chester to reap the benefits of an independently-minded, green voice on the council. On May 2nd, you have the opportunity to cast two votes. If, like me, you care about the environment and our community, want to inject some common sense into council decision making, and want to change the status quo, all I ask is that you use one of those votes to vote green. Warmest Regards, Mat Roberts https://agc.greenparty.org.uk/what-have-our-green-councillors-done-for-us/ Rhiannon Taylor - Labour Party I’m Rhiannon, and I’m one of your Labour Party candidates in the upcoming election. Rather than talk about policies and pledges, all of which you’ve had through your door, I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a little about me, and what made me want to run for election. Being entirely honest, I decided to put myself forward because me and my family have been on the wrong side of decisions made by politicians all too often. From cuts to mental health services, to cuts in welfare, the people in my life seem to be hit by it every time. I grew up in Scunthorpe, a small steel town in the north east. Through my teens and early twenties I watched as my town went downhill, got left behind and forgotten about. I watched as family and friends lost their jobs, and in some cases their homes. In 2014 I moved to Chester for university. I went home often and despaired at what my home town had become. I saw my grandad being forced to attend seemingly endless assessments under threat of losing his benefits, despite doctors confirming he was never going to recover. Then the cuts got closer to home. In 2015 I was assaulted on a night out, and due to police cuts the man responsible for that assault was never caught. That’s one of the reasons why I want to work with local police and local residents to make sure everyone can live in an environment where we feel safe and secure in our community. I'm telling you my history, not for sympathy, but so that you, the people I’m asking to trust me with your votes, can understand where my passion and determination come from. The final push to run for election came in 2017 when I saw my mum come within hours of losing her life as exhausted, overworked, overstretched doctors and nurses made a series of mistakes. I then saw as those same exhausted, overworked, overstretched doctors gave up their Christmas, New Year, and most of the following month to save her life. I realised that the mistakes that had been made were not entirely their fault, but the fault of the people responsible for cutting the NHS to the point where a surgical ward had 3 or 4 staff for between 30 to 40 patients. That was when I decided I could no longer sit around and watch as things go wrong. I tell you this so that you can be assured that I understand what it is to struggle, I understand what it is to feel that the people who are supposed to represent you don’t appreciate what you deal with daily. I believe it is this understanding that will make me an excellent councillor and, more importantly, a strong advocate for the people I’m hoping to represent. I strongly believe that there is a better, more fair way to do things, and that’s why I’m so excited by the manifesto on which I stand. This is a set of policies which I really believe can start to change things for the better, and make sure that we can build a community in which everyone can truly thrive. I hope that through all of this you can see that I’m someone who will not give up, who will work hard to make sure that you have real representation, and will always have your best interests at heart. For more information on our policies, our manifesto can be found at www.cheshirewestlabour.com/stronger Jonathan Rule - Liberal Democrat Party Jonathan Rule is a long-standing resident of Handbridge and Curzon Park, having lived in the area for 14 years. He is a well known member of the community, having been active with the community whilst living here. Jonathan has practised as a barrister for 25 years. He has one son, Barney, who attended school in our area. Jonathan has been a member of the Lib Dems all of his life, and has already served as a Councillor. Jonathan is a Liberal Democrat because he passionately believes that local politics should be given more importance. Decisions that can be made close to home should be, with the resources to carry out those resources made available locally. That is what separates the Lib Dems from our opponents, whose politics has always come from the top down. Along with Carol Braithwaite, Jonathan wants more resources within Handbridge Park to be focussed on youth services. Since the closure of the youth club, facilities for our children are non-existent in the ward. This can obviously lead to problems, as national news stories show us. That is the area, we believe, resources should be focussed. A community youth street worker can deal with problems at source and prevent them escalating. They have a proven record of success. To make savings in this area is a false economy. Jonathan will also be seeking assurances from Council leaders that with residents now moving into the new houses in Wrexham Road, our ward will receive the extra funds and facilities the area will need for our new neighbours and existing residents. When he isn't working and campaigning, Jonathan can be usually found playing the piano; either in our community and its many fine pubs, or in the city centre. It isn't clear how that will help him representing our Ward, but it keeps him sane. Jonathan Rule Neil Sullivan - Conservative Party I am seeking re-election for Handbridge Park ward, having served as councillor in this ward since 2011. I also served for 2 years for Lache ward on Chester City Council before that. With my fellow hard-working councillor Razia Daniels, I have tried to provide a service for the whole community on massive issues such as the new Wrexham Road housing scheme as well as equally important issues only affecting a few households. I believe our regular street surgeries at 3 locations across the ward on the1st Saturday morning of every month have allowed us to engage with many residents who would not normally attend formal meetings. For the last 3 years I have been the Conservative opposition spokesman on Finance, and I have sought ways to deliver our services at lower cost to the Council Tax payer I have previously served for long spells as Governor of Lache primary school and St Clare’s Catholic Primary school (Lache) and on Sanctuary Housing Chester committee. I served with REME TA in the 1980’s(201 Workshop, Bordon) I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering. The first part of my career was spent in steelmaking in the UK and abroad. For the last 30 + years I have worked in building products manufacture at a senior management level. Aside from politics these days, I run our family owned clay brick tile manufacturing business. We make innovative ceramic products for low carbon sustainable building. We now export 10% of our output to EU countries and Japan. I hope residents will re-elect me with Cllr Daniels on May 2nd, and I promise to continue representing our whole community on the things that matter. On a wider basis I hope that Conservatives can regain control of the Council. We have a big job to do, to restore our pride in Chester whilst keeping a tight rein on expenditure. We also need to make our City and borough more sustainable and we need to work on the challenges for the future in achieving this. Here is a link to... ‘Our Plan’ - bit.ly/2TRsjWm Cllr Neil Sullivan Lache Lane, Chester Lisa Rossetti - Labour Party I want to thank Handbridge Life for kindly inviting me to share my personal perspective. It is an honour to have been selected as a councillor candidate for Handbridge Park Ward. It is vital that the relationship between residents and councillor is an effective one, enabling you to have proper representation, a strong voice in the council, and somebody who will listen to you and champion your issues regardless of your politics. I pledge to make the ward “walkabout” and surgeries a central part of my duties as a councillor. I will not be seeking civic fame for myself; I will be rolling up my sleeves. Many of you can testify to that this is not an empty promise made just before the elections. I am already taking action with litter picks and fly-tipping. This is my neighbourhood too. I have lived here for 26 years and seen my grandchildren grow up here. So my issues are your issues! I am a director of a social enterprise supporting people with mental health issues or addiction problems. Sadly, this can affect many families and I will work hard to ensure our NHS and support services are protected locally. I am a senior researcher at the Business and Management faculty, and using my University connections to press for more community engagement and support for local entrepreneurs. My campaign pledges and leaflets did not get churned out by some faceless political machine. They are all based on your stories and issues, and your conversations with me. So I want to thank the young mother who was fed up with her pushchair going through dog fouling, and the responsible dog owners, who discussed this with me. Thanks to the many residents who’ve consulted with me about car parking and the need for a proper strategic approach to this perennial problem. Thank you also to our stalwart allotment holders who shared how much gardening helps with their health and wellbeing; I will protect our green spaces and establish an effective upkeep partnership with the council. Neighbours have talked to me about safety concerns especially worries about drug dealing; I will work hard at improving your safety along with our community policing team and have already spoken with the Police Chief Inspector on this issue. The environment is a long-standing personal concern. I am proud of our Labour policies on the Green New Deal, and pledge to protect biodiversity. However, we need to start awareness and action locally, so I am delighted to support our Incredible Edible Handbridge community growing project. I am really proud of our new heritage project, constituting the Minerva Community Project. I love local history and was amazed to find out that very few residents realise it is a World Heritage site. We need to be promoting our unique history, not least to tourists to increase footfall in our high street, but also to our younger generation so we can take more pride in our community. This project has massive promise, with community and schools involvement, and has already attracted the attention of Time Team. Finally I want to acknowledge the great work of both our environmental groups, and our community support groups for our senior citizens and those experiencing social isolation. The work you do is invaluable, and as your councillor I will be very happy to support you. Lend me your vote for the next four years, and let’s achieve great things for our community together. It is time for a breath of fresh air in Handbridge Park! Read about our great Labour policies for Stronger Communities: https://www.cheshirewestlabour.com/stronger/ Development proposals have been revealed for the old school building on Overleigh Road by the Eaton Estate. There will be a drop-in public information event at the property on Thursday 1st June 4pm-7pm.
Follow this link to the best photos I've seen of the bunker complex. The passageways look to be in much better condition than we were led to believe at the time of the Redrow planning application. Now that the University has taken over the site above ground do you think these bunkers will ever be developed into a heritage attraction?
Credit: Leaf1471 This link will take you to the fascinating BFI seven minute film.
1901's Chester regatta (established 1733) was reported in the local press as "a brilliant success indeed", although there was also an odd, apparently disapproving reference to the "decadence of first-class oarsmanship." Regardless, on this evidence, most of the onlookers had a grand day out, and there was also the opportunity for some romantic boat trips to secluded spots away from the bustle. The filmmakers made some confusing editing and camera positioning decisions by today's standards, with the direction of travel along the river apparently changing between different shots. There is some uncertainty over which order each of the four short rolls were intended to be seen - they may even have been intended to be screened as four separate films. An Open Invitation to Residents from the University : A 12 MINUTE BURST OF PYROTECHNICS 'THE MOST IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY CHESTER HAS EVER SEEN' : 8pm Saturday 21st March to mark their 175th Anniversary and takeover of the former Weston Command site.
Community Watersports Hub - January 2015
What? Cheshire West and Chester Council wants to develop a Community Watersports Hub on the Dee in partnership with local and national watersports groups. This proposal is a key priority in the Chester Waterways Strategy that was published in Spring 2014. Why? The council believes that the Community Watersports Hub will bring significant health and educational benefits to Chester and the borough. These include:
Where? The preferred location for the Community Watersports Hub is the existing boat house near Queens Park High School. The council owns this site and believes it has a lot of potential for expansion and improvement. The council has ruled out selling this land. How? The council will work in partnership with local and national watersports groups to develop a scheme that is viable and feasible. We want to make sure that the Community Watersports Hub:
Who? The Community Watersports Hub scheme is backed by the Council, Queen’s Park High School, the Royal Chester Rowing Club, Active Cheshire, British Rowing and British Canoeing. These organisations have formed a steering group which has prepared:
When? The council hopes that the new hub will open in 2016. What next? The steering group has agreed to publish regular position statements about the progress of the scheme. These will be available from the Council’s website and emailed direct to those groups and individuals who sign up to receive them. A public meeting to discuss the project has been arranged for: Wednesday 25 February 2015 at 6.30 pm at Queens Park High School Formal consultation about specific details of the project will be dealt with as part of the process for seeking planning approval. For more information about the Community Watersports Hub, please contact: Jan Walters, Chester Locality Team Phone 01244 973225 Mobile 07769248913 Email: [email protected] Rumours were confirmed on 28th January 2015 that West Cheshire College is to close it's Handbridge campus. WCC released the following: West Cheshire College Statement Following the Skills Funding Agency’s notification that West Cheshire College’s financial health was assessed as inadequate; Dr. David Collins, the Further Education Commissioner and his Advisers, visited the College and completed an assessment in mid-September 2014. Subsequently, the Minister of State for Skills and Equalities, Nick Boles MP, wrote to the College with a number of recommendations to secure the long-term future of the College. The College’s financial position is due to a high level of borrowing taken out to finance the College re-build and its declining trading position. Consequently, the excessive long term borrowing which the College now faces is a result of the size, location and financing of the new builds in 2011. Nigel Davies, Principal and Chief Executive at West Cheshire College, said: “We have been working hard to resolve the twin issues of unsuitable accommodation and high levels of debt; this has included the introduction of a financial recovery plan. “Throughout we have strived to maintain a clear focus on the student experience and improvement; whilst at the same time rebuild the budget from the bottom up as well as implement significant restructuring across the College. However, it remains clear that fundamental action is still needed to bring the situation under control within a reasonable timeframe.” One of the key recommendations by the Minister was to complete a Viability Review; this has now concluded. In the main, both the Assessment Report and Viability Review concurred with the College and supported our financial recovery plan – which included the need to reduce costs and consolidate our estate to one campus. What this means in real terms is the realignment of our curriculum so it effectively responds to stakeholders and relocating some of our curriculum to our Ellesmere Port Campus. Nigel Davies adds: “We are currently in the process of developing plans. Whilst the decision to move some of our facilities will mean the closure of our Handbridge Campus, we will continue to have a presence in Chester and are planning to open a more accessible city centre-based location that will be designed to meet the needs of the Chester community. “I appreciate, that any decision to close a site is not taken lightly, and has only been done with a clear and detailed understanding of the impact of those changes on students, employers and the local community and on the long term sustainability of the College. The College has considered a number of options to support the long term financial position of the College; these options were tested independently when FE Advisers undertook their review with students, staff, governors and key stakeholders. “Ultimately, I have been tasked with ensuring our financial sustainability for the future and that our curriculum effectively responds to all our stakeholders’ needs and requirements. I can give you assurance that these plans and new learning and teaching resources will significantly further enhance local employment and skills needs; in fact I strongly believe we will be in a significantly better position to support and enhance our communities and economy. I would like to also give assurance that the interest of our students and employers remain at the heart of our decision making process and the College remains committed to delivering courses to our students as we do now, at the most appropriate location. “I also welcomed the comments from the Commissioner and Minister, recognising the action that the College has already taken, and that the Senior Leadership Team has made considerable progress in turning the College around both in terms of improving quality and addressing the financial position over the past 18 months. “Staff have also worked hard to overcome the challenges they have been presented with including significant efficiency savings in terms of pay and non-pay expenditure while improving student success. They should be commended on their commitment and dedication to students and ultimately the College. I was pleased to see the significant improvements that have been made overall in recent student success and progression, and particularly at Level 3 that shows an increase of over 10%. “Further developments include the appointment of a number of new Governors and Clerk to the Governing Body. These changes, together with the appointment of a new Chair and myself, are supporting the Governing Body to provide the necessary challenge and debate and enabling strategic decision making.” Nigel Davies further adds: “The College has been in discussions with some key stakeholders for some time around our strategic plans and now I am in the early stages of formal discussions with our main Funding Agencies to identify possible appropriate solutions and these are ongoing.” Local residents have expressed concern about what will happen to the site once it's vacated. The 6000 sq. meters Handbridge campus was only completed in 2011, supported by the Learning and Skills Council. Speculation unsurprisingly has it that Chester University are the most likely body to take over the site. With similar rumours circulating that the former HBOS bank site in Queen's Park could also be bought by the University, local residents are now fearful that Handbridge will become the next wave of University expansion in Chester.
See also: 'City college campus closure shock' - ChesterFirst A 'Change of Use' application to 'D1 non-residential use' for the former HBOS bank site is coming up next Tuesday 3rd Feb 2015. Anyone with concerns can register to speak at the meeting - see letter below for details.
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