http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/ News, views, announcements, and discussion on the things that matter to the Alderley Edge community. en Copyright 2010 alderleyedge.com and its authors - All rights reserved. 2010-03-11T13:43:37+00:00 http://feeds.alderleyedge.com/~r/AlderleyEdgeNews/~3/ZU6ZLdc7oGU/ http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/google-street-view-now-covers-alderley-edge/ Google Street View has been launched in Alderley Edge today so you can now take a virtual tour of the village, with 360° horizontal and 290° vertical views. Some, if not all, of the images were taken last year by a black Google Street View car, with a camera mounted on its roof. As reported on Twitter, the distinctive vehicle was seen going down London Road around mid day on Friday 3rd April. Street View takes Google Maps to a new level, allowing you to visually explore and navigate a neighbourhood through panoramic street-level photographs.You can now zoom right in to see close-up views of people on the streets of Alderley Edge, as well as individual houses and gardens - faces and license plates are blurred. Google’s controversial service was launched in March 2009 in the UK, initially covering 25 cities and has gradually expanded to include more cities, more streets within these cities and also some rural areas. The service now covers almost all of the UK’s roads. Street View has raised concerns about privacy and some of those caught on camera have been far from happy, including one wife who has filed for divorce after spotting her husband’s Range Rover outside her friend’s home whilst he was supposedly away on business. Fortunately for one chap spotted sheepishly leaving a sex shop his image has since been removed.  According to Google; “Street View contains imagery that is no different from what you might see driving or walking down the street" but unless you are 2.5 metres high, like their cameras, then you would not be able to see into some of the gardens clearly visible on Street View. The imagery is of a good quality, we’ve already spotted a friend walking down her garden path, which is not visible from the street due to a tall hedge. Check out Alderley Edge on Street View above using the arrow keys top left, click top right of the image to make it full screen. Let us know what you think? Is it an invasion of privacy? Have you spotted any strange sights or people you know on Street View in Alderley Edge? Please do share your thoughts via the comment box below. General News, The Environment 2010-03-11T13:43:37+00:00 http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/google-street-view-now-covers-alderley-edge/ http://feeds.alderleyedge.com/~r/AlderleyEdgeNews/~3/VcYSGS3j29g/ http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/ever-wondered-who-drives-a-particular-car/ Alderley Edge businessman Marcus Acklerley has launched a social networking site with a difference. On PlateWave.com the members identity is their vehicle registration number, which unlike your name is unique. Marcus lives in the village with his wife Mavis and has two grown up children Michelle and Jonathan. He has always worked in vehicles, it’s a family tradition and for many years he operated his vehicle leasing business from Water Lane in Wilmslow. Marcus explained; “There are over 5000 residents in Alderley, I know 50 by name, and most of the others to nod to. I thought it would be fun to establish a simple and free way for all residents to be able to contact people they see every day, but whose names they don’t actually know. PlateWave.com can do this. “How else do you contact someone who you see all the time around the village, live very close to, have probably spoken to at some time but you don't know their name? You cannot phone, email or write. "Every registration number ever issued is pre loaded on the site, so everyone already has a profile page. It just requires your car details for you to claim your plate and start using the service. Once registered on PlateWave.com members have the option to contact each other whenever they want to." You can search by either plate or the make of car, then when you find a car or plate you recognise you can send your message or just send them a wave. No personal details are revealed on the site. Just first name, registration number and a picture of their car, though a personal picture is also an option. Marcus said “Platewave is about bringing local communities and fellow drivers together on friendly waving terms. It makes organising social events, getting to know new people simple and easy. It could also be used as a variation of the Neighbour Watch scheme. “Most other social network sites are designed to keep in touch with old friends but PlateWave.com is for meeting people you have never met, but have seen and have a reason to contact. It also makes car sharing a real option and there could even be romantic implications.” Additional facilities have been added enabling car enthusiasts to list all the cars they have ever owned and register as previous owners, so people can track vehicle ownership history and contact past or present owners. For people with cherished plates a 'plate history' will also be available where members can upload pictures of all the cars that plate has been on. Members can also chat about car related subjects along the lines of an owners club and facilities will be introduced shortly so members can advertise cars for sale. Although originally designed for Alderley Edge, PlateWave.com is available to every community in the UK. Business & Finance, General News 2010-03-11T09:31:04+00:00 http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/ever-wondered-who-drives-a-particular-car/ http://feeds.alderleyedge.com/~r/AlderleyEdgeNews/~3/7I8J4YPHGUg/ http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/bungled-burglary-at-daniels-on-london-road/ Staff are busy clearing up this morning following a break in last night at Daniel's shoe shop on London Road. At around 9 pm yesterday evening a large metal block, wrapped in a blanket, was thrown through the door. The shop was littered with shattered glass but speaking to the ladies this morning it appears that nothing was taken. Inspector Welsted said "Whilst burglaries of non-dwelling buildings are rare this is a very visual crime which has occurred on the high street and is taken seriously. Crime Scene Investigators have attended and we are appealing for witnesses." If you saw anything suspicious please contact the police on 0845 458 000. Crime 2010-03-10T11:51:11+00:00 http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/bungled-burglary-at-daniels-on-london-road/ http://feeds.alderleyedge.com/~r/AlderleyEdgeNews/~3/0SacxqHdhMc/ http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/aspiring-dancers-prepare-to-dazzle-for-charity/ On Saturday 27th March, students of the Sue Morris School of Dance will be putting their best foot forward in a performance of dance and musical theatre at the Wilmslow Leisure Centre to raise money in aid of the Alderley Edge Methodist Church Spire Fund. The Showcase performance will include ballet, street, jazz and tap numbers, and a selection of song and dance routines including 'Good Morning Baltimore', 'Legally Blonde' and 'Chicago'. The show will be compèred by film and TV actress Sarah Hadland, star of 'Horrible Histories' (CBeebies), who currently plays Stevie in the hit show 'Miranda' (BBC2 Comedy) and co-stars in 'That Mitchell and Webb Look' (BBC2 Sketch Show). Based in Alderley Edge, the school enjoys its tenth year this year so as Sue explained; "It seemed an ideal way to celebrate the landmark with a performance to showcase the talents of all the pupils, ranging from 4 year olds to 18 who just love to dance." We are particularly looking forward to the show as our eldest daughter is taking part and she is so excited about it. The dancers have been rehearsing hard since September and her grandparents are travelling hundreds of miles to witness what is sure to be a momentous occasion. There will be two performances, an afternoon matinee starting at 2.30pm and again in the evening at 7.30pm at the Evans Theatre. Ticket Booking Forms are available from Alderley Edge Library, the Leisure Centre reception desk, the Wilmslow Tourist Information Office or by phoning the School Ticket Office on 01625 535400. General News 2010-03-10T06:06:56+00:00 http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/aspiring-dancers-prepare-to-dazzle-for-charity/ http://feeds.alderleyedge.com/~r/AlderleyEdgeNews/~3/bcOFUB1gi0w/ http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/chess-pass-with-flying-green-colours/ The green telecoms company, Chess Telecom has successfully maintained it's accreditation to ISO 14001, the international standard for Environmental Management for the third year running. Chess sailed through an external audit and as in previous audits, the stirling work of its Green Team was highlighted in the auditor's final report. 

 The Green Team is made up of eco-ambassadors, from different areas of the business who find practical ways to minimise environmental impact and drive change to become carbon neutral. Assessor, Alan Jackson, sat with Green Team members and discussed a possible new initiative based on paper usage that will have a cost saving as well as environmental benefit. Chess now aims to reduce this total figure of paper usage by 20% in the next 12 months, through raising awareness and carrying out departmental and waste management audits.

 Chess has implemented numerous green initiatives over the last 4 years, including the introduction of web billing in 2007 which has saved £122,000 in paper so far. Continuous commitment to recycling has reduced waste by 50% and has to date resulted in over 5.5 tonnes of paper, cardboard and cans being recycled.  The more recent addition of glass and plastic recycling measures will see further improvement. 
 
 Chess also has switched to a green energy supplier, ensures printers automatically print double-sided, participates in the government led Bike-To-Work scheme,  has  developed and implemented video conferencing software, (introducing webinars and conference calls  where appropriate to reduce unnecessary travel) as well as launching a customer carbon offsetting scheme to celebrate HRH Prince of Wales’ May Day Summit 2009. To kick start the launch, Chess offset 61 tonnes of carbon and has given all Chess people the opportunity to choose a project to offset their own carbon against.
 Anne Binnie, HR Director & Head of the Green Team, said: "Chess is a great example of a company which is extremely forward thinking in its approach to resource efficiency. To have achieved this accreditation for a third year running is a tremendous achievement for everyone at Chess."

 "We all have a duty to operate our businesses in a sustainable manner within ecological means." added David Pollock, Chief Executive. "People talk about their concerns around the 'business case' for implementing more environmentally friendly practices. In the telecoms industry, we can take the lead on how we look after and preserve the planet. We do this by firstly looking at ourselves and what we can do on a local level, within our own businesses." Business & Finance, The Environment 2010-03-09T06:27:46+00:00 http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/chess-pass-with-flying-green-colours/ http://feeds.alderleyedge.com/~r/AlderleyEdgeNews/~3/0QxOo6UPYL0/ http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/step-up-to-the-mark-for-sport-relief-2010/ Sport Relief is back, and as one of the UK’s biggest fundraising events, it brings the entire nation together to get active, raise cash and change lives. The Sport Relief Weekend takes place from Friday 19th March to Sunday 21st March 2010. Since its launch in 2002, millions of people have taken part, helping to raise over £80 million. Sport Relief has a unique history of dedicated people doing extraordinary things to rise to the challenge, from David Walliams' astonishing swim across the English Channel, to Eddie Izzard's truly amazing marathon a day around the UK to Helen Skelton's six week paddle down the the River Amazon this year - breaking two world records on the way. And that’s not to mention the thousands of people who rise to the challenge by doing the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile to raise cash and help make the world of difference. All the money raised by the public is spent by Comic Relief to help transform the lives of poor and vulnerable people, both at home and across the world’s poorest countries. Sport Relief 2010 are highlighting the following three issues, which money raised will help to tackle - children who live on the streets or work in dangerous conditions, people affected by malaria and local UK projects. The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile 2010 is a national event that will take place on Sunday, March 21, with our local sponsored run being held at Macclesfield Leisure Centre. Individuals, friends, families and companies are being urged to sign up and start training now for the big day. Those taking part can choose from a one, three or six-mile sponsored run. That means, there’s something for everyone on the big day from teeny-tots with their mums and dads, to super sprinters up against the clock. There will also be family activities for spectators to enjoy. Cheshire East Council is calling on people of all ages to get in shape for the annual charity run which will see a Cheshire East councillor donning his tracksuit and running shoes to help get the keep fit message across and of course raise money for a good cause. Councillor Andrew Knowles, Cabinet member with responsibility for health and wellbeing, who is getting in training to take part in the Sport Relief run in Macclesfield, said: "It’s all about getting more people to take regular exercise and having fun for a really worthwhile cause. "It’s for everyone. You don’t have to join an expensive gym, you don’t have to swim 30 miles – as long as you do a little bit, it’s possible to do this Sport Relief run and help change lives, including your own. Just walking more is fantastic for health." To sign up for the event log on to Sport Relief website, or, if you would like to get involved and help out, call Keith Rogers on 01625 504512. Steve Morris, store manager at Sainsbury’s on Alderley Road told me they have a number of events planned in Wilmslow for Sport Relief so we will be bringing you further details shortly. In the meantime Sainsbury's have helped to develop a range of must-have items for Sport Relief 2010 - including socks, wristband, waterbottle, bouncy ball and phone sock, which are now available in store. Photograph: Cheshire East Council sports development officer Andy Molyneux, Councillor Andrew Knowles, Macclesfield Leisure Centre manager Paul Carrington, Sainsbury’s Representative Sarah Holt and Cheshire East Council sports development officer Keith Rogers. General News 2010-03-09T05:26:19+00:00 http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/step-up-to-the-mark-for-sport-relief-2010/ http://feeds.alderleyedge.com/~r/AlderleyEdgeNews/~3/bJ8RZRbb01I/ http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/hockey-alderley-dont-like-to-be-by-the-seaside/ Alderley Edge Men's Hockey team travelled to Eastbourne in the HA National Knockout Quarter Final. The journey to Eastbourne went well and the 12 man Alderley squad started the game well. Controlling the midfield with Bryant and McPherson and using full backs Gibson and Barnes as an outlet. The tireless work of Sam and Ben Gregory caused the Eastbourne defence problems all game and created the best goal scoring opportunity when a certain goal was prevented by the foot of a defender. James McPherson converted the penalty stroke to give Alderley the lead. Matt Hardy and Joe Gregory gave Alderley attacking intent outwide and despite the very slow pitch Alderley were able to pass the ball around at pace and stretch the Eastbourne midfield giving space to the forwards and create half chances and penalty corners. McPherson's strike was saved on the line and Barnes fired narrowly wide with the keeper beaten. Eastbourne began to get a foothold in the game but Bryant and Scarsbrook both defended and tackled well, the equaliser came when Alderley went down to 10 men after a technical infringement at a substitution and the extra man was made to count as Alderley turned over possession and an unmarked Eastbourne forward fired high into the net. The second half was always going to be difficult and Alderley got off to a terrible start as a miscontrolled ariel pass rolled straight to the Easbourne forward, who was forced wide, but managed a great reverse stick finish. Alderley kept battling and creating half chances, Wildig and Gregory unfortunate not to grab an equaliser. As the exersions of the previous day's away game and the small squad began to show and Eastbourne's 16 man squad kept the pace high and ensure fresh legs at regular intervals, Alderley tired and began making basic errors, allowing Eastbourne in on goal and Riley was forced into several saves as the pressure mounted. Eventually the Alderley resistance broke and Eastbourne managed to extend the lead and go on to take the match. Full credit to the whole squad for a magnificent effort in trying circumstances. The previous day Alderley travelled to Lytham, and left empty handed after going down 4-3. Lytham took the lead, but Alderley fought back and a fine deflected goal from Danny Butterworth from McPherson's pass brought them level. Alderley took the lead before half time, when a great break and passing move involving Gregory and McGoun allowed Frankie Bryant the opportunity to slot home. Alderley were then down to 9 men when Joe Gregory and Butterworth saw yellow, but held on to half time. The second half was a much scrappier affair with tackles flying in and at one stage the game was 10 v 9, when two Lytham players and Joe Bryant were sinbinned. Alderley extendeed their lead through a well worked penalty corner routine finished by Laurence Barnes, however Lytham fought back and grabbed goals from a penalty corner, a good open play goal and a fortunate winner when the initial shot was saved but they reacted quicker to the loose ball to poke home. Sport 2010-03-08T15:04:27+00:00 http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/hockey-alderley-dont-like-to-be-by-the-seaside/ http://feeds.alderleyedge.com/~r/AlderleyEdgeNews/~3/vA4iLdUlpLY/ http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/fpa-win-commission-from-award-winning-developer/ Alderley Edge based FPA Architects has won a commission from award winning developer Hillcrest Homes to create an 8,000 sq ft contemporary abode on one of the most prestigious roads in Prestbury. The three-strong start up, formed in October last year, was chosen following a competitive pitch against a number of prominent local practices. Hillcrest’s one-acre tree-lined site rests off Castle Hill at the end of a long drive and is currently occupied by a 1970’s style bungalow. FPA has proposed a multi-level property, which works in harmony with the gently sloping site to blend into the woodland setting. "This is a very special location and the current property is neither sympathetic to its setting or up to meeting the basic standards of environmental efficiency," says architect James Hindley. "We’ve studied the topography and have spoken with planning officials and local authority arboricultural officers to respond with a more respectful and appealing design which will work with the gentle gradient of the land rather than against it." The proposed five-bedroom property will be presented for planning later this month but already has the seal of approval of residents living adjacent to the site, particularly as it will impact less on the environment than the response some architects and developers may have taken. Says James, "All too often sites such as this are dug out to create a flat base for a large imposing property. By embracing the natural slope of the land we can create an exciting and original home but also one which is innately eco-friendly; we’ve reduced the amount of waste going to landfill, have imposed our own tree protection policy and are controlling heat loss through clever design rather than having to rely on eco-technology." Hillcrest Homes have recently received a lot of press coverage for their innovative new development in Alderley Edge, a reinvention of the humble bungalow. Today, bungalows are pigeonholed as the staid domain of the retired or those seeking sunshine in seaside towns but Hillcrest Homes have given the bungalow a radical makeover. Work has commenced on the £1.75m property off Macclesfield Road called Chantreys. This modernist revival of the bungalow promises spacious, light filled interiors with flexible living accommodation and a luxurious specification. Although the property will be predominantly single storey, Hillcrest is installing a second floor within the southern "wing" to accommodate a 1,000 sq ft luxurious homeowners' haven. Says Hillcrest Managing Director, Mike Kennedy, "Chantreys draws more parallels with the Australian or American interpretation of "bungalow" than the British. It is glamorous, innovative and very stylish with accommodation that flows to unite each of the living spaces. "One of the greatest advantages bungalows have over other house styles is their flexibility. Any room can be used for any purpose because they are all on the same level and because we tend to use our homes for more than just eating, sleeping and entertaining they have to be versatile and capable of being tailored to our lifestyle." For more information on forthcoming developments from Hillcrest Homes contact 01925 269912 or their website. For more information on FPA Architects call 01625 599605. Business & Finance, Property 2010-03-07T20:58:21+00:00 http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/fpa-win-commission-from-award-winning-developer/ http://feeds.alderleyedge.com/~r/AlderleyEdgeNews/~3/LOVy9yKblhI/ http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/on-street-drinking-in-alderley/ I was interested to read in the Wilmslow Express a couple of week's ago that Alderley Edge Parish Councillor Mary Maczkowiak is calling for a bylaw to ban people from drinking on the streets in Alderley Edge. Referring to the opening of the new Tesco Express store Mary told the Wilmslow Express "there has been a marked increased in on-street drinking since the store opened last week." As a resident of Alderley Edge I spend a lot of time in the village with my young children so I was somewhat surprised and concerned by this news. Unfortunately I don’t get out as much as I would like after dark, to witness any such activity, which is when I assume it must take place, or maybe I’m just lucky and don’t pass the areas where it is happening during the day? I am fully aware that there is a considerable anti-Tesco feeling in the village, but to be honest I was also surprised that the opening of Tesco had had such an effect in just a week or so. Every time I have been past the shop there appears to be few customers. So I contacted our Parish Councillor Mary Maczkowiak to ask about where and when all this on-street drinking has been taking place in Alderley Edge. I was interested in how this situation had been monitored and the numbers that have been involved. I wanted to share this information with alderleyedge.com users because as a result of the article some local residents are now concerned about street drinking and asking where it is happening. Mary and I were hoping to meet for a coffee last week to discuss this issue and alderleyedge.com in general but unfortunately we didn't so I decided to ask Inspector Matt Welsted about the problem when I met with him this week and he kindly shared some data with me. In the last 6 months there has been 105 incidents of anti-social behaviour reported in the area of Alderley Edge which includes everything from dog fouling to parking complaints. Inspector Welsted explained; "When we focus on the element of these reports which most people would consider to be anti-social behaviour, that of rowdy youths, this number drops to just 54 calls in the last 6 months. I have reviewed these and only 7 relate to people drinking. These 7 incidents all relate to gathering of youths in parks and is the reason we have this as a local priority.” Inspector Welsted said "Alderley Edge is a very safe place to live and work with very low crime rates and very low numbers of anti-social behaviour. We receive an average of 1 report of anti-social behaviour involving youths every three days. We are dedicated to listening to the concerns of local residents which is the reason we have local priorities, one of which is currently anti-social behaviour in local parks.   "My officers have been focussing their efforts on this and alcohol has been seized from youths in recent months. It is important to say however, that most of the time the youths are not in possession of alcohol and are simply advised to respect their local community and behave accordingly. "We have not received any reports of people drinking on the street which I can directly link to the license of Tesco and my officers are patrolling this area regularly to ensure that no problem develops. "My officers and I can only respond to the information that we have so if anyone reading this has concerns about anti-social behaviour in their area then they should get in touch with their local officer on 0845 458 6374, or in an emergency call 999." Please do let us know your thoughts on the call for a bylaw via the comment box below. Have you witnessed a problem with on-street drinking in the village, either before or after Tesco opened? Anti-Social Behaviour 2010-03-05T18:10:40+00:00 http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/on-street-drinking-in-alderley/ http://feeds.alderleyedge.com/~r/AlderleyEdgeNews/~3/Oc_Sm5FZ91g/ http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/latest-bypass-news-and-aerial-photos/ Having just returned from a visit to the site office I have the latest photographs and news from Birse regarding the construction of the A34 Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley bypass. As reported last month, work is running both on time and on budget. Birse is progressing with the three road bridges at Brook Lane, Chelford and Welsh Row which are key to the programme, with excavation work commencing next week under the railway bridge at Welsh Row. This work will take approximately six weeks with the excavated material being hauled to the peat area behind Wilton Crescent for landscaping purposes. Completion of the Welsh Row road bridge is expected within the next couple of months. Black topping has been carried out this week between Welsh Row and Chelford Road, see photos taken yesterday, and construction of the roundabout at Frog Lane is completed and in use, so the temporary lights on the A34 in Nether Alderley have now been removed. Birse are waiting for the services to be installed in the Bollington Road area before resurfacing this junction with the A34. Brook Lane will be closed from Monday March 22nd for approximately 20 weeks. A diversion will be in place via the A34 Wilmslow Road, Alderley Road and the B5086 Knutsford Road and vice versa. This closure is to enable the construction of the road over the new bridge. Access for pedestrians will remain and a walking bus is currently being organised for a number of local school children, more details to follow. To view the most recent overhead photographs showing progress of the bypass visit our photo gallery, if you are already registered but have forgotten your username or password email us. For full details of which local roads will be effected by the bypass works over the coming weeks see our previous article. Local residents are reminded that, should they have any queries, the site office is open every Wednesday morning from 9am until 10.30am. This is situated on Soss Moss Lane, Nether Alderley. An evening drop-in session is planned for Thursday March 11th from 6pm until 8pm at the Methodist Church in Alderley Edge. For further information see our events calendar. A34 Bypass 2010-03-05T14:47:26+00:00 http://www.alderleyedge.com/news/article/latest-bypass-news-and-aerial-photos/