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View the latest Poynton Update and News (PUN) below or download here. You can also sign-up to receive the PUN via email here. Earlier editions can be found in the news archive by clicking here.

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Town Council COVID-19 Response Update

Although the Civic Hall is closed the Town Council is continuing to monitor emails and telephone calls and staff are working from home.

The Town Council are currently co-ordinating the volunteer response in Poynton. Following our leaflet drop https://bit.ly/3a2wH8K on Friday we are receiving calls from residents who need assistance and we are working with our volunteer partners (Churches Together, U3A and Poynton Runners) on providing these welfare services.

Thank you to all those residents who have volunteered to assist with this effort to support our community.

The Town Council’s Brecon and Hockley play areas will be closed but Brecon Park will remain open.

Details on Cheshire East parks and play areas can be found on their website at: https://bit.ly/2UxXN11

Poynton Town Council Services

Poynton Town Council will be maintaining services during this uncertain time. 
This includes

• Responding to residents' telephone, email enquiries and concerns
• Keeping Brecon Park open
• Bin emptying on the Inclines is taking place at present but we obviously have to be kept under review

Whilst we focus our full attention on facilitating a community resilience plan for vulnerable residents (SEE BELOW) and as a result of Government advice regarding social distancing, all council committee meetings and working groups are suspended at this time and the Annual Town Assembly has been postponed until to the 18th May 2020.

Please keep an eye on our website and social media pages for updates and if you have any non-medical concerns regarding a vulnerable neighbour, please telephone us on 01625 872238.

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Poynton Street Champions Update

We know that over the coming weeks your support will be invaluable and to this end we are currently mapping the location of street champions in order to ensure that all areas have support.

Here is a list of the remaining streets without a Street Champion (as of 9th April 2020). If you live on one of these or within the areas where house numbers are shown, and feel you can help, please contact James.Hails@poyntontowncouncil.gov.uk directly.  

Adams Close
Alder Avenue
Anglesey Drive
Anglesey Water
Ash Road
Bagstock Avenue
Barclay Road
Curzon Road
Lakeside Drive
Lawrence Place
London Road North 54-84
Yew Tree Lane
Maple Avenue
Park Lane 314a-342
Coppice Road 209-299
Melrose Crescent
South Park Drive
Warren Lea
Wickfield Mews

A high resolution version of a map, showing streets already covered, can be downloaded as a PDF here: https://bit.ly/2XlM1d7 (File Size 3.1MB)

 

What is a Street Champion?

A Street Champion is a facilitator for conversations between people who need support which might include dog walking, shopping, collecting prescriptions, or just a call to see how someone is and people who can help. A street champion will co-ordinate a local group of volunteers to support but they are not expected to cover the whole area themselves. When you sign up to be a Street Champion you will receive and email with a map clearly showing your area. Some leaflets that you can print out to build your group and some guidance notes which includes: dos & dont's, money handling and general advice on staying safe.

If you live on a street or within the areas where house numbers are outlined above and feel you can help please contact James.Hails@poyntontowncouncil.gov.uk

If you are already co-ordinating a street group or street WhatsApp, and haven’t already done so please register this with our Operations Manager phil.cunningham@poyntontowncouncil.gov.uk.

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Guidance for Poynton's Community Response to Covid-19

Download a leaflet with the following guidance for ‘volunteers helping neighbours’ and for ‘residents who are self-isolating’ here.

 

Guidance for Poynton’s community response to Covid-19

For residents who are self-isolating

Plan ahead as much as possible. Ask your employer, friends and family to help you to get the things you need to stay at home. If you have Coronavirus symptoms:

• Do NOT go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital;
• You do not need to contact 111 to tell them you’re staying at home;
• Testing for coronavirus is not needed if you’re staying at home;
• If you feel you cannot cope with your symptoms at home, or your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, then use the NHS 111 online Coronavirus service.

Poynton Town Council is co-ordinating volunteers from community organisations. If you need non-medical support or assistance during self-isolation please contact Poynton Town Council on 01625 872238 or email haf.barlow@poyntontowncouncil.gov.uk

A local neighbour may have already been in touch and provided you with their contact details so you can get in touch if you need any assistance.

• Don’t be shy about contacting them if you need to;
• Do not give bank cards or bank details to individuals;
• If you require shopping think about how you will pay. You could do this using online banking or by asking a family member to pay via online banking for you;
• Observe social distancing practices at all times;
• Think about keeping busy with activities such as cooking, reading, online learning and watching films;
• Write down family contact details and leave them in a prominent position, e.g. either by the telephone on a mantelpiece;
• Keep a list of important telephone numbers close at hand (doctor, chemist, town council etc.);
• Keep a list of medication close at hand.

The Town Council will regularly post information here on our website and on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ poyntontowncouncil/

 

Guidance for Poynton's Community Response to Covid-19

For volunteers helping neighbours

Firstly, thank you for being a good neighbour.

If you are offering your contact details to elderly and vulnerable residents, please consider the following:

• Are you okay to volunteer? It’s important that you are not classed as a vulnerable adult. i.e. your are below the age of 70 with no pre-existing medical conditions and no virus symptoms;
• Think ahead. You may need to self-isolate in the future, so plan ahead, making sure that you have provisions for yourself and your family for at least two weeks;
• Observe advice from Public Health England and daily Government updates.

These are some things to think about whilst looking out for a vulnerable or elderly resident:

• You can knock on the door and step away 2m or swap telephone numbers and talk in that way; Don’t come into physical contact with the person or enter their home.
• Remind them to eat well and stay hydrated. Check with them that they have enough food in and have a plan to get more provisions delivered;
• Encourage residents to keep a note of family emergency contact details and keep them in a visible place in their home, e.g. near to the telephone or on a mantelpiece;
• If they don’t have access to the internet, keep them updated with relevant information;
• Consider making an extra portion of food/meals for vulnerable residents;
• Ask them them if they have access to their medication and are taking it as prescribed;
• Encourage them to keep in touch with people via the phone or digitally if they can;
• Recommend that they keep busy.

It’s also important to ensure that you safeguard yourself and the person you are helping. You can do this by:

• Working in pairs with a fellow neighbour, if possible;
• Do not ask for bank cards or bank account details from the person;
• Make sure you provide a receipt for the shopping and keep a copy (i.e. by taking a photo on your phone);
• If you require payment for shopping ask the person or their family about arranging an online payment.

If you have any serious medical concerns about a resident you are looking out for ring 111.

Poynton Town Council is co-ordinating volunteers from community organisations. If you belong to a community organisation please register your interest with them. If you are not a member of a community organisation email haf.barlow@poyntontowncouncil.gov.uk

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Delivering Provisions & Food to Residents

Poynton Town Council is collating a list of local businesses who are able to deliver provisions, take-away meals and food to residents.

Our Council Community Support Team are attempting to contact businesses who are able to do this, but require your help to make the list as comprehensive as possible. 

If your business is able to provide residents with the above service, please contact Poynton Town Council on 01625 872238 with details of what you can offer. 

Also, if your business becomes unable to provide this service in future, please let us know so we can keep the list updated.

The current list, which will be updated as and when new entries are received, can be viewed or downloaded as a PDF here: https://bit.ly/2J8OWxL

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Coronavirus - Vulnerable Residents

Poynton Town Council would like to thank the local residents who have set up their own help and support groups for local vulnerable residents, who may need help if self-isolating.

The Council are currently liaising with various support groups within the Town, who have volunteers who will also be able to assist vulnerable residents.  

We recently made a leaflet drop, with advice to both residents and local volunteers on how best to assist neighbours and keep everyone safe, during this period. This leaflet is shown above under the heading Guidance for Poynton's Community Response to Covid-19 and can also be downloaded here.

The Community Support team are out and about as usual.

If you have concerns about a vulnerable resident, including those who might not have access to the web or social media, please contact the Town Council on 01625 872238 or keep them informed of any key messages from trusted NHS social media resources. Please keep checking our website and social media pages for further updates.

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Adult Health and Wellbeing – Time to Talk - Cancelled

Unfortunately the Time to Talk sessions in Bollington, Disley & Poynton have been cancelled for the time being.

Here’s a reminder of services available for people living with Dementia and their carers.

Alzheimer’s Society support:

• Advice and guidance on a range of issues is available on their website.

• Alzheimer’s Society has created a new fact sheet Coronavirus: Information for people affected by dementia.

• For up to date information on dementia and services, please visit their website or follow Alzheimer’s Society on Facebook or Twitter.

• Talking Point is an online community which can be accessed online for free, night or day, via the Alzheimer’s Society website. It’s a fantastic way to connect with other people affected by dementia, share personal experience and receive valuable support.

Further Advice can be found at Dementia UK:

https://www.dementiauk.org/get-support/dementia-helpline-alzheimers-helpline/

https://www.dementiauk.org/dementia-uk-coronavirus-advice/

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Additional Support

 

Childcare for Key Workers

If you are a Key Worker and need support with childcare, information can be found on a Cheshire East Family Information Service poster which you can download as a PDF here: https://bit.ly/2RmpzwV

 

Cheshire East Business Grants

Cheshire East Council is urging businesses to go directly to them and submit their business bank details online – via an official form – to receive government Covid-19 business grants, rather than using agents.

There are two new grant funding schemes, which have been announced by the government as part of the pandemic.

Full details on the Cheshire East website.

 

Support from Cheshire East

Cheshire East and the government have produced information for people who are having to stay at home. More details: https://bit.ly/2UFfOKV

 

Cheshire East People Helping People Scheme

This is a service that connects the people offering help to the people who need help. Further details can be found at: https://bit.ly/2WOxTZC

 

Support for Young People

Did you know that Kooth is the largest Mental Health and Emotional Well Being platform for children and young adults living in the UK?

It provides young people under the age of 20 fast, free and anonymous access to professional counsellors with safe online support 365 days a year. For more information visit https://kooth.com/

 

Just Drop-in

Just Drop-In are a charity, based in Macclesfield who support young people aged 12 to 25 years. They have adapted their services in response to the current situation and are now providing a virtual offer (see attached).

Just Drop-In can be contacted by telephone on 01625 665079 or by texting or calling : 07718 425405; email hello@justdropin.co.uk or for more information by visiting their website http://www.justdropin.co.uk/what-we-do/

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New Mental Health Helpline

Local NHS Trust, Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP), has launched a new mental health helpline for residents of Cheshire West, Cheshire East and Wirral.

What to do if you need urgent mental health help:

• Please call 0300 303 3972 and our dedicated local NHS staff will support you to access the help you need;
• The helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to people of all ages – including children and young people;
• The helpline is now the first port of call for mental health help – it is operated by people in your local area who will know how best to support you. If you call NHS111 you may have to wait longer for help and will be re-directed to this local service – so call 0300 303 3972;
• Please note, A&E and 999 are not the best places to get help for the majority of mental health problems – call 0300 303 3972 to be directed to the best local service to support you;
• You should still call 999 or go to A&E if you have an immediate, life-threatening emergency requiring mental or physical health assistance;
• For non-urgent help and general wellbeing advice, the CWP website contains information and links to resources to support people with anxiety, low mood, and worries relating to the current Covid-19 pandemic www.cwp.nhs.uk
• For children and young people there is also a dedicated website MyMind.org.uk

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Cheshire East Council closes household waste recycling centres

Following the latest announcement by the Prime Minister (23 March 2020), Cheshire East Council has taken the decision to close all its household waste recycling centres until further notice.

Residents are asked to retain any bulky or DIY waste – do not leave it kerbside and do not place it with household or recycling waste.

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Safeguarding and Helping People

Cheshire East Council has published the following Coronavirus information leaflets, which can be viewed or downloaded as full-size PDFs.

Stop Adult Abuse Safeguarding adults for Covid-19 Community Support - click here

Stop Adult Abuse - Safeguarding adults for people self-isolating - click here

Cheshire East People - Helping People - click here

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Coronavirus - NHS and Middlewood Practices Information

The latest advice and information on Coronavirus - Covid 19 can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/

If you are worried about symptoms, please call NHS 111 or go to the NHS 111 website https://111.nhs.uk/

Middlewood Practices have also published information at: https://www.middlewoodhealthcare.org.uk/corovirus-2

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Supermarket Information for Vulnerable People and NHS staff

The supermarkets are now offering a range of measures and dedicated shopping hours to help NHS staff and vulnerable customers. Many of the supermarkets are requesting, where possible one shopper per household.

NB Please direct any enquiries directly to the supermarkets in question. Details may also be subject to change.

Aldi, London Rd South
Half an hour prior to opening, stores are open for over 70’s and vulnerable people.
On Sundays, half an hour prior to opening the store is open for NHS, Police and Fire Service staff.

Co-op, School Lane
From 8am – 9am shopping is for NHS staff and key workers. 
From 10am – 11am shopping is for vulnerable people.

Morrisons, Queensway
Morrisons have introduced an NHS hour from 7am-8am, Monday-Saturday.
All colleagues with an NHS badge will be able to get into the store to stock up on the products they need.

On Sundays, stores will open at 9am for NHS workers to shop and open at 9.30am for all other customers to shop normally.

Vulnerable and elderly residents can ring 0345 6116111 and select either option 4 or 5. 
Option 4 is to order a food box.  There is either a meat or a veg box option for £35, both include household items. Typically this box should feed 2 adults for one week. Payment for the box is taken over the phone and delivered to the household.

Option 5 is a small shop from a list of essential items which is delivered by a local store.  Shopping is paid for using a contactless card system at the point of delivery, when social distancing practises will be observed.

Waitrose, Park Lane
Mon-Sat: 8am - 9am Shopping is for elderly and vulnerable residents
9am – 8pm NHS staff can come to the front of the queue on presenting their badge and there’s a priority till available.  Some essential provisions are available if they are not displayed on the shelf.
Sunday: Elderly and vulnerable residents can browse from 9.30am, but can only pay for provisions from 10am onwards.

Essential Shopping Service

Waitrose are now offering a telephone shopping service whereby vulnerable and elderly residents who are self-isolating and have no form of help from family or neighbours are able to contact Waitrose to arrange shopping during store hours. To arrange a shop please contact the store between 9am and 1pm for same day delivery. Deliveries will be carried out the same afternoon where possible or the following day if all availability is taken. Shopping of a value of £30 or 20 items can be requested. 

There is limited availability for this service, so it is very important that only those who need it most, access the service.  Each shopper will need their bank card to be able to pay for the shopping and can contact Waitrose on 01625 858033 to speak with a partner who will explain the process and take a shopping list. 

Goods will be delivered to the resident’s house when ready, when social distancing practices will be maintained. There will be no deliveries on Good Friday and Bank Holiday Monday, however, details can be taken for deliveries from Tuesday onwards.  After the Bank Holiday, the service will be available Monday to Friday only. Shops can be placed every four days.

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Sprink Farm Development Consultation

Amended plans are currently being consulted on for the Sprink Farm Development, Dickens Lane. The Town Council would urge residents to submit their comments on the application to Cheshire East.

Full details of the planning application can be found on the Cheshire East planning portal http://planning.cheshireeast.gov.uk/ using application reference 19/1972M. Comments can be submitted at the same location.

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Moggie Lane Bridge Repair Update

Cheshire East Highways tell us that, due to the poor ground conditions, works have been further delayed. A geotechnical report was completed at the end of February, which fed into the design of the wall, which is now complete.

Cheshire East are planning to commence rebuild work on the bridge on Monday 16th March. The work is anticipated to take 5 weeks and should be complete by the middle of April.

Numerous drainage issues in front of the cottages at Wards End have been identified. Work is being undertaken to resolve these issues and to improve the flow. It is not anticipated that these drainage works will delay the works on the bridge.

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Poynton Town Council precept for 2020/2021

The Town Council sets an annual precept as part of the Council Tax to help pay for the many local services we provide. The Council has worked hard in difficult circumstances to keep the precept low and made savings wherever possible.

The Town Council’s precept for 2020/21 is £489,264, an increase over the current year of £19,351 or 3.67% for a Band D home. The annual precept is £83.46 for the year, or £1.60 per week. This represents an increase of just over £3.30 per year or 6.33p per week. We believe that this represents good value for money when measured against all the additional services in Poynton which are provided by the Town Council. These include:

• Hockley and Brecon Close play areas
• The majority of Lady’s and Prince’s Inclines
• CCTV monitoring – 5 cameras in the centre of Poynton
• Graffiti removal
• Coppice Road allotments
• The Civic Hall, owned and maintained by the Town Council, is home to an increasing number of local voluntary organisations and clubs and needs maintenance and improvements
• The Time-Out café and Friday Shoppers group which provides social contact for many older residents
• Increased funding to the Citizens Advice service delivered from the Civic Hall
• Funding many local organisations and community events, including Poynton in Bloom, Men in Sheds, Higher Poynton Summerfest and the Christmas Fest
• The Town Council acts as Poynton’s voice on many issues, including defending the Green Belt and protecting the environment

The Town Council employs three Community Support Officers and continues to fund one Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) to enhance the service provided by Cheshire Constabulary’s two PCSOs.

The Communities Co-ordinator promotes health and well-being initiatives for both older and younger people, working with voluntary groups and service providers to ensure Poynton is a strong and resilient community. Poynton is officially a dementia friendly town and is the first Town Council in Cheshire to achieve the bronze NHS Self Care Award. Other work includes supporting the Poynton Area Community Partnership and the scheme to lend out mobility scooters and wheelchairs.

The Operations Manager and Village Ranger have a key role working with Cheshire East, pushing for road and footpath repairs, drain clearance and lighting improvements; dealing with residents’ enquiries and litter problems; supporting the Pick and Tidy group; emptying bins and similar jobs maintaining Poynton’s infrastructure.

Town Councillors receive no form of salary, attendance or other allowances and give freely of their time.

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VE Day - 75th Anniversary Celebrations 8th - 10th May 2020

This year, Friday 8th May - 10th May will be an international celebration of peace commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Victory in Europe - VE Day celebrations. The 8th May 1945 was the day peace emerged after nearly six years of war, so the 75th anniversary represents an important milestone in our history.

Call for veterans and those involved in the war efforts of the Second World War

Poynton Town Council are organising an afternoon tea party for veterans of the Second World War and those involved with the war effort. If you know of anyone, the Town Council would like to hear from you so that we can arrange to invite them to an event on Saturday 9th May 2020.

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Community creativity! Can you help make bunting?

Following our request for community involvement in February’s PUN, Poynton Town Council has met with several local groups and organisations who would like to offer activities to support to the celebrations over the VE 75 anniversary weekend.

To help dress the Town for the occasion we are asking individuals, schools and groups to create bunting (made from eco-friendly materials).

Are you able to support the commemorations and get creative by making bunting?

Alternatively, contributions of any suitable bunting material including cloth, ribbon, wool, etc. would be welcomed by local community groups to allow them to make bunting too.

You will be able to drop off your bunting and materials at the Civic Hall reception area up to 30th April.

There is still just about time to let us know about any activity or event you are planning to do for this occasion. Ideas might include:

• dress up in 1940’s clothes at one of your group meetings
• organise a relevant event or talk
• lead a commemorative walk
• take part in a war-time themed picnic
• deliver a performance, play or a dance
• display memorabilia or organise an art exhibition

If your event encourages the wider community to be involved and you would like to be included in the VE Day celebrations programme of events, please get in touch on 01625 872238 or Sharon.duke@poyntontowncouncil.gov.uk

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Annual Town Assembly - postponed until to the 18th May 2020

The Town Assembly is now scheduled at the Civic Hall on Monday 18th May at 8pm, with light refreshments from 7.30pm. This is not a Town Council meeting, but the annual occasion when Poynton’s electorate are able to raise and discuss local and topical issues, and if agreed by the majority of those attending, to put forward and vote on proposals relating to them. Cllr Mrs Sarah-Jane Gilmore, the Town Mayor, will preside.

The Council’s Annual Report for 2019/20 will be presented and there will be an opportunity for representatives of our local voluntary organisations to promote and provide updates on their activities. Contact the Civic Hall or look on the website for the Assembly agenda and the Town Council’s Annual Report when published. The record of last year’s Annual Assembly is available on request.

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Graffiti around Poynton

The Council Community Support Team (CCST) have liaised with their contractor in order to have the graffiti removed from buildings and road furniture in the town centre following the recent spate of graffiti that hit the town in the early hours of Friday 21st of Feb. The Town Council would like to appeal to anybody with any information leading to the identification of the offenders to contact the Police on 101 or the Civic Hall on 01625 872238.

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Feeling Chilli? Coppice Road Allotments Association growing competition.

The weather is cold and wet! So now is the time to start growing a chilli or pepper plant in the Peppers for Poynton competition. Anyone living or working in Poynton can join in. Everyone has a window sill so start off the seeds soon. The idea comes from a recent clip on Gardeners Question Time where practically a whole village started growing chillies or peppers. Coppice Road Allotments Association is sponsoring the event with a small prize and we hope the Mayor can judge the plants in summer. Good growing!

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Community wellbeing in Poynton

It’s great to hear that Poynton has been named the best town in Cheshire for community wellbeing. Click here for details.

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Haf Barlow, Town Clerk

www.poyntontowncouncil.gov.uk

	@poyntontownclrk
	Poynton Town Council

Tel: 01625 872238

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