Archive for February, 2012

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NewsDesk – The Phoenix Trust closes TrainWatchUK

February 29th, 2012

The Phoenix Trust has closed TrainWatchUK.

TrainWatchUK was set up last year when the  Trust received several unsubstantiated reports alleging that fires had been started by steam engines running on a popular Heritage Railway in North Staffordshire.

People whose property had been damaged or had suffered economic loss because of fires caused by a steam train were asked to contact the TrainWatch Team giving full details of the fire with photographs showing the damage.

Speaking about the closure, the Trust’s chief executive, David Martin, said: “Since TrainWatch was established on June 30th, 2011 there have been no allegations of fires caused by any train running on a Heritage Railway in the United Kingdom. In these circumstances we closed TrainWatchUK.”

The Trust has also closed its Community Advice Service.

 

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Power to the People – Leek makes its voice heard

February 28th, 2012

View the protest in Leek which took place last year: www.youtube.com/watch?v=jILSff5zXmY

Leek-based CTD Architects have drawn up a scheme, in line with the preferred option made public in January, which will be on display for 4 days this week.

The display at Trinity Church, in Derby Street opens today at 11am. Opening times are:

  • Today (February29th) 11am to 4pm and 5pm to 7pm
  • Thursday, 10am to 4pm and 5pm to 7pm
  • Friday, 10am to 4pm
  • Saturday, 10am to 1pm.

According to the local authority, the scheme takes full account of comments made in the earlier round of consultation and features a large new civic space and vista setting for the Nicholson War Memorial as well as improvements to Derby Street.

Residents and businesses will be able to study the design and share their views with council officials and the scheme’s designers, who will be staffing the exhibition. Details of the scheme and a feedback form are also available at www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/LeekPublicRealm.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council says: “All comments will be passed to the design team, which will incorporate any changes that are technically feasible and compatible with previously agreed elements.”

A cynic would say this is just another example of cosmetic consultation.

What do you think. Visit our discussion forum at www.northstaffordshire.co.uk/discuss and let us know. Remember, we are the “Voice of North Staffordshire’s Heritage Community”.

 

 

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Cheadle NewsDesk – Council’s offer to buy market rejected

February 27th, 2012

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council’s offer to buy Cheadle Market has been turned down by the site’s owner, Northern Markets.

The council based its offer on an independent valuation of the site’s worth. Northern Markets say the offer is too low and want 30% more than the authority is prepared to pay.

Cllr Andrew Hart, portfolio holder for regeneration, said: “We see the market as a potential asset and have solid investment plans but Northern Markets’ valuation is unrealistic as it doesn’t take proper account of the market’s well being in recent years.”

The council leased the market from Northern Markets six years ago and have been running it at a loss.

 

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Leek NewsDesk – Four-day consultation on town centre plan

February 27th, 2012

The scheme to improve the public realm in Leek town centre takes an important step forward this week when local residents have another chance to make their voices heard.

Leek-based CTD Architects have drawn up a scheme, in line with the preferred option made public in January, which will be on display for 4 days this week.

The display at Trinity Church, in Derby Street will be open on:

  • Wednesday, 11am to 4pm and 5pm to 7pm
  • Thursday, 10am to 4pm and 5pm to 7pm
  • Friday, 10am to 4pm
  • Saturday, 10am to 1pm.

According to the local authority, the scheme takes full account of comments made in the earlier round of consultation and features a large new civic space and vista setting for the Nicholson War Memorial as well as improvements to Derby Street.

Residents and businesses will be able to study the design and share their views with council officials and the scheme’s designers, who will be staffing the exhibition. Details of the scheme and a feedback form are also available at www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/LeekPublicRealm.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council says: “All comments will be passed to the design team, which will incorporate any changes that are technically feasible and compatible with previously agreed elements.”

A cynic would say this is just another example of cosmetic consultation.

What do you think. Visit our discussion forum at www.northstaffordshire.co.uk/discuss and let us know. Remember, we are the “Voice of North Staffordshire’s Heritage Community”.

 

 

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Photographic Competition – A Year in the Life of the Churnet Valley

February 25th, 2012

The Churnet Valley

A Year in the Life of the Churnet Valley is a photographic completion for amateur photographers of all ages.

Organised by The Friends of the Churnet Valley and The Phoenix Trust, the competition allows snappers to photograph life in the valley throughout the year and record the changing seasons.

There are no categories and snaps can be taken of anything or of any activity in the valley.

You could use your camera to photograph:

  • Heritage buildings
  • The valley in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter
  • Village life in Cheddleton, Oakamoor and Denstone
  • The Caldon Canal and The Churnet Valley Railway
  • Social activities, leisure and sport
  • Markets in Leek and Cheadle.

You can use any kind of digital camera, phone or other device to take your photos –  the one in this post was taken with a mobile phone.

The competition runs for a year until the end of February, 2013.

Images which must be embedded in an email (attachments will not be accepted) should be sent to photophoenix727@live.co.uk giving your name and address and your age if under 18.

 

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