SOUTH CHESHIRE COLLEGE

4.39.21pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 10th Aug 2009

South Cheshire College, in Dane Bank Avenue, is right on the boundary of Crewe South Ward. So, it might seem that redevelopment of the College is a minor issue for the ward councillors. In fact, the impact on the lives of people living in the adjacent streets has been enormous. The issues thrown up involve both former councils and other agencies as well. Now that Cheshire East Council has taken over from Cheshire County and Crewe & Nantwich Borough, the regulatory background is simpler. The three ward councillors address the problems on a cross party basis, and draw on knowledge of the Borough and the County.

Clair Edwards-Steele, the Borough Council's Community Development Officer, is in regular contact with both the College administration and BAM Construction, the company who are building the new college. The newsletter which BAM produce at regular intervals has not reached many residents. We have agreed with Clair that all the homes affected by the new building or by construction traffic need to receive the newsletters, and we shall give whatever help is necessary to achieve this.

Construction of the new building and demolition of the old is not the end of the story. Cars parked by staff and students already have an unacceptable impact on the surrounding streets. Residents fear a worse situation when the new building opens. This was recognised when planning permission was given for the new building. The College must have a "Travel Plan" to reduce the impact on the surrounding area. In the coming weeks, the ward councillors will be investigating (1) whether the Travel Plan is still adequate for conditions likely when the new building opens, (2) whether the Plan will be properly monitored, and (3) what additional measures may be necessary from Cheshire East Council.