Midcheshire Independent Issue 171

5 NOVEMBER 2024 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk STOCKPORT ’S SPELLBINDING FAMILY PANTOMIME! STARRING CORONATION STREET’S WENDI PETERS as THE WICKED FAIRY CARABOSSE FRIDAY 6 TH DECEMBER 2024 TO SUNDAY 5 TH JANUARY 2025 DEVISED AND DIRECTED BY DAVID VICKERS & RICHARD CHANDLER CHOREOGRAPHED BY JAMES ROBINSON - * BOOKING FEE APPLIES BOOKING LINE WWW.STOCKPORTPLAZA.CO.UK * THE PLAZA , MERSEY SQUARE , STOCKPORT, CHESHIRE , SK1 1SP 0161 477 7779 * GROUP BOOKINGS 0300 303 4196 PRODUCTIONS LIMITED FOOD outlets across Chesh- ire East are being urged to post their hygiene ratings on their websites and social media channels. According to a survey, in Eng- land, only 10 per cent or fewer food businesses display their food hygiene rating on their websites, or social media channels. This is especially true of those that have online ordering capability. Cheshire East Council is help- ing to promote a new national campaign by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), which launched in September. It says food retailers and pro- ducers could do more to broadcast their high standards because so many score well on the rat- ings matrix. Nine out of ten businesses have a four or five-star rating but although many promote their business online, and in many cases offer online ordering, they do not inform customers digitally that their hygiene ratings are so good. Food handlers can now down- load an image of their hygiene rat- ing and post it on their website, or other social media platforms. There is also a code they can embed into their social media channels which can be automat- ically updated. Mick Warren, chair of the council’s environment and communities committee, said: “Cheshire East has a large num- ber of food retailers, including pubs and restaurants, and the food hygiene standard scores the council issues are not just a reflection of the quality of the outlet itself. “They also reflect the hard work of our team who carry out the rigorous inspections required, to ensure the borough’s food out- lets meet the high standards we want to see. “This sends out a message to our residents and visitors that we take this work very seriously and want to ensure that food hygiene standards are met for the safety and benefit of customers.” A SOFTWARE performance tester, an interpreter and a secondary school teacher are just some of the latest recruits to join Cheshire’s Special Constabulary. A dozen Special Constables were joined by family and friends at an offi- cial attestation ceremony, held at Chesh- ire Police’s HQ. Before stepping out to patrol the county, the new recruits swore an oath to uphold the law and sign a Memo- randum of Appointment – witnessed by a magistrate. They were all congratulated by Chief Constable Mark Roberts, Special Con- stabulary Chief Officer Leon Boland and Special Superintendent Matt Andrew, who all attended the event. As a volunteer police officer, Special Constables have the same powers in law as every other officer, they wear the same uniform, carry the same equip- ment and work alongside regular mem- bers of the force. Leon Boland, Chief Officer of the Special Constabulary, said: “Volunteer police officers play a very valuable role in supporting the work of Cheshire Con- stabulary and the service we provide to local people. “Their roles include providing high visibility patrols and helping to police major incidents and events, a much-wel- comed resilience to frontline policing. “Being a Special is a very rewarding, fulfilling, and interesting role where no two duties are the same. Every Special Constable’s presence offers essential and much valued support to the reg- ular officers. “It is important to remember however, that Specials exist, not as a substitute for the regular police, but as an impor- tant complement to the existing force and to the local community. “Special Constables come from all walks of life. And we are always on the lookout for committed individuals who are keen to experience the world of policing while supporting their local community.” Hygiene ratings call Special effort to fight crime New recruits: The latest additions to Cheshire’s Special Constabulary (Photo Credit: Cheshire Police) To advertise your business in the Independent, contact Robin Atkins on 07767 840274