Car fire and explosion rocks Welsh Row in Nantwich

A car which exploded and burst into flames on a Nantwich car park could be suspicious, police said.

The fire and blast happened on the rough ground car park on St Anne’s Lane, off Welsh Row.

Police and fire crews are at the scene, but it’s believed no one was hurt in the incident (Sunday February 16).

These pictures were sent in by Nantwichnews readers close to the scene as fire crews cordoned off the area.

Many people in bars and restaurants along Welsh Row and residents living nearby heard the explosion.

One eyewitness told us on Twitter: “I heard explosions go off, then looked outside and a large fire broke out on St Anne’s car park. Fire brigade got there in time.”

Another tweeted: “Possibly car involved as car horn was going off for at least 15 minutes. Hope no one is hurt!”

A spokesman for Nantwich Police said: “It’s a car fire which has caused the explosion.

“We’re not sure at this stage what has caused it, but it will be treated as suspicious until we have evidence to suggest otherwise.

“It involved a stationary vehicle on the St Anne’s Lane car park near the wooded area. No one was in the vehicle and there are no injuries.”

(pics courtesy of Nantwichnews readers)

Source; http://nantwich-news.co.uk

Cheshire PCC to axe 70 police staff jobs but freeze council tax

Cheshire PCC John Dwyer has pledged to freeze council tax for policing in the county – but it set to axe 70 police staff jobs.

Ex Crewe & Nantwich councillor Mr Dwyer revealed his plans in his second police budget since being elected as Police & Crime Commissioner.

The force needs to make £34 million in savings over the next years, despite already cutting £35 million from its budget since 2010.

So in 2014/15, the total budget for policing across the county will be just short of £190 million.

Mr Dwyer admits there will be a drop in officer numbers through retirement and leavers, but will recruit 50 new officers.

“This will mean we will not face a problem further down the line when we have no young in service officers coming up through the ranks,” he said.

“But unfortunately, there will also be a loss of 70 police staff posts.

“I have focused on my key priorities of reducing crime and supporting victims.

“It has not been an easy budget as we are still facing cuts in funding from Government.

“But I have also been mindful that the public of Cheshire are also facing difficult financial challenges, many have not received a pay rise in the last year and so I am not going to increase the amount they pay for policing.”

The Commissioner plans to pilot a new neighbourhood policing model, working with local communities to manage crime reduction and support victims.

Another priority is dealing with cyber crime with criminals using new technology to commit offences like hacking data, fraud, selling illegal drugs and child sexual exploitation.

Mr Dwyer added: “The continuing financial challenges cannot be underestimated.

“The root and branch review has identified a clear way forward to achieving the required savings while maintaining and where possible improving services.

“I have set this budget to try, as far as possible, to meet the policing needs of the people of Cheshire without passing any costs directly on to them.”

The Police & Crime Panel will consider his proposals on February 7.

Source; http://nantwich-news.co.uk