Fraudster guilty

Sep 12 2008 by Rebecca Edwards, Chester Chronicle

A MAN from Frodsham has been fined £160 and ordered to pay £365 costs after pleading guilty to benefit fraud, at Northwich Magistrates’ Court on Friday September 5.

Andrew Hunt of St Lawrence Road, Frodsham, failed to advise Vale Royal Borough Council that he had started to work.

The 34-year-old received an overpayment of £818 – which he will also have to repay in full.

Lead councillor for business management, Cllr Keith Musgrave, said: “The council, and the courts, treat benefit fraud as a very serious matter.

“The council will continue to crack down on this sort of crime. It is unacceptable, and a burden to those who do act within the law.”

Governor voting

VOTING has begun to determine who will be named as Halton Hospital’s first ever public governors.

The elections come as part of North Cheshire Hospital Trust’s plans to become more accountable to the community by achieving NHS Foundation Trust status.

Elections by postal ballot will take place in nine of the 16 constituencies in Halton and Warrington over the next three weeks.

A total of 16 public governors will be elected to represent 6,500 residents who have joined the Foundation Trust membership scheme over the last eight months.

Five of the public area constituencies are uncontested, as only one member stood to be a governor.

However, there is now a second chance for members in Daresbury, Windmill Hill, Norton North Castlefields, Penketh, Cuerdley, Great Sankey North and Great Sankey South, to nominate themselves.

The hospital is urging people in these areas to make a stand and represent their local communities.

Nomination forms for potential governors have been sent out and should be returned by September 15.

For more information, visit www.northcheshirehospitals.nhs.uk, call the hospital on 01925 275249 or e-mail foundation@nch.nhs.uk.

Crafty masterclass

LIQUID embroidery was demonstrated at Frodsham WI’s September meeting.

Kathleen Pointon gave a demonstration of the craft, which involves the delicate painting onto cotton fabric, and members were keen to have a go.

Kathleen and her husband, Charlie, told funny stories throughout the demonstration which provided a very entertaining evening.

The next meeting at Frodsham Community Centre on October 2 will welcome a guest speaker on Crystal Palace and the Great Exhibition.