North West Motorway Police Group’s Operation Coalition stopped 312 vehicles in one day, and uncovered 111 traffic offences.

Twenty vehicles were seized for having no insurance or drivers without a licence, and seven people arrested for offences ranging from drug possession, theft and assault.

More than 192 motorists were breathalysed during the day-long clampdown, and 97 motorists received an on the spot penalty.

The operation, which focused on the M6 and M56 in Cheshire among others, involved four Cheshire Police, the Vehicle Operating and Services Agency (VOSA), Department for Work and Pensions, HMRC, RSPCA, Trading Standards, Court Bailiffs, BT, and Cheshire East Council.

The nerve centre of the North West Motorway Police Group is the control room based in the Highway Agency′s regional control centre just off the M6 at Newton-le-Willows.

Supt Craig Thompson, from the North West Motorway Police Group, said: “The aim of the day was to highlight to everyone who uses the network the work undertaken by all the agencies involved to keep them safe and disrupt any criminal′s intent on using motorways to conduct their illegal activity.

“The law-abiding citizens who had their journeys interrupted or were spoken to at service areas understood why they had been stopped and supported what we were doing.

“Drivers have the right to use the motorway network without being concerned about their safety whether that relates to the illegal activity or organised crime gangs or illegal and unsafe drivers putting other people′s lives at risk.

“Anyone who drives on the region’s motorways can be assured if they break the law officers from the North West Motorway Police Group will not tolerate their excuses.

“The motorway network plays a very important role in the region′s economy and it is vital we keep it safe for ordinary people to use and for those people in commerce and industry to be able to go about their day to day business without fear and in safety.”

The force is backing the national campaign launched today June 1st until June 30 with a series of initiatives to raise awareness and provide local enforcement.

It will focus on motorists aged under 30, but also daytime drinkers who may drive to “alcohol fuelled” events and take the risk of driving home.

There will be increased use of roadside breath tests and field impairment tests.

Sgt Rachel Gallagher, Cheshire Roads Policing Investigation Unit, said: “The message is clear − don’t drink and drive.

“If you have only had two large glasses of wine, that’s well over a third of the bottle so even if you may think you are ok to drive, do not take the risk.

“If you are thinking of attending a family or organised barbecue over the summer period, arrange for alternative transport to the venue or have someone drive, who will be staying on soft drinks.

“We are also asking for peer group pressure to be exerted on drink and drug driving over the summer and not to get in a car as a passenger if you think that the driver has been drinking!”

In 2012, Cheshire Police made 1,700 arrests for drinking and driving – with 41% of those aged under 30.

Last June’s drink drive campaign saw 57 arrests in Cheshire East,  41 in the north, and 50 arrests in Cheshire West.

Assistant Chief Constable Ruth Purdie added: “We ask the public to enjoy themselves during summer but to act responsibly around alcohol, and not to drink and drive.

“Some drivers felt having a few drinks was all right because they were only travelling a short distance. If you are behind the wheel and have been drinking, you are a danger to yourself and everyone else, whatever length your journey may be.”

As part of the campaign, Cheshire Police’s “Think” car will tour the county visiting various towns, including Nantwich on June 29.

The car was donated by a family after their son was killed in a road collision over two years ago.

It aims to educate younger people as part of the anti-drink driving enforcement.

Their son was one and a half times over the legal alcohol limit but had not been speeding − the vehicle at impact was estimated to be only 43mph in a 60mph speed limit.

Anthony Kirkham, of Ridley Farm, Bunbury, was given a  four-month custodial sentence, suspended for  two years.

The 69-year-old pleaded guilty to eight offences at Crewe Magistrates Court.

Mr Kirkham’s farm was placed under TB restrictions in April 2011 after a cow was found to have bovine TB.

This meant animals could not be moved on or off his farm without a veterinary risk assessment being carried out and a movement licence granted.

But he admitted he had moved a cow on to his farm while under restrictions without a licence and had also moved cattle from the TB exempt market at Chelford to “non-permitted destinations”.

District Judge Jack McGarva said he was mindful of the devastating effect that bovine TB is having on the farming industry and said that compliance with the legislation is “not optional, not a technicality, it is essential for the country and for farming colleagues”.

The court heard only a few months before the most recent offences, Mr Kirkham had been fined in the region of £10,000 for similar offences related to breaches of a TB restriction notice.

And he was also fined £13,000 in 2003 for breaching legislation to control the spread of foot and mouth diseases.

Along with the custodial sentence, Mr Kirkham was ordered to pay prosecution costs of £5,998.40.

Cllr Les Gilbert, Cabinet member in charge of communities and regulatory services, said: “Cheshire East has a vibrant rural community and we need to do everything we can to protect our farmers from threats such as bovine TB.

“I would like to thank our animal health team for their efforts in bringing this prosecution and I hope it will act as a warning to any farmers or cattle traders thinking of breaching restrictions.”

It is feared 16-year-old Cheshire student Ellie Jones may have died from an overdose on PMA.

Traces of the drug were found in her system from initial toxicology tests.

And if it is confirmed as the cause, it will bring the number of deaths across Cheshire associated to the drug to four this year.

Cheshire Police is working with partners in health, schools, colleges and drug agencies to warn people about the dangers ahead of the Bank Holiday weekend.

PMA (Paramethoxyamphetamine) is an amphetamine which comes in tablet, powder and crystal form, and is not absorbed as quickly as other drugs.

This means users have been known to take excessive amounts in the mistakenly belief it is not taking effect.

It is an illegal substance and possession, use or selling the drug is a criminal offence.

Supt Martin Cleworth said: “Ellie’s death shocked everyone and now we have the initial toxicology results back indicating she had taken PMA.

“We have a duty to warn people about the potentially fatal consequences taking this drug can have and would urge people to obtain urgent medical assistance on behalf of anyone suspected to have taken PMA who suffers difficulty breathing, muscle spasms, nausea or starts to vomit.

“This is the fourth death we have had this year in Cheshire alone that is associated to PMA, and we are working together with our partners in health, colleges,schools and drug agencies to get warnings out to as many people as possible.

“If anyone has any information about who may be supplying this fatal drug across Cheshire I would urge them to contact police, or alternaltively call Crimestoppers anonymously so we can continue to do all we can to remove them from our streets and prevent anyone else going through the heartache Ellie’s family have gone through.”

Ellie, from Warrington, was taken to hospital experiencing breathing difficulties shortly after 3.30am on Saturday May 18. She died a short time later.

Six people have been arrested in connection with the death and have been bailed pending inquiries.

Anyone with any information about the supply and distribution of the drug is urged to call police on 101 or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

David Dutton, 51, was walking along Eaton Road with his son Gavin, 25, from Nantwich, when there was a collision with a Nissan Micra.

Mr Dutton, from Eaton, Tarporley, was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

Gavin, 25, from Nantwich, suffered minor injuries in the collision.

Dave, pictured here at Nantwich Jazz Festival, worked as a mechanic at D&M Auto Services in Tarporley.

He leaves two sons, a daughter and three grand-children.

In a statement, his family said: “The whole family have been left devastated by the sudden death of David, a loving father and grandfather who will be greatly missed by all.

“The family wish to be left in peace at this moment of grief to come to terms with what has happened and hope anyone with any information that may help the police in their investigation contact them as soon as possible.”

Floral tributes have been left on the roadside in memory of Mr Dutton after the accident, which took place at around 12.45am on Saturday (May 18)

A 23-year-old woman from Holywell, Flintshire, who was driving the car at the time of the collision, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of drink-driving and causing death by dangerous driving.

She was bailed to return to the police station in July, pending further inquiries.

Cheshire Police is appealing for anyone with any information which could assist the investigation.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen the pedestrians walking along Eaton Road in the direction of Eaton village prior to the collision, or anyone who may have seen a green Nissan Micra prior to the crash.

Contact Sgt Rachel Gallagher on the police national non-emergency number 101, quoting incident 48 of May 18, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Jake Mellor died in hospital a few days after being involved in an “altercation” with another man in a Crewe street.

Jake, of Timbrell Avenue, was admitted to Leighton Hospital on May 10, three days after the incident on Walthall Street.

He was  then moved to North Staffordshire Hospital after his condition got worse, and he died in hospital.

Forensic tests are being carried out to find the cause of death.

Police investigating the circumstances surrounding the events leading up to his death, arrested a 25-year-old man also from Crewe on suspicion of murder.

He has since been released on police bail.

Det Chief Insp Simon Price said: “Jake′s family are devastated by their loss and we are working with them at this difficult time. I offer my sincere condolences to them.

“A team of officers are working on this investigation and are trying to piece together the events which led to his death.

“We would appeal to anyone who was in the area of Walthall Street on May 7 at around 5.47pm.

“Jake had been in an altercation with the driver of a small hatchback. It is believed this took place near the vehicle which was parked up in the street at the time.

“If you have any information that may help with our enquiries we would urge you to contact us.”

Anyone with information should contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 297 of May 18 2013.

Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The 18-year-old was punched as he walked along the alleyway from the public car park at the back of The Studio nightclub to High Street.

The victim had seen an altercation between two men and attempted to intervene.

But he was punched in the face, suffering what police describe as a “severe facial injury”.

The victim was treated at Leighton Hospital.

Police want witnesses to come forward to the incident which happened at about 3.20am on Sunday (May 12).

The offender was white, aged 20, 6ft, medium to slim build. He had short brown hair and wore blue jeans and a patterned casual shirt.

Anyone with any information contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 162, or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

They believe the duties could be carried out for free, saving local taxpayers thousands.

But Mr Dwyer (pictured) has defended his plans for the new paid post, which has attracted more than 70 applications.

The decision to employ someone in the role has sparked criticism after it emerged Staffordshire Police are filling a similar vacancy in a voluntary, non-paid role.

Nantwich Independent Cllr Arthur Moran questioned the value of the £22,000 post.

“I’m not going to decry the work a Youth Commissioner would do, but this would be part of the PCC’s job,” said Cllr Moran at Nantwich Town Council meeting last night (May 12).

“So my view would be that he should therefore fund it out of his own salary, not by having an extra cost which could be spent on direct policing.”

Cllr Stuart Hutton backed the objection, and said a voluntary scheme similar to the Staffordshire Police Youth Panel could fulfil the role just as well at no cost.

But Mr Dwyer, a former Crewe & Nantwich Borough councillor, has defended the post.

He said: “Every Police and Crime Commissioner makes their decisions based on local needs and I feel I should not ask someone to work a 37-hour week which would include evenings and weekends as a volunteer.

“23% of Cheshire’s population is under 18 and I want to appoint someone with experience of working with young people to fulfill this important role.

“Part of the role is to engage with young people as victims, offenders and in helping to keep them safe and I understand that it is a different role from that in Staffordshire.”

He confirmed there have been 76 applications for the post and with a shortlist of six who will be interviewed on May 28.

Cheshire Police and Wulvern Housing teamed up with victims to gather evidence and get the Cronkinson Oak resident removed.

It followed complaints from local residents on the estate about the first floor flat tenant, who hasn’t been named.

A county court injunction was issued preventing him from engaging in conduct causing or capable of causing nuisance, annoyance, harassment, alarm or distress.

But when the tenant continued his anti-social behaviour, he was arrested several times given a suspended prison sentence for failing to comply with the injunction order.

Juliette Boland, of Wulvern’s safer neighbourhoods team, said the eviction sends out a warning to others.

“Residents should not have to tolerate anti-social behaviour in their communities,” she said.

“Despite a number of warnings, the tenant failed to abide by his starter tenancy agreement which resulted in him losing his home.

“Our message on anti-social behaviour is clear – play by the rules or face the consequences.

“All new tenants have to complete a successful 12-month probationary period (starter tenancy) before they are allowed the full rights of an assured tenant.”

The safer neighbourhoods and legal teams at Wulvern say they will use all available preventative and legal measures to deal with individuals who behave in an anti-social manner.

Residents who are experiencing any problems can contact us on 01270 506200, with the guarantee that your complaint will be dealt with in confidence.

British Transport Police believe two youths seen running on an embankment near a footbridge over the railway were responsible.

As the Preston-London passenger service travelled through Crewe, it developed a fault which investigators say was caused by damage.

The train driver says he saw one of the youths making a throwing motion, although he didn’t see any object being thrown.

Crewe-based British Transport Police Insp Sonja Simister said: “Shortly after passing through Crewe, the train developed a fault and lost all power to the electrical systems on board.

“The train was stuck on the line for more than three hours before staff were able to restore some power and travel back to Crewe where the passengers were able to get off the service and catch another London-bound train.

“Investigations have since revealed significant damage to the train’s pantograph – a mechanism which draws power from the lines into the train – which it is believed was caused by an object striking the train.”

The damage cost £6,000 and major delays to other services and passengers on-board the train.

Insp Simister added: “We believe the youths spotted by the driver may be responsible for the damage caused and it is likely they threw something at the train.

“Thankfully, though the incident is serious enough, the object thrown only struck the top of the train. Had it hit a window then we could have been left with an incident which involved injuries to staff or passengers.

“From the description of the location given by the driver it is likely the damage happened as the train travelled through Coppenhall and I am now appealing to anyone with information – particularly anyone who saw youths hanging around near to the railway – to come forward.”

The incident happened at around 4.30pm on Saturday April 27. Anyone with information call British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Constantin Trahimov and Daniel Nicula, both 21, pleaded guilty to theft of cables at Wrinehill, near Nantwich, and Seighford, Stafford.

Teodor Racila, 24, failed to appear at court and will be sentenced at a later date.

The court heard on September 12 last year Trahimov, Nicula and Racila were stopped by police at Hilton Park services on the M6.

Officers noticed rear seats of the car were in an unusual position and discovered a quantity of what was later identified as railway cable.

All four men were arrested and an investigation by British Transport Police found the cable had been stolen from the railway at two separate locations – Seighford and Wrinehill.

Police searched a house in Birmingham and uncovered invoices from scrap metal recyclers which showed the men had received almost £2,000 for copper cable.

Det Chief Insp Malcolm McKinnon said: “This sentencing brings to a close an eight-month investigation and demonstrates the British Transport Police is determined to tackle cable theft, will follow all possible leads and will not hesitate to put offenders before the courts.

“Cable theft has a major impact on the running of the rail network and it is clear, through the length of the prison sentence, that the court has recognised the severity of the crime.

“We have made good progress in relation to cable theft in recent months and have recorded significant reductions in offending.

“Metal, however, remains an attractive prospect for thieves and where criminals persist in targeting railway property, we will do all we can to trace those responsible and bring them to justice.”

Duncan Johnstone, 52, was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive after he worked while pretending to be a registered gas fitter.

Mr Johnstone, of Moorfields, Willaston, left gas pipes at one house in a condition classified as “immediately dangerous”.

Crewe Magistrates Court heard he failed to cap off the gas pipes at the house on Walthall Street, Crewe, after removing two gas fires in October 2010. This meant gas could be released if a valve was left open.

The court was told Mr Johnstone had also installed gas central heating at houses on Myrtle Street and Alton Street, despite not being a registered gas fitter.

He returned to all three properties on several occasions between 2007 and 2011 to carry out repairs.

When an investigator from Gas Safe Register, the official list of registered gas engineers, visited two of the houses he found defects with the work which were putting lives at risk.

An HSE investigation found Mr Johnstone had also carried out annual gas safety checks at the three houses, even though he was not registered to do this.

He used two fake Gas Safe Register ID numbers when completing the formal documents on the checks, giving the impression they met strict legal requirements.

Mr Johnstone was ordered to carry out 300 hours of community service, and received a suspended six-month prison sentence.

He was also told to pay full prosecution costs of £2,702 after pleading guilty to multiple breaches of the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector Deborah Walker said: “Duncan Johnstone carried out illegal and unsafe gas work over a period of nearly eight years and is lucky no one was seriously harmed as a result.

“The gas fittings at one of the properties were found to be in an immediately dangerous condition and I dread to think what the consequences could have been if this hadn’t been identified.

“Gas work has the potential to cost lives if it is not carried out by registered gas fitters. We will therefore continue to prosecute anyone who ignores the law.”

Russell Kramer, Chief Executive of Gas Safe Register, said: “A quarter of a million illegal gas jobs are carried out every year by people who don’t have the skills or the qualifications to work safely with gas.

“One in five of the illegal gas jobs we investigate are found to be immediately dangerous, as was the case in this instance.

“This means work could lead to a gas leak, fire, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. It is therefore vital that people always make sure they only use a registered gas engineer.”

To check if a gas engineer is legal and safe, call 0800 408 5500 or visit www.gassaferegister.co.uk