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Ukrainians fleeing conflict by staying with family in Cheshire West and Chester are offered support to help them settle into the borough.  Cheshire West and Chester Council is appealing for anyone who has arrived in the borough through the national Family Visa Scheme to get in touch to find out what help and support is available.

The Council is funded by government to provide support for refugees coming to the UK under an alternative scheme, Homes for Ukraine, which enables residents to become sponsors and offer accommodation to a Ukrainian guest for a minimum of six months.  Under this scheme the Council has full details of each arrival, but not for those who have arrived in the borough under the Family Visa Scheme, which makes it very difficult for the Council to engage and offer support.

Regardless of which route Ukrainians have arrived, the Council’s role is to help to make sure that all arrivals, including their sponsors, are safe and supported, that refugees have access to services like health, education, work and benefits and that Ukrainian families are supported to integrate into local communities.Alongside this, the Council has been working with partners in the community and voluntary sector to help refugees arriving through the Family Visa Scheme to access support.

To get in touch and find out what support is available visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ukrainefamilyvisa.

PRESS HERE to view the full Media Release.

Local Ukrainian news

A Ukrainian family has arrived in Cuddington seeking refuge from the terrifying conditions in their home country.  Many people will have seen lamp posts around the village decorated in Ukrainian colours to welcome them.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, has launched a survey for people living and working in rural communities to better understand their policing needs. The feedback will be used to hold the police to account on tackling criminal activity in rural areas.

With around two thirds of Cheshire classed as rural, protecting these communities is a priority in the Commissioner’s Police and Crime Plan. Unfortunately, many of the crimes committed within rural areas often go unreported. The Rural Crime Survey aims to gather a range of people’s experiences and build on the relationship that rural communities have with the police. You can have your say at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ruralcrimesurvey2022.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, John Dwyer, said:
“I would like to encourage anyone who lives and works in or visits Cheshire’s countryside to share their feedback through my survey.  I am committed to protecting our rural communities and it’s vital for me to hear from as many people as possible so I can identify both where the police do well and what more can be done to prevent and tackle rural crime.  Rural Crime committed in Cheshire can have a devastating effect on a victim’s livelihood and tends to fall into one of five categories; agricultural (theft of farm machinery, livestock or damage to property), equine (theft from working stables), wildlife (poaching and interfering with protected species), heritage (theft from churches or protected monuments) and environmental (fly tipping or polluting land or water)."

John Dwyer added:
“In Cheshire we are fortunate to have a fantastic Rural Crime Team and I will continue to work alongside them, the Chief Constable and partners such as the Environment Agency to ensure rural residents feel confident in their police service.  If we work together, taking on board the views of residents we can make Cheshire’s countryside an even safer place to live, work and visit. Please do have your say.”

The Rural Crime Survey will be open throughout the summer. To take part please visit: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/ruralcrimesurvey2022.

Our local historian, Jill King, is writing a book for St John The Evangelist Church, Sandiway.  It is based on people's memories of St John's.

She is on the look out for wedding and baptism photographs that were taken at the church before 1970 and any memories/photos people have about St John's before 1990 - Vicars, Choir, Youth Club, Lay Readers, The Sunday School, flower arrangers, cleaners, gardeners etc...etc.

Please email any recollections and photographs to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or deliver/post to 4, Moorlands Avenue, Cuddington, CW8 2LU - electronic communication is preferred but any actual photographs would be treated with great care and returned speedily.

Thank you

Main Citizenship Award

John & Eileen Kerrigan deserve the adult Citizenship award due to their selfless voluntary service to the community for many years.

John & Eileen have lived in the village for a considerable number of years.  They both set aside many hours between 2012-2015 in helping create a Village Plan - John is the 'go-to man' whenever the Parish Council need a village consultation carrying out; his voluntary work in the community is second to none!

John was also Chairman of the Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group during the production of the “Neighbourhood Plan” in 2015-2019, which now forms part of the Development Plan for Cheshire West and Chester Council, and this plan is taken into account when planning applications are decided by Cheshire West.

More recently, John was the village spokesperson for the resident’s action group, “Save Our Surgery”

He is also a school Governor at St Nicholas High school.

Eileen is a long serving parish councillor and has worked tirelessly to make the village a better place to live. She was instrumental in the refurbishment of the Norley Road playing fields in 2018, and the creation of the new car park at Mere Lane in 2016.

Eileen, sat on the Neighbourhood Plan committee as well as the Village Plan.  When it comes to big projects like this, John and Eileen very much work as a team.

Currently Eileen is as busy as ever liaising with Highways about the installation of Speed Indicator Devices (SIDs), which residents requested back in 2012.

Junior Citizen of the Year

Mason  Karpinski.  For his birthday this year, Mason asked for donations instead of presents.  He spent that money on Easter Eggs which he gave to Northwich Community Support who were collecting Easter Eggs for families in need. 

Volunteers have just finished planting our herb garden and bee-friendly garden planters at Cuddington Station as part of this year's entry for the "Best Kept Station" competition. 

New volunteers are always welcome; if you’d like to find out more email Val Godfrey on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

• Retention of 5 wooden stables (retrospective) 

  Ravensclough Manor House Waste Lane Cuddington Northwich CW8 2TD

  Ref. No: 22/01109/FUL | Received: Tue 22 Mar 2022 | Status at end May: Awaiting decision

• External alterations and bay window, as part of conversion of garage to annexe accommodation 

  17 Primrose Hill Cuddington Northwich Cheshire CW8 2TZ

  Ref. No: 22/00848/FUL | Received: Thu 03 Mar 2022 | Status: Approved

• Alteration to the single storey side extension. Alteration to a window, internal alterations - Amendment to 21/00171/LBC 

  Croft House 82 Weaverham Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2ND

  Ref. No: 22/01774/LBC | Received: Wed 11 May 2022 | Status: Approved

• Discharge of conditions 3 (materials) and 4 (well building) of planning permission 21/00170/FUL and Listed Building Consent 21/00171/LBC 

  Croft House 82 Weaverham Road Cuddington Northwich CW8 2ND

  Ref. No: 22/02138/DIS | Received: Mon 30 May 2022 | Status: Approved

• Single Storey rear extension. 

  5 Wharburton Close Cuddington Northwich Cheshire CW8 2ZE

  Ref. No: 22/01635/LDC | Received: Tue 03 May 2022 | Status: Approved

• Single storey rear extension 

  7 Sandown Crescent Cuddington Northwich Cheshire CW8 2QN

  Ref. No: 22/02024/HHE | Received: Wed 25 May 2022 | Status: Decided

• Two storey extension, changes to window / door openings and finishes 

  Lower Mill Cuddington Lane Cuddington Northwich Cheshire CW8 2SY

  Ref. No: 22/01727/FUL | Received: Mon 09 May 2022 | Status at end May: Awaiting decision

• Dropped kerb, alterations to driveway to include removal of hedge and installation of fence 

  15 Ash Road Cuddington Northwich Cheshire CW8 2NU

  Ref. No: 22/01865/FUL | Received: Tue 17 May 2022 | Status: Awaiting decision

• Erection of 13 dwellings including 4 affordable dwellings, with associated infrastructure and landscaping 

  Land Adjacent 613 Chester Road Cuddington Northwich Cheshire

  Ref. No: 22/01833/FUL | Received: Mon 16 May 2022 | Status: Awaiting decision
  

Cheshire West and Chester Council is delivering a wide range of regeneration projects across the borough; to transform Winsford town centre, Weaver Square in Northwich, Chester’s Northgate, Chester’s Rows, and the area around Chester railway station.

Further work is taking place in Northwich to address challenges along the Winnington Lane corridor. The plans include a new road bridge across the River Weaver and converting the existing Listed Bridge for use by cyclists and pedestrians. Improving the links to the town centre, station and bus interchange through a number of road and junction improvements will provide better access for cyclists and walkers to use the Winnington corridor and reduce car traffic. 

The Council’s Cabinet on 8 June will consider submitting an application under the Government’s Levelling Up Fund round 2 for the Northwich projects.

PRESS HERE for the full Media Release from the Council.

Following news of her nomination, local charity volunteer Hannah Thompson at Duster’s Ark animal sanctuary in Sandiway, has been awarded Volunteer of the Year in the Petplan & Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) Animal Charity Awards 2022.  Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the awards recognise the remarkable work carried out by animal charities and not-for-profit organisations across the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands who have gone the extra mile to help rescue and rehome animals in need.

On receiving her award, Hannah said: “It feels unbelievable to have won, I can’t believe it. There are no words really. I can’t explain what it means, it just means so much. I’ve never really needed this. Working with the animals is just an incredible feeling and it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life, this is just amazing. Thank you.”

Hannah suffers from Ehlers Danlos syndrome – her mum Jennifer Thompson also commented on the impact that volunteering has had on her: “Volunteering at Dusters Ark has literally changed Hannah’s life… . Over the past 5 years, with continuous support from Cat and Jonathan and the love of the animals, she has gained knowledge, skills and confidence and is looking forward to starting a degree in animal management, behaviour and welfare later this year.”

Well done to Hannah!

PRESS HERE to view the Facebook pages for Duster's Ark animal sanctuary.

Spring has arrived at Sandiway Miniature Railway.  The bluebells are out and the woods are turning green.

The miniature railway operates most Sunday afternoons from behind Blakemere Village in Sandiway Wood.  The track has just been extended - well worth a visit.

PRESS HERE for their Facebook page.

Music Trains are back in 2022! 

They have a programme from May to October, starting with Chester to Plumley and the Golden Pheasant on Wednesday 25 May as part of national Community Rail Week.  On Friday 10 June, the Music Train runs from Chester to the Angel in Knutsford as part of Knutsford Music Festival.  Then from Wednesday 13 July and every month until October it runs from Chester to Plumley and the Golden Pheasant.  Plus they will have a Music Train from Altrincham to Alexanders in Chester in August and lunchtime Music Trains for groups from Chester to the Railway Inn in Mobberley.

Although they can now run Music Trains again, COVID has not gone away and is still a risk.  I know that some people will not want to travel for the time being.  And it is always possible that train services might be affected by staff shortages.  There is therefore a small possibility that a Music Train might have to be cancelled at short notice.  In that case you would receive an email notification if you are on the mailing list and a note would be put on the Community Rail Partnership website and its social media accounts.

There is no charge for the Music Train, though there is a collection on the way back for the band and you will need a train ticket.  There is music on the train both ways and at the pub.  No need to book unless you are a group – just get into the rear carriage.  Music Trains from Chester leave Chester at 19:00 (Cuddington at 19:22) and the return train arrives back in Chester at 23:15 (Cuddington 22:48).  You can get on or off the train at the intermediate stations along the way. 

You must buy your ticket from the platform ticket machine.  At Chester you can also buy it from the ticket office.  If there isn’t a ticket machine at your station or if the machine isn’t working then you can buy a ticket from the conductor on the train.

Wednesday 25 May – Chester to Plumley and at the Golden Pheasant

It’s the Deportees with a mix of old and recent songs from both sides of the Atlantic and Tom Durkin, bluegrass singer-songwriter.  You'll hear songs to join in with, songs to make you think, songs to move you and songs to get you moving.

Friday 10 June – Chester to Knutsford and at the Angel

Nelson Peach -  ‘The basis of our music is English Traditional, though we mix in contemporary folk and pop, and also some American versions of traditional songs’.

Wednesday 13 July – Cheshire to Plumley and at the Golden Pheasant

The Time Bandits, are musical time travellers, ‘raiding and pilfering over 500 years of musical material for a modern audience’.  They mix Renaissance dance music with traditional folk tunes and songs - and their own compositions.

PRESS HERE to see their website page.

We can confirm that the Shell Station on the A49 will be closing on 9th May for a major refurbishment.  It is anticipated that the closure will last for a number of months.

According to the approved planning application, the work involves "Demolition of existing sales building and construction of a new sales building, delinking of canopy, repositioning of HGV fuel dispenser and new underground diesel tank, provision of car parking provision of single EV charger, alteration to the access arrangements, creation of new egress and associated works".

There is a freephone to contact Citizens Advice (CAB) situated in the corner of the Church Hall.  Appointments may be made to meet an advisor at the Ark on a Tuesday morning, or advice may be given over the phone.  There is public access to the hall Sunday & Tuesday mornings 10-11 am and Fridays 9-2pm.

If you wish to ring from home, call 0808-2787-806.

CAB is an independent organisation specialising in confidential information and advice to assist people with legal, debt, benefits, consumer, housing & other problems in the UK.  It provides advice for people & the problems they face.

Every year, the Ark community café shares its profits with local charities. Thanks to your support, in March Steve Chivers, Chair of the newly formed Cuddington & Sandiway’s Youth Club, received a donation of £400 from the Ark Team. He said this will be used to purchase games equipment for the Youth Group, a microwave, help fund safeguarding training and if any left, be put towards improving the heating system.

Thanks to all our customers who’ve enabled this donation.

The cheque was presented to Steve - see below.

     The Ark team

Message from Sandiway Pantomime Group:

We are aiming to re-start rehearsals for Dick Whittington on Sunday 23rd October at the Church Hall. (If that changes for any reason we will let you know [PRESS HERE for their facebook page]). The production dates will be 26th-29th January 2023. Having already rehearsed the show to some extent, we are considering leaving out Wednesday evening rehearsals for the first few weeks, but will keep this under review. We really hope that everyone will still be available for the show, which would mean we do not have to worry about any recasting, but if anyone already knows or becomes aware through this year that they will not be able to take part, please let us (Bob Barker, Steve Liddle, Judith Melia) know as as soon as you can so we can plan accordingly. That’s it for now. Thanks everyone. Have a nice spring!

The next stage of the redevelopment of Winsford town centre can now begin after planning permission was approved to transform a key part of the centre, following the development of the new Aldi last year.  The Council has planning permission to demolish Queen’s Parade and Fountains Court and replace them with modern retail shops and restaurants, a drive-to/through coffee shop, new car parking and the relocation of war memorials to a new public square.

Work is expected to start on site later this summer.

PRESS HERE for the full Media Release from Cheshire West & Chester Council.

The Council secured £9.98 million from the Government’s Future High Street Fund and is also investing £11 million of Council funding to pay for the scheme.

The following message is from Cuddington Parish Council:

From March 31st all Parish Council information can be viewed on their own website at 

www.cuddingtonpc.uk

Several pages are still in progress but visit the site frequently as more Parish Council information will come available.

We hope you will enjoy the site and find the information you are looking for.

We shall be pleased to receive any comments at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Please note: 

Our community website is not bound by the legal requirements of the public body, such as a parish council, and this fabulous website full of information will continue to serve the community and further afield: www.cuddingtonandsandiwayonline.org

On 3 February the government announced a Council Tax Energy Rebate scheme to support the many households dealing with the rising cost of household bills in 2022-2023, driven by increasing energy bills. Residents paying Council Tax by Direct Debit will receive the Government’s £150 Tax Rebate in April in response to the rising costs of energy. There will be payments directly into bank accounts from mid-April to early May.  Households living in band A to D properties will automatically qualify for this rebate (others may not).

PRESS HERE for the Media Release from Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Scam Warning:

The Local Government Association (LGA) urged people to be alert to the scam and not give out personal information.  It emphasised that councils would never request bank details over the phone.

Anyone who unexpectedly received a text, email or phone call seeking information or payment should not give out personal information, including bank details, click any links or respond until they could be sure it was genuine, the LGA said.

Eligible households in England that pay council tax by direct debit should receive the payment directly into their bank account.  The government has urged people to set up direct debits and the LGA said those who did not pay their council tax by direct debit would be sent a letter with details of how to claim.

A new charging scheme for residents disposing of large amounts of construction waste is being introduced at our local household waste recycling centres (Winsford & Northwich) from April 2022. This will include waste such as soil, rubble and hardcore which is not classified as household waste and the Council (apparently) has no obligation to accept.

The Council do, however, recognise that residents rely on the existing service when carrying out small DIY projects.  To ensure everyone can continue receiving this service and avoid having to rent a skip or source another outlet (or fly tip!), there will be no charge to residents leaving small amounts of construction waste (up to three bags).

A £3.70 per bag charge to leave four or more bags of construction waste or ceramic items at the recycling centres will begin from 1 April 2022.  Charges will only apply for construction/DIY materials and not for domestic waste materials.

PRESS HERE for the (earlier) Cheshire West & Chester media release.

Update on March 29:

A proposed new charging scheme for residents disposing of construction waste will be reviewed at a Council Scrutiny Committee meeting on 11 April 2022.

Following agreement to the Council’s new waste strategy, the case for charging will be considered by the Scrutiny Committee, who will review the evidence and options for introducing any charges at Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs). The meeting will take place on 11 April 2022. Until the scrutiny committee recommendations can be properly considered, no charges will be applied to residents delivering waste from home improvements or repair and alterations to homes or domestic properties.

Update on April 12:

Cheshire West and Chester Council has decided not to implement any charges at this time, but to include any issues on charging for non-household waste at its Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRC) within its current review of the centres themselves.

The Council’s decision follows discussion of the issue considered at a Places Overview and Scrutiny Meeting held on 11 April 2022, where Members of the Scrutiny Committee reviewed information regarding the options to implement charging for some types of waste received at the HWRCs (such as soil, rubble and hardcore from building work) to cover the increasing costs of disposal and processing of these types of material.

PRESS HERE for the latest Media Release from the Council.

Free COVID-19 testing in Cheshire West and Chester ends at the end of March.  Closing the service is part of the national plan for living with the virus following the ongoing success of the COVID-19 vaccination programme, which makes anyone fully vaccinated 10 times less likely to suffer serious symptoms or need hospital treatment than unvaccinated people.

Cheshire West and Chester Council launched the no-symptoms testing service in the borough in December 2020 and has carried out more than 52,500 Lateral Flow Device (LFD) tests and given out more than 156,500 home test kits.

The Council has fixed testing centres at Stanney Oaks Leisure Centre, in Ellesmere Port, and The Dingle Centre, in Winsford, as well as two pop-up testing units which tour the borough, focusing on areas of greatest need. Many of the borough’s libraries also offer home test kits.

PRESS HERE for the Cheshire West & Chester media release.

Every year, the Ark community café shares its profits with local charities. Thanks to your support, we have been able to give £400 to Visyon and the same amount to Cuddington and Sandiway’s Youth Club, to support their amazing youth work.

The cheque to Visyon was presented on March 4th - see below.

     The Ark team

Visyon has supported the emotional health of children, young people & their families since 1994. Demands on this charity have increased since Covid.
The money from the Ark profits will be used to decorate additional rooms needed for therapeutic work and family support.

Pinewood is a Children’s Home in Darnhall School Lane, Winsford, run by Cheshire West and Chester Council which provides high quality respite provision for children and young people with Special Educational Needs (SEND) across the borough, offering short breaks for up to three disabled children at a time.

Pinewood has recently been graded as “Outstanding” across the board following a recent Ofsted inspection.

Short breaks are services that can help families with a disabled child. They give disabled children the chance to have time away from their families, make new friends and most importantly have fun.

PRESS HERE to learn more from the Council's media release.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is working with The Mersey Forest and Cheshire Wildlife Trust to host a series of webinars looking at some of the actions people can take to address the climate and nature emergencies.  The short, lunchtime webinars are free to attend and will provide residents with advice and guidance from local experts on a range of topics related to protecting nature and the environment. 

The Council has declared climate and nature emergencies in the borough and a Climate Emergency Response Plan is in place to help the borough to become carbon neutral by 2045, including suggested actions for residents and businesses.

The webinars require pre-registration and will take place online on the following dates:

• Monday 21 March, 12.30pm – Working with nature to tackle the climate emergency: The Mersey Forest discusses the important role land plays, from producing food, and sequestering carbon, to keeping us cooler, and managing water.
• Friday 25 March, 12.30pm – For peat’s sake: The Cheshire Wildlife Trust discusses alternatives to using peat compost.
• Wednesday 30 March, 12.30pm – Free for all: The Cheshire Wildlife Trust discusses upcycling and recycling to reduce consumption in your garden.
• Friday 1 April, 12.30pm – Climate proof your garden: The Cheshire Wildlife Trust discusses adapting your garden for extreme weather.
  
  

PRESS HERE for more details from the Council's media release.

'Yoga in Cheshire' have been running yoga classes since the inception of the current Village Hall.  The Covid pandemic forced a two-year break to that activity but they are keen for you to know that they are back!

Tabitha Dootson runs the yoga class every Monday from 6:30 to 7:45pm and she is keen to encourage new, or old, members to join her. Classes are suitable for beginners or more experienced yoga students.  Her contact details are 07754-434350,  or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., so why not give it a try?

Have you ever thought about taking a look at what’s on offer at your local friendly tennis club? 

There’s something for everyone, including Junior Saturday morning club which will start again on 12th March 2022. These fun sessions are run by our Club Coach, Alex King, as follows:

• 09:00 to 10:00 for 5 to 8 year olds, and
• 10:00 to 11:00 for 9 years old and above. 
  
  

There will be breaks for Easter and Summer holidays, so they will run 12th March to 9th April, 23rd April to 23rd July and 3rd September to 22nd October.   Cost £3 for non-members & £1 for members. All players are encouraged to join the club after 3 sessions. Annual 2022 membership is just £26 for primary-aged children & £36 for junior members.

Come & try it & if you decide to join then your non-member payments already made can be used to subsidise the member-fee.  Please do take a look at our updated website, www.cuddingtontennis.org.uk, for further information & contact details.

Other coaching opportunities are available for members too, so please do enquire.

The White Barn on Norley Road have started this 'Friendly Thursdays' gathering each week, from 2:30pm to 4pm.  This is a group for anyone who would like to get out, meet people, make new friends, have a chat in a warm and friendly environment - with free tea and biscuits!

The Council are implementing various options for the future Waste Management Strategy.  These include:

1. a chargeable garden waste collection service which will cover the growing season between March and November
     - Subscribe today for the £40 a year per bin at http://cwac.co/YwJrh

2. household waste collected fortnightly using the current 180-litre black wheeled bin (no change here)

3. a new kerbside recycling service - rollout planned to start in March/ April once your new bins have been delivered.  This will include;

• two larger capacity recycling bins on wheels collected fortnightly to replace existing 55 litre green/red boxes
       - PRESS HERE to discover when your new bins will be delivered
  
  
• food collections weekly using existing small food bin (as per the current arrangement).
  
  

The new service will be in place for a minimum of three years.  PRESS HERE for the media release from the Council explaining the new system.

We are incredibly honoured that The Joshua Tree has been chosen by Transforming Lives and Running Bear Sports Ltd as charity partner for this year's #CheshireDash2022 💚🚴‍♂️🥇

The Cheshire Dash is a 100-mile cycling challenge across the Cheshire countryside and registration is now open!

 It is £50 per person to enter and all entrants will receive a full race pack, breakfast butties, picnic lunch, BBQ finish, generous goody back with a 2022 Cheshire Dash cycling jersey and full ride support on the day.

• 🚴‍♂️ Cycle 100 miles
• ⏰ Saturday 2nd July 2022
• 🎫 Entry £50
• 🥇 Fundraising target minimum £200 per rider
  
  

All funds raised will go towards the vital work undertaken by The Joshua Tree in supporting families affected by childhood cancers across the North West and North Wales.

Sign up now! https://bit.ly/3q811JT

Last spring the Playing Fields Association asked local specialist Ascent Arboriculture Ltd to carry out a safety inspection of trees at the Field. In their report Ascent recommended the removal of three trees alongside the Scout Hut as two were dead and the other was in poor condition.  Ascent were asked to proceed with the recommended work and they offered to plant, free of charge, three new trees in place of those they would remove. The new trees, as detailed below, have now been planted and will contribute to the Field landscape for many years to come. Many thanks to James Worrall of Ascent Arboriculture who is a resident of the village.

The trees that were planted are all native to the UK; they are:

• Cherry (Prunus avium)
• White beam (Sorbus aria)
• Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) 
  
  

Cheshire West and Chester Council is appealing for anyone with community equipment that is no longer needed to return it so it can be reused.  The council has announced an amnesty to ensure that this equipment, which enables independent living, can be reused to support other people.

The community equipment is an integral part of the council’s work to support people to live independently in their own homes for longer, where appropriate.  Any such equipment, which could include beds, seating, commodes, bathing, moving and handling  and walking/mobility aids, will be marked with a Ross Care sticker. The amnesty will see the equipment cleaned and prepared for reuse, also reducing the need to buy new equipment in future.

Items which can be returned and reused include:

• Hospital beds and hoists
• Walking frames
• Commodes 
• Toilet surrounds
• Shower seats
• Bed transfer aids
• Crutches
• Furniture raisers
  
  

PRESS HERE for the full Media Release from the Council.

All

Are you concerned about crime in your area?

Did you know that neighbourhood watch scheme members feel safer within their community and experience less crime based on the most recent neighbourhood watch crime and community survey:
https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2022-02/Feb%202022%20OUR%20NEWS.pdf

If you are interested in starting a new neighbourhood watch scheme in your area please let me know. For more information on scheme and what is involved please see https://cheshirenw.org/faqs-setting-up-a-scheme

While stocks last, we are currently offering selecta DNA property marking kits to members of registered neighbourhood schemes as a preventative measure. For more information see link https://www.selectadna.co.uk/

PCSO Michelle
#safercommunities

Message Sent By
Michelle Gillett (Cheshire Police, Northwich LPU, Weaver and Cuddington PCSO)

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Road Safety team has arranged free training for children, families and adults in the borough looking to take up cycling or improve their confidence and skills.

Courses for children in years 6 to 9, who have completed their level two training in primary school, are taking place during half term on Wednesday 23 February at The Pavilion, Wharton Recreation Ground, East Dudley Street, Winsford, W7 3AQ at 10am (pre-booking is essential).  Young cyclists will learn how to plan a journey and ride assertively, maintaining a suitable riding position and much more.

For adults, whether you’ve only just learnt to cycle or are a regular cyclist looking to improve your skills, private one-to-one sessions can be tailored to suit your individual abilities and goals.  Basic (complete beginner), Urban (quiet local roads) and Advanced (complex junctions and busy roads) sessions are available.

PRESS HERE to view the Media Release from Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council.

Cheshire Constabulary is asking for the public’s feedback on plans to have face-to-face helpdesks at just five police stations around the perimeter of our county.

Currently there are 16 helpdesks in Cheshire, including one at Northwich, which have varying opening hours over five to seven days a week, but evidently many are seldom used.

Under the new proposals a helpdesk service would be provided at police stations in Blacon, Crewe, Warrington, Widnes and Macclesfield, all of which are 13 miles or more from our village and difficult to access by public transport.

These helpdesks would be open to the public between 8am and 5pm from Monday to Saturday. In addition, a virtual video link to a helpdesk officer would be available within the same opening hours at Northwich Police Station.

There are reports that waiting times on 101 phone lines are long and we are told:
 “The savings we make will be reinvested into our force contact centre, helping improve our response times in answering 999 and 101 calls, which is a key priority for the Constabulary.  This investment will also support our work in dealing with online enquiries, which we are seeing more and more of with the advancement of technology.”

“It is important to reiterate that we are not proposing to close any police stations, and although some helpdesks would close under these proposals, these will be substituted by regular Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) surgeries." 

PRESS HERE for a full report on this story and discover how to feedback your views to the Police.  The consultation is open until 27 March 2022.

Anyone wanting to report a crime, incident or looking to seek advice from the police can do so by visiting www.cheshire.police.uk or by calling 101.  In the case of an emergency or threat to life, always dial 999.

Some of these sessions will be held in the village hall with dates to be confirmed.  Places are limited and will need to be booked via the number above.

With Spring just around the corner, Cheshire West and Chester Council is reminding residents that now is good time to prune trees and hedges, before the start of the bird nesting season.  Pruning removes dead and dying branches, allowing room for new growth and protecting your property and passers-by from damage.  It also deters pest and animal infestation and promotes the plant’s natural shape and healthy growth.

Residents, landowners and farmers are responsible for trees and hedges on private land, particularly if they are overhanging and blocking the road or pavement.  You should always check whether or not the trees are protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), as works to cut overhanging branches may need special permission.    It is also an offence under Section 1 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 to intentionally take, damage or destroy the nest of any wildbird while it is in use or being built.

The council’s website has a wide range of advice and guidance if you have a problem with trees that are not on council-owned land.

PRESS HERE to view the Media Release from Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council.

On World Wetlands Day (2 February), Cheshire West and Chester Council highlighted the work that is taking place across the borough to create important wetlands that will support a range of native wildlife.  Wetlands are critically important ecosystems that contribute to biodiversity, freshwater availability and climate mitigation and adaptation.  World Wetlands Day highlights the importance of these bodies of water and, how worldwide, wetlands are being lost three times faster than forests with nearly 90 per cent of all wetland habitats, including ponds, disappearing in the last 300 years. 

As part of the Council’s work to address the nature crisis, the Council is acting as the habitat delivery body for Natural England's great crested newt strategic licensing scheme, known as District Level Licensing (DLL).  Under DLL, developers pay a conservation payment, which is then used to create or restore new ponds in strategic areas within the borough. The ponds are secured, monitored, and managed for 25 years – all funded by the developers. 

Since the scheme started in 2018, the Council has created over 108 ponds, including 50 in the last 12 months. The Council’s Total Environment Team continue to monitor these, ensuring they remain healthy and thriving habitats for local wildlife.

PRESS HERE to view the Media Release from Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council.

PRESS HERE to view the local wetland target areas (in blue) and, in any application, they must conform to design specifications for size, depth, and profile (see Media Release for further detail).

There is a regular series of weekday Wellbeing Walks available across the borough run by Cheshire West and Chester Council in partnership with The Ramblers, in particular around Winsford, Northwich and Tarporley.  All of the walks are led by a team of enthusiastic and friendly volunteer walk leaders.

Walkers are recommended to wear appropriate footwear and clothing as the walks take place in all weather conditions throughout the year.  No advanced booking is needed - walkers just need to register for their first walk.  New walkers are always welcome.

PRESS HERE to learn more details from the Media Release from Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council.

Note that other Rambling Clubs are listed in the 'Directory' of this website under 'Club & Activities'.

From 29 January 2022, The Highway Code has changed - the advisory changes are designed to improve safety for people walking, cycling and horse riding.  Every road user still has a responsibility to keep themselves and each other safe, and the changes mean being ready to give priority, leave space and be considerate of others.

A summary of some of the changes is:

• Giving people crossing and waiting to cross and cyclists going straight ahead priority when turning in and out of junctions
• Giving plenty of space when passing people cycling (1.5 metres+) and horse riders (2 metres+)
• Making sure we’re acting with responsibility and respect to all road users.
  
  

PRESS HERE for a comprehensive list of all the changes.

PRESS HERE for the Media Release from Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council.

Preparations are underway for the country to celebrate the 70th anniversary for Her Majesty the Queen who has ruled for longer than any other Monarch in British history.

Additional bank holidays have been granted, with events expected to be held between the 2 and 6 June 2022.  This is an opportunity for communities to come together to celebrate such a significant occasion.

Cheshire West and Chester Council are expecting to see a demand for community events and are now accepting event requests to hold street parties, put up bunting and beacons of light.  The Council has produced an application form for groups that want to hold their own events, PRESS HERE to view the details.

Note that our very own Gala Day is to be held on Saturday 4 June on the Norley Road playing fields - this will undoubtedly form the focus of our local celebrations.

Val Godfrey has been made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough. The award, presented at a ceremony in Chester Town Hall in December, was in recognition of Val’s role in community leadership and voluntary activities.  Although it carries no privileges Val can expect to be invited to ‘major civic events’!  The award is the highest that a borough can bestow.

Val has lived in Cuddington for 58 years and the village has benefitted enormously from her residence here.  During this time she was active in the 13 year campaign to get us our state-of-the-art village hall and she is still involved in its management.  She was a parish councillor for 37 years and has been a governor at both our primary schools and also Weaverham High School.  Val also gets involved on a personal level with village organisations, she is a Friend of Sandiway Manor, a Cuddington Station Volunteer and was at one time Tawny Owl to the 3rd Sandiway brownies!

In the wider community Val has served as a Magistrate, Vale Royal Borough Councillor, Borough Mayor in 2003-4, and Chair of Eddisbury Liberal Democrats. She has also been involved with the Youth Forum, the Education Partnership, the Playschemes Association and Summer holiday activity programmes.

Anyone who has travelled the lovely scenic Settle to Carlisle railway line in recent years will be interested to know that Val was also involved at a high level in the battle to keep the line open.

Subscribe today for the £40 a year per bin garden waste collection service.  It is quick and easy to subscribe and by doing it now you will receive all your 2022 collections which recommence in early March.

Subscribe at  http://cwac.co/YwJrh

Do you have some time you feel you could give to help the Council support people in our neighbourhood?

Across the country pressures in the care system are increasing, with care providers unable to recruit as many staff as they would like to, and Covid-19 forcing staff to stay away from work for periods of time. As the situation worsens there may not be enough staff to care for the people who need it.  

Cheshire West and Chester Council is now looking to recruit a small workforce that could be called on in times of emergency to help support people within their local areas. They are calling on anyone, with or without care experience, to help ensure everyone who needs support gets it.

All members of the workforce will receive a sign-up bonus, alongside a week’s training, fully paid, before undertaking any roles. Ongoing support will also be available and, if and when called upon, members would be paid for their time.

PRESS HERE for the full Media Release from Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council and ways to sign up.

Contrary to previous information, we can confirm that the Hub will be operating on Tuesday 25 January due to the postponement of the Panto at the Church Hall.

The organisers of the Northwich Community Support group would appreciate help to set up the Hub at the hall on Monday evenings 8,45pm, and/or to help Tuesday mornings 10-11.30am.

If you are able to help, please contact Adrian Morgan (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Lee Burstow (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) from NCS for details.

Message from Michelle Gillett (Cheshire Police, Northwich LPU, Weaver and Cuddington PCSO):

"All

Cheshire Police crime commissioner has awarded WEAVER and CUDDINGTON ward funding to purchase speed devices for our trained community speed watch volunteers to use helping us to keep our roads safe.

If you are interested in joining our team of 14 volunteers please message me.

For more information regarding community speed watch please see link - www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/transport-and-roads/road-safety/community-speed-management.aspx

PCSO Michelle

#wecare"

The Joshua Tree is a Cheshire based Children's Cancer Charity which operates across the North West and North Wales and are dedicated to working closely with families affected by childhood cancers.  They work with the whole family - patient, parent, siblings and grandparents - in recognising that every family’s cancer journey is unique.

Services are tailored to suit the family’s specific needs, by means of emotional, academic and practical support, such as counselling, art and play therapy, health and well-being advice, support in and around the home and educational tutoring where required to help ensure that life remains as normal as possible during an incredibly traumatic time.

The Joshua Tree was founded in 2006 by Lynda and David Hill after their son was diagnosed with leukaemia.  They discovered a distinct lack of support services for all family members during the traumatic experience of childhood cancer.  Much more of this story can be found on their website.

In the past 12 months a new Support Centre has been constructed in our Parish with access from Dalesford Lane – PRESS HERE for a bird’s eye view of this tremendous new facility.

If you are interested in finding out more about how you can support this local charity then contact CEO Richard Driffield at email:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..