Danebridge Medical Centre has applied to the NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to close Sandiway surgery. A report by the Cheshire CCG regarding the consultation process which has been used, will be reviewed by the Cheshire West and Chester Overview and Scrutiny Committee at a special meeting to be held on 12th October 2020.  Following this, a special meeting will be held by the CCG Primary Care Commissioning committee (PCC), early in November, to examine the Danebridge proposal.

Danebridge is by far the largest practice in the area with over 24,000 patients living in Northwich and in surrounding villages. These will all be affected by the proposed closure of Sandiway Surgery since all patients will be seen at either Kingsmead or Danebridge surgeries. Last year 2,900 appointments were offered at Sandiway and 15,000 appointments were at the other two surgeries. If Sandiway closes the demand at the other surgeries will increase by 20%.

The Save Sandiway Surgery Action Group has been working since December to keep the surgery open and to try to find out from Danebridge Practice the real reason for the proposed closure of the surgery. The Consultation Survey carried out by Danebridge was confusing, did not get to all patients and the feedback from it was badly managed by the Practice (see the report in this 'Newsroom' for March).

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspected the whole of Danebridge Medical Practice in 2019, including all three surgeries, and changed its rating from “Good” to “Requires improvement” in two respects, namely “Are Services Safe?” and “Are Services Well-Led?” Danebridge Practice has claimed that the safety issues referred to by the CQC are at Sandiway Surgery, but the CQC published report and Inspection Evidence Table do not support this claim and CQC has subsequently confirmed that they did not expect the Sandiway surgery to close on the basis of their inspection, and considered it adequate for the services being delivered. Danebridge Practice has not been prepared to provide the Action Group with any other information.

The Action Group has the full backing of Cuddington Parish Council and the Borough Councillors for this area and has around 900 signatures of support already from patients.

If you are a patient with Danebridge Medical Practice and want to contact the Action Group to show your support for the campaign to keep the surgery open, please email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

If you wish to voice your concerns directly to the Clinical Commissioning Group you can contact them at www.cheshireccg.nhs.uk/get-in-touch/

If you wish to comment on the quality of the consultation process carried out by Danebridge Practice you can contact the CWaC Scrutiny Committee at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Play your part to protect our community by following new COVID laws

Cheshire West and Chester Council is calling on all residents to help protect our whole community by following the Government’s new COVID legislation. From Monday 14 September, it is against the law to meet socially in groups of more than six people in any setting, indoors or outdoors. This ruling replaces the existing ban on gatherings of more than 30 and the current guidance on allowing two households to meet indoors.

Exemptions:

• a single household or support bubble larger than six
• places of education and workplaces
• COVID secure weddings, wedding receptions and funerals, up to a limit of 30 people
• Organised sport and exercise.
  
  

Businesses and public settings where people meet socially, including hospitality and leisure venues, will be legally required from Monday to record contact details of customers, visitors and staff. The details must be stored for 21 days and shared with the Test and Trace Service, if requested.

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

Let people with symptoms get tested first

With infections in west Cheshire more than doubling in a week, it has become even more important for people who have COVID-19 symptoms to get a test by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus so contact tracing can then help prevent the spread of the virus.

However, following schools reopening, the testing of international travellers and increases in the testing of people without symptoms, a huge rise in people seeking a test for coronavirus nationwide this week has put a strain on the laboratories which process tests. This has resulted in booking restrictions being placed on some of the testing sites, while laboratories struggle to meet such high demand. Residents are being urged to only get a COVID-19 test if they have virus symptoms of a high fever, continuous cough or loss of taste or smell.

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

The toilets in the Village Hall building, next to the Playground on Norley Road, have now been opened for use.

The government is undertaking a consultation on parking on pavements, and is looking for recommendations to make pavements safer as part of its inclusive transport policy.

Pavement parking can cause real problems for pedestrians, particularly wheelchair users, people with visual impairments and those with prams and buggies. On the other hand it is important to recognize that in many narrow streets pavement parking is necessary to maintain free flowing traffic including for refuse and emergency services vehicles.

PRESS HERE to have your say by completing the online survey.

With effect from Monday 7 September 2020, Danebridge Medical Practice will be re-opening Sandiway Surgery, which will become the Practice’s designated location for patients in the Extremely Vulnerable Group, formerly known as "Shielded". The surgery will open from 8.30am – 1.00pm Monday – Friday and will be operated by a Doctor and a Patient Services Co-ordinator.

Sandiway Surgery will be a 'closed location'. Patients will only be able to attend, if in the Extremely Vulnerable Group and through an invitation from a clinician.

PRESS HERE to view a document which details the process for making appointments with Danebridge.

The meeting will be held in the main room of the Village Hall - unlike earlier meetings, it will not be set up for 'Zoom'.  If any residents wish to attend the meeting in person, they must inform the parish clerk by Thursday 17th September.

PRESS HERE for the agenda.

Nicola Brown, the editor of the Round Tower, has agreed with the Parish Council to resume publication in October.  The Parish Council had no meeting in August and hence there would have been little to report in September from that source.  

The government's "Green Home Grants Scheme", due to open by the end of September, will allow consumers to obtain funding for up to two-thirds of the cost of the energy saving measures identified - up to £5000 – in the form of new vouchers. Lower income households could be entitled to have as much as £10,000 of the costs covered.

The scheme will cover green home improvements including insulation of walls, floors and roofs, the installation of double or triple glazing when replacing single glazing, and low-carbon heating. These measures could help families save up to £600 a year on their energy bills.  PRESS HERE for the detailed website.

The site offers a quick energy survey for consumers to see how energy efficient their homes already are, and where improvements can be made. Taking as little as 5 minutes, once completed homeowners and landlords can receive a personalised energy plan.

In the seven days up to 27 August, there were 24 confirmed COVID-19 cases for West Cheshire. This compares to 27 confirmed cases in the previous week (to 22 August) and 22 in the previous week (to 15 August).  PRESS HERE to view the historical numbers of positive test results in Cheshire West and Chester.

“Simple hygiene levels can have a big impact and help reduce the spread. Please continue to wash your hands regularly. If you are feeling unwell, you could have coronavirus and you could be infecting others. Don’t wait. Get a free test now, by calling 119 or visiting nhs.uk/coronavirus”

If you visit a business, where you feel they are not following the relevant government guidelines, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we can support them to become more COVID secure.

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

Update: infections have got worse more recently - there were 60 confirmed cases during week ending 5 September, 150% more than the previous week!  (Note: more recent Media Release Increase in COVID cases among the under 35s )  Also, there were 98 confirmed cases during week ending 12 September - a further 63% week-on-week increase.  Cheshire West had 29 new cases per 100,000 people during that week (against an average of 18 in England).  Please be safe.

The Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable for Cheshire are pleased to announce some significant changes to how they police our local communities, which will position Cheshire as a leading police service for delivering community policing.

Their focus has and will always remain on preventing crime and anti-social behaviour, supporting victims and protecting vulnerable people. They believe that the best way to do this is by delivering a truly local police service that is fit for the future and visible in our communities.

From next month, each of the 122 policing communities in Cheshire will have the following:

• A dedicated PCSO
• A dedicated PC
• A local community police base
• Regular community policing surgeries
• Funding for your local community
  
  

The new community police officers will work with their fellow PCSO, the wider policing team, and partners across the county to help solve problems and take action in our communities.

PRESS HERE to view a document which details this Community Policing initiative.

Reporting a streetlight not working, a blocked grid, obstruction on the road or fly tipping is now much easier and quicker with the introduction of a new Cheshire West and Chester Council app.

Evidently all it takes is just four simple steps:

1. Pinpoint the location on a map,
2. take a photo of the fault,
3. select a category and
4. provide more information, then "Submit".

The report is then sent directly to the appropriate service to be categorised and dealt with in line with agreed timescales.

The app also has a built in ‘Report it log’, which allows residents to check the status of each of their reports.

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

PS. You can also continue to "Report It" via the Council's website from the button on the Home page of this website.

Is there a Resident, Neighbourhood Watch Coordinator/Member, someone who works in our community, or a volunteer/group who you know and lives within Cheshire who:

• goes out of their way to ensure your neighbourhood is safe?
• has done something amazing to help your neighbourhood?
• has initiated action(s) in the community to overcome nuisance or criminal activity
• has been an active coordinator for many years?
• has stepped down as an effective coordinator after many years?
• has stepped up to become a coordinator in a challenging environment?
• volunteered to assist their community during the pandemic?
  
  

The Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association (CNWA) is looking for nominations for their second Neighbourhood Awards. If you know of anyone who has done any of the above, please complete the nomination form by clicking on the following link www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3TP6QJH by midnight 30th September 2020 telling them what they have done, and why you think they deserve to win.

Winners will be decided by representatives of the Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association and invited to attend a virtual evening event in November to find out if they’ve won.

To find out further information about the Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Association, to log into your account or for Cheshire Neighbourhood Watch Literature please visit their website: http://cheshire.ourwatch.org.uk/. To contact the CNWA please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• 1 x mature beech - request to fell due to encroachment on property and also suppressed by surrounding trees. 1 x smaller beech, crown reduce to allow sunlight to garden 

  20 The Spinney Cuddington Northwich Cheshire CW8 2UH

  Ref. No: 20/03208/TPO | Received: Wed 02 Sep 2020 | Status: Awaiting decision

• Replacement of existing boundary hedge with stone retaining wall and close boarded fence 

  51 Forest Road Cuddington Northwich Cheshire CW8 2ED

  Ref. No: 20/02840/FUL | Received: Fri 07 Aug 2020 | Status: Awaiting decision

• Single storey extension 

  Gorstage Nurseries Weaverham Road Weaverham Northwich Cheshire CW8 2SG

  Ref. No: 20/02568/FUL | Received: Tue 21 Jul 2020 | Status: Awaiting decision

Police Surgeries are continuing to be held but slightly different from before the pandemic.  We suggest that you monitor the police Facebook page below for all dates of future surgeries (all Weaverham dates for September are listed here).  Please attend if you would like to discuss any concerns you have around the ward.

For general police enquiries, please visit www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/

For daily updates regarding whats going on in our ward please follow your local community policing on Facebook/Twitter
     Weaver and Cuddington police Facebook 
     @weaverCudPol - Twitter

Bus:

D&G's #82 Bus schedule: a new bus schedule came in to operation from 1st September with hourly buses in each direction - PRESS HERE for details.
Warrington's Own Buses #48A service between Frodsham & Northwich: still Wednesdays only but now three services each way - PRESS HERE for details.

Rail:

Commencing 31 August there will be an extra train on Mondays to Fridays from Stockport to Chester, calling at Cuddington at 09.14, and one from Chester to Manchester, calling at Cuddington at 1023.

After 14 September, the timetable will revert to something like the December 2019 timetable but with some trains omitted.  PRESS HERE for this new timetable (for trains from 14 September to 12 December).

Mon 28 Sept - Thurs 1 Oct: The 22.52 Chester to Manchester Piccadilly service will not run and replacement buses will be in operation arriving/departing Cuddington (shops) at 23.42hrs - PRESS HERE for full replacement bus schedule.

Always check before you travel, alterations can happen at short notice: www.northernrailway.co.uk, or 0800 200 6060.

PS. Our thanks go to David Miller, our travel expert, who researches and documents all these travel details.

The 75th anniversary of VJ Day, 15th August 2020, was made even more poignant for the residents of Sandiway and Cuddington as their war memorial containing the names of the fallen from the two world wars was officially dedicated by Lord Grey of Codnor, President of Cheshire County Royal British Legion, and Lady Grey of Codnor, National Vice President Royal British Legion women’s section, in a short ceremony officiated by Rev Ruth Mock of St John's the Evangelist Church Sandiway.

The War Memorial action group would have loved to have held an event in which everyone could have been invited but, due to Government guidelines, there were only 30 people allowed on site. However, as you can see from the photos below, there were just as many who stopped as they were passing by.

PRESS HERE for the Press Release for the War Memorial dedication.

Pictured below, from left to right, are Lord and Lady Grey of Codnor, Graeme Robinson and Pat Chrimes, Chairman of Cuddington Parish Council:

Other pictures from the day follow:

Cheshire West and Chester Council will be opening more libraries across the borough in August whilst continuing to provide a wide range of services online. Some libraries were able to reopen in July starting with Storyhouse in Chester operating with its usual opening hours. Libraries in Ellesmere Port, Neston, Northwich and Winsford opened their doors from Monday 13 July with reduced hours in place to ensure safety the number of people allowed inside at any one time.

Following the successful opening of these first sites, a further five libraries will now open. Helsby, Lache, Little Sutton, Sandiway and Upton Libraries will reopen with reduced opening hours and a limited service offer on 10 August. 

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

Update: To support a safe and managed opening, the library will have some new measures in place:

• limited numbers of people will be allowed in the building
• families will be welcome, but to ensure spaces can be managed safely, all children under 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult
• some services will be unavailable to begin with including reservations, reference stock, newspapers, local studies materials, seating, toilets, meeting rooms and customer services
• regular events and activities have been suspended and replaced with online alternatives where possible
• the Summer Reading Challenge is online and you can find out about events and activities to do at home
• there will be provision of hand sanitiser, one-way systems and floor markings to maintain social distancing
• the library will also be following Government Test and Trace guidelines
• face coverings must be worn when visiting the library.
  
  

All loans have been extended until 1 October. You can still renew your loans using the Cheshire libraries catalogue or by phoning 0300 123 7739 (24 hour renewals).

Revised opening hours

• Monday, Thursday and Saturday: 10am - 1pm
• Tuesday and Friday: 2pm - 6pm
• Wednesday and Sunday: Closed
  
  

PRESS HERE for link to web page for Sandiway Library.

PRESS HERE for more details from the St John's website.

The Northwich Guardian has reported that plans to extend the quarry in Sandiway to extract a further 350,000 tonnes of sand have been approved unanimously in a decision made by Cheshire West and Chester Council planning committee on Tuesday 4 August.  PRESS HERE for the Northwich Guardian report.

"Global building materials firm Cemex has permission to run its Forest Hill Quarry, south of the Mid Cheshire Line off Chester Road, until May 2021.  It has also now been granted permission to excavate on land to the north of the railway line over a five-year period, with a further year assigned for restoration work."

Police Surgeries are continuing to be held but slightly different from before the pandemic. The police are utilising the PCSO Van and we suggest that you monitor the police Facebook page below for all dates of future surgeries.

Our local officers will be available at Weaverham Community Centre on the following dates:

• Friday 21st August 10-11am,
• Tuesday 25th August 7-8pm.

Please attend if you would like to discuss any concerns you have around the ward.

For general police enquiries, please visit www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/

For daily updates regarding whats going on in our ward please follow your local community policing on Facebook/Twitter
     Weaver and Cuddington police Facebook 
     @weaverCudPol - Twitter

Defibrillator

The BT kiosk on Norley Road has been withdrawn from the adoption programme. The parish council approved to work with the Community Heartbeat Trust by siting a defibrillator at the adopted red kiosk in Poplar Close. The red kiosk needs cleaning and painting.

The council are looking for a Painter who would be willing to volunteer to paint the kiosk.

Weaverham Road Village Car Park

Fencing at Weaverham Road car park has been reversed into, and needs repairing.  The council are grateful to Darren Crane who has installed and repaired the fencing.

Cemetery

The extension at the Cemetery was completed by Urban in June. Unfortunately, the grass seed did not germinate and there was an explosion of weeds. These have been cut back by Northwich Town Council, but the cost will be paid by Urban. There will also be some drainage installed. The consecration of the land has been postponed due to Covid-19. The car park extension for up to 11 vehicles will be on the newly purchased land.

Boundary Lane Green

There continues to be anti-social behaviour on the play area - the parish council urge residents overlooking the play area to be vigilant and report any vandalism or ASB by calling 101. Cheshire Police are aware of the recent activity and have promised to increase patrols around the area.

Delamere Park

The whole of Delamere Park is now a 20MPH zone.

Cycling and walking routes

Cheshire West and Chester Council has secured £161,000 from the Department for Transport to help improve cycling and walking routes in the borough. Cllr Edward is looking into an improved access between Sandiway and Hartford and something for Sandiway and Weaverham

War Memorial

Funding has been received from Ward Councillors and the Parish Council to erect low fencing on Weaverham Road, adjacent to the War Memorial.  The fencing would act as a safety barrier and memorial events would be able to happen without any such traffic management plan.

The action group are aware that the public are stepping on the soil to make a short cut. Posters have been erected to try and stop this as Amazing Gardens are currently planting out the memorial garden. The official unveiling is scheduled for 15th August 2020, due to covid-19 restrictions there are only 30 people allowed to attend.

Ken Nixon

The family of the late Ken Nixon, who passed away in March, wrote to thank members for their donations to the British Heart Foundation in memory of Ken.

The family hope to have a Memorial Service when the world is a safer place for all.

Residents in west Cheshire can help review how partner agencies responsible for primary health care services and NHS community services responded during the COVID-19 pandemic. People can also suggest how services might be delivered in the future during the online meeting, which takes place on Monday, 24 August. This is the third meeting of a temporary virtual scrutiny committee of councillors from Cheshire West and Chester Council.

The committee will hear from the Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group, local primary health care services and the local NHS community services on how they have responded to the pandemic and their plans for recovery. Members are keen to hear views and experiences from residents as part of this.  This is potentially a timely opportunity to alert the Council and the CCG to the importance of retaining a surgery in Sandiway - members of the public wishing to address the committee should register their intention by 20 August (see Media Release).

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

D&G Bus company operate the "82" service between Northwich and Chester, via Mere Lane by Sandiway shops.  They are currently running a reduced service primarily to carry key workers but, they say, now that the lockdown is coming to an end they will be looking to increase services.  However it will not be possible in many cases to return services to pre-crisis timetables immediately and hence they need to know from their customers when, and where, they need to travel.

If you do travel by bus, please complete their survey to indicate which services / journeys are your priority.  PRESS HERE for the survey.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is urging residents to securely bag up coronavirus waste after an increase in used face masks being found in the borough’s recycling boxes. Following the wearing of face masks becoming mandatory in shops from 24 July there has been an increase in people disposing of their used face masks in recycling boxes – putting collection crews at risk of catching COVID-19.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as disposable gloves and face masks are not recyclable and should be disposed of securely in a general waste bin. Disposable masks and gloves can be put in litter bins when people are out and about, but if no bin is available they need to be taken home, put into a bag and then securely fastened before going into the black bin.

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

Cheshire West and Chester Council is encouraging families to think ahead and consider if they can walk, cycle or scoot to school when pupils return to the classroom in September. With reduced capacity on public transport following current Government guidance around social distancing, due to coronavirus (COVID-19), the Council is encouraging parents and carers to play their part and think about alternatives that will avoid traffic congestion, parking problems and air pollution at the school gates.

All year groups are due to return to school and colleges in September for the beginning of the autumn term. While around 3,000 children are entitled to free Home to School transport in West Cheshire, approximately another 43,000 make their own way to and from school every day. If families are travelling more than three miles to school and need to use a car, they should consider parking away from the school entrance and walking the last section of the journey to school.

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

Cheshire West and Chester Council company Vivo Care Choices has helped the NeuroMuscular Centre (NMC) adapt to life during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in a number of different ways through its Community Fund. Based in Winsford, NMC is a Centre of Excellence for people and families affected by a neuromuscular condition.

Before the pandemic, more than 400 people would visit NMC each week for face-to-face sessions, but the way it is now delivering services has changed significantly. A grant from Vivo’s Community Fund, as well as other funding streams, has helped NMC adapt to a new way of working and cope with the demands it can bring.

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

A dedicated Climate Emergency Fund, launched by Cheshire West and Chester Council, will provide a financial boost for local organisations and Council projects that are dedicated to reducing carbon emissions. From now until 30 September 2020, applicants can submit bids for a share of £300,000 available in funding round one, which relates to this financial year (2020-21). A further £7 million of Climate Emergency funding will be available from 2021 to 2024.

Eligible organisations include town and parish councils, voluntary organisations, community groups, small charities and other not-for-profit-organisations, alongside Council-run services and Council Companies (Council Companies is a term for organisations that deliver key services in partnership with the Council). Successful applicants will need to provide evidence that their projects can be implemented swiftly and will make a strongly positive contribution to the borough’s ambition of becoming carbon neutral by 2045.

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

Cheshire West and Chester Council is bringing together a network of community champions so they can play their part to keep communities safe, share important information and advice with residents and report any feedback they may have. They can be anyone who has strong links with their local community and could share important information and advice about COVID-19. This includes people who have already volunteered during the pandemic, community organisations, charities and businesses.

By setting up this network, the Council will send regular, accessible information to community champions so they can quickly pass it on to anybody who needs to see it in their community, helping avoid any local lockdowns. Community champions will also be able to get in touch with dedicated Council teams should they think improvements could be made in their communities.

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

Urgent repairs to Northwich’s Winnington Swing Bridge will begin later this month with a road closure needed. This bridge, across the River Weaver, provides the only direct route from Northwich into Barnton and normally transports a high volume of traffic.

For the repairs to be carried out the structure will need to be closed to all vehicles from 10pm on Sunday 16 August to midnight on Thursday 27 August.  Additional (shorter) closures are scheduled for September and October (see Media Release).

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

Cheshire West and Chester Council are bringing together individuals and groups who perform a caring role.

If you are a carer living in the Borough, the Council and Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group wants to hear from you as part of a consultation to inform the next strategy for carers in West Cheshire. A draft strategy had been drawn up but this needs to be challenged by stakeholders like you. The consultation is being conducted in a way that complies with the corona virus restrictions.

What is it like being an unpaid carer in 2020? Have important issues been left out of the strategy? What are your priorities?  The deadline for your responses is Sunday, 18 October 2020.

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

Cheshire West and Chester Council Council is seeking views on proposed changes to the way it charges for certain non-residential adult social care services. The aim of these proposed changes is to make charges for services fairer and easier to understand, as well as to ensure that they can be sustained in the long term.

The consultation sets out details of the proposed changes to the way the Council charges for care and support services, such as care received at home or within Extra Care housing or a Shared Lives setting, the provision of some transport and support to manage finances.

They are keen to hear views from everyone, in particular, those people who currently receive adult social care and support services.  The deadline for responses is Sunday, 18 October 2020.

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

The original 2-hourly timetable still applies, although most trains now have 4 coaches to facilitate social distancing. As things are still changing from day to day, we would suggest that potential travellers get the latest train timetables from www.northernrailway.co.uk/key-worker-timetables (Route 17) and then check any potential replacement bus schedules.

Always check before you travel, alterations can happen at short notice: www.northernrailway.co.uk, or 0800 200 6060.

PS. Our thanks go to David Miller, our travel expert, who researches and documents all these travel details.

27 July 2015: The rebuilding of the Round Tower in Sandiway is officially completed, the A556 is shut for an hour for the symbolic ribbon cutting and for residents to see inside the Grade II listed building.

PRESS HERE for a video commissioned by Grosvenor Construction which shows the behind the scenes renaissance of the Sandiway Round Tower and the determination of the people of Sandiway to save an historic icon.

PS. Thanks go to Councillor Charles Fifield for highlighting these events.

Some of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Museums and the Cheshire Archives service will be able to welcome visitors again from later in July.

Grosvenor Museum, Lion Salt Works, Weaver Hall and Stretton Mill are working hard to open their doors again over the next two weeks. The Lion Salt Works will open on 28 July and Grosvenor Museum and Weaver Hall Museum and Workhouse will open on 4 August. The Cheshire Archives and Local Studies service at Cheshire Record Office will reopen with a limited service on Tuesday 28 July.

Stretton Water Mill will announce its opening date when final health and safety arrangements have been checked.

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

To ensure you are ready to use Cuddington and Sandiway Play Areas safely, please read these simple instructions and plan ahead for safe fun this Summer:

1. The toilets on the Norley Road playground will remain closed at this time
   Update (on 9 Sept): The playground toilets are now open
2. This play equipment is checked regularly for damage, wear and tear, but is not sanitised nor disinfected.
3. This is shared equipment, used at your own risk.
4. Do not use this equipment if you or any member of your household has coronavirus symptoms or are self-isolating.
5. Make sure you have hand sanitiser with you before entering this play area.
6. Encourage everyone in your family to wash their hands with hand sanitiser regularly and as a minimum before and after using the play area.
7. Encourage children to avoid touching their faces.
8. You MUST maintain social distancing from others unless they are from the same household – current advice is to maintain at least 2mtrs and consider wearing a face mask.
9. Some equipment can only be used by one child at a time while social distancing. Please ensure your family waits at a safe distance if the equipment is in use or return later to use the equipment.
10. Try to avoid busy times.
11. If your family is wearing disposable PPE, please take it home with you or, where provided, use the bins – DO NOT LITTER.
12. Wash your hands when you get home.

Cuddington Parish Council and the Playing Field Association hope you enjoy using the play areas and thank you for helping to keep everyone safe by following these simple instructions.  PRESS HERE for poster explaning Play Area rules from the Parish Council.

A message from the church:

"We are pleased to announce that St Johns will re-open for private prayer from Monday 6th July.  There will be 3 sessions each week with stewards present to welcome you and support everyone’s safety and comfort.

• Mondays - 10am to 12pm
• Wednesday - 7pm to 9pm
• Friday - 2pm - 4pm

We will look forward to seeing you very soon."

It was kindly brought to our attention by a local resident that the afternoon postal collection at the Norley Road shops has been discontinued and that the only postboxes in the village with afternoon collection was now either the Post Office or the postbox at the Mere Lane shops.

A little local research has shown (for Mon-Fri collections):

1. Afternoon collections at Norley Road shops, Gorstage (crossroads) and A49/Ash Road have all moved to 9am collections
2. Afternoon collections at Mere Lane shops, Delamere Park club, Cuddington Lane, Bryn (A49), Hogshead Lane, Littledales Lane (top), Bag Lane/Wood's Lane, and Onston Lane have all been retained (times may have changed slightly)
3. One box (on Dalesford Lane) has disappeared completely! (evidently moved half mile down road due to parking problem)

Note that all Postal Collection times can be found by pressing on the link at the bottom of the Home page of this website.

Coronavirus Test Kit returns

Some postboxes now have a "Priority Postbox" sticker which indicates that these are for rapid COVID-19 test-kit returns ( PRESS HERE for explanation). These postboxes are currently Sandiway Post Office, Mere Lane shops, Delamere Park, Cuddington Lane, Bryn (A49), Onston Lane and Hogshead Lane

Parish Council meetings are currently being held in accordance with Local Authorities and Police & Crime Panels (Coronavirus) (Flexibility of Local Authority and Crime Panels Meeting) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020. This means that members of the public are invited to join the meeting via Zoom.

Message from Nichola Devey, our Police PCSO:

"Police Surgeries will be commencing again but slightly different from last time. We will be utilising the PCSO Van.
The first mobile police surgery (was) on Thursday 2nd July 1900-2000hrs in the car park @Weaverham Community Centre"

For general police enquiries, please visit www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/

For daily updates regarding whats going on in our ward please follow your local community policing on Facebook/Twitter
     Weaver and Cuddington police Facebook 
     @weaverCudPol - Twitter

Sunday 12 and 19 July: all trains will be replaced by buses between Chester and Stockport, with unspecified train connections between Stockport and Manchester.  Replacement bus schedules for 12 and 19 July are:
Cuddington to Stockport at 0954, 1155, 1355, 1555, 1755, 1955, 2149
Cuddington to Chester at 1055,1305,1505, 1705, 1905, 2105, 2310.
PRESS HERE for full replacement bus schedule for both Sundays.

Monday to Saturday departures to Chester are at 0815, 0948 and every 2 hours until 2148.
To Manchester, they are at 0713, 0923 and every 2 hours until 1922 and 2123. 
The Sunday service is unchanged. 
The original 2-hourly timetable still applies, although most trains now have 4 coaches to facilitate social distancing. As things are still changing from day to day, we would suggest that potential travellers get the latest train timetables from www.northernrailway.co.uk/key-worker-timetables (Route 17) and then check any potential replacement bus schedules.

Always check before you travel, alterations can happen at short notice: www.northernrailway.co.uk, or 0800 200 6060.

PS. Our thanks go to David Miller, our travel expert, who researches and documents all these travel details.

Parish Council seeking a new Councillor

Cuddington Parish Council are looking for one new Parish Councillor - could you fit the bill?

PRESS HERE to see what it takes and what you can expect in return.

Parish Council meetings to resume from July

Following the Government’s announcement on 23rd June that Community Centres can open again, the parish council will be able to hold a statutory meeting on 13th July 2020 from 7.15pm in the Village main hall.  “Social distancing”. hand sanitisers, gloves and masks for Councillors, and these will be available for members of the public too.

As usual there will be no meeting in August followed by the next on Monday 21st September.

Note that our Village Hall is likely to reopen from Monday 6th July but under very strict guidelines and with only the main hall in use.

Playgrounds reopening

Children’s play areas at Boundary Lane Green and Norley Road will re-open on 4th July 2020, as per our government’s advice. Notices will be displayed advising the public of the necessary two metre social distancing.

Parish Council Internal Audit

The Internal Audit has been completed, and all council files returned to the office. There were no matters of concern.

The red kiosk (formerly telephone box) in Poplar Close

The Parish Council have now adopted the red kiosk in Poplar Close and have agreed to go ahead and work with Community Heartbeat Trust, to provide the community with a defibrillator. The Kiosk will be brought back to a colourful red kiosk, prior to the installation of the defibrillator. If any members of the public wish to volunteer and paint the telephone kiosk all materials will be supplied.

BT will be informed when the defibrillator has been fitted. BT can then guarantee that they will retain responsibility & costs for the power supply in the kiosk for a 7-year period.

Bicycle Marking Event

PCSO Davey is to organise a bike marking event for the residents of Cuddington and Sandiway. This is because in other areas across Northwich there has been an increase in theft of bikes. The parish council have agreed to contribute £250.00 towards this event.

Zebra Crossing – Norley Road

The relining of works has now been completed on the A49, and Highways have stated that until pedestrian refuge on the A49 and the contractor is paid, they do not know how much is left in the pot to do the zebra crossing on Norley Road.

Weaverham Road Village Car Park

Once again fly tipping has been removed from the area, signs have been erected in the Notice Boards and it is also on the village website advising that Fly tipping of controlled waste, e.g. household, industrial and commercial waste, is a serious criminal offence that carries a fine of up to £50,000 or prison sentence of up to 5 years.

"As I mentioned previously, the CWAC coronavirus helpline times have changed to 8am – 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am – 6pm on Saturday www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 0300 123 7031. 
Recent developments include:

• CWAC has secured some supermarket delivery slots for the most vulnerable (shielding) are available for Tesco and Iceland by contacting the hotline above.
• CWAC is one of the 11 Councils selected to implement track and trace. There is an app called c-19 app which tracks the spread of the disease and symptoms – Please note this isn’t a CWAC app.
• CWAC are calling on residents to play their part – if you start to show symptoms of Coronavirus please self-report and self-isolate.
• Care providers will benefit from a national £600 million infection fund to tackle covid-19. CWAC has £4 million of this fund to distribute for the improvement of infection control measures in care homes.
• CWAC has launched its walk, ride and thrive campaign. The Borough has seen a dramatic fall in traffic volumes during the pandemic and now CWAC want to hear people’s views about where walking and cycling improvements can be made. Ideas can be emailed to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
• Residents are being warned to be wary of scammers as 1 in 3 people are being targeted by scammers pretending to be from the NHS as Coronavirus contact tracing launches in the UK (more in the Newsroom below)
• The online summer reading challenge has been launched.
• Restrictions on events and gatherings continues until the end of June and if infection rates start to increase locally or nationally, then a return to tighter restrictions could happen.
• The Council's housing management system, For Housing, has been working to ensure that all services continue to be delivered. Routine repairs have now recommenced with the exclusion of those residents in shieling households.
• Birth registrations have now been reinstated.
• Please take part in the Stronger Futures engagement exercise to re-build the Borough https://participatenow.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/stronger-futures
• Have loved seeing all the fundraising activities in support of Chester Zoo, why not capture them on the inspire website to let everyone know the amazing work that you are doing www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/inspire
• Armed forces week begins 22 June with Armed Forces Day taking place on 27 June.
• Research shows that learning new skills can boost self confidence, raise self confidence, raise self esteem and help you connect with others.
• CWACs next Climate emergency taskforce meeting will take place on Tuesday 23 June 2020at 6.00pm focussing on housing and land use. The meeting will take place virtually via teams. If you would like to join please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for joining details."

The following scam has started in the community and residents should be aware:

"Good morning, I'm calling from the NHS track and trace service. According to our system, you are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested postive for COVID-19. This means that you now need to self-isolate for 7 days and take a COVID-19 test."

'OK. Can you tell me who that person was?'

"I'm not able to tell you that. That is confidential information. But you do need to be tested within the next 72 hours. So can I just get the best mailing address so that we can send a kit to you?"

...gives address

"Thank you - and I just need to take a payment card so that we can finalise this and send the kit to you."

PLEASE DO NOT GIVE OUT ANY BANKING OR SOCIAL MEDIA LOGIN DETAILS TO ANY SUCH CALLER. 
TESTING WILL ONLY BE REQUIRED IF YOU SUBSEQUENTLY SHOW SYMPTOMS.

Advice from the Government / Police is:

• If someone has been in close contact with an infected person, the NHS Test and Trace service will alert them via text or email.
• They will be asked to log into the Test and Trace website so they can communicate with the team, or a contact tracer can call them directly (contact tracers will only call you from the number 0300 013 5000) - anyone who does not wish to talk over the phone can request that the NHS Test and Trace service send an email or text instead, inviting them to log into the web-based service.
• For those under 18, they will receive a call from the team and a parent or guardian must give permission for the call to continue.
• All text or emails sent by NHS Test and Trace will ask people to sign into the contact tracing website and will provide you with a unique reference number. We would advise people to type the web address https://contact-tracing.phe.gov.uk directly into their browser, followed by the unique reference number given to you, rather than clicking on any link provided in any message.
• The individual will be asked to isolate for up to 14-days, depending on when they last came into contact with the infected person.
• Members of their household will not have to isolate with them, but must take “extra care” to follow social distancing and hand-washing guidelines.
• If that person, or members of their household, do develop symptoms they must book a test via nhs.uk/coronavirus or calling 119.
• If the test is positive they must continue to isolate for 7 days. If the test is negative, they must still complete the 14-day self-isolation period, as the virus may not be detectable yet.

From around 2013 and during the making of a village plan in 2015, residents were vocal that one thing they would like to see in a prominent place in the village was a war memorial garden.

Momentum grew after children from Cuddington & Sandiway primary schools placed crosses with the names of village fallen and others known to their families during the centenary and the siting of the WW1 bench. So, an action group was set up and a small team of residents have worked tirelessly on the planning, design, creation and fundraising of the war memorial garden.

On behalf of the action group Julie Chrimes said: "A War Memorial links the past to the present and enable’s people to remember and respect the sacrifice of those who died, fought, participated or were affected by all conflicts.  Memorials can be an important source of information for young people in understanding the sacrifices made by past generations.  It will represent a focal point for remembrance both individual and collective, particularly on occasions such as Remembrance Sunday or anniversary events.  The action group are delighted that Cuddington & Sandiway will at last have its own War Memorial."

The action group are extremely grateful for all the donations received which were from: The Ark Café, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Ward Councillors, local residents and a non-resident, London Stone PLP Construction Ltd, Vale Royal Lions, Whitby’s Memorial Services, WVHT, but in particular to Amazing Gardens and Ringway Infrastructure Services Ltd.

The official opening is scheduled for the 15th August, the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, marking both the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War.

"As I mentioned previously, the CWAC coronavirus helpline times have changed to 8am – 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am – 6pm on Saturday www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/coronavirus 0300 123 7031. 
Recent developments include:

• Limited supermarket delivery slots are available for residents who are shielding by contacting the helpline number above
• Restrictions have now been lifted for the clinically vulnerable, however CWAC advises caution
• CWAC is one of the 11 Councils selected to implement track and trace. There is an app called c-19 app which tracks the spread of the disease and symptoms – please note this isn’t a CWAC app.
• Non essential retailers will be open from 15 June and work is well underway to re-open our high streets safely including carparks etc
• Care providers will benefit from a national £600 million infection fund to tackle covid-19
• The online summer reading challenge has been launched
• Lockdown has seen an increase in cycling and walking which is great, all contributing to our carbon neutrality target. Bike Week takes place 6 – 14 June
• Restrictions on events and gatherings continues until the end of June and if infection rates start to increase locally or nationally, then a return to tighter restrictions could happen
• Please be vigilant, there are various Council Tax scams around at the moment. You will only be contacted by your local authority CWAC about your Council Tax, not central Government
• The Councils housing management system, For Housing, has been working to ensure that all services continue to be delivered. Routine repairs have now recommenced with the exclusion of those residents in shieling households
• Please take part in the Stronger Futures engagement exercise to re-build the Borough https://participatenow.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/stronger-futures

I have loved seeing all the fundraising activities in support of Chester Zoo, why not capture them on the inspire website to let everyone know the amazing work that you are doing www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/inspire "

Manager Gaz Harwood made the following announcement on Twitter earlier this month:

"It’s with great sadness & Regret but today I’ve made the decision to take a step back from football & fold #CuddyFC it’s been an amazing journey & Id like to thank everyone who’s been involved over the years 'From small acorns, grow mighty oaks' #CuddyFC"

PRESS HERE for full report from Northwich Guardian.

The Good News:
HOUSEHOLD WASTE RECYCLING CENTRES in Winsford and Northwich reopened in mid-May - queues can be long and so only use if your need is urgent; "otherwise, please store your waste safely at home until normal services resume". PRESS HERE for the latest news from the council's waste recycling centres.

The Better News:
GREEN BIN RECYCLING will restart from Thursday 4 June.  A message from the Council:
"Garden Waste collections were suspended in March at the start of the coronavirus pandemic lockdown as staff sickness levels in the workforce increased, and this decision ensured the domestic waste and recycling service could continue to operate as normal. Staff sickness levels have fallen in recent weeks and more staff are now available to collect residents’ garden waste in addition to providing the usual service.
Collections will return to the previously advertised schedule from Thursday 4 June 2020 and we will continue to monitor the national Covid risk rating, infection rate, and the continued availability of staff in the weeks to come to ensure we can continue to run all services while ensuring staff safety.
Residents will be asked not to overfill their bins or to leave additional garden waste next to their bin, as crews will not be able to collect any side waste and they will be asked to put their green bin out by 7am on their normal scheduled collection day.
We will only be able to empty garden waste containers once on the scheduled collection day. Excess garden waste can be composted, taken to the nearest recycling centre or placed into the garden waste container ready for the next scheduled collection. Household waste and recycling collections will continue as normal."
PRESS HERE for the latest news from the council's waste collection service.

and the (really) Bad News:
FLYTIPPING.  Several episodes of flytipping have been reported around the village, especially at the Weaverham Road car park.
The Parish Council urge residents to take note of any suspicious activity, especially on or near to Weaverham Road car park, after recent activity. If you witness this, please pass details to the Clerk to the Council on 01606-852444.
If you need to dispose of household waste, it's important to know you have responsibility for making sure it's done so legally.  Whether you hire a company or a 'man with a van' to take away your waste, you must make sure whoever collects your rubbish disposes of it responsibly and legally.
If your rubbish gets flytipped and you cannot prove you took the necessary steps before paying for its disposal, you're responsible.  PRESS HERE to learn what these necessary steps are.

It has come to our attention that people are attempting to enter the playground next to the Village Hall to allow children to use the play equipment.  This playground remains most definitely CLOSED and will be so until Covid-19 Government regulations allow and all the signage is removed.

This comes at a time when the Government is relaxing some rules around certain sports and indeed Cuddington and Sandiway Tennis Club have now opened up their courts under very strict guidelines as laid down by the Government and the LTA to allow play for members.

Cheshire West and Chester Council have issued a leaflet providing help and advice to local residents who are self-isolating from the Covid-19 pandemic.  Also you can PRESS HERE to learn how you can get other specific help from the Council.

[Click on the image below for a full screen copy]

The Parish Council have recently funded the following:

• Hand Sanitisers were distributed to the vulnerable in the village, the Premier shop on Norley Road and the Ark Café added them to home deliveries, Sandiway Lodge, Redwalls and Sandiway Manor received them and so did the Village Hall and the Youth Club for when it is open again.
• Bike Marking Event – The Parish Council have donated to £250 to cover the cost of a “Bike Marking” event for residents of Cuddington and Sandiway. PCSO Nichola Davey will be organising the event. This is because in other areas across Northwich have seen an increase in theft of bikes.
• Chiltern Close. Residents contacted the parish council regarding the positioning of a hedge outside Tall Trees, CWaC Highways Principal Engineer visited the site, along with their legal team and agreed the definitive hedge line. The hedge that had been planted within the highway has now been removed. Both parties have agreed that the marker posts indicate the highway boundary. A fence has now been erected on that line.
• Norley Road Playing Fields. Whilst the playground facilities have been closed, the Playing Fields Association have been busy organising the installation of new safety matting to some of the older play equipment. This is a fabulous spot for children to play once the Government ease restrictions.
  
• Ken Nixon memorial bench – The council have decided that the ideal place to site a memorial bench for Ken would be on Weaverham Road field as Ken was instrumental in the creation of this football field for youngsters back in 2005. The bench will be sited close to the huge oak tree.

A message from Gillian Edwards, one of our CWaC borough councillors:

"Given the relaxation of lockdown, I thought it might be useful to summarise some of the recent changes implemented by CWAC.

We are all being encouraged by the Government to wear face coverings where possible, however not while exercising, in schools or in workplaces such as offices and retail.  The CWAC coronavirus helpline times have changed to 8am – 7pm Monday to Friday and 8am – 6pm on Saturday - www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/coronavirus or 0300-123-7031.

Some highlights:

• CWAC is one of the 11 Councils selected to implement track and trace.
• You may have heard that the much-awaited news regarding green bins has been released. The service is to be reinstated on 4 June. If you have any questions please feel free to email me This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. You will notice that we are unable to collect additional bags – I am working to try and find a solution for this.
• The re-opening of the household recycling centres has been welcomed and the social isolation rules are working well with everyone being very respectful. You can now take your waste in a van, pick up or trailer.
• CWAC tennis courts, Multi Use Games Areas and skate parks will be open but not playgrounds or open gyms due to the risk of close contact. Community centres are expected to open during June.
• We are working to re-open schools by 8 June, parents will already have been advised if their school is to open on this date.
• Outdoor markets and car show rooms will be open from 1 June
• Non essential retailers will be open from 15 June.
• A cross sector group has been established to support cities and towns.
• Lockdown has seen an increase in cycling and walking which is great, all contributing to our carbon neutrality target. Bike Week takes place 6 – 14 June.
• Restrictions on events and gatherings continues until the end of June and if infection rates start to increase locally or nationally, then a return to tighter restrictions could happen.

Please be vigilant, there are various Council Tax scams around at the moment. You will only be contacted by your local authority CWAC about your Council Tax, not central Government.

Last but not least, Volunteers Week starts this week so why not post some of your experiences about the amazing community groups that have been set up to aid Covid-19 at www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/inspire "

Cheshire West and Chester Council has been working hard to continue with plans for Northwich Outdoor Market following the fire on 3 January, which damaged the building beyond repair. The Council has now received approval from its insurers to proceed with a full demolition of the market.

A planning application for the demolition phase has now been submitted and the Council along with their demolition team, is currently putting a programme together for the work, details of which will be released shortly.

Both the indoor and outdoor markets form part of the Weaver Square masterplan, which is still in development. The Council will be engaging with both businesses and residents once in a position to do so and safe methods of engagement can be identified. This will also help shape the medium and long term options for the covered market site.

Councillor Richard Beacham, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Growth said: “I know how important it is for residents and businesses around Weaver Square that the damaged market building is sensitively cleared as soon as possible. The building’s shell is a sad reminder of what happened earlier this year, but for businesses in the square and in the indoor market that will want to re-open following the lockdown, it is important that we are making good progress. During the pandemic the investigations on site have been concluded and with approval from insurers we are able to proceed to the next phase.

“We understand that this has been an extremely stressful and difficult time for traders and we will continue to offer our support to them and keep them informed along the way.”

Update: The demolition of the fire damaged outdoor market in Northwich will begin on Monday, 29 June for period of around six weeks. The works will be undertaken on behalf of the Council by Cawarden Demolition Ltd.  Once the demolition work is complete, the Council will be undertaking some improvement works on the site. The designs for this are currently still ongoing and further details will be released once they have been finalised.

Message from Nichola Devey, our Police PCSO:

"I hope everyone is keeping well and staying safe.

During these times it remains our priority in keeping our communities safe, We have changed some of our working practices to ensure we keep the public safe as well as our staff.

Myself and other PCSO'S continue to be visible in the communities and are regularly attending key locations like shops and open spaces to ensure people are following the current guidelines.

We’re doing our best to help our communities during this health emergency. Please only call 999 in an emergency or 101 if it’s urgent, or if you can use our online services. If you need to make an essential journey to speak to an officer at a police station you can still do so at Northwich Police station between 2pm and 3pm everyday, excluding bank holidays. Please note if attending in person additional safety measures for you and our staff are in place.

Thank-you."

For general police enquiries, please visit www.cheshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/

For daily updates regarding whats going on in our ward please follow your local community policing on Facebook/Twitter
     Weaver and Cuddington police Facebook 
     @weaverCudPol - Twitter

Monday to Saturday departures to Chester are at 0815, 0948 and every 2 hours until 2148.
To Manchester, they are at 0713, 0923 and every 2 hours until 1922 and 2123.
The Sunday service is unchanged.
The original 2-hourly timetable still applies, although most trains now have 4 coaches to facilitate social distancing. As things are still changing from day to day, we would suggest that potential travellers get the latest train timetables from www.northernrailway.co.uk/key-worker-timetables (Route 17) and then check any potential replacement bus schedules.

MCRUA has queried why, when the "Key Worker" timetables were introduced, the original reduced service was improved on other lines, but not on ours. Apparently we do not have any key workers who need extra trains. We have pointed out the number of care homes, schools, supermarkets, etc. served by the line but know of only one case of specific difficulty. If there are key workers in the area who have difficulty with the current service, they could complain to Northern, e.g. using the complaints form on Northern's web site.

Always check before you travel, alterations can happen at short notice: www.northernrailway.co.uk, or 0800 200 6060.

PS. Our thanks go to David Miller, our travel expert, who researches and documents all these travel details.