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 2 November. 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.

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."

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.

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 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.

Update: October 2020 - The Council will be working with the community heartbeat trust to install the defibrillator in the phone kiosk in Poplar Close. They have been successful in getting Weaver Vale Housing Trust apprentices to paint the red kiosk.

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.

This threat has not gone away.

Being very mindful of the effect on GP and NHS resources of the current Covid -19 pandemic, we wrote to the head of the Danebridge Medical Practice on 23rd March to request that they suspend their process for closure of Sandiway Surgery. Danebridge replied that their “intention (is) to continue with the process for closure of Sandiway at this time”

Therefore, while we have deliberately refrained from any media communication since that time, the Action Group has been busy preparing a number of reports for the relevant NHS committees and Cheshire West and Chester committees, which will be presented to them if and when the application for closure is made by the Practice.

When these reports are presented they will be posted on this website for all patients to see.

We continue to have the full support of the Parish Council, our MP Edward Timpson and our Borough Councillors, Charles Fifield, Gillian Edwards and Paul Williamson.

Meanwhile there is an opportunity for you to hear what is happening in NHS Cheshire, and to voice your opinion on the proposals for Primary Care in our village by joining in a 'Cheshire Chat' webinar - see below:

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of ex Councillor Chris Lees. Chris served the council for over 20 years; he also served two years as Chairman, and was still a member of the joint cemetery committee.  He is fondly remembered for his great contribution to our community, especially the creation of Boundary Lane Green Play area.  Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Chris will be missed but not forgotten.

"Residents should only visit a recycling centre if the journey is absolutely necessary. This means that if items stored at home cause a health and safety risk such as injury, illness or harm to the household then the trip is essential. Otherwise, please store your waste safely at home until normal services resume.".  PRESS HERE for the latest news from the council's recycling service.

Rail:
  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.
As things are changing rapidly, we would suggest that potential travellers (key workers only should be using them!) get the latest train timetables from www.northernrailway.co.uk/key-worker-timetables (Route 17) and then check any potential replacement bus schedules.

Update: On Sunday 24 May, the first four trains each way will be replaced by buses, departing Chester and Manchester at the times that the trains would have left. Departures from Cuddington will be at 0954, 1148, and 1349 to Manchester, and 1554 to Stockport only. To Chester, buses will depart at 1059, 1255, 1501 and 1701.  PRESS HERE for revised timetable for this day.

Buses:
  Route 82 departs to Chester at 0718 and every 2 hours until 1718 , and to Northwich at 0840 and every 2 hours until 1840.
  Route 48A on Wednesdays only departs to Northwich at 1045 and 1445, to Frodsham at 0921 and 1321.

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.

Many villagers will be sad to learn of the death of Rob Hulson at the relatively young age of 68. Rob, an inspirational and charismatic teacher was Deputy Head at Cuddington Primary School during the 1980s. He lost a short battle with cancer earlier this month. Former pupils and colleagues will doubtless remember him fondly and value the privilege of having worked alongside him.

Our thoughts are with his wife Lynda and children Sam and Lydia at this sad time.

The Ark are offering doorstep delivery of a sandwich and cake lunch each Friday to those who fall into a high risk category and are self-isolating: over 70s, those with long term health conditions, those who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system.

If you fit into one of these categories, please either:

• Send your order by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or
• Phone on 07955-600570 (between 9am and 12noon on a Thursday), or
• Request a paper copy and put it in the post box next to The Ark door.

If you would like further information, please email or call. Also, see the Ark Cafe's Facebook page: facebook.com/arkcafesandiway/ for up-to-date information.

Message from Littlers Butchers: "As we are now descending into what looks like a severe crisis of health and confidence we think it is only right that we look after our customers who may feel under pressure and fear isolation.

We are now offering a free daily doorstep delivery service in conjunction with Fruitlands fruit and veg shop in Sandiway.

Please ring all orders to our Sandiway shop on 01606 883146 as that is where we will be coordinating the service from."

This news item is to inform residents of whatever help is being set up to help the vulnerable and anyone who is self isolating for any reason.

Please be aware that things are changing very quickly and we cannot guarantee that the information given here will not have changed when you read this - please contact the provider to confirm.

CUDDINGTON NEWS are offering a home delivery service.  You can order by phone on 01606 852585.

SNOW ANGELS: We are supporting older people at the moment with telephone befriending calls, help with shopping and delivering prescriptions, dog walking and delivering emergency food parcels through Mid Cheshire Foodbank.  We are always glad to have volunteers and at this time we particularly need people to help out.
If you are an older person who would like support please contact us on 0300 666 6226 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. If you would like to volunteer you can download our application form here www.snowangels.org.uk/get-involved/ or phone us (0300-666-6226) and we will send you one out in the post.

DELAMERE PARK: The Trustees are setting up a system to connect volunteers to help out neighbours as needed. If you need some help with shopping etc please contact reception (01606 889263) and provide contact details which we can pass on to one of the volunteers.  If you are happy to help neighbours with shopping etc during the next few weeks please get in touch with reception and leave your address and contact details.

Mid Cheshire Foodbank reports that they are struggling at the present time. The number of donations has fallen dramatically just as demand for their services goes up.

If you can help please contact them on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Local donation points include St John’s Church in Sandiway, Sainsburys in Hartford, St Mary’s church in Weaverham (Saturdays 10am-2pm) as well as Tesco, ASDA and Waitrose in Northwich.

It is with sadness that we report that Ken Nixon has passed away after a long illness.

A Parish Councillor for over 45 years, he only retired last year. He was an invaluable source of local knowledge and history and thrived on serving the community, representing the interests of so many people in a wide range of issues. Well known for hardly ever missing a meeting, he was instrumental in organising local events as well as improving and creating facilities in the village for all age groups.

He held many roles in public service including Chairman of Governors at Cuddington School, Chairman of the Parish Council, he was on the Management Committee of the Playing Fields and assisted business start-ups for the Princes’ Trust.

In 2018 he was given the Citizenship Award for outstanding commitment to the Cuddington and Sandiway community. He was always a cheerful face who gave wise counsel and will be sorely missed.

Owing to the national circumstances, there will be a Memorial Service at a later date.

Tuesday 14 to Thursday 16 April (and possibly Monday 13): the 2201 from Chester (2223 from Cuddington) will call additionally at Heaton Chapel and Levenshulme. Buses replace the 2252 Chester to Manchester (calling at Cuddington at 2342), and 2341 Manchester to Chester (setting down only at Cuddington at 0136). An additional bus departs Knutsford at 0025 (Wednesday to Friday mornings) to Chester, calling at Cuddington at 0108.
PRESS HERE for replacement bus schedule.

UPDATE: However, these buses possibly won't run!  As things are changing rapidly, we would suggest that potential travellers (key workers only should be using them!) get the latest train timetables from www.northernrailway.co.uk/key-worker-timetables (Route 17) and then check that these bus schedules still apply.

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

Not only is the Village Hall closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but now also the children's playground is closed with immediate effect, as well as the adjacent public toilets.

The Village Hall management urge all members of the public to follow the government guideline on social distancing, and to please stay away from all the equipment on the playground.

Note that the hall surroundings and the playground are constantly monitored by CCTV.

Danebridge Medical Practice has decided to close Sandiway Surgery, on a temporary basis, during this Covid-19 (coronavirus) pandemic - PRESS HERE to read their reasons.

Should you need to speak to the Surgery for a medical issue, please phone 01606-544544.  Repeat prescriptions can continue to be posted through their letterbox at Sandiway and they will be collected daily.

If you live in Cuddington or Sandiway, you may have noticed that your green bin was not emptied last Friday (20 March).  The Cheshire West and Chester Council have decided that "all collections of garden waste will be suspended so that resources can be concentrated on maintaining a regular household refuse collection service".  PRESS HERE for the latest news from the council's recycling service.

Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire West Voluntary Action (CWVA) and the voluntary and community sector are all working closely together to provide an opportunity for residents to volunteer in the fight against COVID-19.

An online form has been created for residents to pledge their support for local communities, helping to make sure west Cheshire’s most vulnerable residents have access to things like essential food and medical supplies, as well as somebody to keep in touch with during any periods of self isolation.

Once residents have completed the online form, CWVA will signpost them to the charities and community groups in their area so they can do their bit to tackle COVID-19. Residents can also state what kind of volunteering they would be interested in so they can be matched with the ideal charity or community group.

    Register your support for the community now

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

Following the Government's recommendations of Monday 16 March in relation to COVID 19, a number of events and classes around the Village have either been cancelled or postponed.  As they are made know to us, they are added to the new "What's Off" page (see new menu item at top of screen) and removed from the "What's On" calendar.

Update:
Cuddington and Sandiway Gala Day, which was scheduled for Saturday 6 June, has been cancelled!
The Village Hall is closed for all activities with immediate effect; the children’s playground and public toilets are now also CLOSED.
All activities in the Church Hall are cancelled for the foreseeable future.
All Parish Council meetings are cancelled with immediate effect until early June at the earliest.
All regular group activities and events at Sandiway Library are suspended until further notice.
St John's Church will not be open for services this Sunday, for midweek worship or for our regular Saturday morning open church and other activities. In the light of government guidance around non-essential contact, the Archbishops of Canterbury and York have issued advice that public worship is suspended until further notice. However, from Wednesday 1st April, the church will be open for personal prayer during 10am-12noon on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday and 7-9pm on Wednesday. In church you will be able to pick up a copy of the sermon for the week and some ideas to guide your prayers. Foodbank donations can be left in the box in church. (Check out St John’s Facebook Page and website for prayers and activities for children and adults.)
The Ark Cafe and all other gatherings in the Church Hall are also cancelled until further notice.  However The Ark Cafe will be trialling sandwich deliveries on Fridays in April for those who are self-isolating (see News story above).

To help the community to continue to use the Library service, some rules have been relaxed during the coming weeks:

• Extended all loans until the end of April
• Halted any new fines incurring
• Increased the loan limit to 30 items
• Removed the limit on all renewals
• Removed the charge for holds not collected
• Extended Hold Collection times to 3 weeks

Remember that you can also access eBooks, Audio downloads, and eMagazines free of charge via their website:
    www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/libraries

You can also renew your loans online by either:

• phoning 0300-123-7739 (24 hour renewals), or
• email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Update: All libraries have now been CLOSED due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Club are pleased to announce the appointment of Alex King as their new Head Coach. He has taken up the role at the club where he first started playing at the age of nine. Alex quickly progressed to represent his county at junior level and played tournaments all over the country reaching British Tour and ITF standard. He achieved successes in a number of Grade 3 level tournaments including winning the West Bridgeford Junior Open and finishing runner up in the North of England Junior Tennis Championships. Alex later spent some time on the senior ITF circuit playing in futures events. He is now a level 3 coach and currently undertaking his level 4 Senior Coach qualification.

Since moving over to coaching Alex has had over 10 years experience working in high performance tennis and has had the opportunity to learn from and work alongside recognised senior coaches at an international level. Alex was the coach of a 15 year old junior player at Wrexham who, whilst under his guidance, won the Welsh National Championships in Under 16s, 18s and Open categories. The player also went on to make the last 16 in the GB winter national tour finals in Roehampton in both under 16s and 18s.

Last year, Alex moved back to Cuddington and assisted the Cuddington A team at the club return to Division One of the Mid and South Cheshire Tennis League where they hope to do well this season.

As well as helping players of all ages and abilities to improve their game Alex would dearly love to discover a budding future champion in our local area.

This month, March 2020, sees the publication of the fifth book by local writer and historian Jill King:

'FOUR LIVES - Pioneer, Slave Owner, Poet, Schoolteacher.'

Each of the lives has strong connections to Cuddington, Sandiway and its environs and all with a very different story to tell.

PRESS HERE to learn more of this most interesting book.

"After the shambolic consultation meeting held by Danebridge Medical Practice at Sandiway School on 26th February, hopefully you will have seen the coverage that we generated in the Northwich Guardian online and in print on 5th March edition.

Since then, we have continued with the weekly meetings of our Action Group. We have been looking into the ownership of the Practice and its buildings, and last week we prepared a briefing note in preparation for our meeting with Rt. Hon Edward Timpson MP on 6th March.

Four of the Group spent over an hour with Edward and we felt the meeting went very well, he is very supportive of what we are doing and he gave us some additional suggestions which we will act upon. He will now write to all the relevant organisations involved in the process, and in terms of raising the profile of the issue, he has now secured a time in Parliament on Tuesday 10th March to put a question to Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care. The session is due to start in the House of Commons at 11.30am and it will be broadcast on BBC Parliament."

You might also find these 2 similar cases interesting:
    Fairstead Surgery – Kings Lynn, saved from closure.
    Pilsley proposed closure – House of Commons debate.

The Action Group have already been in touch with the Borough Councillors involved in the Fairstead case.

You can contact the Action Group via email : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Update (11 March): Edward Timpson raised the issue as promised (PRESS HERE for a transcript of the parliamentary session) but Jo Churchill, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, countered with comments about a CQC report which "highlighted safety concerns at Sandiway surgery, and significant investment is required to bring the premises up to standard" (not in the report which we can see!).  Discussions will continue.

Approximately 200 local residents arrived at Sandiway Primary School to hear feedback from Danebridge Partners and managers following the survey of all their patients regarding the proposed closure of the Sandiway Surgery. Unfortunately this volume of interest was higher than Danebridge had anticipated and half of the attendees were held in classrooms nearby whilst the early arriving attendees were accommodated.

A number of slides were displayed around the hall showing some of the feedback from the survey (PRESS HERE to display the full set) - unfortunately the slide showing the high rejection percentages of the closure proposal was missing due to "administrative oversight".  In fact the missing slide (available post meeting) showed that the majority of all patient responses were against the closure plan and 79% of all local responses were against closure (only 16% were in favour).

The format of the evening devised by Danebridge was to split the attendees on to 10 separate tables with a Danebridge employee/Partner on each to discuss concerns and offer some answers.  Unfortunately this format proved too difficult to manage and did not deliver answers to their many questions.  Many residents feel that the consultation has avoided many of the key issues and diverted attention away from practical solutions.  Too many fear that the Partners have made up their mind and are just going through the various process 'hoops' before seeking agreement to closure from the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG).

The second set of attendees were allowed into the hall after a 35 minute wait and, soon after, the first group were invited to leave.

The Residents Action Group are meeting with local MP Edward Timpson on 6th March and he will be discussing the situation later in March with Matt Hancock, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

Taylor Wimpey have provided an update. They imply that the Parish Council have agreed to the hand-over for the benefit of the local allotment association. Taylor Wimpey have not to date provided the Parish Council with a proposal. The Parish Council looks forward to receiving such a proposal.

"We remain committed to delivery of the allotments in accordance with the original proposals and look forward to handing these over to the Parish Council upon completion of the development.

Regrettably as previously advised this has been delayed by further on-site works that are required before the development is complete.

Following confirmation of the remedial work schedule Taylor Wimpey are now able to confirm that work on the allotments will begin in summer 2020 and we anticipate that works will be completed in the Autumn with a view to them being handed over to the Parish Council upon completion."

This consultation is important particularly in view of the proposal to close Sandiway Surgery. There is a drop- in session at Northwich Memorial Court on Thursday 19th March 10.00- 12 noon and 4.00- 6.00pm.

Cheshire West and Chester Council currently provide over 100,000 Community Transport journeys a year for approximately 800 residents. The current contract to provide this service is due to end in March 2021 and everyone is invited to take part in a consultation to comment on proposals to ensure the community transport meets their needs for the future.

In all parts of the UK , on every day of the year, thousands of Community Transport staff and volunteers are helping people to stay independent, participate in their communities and access vital public services and employment. Community Transport provides flexible and accessible-community led solutions. This is often the only means of transport for many vulnerable and isolated people, often older people or people with disabilities.

Typical services include community bus services, dial a ride and group hire services, voluntary car schemes and school or college transport which transports residents from home to a specified destination. Community Transport services operate alongside commercial bus services as well as bus services which the Council has to help sustain through its own funding. Bus services across the country have been under a lot of pressure for many years and many have stopped operating.

Although this consultation is about Community Transport, these services cannot be seen as separate from other bus services which the Council wants to sustain. The Council is conducting a wider review of their work to protect and extend bus services, including for school pupils and in rural areas. The Views collected through this consultation will help ensure this wider review fully reflects all views expressed.

There is a suggestion to provide the service to a greater numbers of residents for example, transport routes to college for students with Special Educational Needs, rural transport routes and routes to Medical Centres. It is also proposed to offer communities an opportunity to start their own volunteer Community Transport driver schemes. This would include advice on how to set up a scheme and how to operate taking into account safety and legal regulations.

PRESS HERE for questionnaire on line or email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

"In light of the current situation with the Coronavirus I will be cancelling my face to face Surgeries, However I will be available to speak to via social media, email and phone 📱 📞💻. The next advertised surgery is Wednesday 25th 10-11am"

Our local PCSO, Nichola Devey, was scheduled at Sandiway Library on the following dates:

Thursday 5th March 10-11am,
Tuesday 10th March 6-7pm,
Friday  20th March 5-6pm,
Thursday 26th March 2-3pm.

Please note that Imogen Graffham, who was previously helping Nichola in our area, has now moved on to a different part of Northwich - we wish her well.

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

The council has been informed that the police will no longer control traffic for Remembrance services. However by continuing the fence round the new Memorial Garden which currently stops at the corner of Norley Road, so that it goes all the way round that area, we would be permitted to use it for a Remembrance ceremony.

'Friendly Thursdays' are to be offered weekly from 1:30 to 3:30pm in The White Barn (at the A49/Norley Road junction).
This is an opportunity for anyone to come in and meet new people or bring friends to socialise for a few hours and give others someone to talk to.

Tea, coffee and cake will be provided.

You might be interested to hear that this website is still growing in readership.  We received an average of 4,500 visits per month from users during December, January and February, which admittedly was a peak time thanks to the proposed Surgery closure, panto season and events around Christmas.   We received visits from around 3,000 'unique visitors' during these peak months, which equates to approximately 50% of the population in the Parish.  Let's keep the momentum up and let all your neighbours in on our secret!

We are also looking to expand our editorial team and especially encourage younger blood help in the creation of news stories and keeping the website 'fresh'.  If you would like to help, or know of somebody who might, please drop a message to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  It always helps in job applications to have this sort of community service on your CV!

In addition, if you are organising some event locally and/or have a story or news item which you think our users might benefit from reading, please drop us a line to the above email address.

The following is a report from the local SOS Residents Action Group:

"On 12th February, the 'Save Our Surgery Residents Action Group' met representatives of Danebridge Medical Practice (DMP) to discuss their responses to our Freedom Of (FOI) Information requests. Here is a summary of the meeting:

• The Partner's decision is made, they wish to close the surgery, and are already talking to the CCG about it. One Freedom of Information request is still awaiting DMP response.
• They have obtained a quote to build a new surgery (cost £1.16 million) BUT had not obtained quotes on refurbishing the existing site, we have asked them to do so.
• They said a "not for public consumption" CQC detailed annexe to the main CQC report documents Sandiway's need for refurbishment, we have asked to see relevant extracts, but there is no agreement from DMP to see it yet.
• They had not written to other local GP Practices to see if any were interested in taking over Sandiway Surgery but will now do so.
• They acknowledged that we are a growing village and also acknowledged the transport issues. Whilst they are looking into some solutions to topics raised in survey responses, they reaffirm that transport is factually NOT their problem."

Press Here for a list of the FOI Information requests made on Danebridge, together with their responses.

Meanwhile Danebridge Medical Practice have announced a "Public Consultation Event" for the proposed closure to be held later this month at Sandiway Primary School (note the word "conclude"!) - mark it in your diary:

Sandiway Library closed for building repairs in September and although initial estimates scheduled it to reopen at the start of this month, the work has taken a little longer.  However we now have good news from the Communities & Library Services group within Cheshire West and Chester council:

"We are pleased to announce that Sandiway Library will re-open on Monday 24th February after being closed for building repairs and refurbishment. The mobile library will visit Cuddington and Sandiway Village Hall for the last session on Saturday 22nd February.  Weaverham and Barnton Libraries will return to normal opening hours from the week beginning the 24th.  We look forward to welcoming all our customers again.  There will be an event to celebrate re-opening in the next few weeks, information about this and the date will be confirmed shortly.

Thank you for your patience"

Opening hours of all libraries are available online and, if required, items can be renewed online or by phone 24 hours a day:
   https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/libraries
   0300 123 7739

For more information visit www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/libraries. You can also follow Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Libraries Service on Facebook or Twitter.

Healthwatch Cheshire West, part of Healthwatch Cheshire, is an independent voice to help the people of Cheshire West shape and improve local health and care services. This independent organisation has become involved as part of the process of reviewing the closure of Sandiway Surgery and are conducting a feedback survey about patients’ experience at this surgery

There are two ways of completing this survey:

Hard copy versions of the feedback forms and collection boxes, along with explanatory leaflets, are available at :-

The Village Hall

Delamere Clubhouse

Rowlands Pharmacy

The survey may also be returned by post at no cost.

Please take a form if you know of  someone who would like a form but are unable to obtain one

The form is also available on line by clicking the Healthwatch logo below.

All feedback forms should please be returned by Saturday 29th February 2020

The Residents Action Group have been in touch with Healthwatch Cheshire, the independent voice of the people, who wish to collect ‘impact statements’ from patients with regard to the Danebridge proposal. They will provide comments cards and collection boxes that will be placed around the village. Watch out for these boxes. The responses will only be handled by Healthwatch Cheshire, and the data will be anonymised by them when they prepare their report to the Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group as part of the decision making process. 

https://healthwatchcwac.org.uk

The Clinical Commissioning Group hold Cheshire Chat sessions to give local people the opportunity to engage to help shape the future of health services across the county.  The next sessions are at: 

Holmes Chapel Community Centre, CW4 8AA on 12th February 9.30am - 11.30am.

Winsford Lifecycle Centre, The Drumber, CW7 1AD on 14th February 9.30am -11.30am.

http://www.valeroyalccg.nhs.uk/get-involved/communications-and-engagement/Cheshire-chat

You can have your say on Cheshire Chat's online survey

http://www.cheshire-chat.co.uk/

The Action Group would like to thank everyone who has signed up to support them; they have been given well over 800 names already. They would also like to thank those of you who came along to the Parish Council meeting, and those who have been in touch by email with views and comments.

They have submitted a number of questions to Danebridge Practice which can be seen by following this link to FoI questions.

If you wish to give the Action Group your support or you have any comments or issues that you feel should be raised as part of this campaign then please get in touch.

Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

130 concerned residents shared their views with the Parish Council in the Public Forum session of the Extraordinary Council Meeting held on Monday 20th January, In addition to the Parish Councillors , CWAC Borough Councillors Gillian Edwards and Charles Fifield, a representative of Edward Timpson MP, and observers from the CWAC Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee and Healthwatch Cheshire (public consumer champion - www.healthwatchcheshire.org.uk ) were also present. After the Public Forum session, the Parish Council endorsed the formation of a Residents’ Action Group made up of Sandiway Surgery patients and Parish Councillors.

The Residents’ Action Group have also sent a series of Freedom of Information requests to Danebridge Practice , but to date have received no information. 

Our MP, the Rt Hon Edward Timpson along with our Ward Councillors, Paul Williams, Charles Fifield and Gillian Edwards have also written to Danebridge to request an extension to the consultation period. This would give more time to consider the proposals and to review the implications for Cuddington and Sandiway village (designated as a Key Service Centre in the Cheshire West and Chester Local Plan).  To date, Danebridge have not replied. Our MP has also verbally raised the closure with Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary.

The Northwich Guardian has reported the meeting with more details - click here to view their report.

Saturday 29 February:
Commencing with the 2001 from Chester (2023 from Cuddington) and 2041 from Manchester, buses will replace trains between Altrincham and Stockport. Trains on other routes will continue to run between Stockport and Manchester. Trains between Altrincham and Chester will run at the usual Saturday times. There will be an additional bus leaving Manchester at 2341, Stockport 0001, Navigation Road 0016 and stopping to set down only at remaining stations to Chester.

Other Cancellations:
Buses will replace all trains on Sunday 1 March and the last train each way on 2 to 5 March.
An easy web site to use (also available from our Home page) is http://www.livedepartureboards.co.uk/northern/summary.aspx?T=CUD&R=1

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

If you are a patient registered with Danebridge Medical Practice, you will have received a letter containing proposals to close the Sandiway Surgery, as well as a Survey. 

We ALL need to reply and ensure that our views are heard.

A number of residents have met to discuss how we can prevent the loss of the GP surgery here in the village and have formed a Residents’ Action Group. To operate effectively, they need YOUR support and here is how you can help

Please ensure that the Survey is completed and returned as follows :-

PRESS HERE to complete the survey on line.

 THE SURVEY IS NOW CLOSED

FILL IN the form you received in the post and return it to one of the surgeries. To help, the Residents’ Action Group is providing a number of extra collection points for the Surveys around the Village. These collection points are at:

Delamere Park Clubhouse,  Rowlands Pharmacy,  Spar,  Handleys Newsagents, 

Cuddington News,  Sandiway Dry Cleaners,  The White Barn,  The Blue Cap

IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOUR SURVEY IS COMPLETED AND RETURNED BY MONDAY 27th JANUARY

It would also be useful to also contact separately the following to show your support

Our Cheshire West and Chester Councillors – follow this link for contact details CWaC Councillors

Our MP, the Rt Hon Edward Timpson – follow this link for contact details Rt Hon Edward Timpson

Vale Royal Clinical Commissioning Group – follow this link for contact details VRCCG

Danebridge Practice partners – follow this link for Partner details Danebridge Partners

To help you in this, please Press Here for some suggestions for ‘Questions and Issues that need to be Raised by Residents’. This will be updated at regular intervals

Other actions that have been taken to date are :-

An Extra Ordinary Meeting of the Parish Council has been arranged for Monday 20th  January at 7.00pm at Sandiway Primary School.

The main topic for discussion is the proposed closure of Sandiway Surgery and there will be a Public Forum at this meeting. Please try to be there.

The Action Group has sent a series of questions to Danebridge Practice to request more information on why the closure is being proposed.

Our MP, the Rt Hon Edward Timpson, and our Ward Councillors, Paul Williams, Charles Fifield and Gillian Edwards have written to request an extension to the consultation period to give us all more time to consider the proposal and to look at the implications for Cuddington and Sandiway village, which is designated as a Key Service Centre in the Cheshire West and Chester Local Plan.

Members of the Residents’ Action Group will be outside local shops, asking you to sign up to support their actions. They will be out and about in the village over the next week. 

Alternatively, you can sign-up today by emailing your name, address, postcode and agreement to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Please watch out for more information on this Village Website, on Facebook and in the shops.

This problem will not go away and time is short so we need to Act Now

Our local PCSO, Nichola Devey and/or Imogen Graffham, will be available at Cuddington & Sandiway Village Hall on the following dates:

Tuesday 7th January - 6-7 pm

Below are the other PCSO surgery dates for the Weaver and Cuddington Ward:

Weaverham Communty Centre -
Wednesday 8th January - 7-8 pm
Monday 13th January - 10-11 am
Wednesday 22nd January - 10-11 am
Wednesday 29th January - 7-8 pm.

Acton Bridge Village Hall -
To be advised.

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

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

Following several requests to set up an evening WI group for those who cannot attend during the day, Pat Sharp (Advisor for the Cheshire Federation of Women’s Institutes) was given the task of setting one up and has received expressions of interest from more than 40 women.  After 2 preliminary meetings, they have set up a Formation Meeting at the Blue Cap on Wednesday 8th January at 7.30pm.  Visitors welcome.  Thereafter the monthly meetings will take place on the second Wednesday of each month at the Blue Cap.

For further information contact Pat Sharp at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Monday 20 to Thursday 23 January:
The 2341 from Manchester to Chester (due Cuddington 0045) is replaced by a bus, calling at Cuddington at 0136 only if required to set down. An additional bus starts from Knutsford at 0025 (Tuesday to Friday mornings) to Chester, calling at Cuddington at 0108.
The 22:52 Chester to Manchester (2314 from Cuddington) will be replaced by a bus, calling at Cuddington at 2342. The 2223 Cuddington to Manchester will call additionally at Heaton Chapel and Levenshulme and arrive Manchester Piccadilly at 2335.

Cancellations:
Train cancellations due to crew shortage are currently averaging three a day and may become even more frequent. You are strongly recommended to check before you set out, especially as the Customer Information Screens on the station do not always work. An easy web site to use (also available from our Home page) is http://www.livedepartureboards.co.uk/northern/summary.aspx?T=CUD&R=1

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