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Articles by So Counties
The Botanist firm closes North Light restaurant in Chester
The company which runs The Botanist and North Light in Chester has issued a statement following the closure of one of its venues in the city. Bosses at New World Trading Company (NWTC) said they entered a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) in October 2024 to help them repay the firm’s creditors, a move which they said was approved by more than 95% of creditors who responded.
Residents asked for their thoughts on police budget in Cheshire
Are you willing to pay more for policing in Cheshire? That is the question the county’s police and crime commissioner, Dan Price, is asking in his consultation ahead of setting the force’s budget for the coming year.
MPs call for government green light for Middlewich Eastern Bypass
Two Cheshire MPs say they have been making representations about a major road scheme to government officials, in a bid to get construction started on the project. Mid-Cheshire MP Andrew Cooper and Congleton MP Sarah Russell recently met with parliamentary under secretary for the future of roads Lilian Greenwood to discuss the issue.
Grab your walking boots and help improve footpaths in Knutsford
Knutsford Town Council is looking for volunteers to help survey the town’s public rights of way. Residents who enjoy walking around the area are being invited to participate in the survey which will help identify any improvements that are needed on the town’s footpaths. Volunteers will be asked to walk specific routes, taking photographs and completing a short condition survey.
Premium Parking launches this week at The Trafford Centre
The Trafford Centre has become the latest large shopping centre to introduce a paid-for parking service into part of its car park. The new Premium Parking offering at The Trafford Centre is due to launch on 27th November, to coincide with the start of the busy Christmas shopping period. Visitors will be able to park in a number of designated, larger spaces (5m x 3m) in a convenient central location, with tariffs of up to £7 per hour at peak times.
Tiffany & Co concession opens at the Trafford Centre
World-renowned jewellery brand Tiffany & Co has opened a concession stand at the Trafford Centre. Located in Selfridges’ accessories hall, the new concession showcases the brand’s latest concept, inspired by the renovated Fifth Avenue flagship designed by Peter Marino. The store carries signature lines such as Lock by Tiffany, HardWear by Tiffany, T by Tiffany and Knot by Tiffany, as well as high jewellery offerings set with diamonds and coloured gemstones.
Campaigner shares 'delight' after fuel duty frozen again
A fuel price campaigner has expressed delight, following chancellor Rachel Reeves’ first Budget speech. Howard Cox – founder of FairFuelUK, which has been campaigning for 15 years to get the government to freeze fuel duty – said it was a “great start” for the new chancellor. “I am delighted that Rachel Reeves has listened to FairFuelUK supporters and her party MPs’ constituents,” Mr Cox said.
Free travel offer for military personnel at Remembrance services
Serving military personnel and veterans attending Remembrance services on the weekends of the 2nd/3rd November and 9th/10th November will be given free train travel to and from the events. The offer is open to serving military personnel in uniform or in possession of a current MOD90 Ministry of Defence-issued identity card. Veterans travelling on these dates will need to show a Veterans Railcard, Veterans Oyster card, MOD-issued Veterans ID or other appropriate proof of service.
Farmers call on authorities to do more to tackle organised crime
A third generation arable and potato farmer from Cheshire says more needs to be done to prevent expensive machinery being stolen from farms. Andrew Shaw’s family farm has been targeted three times by criminals in the last ten years. In the first instance, he said, they broke into the farmhouse; stole a car, tools, the GPS systems; and caused general disruption on the farm. On the following two occasions the thieves were much more targeted in their approach, he said.
New award scheme for long-standing high street businesses
A new scheme has been launched by Knutsford Town Council to recognise long-standing businesses in the town. The rolling programme celebrates businesses who have traded in Knutsford for a minimum of five years, and continues up to a 75+ year “lifetime achievement” award. “This programme recognises the importance of the achievement of staying on our high street, especially in our post-covid, online shopping times,” said town centre manager Sandra Curties.
Work well underway on £3.7m market refurbishment
Leek’s indoor markets are set to reopen in October, according to Staffordshire Moorlands District Council. Work on the £3.7m refurbishment is now well underway, with the aim of broadening the appeal of the markets and providing flexible space for events and community use. Councillor Matt Swindlehurst, cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said: “We’re making terrific progress with the construction elements of this project and it’s great to see it really starting to take shape now.
Nantwich Food Festival organisers prepare to wow in 2024
The countdown to Nantwich Food Festival 2024 has begun, with festival dates now confirmed as being Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st September 2024. Exhibitor manager Julian Thompson said three quarters of available exhibitor spaces had already been booked for this year’s event. He said he was busy assessing the balance of bookings to help identify and fill any gaps to give a good variety of exhibitors. The planning and organisation of this year’s festival began in late 2023, according to bosses.
Bluedot returns to Jodrell Bank
Posted on 19 July, 2023 by So Counties Four days of cosmic culture are beaming into Jodrell Bank this weekend. This year’s Bluedot line-up includes headline performances from Grace Jones, Roisin Murphy, Pavement and Leftfield. There’ll also be Dr Who 60th anniversary celebrations, a range of fascinating science talks and a huge offering of arts, culture and foodie experiences. It’s taking place from 20th to 23rd July underneath the iconic Lovell Telescope near Holmes Chapel.
Planet Doughnut in Nantwich to close
Posted on 22 May, 2023 by So Counties A doughnut shop in Nantwich is closing, less than two years after it opened. Planet Doughnut opened on Pillory Street in October 2021, but will shuts its doors for the last time at the end of this week due to the pressure of rising bills. Boss Duncan McGregor posted online to break the news to locals.
13-year-old to lead Knutsford May Day parade for the first time
Posted on 13 May, 2023 by So Counties A 13-year-old girl says she’s excited to take on the role of the Marshall in this year’s Knutsford May Day Parade. The role involves riding a horse at the front of the parade and keeping pace for the stream of characters, dancers, bands and others who follow. It’s the first time a child has been chosen for the role, which for four decades was carried out by Joe Gates who passed away in 2022.
Cheshire West and Chester Council elections 2023 - Tattenhall candidates
Posted on 27 April, 2023 by So Counties We’ve asked all of the candidates standing for election to Cheshire West and Chester Council to provide our readers with a short introduction to themselves. We’ll publish these daily for all 45 council wards (in alphabetical order) in the build up to the local elections on 4th May 2023. You can view all of the Cheshire West and Chester Council candidate submissions together by clicking here.
Cheshire East Council elections 2023 - Haslington candidates
Posted on 22 April, 2023 by So Counties We’ve asked all of the candidates standing for election to Cheshire East Council to provide our readers with a short introduction to themselves. We’ll publish these daily for all 52 council wards (in alphabetical order) in the build up to the local elections on 4th May 2023. You can view all of the Cheshire East Council candidate submissions together by clicking here. Listed below are all of the candidates seeking your vote in the Haslington ward.
One small step for man, one giant leap for Bunbury-kind
Posted on 12 April, 2023 by So Counties The team behind Bunbury Village Day have revealed their theme for 2023. This year they’re planning to boldly go where no man (or woman) has gone before… space! A spokesperson said: “It’s now time to use the force and start planning your space-themed costumes.
New award event to celebrate Chester hospitality workers
Posted on 12 April, 2023 by So Counties A new award event focusing solely on Chester and its unsung hospitality heroes is due to take place later this year. Chester Hospitality Association has announced the launch of their People Awards, recognising the amazing work of hospitality staff in Chester. From chefs to front of house, sales and revenue to housekeeping – every aspect of hospitality excellence will be given the spotlight at the ceremony on 6th July 2023 at Chester Racecourse.
New mayor’s cadet sought in Congleton
Posted on 12 April, 2023 by So Counties Congleton Town Council is looking for a new mayor’s cadet for the civic year 2023-2024. The successful candidate will be chosen from one of the town’s uniformed youth groups, and nominations are open until 27th April 2023. Each year a new mayor’s cadet is recruited from the various youth organisations in Congleton. Current town mayor, Cllr Margaret Gartside said: “It is a prestigious and challenging role which young people have enjoyed over the past decade.
Chester Market to reopen this week
Posted on 11 April, 2023 by So Counties Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed that Chester Market will reopen on Thursday 13th April from 8am. The market was closed temporarily following a serious incident last month which saw three people hospitalised. The incident took place on Wednesday 29th March in one of the units adjoining Chester Market.
Cheshire East Council elections 2023 - Brereton Rural candidates
Posted on 10 April, 2023 by So Counties We’ve asked all of the candidates standing for election to Cheshire East Council to provide our readers with a short introduction to themselves. We’ll publish these daily for all 52 council wards (in alphabetical order) in the build up to the local elections on 4th May 2023. You can view all of the Cheshire East Council candidate submissions together by clicking here. Listed below are all of the candidates seeking your vote in the Brereton Rural ward.
- So Counties
Posted on 9 April, 2023 by So Counties Promotional feature The producers of Rock Of Ages are thrilled to announce that Kevin Kennedy will star as Dennis Dupree in the UK and Ireland tour of the show when it comes to Crewe Lyceum Theatre 9th-13th May. Kevin Kennedy Kevin Kennedy is probably best known for his portrayal of Curly Watts in Coronation Street. His West End theatre credits include Amos in Chicago at the Adelphi Theatre and We Will Rock You at the Dominion Theatre.
Anderton Boat Lift reopens for Easter after emergency repairs
Posted on 29 March, 2023 by So Counties The Anderton Boat Lift is reopening this Easter after a £450,000 emergency repair. The iconic structure, dubbed the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’ will reopen on Good Friday for boat trips heading down the River Weaver to Northwich. The boat lift is managed by the Canal and River Trust, and has been closed for seven months while essential maintenance has been carried out.
Giant ferris wheel coming to Chester offering views for miles
Posted on 28 March, 2023 by So Counties A giant ferris wheel is coming to Chester this April. The wheel will be located at Grosvenor Park, giving visitors breath-taking views from the top which reaches 35 metres above the ground. The wheel will be offering rides for visitors from 1st to 28th April. Visitors will experience 360° views of the surrounding area, and on a clear day they’ll have a view of up to 12 miles. The wheel will have 24 gondolas, each holding up to six people.
Police appeal for help to find Congleton missing person
Posted on 28 March, 2023 by So Counties Police are appealing for information from the public to help find a missing woman from Congleton. Elaine Tonge was last seen at around 8am today (Tuesday 28th March 2023) in the Swaledale Avenue area. The 69-year-old has dementia and can become confused. Elaine is white, is short and has dark greying hair. When she was last seen she was wearing a blue hooded fleece top and blue jeans with a black leather rucksack style handbag.
Looking forward to lambing live at Pye Ash Farm
Posted on 26 March, 2023 by So Counties It’s lambing season – and here in Cheshire we’re lucky enough to have some fabulous farmers who are only too happy to let us in on the action. One such farming family is the Gilmans, from Pye Ash Farm in Bosley near Macclesfield. They very kindly open up their farm on select days during the year to enable people to learn more about their work and to see what’s involved in modern day sheep farming.
Combermere Abbey opens for 2023 bluebell walks and house tours
Posted on 25 March, 2023 by So Counties Combermere Abbey will once again be opening its doors to the public this year. The venue’s annual bluebell walks return in April, and there will be tours of the house as well as the opportunity to book an overnight stay on the estate. The abbey is located on the Cheshire/Shropshire border and last year welcomed hundreds of visitors.
Work begins on new health and wellbeing village in Ellesmere Port
Posted on 25 March, 2023 by So Counties Ground has been broken on the site of a new medical centre in Ellesmere Port. Patients, community members, developers and a local scout group joined NHS representatives to mark the official groundbreaking ceremony or the new GP practice on Chester Road.
Claim free trees and help the Woodland Trust fight climate change
Posted on 22 March, 2023 by So Counties The Woodland Trust is handing out free trees as part of a multi-year initiative to get millions of trees planted across the country. They’re urging schools and communities to join them in the fight against climate change and nature loss by taking part in the latest round of the scheme which began a number of years ago. The trust now wants to reach the remarkable milestone of five million free trees planted across the UK since 2020.
Wilmslow in Bloom - growing for gold in 2023
Posted on 22 March, 2023 by So Counties Wilmslow will once again be assessed by North West in Bloom judges this year for its horticultural prowess. Local organisers have started their planning for the town’s annual entry into this prestigious award scheme for the tenth year in a row. The colour theme for 2023 is ‘gold’ and the scheme is not just about bright and blooming hanging baskets.
Bronze award win for historic Shropshire brewery
Posted on 21 March, 2023 by So Counties A Shropshire brewery has come home with a national award for its cask session dark beer. Historic brewery Three Tuns was handed bronze in the Cask Session Dark Beer category at the SIBA National Beer Awards 2023. SIBA (Society of Independent Brewers) is recognised as the voice of British brewing – and the awards held last week at Exhibition Centre Liverpool represent the very best in the industry.
Unusual discovery for Crewe Clean Team during March litter pick
Posted on 20 March, 2023 by So Counties Members of Crewe Clean Team have been out and about on their monthly litter pick this weekend – with one slightly unusual item picked up amongst the usual hoard of discarded items. 24 members of the group gathered on Oak Street at around 10am on Saturday (18th March) and spent an hour and a half tidying up the area.
Community project brings history of Parkgate to life
Posted on 19 March, 2023 by So Counties New information boards are being installed around Parkgate to tell the history of the area. The idea is to share more of the village’s history with residents and visitors, as well as providing them with useful information about the village as it is now. The seven boards have been funded by pledges from local via Cheshire West Crowd Fund.
Afternoon tea more popular than breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day
Posted on 18 March, 2023 by So Counties For decades British children have been serving their mothers breakfast in bed on Mother’s Day – but new research has revealed that mums actually prefer a spot of afternoon tea! It comes as supermarket chain Waitrose reveals search data from their website shows nearly six times more people have been looking for inspiration on Mother’s Day afternoon tea than Mother’s Day breakfast in bed ideas.
Cheshire Bonsai Society recognised among UK's very best
Posted on 16 March, 2023 by So Counties Cheshire Bonsai Society has been officially recognised alongside some of the UK’s very best horticulturalists at a glitzy award ceremony in London. The society was presented with a series of RHS awards earlier this month, to add to the collection of awards it scooped up at The RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in 2022. Members of the group – who meet monthly in Little Budworth – attend the flower show at Tatton Park each year to showcase their trees.
First stars announced for Crewe Lyceum panto 2023
Posted on 16 March, 2023 by So Counties Following a hugely successful pantomime season last year, Crewe Lyceum and pantomime producer Imagine Theatre are delighted to confirm this year’s magical family treat Cinderella will see the return of panto favourites Malcolm Lord and Ste Johnston. The pantomime (which runs 8th-31st December) will have further star casting announced soon.
People urged to have their say this May
Posted on 13 March, 2023 by So Counties People are being urged to ensure they are registered to vote so they don’t miss out on having their say in the local elections on 4th May. Authorities want people to be aware that if they’re not registered to vote, they can’t vote –and will miss out on a chance of having their say in local issues.
Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre returns this summer
Posted on 12 March, 2023 by So Counties Open air theatre returns to Chester this summer with an unmissable pair of theatre productions staged in an atmospheric theatre-in-the-round in the middle of Grosvenor Park. The outdoor season will run from Saturday 1st July until Sunday 27th August. Tickets are on sale now, starting at £23 for Storyhouse members. Shakespeare’s magical A Midsummer Night’s Dream will open the programmeat the beginning of July.
More than 90 artists enter Buxton Fringe this July
Posted on 12 March, 2023 by So Counties Buxton Fringe organisers have confirmed more than 90 entrants have already signed up for this year’s festival The discounted early bird entry period – which ran up until the end of February – was responsible for many of the entries, but the team says new events are still rolling in. Meanwhile, The Green Man Gallery has announced that it is now completely full with 30 shows adding up to a total of 70 performances.
Chester students bring city’s prehistory to life with new exhibition
Posted on 10 March, 2023 by So Counties University students are bringing prehistoric Chester to life with an exhibition at the Grosvenor Museum that features rare tools and jewellery. The exhibition, which is called Before the Walls – Life in Prehistoric Chester, runs until 30th April. It’s been researched by third-year archaeology students at the University of Chester and is free of charge to visit.
Hopes for a new bowling alley to fill empty units at Barons Quay
Posted on 10 March, 2023 by So Counties A Conservative councillor is demanding answers from council bosses over empty units at Barons Quay in Northwich. It comes amid fears that companies expressing an interest in taking on premises there are being turned away.
Completion of Poynton relief road marked in style
Posted on 7 March, 2023 by So Counties The completion of Poynton’s new relief road was celebrated on Friday with a fly-past from a 1950s military aircraft and a parade of heritage cars, tractors and motorbikes. Right on cue, the Avro-Anson former reconnaissance plane circled above as mayor of Cheshire East Cllr David Marren prepared to cut the ribbon to mark the ceremonial opening of the brand new £53m road.
Shortlist announced for Knutsford Town Awards 2023
Posted on 4 March, 2023 by So Counties The spotlight is being shone on Knutsford’s community heroes this month as the shortlist for the 10th annual Knutsford Town Awards has been announced. The awards recognise the work undertaken by individuals, community groups and businesses for the benefit of the Knutsford community. An award ceremony will be hosted at Knutsford Little Theatre on Wednesday 15th March from 7pm as part of the annual town meeting.
Handforth Parish Council meeting goes viral
Posted on 4 February, 2021 by So Counties A meeting of Handforth Parish Council from December, conducted via Zoom, is going viral this evening after a video recording of it was picked up by a number of high profile social media accounts. The meeting, in which chaos ensues as warring factions within the parish council can be seen squabbling throughout, has led to Cheshire East Council’s monitoring officer David Brown issuing a letter reminding councillors of their obligations and responsibilities.
Oli The Choc's world record attempt!
Posted on 11 November, 2020 by So Counties Cheshire chocolatier Oliver Dunn is about to set a Guinness World Record.
Teenager arrested following altercation at Poynton High School
Community > Education > Teenager arrested following altercation at Poynton High School Posted on 9 November, 2020 by So Counties This is a breaking news story, we will update this article with further details as they become available. Police responded to reports of an altercation between a teenage boy and teachers at Poynton High School this afternoon (09/11/20). Police were called at around 12.45pm following an incident which occurred earlier in the day.
Obituary: Luis Troyano
Posted on 3 November, 2020 by So Counties Poynton GBBO star Luis Troyano has died at the age of 48. The 2014 Bake-Off finalist had been battling with oesophageal cancer and died last week. Luis, a marketing manager at Salford City council, left a message of thanks to those who cared for him, which his wife Louise has shared on the Just Giving page set up in his memory.
The Mere Golf Resort & Spa closure
Posted on 2 November, 2020 by So Counties A statement from The Mere Golf Resort & Spa Following on from Government guidelines, we will be closing The Mere Golf Resort & Spa from Thursday 5th November until Wednesday 2nd December (subject to change to adhere to government restrictions). This closure will apply to all areas of the resort; health club & spa, restaurants, golf course and residential.
Everyone in Liverpool to be tested for coronavirus
Posted on 2 November, 2020 by So Counties Everyone living or working in Liverpool will be offered regular Covid-19 tests as part of the first whole-city testing programme in the country, according to an article published by the Liverpool Echo newspaper this evening. The paper reports that rapid turnaround tests will be available across the city from Friday (6th November) and that 2,000 military personnel will arrive in the region to roll-out the massive testing programme.
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