Town Mayor Cllr Colin Banks presents a cheque to Ann Wright of Just Drop In

Just Drop In awarded grant for summer wellbeing project

A summer wellbeing programme for vulnerable young women has received support through the Knutsford Town Council Community Grant Scheme.

Knutsford based charity Just Drop In was awarded £1,126 towards the project which starts this August. The innovative project aims to provide a series of weekly group sessions based on the NHS’s widely recognized “5 Ways to Wellbeing” framework. Targeting vulnerable young women aged 14-17 during the potentially challenging August school holidays, the programme offers a diverse range of activities to boost emotional resilience and mental wellbeing.

Participants will engage in a variety of enriching experiences, including:

  1. Creative Therapies Art Workshops: 2.5-hour sessions allowing young women to express themselves through art, guided by professional art therapists.
  2. Youth Mental Health Aware Qualifications: A 4-hour course providing participants with valuable knowledge and skills in mental health awareness.
  3. Wellness Walks and Picnics: 3.5-hour outdoor sessions combining gentle exercise with social interaction and healthy eating.
  4. Mindfulness and Meditation Sessions: 2-hour workshops introducing participants to stress-reduction techniques they can use in daily life.
  5. Happy Place Wellbeing Day at Tatton Park: A 6-hour immersive experience in the beautiful surroundings of one of Cheshire’s most beloved parks.

Just Drop In, which has a strong track record of supporting young people in the north of Cheshire East, plans to work with up to 20 young women through this initiative.

Town Mayor Cllr Colin Banks, who is fundraising for Just Drop In during this time as mayor, said “Supporting the mental health of our younger residents is both vitally important and, unfortunately, increasingly necessary. We’re proud to be supporting this project and hope the young women who participate greatly benefit from the scheme”

Ann Wright, Chief Officer of Just Drop In said “Our warm thanks to Knutsford Town Council for their grant and wider support to our charity as we work together to try and support local children who are finding life hard. The money will be used to fund summer activities for young women aged 14-18 to boost their health and wellbeing.”

Just Drop In will work closely with Knutsford Academy to identify and engage young women who could benefit most from the programme. They’re also partnering with The Welcome to ensure the programme reaches those in greatest need.

If anyone is interested in taking part in the weekly sessions they can contact Just Drop In on hello@justdropin.co.uk

The Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to support community projects and activities within Knutsford. Funding priorities include providing services/opportunities for young people or older people, providing new or improved assets or services for the community and enhancing the profile or reputation of the Town.  The next deadline for applications is 31st August.

Cllrs Peter Coan, James McCulloch and April Johnson at Gaskell Avenue

Councillors speak out against Gaskell Avenue Closure

Knutsford Town Councillors have spoken out against the impending closure of the Gaskell Avenue arm at the Canute Place roundabout, insisting that local knowledge has been overlooked by highway engineers.  

Planning permission granted to Crown Estate in 2019 required junction improvement works be undertaken prior to occupation of the 100th house at the Tabley Park development. The application included a scheme for the works based on a transport assessment which identified that without intervention, the development would lead to congestion on King Edward Road and Northwich Road.

For over two years, the Town Council has been calling on Cheshire East Council and developers Redrow to abandon the proposals to close the Gaskell Avenue arm, arguing it is a key route for school buses and local traffic. Whilst the Town Council recognises the need for realignment of the roundabout to improve traffic flow, it does not believe the need to close Gaskell Avenue has been justified nor the consequences for minor roads properly considered in the proposals.

Cllr Peter Coan, who also sits on the Cheshire East Council Highways and Transport Committee said “This is a ridiculous proposal and will cause massive inconvenience to both pedestrians and motorists alike. On street parking for residents will be removed and school coaches may well use residential streets as short cuts to avoid the gridlock. Knutsford Town Councillors with a wealth of local knowledge have long objected to this proposal”

Under the works, which are due to start at the end of July, the roundabout will be realigned and the Zebra crossing on King Edward Road replaced with traffic lights, another aspect of the scheme the Town Council has challenged. The plans also involve removing parking from Stanley Road to enable the section from Gaskell Avenue to become two-way for coaches to access the Academy.

Cllr Gus Watson, who lives on Cranford Avenue, said “Our roads are congested enough, without the illogical and inconsiderate closure to Gaskell Avenue”

The works have been commissioned by Redrow through a s278 agreement with Cheshire East Council which requires Redrow to complete the works at their cost.

Cllr Christopher Gray has criticised the lack of a clear justification for the proposals, “Cheshire East has not provided any definitive technical evidence to justify the closure nor do they appear to have taken into account the resulting necessity for large vehicles including refuse lorries having to turn round in deficient turning head in a location where pedestrians are numerous.”

Cllr Rex Mears added “We are asking Cheshire East Council and Redrow to stop the closure of Gaskell Avenue which is scheduled for two weeks’ time. This closure has not been justified and it is not supported by residents and workers of Knutsford. It is a useful route for local people when the A50 is busy and provides relief from congestion”

Town Mayor, Cllr Colin Banks also expressed concern stating “The junction of Stanley Road and Northwich Road will cause undue burden on traffic flow, especially as there is poor visibility turning out into Northwich Road. I’m concerned that school children crossing the roads in the area will have extra dangers to look out for too.”

Cllr April Johnson added “It’s not acceptable for Cheshire East Council to inflict this closure on us without proper consideration. If a road can be closed without justification that sets a dangerous precedent; Local knowledge is key to closures having minimum impact on our town and our views have not been taken into account”

Another great year for Knutsford Music Festival!

Knutsford’s own music festival hit the town in June for 4 days of music for the 7th year!

The festival, which was launched back in 2017 by Knutsford Town Council, returned between 13th – 16th June with a varied programme to please a variety of musical tastes. Many of the events were free of charge and hosted in the cafes and bars in the town centre.

A fantastic folk programme ran for its sixth year, hosted by BBC Radio’s Mark Radcliffe, who once again curated an outstanding programme of folk artists from the UK and beyond to entertain hundreds of attendees in St John’s Church and Knutsford Little Theatre.

Saturday Night Blues was back for a second sell out event, after the event also sold out in 2022. Blues artists from near and far, including two UK Blues Award winners, performed at the stunning Knutsford Little Theatre to a captive audience.

Music on the Moor was back on Saturday 15th June, the festival’s free event on the Moor which brings four hours of live music and activities for all ages. The event featured eight local artists and bands who performed a variety of original material, as well as performance workshops from Noodle Performance Arts and craft activities from Love to Craft Mcr. Despite the weather the crowds were in great spirits. More music hit the Moor on Sunday too, with free performances from City of Chester Brass Band.

Fringe events including an electronic night at Detaljer, the Music Train from Chester to Knutsford which arrived at The Angel at King Street, as well as programmes of music all weekend inside the Lost and Found, The Builders Arms and Evuna ran alongside the main programme, filling the town with music for 4 days.

As part of this year’s festival there was also the opportunity to engage in some Art themed events including workshops from CNC Cheshire, Olivia Goodwin Art and the sell out alcohol ink workshop from Steph Clare Art. The new Oil Art Advosry Gallery in town hosted works by the renowned photographer Scarlet Page, featuring iconic musicians.

Alex Molloy, Events Manager at the Town Council, said: “A huge thanks to everyone who got involved and supported this year’s events especially to the ticket buyers and attendees of Music on The Moor, the weather was against us, but the crowd were in great spirits! Thanks also goes to our sponsors this year Knutsford Hearing Cnetre, Ibiza Classics, Slater and Gordon and QV Skin care without which we would not have been able to produce the event! Here’s to 2025!”

The Town Council welcomes any feedback or suggestions for how the event can be improved for 2025. Simply email alex.molloy@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

To find out more about the other events organised by the town council, check out their events calendar on their website now: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/events-calendar

Town Mayor Cllr Colin Banks holds a giant postcard

Competition to draw a perfect park

Children at Knutsford’s primary schools have been set a challenge by Town Mayor Cllr Colin Banks to draw a picture of their perfect park as part of the Town Council’s green spaces consultation.

Postcards went out in book bags this week with children having until 21st June to submit their entries to the Council Offices or their school. The competition will be judged by the Mayor and Mayoress with one pupil from each school winning a prize of art supplies.

The entries will help identify what is most important to children when using public open spaces and will help inform the council’s new Green Spaces Strategy.

The competition aims to promote the council’s Green Spaces Survey, launched last week, to parents and encourage more Knutsford residents to share their views of what is important when it comes to Knutsford’s parks, woodlands and green spaces. Completing the main survey enters residents into a draw to win £100 of Knutsford Vouchers and the survey can be completed online at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/greenspacesurvey and paper copies can be found at The Welcome and Knutsford Library.

Cllr Colin Banks said “Our drawing competition is a fun way of getting the views of our younger Knutsfordians. I’m really looking forward to seeing what they draw and later on hearing what the parents say through our survey!”

If your child didn’t get a postcard in their bookbag, you can collect one from the Council Offices.

Mark Radcliffe & Co

Knutsford Music Festival – Less than one week to go!

Knutsford Music Festival is finally upon us! After months of planning and excitement the doors will soon be open for our first gig, on Thursday 13th of June followed by four days of fabulous music and community events with something to appeal to everyone!

Our Festival Gig Guides have been distributed around the town so be sure to pick up yours when you are out and about. Copies are also available in the foyer of the Town Council offices, so head on down and collect yours to plan your weekend. Alternatively, you can head to our website to download a copy and book tickets.

Returning this year are our ever-popular Folk music events curated by Mark Radcliffe, Saturday Night Blues and the free community event ‘Music on The Moor’. And, if that isn’t enough, the local venues of Knutsford have pulled together an epic line up for our fringe festival. It’s a weekend to remember, putting Knutsford on the music map!

Our festival opens Thursday 13th June at Knutsford Little Theatre with Frankie Archer and Virginia Kettle’s Rolling Folk.

Friday night at the beautiful St John’s Church Thea Gilmore and Andrew Rumsey will be putting on an awesome show.

Music on The Moor, from 12-4pm is a chance to bring along a picnic blanket and enjoy some local talent in one of Knutsford’s beautiful green spaces. Knutsford Beer Festival will be setting up a bar and the local Scouts are firing up the BBQ. Love to Craft Mcr and Noodle Performance Arts will be running workshops throughout the afternoon, bring the family and make musical memories.

Saturday Night Blues is headlined by the award-winning UK Blues artists Alice Armstrong. Supported by The Nightcreatures Duo, join us for a night of strong, soulful UK talent.

Closing the festival on Sunday evening are The Magpies and Paul Armfield. A fitting end to four excellent days of music.

Don’t forget to follow us on the socials to check out some of our artists and keep up to date with the festival as it happens!

Mayor of Knutsford Colin Banks said “Knutsford Music Festival is one of our key events of the year and offers a wide choice of music to suit everybody! Please support this fantastic live music event that will once again bring our community together!”

For tickets and full listings, including information of support acts and ‘Music on the Moor’, please visit the festival website at www.knutsfordmusicfestival.com.

Town Mayor Cllr Colin banks points to the Mayoress medallion on the exhibition panel

Exhibition records 50 years of council history

A new exhibition has opened at Knutsford Heritage Centre to mark the 50th anniversary of the town council.

Knutsford Town Council was created in 1974 through local government reorganisation which dissolved the Knutsford Urban District Council and created a new parish (town) council for Knutsford alongside a new Macclesfield District (Borough) Council. This was part of reform across the whole of the country.

The exhibition takes a decade-by-decade look at the work of Knutsford Town Council showing things that have changed and things that haven’t. The exhibition was put together by Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green who scoured the minutes of the council from 1974 to paint a picture of the council’s activity.

“It was fascinating to delve deeper into the work of the town council over the last fifty years as recounted through the minutes of meetings” Adam said.

“There has been a recurring theme of frustration at things outside local control, poor service standards from the borough/county council and a number of problems that haven’t been properly resolved for the town – such as debates over pedestrianisation and parking.”

The exhibition aims to highlight the role of the council in supporting the town over the last five decades and showing how the council changed.

“The central theme that is shown in the timeline we’ve created is that the council has consistently looked to address the local issues of the day, has been closely involved in planning matters and has had a long chain of councillors who have worked to make Knutsford a better place for all.” Adam added.

The exhibition includes a complete list of the 114 town councillors who have served over the last fifty years – compiled for the first time – and features a number of photographs across the decade themed boards. The exhibition also displays a small number of mementoes from the council’s history.

Town Mayor, Cllr Colin Banks visited the Heritage Centre to view the exhibition and said “We know not everyone will get excited about a council turning 50, but this exhibition aims to highlight the council’s role in serving the town. It’s an opportunity to recognise the importance of having a strong voice representing Knutsford and working for its constant betterment.”

The exhibition is available to view at Knutsford Heritage Centre until August. The Heritage Centre is open every Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11am to 4pm.

Cllrs Su Russel and Gus Watson sat on swings, with Cllr James McCulloch stood behind holding them

Win £100 by sharing your views on green space

Knutsford residents could win £100 to spend in the town centre by sharing their views on the town’s parks and open spaces in a survey that launches today.

The survey, which has been created by Knutsford Town Council, asks residents a series of questions about how they use green spaces and what improvements or changes (if any) are needed to encourage use.

The data will feed into a Green Spaces Strategy which will help guide and secure investment in public open space across the town. The aim of the strategy will be to ensure Knutsford has a diverse network of open spaces to support the needs of all the community and the evidence gathered from the survey can be used to support applications for external funding.

Launching the survey, Town Mayor Cllr Colin Banks said “Whether its walking your dog, picnics or play we are keen to better understand how residents use their green spaces and what changes could be made to make them better”

“We are keen to hear from as many residents as possible so as an added incentive you could win £100 of Knutsford Vouchers – that could be a great meal at Evuna, some jewellery from Clarity or PR Jones or essentials at Woods Butchers.”

The survey includes optional sections on facilities for young people, the community orchard, heath and Moor. The survey is open for six weeks and closes on Friday 12th July. It can be completed online at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/greenspacesurvey. Paper surveys are also available at The Welcome and Knutsford Library.

Flower Planters on a Roadside Barriers

Notice of Public Rights and Publication of Unaudited Annual Governance and Accountability Return

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 Sections 26 and 27
The Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/234)

1. Date of announcement Wednesday 29 May 2024

2. Each year the smaller authority’s Annual Governance and Accountability Return (AGAR) needs to be reviewed by an external auditor appointed by Smaller Authorities’ Audit Appointments Ltd.  The unaudited AGAR has been published with this notice. As it has yet to be reviewed by the appointed auditor, it is subject to change as a result of that review.

Any person interested has the right to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates and all books, deeds, contracts, bills, vouchers, receipts and other documents relating to those records must be made available for inspection by any person interested. For the year ended 31 March 2024, these documents will be available on reasonable notice by application to:

Adam Keppel-Green, Town Clerk
Council Offices, Toft Road, Knutsford, WA16 6TA
townclerk@kntusfordtowncouncil.gov.uk / 01565 653 929

commencing on Monday 3 June 2024
and ending on Friday 12 July 2024

3. Local government electors and their representatives also have:

  • The opportunity to question the appointed auditor about the accounting records; and
  • The right to make an objection which concerns a matter in respect of which the appointed auditor could either make a public interest report or apply to the court for a declaration that an item of account is unlawful. Written notice of an objection must first be given to the auditor and a copy sent to the smaller authority.

The appointed auditor can be contacted at the address in paragraph 4 below for this purpose between the above dates only.

4. The smaller authority’s AGAR is subject to review by the appointed auditor under the provisions of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014, the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015 and the NAO’s Code of Audit Practice 2015.  The appointed auditor is:

PKF Littlejohn LLP (Ref: SBA Team)
1 Westferry Circus, Canary Wharf, London,  E14 4HD
sba@pkf-l.com

5. This announcement is made by Adam Keppel-Green, Town Clerk and Responsible Financial Officer      

You can view the unaudited Annual Governance and Accountability Return here.

Knutsford Town Council and The Royal Cheshire County Show

Knutsford Town Council partners with The Royal Cheshire County Show to boost tourism

Knutsford Town Council is excited to announce a new partnership with the prestigious Royal Cheshire County Show, with the aim of promoting Knutsford as a premier destination under the newly launched Discover Knutsford brand. This contra-deal is designed to enhance the visibility of Knutsford and attract a wide audience of visitors to explore the town’s unique offerings.

The agreement will see The Royal Cheshire Show promoting Discover Knutsford on their platforms. In return, Knutsford Town Council will promote the Cheshire Show to enhance the event’s reach and impact in the local community. This collaborative effort aims to highlight Knutsford’s charm, history, and attractions to the thousands of attendees at the Cheshire Show.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Cheshire Show,” said Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council.

“This collaboration is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the best of Knutsford to a diverse audience. With the new Discover Knutsford brand, we aim to highlight our town’s rich heritage, vibrant community, and unique experiences, and this is an excellent platform to help us achieve this.”

The Discover Knutsford brand was launched on social media earlier this month to encapsulate the essence of the town, offering visitors insights into its historical landmarks, picturesque settings, and a variety of events and activities. A website will follow later this year.

Rob Davenport the show Director said “The Cheshire Agricultural Society is thrilled to appoint Knutsford Town Council as Principal Partner of The Royal Cheshire County Show.”

“The new partnership will enable us to forge closer links with our local community and to provide mutually beneficial promotional opportunities for both parties. Visitors to the Show come from all over the UK and we look forward to encouraging them to explore the wonderful town of Knutsford as part of their visit, playing our part in boosting the local economy and raising the profile of the of the beautiful area in which the Show is based.”

For more information on The Royal Cheshire County Show visit their website www.royalcheshireshow.org and for more information on Knutsford follow Discover Knutsford on Instagram @discoverknutsford and Facebook Discover Knutsford.

Flash Fashion Photo Credit John Horsely

Flash Fashion highlights Knutsford as a destination shopping town

ITV presenter Katy Rickitt hosted the third Flash Fashion Knutsford catwalk show on Saturday 18th May. Once again, the fashion show attracted a remarkable turnout, with The Lost & Found packed with spectators both inside and out. Organised by Knutsford Town Council, this event had the town centre a buzz with shoppers.

Spectators queued up to get a glimpse of the outfits showcased at the event, reflecting the enthusiasm surrounding this fashionable affair. The vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by the diverse collection of boutiques featured, cementing Knutsford’s reputation as a destination for shopping.

After the show attendees visited the shops and appreciated the dynamic retail scene that Knutsford has to offer. With shops covering multiple fashion categories, the event highlighted what a broad spectrum of fashion retail there is available in Knutsford.

An example of the unique shopping experience you can encounter in Knutsford comes from Redress who holds regular ‘Swap Shop’ pop ups at Dexter and Jones.

Owner of Redress Fiona Jackson-Gray said “Flash Fashion has become an unmissable event of Knutsford and Redress is so honoured to be a part of it.  We had a fantastic day at the fashion show and later in Dexter and Jones for our Swap Shop event.”

“To be able to be invited to walk alongside the boutiques of Knutsford with our preloved brand and for people to not only accept but absolutely relish in its unique qualities is an exciting concept and we hope to be a key part of the event for many years to come.  Thank you to the whole team for putting together a true fashion extravaganza and to everyone that came along to support our local independents.”

Sally Feeke from local designer footwear boutique said “We’ve been involved in every Flash Fashion event since 2019. 

“It is a great day and both the town and our shop had a real buzz meeting customers old and new. We love the event and we’ve benefited hugely from it so thank you to everyone involved.” 

Clare & Illingworth showcased their designer sunglasses, highlighting the premium brands that Knutsford has on offer. Richard Clare said. “Participating in the Flash Fashion event was a fantastic experience for Clare & Illingworth Opticians. The show brilliantly highlighted the amazing independent shops in Knutsford and we had the opportunity to meet many new people plus remind everyone that you can find luxury sunglasses right here locally, without the need to travel.”

For more information about Knutsford’s upcoming events and shopping opportunities follow the Discover Knutsford socials: Instagram @discoverknutsford, Facebook Discover Knutsford.