Knutsford Town Council

6Aug2026

Knutsford Library Inspires Young Readers with Community Grant

Knutsford Library has received £450 through Knutsford Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme to help inspire young readers through this year’s Summer Reading Challenge and a programme of creative activities.

The library has a fantastic programme of events designed to keep children reading throughout the summer, encouraging them to read for pleasure while continuing to develop their literacy skills. Reading for pleasure from an early age builds a powerful foundation for a child’s future, improving brain development, vocabulary and mental wellbeing.

According to research by the National Literacy Trust, children’s and young people’s enjoyment of reading and daily reading habits have risen for the first time in five years after reaching a 20-year low in 2025. Programmes like the Summer Reading Challenge play an important role in encouraging children to discover a genuine enjoyment of reading in their own time, helping to build lifelong reading habits.

Lise Hough, Librarian at Knutsford Library said “Knutsford Town Council’s community grant will mean that Knutsford Library will now be able to hold one or two exciting children’s events to accompany our annual Summer Reading Challenge scheme. The scheme is open to all and encourages children to read purely for pleasure over the summer holiday, maintaining literacy over the long school break while, hopefully, fostering a love of books.”

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme is ‘Read to the Beat’. The theme inspires children to explore the connection between stories and music, discovering how both ignite imagination and creativity. In line with this year’s theme, upcoming events at Knutsford Library include cheerleading sessions, the opportunity to craft a hand drum and even a Disney sing-along activity!

Library services and spaces are designed to meet community needs by providing free access to books, e-resources, information and computers. In doing so, they support learning, improve literacy and contribute to the health, wellbeing and resilience of the local community. Cheshire East libraries, including Knutsford Library, aim to become the venue of choice for enabling and connecting residents to enrichment within their lives.

To find out more about library services, or to join the Summer Reading Challenge, please visit https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/libraries/nearest-library/knutsford_library.aspx, call 01625 374873, or visit Knutsford Library’s Facebook page.

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 Community Grant Scheme applications is 11^th September. For more information visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants.

6Aug2026

Knutsford Cemetery retains prestigious Green Flag Award

Knutsford Cemetery has once again been recognised as one of the country’s best-managed green spaces after retaining its prestigious Green Flag Award.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Knutsford Cemetery is one of a record breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year – a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the cemetery groundskeeper and the Town Council team who care for this peaceful green space, ensuring it is maintained to the highest standard for residents and visitors.

Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Coan, said: “Retaining the Green Flag Award is a wonderful achievement and a reflection of the dedication shown by our groundskeeper, Fergal, and everyone involved in caring for the cemetery. Fergal works tirelessly to keep the grounds looking their very best, while also taking the time to help residents and families locate the graves of loved ones with kindness and compassion. We are incredibly proud to have retained this prestigious award and hope it inspires even more of our green spaces to achieve the same recognition in the future.”

The Cremation Garden at Knutsford Cemetery

Knutsford Cemetery and Tabley Hill Chapel

Since the Town Council took over management of the cemetery in 2020, it has invested in improving the quality of the grounds and ensuring the safety of the memorials, creating a welcoming and tranquil environment where people can remember loved ones and spend a quiet moment of reflection.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming. With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.

“Knutsford Town Council have shown what can be achieved when green spaces are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.

Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Knutsford Cemetery on Tabley Hill is open to the public throughout the year. Residents and visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, pay their respects to loved ones, or spend a few quiet moments in the chapel while the groundskeeper is on site.

4Aug2026

Volunteers invited to help tidy town

The search is on for volunteers to help restore well-used school routes as part of Knutsford’s Tidy Town Improvement Days.

Following the success of its recent community improvement day on Sparrow Lane, Knutsford Town Council is once again calling on local volunteers to join its Tidy Town days – this time to help clear debris and overgrown vegetation that have narrowed well-used school routes along King Edward Road and Kenilworth Avenue

The community clean-ups will help make the routes safer and more accessible for the pupils, parents and other residents who use the paths every day, while improving the appearance of the area for everyone too.

The Town Council is working to support active travel and accessibility for the community, and improving public footpaths helps to enhance safety, increase accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs and contributes to a better local environment.

All tools and gloves will be provided, and volunteers will help remove the build-up of bramble and weeds and dig out the old dirt and leaves with the aim of restoring the path to its original width

Bob Garner, Town Ranger said “The recent tidy town improvement day on Sparrow Lane was a great success and highlighted how much the community working together can achieve. It made what would have been a few days’ work, a few hours work and the difference in the path is amazing. Let’s give King Edward Road and Kenilworth Avenue the same transformation”

The next Tidy Town Days are:

Tuesday 18^th August – King Edward Road
Tuesday 25^th August – Manor Park South to Kenilworth Avenue path

Both sessions start at 10am with a safety briefing. Those interested in participating in one or both days, are invited to contact Jeanette Hine at jeanette.hine@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or contact the council offices on 01565 653929.

24Jul2026

Get creative at Paint Knutsford!

The second annual Paint Knutsford is set to return with two dynamic new activities added to its 2026 line-up, alongside the town’s beloved open-air art and alfresco dining.

The newly introduced Drawing in the Woods invites artists of all skill levels to a relaxed, clothed life-drawing session. Facilitated by Lisa from Life Drawing with Hop—an art collective with community and creativity at its heart—the guided session runs from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Tickets are priced at £10 and are available now via the Discover Knutsford website.

Younger creatives can get hands-on with Little Artists on the Moor, running from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This free drop-in session offers a fantastic, family-friendly way to spend time together while nurturing the town’s next potential Picasso.

These new additions will run alongside artists capturing Knutsford’s iconic buildings and vibrant street scenes live throughout the day. To complement the creative atmosphere, King Street and Silk Mill Street will host alfresco dining, with participating local hospitality venues serving refreshments into the afternoon.

Art enthusiasts will also have the rare opportunity to view masterworks up close. The Tabley House Collection and Clarendon Fine Art Gallery will showcase works by L.S. Lowry, alongside a reproduction of a J.M.W. Turner painting, inside Knutsford Market Hall from 2:00 pm. The Market Hall will later serve as the central hub for live competition judging at 4:30 pm.

Caroline Haynes, Event Manager at Knutsford Town Council, commented “We are really excited about this year’s Paint Knutsford. There is truly something for everyone—whether you’re strolling through town to enjoy the atmosphere, looking for creative activities for the kids, or wanting to take part in a guided art session. We encourage visitors to pick up a leaflet from local businesses or visit Discover Knutsford to learn more. We’re also extremely grateful to our 2026 sponsors—Tatton Perk, Tabley House Nursing Home, and King Street Dental Practice—whose support has helped make this event possible.”

Visitors can pick up event leaflets across town from 27^th July, which includes a map highlighting where artists are working and full details on the afternoon’s live judging.

For more information about Knutsford Town Council’s events programme, visit www.discoverknutsford.co.uk, follow @DiscoverKnutsford on social media, email enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk, or call 01565 653929.

22Jul2026

Search is on for a new Town Clerk

The search is on for a new Town Clerk to help lead Knutsford Town Council.

Current Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green, will be leaving the role in November after 14 years with the Town Council, as he takes on the post of Chief Officer (Town Clerk) at Congleton Town Council. Adam started with Knutsford as Deputy Town Clerk in 2012 before becoming Town Clerk in 2014 and helped lead the significant change the council has undergone during this time.

The Town Clerk is the council’s most senior officer, reporting to the Council as a whole and responsible for overseeing the operational management of the council and its services. It is a varied role which includes responsibility for the council’s budget, staffing and statutory compliance, as well as advising the elected councillors to support effective decision making.

“The role of Town Clerk is very much a jack-of-all trades” said Adam “It’s a really varied job where every day is different. At its heart, it is about ensuring the council is delivering for the community, working with councillors to ensure the council responds to local need and is working to make Knutsford the best town it can be”.

The Town Council is inviting applications from candidates with strong communication, report writing and public speaking skills who are able to convey information to a variety of audiences. Candidates should also have experience in strategic and operational management of an organisation, experience managing budgets and staff, and experience building productive relationships with a variety of stakeholders. Candidates with knowledge of local council law and finance are particularly sought.

“The Town Clerk is an incredibly important role and critical to the success of the Town Council. We welcome applications from those who believe they have what it takes to help support the council as it continues delivering for Knutsford” said Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Coan.

A full job pack is available on the Town Council website at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/town-clerk

16Jul2026

Knutsford Students Recognised Through Millennium Bursary Awards

Knutsford Town Council and Knutsford Lions are delighted to announce Remi Livesey as the recipient of the 2026 Knutsford Millennium Bursary, with Valeriia Shymko receiving the Knutsford Lions’ Discretionary Award.

Established in 2000, the Knutsford Millennium Bursary is awarded annually by Knutsford Town Council in partnership with Knutsford Lions to support local students undertaking higher education.

The bursary is open to students who have completed their second year of study and normally reside in Knutsford or Toft. The main award of £760 is designed to help fund a specific project, dissertation or other aspect of a student’s academic development, with an additional Knutsford Lions’ Discretionary Award recognising another outstanding applicant.

Remi, a former student of The Grange School, is currently studying Medicine at the University of Cambridge. Alongside an outstanding academic record, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to both community service and medical innovation. Remi plans to build a career combining clinical practice with research and is currently exploring emerging treatments in immunology and cancer research. The bursary will help fund accommodation costs associated with summer research projects, enabling him to gain valuable experience at the forefront of medical advances.

Alongside his studies, Remi has volunteered extensively within the local community, including supporting patients on respiratory and dementia wards at Macclesfield District General Hospital and helping deliver CPR and first aid training through the Knutsford Community First Responder Trust. He hopes to continue supporting local initiatives whenever he returns to Knutsford.

On receiving the award, Remi said: “I am incredibly grateful to Knutsford Town Council and Knutsford Lions for awarding me this bursary. The thought of being part of medical research that advances knowledge and uncovers new treatments is something that really excites me. This summer, I’ve been offered an amazing opportunity to join a research group working in a fascinating field, and this bursary will help fund my accommodation while I gain hands-on research experience. Thank you so much – it truly means a great deal.”

Valeriia Shymko, a former student of Knutsford Academy, has been awarded the Knutsford Lions’ Discretionary Award. She is currently studying Business and Management at the University of York, where she has developed a particular interest in sustainable business and consultancy.

Earlier this year, Valeriia was selected to present a project at an international symposium in Greece and this summer will undertake an internship in Manchester to further develop her professional experience. Alongside her studies, she serves as a Student Ambassador for the University of York’s School for Business and Society, supporting prospective students and representing the university at events. The award will help support the costs associated with her internship, research and final-year dissertation as she prepares for a career in business, which she hopes to pursue from her hometown of Knutsford after graduation.

Lydia Barclay, representing Knutsford Lions, said: “We were impressed by the ambition, commitment and community spirit demonstrated by both of this year’s award recipients. Remi is determined to build a medical career that combines clinical practice with innovative research, creating a legacy through work that could improve treatments for autoimmune conditions, specific illnesses and, in time, cancers. Alongside his academic achievements, Remi has already made a significant contribution to Knutsford and the surrounding area through a wide range of part-time and voluntary roles, including positions in both sport and healthcare. We have no doubt that we will hear much more about his work in the years ahead.

Valeriia has also shown exceptional drive and initiative as she works towards a career in business. She consistently goes beyond the requirements of her degree, attending additional university workshops to broaden her expertise, and she hopes to return to Knutsford after graduating to begin her career locally.

Both recipients are outstanding examples of talented young people who are prepared to work hard, make the most of every opportunity and give back to their local community. We are delighted that these awards will help them take the next steps towards their future careers.”

Applications for the 2027 Knutsford Millennium Bursary will open in October 2026 and close on 31 January 2027. Eligible students from Knutsford and Toft are encouraged to apply. If you would like to find out more, please visit https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/millennium-bursary

15Jul2026

Market Hall News

Knutsford Market Hall has welcomed its newest independent trader, Cheshire Craft Store, bringing a much-loved range of arts, crafts and haberdashery supplies back to the town.

The new business is owned by familiar local face Melanie Naylor, who opened Cheshire Craft Store after receiving regular requests from customers looking for the products once available at her former business, Knutsford Art and Stationery Shop.

The stall stocks a wide selection of art materials, craft supplies, and haberdashery, catering for everyone from experienced artists and makers to children discovering their creative side.

Melanie said: “We are delighted to open Cheshire Craft Store and bring these products back to Knutsford. We’re stocking all your favourites – from wool, needles and thread to paints, sketchbooks, and art materials for both experienced and budding artists. Please pop in and see us. If there’s something you need that we don’t have in stock, we’ll always do our best to order it for you.”

The arrival of Cheshire Craft Store comes as Knutsford Market Hall continues to reward loyal customers through two new initiatives.

Each month, one regular Market Hall customer is nominated by the traders to receive £20 in Knutsford Vouchers to spend within the Market Hall. June’s recipient was Laura Davies of Laura Davies Styling, recognised for her continued support of the Market Hall and its independent businesses.

Laura Davies with her prize as a loyal market customer

Meanwhile, York & Co ~ The Grocer has launched a new loyalty scheme for its regular customers, offering rewards to shoppers who choose to buy local and support the independent organic grocery store.

Alex Molly, owner of York & Co ~ The Grocer, said: “Our loyalty scheme is our way of thanking customers for shopping local. Every purchase brings rewards, making it even easier to enjoy fresh, seasonal organic produce while supporting an independent Knutsford business. Pop in to find out more.”

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager for Knutsford Town Council, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Cheshire Craft Store to Knutsford Market Hall. Melanie’s new business fills a real gap in the town, givingartists, crafters and hobbyists access to quality supplies once again. Alongside exciting initiatives such as the Market Hall customer reward and York & Co’s new loyalty scheme, there’s never been a better time to visit. Whether you’re a regular shopper or discovering the Market Hall for the first time, you’ll find a fantastic range of independent businesses ready to welcome you.”

The full list of market traders is as follows –

The Market Café
Sweet. Knutsford
Cheshire Party Store
Market Hall Barber
Slipped Discs
Cheshire Craft Store
Market Hall Butcher
Knutsford Mobile
York & Co. – The Grocer.
JKQ Quality Catch (Friday morning only)

Knutsford Market Hall is open every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and every Makers Market Sunday.

Pop-ups can apply to trade via https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/market-hall/trade

13Jul2026

Community Grant Supports Armed Forces Day and Future Activities in Knutsford

Knutsford Royal British Legion has received £750 from Knutsford Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme towards the purchase of a new gazebo to support its community activities, including this year’s Armed Forces Day celebrations.

The gazebo will provide a dedicated and recognisable presence for the Royal British Legion at events throughout the year, helping volunteers engage with residents, raise awareness of the charity’s work and support veterans, serving personnel and their families within the local community.

The Royal British Legion plays an important role in supporting members of the Armed Forces community and ensuring their service and sacrifice are recognised. The new gazebo will help the organisation participate in more local events, creating a welcoming space for conversation, information and fundraising.

John Walker, Chair of Knutsford and District Royal British Legion, said: “We are extremely grateful to Knutsford Town Council for supporting the purchase of our new gazebo, it will enable us to attend more community events throughout the year, helping us raise awareness of the support we offer to serving and former members of the Armed Forces and their families. On behalf of everyone at the branch, thank you for helping us continue our work within the local community.”

Military Vehicles on the Moor for Armed Forces Day

The Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to support community projects and initiatives within Knutsford. Funding priorities include projects supporting young people and older residents, improving community services and assets, and enhancing the town’s profile and community life.

For more information about the work of the Royal British Legion, visit the Royal British Legion website.

For more information about the Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme, visit Knutsford Town Council Community Grants.

3Jul2026

Evidence sought for right of way claim

Knutsford Town Council is appealing for users of Moorside to provide evidence of their use to support it being registered as a public right of way.

The Town Council has started the process to register ten new public rights of way across the town. The evidence for the first ‘Definitive Map Modification Order’ application, which applies for the route from Mallard Close to the Tatton Park Dog Wood entrance, has been gathered and an application has been submitted to Cheshire East Council.

The council is now gathering evidence for the next route, Moorside. This is the unadopted section of Moorside, from where the adopted highway ends just past the Moor, through to Dury Lane.

Often, historic public rights of way remain unrecorded despite long standing use by the community, and the need to register a path doesn’t get flagged until there is a threat to access and the council is therefore working proactively to ensure that where evidence supports it, these routes are formally protected for future generations.

Whilst applications are quite straight forward, the process to amend the Definitive Map is detailed and can take several years to complete once submitted to Cheshire East Council.

The Town Council expects to apply to register this route as a ‘Byway Open to All Traffic’, a form of public right of way which covers travel on foot, bicycle and motorised vehicles. Registration will strengthen the Town Council and Cheshire East Council’s powers to ensure the Moorside is passable but would not mean it was maintained to a standard of a typical road. So, the council are inviting evidence from anyone who has used the route on foot or by vehicle.

Applications require the submission of robust evidence demonstrating continuous public use for a period of 20 years, alongside other historic evidence of their existence. The Town Council has identified ten paths which it believes would meet the legal tests and are not currently adopted highways or recorded public rights of way.

The council is inviting residents and members of the public who have used this path over the past 20 years or more (i.e. since 2006 or before) to contact the Town Council on 01565 653 929 or enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk to obtain an evidence form. Statements, photographs, maps, or any historical documentation relating to the route may assist in supporting the application.

Cllr April Johnson said “This part of Moorside is an important right of way in our town centre. It’s a well used route and borders on the RAMSAR and SSSI site of the Moor Pool.

This DMMO application is about protecting a historic route that has been used by local people for generations. It’s not about creating a new path, but ensuring that a long-established public right of way is properly recognised and safeguarded for future generations.

Moorside has long been an important route within our community. Securing its status through a Definitive Map Modification Order would help preserve an important piece of Knutsford’s heritage while ensuring residents can continue to enjoy safe and lawful access.”

The full list of routes the council plans to prepare evidence for is at available at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/prow

3Jul2026

Volunteers Help Improve Local Footpath During Successful Clearing Day

Sparrow Lane had a makeover with the help of volunteers on Thursday 11^th June.

Residents and volunteers from Bruntwood worked to help improve access along the well-used footpath.

As part of its strategy to support active travel and accessibility for the community, Knutsford Town Council arranged a volunteering session to help clear the build-up of detritus and overgrowth which has been narrowing the path from Delmar Road to Higher Downs.

Despite some rainy weather, 24 volunteers gave their time and energy to support the practical improvement day that will benefit residents. By widening the footpath, the team helped create a more open and usable route, improving accessibility and helping to ensure the path can be enjoyed by more people through the year.

Spirits were high with the sense of achievement for a few hours work, and the day highlighted the value of working together as a community and it is hoped that the event will inspire further community involvement in future improvement days.

Jeanette Hine, Corporate Support Manager said “We would like to thank everyone who took part in in the day and contributed to its success. The strong turn out reflects the continuing commitment of local people caring for the town’s green spaces and public footpaths and we are very grateful for their support”

The town council will be holding further improvement days throughout the year. Anyone who would like to register an interest, please contact Jeanette Hine at jeanette.hine@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or contact the council offices on 01565 653929.

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