A group of people in high viz jackets on a local footpath

Community Heroes Clear Local Footpath for Everyone to Enjoy

Community spirit was out in force as Knutsford’s Tidy Town Days continued to gather momentum, with residents once again rolling up their sleeves and coming together to improve access along the well-used footpath Sparrow Lane.

As part of its strategy to support active travel and accessibility for the community, and keep Knutsford well maintained, Knutsford Town Council has been arranging Tidy Town Days to help clear the build-up of detritus and overgrowth which has been narrowing local footpaths.

On Tuesday 15th September, the volunteers were out in force for Sparrow Lane part 2! Together they rose to the challenge brilliantly, giving their time to cut back overgrowth, clear leaf litter and remove other vegetation from the route helping to make the footway tidier, safer and more welcoming for residents. 

Peter Chavasse, a regular volunteer said “I was involved in several community engagements in Wilmslow previously so when I jumped the border to Knutsford recently it seemed natural to get involved in the community here. I’d rather be outdoors than inside, and I’d rather be standing than sitting, and I’d rather be active than stationary, so Tidy Town Ups tick all those boxes. I understand the argument that it’s the county councils responsibility, but realistically the chances of some of this work being done is pretty slim, so rather than say it’s someone else’s job, park that thought and just get on and do it and feel better knowing you’ve done it; and to spare 2-3 hours once or twice a month if you have the time and capability can slot into the schedule. So, as well as the gardening exercise, as essentially that’s what it is, which we know is good for us, you get to meet some new people, have a gossip, have a laugh, swap a few stories, and importantly contribute to making Knutsford just a little bit tidier, just a little bit smarter and just a little bit more attractive to walk around”

 “It amazes me every time our volunteers come together how much difference they make.  Their enthusiasm and work rate is infectious. Sparrow Lane is a mammoth task, and there is still more to be done, but their hard work and commitment made all the difference to what we achieved today” said Jeanette Hine, Corporate Support Manager.

The next Tidy Town Day will be at 1pm on Sunday 18th October, helping to clear another section on King Edward Road.  Anyone who would like to register an interest, please get in touch with Jeanette Hine at jeanette.hine@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or contact the council offices on 01565 653929.

Knutsford’s Biggest Heritage Open Days Programme To Date

Knutsford Town Council has delivered its biggest Heritage Open Days programme to date, with 17 events held across ten days — almost double from last year. The programme also saw strong demand for tours, talks, exhibitions and workshops across the town.

The annual programme gave residents and visitors the opportunity to step behind the doors of Knutsford’s fascinating past and discover the stories, people and places that have shaped the town.

As part of England’s largest festival of history and culture, this year’s ‘Working Histories’ theme explored Knutsford’s past through a programme of events highlighting some of the town’s iconic and hidden heritage sites, including places not normally open to the public.

Events included talks and activities exploring life in Knutsford’s historic workhouse at Jubilee Hall and Knutsford Heritage Centre, giving visitors an insight into what daily life was like for people who lived there.

Jenny Collis said: “It was a privilege to share workhouse history with an audience of over 100 people. While facts provide the essential framework, it was the story of Martha, John, and their young children that truly resonated. Hearing that the audience was spellbound, with ‘you could hear a pin drop’, shows how powerful storytelling is for bringing local history to life.”

Visitors also had the opportunity to explore the historic Marble Arch on King Street, formerly the Mermaid coaching inn, and The Yellow House, formerly The Old Laundry. Both tours proved so popular that a second tour was added at each property.

New for 2026 was Knutsford Through Film and Photographs, which offered a nostalgic look at the town’s past through historic postcards and film from the Northwest Film Archive. Around 50 people visited the Knutsford Town Council offices to view the collection.

Visitor feedback included comments that the exhibition was “really fascinating and nostalgic” and that it was “refreshing to see how the town has changed”.

The programme also included exhibitions at Brook Street Chapel, including an Elizabeth Gaskell birthday commemoration, with talks, films and displays exploring the history of the Grade I listed chapel and Knutsford’s heritage.

Guided tours of St John’s Church and self-guided tours of St Cross Church offered further opportunities to explore the history, architecture and heritage of Knutsford, while a special opportunity to climb the bell tower at St Cross Church provided a new perspective of the town from above.

Tabley House also opened its collection to visitors, with a focus on the lives of the servants who worked at the house and estate. The tearoom and chapel were open throughout the event.

Hands-on activities formed another part of the programme, including a traditional willow weaving workshop at Knutsford Market Hall, where participants learnt basic weaving techniques and created their own handmade pieces.

The Town Council also thanked the local organisations and businesses that supported the programme, including Heritage Ghost Walk, Knutsford Market Hall and Arthur Lee Interiors. Their contributions helped bring different aspects of Knutsford’s history and heritage to life, from local ghost stories and family-friendly creative activities to the story of a long-established Knutsford family business founded in 1919 and now run by the fourth generation of the Lee family.

All events were free, with advance booking required for some activities due to limited capacity. All bookable activities sold out, highlighting the strong interest in Knutsford’s heritage and history.

Winner Beatrix Bird aged 5 and her brother Felix Bird. Credit- Mark Bird

Young Treasure Hunters Help Raise Over £250 for Pirate Pete’s (Mayor of Knutsford) Charities

Families across Knutsford took to the streets during the summer holidays to follow the clues, discover hidden treasure, and explore some of the town’s local businesses.

The trail, which ran from 18 July to 2 September, proved a hit with families, with the event receiving a very warm response from residents and visitors.

The Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Peter Coan, said:

“It has been fantastic to see so many children and families getting involved with Pirate Pete this summer. We wanted to create something fun that encouraged people to explore our town while also raising money for Men’s Shed Knutsford and the four primary school’s PTAs.

A huge thank you to everyone who bought a booklet, followed the clues and took part. Most importantly, thank you to all the local businesses who helped make Pirate Pete’s adventure possible.”

The treasure trail was sponsored by Satya Sanctuary, Knutsford Heritage Centre, York & Co, Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe, Linden Stores, Detaljer, Dexter & Jones, Tatton Perk, Booths and Real Fruit Creamery.

Children who completed the trail could hand in their completed booklet to be entered into the Grand Prize Draw, with one lucky treasure hunter taking home the main prize.

Beatrix Bird aged 5 was drawn as the grand-prize winner.

The mayor’s charities for 2026/27 are Knutsford Men’s Shed and the PTAs of Knutsford’s primary schools, with funds raised from the trail being shared between these causes.

The mayor added:

“Pirate Pete may be sailing off for now, but I think he has left his mark on Knutsford! We’re delighted that the trail has not only given families something fun to do over the summer but has also raised over £250”.

The mayor will also be hosting a bingo night on the 27th of November, with a bar and cash prizes to be won. Tickets are £15 and can be purchased here

A sculpture of King Canute in the council office gardens, with a tree

Notice of Conclusion of Audit 2026

The audit of accounts for Knutsford Town Council for the year ended 31 March 2026 has been completed and the accounts have been published.

The Annual Governance & Accountability Return including the auditor’s certificate and opinion is available for inspection and copying by any local government elector of the area of Knutsford Town Council on application to Adam Keppel-Green (Town Clerk): townclerk@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk from Monday-Friday to 9am to 5pm. A copy of the completed AGAR can also be accessed here: AGAR 2025/26

Copies will be provided to any person on payment of £0 for each copy of the Annual Governance & Accountability Return.

Announcement made by Adam Keppel-Green, Town Clerk

Date of announcement: 15th September 2026

A group of volunteers standing on a public footpath

From Overgrown to Open: Volunteers Work Their Magic

Knutsford’s Tidy Town Days are taking off as once again residents came together to help improve access along the well-used footpath.

As part of its strategy to support active travel and accessibility for the community, and keep Knutsford well maintained, Knutsford Town Council arranged its third Tidy Town Day to help clear the build-up of detritus and overgrowth which has been narrowing the footpath from Kenilworth Avenue to Manor Park South

On Tuesday 25th August, 5 volunteers kindly gave their morning to cut back overgrowth, clear leaf litter and remove other vegetation from the route. The small but mighty team worked their magic, helping to make the footway tidier, safer and more welcoming for residents. 

Jeanette Hine, Corporate Support Manager said “I am really pleased with how the Tidy Town Days are bringing our community together.  It is lovely to see everyone getting stuck in and having fun to help make the town cleaner, brighter and easier to explore.  We would like to thank everyone who gave their time to help support our Tidy Town Day and make it such a great success”

The next Tidy Town Day will be Tuesday 15th September, helping to clear another section on Sparrow Lane.  Anyone who would like to register an interest, please get in touch with Jeanette Hine at jeanette.hine@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or contact the council offices on 01565 653929.

A footpath covered in leaf litter
A man and woman clearing leaf litter from a footpath

Debt Centre Encourages Community Not to Suffer in Silence

Hope Central Knutsford has been granted £1500 through Knutsford Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme to support the work of its debt centre.

The Debt Centre is a vital local service, supporting residents facing unmanageable debt to take control of their finances, find a way forward and breathe a little easier.

Debt can have a devastating impact on people’s mental health. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) reports that 46% of its surveyed clients had considered ending their own life as a way out of debt, highlighting just how important services like this can be.

One local resident who used Hope Central’s services said, “A huge weight has been lifted and we have been given a fresh start for our family. Reach out, don’t suffer in silence. It’s never too late and there is always a solution.”

Hope Central provide face-to-face appointments, usually in the client’s home offering practical financial guidance and emotional support which is particularly important for people who may struggle to access other services. The Debt Centre operates in partnership with CAP, which provides the specialist systems, guidance and regulated debt advice required to deliver the service. The Town Council grant will help fund this essential partnership and enable the service to continue supporting Knutsford residents.

Barney Howard of Hope Central said “We are incredibly grateful to Knutsford Town Council for their financial support of our Debt Centre. This funding enables us to continue helping people become free from the weight of unmanageable debt.

Since launching the centre in partnership with CAP in 2021, we have supported 156 households. This funding means we can not only help people become debt free, but also empower them to rebuild their lives; whether that’s returning to work, gaining the skills to manage their finances confidently, or reconnecting to community.

Anyone can find themselves in debt, and no matter how overwhelming it feels, there is always a way forward. If you are struggling with debt or arrears, please contact our team on 0800 328 0006 to book an appointment.”

Hope Central is a Christian charity committed to bringing hope and relieving poverty across Cheshire East. Recognising that poverty and financial hardship can affect anyone, the charity provides practical support to those in need. Through its food banks, Debt Centre and employment support, its services create long term solutions to protect and support vulnerable people to live an independent life.

For more information about Hope Central please visit https://hopecentral.org.uk/. To refer yourself or someone else to their debt service please call 0800 328 0006.

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 11th September. For more information visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants.

Cllr Colin Banks and Paul Langley at the first LOL x The Mayor comedy night

LOL Cheshire X The Mayor of Knutsford Returns For Its Third Year

The Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Peter Coan, and Paul Langley of LOL Cheshire are excited to announce LOL X The Mayor is back for its third year. This special fundraising comedy night is to be held at Knutsford Little Theatre on the 9th October with doors opening at 7:15pm, featuring some of the finest comedians from LOL Cheshire, including MC Chris Brooker, Karen Bayley and local lad Mundo Jazz.

Paul Langley says “After the success of the previous events, I am thrilled to be supporting the Town Mayor again at LOL X The Mayor. You can expect not only a brilliant night of stand up from the very best comedians around but also raising funds for all four Knutsford Primary School PTAS and Men’s Shed Knutsford”.

Civic Events officer, Gemma Jackson, says “Those who haven’t been before can expect hilarious, sometimes risqué acts in a lovely local venue. I would like to thank Paul and the volunteers at Knutsford Little Theatre for supporting the Mayor’s fundraising efforts again this year”.

Tickets are priced at £15.05 (including booking fee), with proceeds going to the Mayor’s chosen charities. They can be purchased online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/socialpromotions.

Cllr Peter Coan added “The beauty of a comedy night is that you can come alone, or with your friends or family. One of my aims during my mayoral term is to host events where everyone will be made to feel welcome”.

For more information, please contact civic events officer Gemma Jackson by email gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or by telephoning 01565 653929