Administrator | Knutsford Town Council

17Jan2023

Calling all local shopping champions

Knutsford Town Council is calling on all residents and lovers of Knutsford’s high street to get in touch and join a social media campaign to promote the variety of shops on offer.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “In an increasingly difficult economic climate it is more important than ever to champion our town centre and its wonderful businesses. We are asking residents and supporters of our town to get in touch and let us know their three favourite shops. We will then video or interview these shopping champions and share their ‘top shops’ on our social media platforms. Restaurants, pubs, clothes shops to hardware shops – we don’t mind. The most difficult thing is actually choosing the top three!”.

First up was local resident Paul Langley who chose Detaljer, Slipped Discs of Knutsford Market Hall and The Cheeseyard. A few more residents are already lined up and if you wish to join them, please email Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Paul Langley, said, “I am proud to be part of this initiative and support our wonderful businesses. I would urge everyone to get involved!”

13Jan2023

Proposals invited for future of Knutsford’s iconic 60 King Street

Knutsford Town Council is inviting detailed proposals for the future of 60 King Street, the iconic Grade II* listed building also known as Kings Coffee House. The building, which has been vacant since 2019, offers a unique opportunity for a range of uses in the centre of the Knutsford high street.

The council had been exploring the feasibility of securing major heritage lottery funding to renovate the building in one go, however following further investigation it concluded the likelihood of success in the incredibly competitive funding programmes was too low weighed against the likely investment required to develop a competing bid.

At a Town Council meeting on 10^th January, the Town Council voted to invite proposals for a range of uses to enable it to determine the future of the building, including for community led schemes and the sale of the freehold.

Community led proposals should provide a detailed plan of how the building will be used and include a business case for how the building will be operated, how repairs will be funded and phased, detail the personnel involved in the project and provide a project timeline and action plan.

At the same time, the council will also consider offers for the sale of the freehold of the building. With a guide price of £1.1m, it is a rare opportunity to own a prestigious building and proposals for the purchase should include the proposed purchase price, an overview of proposed alterations and setting out he proposed use for the building and how it will support Knutsford Town Centre.

The council is also open to considering any other proposals including lettings.

More information on submissions is available at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/60ks. All proposals must be submitted by 4pm on 10^th March and will be considered at a special Town Council meeting w/c 20^th March.

Viewings of the building for those preparing a proposal will be held on Friday 27th January from 10am to 4pm; booking is required and a slot can be booked by emailing townclerk@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk with your preferred time.

Town Mayor, Cllr Mike Houghton said “The Town Council recognises the importance of this incredible building and will carefully consider all proposals received, seeking to find the best future for the building for Knutsford”

“It is important to remember that this is a Grade II* listed building meaning the integrity of the property will always be protected adding, as it does, so significantly to the town’s unique character”

12Jan2023

Free skills and business development workshops

Knutsford Town Council is hosting a series of workshops aimed at supporting and developing local businesses and skills that will help them compete.

The workshops, which are free to all Knutsford based businesses, are being delivered by local businesses to support their fellow traders by sharing expertise, experience, and tips.

The first workshops to be delivered are:

31st January – Instagram with Kate Rowland, Bella Marketing and Design
13^th February – Leadership, Planning and Control with Kevin Jardine, Retail Excellence Partnership
7^th March – Excel at Customer Service with Peter Murray, Pulse of Perfumery
21^st March – Getting the most from Canva with Rachael McCann, Knutsford Admin
17^th April – Window Display and Visual Merchandising with Sue Cottingham, Living-uk

Each workshop will start at 6.15pm and will be held at The Courthouse Cheshire or Knutsford Town Council Offices on Toft Road.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are blessed with some fantastic business owners here who work extremely hard but who also want to share their experiences, knowledge, and skillset.

These workshops work both ways – if a business owner wants to attend and share their ideas that is great too. Anything that helps Knutsford maintain its competitiveness in these difficult times is welcome. This is the first draft of workshops and in the future, we are hoping to add TikTok, other social platforms as well as SEO and Google analytics. We are also extremely grateful to the Courthouse Cheshire for offering their facilities free of charge – it all shows how fortunate we are to have a wonderful business community in Knutsford”.

If any Knutsford based business wishes to attend or offer to run a workshop, please contact sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

12Jan2023

Chance to find out about being a town councillor

In May 2023, residents will head to the polls to elect their 15 town councillors – but only if people put themselves forward for election.

Elections are held for the 15 seats on the council every four years and the last full elections in May 2019 saw 14 councillors elected unopposed with one co-opted by the council a month later. With up to eight of the current councillors potentially not standing for re-election this year, the Town Council is keen to promote the opportunity of serving as a councillor and see contested elections across all five wards.

The Town Council is hosting two information evenings to help potential candidates decide if being a councillor is right for them.

The sessions will include an overview of what the council can and cannot do, the role of a town councillor and the process for standing for election. They will also include a Q&A with serving town councillors so residents can here just what the life of a town councillor actually is.

“Perhaps you aren’t sure what the role of a councillor involves, you want to know how it could work with your other commitments or you’re daunted by the election process – maybe you actually want to be standing for Cheshire East Council. These sessions aim to help you decide whether to stand this May” said Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green.

The sessions take place at 7pm on Thursday 16^th February and Monday 20^th February in the Council Offices. The second session will also be livestreamed to Facebook.

Questions for the Q&A, about the role of being a councillor, can be submitted to townclerk@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or asked on the evening.

7Dec2022

Knutsford Christmas Market 2022 A Huge Success

Knutsford’s favourite Christmas Market kicked off the festive season last weekend, with a packed two-day celebration on 3^rd and 4^th December.

Over 130 stalls filled Princess Street and Silk Mill Street both days, selling a variety of artisan products ranging from homemade art and crafts, locally brewed beers and alcohol, festive bakes and lots of exciting gift ideas.

Thousands attended the event which also featured the Santa Parade on Saturday, supported by Knutsford Hosts and We Are Knutsford. Santa paraded up King Street and Minshull Street alongside City of Chester Brass Band and Travelling Light Circus performers before arriving in Canute Place ready for the big Switch On.

The Mayor of Knutsford was joined by his cadet, Jamie, and Santa Claus to light up Knutsford for the festive season at 6pm, followed by a headline performance from Small Horse & The Plan.

Santa also visited lots of children during the weekend at his Grotto, which was kindly supported by and in aid of CAFT. Children also enjoyed rides from John Collins Funfair, who were open all weekend on Princess Street car park.

Sunday saw live entertainment from Get Back Band and Knutsford Beats, both of whom were busking to raise money for various charities.

Alex Brown, Events Officer at Knutsford Town Council, said: “This was our busiest Christmas Market yet – we were thrilled to see thousands enjoying the market and entertainment throughout the weekend. It was our first full Christmas Weekend since 2019 following the pandemic and poor weather conditions last year, so it was fantastic to finally bring back the event in full this year. We hope everyone had a great time welcoming in the festive season in Knutsford!”

The festivities continue this weekend with the Mayor’s Christmas Crib Service on Saturday 10^th December at 4pm outside the Lost and Found, where the Mayor and local churches will bless the town crib, followed by brass music, Christmas carols and mulled wine and mince pies courtesy of Knutsford Catenians! A Christmas Remembrance Service follows at Knutsford Cemetery Chapel on Sunday 11^th December at 4pm, where residents can remember those who have passed this year.

If anyone would like to provide feedback on this year’s event, you can contact enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929.

28Nov2022

Christmas Parking for 2022

Shoppers are encouraged to ditch the Trafford Centre and Amazon and take advantage of free parking in Knutsford this December.

Three of the town’s car parks will be free from 10am on Saturday 10^th and Saturday 17^th December – Silk Mill Street, King Street and Princess Street.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said “Knutsford boasts an amazing array of independent shops selling unique gifts for friends and family. The shop windows are second to none, and in these difficult times we urge people to shop local and support our wonderful town”.

In addition, on December 15th Knutsford Town Mayor Mike Houghton, alongside Ian Cass of the Forum of Private Business will be visiting Knutsford shops to judge the best dressed Christmas window and handing out certificates and the coveted to the top three.

Uncovered bicycle parking is also available all year round at King Street car park near Tatton Perk, at Drury Lane and King Street near St John’s Church and the Town Council is working to provide a covered cycle shelter at Silk Mill Street for 2023.

Press Contacts: Sandra Curties,

Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncentre.co.uk

01565 653929

Photo Credit: Sandra Curties

Vincent Lazzerini of The Cheeseyard

28Nov2022

Santa in the Shop

Children are being urged to look out for Santa this Christmas, as he has been seen hiding in shop windows: Santa in the Shop is returning for the second year and will run throughout advent – from 1^st to 24^th December.

The Santa in the Shop trail encourages families to find a Santa hidden in twelve of Knutsford shop’s Christmas windows. Entry forms can be picked up from Knutsford Library, Market Hall, Council Offices, and selected shops. When completed, the form can be dropped off at Santa’s special post box in Little Waitrose. All correctly completed forms will be entered into a prize draw with the winners announced in early January.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager at Knutsford Town Council said: “This is a sweet and easy trail for Christmas, a great way of exploring our beautiful town and enjoying the Christmas lights and festive windows. We hope families enjoy spotting our little Santas!”

If visiting the town centre by car do not forget there is free parking on Saturday December 11^th December and 17^th December from 10 am in Silk Mill, King and Princess Street car parks.

Press contact: sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Photo Credit: Sandra Curties

15Nov2022

Knutsford Christmas Market marks start of festive season in 2 weeks

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Knutsford and the town’s favourite Christmas event is just around the corner!

Knutsford Christmas Market marks the start of the festive season in Knutsford and it is just three weeks away until the event returns for its 10^th market. The market will be held on Saturday 3^rd and Sunday 4^th December, featuring over 130 artisan traders on each day selling a variety of fine local goods.

The Saturday market runs from 12-7pm and coincides with the Christmas Light Switch On, which is preceded by a programme of live entertainment in Canute Place from 1pm, before the lights are switched on for the festive season by the Mayor of Knutsford at 6pm!

The Santa Parade will also be held on 3^rd December, kicking off at 5pm from the bottom of King Street, up Minshull Street before heading into Canute Place and dropping Santa off at the stage ready for the switch on. The parade features live brass music from City of Chester Brass Band and performances from Travelling Light Circus LED light performers, followed by Santa in his sleigh!

Families can visit Santa in his grotto on Silk Mill Street from 12-4.30pm on Saturday 3^rd and 11am-4pm on Sunday 4^th December. The grotto is kindly supported by CAFT and Knutsford Hosts, and a suggested £3 donation per child will be donated to CAFT.

On Sunday 4^th December you can enjoy live music on Princess Street from 12-4pm from Get Back Band Buskers and Knutsford Beats, all of whom will be raising money for various charities.

There will be an array of tasty street food options, bars selling cocktails, beers and mulled wine and coffee on offer each day to keep you fed and warm whilst you browse through the market. What better way to start your Christmas shopping?

For more information regarding the market, visit knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or follow the event on social media. You can also call 01565 653 929 for more information.

8Nov2022

Family-run business selling bespoke garden ornaments joins Knutsford Market Hall

Give your garden some personality and head on down to Knutsford Market Hall – as Radchester’s Garden Ornaments opened their doors last week (Tuesday 1^st November).

They are a family-run business offering a range of unique products that are designed and handcrafted by themselves, from the Manchester Bee to Paddington Bear. So, whether you’re looking for a quirky gift idea or a full garden makeover, there’s something for everyone!

They opened their doors in Marton back in 2020 with the aim of bringing back that extra sparkle to your green space and have since dreamed of opening a local pop-up shop. Esther, the stall owner, said: ‘’Having grown up in Knutsford, I am familiar with the Town and hope to add to the already vibrant Market Hall and see some familiar faces along the way! It would be great to see some local support for the Market, which was a much-enjoyed trip on a Saturday morning as a child.’’

Starting from prices as low as £2, there are plenty of fun and affordable items. So, get your Christmas shopping in early and add a truly personal touch to someone’s garden this year!

The Market Hall is open from 8am – 4pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Shop local this winter and come and see the range of products the market has to offer!

For inquiries, call 01565 653929 or email enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Address: Knutsford Market Hall, Silk Mill St, Knutsford, WA16 6DF.

2Nov2022

Youth Counselling Service ‘Just Drop-In’ receive grant from Knutsford Town Council

‘Just Drop-In’, the Macclesfield-based youth counselling service, is one of the three organisations this year that have received support through Knutsford Town Council’s community grant scheme.

Our Community Grant Scheme is one of our initiatives that aims to support local charities, organisations or CICs that are making a positive impact on the community. We offer donations of up to £200, small grants of up to £1,500, and large grants of anything over £1,500. You can read our grants policy and more information on how to apply here.

Just Drop-In has been significantly impacting the lives of children and young people struggling with their mental health and well-being. The service is available for people aged 12-24 who live in the north of Cheshire East (Macclesfield, Poynton, Wilmslow, Handforth, Knutsford, and the villages in between), and is completely free and accessible!

They have been working diligently to achieve excellent satisfaction rates, stating that around 80% of young people who use their service have an improved well-being score at the end of their sessions, and 98% would rate their services as good.

Knutsford Town Council has awarded the service £1,460, which will go towards the costs of two volunteer Counsellors to deliver their services in Knutsford. This will include clinical supervision, travel, and training expenses for six months.

Ann Wright, the Chief Officer, said: ‘’Our charity is committed to providing emotional health support to children in Knutsford and this wonderful grant from the Town Council will help us to achieve this commitment. We greatly appreciate the support.’’

We are excited to be supporting their work and admire the impact the charity has on the lives of young people in the area. If you’d like to learn more, visit their website: https://www.justdropin.co.uk/

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