A Keppel-Green | Knutsford Town Council

26Oct2026

Have your say on the council’s 2027/28 budget

Knutsford Town Council is inviting residents to a ‘budget conversation’ on Monday 2^nd November as the start of a consultation on its draft budget for 2027/28. The event will be held at 7pm in Knutsford Market Hall.

The budget conversation will include a presentation on the council’s budget and provide a chance for residents to ask questions of the council ahead of it agreeing a budget in December/January.

The council’s draft budget and an explanatory guide to the budget are being published on Friday 30^th October, starting a one-month consultation that closes on 27^th November, ahead of the council’s Finance Committee budget meeting on 7^th December.

Households in Knutsford pay a portion of their council tax to the Town Council; known as the parish precept, this accounts for 5.9% of the total council tax paid. In 2026, for a Band D household, this amounted to £12.41 per month.

Over September and October, council committees have prepared their draft budgets for the financial year starting 1^st April 2027. The consultation aims to provide a meaningful opportunity for the community to influence local spending priorities before the budget is finalised.

The feedback from the engagement will go to the Finance Committee when it considers the draft budget in early December and makes a recommendation to January’s Full Council meeting which sets the budget and determines the precept.

Town Clerk Adam Kepepl-Green said “This is an opportunity for open input on the council’s budget and its spending plans for the next year. It’s also a chance for us to explain more clearly what the council does and how it spends your money, so we encourage all residents to visit our website or come along to our budget conversation”.

From Friday 30^th October, all information will be available at: www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/budget27

23Oct2026

Council opposes Church Hill Closure Plan

Knutsford Town Council is calling on Cheshire East Council to abandon proposals to close Church Hill for six months of the year.

Cheshire East Council has proposed to close the cobbled street from December to April under a planned “experimental” traffic regulation order. The proposal is in response to issues in previous cold weather issues where cars have failed to stop at the bottom of the hill and on occasion collided with the building opposite.

Whilst the Town Council recognises the necessity to close the road during prolonged ice and snow periods, and supports these temporary closures as a proportionate response to the safety concern, town councillors are flabbergasted by the excessive and disproportionate plan to shut the street for five months of the year.

The proposal would involve the installation of a physical barrier on Church Hill near Jessica Stone Salons, closing preventing access along the remainder of the street. Any vehicles accessing the road will be required to turn around and exit back onto Toft Road – including refuse vehicles, delivery vans and funeral hearses at St John’s Church.

Town Mayor, and Cheshire East Councillor Peter Coan said “I consider it unacceptable to close a well used route in weather that makes it safe to use. There are bespoke ways to maintain pedestrian safety in icy and snowy conditions that should be implemented.”

Cllr April Johnson, Chair of the Knutsford Town Council Town Centre Committee and councillor for Bexton and Town Centre ward said “This road is an important part of our town’s infrastructure, serving residents, local businesses and visitors. Its closure risks creating unnecessary disruption for access to our main car park, increasing traffic on King Edward Road and Adams Hill and negatively affecting the daily lives of those who live and work in the town.”

The proposal was initially mooted in 2023, when the Town Council first set out its objection to the idea. Cheshire East Council data suggests 1,000 vehicles a day will be displaced onto Toft Road and Adams Hill, which it considers negligible due to the high volumes of traffic already on these roads. The Town Council has highlighted the value of Church Hill as a local route taking pressure off congested roads and enabling easy access to the town’s main car park.

The Town Council has also highlighted the impact of previous closures on traffic flows and business footfall, raising concerns that the proposal will impact the high street at an increasingly challenging time for small businesses. The Town Council has also challenged the financial cost of the proposal, estimated at around £8,500, compared with the temporary closures which a Cheshire East Council Freedom of Information request response put at £130 per closure.

An experimental traffic regulation order would be put in place for a period of 18 months and formally reviewed after 6 months where any feedback during this period is considered. The borough council may then retain, revoke or vary the order.

In a meeting with Cheshire East Highways officers, the Town Council was told the borough council was determined to press ahead with the experimental order despite opposition from the town council, stating it was the only safe solution to the problem.

The town council challenged the weight which will be placed on feedback from the ‘experiment’ if the borough council insists the full closure was the only safe measure and urged alternative solutions to be explored in more detail, including improved surfacing, gritting and continuing the current temporary closures.

A petition against the closure of the road has been launched by local businesses and already reached 600 signatures, this can be found at www.change.org/p/stop-the-five-month-closure-of-church-hill-knutsford-protect-our-independent-businesses

Cllr Johnson added “We believe the community deserves to have its voice heard and its concerns taken seriously. We oppose Cheshire East Council closing our local roads without valid justification. The Town Council therefore calls on the council to reconsider its decision, and work constructively with the Town Council to find a proportionate solution that reflects the needs and wishes of local people.”

The Town Council is writing to Cheshire East Council Highways Portfolio Holder Cllr Mark Goldsmith and Interim Executive Director of Place Richard Kenny seeking their intervention to stop the proposed closure.

The Town Council is encouraging those concerned by the closure to sign the petition and to contact Cheshire East Council outlining their concerns.

Cheshire East Council has published information on the proposal at: https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways_and_roads/roadworks/church-hill-knutsford-winter-weather-closure.aspx

15Sep2026

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

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

16Jun2026

Publication of Unaudited Accounts 2025/26

NOTICE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS AND PUBLICATION OF
UNAUDITED ANNUAL GOVERNANCE & ACCOUNTABILITY RETURN

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2026

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

Date of announcement Tuesday 16 June 2026

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 2026, 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 Wednesday 17 June 2026
and ending on Tuesday 28 July 2026

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.

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-littlejohn.com

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

You can view the unaudited return here: AGAR 2025/26 (unaudited)

5Jun2026

Hunt is on for Knutsford’s best ponds

Residents with garden ponds are being encouraged to log them as part of the Knutsford Nature Action Plan with the opportunity to submit them into the Knutsford’s Best Ponds Competition.

This year’s theme of the Knutsford Nature Action Plan is Frogs and Pondlife, aiming to raise awareness of the important role that ponds of all sizes play for nature. Ponds might seem small or unimportant, but they are some of the best places for wildlife, supporting amphibians such as frogs and newts and insects such as dragonflies and beetles.

As part of the Nature Action Plan work, the council is looking to map garden ponds to understand the network and is inviting residents to log their ponds online, with the option to enter them into the competition.

Alongside this, the Town Council’s Nature Action Plan working group is encouraging residents to create a pond in their garden – whether a small patio pond or a large sunken pond – all help support a plethora of wildlife and help reverse the 60% decline in natural ponds in Cheshire since 1870.

The Knutsford’s Best Ponds competition has two categories – Best New Pond for ponds created in 2026, and Best Established Pond for ponds created pre 2026.

Ponds do not need to be large; small, shallow ponds often have even more wildlife because many species prefer shallow water. However, there needs to be plenty of ponds in the area so that animals can move easily from one to another as their life cycles and the environment require. Having many ponds close together matters more than the size of each pond.

Entries to the competition will be judged on three criteria:

Value for wildlife – how the pond has been created and located to support wildlife
Attractiveness – the overall visual attractiveness of the pond within its setting
Sustainability – the use of recycled or sustainably sourced materials

“Whether you are entering the competition or not, we want to understand how many garden ponds there are in Knutsford” said Town Clerk Adam Keppel-Green.

“Logging your pond will help us create that map and identify if there are spaces where ponds could be beneficial so the whole town is supporting the wildlife that depends on them”

You can find out more about the importance of ponds, find resources to create your own pond, and log your pond or enter the competition at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/pondlife

20May2026

Knutsford now a ‘Bee Friendly Town’

Knutsford has been accredited as a Bee Friendly Town.

The award, announced to coincide with World Bee Day (20^th May), recognises communities which have taken action to support pollinators and is awarded by the Bee Friendly Trust.

Knutsford has been recognised for the work, led by Knutsford Town Council through its Nature Action Plan, which has seen wildflower meadows sown and a permanent educational bee trail created in 2025. The award follows the ‘Bees Needs’ accolade awarded to Knutsford by DEFRA in 2025.

Emma Pritchard of the Bee Friendly Trust praised the town’s application: “The judges really enjoyed reading about everything that you have been doing to support bees and pollinators in your area. They particularly loved your 5km Bee Trail – what a fantastic way of engaging and inspiring your community.”

To celebrate the award, residents can collect free wildflower seed packets, along with a sticker and window sticker from Knutsford Library, Knutsford Market Hall and Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe. They are available from 20^th May until stocks run out and were donated by the Bee Friendly Trust.

You can read more about the Knutsford Bee Trail and positive action you can take to support pollinators at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/bee-trail.

15May2026

Cycle Shelter installed at Silk Mill Street

Those heading into Knutsford town centre on their bikes now have a covered cycle shelter to park.

Knutsford Town Council has installed a cycle shelter at Silk Mill Street, opposite Knutsford Market Hall. The shelter has space for eight bicycles and contributes to the council’s aim of making it easier to walk and cycle in Knutsford.

The project was funded through a crowdfunding initiative where the Town Council pledged £1,000, Cheshire East Council pledged £835 and the balance was covered by donations from the local community in 2022. The project had been delayed whilst a licence agreement was made for use of the car park.

The 2025 Knutsford Active Travel survey (full results pending publication) found that 21% of residents would be more likely to cycle if there was suitable covered cycle parking and the council is developing an active travel infrastructure plan that will look to make further improvements across the town to make walking and cycling more desirable.

Cllr Su Russell, a member of the Town Council’s Active Travel working group and Chair of CycleKnutsford, said “As Chair of CycleKnutsford, I’m delighted to see this bike shelter becoming a reality. Following a survey of our members, it was clear that covered cycle parking in a central location was something people really wanted, with the market area identified as the ideal spot. Thanks to the enthusiasm and hard work of our dedicated committee, and the fantastic support we received through crowdfunding, we were able to raise enough money to make it happen. We hope the shelter will be well used and encourage even more people to choose cycling in and around Knutsford.”

12May2026

Cllr Peter Coan elected Town Mayor

Cllr Peter Coan has been elected Mayor of Knutsford for the fourth time following a civic meeting held at Manor Park Primary School on 11th May. The ceremony also saw the appointment of Deputy Mayor Lesley Dalzell, and Mayor’s Cadet Jenson Webb of Knutsford Fire Cadets; both will support Cllr Coan throughout the year in delivering his civic programme.

Peter announced his two chosen charities for the mayoral term as the Knutsford Men’s Shed and the PTAs of Knutsford’s four primary schools.

Knutsford Men’s Shed plays an important role in supporting men’s mental health and tackling loneliness by providing a welcoming space where people can meet, talk, and take part in practical activities. It offers a simple but effective way of building connection and reducing social isolation in the community.

His second charity is the PTAs across Knutsford’s four primary schools, which he recognises for the significant contribution they make to children’s wider educational experiences. He mentioned a recent example of Manor Park Primary School’s whole-school trip to Chester Zoo, an opportunity that would not have been possible without PTA fundraising and support. Peter said how PTAs enhance school life beyond the classroom, creating shared experiences that benefit all pupils.

Speaking after the meeting Cllr Coan said: “It is an incredible honour to be elected Mayor of Knutsford for the fourth time. This town means so much to me, and I am deeply committed to giving back to a community that gives so much to others. Knutsford is special because of its people, and I want to ensure that spirit continues to grow and thrive throughout my mayoral year. I will be hosting a programme of fundraising events, designed to be inclusive to all, whether you come along on your own or with a group of friends, everyone is welcome. These events aim not only to raise funds for my chosen charities, but also to bring people together in a friendly atmosphere”.

The first two fundraising events of his year are now open for bookings. It kicks off with Linden Stores x Dine with the Mayor on Wednesday 10^th June. You can join the Town Mayor and Knutsford Town Awards Business Award 2026 winner Linden Stores for a special menu designed for the mayor. Tickets are £50 per person with limited availability. You can book at: https://buytickets.at/mayorofknutsford/2158342

To celebrate the upcoming World Cup, a sweepstake is also being run. It’s £10 per team – with every entrant being given a random team, drawn on 9th June. There are cash prizes to be won. You can join in at https://buytickets.at/mayorofknutsford/2192371

For more information contact Civic Events Officer Gemma on 01565 653 929 or email gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

8May2026

Town Awards 2026 Presented

Knutsford’s community heroes for 2026 were recognised at the 2026 Knutsford Town Awards last week.

The Knutsford Town Awards, which are organised by Knutsford Town Council and sponsored by the Forum of Private Business, recognise and celebrate the Knutsford community and the people that collectively make Knutsford a thriving and dynamic community. Every winner resulted from a nomination submitted by the local community.

Speaking at the opening of the awards evening, Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley said “The Town Awards are always a highlight, because they remind us of something we don’t always stop to say out loud. Knutsford is not just a beautiful town —it’s a caring community. And that community is built by people like you.The volunteers, the organisers, the people who quietly get on with things, and the people who step forward when something needs doing, often without expecting any recognition at all.

So let me say this clearly – You are what makes Knutsford so Knutsford.”

The first award of the evening went to Knutsford Hosts who received the Community Award. Now in their thirteenth year, Knutsford Hosts has become an integral part of the town’s volunteering base and were recognised for as a standout example of community volunteering.

11 year old Jackson King swooped the Youth Award. After going on a trip with The Welcome he told his Mum that he was having such a good time and had decided he was going to raise more money so that more children could enjoy the trips with their families. Jackson followed through and raised over £500 to fund day trips for other families.

Knutsford’s Volunteer of the Year for 2026 was Christine Skinner who volunteers with Knutsford in Bloom and the ‘Friends of Knutsford Railway Station’. Christine has organises all the station maintenance volunteers who look after general maintenance and planting of flowers and puts a huge amount of effort into the planning and execution of work.

The Business Award went to Linden Stores. Linden Stores was recognised for both being a successful business actively supporting and participating in community events and supporting local wellness initiatives in collaboration with organisations such as The Men’s Shed and Stable Minds.

The Extra Mile Award recognises someone who, in their paid employment, goes above and beyond for the benefit of the community. This year’s award went to Knutsford Town Council’s Cemetery Groundskeeper Fergal Owens. Fergal was recognised for his key role in transforming the cemetery since the town council took back management and his flexibly to maintain the cemetery, ensuring he works during the Christmas break for visiting families and is conscious of Mothers Day and Easter to ensure visitors will find the cemetery in good order.

Three Civic Awards are presented each year – Knutsford’s own MBE recognises the individuals who give their time to betterment of the community.

The first award went to John Finnan for his community leadership in seeking to protect land at Longridge. John has been leading local opposition to the proposed housing development at Longridge, not in opposition to housing, but in opposition to this specific site being developed. John has stood up for the wildlife and local amenity value of this land, emphasising a case that the land should never have been allocated for development. John’s tenacity has seen the site designated as a ‘local wildlife site’ and CEC is considering his application to record new public rights of way. Whilst the development was approved by the Planning Inspectorate so may go ahead, John continues to push for openness and transparency in the process and speaks for a large part of the community who do not wish to see the development happen

The second award was for Pat Heath a stalwart of Knutsford Lions who has worked with the organisation for over 30 years. Pat has been a President of Knutsford Lions and was one of the first Managers for the then new Knutsford Heritage Centres. Through Knutsford Lions Pat has supported Great Places and The Welcome and along with other Lions, Pat has given up Christmas Day for many years to provide lunch for those who would otherwise be alone. Pat joins her husband Clive who was presented with a Civic Award in 2015.

The final award of the evening went to Frances McGhee, trustee and secretary for Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper. Frances helped guide the charity through COVID and ensure it continued operating through the challenges the pandemic presented and is also the liaison officer for the charity, the first contact who works with the listener and their family to get the right set up for them to hear the newspaper each week. If ever an envelope isn’t returned with the USB recordings, Frances contacts the listener to ensure they are OK, and if listeners have a problem with their device it’s Frances who heads out to help. Her nominee said “every group should have a Frances, but they cannot have ours as we value her too much”

Speaking on the night, Town Mayor Cllr Bryan Hartley said “Thank you for being here. Thank you for everything you do in this town—often quietly, often without recognition, but always making a difference. Knutsford is at its very best when people come together like this, and tonight is a celebration of exactly that.”

The awards were organised by Knutsford Town Council and sponsored by the Forum of Private Business.

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