A Keppel-Green | Knutsford Town Council

16Jan2024

Revocation of Market Hall Trader Licence

Knutsford Town Council is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment to all customers and traders at Knutsford Market Hall.

Before Christmas, the Town Council received a formal complaint regarding a market trader. Following an investigation, a decision was taken to revoke the licence to trade due to a failure to comply with the Market Hall Regulations. This decision followed a warning which had been issued in early December.

All revocation decisions are subject to the right of appeal. The appeal was heard by the Town Council’s Town Centre Committee on Monday 15^th January. After careful consideration of all evidence presented to the council, the committee resolved to dismiss the appeal

The Town Council does not consider it appropriate to discuss or comment on the specifics of this decision. However, revoking a licence to trade is not a decision taken lightly nor in haste and the council undertook a robust process in reaching this decision. The Town Council believes it is the correct decision for our remaining traders, customers and staff.

2024 is a big year for the Market Hall, as it marks is 60^th birthday. We are working hard with traders to ensure our temporary move to 60 King Street goes smoothly and are excited to deliver the significant investment and modernisation at the Market Hall to ensure it continues to thrive for the next 60 years.

We know how important an independent greengrocer is to our customers. We will now actively seek a new trader to operate a fruit and veg stall. In the interim, the Market Butcher will be providing a greengrocer service.

Those interested in operating a greengrocer stall should visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/market-hall/trade to complete an application form.

If you have any questions in relation to this please contact: townclerk@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

9Jan2024

Volunteers sought for CIL Committee

Six volunteers are sought to join an advisory committee that will help determine how money from new development is spent in the town.

Knutsford Town Council’s CIL Advisory Committee will make recommendations to the Town Council on what projects it should fund using its share of Community Infrastructure Levy.

Community Infrastructure Levy was introduced in Cheshire East in 2019 and 25% of the receipts for Knutsford housing development is paid to Knutsford Town Council which expects to receive over half a million pounds over the next decade.

The Town Council currently holds just under £26,500 as the ‘neighbourhood share’ of CIL which can be spent on infrastructure or anything else which addresses the demands development places on the town. The Town Council has adopted a CIL Framework to govern how it will make decisions on using this important investment in the community.

The framework acknowledges that whilst the town council is the recipient of CIL it may be that the best use of the funds would be for projects delivered by partner organisations and the framework sets out that decisions on which projects should receive CIL funding will be chosen by a joint committee of residents and councillors.

The role of the advisory committee will be to review bids for funds and produce a recommendation to the council’s Finance Committee. The council is looking for six residents to join the committee and the first meeting will be held in February when it will consider the process and first proposal. It is anticipated it will meet no more than four times per year – depending on applications and available funds.

“In the last three years we have received just over £26k from minor developments and there is the potential for significant sums if the major housebuilding is approved on Manchester Road. This committee will help determine how the Town Council prioritises this investment for the community.” said Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green.

If you are interested in joining the committee, contact the Town Clerk by email townclerk@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk setting out the reasons you would like to be considered by 31^st January.

3Jan2024

Bursary to boost university studies open for applications

Calling all second-year university students residing in Knutsford or Toft! Applications for the 2024 Knutsford Millennium Bursary are now open, offering a valuable £660 boost to your final year projects and dissertations.

This annual partnership between Knutsford Town Council and the Knutsford Lions has been supporting local students for over two decades, recognising academic merit and alleviating financial pressures during the crucial final year.

Whether students need funding for research materials, travel for fieldwork, or simply a helping hand with living expenses, the Millennium Bursary can make a real difference. Past recipients have used the award to access specialist software, conduct international research, and even purchase essential equipment for their projects.

The application process is straightforward. If you’re a second-year student with a term-time address in Knutsford or Toft, all you need to do is download the application form from the Knutsford Town Council website and submit a written statement outlining your academic aspirations and how the bursary will help you achieve them.

Applications are open until 16^th February, so don’t miss this chance to secure additional support for your final year project or dissertation.

Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan said “The Millennium Bursary is more than just a financial boost; it’s a vote of confidence from your community, recognising your potential and encouraging you to excel. So I urge all second year students not to hesitate and take advantage of this opportunity.”

Applications can be completed at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/millennium-bursary

22Dec2023

Mayor’s Christmas Message from Cllr Peter Coan

Throughout this year I have been continually humbled by the passion and generosity of our community. We are a resilient and strong town, and I want to thank everyone for their community spirit and kindness. That’s what sets this place apart and makes Knutsford such a fantastic place to live.

As we prepare for the celebration of Christmas, we know this year will bring particular challenges for families trying to cope with the increased cost of living and rising fuel bills. Internationally, many face even more daunting conditions. We should all embrace the Christmas message of Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all Mankind.

Christmas is also about celebrating a message of hope for a brighter future.

I would like to extend my personal thanks and greetings to those who continue to look after us, and keep us safe, particularly throughout the festive period – Police, health staff, Fire Service, and carers. Thank you, for all, that you do.

A special thanks to the many wonderful people across our network of voluntary organisations, who give their time and effort to bring cheer to those who’s Christmas can be particularly difficult or lonely.

Without this fantastic network of our voluntary organisations, life would be so much poorer in Knutsford and they deserve our support for their work in the community.

As Mayor I am honoured to have met so many inspiring people this year.

As I look forward to 2024 it’s with a renewed sense of love and appreciation for all those family, friends, and colleagues that I am so lucky to have around me. I simply couldn’t do it without you all.

May Christmas be a time of good cheer, companionship, and celebration, for you, and those you love.

I would like to wish you all, a very happy and healthy Christmas and a peaceful and positive New Year. And as we encounter our townsfolk take a moment to smile at each other.

24Nov2023

CEC Leisure Centre Consultation

A public consultation that could impact the future of Knutsford Leisure Centre has been launched by Cheshire East Council.

The “strategic leisure review” consultation, which runs to 7^th January 2024, aims to save the borough council £479k each year and was originally planned to specifically consult on proposals to close Knutsford Leisure Centre alongside centres in Poynton, Holmes Chapel and Middlewich.

The consultation outlines that “as a last resort” it may have to withdraw funding from leisure centres asking whether residents think the council should focus its leisure centre provision on areas with poor health, where usage is highest or where operational costs are the lowest.

Knutsford Leisure Centre may be “at risk” due to Knutsford being a predominantly healthy area. CEC data is unclear on user numbers but suggests Knutsford Leisure Centre has a lower membership penetration and userbase than many other centres.

Last week Knutsford Town Council met with operator Everybody Health and Leisure who outlined that they have identified a number of measures which could deliver the saving to Cheshire East Council without the need for centre closures. Both the Town Council and Everybody Health and Leisure believe it is highly important to retain leisure centres in the borough’s key towns for the health of all residents.

The consultation can be accessed on the Cheshire East Council website at: https://surveys.cheshireeast.gov.uk/s/1WHHZA/

Knutsford Town Council had invited Tom Shuttleworth (Director of Environment and Neighbourhoods), Cllr Mick Warren (Chair of the Environment and Communities Committee) and Cllr Sam Corcoran (Leader) of Cheshire East Council to attend a public meeting in Knutsford to discuss this consultation and what it could mean for the town, but unfortunately they have declined the invitation.

Town Councillor Matthew Robertson said “Knutsford Leisure Centre is a critical part of the Knutsford community so please have your say”

“It is vital that Knutsford residents engage with this consultation. We know the centre is used by all ages and demographics and the broader the response to the consultation the greater the impact will be on Cheshire East Council’s decision making.”

9Nov2023

Pumpkin Path 2023 a success

Knutsford Pumpkin Path 2023 has been hailed a success by hundreds of local families who attended the event on Halloween evening.

The event was held on Tuesday 31^st October in Knutsford Town Centre and featured a pumpkin trail, as well as live singing from Knutsford Beats and dancing entertainment from SMB dance. Themed character entertainment took place in Wallwood alongside lots of sweet treats from local businesses!

Hundreds of local children explored the streets of Knutsford searching for pumpkins hidden in shop windows. Local businesses installed fantastic, themed window displays and Smokehouse and Cellar alongside Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe were crowned the winners, with great displays also from Morgan Edwards and Wendy Diddams.

There were some impressive costumes on the evening with prizes given out to a Super Mario family in the over 7s category and mini Jack Skellington in the under 7s category.

Laura Phillipson, Events Manager at Knutsford Town Council, said: “Knutsford Pumpkin Path is one of Knutsford’s favourite events. It was amazing to see so many families come out in support of the event, we loved seeing all of the wonderful costumes and fabulous displays by our local businesses. We hope it gave everyone a scaryytale end to their Halloween!”

The event is organised annually by Knutsford Town Council. For more information on events in Knutsford, head to www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk to check out a full events calendar including what is coming up for the rest of 2023.

27Oct2023

Town Council Opposes Parking Proposals

Knutsford Town Council is calling on Cheshire East Council to abandon its proposals to reduce on-street parking times and raise parking charges in Knutsford which it considers is a threat to the high street.

Under the Cheshire East Council proposals, existing 1-hour bays would be cut to just 30 minutes whilst the 2-hour bays by the Moor would reduce to 1-hour. The 2-hour bays by Tatton Park would also be cut to only 30 minutes.

The Town Council is refuting Cheshire East Council claims that the changes will reduce the number of cars parked on streets and make the town centre safer for pedestrians and cyclists, and considers it will instead result in more turnover in parking bays creating more hazards for pedestrian and cyclists safety whilst having no effect on the number of cars within the town centre.

Knutsford councillors have also expressed concern that the reduced times will deter town centre users completing their “whilst I’m here” tasks to the detriment of the local economy.

Cllr Christopher Gray, Chairman of the Town Council’s Town Centre Committee said: “These restrictions will undoubtedly make shopping for many residents a chore and a worry as time becomes of the essence”

The Town Council’s consultation response, published below, argues that the proposals “will result in fewer visits to local businesses at a time when independent retail and small town centres are struggling the most.”

The Town Council is also concerned the proposals will impact the everyday wellbeing of the community. “Shopping and meeting friends and neighbours – often by accident – contribute greatly to our wellbeing and these proposals threaten this.” Cllr Gray added.

Objection has also been raised to the proposals to increase parking charges at a time when businesses and families are struggling financially. The Town Council highlights that the planned changes will only increase Cheshire East Council’s revenue by a measly £1,381 which does not justify the potential harm to the town centre.

The Town Council has also expressed its disappointment at Cheshire East Council’s failure to make provision for Coach Parking after many years of the Town Council calling for action.

The full consultation response can be read here: CEC Parking Review Consultation Response.

The consultation closes on Wednesday 1^st November. You can make a representation by emailing: carparksreview2023@cheshireeast.gov.uk.

29Sep2023

Notice of Conclusion of Audit 2023

The audit of accounts for Knutsford Town Council for the year ended 31 March 2023 has been completed and the accounts have been published.

The Annual Governance & Accountability Return is available for inspection by any local government elector of the area of Knutsford Town Council on application to:

Adam Keppel-Green, Town Clerk – townclerk@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Monday-Friday to 9am to 5pm.

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

Announcement made by Adam Keppel-Green, Town Clerk

Date of announcement: 29th September 2023

A copy of the completed AGAR can be accessed here: AGAR 2022/23

26Sep2023

Funds awarded for Market Hall Renovation

Plans to renovate Knutsford Market Hall have taken a significant step forward with the announcement of major grant funding to help deliver the project.

Knutsford Town Council has secured a grant of £560,000, 80% of the estimated £700,000 costs of undertaking a complete refurbishment of the market hall.

The grant comes from the Community Ownership Fund, a £150m fund from the UK Government as part of its Levelling Up agenda. The fund aims to help communities save cherished local assets and the Market Hall is one of a number of projects awarded funding across the country.

The project is at an early stage, with more detailed plans to be developed and announced in the coming weeks ahead of a planning application being submitted by the end of the year. Once a timeline for the works has been agreed, the council will be able to determine how to accommodate traders whilst works take place.

The renovations will include a complete refurbishment of the interior of the market hall, a redesigned frontage to create a more open and welcoming space and replacement of the stall structures creating more storage for traders within each stall. The works will also deliver significant improvement to the energy efficiency of the building including installing insulation, closing doors and solar panels.

Speaking of the award, Town Clerk Adam Keppel-Green said “It was incredible to receive the news of our success in securing this game-changing level of funding for the Market Hall. Thanks to the Community Ownership Fund, we will be able to deliver a significant improvement to the Market Hall in 2024, securing its future for decades to come”.

Knutsford Market Hall was built in 1964, and with the exception of minor works in the 1980s, remains largely the same building as it was almost 60 years ago.

Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Coan said “Knutsford Market Hall is a fantastic space for small businesses and a vital part of our high street, we are delighted to be able to celebrate its 60^th Birthday in 2024 by giving it a new lease of life”

The Community Ownership Fund provides grants of up to 80% of the project costs. The council is currently exploring how to provide the balance with options including use of its capital reserve and borrowing. The council is also seeking a further grant through the Shared Prosperity Fund.

This round of the Community Ownership Fund was the first to be open to Town and Parish Councils, thanks to the lobbying work of the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) and Society of Local Council Clerks (SLCC), and Knutsford is one of nine local councils that has secured funding in this round.

3Aug2023

100 actions to deliver on plan

Knutsford Town Council has set out the 100 actions it will be delivering by May 2024 as the first action plan under its new 10-year strategy.

In June, the Town Council adopted a new 10 year plan to guide its work through to 2032. The strategy sets out the core aims and objectives of the council for the ensuing decade. Work on creating the new strategy started in summer 2022 with public engagement sessions where the community was asked to identify the key issues that needed attention in the Town. A further consultation was held in spring 2023, with a draft plan presented for feedback.

“In developing our new strategy we wanted to ensure it carried the voice of the community throughout, so the entire plan is built on the feedback we received from those who took part in our two consultations” said Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green.

The plan sets out six strategic aims for the council:

Knutsford Town Centre will be a thriving and unique destination for residents and visitors alike
We will enable residents to choose to reduce their reliance on cars by improving the desirability of walking, cycling and using public transport
Knutsford will have a diverse network of green spaces, a biodiverse natural environment and a reduced carbon footprint
Knutsford’s heritage will be understood, conserved and celebrated
We will lead a strong, connected community with a thriving community spirit and civic pride
Knutsford residents will have access to the services and facilities they need to live happy and healthy lives.

Each aim is supported by a series of specific objectives which the council has already set out working to achieve. The council has restructured its committees to deliver the plan, and each committee has been tasked with developing detailed action plans for how it will turn words into actions.

Amongst the various objectives the council has committed to achieving are developing a town centre masterplan, creating an active travel plan and working to create new permissive walking routes, improving Knutsford’s green spaces, and expanding its Town Ranger service. The plan also sets out the council’s commitment to supporting the success of community groups and working to lobby external bodies to improve access to key services, such as working to deliver a new medical centre.

The council has now agreed its first 100 specific action for the current civic year. These include:

Launching a regular e-newsletter
Leading joint stakeholder meetings to agree a delivery plan for improved medical facilities
Developing a Green Spaces Strategy in partnership with local Friends groups
Concluding formal reviews of the town’s Conservation Areas
Commencing work on a Town Centre Masterplan and Active Travel Infrastructure Plan

The full action plan, including target dates, is available on the Town Council website at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/strategicplan

Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Coan said “This plan is purposefully ambitious, and it is going to take a lot of work, but I am looking forward to working with my fellow councillors and our team of officers to make these actions a reality and help make Knutsford a better place for us all”

1 … 8 9 10 11 12 … 25