Manchester Road Medical Centre

Public meeting on medical facilities

For too long, Knutsford has been calling for improvements to primary medical facilities in the town, with an ambition to create a central ‘super surgery’ bringing together the three GP surgeries into a modern and accessible venue with enhanced access to services which residents currently have to travel for.

Until March 2023, it was understood that Knutsford was a priority for investment from the Clinical Commissioning Group (now replaced by an Integrated Care Board) but the Town was alarmed when it was advised that alternative options were being explored and a combined centre was no longer a priority.

The Town Council wrote to Graham Uwin, Chief Executive of the new Cheshire and Merseyside ICB expressing dismay at this decision and was pleased to note his response that investment was not off the table:

The proposal for a new centralised Primary Care facility in Knutsford has not been declined by NHS Cheshire and Merseyside but in light of external circumstances e.g. the increasing cost of construction materials we have agreed to explore alongside the new centralised facility potentially more cost-effective alternatives within the town. This will involve reviewing current assets that exist and how they may be adapted to suit the long-term requirements for healthcare within Knutsford. We have been engaged with both East Cheshire NHS Trust and Cheshire East Council to review the current assets for some time and several options are being considered.

At a time when Knutsford is growing, with two major housing developments already under construction and local doctors expressing severe concern that they will not be able to cope with the rising population, the Town Council is keen to maintain pressure on local decision makers to ensure money is secured and investment delivered in Knutsford at long last.

The Town Council is therefore hosting a public meeting on Wednesday 31st May at 7pm in Knutsford Methodist Church to hear from and question leaders in relation to primary healthcare provision in the town. The meeting will be attended by representatives of The Cheshire and Merseyside NHS, Cheshire East Council and Tatton MP Ester McVey. The meeting will be chaired by the Town Mayor and supported by doctors from the Knutsford Medical Partnership.

The aim of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for the public to put questions to decision makers, hear from the NHS what it is doing to ensure access to medical services in Knutsford and ensure all partners are committed to working closely together to expedite investment in facilities.

Amy Travis of Kanoa Living holds up a red dress

Flash Fashion lands in one week

Knutsford independent fashion shops have been busy putting the finishing touches to the third Flash Fashion Knutsford which takes place on Saturday 20th May.

Different for this year, the day commences at the Lost and Found at 10am with an informal catwalk show showcasing the latest spring/summer womenswear from a selection of independent fashion retailers. Guests can then peruse the shops and enjoy a variety of complimentary services instore including on-hand stylists, beauty treatments, a glass of fizz and goody bags.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “There is no need to pre-book onto the catwalk show, guests can just turn up and enjoy! We are looking forward to the day, each shop has worked hard curating their SS23 looks – from casual and beach holiday to workwear and special occasion. There is something for everyone and for every budget”.

The shops taking part on the day are:

  • The Edit Boutique
  • Cocaranti
  • Redress at Dexter and Jones
  • Blossom Boutique
  • Paris Ladies Boutique
  • Glamorous of Knutsford
  • Willow Boutiques
  • Smook Styling
  • Chalk 33
  • Milania Boutique
  • Roberta Beauty Redefined
  • Kanoa Living
  • Second hand Styling
  • The Thrifty Ginger at Cancer Research
  • Zapatos

A selfie frame will be placed in Cotton Shop Yard for shoppers to enjoy.  The best selfie using the hashtag #knutsford and tagging @pulseofperfumery and @flashfashionknutsford will win a bottle of fragrance from Pulse of Perfumery.  The winner will be announced on Tuesday 23rd May and will be asked to collect their fragrance from Pulse of Perfumery’s shop on King Street.

Sandra Curties, continued, “We would like to thank Hot Cocoa, Kanoa Living, Pulse of Perfumery and Roberta Beauty Redefined for providing items for the goodie bag and the volunteers helping with the fashion show.  It is truly a collaborative event.”

Maps will be available from shops and eateries around Knutsford shortly to allow shoppers to plan their day. There will also be free parking for the day at Silk Mill Street, King Street and Princess Street car parks from 10am.

Flash Fashion is sponsored by Knutsford Dry Cleaners which is celebrating its 30th year in business this year.

The Town Mayor is shovelling soil into a freshly dug hole which now contains a small oak tree

Coronation Tree Planted

To mark the coronation of HM King Charles III, the Town Mayor planted a commemorative oak tree on the Heath in advance of the coronation barn dance. This continued a tradition dating back to the coronation of King Edward VII in 1902.

Town Council volunteer researchers Jenny and Mary recently uncovered old documents, Knutsford Guardian reports, and a map giving details of four oak trees which had been planted to commemorate the coronation of our last four monarchs, they began looking back at previous celebrations and sought the help of Friends of The Heath in identifying the exact whereabouts of the trees.  Jenny and Mary also spoke to the Town Council about the possibility of continuing the tradition of planting an oak tree for King Charles III on coronation day, 6th May.

The Town Council was keen not to break the tradition and in the week leading up to the coronation set about making swift preparations. Representatives from Knutsford Heritage Centre and Friends of The Heath, together with Mr Henry Brooks of Tatton Estates, and members of the public, watched as Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton performed the ceremony and dedicated the tree to the new King.

In 1902 an oak was planted by the drinking fountain in honour of Edward VII, the commemorative plaque for this tree was replaced by the council in 2022.

The 1911 tree was planted in the centre of the heath for the coronation of King George V, unfortunately it is there no longer and was likely removed c1944 when General Patton’s US troops camped on the heath.

Iron railings near the bowling club boundary wall circle a dead stump which was the tree planted in 1937 for King George VI. And Friends of the Heath have recently found a healthy oak tree in iron railings a short way across from Warren Avenue which was the tree planted in 1953 for Queen Elizabeth II.

The 2023 tree for HM King Charles III is adjacent to Tabley Road and a commemorative plaque will be installed shortly.

Crosstown Community Orchard sign with bunting

Cross Town Election Results

The votes of Thursday’s (4th May) Cross Town ward election have been counted and the results declared. Completing the council’s membership for the 2023-2027 term.

Four candidates stood for election for three seats. The results were as follows:

CandidateDescriptionVotes
Peter CoanConservative393 (E)
Lesley DalzellIndependent473 (E)
Rex MearsIndependent484 (E)
Tim ReganConservative340

The Nether, Norbury Booths, St John’s Wood and Bexton and Town Centre wards were each uncontested, returning three councillors each unopposed. The new council takes office on 9th May and comprises ten Independent and five Conservative councillors.

The full list of councillors is:

  • Colin Banks (Independent) – St Johns Wood
  • Peter Coan (Conservative) – Cross Town
  • Lesley Dalzell (Independent) – Cross Town
  • Jennifer Forrest (Conservative) – St Johns Wood
  • Stewart Gardiner (Conservative) – Bexton and Town Centre
  • Christopher Gray (Conservative) – Norbury Booths
  • Bryan Hartley (Independent) – Nether
  • April Johnson (Independent) – Bexton and Town Centre
  • Scott Lowe (Independent) – Nether
  • Rex Mears (Independent) – Cross Town
  • James McCulloch (No Description) – St Johns Wood
  • Matthew Robertson (Conservative) – Norbury Booths
  • Su Russell (Independent) – Norbury Booths
  • Gus Watson (Independent) – Bexton and Town Centre
  • Matthew Wood (Independent) – Nether

Contact information for new councillors will be published shortly.

A man holding a map

2023 Town Map Launched


A new handy sized town centre map of Knutsford has been launched just in time for spring!

The fold out map includes a brief overview of Knutsford including its markets, the Knutsford voucher, cafes and restaurants, Taste Knutsford, and lists key town events. It opens to unveil a hand drawn A3 map of the town centre with adverts from a selection of Knutsford’s shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars. It is distributed to key locations in the town centre including the railway station and Knutsford Heritage Centre and used as a promotion tool throughout the year at events. The map will also be distributed to tourist information offices across the county. The production of the map has been fully funded by local businesses through the advertising.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager said, “We are delighted to publish a new edition of the town centre map. It is a key marketing tool for the town for residents and visitors alike. A huge thanks to those business who support the production of the map, many of whom are repeat advertisers”.

Council Offices

One ward contested for Town Council Election

Nominations for the Town Council elections closed yesterday with 16 Knutsford residents putting themselves forward for election to the council.

Only one ward is contested, meaning there will be a poll for Cross Town on Thursday 4th May with four candidates seeking election to the three seats.

In Bexton and Town Centre, Norbury Booths, St John’s Wood and Nether wards there was no contest, with three candidates being elected unopposed in each ward.

Bexton and Town Centre Ward

Uncontested – those listed below will be elected unopposed.

CandidateDescriptionAddressProposer
GARDINER, StewartConservative23 Queen StreetJacqui Elliott
JOHNSON, AprilIndependent25 Mobberley RoadLewis Baron
WATSON, GusIndependentAddress in Cheshire EastPoppy Higham

Cross Town Ward

Contested – poll to be held on 4th May.

CandidateDescriptionAddressProposer
COAN, PeterConservativeMereside, 2 Birch GroveKeith Hamilton
DALZELL, LesleyIndependentAddress in Cheshire EastDeborah Jamison
MEARS, RexIndependent25 Mobberley RoadBarry Wardle
REGAN, TimConservative22 Legh House, Hollow LanePaul Grimbaldeston

Nether Ward

Uncontested – those listed below will be elected unopposed.

CandidateDescriptionAddressProposer
HARTLEY, BryanIndependentBesom Hill Cottage, Tabley RoadAnthony Hewitt
LOWE, ScottIndependentAddress in Cheshire EastJames Pulham
WOOD, MatthewIndependentAddress in Cheshire EastBennett Wilkinson

Norbury Booths Ward

Uncontested – those listed below will be elected unopposed.

CandidateDescriptionAddressProposer
GRAY, ChristopherConservative8 Glebelands RoadChristine Gray
ROBERTSON, MatthewConservative17 Beggarmans LanePeter Raynes
RUSSELL, SuIndependentAddress in Cheshire EastSebastian Russell

St John’s Wood Ward

Uncontested – those listed below will be elected unopposed.

CandidateDescriptionAddressProposer
BANKS, ColinIndependent77 BoothfieldsMadeleine Knowles
FORREST, JenniferConservativeAddress in Cheshire EastClive Rustage
MCCULLOCH, James 10 Gaskell RiseDavid Larenzo-Law

Seven of the current town councillors are not seeking a further term, Neil Forbes is retiring after 16 years alongside Andrew Malloy (12 years), James Power (8 years), Liz Beswick (6 years), Quentin Abel (4 years), Mike Houghton (4 years) and Millie Morris (2 years).

Residents of Cross Town ward have until 17th April to register to vote if they are not already on the electoral roll (www.gov.uk/register-to-vote), until 18th April to request a postal vote and until 25th April to apply for a voter authority certificate if they do not have ID (www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate).

All councillors remain in office until Tuesday 9th May, when all existing councillors retire and the new councillors come into office.

A group of people holding awards with the mayor

Town Celebrates its 2023 Community Heroes

The Knutsford community celebrated its heroes last week at the 10th Annual Knutsford Town Awards.

The award ceremony took place at Knutsford Little Theatre, with Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton and Ian Cass, Managing Director of the Forum of Private Business, announcing the winners of the 2023 awards.

First up was the Youth Award, with a joint award being made to twin sisters Liv and Jess Johnson, who received the award for their voluntary work with 7th Knutsford Brownies as part of their bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The Community Award shield was presented to the Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper who for over 45 years have been supporting the visually impaired community by providing a free audio recording of the Knutsford Guardian to ensure they are kept informed of community news. The Talking Newspaper has only ever missed four editions (due to Covid) over the past four decades!

Three recipients were presented with a Civic Award; this award goes to individuals or groups of individuals who work to make Knutsford a better place.

The first award went to Rob Lyons for over a decade of leadership at 1st Knutsford Scouts and volunteering his skills as a joiner and plumber to undertake much of the fit out of the new 1st Knutsford Scout Hut.

The second Civic Award was for Judy Clifford who was described in a nomination as being a “mother figure and friend to many” at the Welcome. Judy, who has also taught many people to knit and supported neighbours through challenging times, was unable to attend the award ceremony.

The final Civic Award of 2023 was presented to Gemma Jackson, founder and leader of the Wrap Up Knutsford group. Gemma’s many nominations praised her dedication in supporting local families and ensuring good coats are recycled for those who need them

The 2023 Business Award was presented to Tatton Perk. Proprietor Mark Lee-Kilgariff has ensured Tatton Perk is a central part of the local community, using their Moor Park site as a warmth bank over winter, introducing free bike checks for visitors and supporting a number of community organisations with prizes.

Before the Business Award was presented a Mayor’s Special Award was announced for Dan Belcher of Guy’s Barbers. Dan received the award in recognition of delivering outstanding customer service whilst battling challenging personal circumstances.

Tatton Perk was called back onto stage for the Knutsford School’s for Sustainability Award, and was presented this award by Alison Hooper, head of Egerton School, on behalf of the local schools. This award recognises sustainable business practices.

The final award was the Extra Mile Award which goes to someone who, in their paid employment, has gone above and beyond for the benefit of the local community with the 2023 award going to Jack Street of Johnsons the Cleaners. Jack was singled out for his kind and patient support to customers which has enabled the older members of the community who may struggle with some of the technology they are asked to use to access the various services on offer.

Speaking at the awards, Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton said “I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to submit a nomination this year. These awards would not happen without you. I know previous Mayor’s have said this too but it really is true – those who were shortlisted should be so incredibly proud.”

A photo of a polling station sign

Election Process Commences

Potential candidates for this year’s Knutsford Town Council elections have 19 days to complete their nomination papers and submit them to Cheshire East Council as the election process commences.

The formal notice of election for the five town council wards has been published today by Cheshire East Council and candidates have until 4pm on 4th April to get their papers in.  All 15 seats on the council are up for election with candidates able to stand in any one of the five electoral wards (Cross Town, Norbury Booths, St John’s Wood, Nether or Bexton and Town Centre). Each ward will elect three councillors.

Nomination papers can be obtained from the Electoral Commission website, or the Town Council offices. Candidates will need a proposer and seconder from the ward they are standing in and all nomination papers must be hand delivered to Cheshire East’s Sandbach office to the election staff.

On 5th April Cheshire East Council will publish the list of nominated candidates, where wards are contested (more than three people standing for election) a poll will then take place on 4th May.

Qualification to stand for election

To be eligible to stand for election, candidates need to:

  • be a registered elector in Knutsford OR
  • have lived in the town or within 4.8km for the last 12 months OR
  • have had Knutsford as their primary place of work OR
  • have occupied premises in Knutsford for the last 12 months.

There are also criteria which disqualify candidates from standing, such as being subject to bankruptcy restrictions, having been convicted of a criminal offence with a sentence of three or more months imprisonment within the last five years and having been convicted of certain sexual offences.

Full guidance on standing for election is available on the Electoral Commission website: https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/candidate-or-agent/parish-council-elections-england

Town Mayor and Ian Cass of the Forum of Private Business

2023 Town Awards Shortlist Announced

The spotlight is being shone on Knutsford’s community heroes this month with the shortlist being announced for the 10th annual Knutsford Town Awards.

The awards, which are sponsored by the Forum of Private Business, recognise the work individuals, community groups and businesses undertake for the Knutsford community.

A special award ceremony is being hosted at Knutsford Little Theatre on Wednesday 15th March from 7pm as part of the Annual Town Meeting.  The event starts with a short talk from Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper about the work the group does to bring the Knutsford Guardian to the visually impaired of Knutsford and surrounding villages before featuring an open forum for residents to raise any issues they want to see discussed in the community.

Town Mayor, Cllr Mike Houghton and Ian Cass, Managing Director of the Forum of Private Business then have the honour of celebrating the shortlisted nominees and announcing the winners of the 2023 awards.

This year’s shortlist is as follows:

Civic Award (3 awards)

Three Civic Awards are presented to individuals who give their time voluntarily to undertake work in the community there are 7 shortlisted for the awards this year:

  • Judy Clifford
  • Joe Godden
  • Gemma Jackson
  • Rob Lyons
  • Ken and Louise Rhodes
  • Claire Sawyer

Business Award

One business will be recognised with the Business Award, which goes to a business or business leader who has supported or worked with the community, four businesses are in the running for the 2023 award:

  • Detaljer
  • Dan Belcher, Guys Barbers Knutsford
  • Morgan Edwards
  • Tatton Perk

Community Award

The Community Award goes to a community organisation, this year three worthy groups have been shortlisted:

  • Knutsford and District Talking Newspaper
  • The Welcome
  • Wrap up Knutsford

 Extra Mile Award

The Extra Mile Award is presented to someone who as part of their paid job is going above and beyond to the benefit of the community. This year sees three shortlisted nominees:

  • Alison Hooper, Egerton Primary School
  • Jack Street, Johnsons the Cleaners
  • Miriam Wilson, Knutsford Medical Partnership

On announcing the shortlist, Cllr Mike Houghton said: “I know we say this every year but everyone on the shortlist should be incredibly proud that someone has taken the time to put their name forward for recognition for what they do for Knutsford and I am really looking forward to celebrating their achievements with them at the awards ceremony later this month”

A map of Knutsford showing the five town wards

Changes to Town Council wards

New community governance arrangements affecting Knutsford come into effect this April, following conclusion of a community governance review across Cheshire East.

The review, which looked at governance arrangements for town and parish councils across the borough, addresses the concerns first raised by Knutsford Town Council in 2017 when it pushed for a review to be commenced.

The boundary of Knutsford is being expanded to the west to include the Tabley Park development, part of which is currently in Tabley parish. The new boundary follows Northwich Road to the M6 and back along Tabley Hill Lane. The town’s eastern boundary was also changed to include part of the Longridge Business Park which was technically within Mobberley parish.

The other major change is redrawing the internal ward boundaries – Knutsford’s 15 town councillors will now be elected across five three-member wards rather than the current four. This addresses issues which will be created by new developments which would have affected the ratio of electors to councillors in existing wards and seen some estates split between different wards. The changes split the existing Over ward, which elected six councillors, into two three-member wards, providing a stronger link between councillors and residents.

All ward boundaries have been affected. The new wards are:

  • Nether
  • Bexton and Town Centre
  • Crosstown
  • St John’s Wood
  • Norbury Booths
A map of Knutsford showing the five town wards
A map showing the new boundary of Knutsford (edged red) and the five wards

Nether ward has moved north to include the Tabley Park development as well as the Bluebell Village and smaller development planned for the site west of Manchester Road. The town centre has moved into the new Bexton and Town Centre ward whilst Norbury Booths ward has expanded west to include all houses along Bexton Lane. Over ward has been split in two, creating a new Cross Town ward, centred around Thorneyholme Drive, and St John’s Wood, which contains the ancient woodland, Longridge and Shaw Heath areas as well as the new development on Parkgate Lane and potential development on Longridge. 

The new governance arrangements will be used in the May elections. No changes have been made to the Cheshire East Council wards.

In surrounding parishes, the area of Tatton Park which is not in Knutsford parish moves into a newly merged parish of Millington and Rostherne whilst there have been no changes at Mere; Plumley with Toft and Bexton; or Ollerton with Marthall and the only change at Tabley is the transfer of land to Knutsford.

This year’s elections will also see some changes to polling stations and residents will have recently received letters from Cheshire East Council; polling cards will be issued for elections detailing the polling station for each polling district in Knutsford. Voting in elections from May 2023 requires photo ID for the first time. If you do not have photographic ID, you can apply for a free voter authority certificate from Cheshire East Council at: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate

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