Community News | Knutsford Town Council

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”

23Dec2022

Knutsford Together among this year’s recipients of Community Grant Scheme

Our community grant scheme was introduced with the intention of supporting local organisations, charities, and CICs that are actively supporting Knutsford and providing community services. The grants come in either the form of donations of up to £200, small grants of up to £1,500, or large grants over the value of £1,500.

This year, one of our beneficiaries is Knutsford Together, a new charity that understands that it isn’t always easy accessing the help you need or knowing where to look. Knutsford Together are committed to ensuring that people in Knutsford are directed to the right services relevant to their situation and are encouraging people to sign up and become Local Connectors to help make this happen. Becoming a Local Connector only takes one hour of training!

Knutsford Together received a grant in kind of two laptops, which have already helped the day-to-day running of the organisation. Nicola Marshall, chief officer at Knutsford Together said: ‘’We are so grateful for the laptops that we kindly received from Knutsford Town Council. They’ve already proven invaluable since I joined Knutsford Together in July. It has enabled me to put together a directory of services that will be listed on our website as well as carry out day-to-day admin tasks. Going forward, they are going to prove even more vital in being used to signpost and connect members of the community to local groups and services as well as securely enabling us to case manage clients when we work with them on a one-to-one basis.’’

The Town Council aims to fund organisations and projects that provide improved services or opportunities for those aged under 18 or over 65; create or improve services and facilities benefiting a significant percentage of residents or which enhance the profile or reputation of the town. If you would like to learn more about our community grant scheme and see if your organisation could be a good fit, visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants.

If you would like to learn more about the work of Knutsford Together or become a Local Connector, visit: https://www.knutsfordtogether.org.uk/.

5Dec2022

Christmas Remembrance Service

Knutsford Town Council and the Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton would like to invite members of the community to join a Christmas Remembrance Service. The service aims to provide an occasion for families and friends to remember those who have been interred at Knutsford Cemetery in the past year.

We hope this service will have a relaxed and special atmosphere. Christmas songs will be performed by Knutsford Beats. Readings and poems will be shared with our guests and delivered by Reverend Nigel Atkinson alongside Nicola Marshall and David Briggs from Knutsford Together. Tea and biscuits will be served afterwards.

The service will be held at 4.00pm until approximately 5.00pm on Sunday 11^th December 2022 at Tabley Hill Cemetery Chapel.

If you would like to come along then please respond to Amy Leech by 9^th December, by email amy.leech@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or by phone on 01565 653929.

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/

26Oct2022

Together for Theatre receive £200 from Community Grant Scheme

Knutsford Town Council has donated £200 to Knutsford Together for Theatre Productions as part of our Community Grant Scheme.

The donation will be put towards the production costs of their upcoming performance ‘’Rent’’, which is set to take place in August 2023 and tells the story of a group of young bohemians and their battle against AIDS.

Ben Evans-Clarke, the vice-chairman and treasurer of Knutsford Together for Theatre, said ‘’ Together for Theatre Productions is a newly formed musical theatre society, aiming to bring together local performers from all walks of life. The grant we have been kindly provided by Knutsford Town Council will go towards allowing us to bring our forthcoming production of Rent to the Knutsford Little Theatre stage, supporting our members to display their skills to a wide audience.’’

The Community Grant Scheme was introduced to support projects such as this one, or any groups and ventures that serve the community of Knutsford. Organisations, charities, and CICs can receive either a donation of up to £200, a small grant of up to £1,500, or a large grant of anything over £1,500.

It’s easy to apply, your charity or organisation just needs to hit at least one of our funding objectives! Have a look and find out more here: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants

If you’re interested in joining Together for Theatre or would like to book tickets for Rent, check out their website here: https://www.togetherfortheatre.co.uk/

21Sep2022

Step ‘Into the Wild’ at Knutsford Market Hall

September 21, 2022

Tor Rogers

Calling all campers, fishermen, ramblers and explorers! You can now shop all your outdoor essentials right on your doorstep!

Knutsford Market Hall are excited to welcome its newest trader, ‘Into the Wild’, run by Jordan Lamb and Chloe Heywood.

Chloe, a proud member of the national trust has a curious mind that loves nothing more than a woodland adventure, exploring anywhere that has a history to immerse herself in and learn as much as she can about its heritage and purpose. Jordan a local lad who has been synonymous with fishing in Knutsford since he was very young boy loves everything about the great outdoors. Jordan always wanted to open a store in Knutsford, through his lifelong passion he knows first-hand the struggles that the town has with its lack of fishing bait and tackle amenities. The nearest fishing tackle shops are in Northwich, Middlewich, Handforth and Warrington.

Jordan is eager to help newcomers and youngster’s find a love for the sport and is on hand to share tips and help people succeed. With his vast knowledge and great industry contacts, Jordan is also able to support fellow enthusiasts and welcomes all kinds of feedback on stock to ensure that you can get exactly what you need, whatever adventure you’re going on.

Speaking with Jordan about his new venture, he explained: “We decided to take it upon ourselves to open the stall as we both share a love for the great outdoors. We know that a small market stall cannot compete with these big established shops or the ease of online shopping, but we can certainly fill the gap in between. We understand that not all people drive or have the recourses to shop online, but Knutsford market hall was the perfect location as it didn’t demand high rates or long hours of opening.

We decided that it would be a good idea to incorporate bits of outdoor pursuits equipment like walking and camping and anything else that we could get our hands on. Not everyone can afford a brand new Berghaus raincoat or a new set of quality boots, so we source the best possible surplus and near to new equipment we can.“

He added: “We do not compromise on our terminal fishing tackle or bait which is all handpicked. I have been angling for over 31 years and know a thing or two about the products and I will only provide the very highest quality products we can source. Passion is the ethos of the store and Chloe and I pride ourselves on wanting to really help youngsters of the town with accessibility and ease to be able to purchase equipment, whether it be for a scout camp or a Duke of Edinburgh hike or just a new challenge in fishing we will go above and beyond to help what is asked of us. We will also make offers on second hand fishing and outdoor equipment!”

The Town Centre and Marketing Officer, Alanah Mudie, added: “As we continue with our plans to expand the Market Hall, we welcome another strong trader with a fantastic ethos and a real passion for what they do. It’s great that Into the Wild can provide affordable solutions to hobbies and passions while also promoting sustainability through recycling and re-selling of quality gear.”

To check out the new stall and all of our existing stalls, head to Knutsford Market Hall on Silk Mill Street, open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8am-4pm.

Photo ‘Into the Wild’ stall

Photos of Chloe/Jordan

Press contact: Adam Keppel-Green

adam.kg@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

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