The door of a public toilet showing a card reader and coin slot

Card payments now accepted at public toilets

Visitors caught short no longer need to worry about not having change to access the public toilets following the installation of card readers to two cubicles.

Knutsford Town Council provides two public toilet blocks in the town centre, one at the bus station and another on King Street car park near the Moor. Each block comprises three toilets – a female, unisex and unisex accessible.

The unisex accessible cubicles, which also include a baby change table, can now be accessed by credit/debit card and contactless payments. This is in addition to access via a RADAR key or coin.

“We know that an increasing number of people don’t carry cash so wanted to ensure that accessing our public toilets is easy for everyone who needs to.” said Town Clerk Adam Keppel-Green.

The Town Council will be reviewing the impact of the card terminals on usage at the toilets and may consider adding terminals to the other cubicles in the future.

Alongside the installation of the new card payment terminals, the usage fee for the public toilets has also increased to 30p. The 20p charge was introduced when the Town Council took on public toilets in 2013 and contributes to the annual cost of cleaning and repairs. The Town Council consulted its contractor, Danfo, who provide public toilets across the country who highlighted that 30p is now the standard cost for most public toilets.

Knutsford’s public toilets have consistently been recognised for their high quality in industry awards (yes, there are awards for toilets). The toilets were awarded Gold/Platinum in the Loo of the Year awards until 2021 and subsequently given a 4-star rating by the British Toilet Association.

A cropped photo of a man serving olives with lots of olives in bowls in front of him and some paprika roasted garlic in the foreground

New Traders at Knutsford Market Hall

Knutsford Market Hall has welcomed two new traders and seen a familiar face return to their Silk Mill premises.

Med Olives run by Unsal Sarikir opened on May 6th with Nyx Cat Crystals opening a couple of months ago, before moving to a more prominent location opposite Jonty’s Fruit and Veg.  Grandad’s Attic return to the market hall on May 20th opposite Slipped Discs.

Med Olives sells a huge selection of olives, nuts and Turkish Delight and is already a familiar face due to trading at Knutsford’s Makers Market.  Unsal, said “I have been made to feel very welcome at Knutsford Market Hall and I look forward to meeting customers new and old.  There is nowhere else in the town offering such a vast and varied range of olives – the perfect addition to any grazing platter”.

Nyx Cat Crystals took part in Knutsford Christmas Market in 2022 before taking the leap and joining a permanent market.  Nicky Facey is extremely knowledgeable and has a loyal customer base.  Nicky said, “I am really enjoying trading from Knutsford Market Hall. Each crystal is ethically sourced and intuitively chosen with love! Today’s world is so fast-paced, and crystals emit a range of positive, uplifting energising and calming vibrations that help even the most cynical!”

Grandad’s Attic have traded in the market before,  sell a range of upcycled furniture and traded in the market in a larger stall before moving back.  Owner, Linda Kendall said, “We just missed the vibe of the market – both customers and traders – everyone is so friendly.  Our smaller stall showcases our key pieces but if any customer wants something more bespoke, we can always source it for them”.

Knutsford Market Hall is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.   Traders are as follows – Style Loft Boutique, Grandad’s Attic, The Market Butcher, M&J Cards, Jonty’s Fruit & Veg, The Market Café, The Market Hall Barber, Sabrina’s Baby Boutique, Radchester Garden Ornaments, Slipped Discs, Med Olives and Nyx Cat Crystals

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”.

Knutsford Market Hall welcomes a barber!

Knutsford Market Hall has welcomed a new trader last month as The Market Hall Barber opened its doors. Opening in March, the new stall adds a gents’ hairdresser to the Market Hall portfolio.

Pino Tracanna who has been cutting hair for over 30 years offers affordable cuts for £10 and a beard trim for £5. He said “I am excited to be a part of the friendly team at Knutsford Market Hall and offer my services to the market customer”.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre and Manager said, “We are delighted to welcome a new trader to our Market Hall family adding a much-needed service to our repertoire. The market hall is home to a range of stalls offering purse friendly essentials to the shoppers of Knutsford.  We are sure Pino will become well-known and well-loved in Knutsford!”

There are currently two stalls to available to rent in Knutsford Market Hall.  Both offer an ideal platform to launch a fledging business with rent as little as £211.81 including VAT and utility bills.

Press contact – laura.anderson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Stall enquiries- Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

Knutsford Market Hall is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 8am to 4pm.   Traders are as follows – Style Loft Boutique, The Market Butcher, M&J Cards, Jonty’s Fruit & Veg,  The Market Café, Sabrina’s Baby and Toddler Boutique, Slipped Discs, Grandad’s Attic and NX Cat Crystals

Photo: Pino Tracanna

Photo Credit Sabrina Cowley

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.

Silhouette of performers at Knutsford Music Festival

Knutsford Music Festival Tickets on Sale

Knutsford Music Festival is back this year with another jam-packed weekend for music lovers!

The festival is back for its sixth edition this summer from 9th to 11th June 2023 and takes place across a long weekend bringing a varied programme of music to venues across Knutsford. The event is organised by Knutsford Town Council and aims to bring the community together for a weekend of music events on the doorstep. s

The 2023 programme is set to include four fantastic nights of folk music hosted in partnership with close friend to the festival BBC Radio presenter Mark Radcliffe, including an exclusive pre-festival show on Thursday 8th June.

Friday Night Blues also returns to the programme after a sell-out show in 2022, bringing blues acts from around the country to Brook Street Chapel Hall for a night of funky blues music.

A Classical Music Evening will return to the programme featuring a wind sextet and piano support act, also due to be held at Brook Street Chapel Hall on Sunday 11th June.

Music on the Moor will return to the Moor on Saturday 10th June as a free, open to all session celebrating up and coming local talent, with workshops and activities in addition for all ages.

The fringe festival made up of events hosted by local businesses such as bars, cafes and restaurants (plus shops and more!) will also feature as a way to increase engagement with our fantastic business community.

Tickets for the headline festival events are now on sale for £15 for general admission and £10 for those aged 16 and under. Tickets can be purchased in person via the Council Offices on Toft Road, next door to the Library, or via the festival website by visiting www.knutsfordmusicfestival.com

Enquiries regarding this year’s programme can be sent to info@knutsfordmusicfestival.com or call 01565 653 929.