Knutsford Swimming Pool

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 7th 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.”

The crib near Lost and Found at Christmas

Community invited to Crib Service

The Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Peter Coan is inviting Knutsford families to join him outside the Lost and Found on Saturday,9th December, for the annual community crib service. The service, which is led by Mayor’s Chaplain Revd Paul Deakin, starts at 4pm and includes a festive Christmas message from the mayor who has chosen some of his favourite carols for the event. The carols will be led by the Chester Brass Band and St Vincents Primary School Choir.

Peter said: “I’m looking forward to attending the Community Crib Service, this is event is for all: young and old, and I hope you can join me as we get into the festive spirit.”

Complimentary mulled wine and mince pies will be served by the Knutsford Catenians.

A viking at the Pumpkin Path event with his family

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 31st 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.

A group of people outside

Festive Sunday arrives in Knutsford this Christmas!

Shoppers are urged to put December 10th in their diaries as Knutsford shops and businesses host their first Festive Sunday for the Christmas period.

The day is jam packed with seasonal activities to suit every age group including:-

  • Chester Brass Band
  • Elf on the Shelf
  • Knutsford Little Theatre’s Red Riding Pantomime cast
  • Christmas Carols from Knutsford Beats
  • Christmas Bake Off with The Tea Room
  • Knutsford Royal May Day Grotto at Knutsford Methodist Church

These attractions sit alongside the wonderful gifts available from Knutsford’s unique shops. Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager for Knutsford Town Council said, “Knutsford is well known for its Christmas Markets, but this year we wanted to showcase our existing shops too.  Festive Sunday is all about discovering what is, for Knutsfordians, on their doorstep and for those further away it is about having an independent not an Amazon Christmas! ”.

Most shops are staying open on the day with many offering mulled wine, mince pies and other seasonal treats. Hattie Cufflin from Hot Cocoa, said, “We are looking forward to Knutsford’s first Festive Sunday and we’ve lots of chocolatey treats planned. Hot mince pies, ice cream, homemade sweet and savoury treats are on offer plus if you spend £30 you get a 10% discount on the day. Please support Knutsford’s indie shops this Christmas”.

Sandra Curties, continued, “The shops have worked extremely hard and have put together a great day with mulled wine, wine tasting, discounts, festive treats, plus live music on the menu. There will also be a raffle when you purchase in selected shops to win prizes from Lanigan and Hulme and a Christmas Eve box courtesy of Knutsford Stationery and Art Shop and Scene in Knutsford, plus some other great prizes. It has been a difficult trading year for some our much-loved independents so let’s give them our support this festive season”.

The day has been made possible by the kind sponsorship of Knutsford Admin.  Helen Rogers, Director said, “The team at Knutsford Admin Limited have chosen to sponsor the festive shopping event as they are huge fans of the many shops and eateries in town. Not all the team live in Knutsford, but they all feel part of the community and enjoy knowing many of the retailers and hospitality venues owners and teams by name”.

Rebecca Mallon, Director of Knutsford Admin added “We really enjoy our town centre location, particularly in the run up to Christmas when the streets & shop fronts look so pretty and there’s a real festive feel”.

For Festive Sunday, King Street will be closed from 9am to 6pm from the junction with Church Walk to the junction of Dury Lane.  Church Hill will remain open and there will be traffic measures in place to allow cars to access King Street car park.  The parking bays on King Street from Tatton Street to Drury Lane will be suspended to enable two-way traffic enabling access to properties of Drury Lane throughout the event.  Access to King Street carpark will be via Church Hill and Church Walk. 

Those interested in attending Festive Sunday should keep an eye on Knutsford Town Council’s social media pages, and via leaflets and posters coming to the town centre soon.

band walking in a parade

Remembrance Sunday

Knutsford Town Council and the Knutsford Branch of the Royal British Legion invite the community to join the services of remembrance on Sunday 12th November.

The programme for the day is as follows:

0845       Parade assembles at King St Car Park, WA16 6DX

0900       Parade from King St Car Park to St John’s Church

0930     Remembrance Service at St John’s Church

1030       Procession to Centennial War Memorial

1045     Remembrance service and wreath laying at Centennial War Memorial, WA16 0PG

1100     Two minute silence

1145       Remembrance service and wreath laying at the Crosstown War Memorial, Junction of Mobberley Road and Thorneyholme Drive, WA16 8WS

1300     Tatton Park Parachute Regiment Memorial

1300       Refreshments at Council Offices, WA16 6TA

This year the parade departs from King Street car park and parades to St John’s Church. The parade will not reassemble and instead the congregation will be led from the church to the Centennial War Memorial for the main service.

The whole community is welcome to join any or all parts of the day. The principal wreath laying will take place at the Centennial War Memorial and organisations wishing to lay a wreath are requested to advise Gemma Jackson, Civic Events Officer, in advance by emailing gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Cllrs Johnson, Hartley, Dalzell, McCulloch, Robertson and Banks holding signs opposing the parking changes in front of a row of parked cars

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 1st November. You can make a representation by emailing: carparksreview2023@cheshireeast.gov.uk.

Lady modelling a dress and jacket

Flash Fashion Knutsford

Flash Fashion Knutsford is set to return for the Autumn Winter season on Saturday 4th November, providing the perfect opportunity for shoppers to refresh their winter wardrobe and get inspired for Christmas.

The day-long event started in 2019 as a collaboration between Knutsford Town Council and local boutiques to highlight the wonderful collection of fashion retailers in Knutsford.

The day will kick off at Lost and Found at 11am with a fashion show highlighting the latest looks from local boutiques. The show will be presented by Katy Rickett (Dexter & Jones) and feature Darren Proctor (Happy Radio). Attendees 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.

Participating stores and businesses include:

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

Roberta from Roberta Beauty Redefined said “We are so excited to be involved in the Autumn Winter edition of Flash Fashion Knutsford. The Fashion Show in May was such a wonderful collaboration between local businesses and the town centre had a lovely vibe. I loved holding pop ups in Willow and Cocaranti and I can’t wait to do it again.”

Maps will be available from shops and eateries around Knutsford shortly to allow shoppers to plan their day.

Flash Fashion is kindly sponsored by Redrow and Happy Radio.

lady modelling a bag and dress
Mayor outside Tatton Mansion

Join the Mayor of Knutsford this Christmas at Tatton Park

Fall down the rabbit hole and find yourself in the magical world of Lewis Carrol’s Alice in Wonderland and be entertained by charming characters along the way all whilst raising money for the Mayor of Knutsford’s chosen charities.

Town Mayor Cllr Peter Coan is inviting the town to step into the winter wonderland at Tatton Park with him this November as he raises more funds for his Knutsford GROW and a Knutsford Men’s Shed.

The event, which takes place on Saturday 25th November at 1pm, is a special edition of Tatton Park’s Christmas Mansion. Tickets are £24.95 per person which includes admission, parking and soup, mince pies and hot drinks.

Opening sales for the event, the Town Mayor, Peter Coan, said “I do hope you will be able to join me for this fundraising event.  We will celebrate the festive season together, enjoy exploring the winter wonderland and then warm up with delicious soup and mince pies. There will be, great company, and a chance to win prizes in the fundraising raffle”.

To book your space simply contact Civic Events Officer Gemma Jackson before November 10th on 01565 653 929 or at Gemma.Jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk.

Halloween items

Pumpkin Path 2023

The nights are getting darker, and the air is getting colder. It’s time for the town to come alive with the mystical and magical, the scary and the spooky, the cackling and the crazy.

The town of Knutsford is set to welcome families of revellers to ‘trick or treat’ the local businesses and wonder in the amazement of the magical Wallwood. There will be mythical creatures to guide you through the wood and oddities to entertain and thrill.

Between the hours of 5pm and 6.30pm there will be performances from Fuchsia Dance Company and Knutsford Beats. Ask any of our other worldly guides to direct you and pick up an event brochure for details.

Knutsford Pumpkin Path takes place on Tuesday 31st October between 4pm and 7pm. Road closures will be in place on King Street and Minshull Street. Adults are reminded that this is a family event and to be mindful of this when planning their costumes.

The Pumpkin Path is organised by Knutsford Town Council and this year is generously sponsored by Slater and Gordon Group, Neptune, Knutsford Admin and Travelbag.

Follow @knutsfordpumpkinpath on Instagram and Facebook for full information of what’s going on and a pumpkin carving competition. Be sure to tag us in your spooky pics #knutsfordpumpkinpath2023

A sculpture of King Canute in the council office gardens, with a tree

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