News | Knutsford Town Council | Serving the Knutsford Community

2Sep2026

From Overgrown to Open: Volunteers Work Their Magic

Knutsford’s Tidy Town Days are taking off as once again residents came together to help improve access along the well-used footpath.

As part of its strategy to support active travel and accessibility for the community, and keep Knutsford well maintained, Knutsford Town Council arranged its third Tidy Town Day to help clear the build-up of detritus and overgrowth which has been narrowing the footpath from Kenilworth Avenue to Manor Park South

On Tuesday 25th August, 5 volunteers kindly gave their morning to cut back overgrowth, clear leaf litter and remove other vegetation from the route. The small but mighty team worked their magic, helping to make the footway tidier, safer and more welcoming for residents.

Jeanette Hine, Corporate Support Manager said “I am really pleased with how the Tidy Town Days are bringing our community together. It is lovely to see everyone getting stuck in and having fun to help make the town cleaner, brighter and easier to explore. We would like to thank everyone who gave their time to help support our Tidy Town Day and make it such a great success”

The next Tidy Town Day will be Tuesday 15^th September, helping to clear another section on Sparrow Lane. Anyone who would like to register an interest, please get in touch with Jeanette Hine at jeanette.hine@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or contact the council offices on 01565 653929.

A man and woman clearing leaf litter from a footpath

1Sep2026

Debt Centre Encourages Community Not to Suffer in Silence

Hope Central Knutsford has been granted £1500 through Knutsford Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme to support the work of its debt centre.

The Debt Centre is a vital local service, supporting residents facing unmanageable debt to take control of their finances, find a way forward and breathe a little easier.

Debt can have a devastating impact on people’s mental health. Christians Against Poverty (CAP) reports that 46% of its surveyed clients had considered ending their own life as a way out of debt, highlighting just how important services like this can be.

One local resident who used Hope Central’s services said, “A huge weight has been lifted and we have been given a fresh start for our family. Reach out, don’t suffer in silence. It’s never too late and there is always a solution.”

Hope Central provide face-to-face appointments, usually in the client’s home offering practical financial guidance and emotional support which is particularly important for people who may struggle to access other services. The Debt Centre operates in partnership with CAP, which provides the specialist systems, guidance and regulated debt advice required to deliver the service. The Town Council grant will help fund this essential partnership and enable the service to continue supporting Knutsford residents.

Barney Howard of Hope Central said “We are incredibly grateful to Knutsford Town Council for their financial support of our Debt Centre. This funding enables us to continue helping people become free from the weight of unmanageable debt.

Since launching the centre in partnership with CAP in 2021, we have supported 156 households. This funding means we can not only help people become debt free, but also empower them to rebuild their lives; whether that’s returning to work, gaining the skills to manage their finances confidently, or reconnecting to community.

Anyone can find themselves in debt, and no matter how overwhelming it feels, there is always a way forward. If you are struggling with debt or arrears, please contact our team on 0800 328 0006 to book an appointment.”

Hope Central is a Christian charity committed to bringing hope and relieving poverty across Cheshire East. Recognising that poverty and financial hardship can affect anyone, the charity provides practical support to those in need. Through its food banks, Debt Centre and employment support, its services create long term solutions to protect and support vulnerable people to live an independent life.

For more information about Hope Central please visit https://hopecentral.org.uk/. To refer yourself or someone else to their debt service please call 0800 328 0006.

The Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme provides grants of up to £1,500 to support community projects and activities within Knutsford. Funding priorities include providing services/opportunities for young people or older people, providing new or improved assets or services for the community and enhancing the profile or reputation of the Town.

The next deadline for Community Grant Scheme applications is 11^th September. For more information visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants.

1Sep2026

LOL Cheshire X The Mayor of Knutsford Returns For Its Third Year

The Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Peter Coan, and Paul Langley of LOL Cheshire are excited to announce LOL X The Mayor is back for its third year. This special fundraising comedy night is to be held at Knutsford Little Theatre on the 9^thOctober with doors opening at 7:15pm, featuring some of the finest comedians from LOL Cheshire, including MC Chris Brooker, Karen Bayley and local lad Mundo Jazz.

Paul Langley says “After the success of the previous events, I am thrilled to be supporting the Town Mayor again at LOL X The Mayor. You can expect not only a brilliant night of stand up from the very best comedians around but also raising funds for all four Knutsford Primary School PTAS and Men’s Shed Knutsford”.

Civic Events officer, Gemma Jackson, says “Those who haven’t been before can expect hilarious, sometimes risqué acts in a lovely local venue. I would like to thank Paul and the volunteers at Knutsford Little Theatre for supporting the Mayor’s fundraising efforts again this year”.

Tickets are priced at £15.05 (including booking fee), with proceeds going to the Mayor’s chosen charities. They can be purchased online at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/socialpromotions.

Cllr Peter Coan added “The beauty of a comedy night is that you can come alone, or with your friends or family. One of my aims during my mayoral term is to host events where everyone will be made to feel welcome”.

For more information, please contact civic events officer Gemma Jackson by email gemma.jackson@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or by telephoning 01565 653929

25Aug2026

Volunteers Celebrate Successful Footpath Clearing Day

Knutsford’s Tidy Town Day has been hailed a success after residents came together to help improve access along the well-used footway.

As part of its strategy to support active travel and accessibility for the community, and keep Knutsford well maintained, Knutsford Town Council arranged its second Tidy Town Day to help clear the build-up of detritus and overgrowth which has been narrowing the footway along King Edward Road.

On Tuesday 18^th August, 13 volunteers kindly gave their morning to cut back overgrowth, clear leaf litter and remove other vegetation from the route. Working together, the group made a noticeable difference in a short space of time, helping to make the footway tidier, safer and more welcoming for residents.

Cllr Scott Lowe said, “This particular pavement has been a problem for a long time and is used by both the young and old to get to school and the local shops. I’d like to say a massive thanks to all the people who volunteered to get stuck in and make it better. A full maxi skip and 3 van loads of waste show you what an effort it was. There are lots of wonderful people who want to help make things better and I’m pleased the town council is helping to co-ordinate these types of activities so it can be achieved. I’m sure there are many more people who would volunteer to finish the job in the coming months”

Around 40 hours of volunteer time went into clearing the path. A second session is due to be arranged to finish the job along to Ash Court.

“The energy and enthusiasm from everyone who attended was fantastic. It’s great to see what can be achieved when the community comes together to look after our town! We would like to thank everyone who gave their time to help make the tidy town day such a success” said Jeanette Hine, Corporate Support Manager

The town council will be holding further Tidy Town Days throughout the year. Anyone who would like to register an interest, please get in touch with Jeanette Hine at jeanette.hine@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or contact the council offices on 01565 653929.

A women with a wheelbarrow of hedge cuttings by the roadside

18Aug2026

Paint Knutsford Brings Art, Culture and Creativity to Knutsford

Knutsford was transformed into a celebration of art, culture and creativity on Sunday 16th August as artists from across the area took to the streets for Paint Knutsford 2026.

The event saw the town centre filled with over 40 artists capturing Knutsford’s streets, buildings and surroundings on canvas, paper and even vinyl records, creating a fantastic atmosphere for both artists and visitors. It was an amazing day, enjoyed by people of all ages and a wonderful opportunity to experience the town through the eyes of the artists taking part.

After a day of painting, the final competition took place at Knutsford Market Hall, where the artwork was brought together for judging. The judging panel included Laura Blansky from Clarendon Gallery, Anna Bates Patel from the Tabley House Collection and local artist Kay Davenport.

The standard of artwork was incredibly high, making it a very difficult decision for the judges. A huge congratulations goes to Amanda Mulquiney, who was named the overall winner of Paint Knutsford 2026, with John Mills awarded runner-up. Both artists produced fantastic work, and their awards were very well deserved.

The event also offered plenty of opportunities for people to get involved with art themselves. A life art class was held at Wallwood, giving participants the chance to explore life drawing and painting, while a children’s art area on The Moor encouraged younger visitors to get creative and have a go at making their own artwork.

Running alongside Paint Knutsford was Knutsford Alfresco Dining, with an amazing 14 local businesses taking part and bringing outdoor dining to the town throughout the day. This added to the fantastic atmosphere across Knutsford, with visitors able to relax, enjoy the sunshine and soak up the artwork and activities taking place.

The combination of Paint Knutsford and Alfresco Dining meant Knutsford was full of art, culture, fun and festivities, creating an amazing day for residents, visitors, artists and local businesses.

Paint Knutsford was made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners: Tatton Perk, King Street Dental and the Tabley House Care Home.

Mark Lee-Kilgariff from main sponsor, Tatton Perk, said, “What a wonderful day celebrating art, creativity, and the amazing talent that Paint Knutsford brings together. It’s fantastic to see the town come alive through the artists’ work and to be part of such a brilliant community event. Our sponsorship of Paint Knutsford is part of Tatton Perk’s wider support for artists across Cheshire. Alongside supporting events like this, we’re proud to host regular pop-up gallery evenings and a curated gallery wall at our Chelford coffee shop and bar. It’s wonderful to be able to provide opportunities for local artists to showcase their work and connect with the community.”

Caroline Haynes, Events Manager at Knutsford Town Council, said, “Paint Knutsford was an amazing day, and it was fantastic to see the town filled with artists, residents and visitors enjoying everything the event had to offer. We would like to say a huge thank you to all of the artists, volunteers, judges, sponsors and local businesses who helped make the event such a success, and congratulations to all the artists for taking part.” The event showcased the creativity and character of Knutsford while bringing people together to enjoy art, culture, food and entertainment. It was a fantastic celebration of the town and a wonderful event for everyone involved.

6Aug2026

Knutsford Library Inspires Young Readers with Community Grant

Knutsford Library has received £450 through Knutsford Town Council’s Community Grant Scheme to help inspire young readers through this year’s Summer Reading Challenge and a programme of creative activities.

The library has a fantastic programme of events designed to keep children reading throughout the summer, encouraging them to read for pleasure while continuing to develop their literacy skills. Reading for pleasure from an early age builds a powerful foundation for a child’s future, improving brain development, vocabulary and mental wellbeing.

According to research by the National Literacy Trust, children’s and young people’s enjoyment of reading and daily reading habits have risen for the first time in five years after reaching a 20-year low in 2025. Programmes like the Summer Reading Challenge play an important role in encouraging children to discover a genuine enjoyment of reading in their own time, helping to build lifelong reading habits.

Lise Hough, Librarian at Knutsford Library said “Knutsford Town Council’s community grant will mean that Knutsford Library will now be able to hold one or two exciting children’s events to accompany our annual Summer Reading Challenge scheme. The scheme is open to all and encourages children to read purely for pleasure over the summer holiday, maintaining literacy over the long school break while, hopefully, fostering a love of books.”

This year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme is ‘Read to the Beat’. The theme inspires children to explore the connection between stories and music, discovering how both ignite imagination and creativity. In line with this year’s theme, upcoming events at Knutsford Library include cheerleading sessions, the opportunity to craft a hand drum and even a Disney sing-along activity!

Library services and spaces are designed to meet community needs by providing free access to books, e-resources, information and computers. In doing so, they support learning, improve literacy and contribute to the health, wellbeing and resilience of the local community. Cheshire East libraries, including Knutsford Library, aim to become the venue of choice for enabling and connecting residents to enrichment within their lives.

To find out more about library services, or to join the Summer Reading Challenge, please visit https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/libraries/nearest-library/knutsford_library.aspx, call 01625 374873, or visit Knutsford Library’s Facebook page.

The next deadline for Community Grant Scheme applications is 11^th September. For more information visit: https://www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/community-grants.

6Aug2026

Knutsford Cemetery retains prestigious Green Flag Award

Knutsford Cemetery has once again been recognised as one of the country’s best-managed green spaces after retaining its prestigious Green Flag Award.

The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.

Knutsford Cemetery is one of a record breaking 2,391 in the UK to achieve the award this year – a fantastic testament to the hard work, passion and dedication of the cemetery groundskeeper and the Town Council team who care for this peaceful green space, ensuring it is maintained to the highest standard for residents and visitors.

Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Coan, said: “Retaining the Green Flag Award is a wonderful achievement and a reflection of the dedication shown by our groundskeeper, Fergal, and everyone involved in caring for the cemetery. Fergal works tirelessly to keep the grounds looking their very best, while also taking the time to help residents and families locate the graves of loved ones with kindness and compassion. We are incredibly proud to have retained this prestigious award and hope it inspires even more of our green spaces to achieve the same recognition in the future.”

The Cremation Garden at Knutsford Cemetery

Knutsford Cemetery and Tabley Hill Chapel

Since the Town Council took over management of the cemetery in 2020, it has invested in improving the quality of the grounds and ensuring the safety of the memorials, creating a welcoming and tranquil environment where people can remember loved ones and spend a quiet moment of reflection.

Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming. With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life.

“Knutsford Town Council have shown what can be achieved when green spaces are properly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.

Congratulations to everyone involved.”

Knutsford Cemetery on Tabley Hill is open to the public throughout the year. Residents and visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, pay their respects to loved ones, or spend a few quiet moments in the chapel while the groundskeeper is on site.

4Aug2026

Volunteers invited to help tidy town

The search is on for volunteers to help restore well-used school routes as part of Knutsford’s Tidy Town Improvement Days.

Following the success of its recent community improvement day on Sparrow Lane, Knutsford Town Council is once again calling on local volunteers to join its Tidy Town days – this time to help clear debris and overgrown vegetation that have narrowed well-used school routes along King Edward Road and Kenilworth Avenue

The community clean-ups will help make the routes safer and more accessible for the pupils, parents and other residents who use the paths every day, while improving the appearance of the area for everyone too.

The Town Council is working to support active travel and accessibility for the community, and improving public footpaths helps to enhance safety, increase accessibility for wheelchairs and pushchairs and contributes to a better local environment.

All tools and gloves will be provided, and volunteers will help remove the build-up of bramble and weeds and dig out the old dirt and leaves with the aim of restoring the path to its original width

Bob Garner, Town Ranger said “The recent tidy town improvement day on Sparrow Lane was a great success and highlighted how much the community working together can achieve. It made what would have been a few days’ work, a few hours work and the difference in the path is amazing. Let’s give King Edward Road and Kenilworth Avenue the same transformation”

The next Tidy Town Days are:

Tuesday 18^th August – King Edward Road
Tuesday 25^th August – Manor Park South to Kenilworth Avenue path

Both sessions start at 10am with a safety briefing. Those interested in participating in one or both days, are invited to contact Jeanette Hine at jeanette.hine@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or contact the council offices on 01565 653929.

24Jul2026

Get creative at Paint Knutsford!

The second annual Paint Knutsford is set to return with two dynamic new activities added to its 2026 line-up, alongside the town’s beloved open-air art and alfresco dining.

The newly introduced Drawing in the Woods invites artists of all skill levels to a relaxed, clothed life-drawing session. Facilitated by Lisa from Life Drawing with Hop—an art collective with community and creativity at its heart—the guided session runs from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Tickets are priced at £10 and are available now via the Discover Knutsford website.

Younger creatives can get hands-on with Little Artists on the Moor, running from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. This free drop-in session offers a fantastic, family-friendly way to spend time together while nurturing the town’s next potential Picasso.

These new additions will run alongside artists capturing Knutsford’s iconic buildings and vibrant street scenes live throughout the day. To complement the creative atmosphere, King Street and Silk Mill Street will host alfresco dining, with participating local hospitality venues serving refreshments into the afternoon.

Art enthusiasts will also have the rare opportunity to view masterworks up close. The Tabley House Collection and Clarendon Fine Art Gallery will showcase works by L.S. Lowry, alongside a reproduction of a J.M.W. Turner painting, inside Knutsford Market Hall from 2:00 pm. The Market Hall will later serve as the central hub for live competition judging at 4:30 pm.

Caroline Haynes, Event Manager at Knutsford Town Council, commented “We are really excited about this year’s Paint Knutsford. There is truly something for everyone—whether you’re strolling through town to enjoy the atmosphere, looking for creative activities for the kids, or wanting to take part in a guided art session. We encourage visitors to pick up a leaflet from local businesses or visit Discover Knutsford to learn more. We’re also extremely grateful to our 2026 sponsors—Tatton Perk, Tabley House Nursing Home, and King Street Dental Practice—whose support has helped make this event possible.”

Visitors can pick up event leaflets across town from 27^th July, which includes a map highlighting where artists are working and full details on the afternoon’s live judging.

For more information about Knutsford Town Council’s events programme, visit www.discoverknutsford.co.uk, follow @DiscoverKnutsford on social media, email enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk, or call 01565 653929.

22Jul2026

Search is on for a new Town Clerk

The search is on for a new Town Clerk to help lead Knutsford Town Council.

Current Town Clerk, Adam Keppel-Green, will be leaving the role in November after 14 years with the Town Council, as he takes on the post of Chief Officer (Town Clerk) at Congleton Town Council. Adam started with Knutsford as Deputy Town Clerk in 2012 before becoming Town Clerk in 2014 and helped lead the significant change the council has undergone during this time.

The Town Clerk is the council’s most senior officer, reporting to the Council as a whole and responsible for overseeing the operational management of the council and its services. It is a varied role which includes responsibility for the council’s budget, staffing and statutory compliance, as well as advising the elected councillors to support effective decision making.

“The role of Town Clerk is very much a jack-of-all trades” said Adam “It’s a really varied job where every day is different. At its heart, it is about ensuring the council is delivering for the community, working with councillors to ensure the council responds to local need and is working to make Knutsford the best town it can be”.

The Town Council is inviting applications from candidates with strong communication, report writing and public speaking skills who are able to convey information to a variety of audiences. Candidates should also have experience in strategic and operational management of an organisation, experience managing budgets and staff, and experience building productive relationships with a variety of stakeholders. Candidates with knowledge of local council law and finance are particularly sought.

“The Town Clerk is an incredibly important role and critical to the success of the Town Council. We welcome applications from those who believe they have what it takes to help support the council as it continues delivering for Knutsford” said Town Mayor, Cllr Peter Coan.

A full job pack is available on the Town Council website at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/town-clerk

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