News | Knutsford Town Council | Serving the Knutsford Community

15Feb2023

Jan Nicholson steps down from Town Council

Deputy Town Mayor Cllr Jan Nicholson has stepped down from Knutsford Town Council after twenty years of service to the town.

Jan, who was first elected in 2003, was re-elected as a councillor four times and latterly represented the residents of Norbury Booths.

Jan was elected by her fellow councillors as Town Mayor in 2007 and again in 2016; she was elected as Deputy Town Mayor in 2022 and had planned to be put forward to serve as Town Mayor a third time from May 2023.

Town Mayor, Cllr Mike Houghton said, “It is with great sadness that I have accepted the resignation of the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jan Nicholson.”

“I know Jan was hoping to take on a third term as Town Mayor this year and during her time as a councillor, Jan demonstrated an unparalleled degree of public service to the town of Knutsford. She will be widely missed. I wish Jan well for the future in her recovery and look forward to continuing our friendship that has developed since I first joined the council in 2011.”

Due to the forthcoming elections in May 2023, there will be no opportunity to trigger a by-election. All seats on the Town Council are up for re-election in May and the Town Council is hosting two sessions for potential councillors to find out more about what is involved – these take place on Thursday 16^th and Monday 20^th February at 7pm in the Council Offices.

13Feb2023

Community meeting on new council plan

Residents are invited to find out more about the Town Council’s draft strategic plan at a community meeting next week.

The council is currently consulting on its new strategy which will guide its work over the next ten years. The plan sets out five core aims of supporting the town centre, promoting active travel and public transport, improving open spaces and the environment, leading a strong community and ensuring access to services and facilities.

The public meeting takes place at 7pm on Wednesday 22nd February in Knutsford Methodist Church, where attendees will hear how the plan was developed and find out more about the council’s objectives for the next decade. The meeting will provide an opportunity for the public to question the council on the plan and provide feedback on the specific actions people would like to see the council deliver by 2032.

“We’re setting out a strategy to guide what we do over the next 10 years and provide a marker for the community to assess how well we are doing. We’re keen to hear from as many local residents, businesses and other stakeholders to ensure we are setting the right objectives for the town” said Town Clerk Adam Keppel-Green.

Those who cannot attend the meeting can read the plan online at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/strategic plan or in Knutsford Library, The Welcome and the Market Hall.

8Feb2023

Two New Venues Join Taste Knutsford

Two new venues have been added to the culinary tour of the Town ready for the first tours of 2023. Taste Knutsford is a walking food and drink tour which visits around seven venues sampling from a range of independent venues.

The first tours of the new year take place on the 17^th and 18^th February with two venues added the line-up that could be on offer.

Tatton Perk are new to the tour and will be showcasing their V60 brew methods and offering two samples of along with tasting notes and three hot chocolate tasters. The Courthouse Cheshire are returning to the Taste Knutsford family adding their brunch to the mix.

The tours begun in 2018 and apart from a break due to Covid have proved popular with visitors and residents alike, with many booking repeat tours.

The current list of venues include –

April’s Kitchen
Cheshire Quality
Cranford Café & Sandwich Bar
Dexter and Jones
Evuna
Morgan Edwards
Jonty’s Fruit and Veg
Hot Cocoa
Real Fruit Creamery
Courthouse Cheshire
The Market Hall Butcher
The Market Café
The Tea Room
Detaljer
Tatton Perk

Mark Lee Kilgariff, owner of Tatton Perk said, “Now we have permanent premises, joining Taste Knutsford was a no-brainer for us! The tour champions both our independents and our gorgeous town. We can’t wait to take part in the first tour and introduce people to the Tatton Perk experience”.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “We love arranging these tours. The feedback we receive from guests regarding the tours is always positive with guests leaving very full! Our tour guides are knowledgeable about each venue and the town, encouraging quests to stay, linger and spend in Knutsford.”

Any small regional or independent hospitality venue can take part in the tour and if you wish to take part in a tour you can book via www.tasteknutsford.co.uk Private tours for 8 or more can also be arranged.

Press Contact Sandra Curties Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk

8Feb2023

Forum of Private Business on board for the Town Awards

A national business support organisation located just outside Knutsford has once again pledged their support and sponsorship to the Knutsford Town Awards.

The Forum of Private Business, based at the Ashley Hall Showground, has sponsored the Town Awards since their inception in 2013. The Town Awards recognise those who give back to the local community and make Knutsford a better town for all.

Managing Director, and Knutsford resident Ian Cass said “The FPB are relighted to be sponsoring the Knutsford Town Awards again, particularly the business award.

“Knutsford businesses are always very supportive of each other, and I hope lots of them will be nominated for these awards this year.”

Over 50 nominations have been submitted in the Town Awards so far this year with a number of different individuals, community groups and businesses having been put forward by the community. The awards rely on the community to submit their nominations so more nominations are always encouraged.

Nominations for the 2023 Town Awards close on Monday 20^th February and can be made online at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/services/town-awards. The awards will be presented in mid-March.

2Feb2023

‘Plant a Tree with Ranger Bob’ returns this February half-term

Grab your shovels and join our Town Ranger this February half-term for a chance to plant a tree in Knutsford!

Following the success of last year’s event, ‘Plant a Tree with Ranger Bob’ is back this month and people of all ages are invited to participate by planting a tree in the two-day event. Whether you’re looking for ways to get some fresh air, or you just love trees, it’s a great way to make some memories and be part of Knutsford’s Nature Action Plan!

Knutsford Town Council set out to plant 13,000 trees as part of its Nature Action Plan in March 2020 as part of its commitment to reduce our carbon footprint. So far, the Council has planted 1,471 trees and they are keen to keep that number growing.

As part of this initiative, last year Knutsford residents joined fantastic Town Ranger Bob in different sites around Knutsford to plant a variety of trees. Dozens of Knutsford residents turned out to get stuck in and help plant a tree.

If you’d like to get involved this year, please send your name, contact number, how many people you’d like to bring and which site you’d like to plant a tree at to enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk. Spaces are limited so please get in touch ASAP to secure a space.

The times and sites are as follows:

Tuesday 21^st Feb

9am: Chelford Road, outside the cricket club (2 trees) – 1 Volunteer

10am: Brandon Drive, green next to wildflower meadow (2 trees) – 1 Volunteer

11am: The Heath, behind bowling green (2 trees) – 1 Volunteer

12pm: Ladies Mile, by Heath Drive (3 trees) – 2 Volunteers

1pm: Westfield Drive, green near 33-37 (11 trees) – 4 Volunteers

Wednesday 22^nd Feb

9am: Site One – Longridge, near 358-357 (4 trees) – 2 Volunteers

10am: Site Two – Longridge, near 310-311 (2 trees) – 1 Volunteer

11am: Site Three – Longridge, near 95-97 (1 tree) – 1 Volunteer

12pm: Site Four – Longridge, near the Welcome (4 trees) – 2 Volunteers

1pm: Site Five – Southfields, green opposite 30-38 (5 trees) – 2 Volunteers

1Feb2023

Knutsford Market Hall and The Silk Rooms Join Forces

Shoppers visiting Knutsford Market Hall in February can enter a prize draw to win a night ‘next door’ at The Silk Rooms.

Kath Gibb of Aneto Properties are developing the former Freemason’s building into a ‘boutique Airbnb’ with a downstairs bar and restaurant area. Kath said, “This has been such an exciting project for us. The Grade II listed building had been neglected and required a lot of work. Our restoration is sensitive but has brought the building and the outside space into the 21^st century. We live local and know Knutsfordians have fond memories of their evening in the Freemasons. Very soon, they can add memories of the Silk Room to this.

Shoppers at Knutsford Market Hall will receive a raffle ticket when they spend with the following traders –

Style Loft Boutique
The Market Café
Radchester Garden Ornaments
Sabrina’s Baby and Toddler Boutique
Slipped Discs
Market Hall Butcher

These raffle tickets will be entered into a prize draw and the winner will win a night’s stall at The Silk Rooms to be used by December 31^st, 2023.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said “We are delighted to be working the Kath and The Silk Rooms and can’t wait for next door to open! This collaboration is perfect.”

Knutsford Market Hall is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, from 8am-4pm, with the options to open on additional days with agreement. The market is home to a café, womenswear, a vinyl record shop, a baby and child clothing boutique, garden ornaments, a butcher and fruit and veg stall. A greeting card stall is coming soon.

The Silk Rooms is being developed by Aneto Properties and is scheduled open in Spring 2023. Aneto Properties are looking for tenants for the downstairs bar and restaurant area and interested parties should contact Kath Gibb on contact@thesilkrooms.co.uk

1Feb2023

Knutsford Bunny Hop 2023

The Easter Bunny will be hopping into Knutsford soon as the town prepares for the return of its favourite Easter event Knutsford Bunny Hop!

The event will be back on Easter Saturday, 8^th April 2023 between 10am – 4pm. Families can search for 10 bunnies which will be hidden around Knutsford Town Centre. Every bunny has a letter on it; find all 10 letters and spell out the hidden phrase on your entry form. Completed entry forms can then be submitted into our special postbox outside of Knutsford Olde Sweet Shoppe and you will be entered into a prize draw!

The event will feature extra entertainment and activities including balloon modelling, face painting, an Easter Bonnet Competition and more!

The event runs casually in the town centre and does not feature any road closures, so please ensure children are supervised at all times as there will be normal traffic flow through the town centre.

This year’s event is very kindly sponsored by Neptune Ltd, suppliers of fantastic furniture and kitchens, based on Chelford Road in Knutsford.

Announcements will be made over the next couple of months on social media, so follow the Bunny Hop on Facebook and Twitter or follow the Knutsford Town Council Instagram to keep up to date with news.

For any enquiries regarding the event, please contact enquiries@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01565 653 929.

30Jan2023

Council urges Stanley Centre closure to be abandoned

Knutsford Town Council is calling on Cheshire East Council to abandon plans to decommission the Stanley Centre in Knutsford.

The proposal to close the building which provides services for people who have a learning disability, people with physical disabilities and older people was included as part of the Cheshire East Council budget consultation and has drawn criticism from the borough council’s own Adults and Health Committee.

The Town Council has today issued a letter to the leadership at Cheshire East Council requesting the proposed cut is removed from the budget. The Town Council has further requested that if the borough council wishes to explore the building’s closure a thorough consultation must be undertaken before a decision to cut the funding is made.

“With the continually growing need for local social care provision, we are bemused by this ill thought out proposal to cut access to the vital services provided at the Stanley Centre.” said Town Mayor Cllr Mike Houghton

“We are especially concerned that the proposal has been presented through a budget consultation as a cost saving measure rather than a properly formulated proposal that enables a detailed assessment of the impact of the closure of the building on the local community”

28Jan2023

Consultation launched on council’s strategic plan

A consultation has been launched on Knutsford Town Council’s draft strategy for the next ten years.

The strategic plan was developed following community consultation in Summer 2022, when the Town Council held a series of workshops and an online survey to hear from residents what they wanted to see the council address in the coming years.

The plan is an overarching strategy and intentionally doesn’t detail the solutions. It details the council’s core aims and objectives – how the council delivers on this will be set out as it progresses through the next decade.

The five strategic aims set out by the council are:

Supporting a thriving Town Centre
Promoting Active Travel
Leading a Strong Community
Improving Open Spaces and the Environment
Ensuring access to services and facilities

The aims are what the council will work towards in the long term and each is supported by a series of objectives which sets out how they will make these aims a reality. Each year the council will produce specific action plans detailing what it will be doing to meet our objectives.

“This plan was built on the back of what we were told in our community engagement sessions last year and aims to ensure the council is addressing the needs and ambitions of the community” said Town Mayor, Cllr Mike Houghton.

“Before the plan is adopted, we want to ensure it has your support. We want to hear from you again to tell us if you agree with our aims and objectives and to suggest what specific actions you believe the council should be undertaking to deliver them.”

The consultation runs until Friday 3^rd March. The Town Council will then review all feedback and present a revised plan for adoption to the new council following the May 2023 elections.

The plan can be read online at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/strategicplan and feedback provided by the accompanying feedback form. Comments can also be submitted by email to strategicplan@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk. Paper copies of the plan and questionnaire can be found in Knutsford Library, The Welcome and Knutsford Market Hall.

The council is also hosting an open forum on the strategy at 7pm on Wednesday 22^nd February in Knutsford Methodist Church. At the meeting the council will talk through the development of the plan and answer any questions from the community.

26Jan2023

Detaljer and Slipped Discs join forces!

Two local independent businesses are joining forces and introducing “Music Monday’s” to Knutsford.

Slipped Discs of Knutsford Market Hall will be having a DJ pop-up at Princess Street’s Detaljer playing records, spanning all music genres, to ease customers into the working week.

Caterine Hooper, owner of Detaljer said, “We are delighted to be working with fellow Knutsford independent Slipped Discs. Ian and his vinyl will be joining us each Monday, from 6^th February, to provide some background entertainment for our customers. Ian will be taking requests though and if you want something a little more lively just ask. There will be a small selection of vinyl to buy too. Fika and vinyl a match made in heaven!”

The initial plans are to have the DJ pop-up each Monday for 4 weeks to see how people respond, and then it may be held each month. Slipped Discs will be focusing on a different theme of music each week and will be at Detaljer from 11am – 2pm each Monday in February.

Sandra Curties, Town Centre Manager, said, “We’ve such a strong band of independent retailers in Knutsford and it is great to see them working together. We hope Detaljer’s customers enjoy the vibe and if it showcases one of our lovely Market Hall traders and encourages people to visit the market then everyone is a winner!”

Detaljer is a Swedish café and lifestyle store and is open Monday-Friday 8am – 4pm, Saturday 8.30am to 4.30pm and 9.30am – 4.00pm on Sunday.

Press contact – Sandra.curties@knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk
Photo Caterine Hooper of Detaljer and Ian Drinkwater of Slipped Discs

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