A new community survey is providing residents with the opportunity to input on two community projects: the development of a new community building on Longridge and enhancements at St Helena’s Field.
St Helana’s Field is a large open space on Longridge, next to St John’s Wood and containing the ancient site of the church of St Helena. The Town Council has prepared proposals to enhance the open space with a focus on promoting biodiversity; measures include leaving areas unmown to support pollinating insects, additional tree planting, including a community orchard, and planting a hedge around the site.
The proposals are also to look at installing benches and, longer term, hardstanding paths to help cross the site during winter. The initial proposals were developed by volunteers and refined following engagement with Cheshire East Council which owns the site. Subject to the survey responses, some planting could take place this winter as part of the council’s Nature Action Plan work.
Across the road from this open space is the site which last year was approved for a development of 225 houses. This development, which has outline planning permission, will be required to provide a new community building and gift it to the Town Council.
The survey aims to help the council’s Longridge Community Building working group develop plans for this new building and better negotiate with the developers to secure the maximum possible benefit for the community. The council is also undertaking a review of existing community venues to evidence what the town needs from a new public building in this area of town.
The survey is open to all residents and can be access at www.knutsfordtowncouncil.gov.uk/survey. Paper surveys are being delivered to houses in the Cross Town and St John’s Wood wards, and for residents outside these areas, can be requested by contacting the Town Council on 01565 653 929.
The survey closes on Friday 10th October.
