Midcheshire Independent Issue 182

AUGUST 2025 2 No part of this publicationmay be used or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. Every effort is made to ensure that the articles and advertisements that are carried are authentic, however the publisher accepts no responsibility for claims made. © Investors in Publishing Ltd 2025. This newspaper is publishedmonthly by Investors in Publishing, Publishing House, 3 Bridgebank Industrial Estate, Taylor Street, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7PD. 01204 478812 EDITOR Ged Henderson ged@hendersonnewsandmedia.com CONTACT JayneMeadowcroft 01204 478812 or 07703 045189 jayne@independentnewspapers.co.uk ADVERTISING Robin Atkins 07767 840274 robin@cheshireindependent.co.uk CONTACT US THIS year’s Shop Local Nantwich Awards have received 900 nominations for 90 businesses in the town. Nominationshavenowclosed for theawards, which aim to celebrate the independent spirit, exceptional service and unique stories behind Nantwich’s local businesses. A Shop Local Nantwich spokesperson said: “From standout retailers and market traders to beauty experts and customer service stars, the community is recognising the people who make the town shine. “Theseawards areaboutmore than just acco- lades – they’re about celebrating the soul of our town. The support so far has been incred- ible, and we can’t wait to shine a spotlight on the finalists.” A shortlist of finalists will be announced in August. The public will then be invited to vote for their winners in each category from September through toNovember. The winners will be revealed at a glittering awards night which will take place on January 31 next year. THE much-loved Audlem Lass boat service contin- ues to make waves – rais- ing thousands of pounds for the Royal National Life- boat Institution. Running on Saturdays, Sun- days, and Bank Holidays from 10am to 5pm, the AudlemLass operates fromEaster through to October, offering scenic boat trips along the Shropshire Union Canal. The journey runs between Audlem’s Lock 15, near The Shroppie Fly pub, and Over- water Marina, home to the Café at Bridge 80. Boats depart Lock 15 at quarter past and quarter to the hour, and leave Overwa- ter Marina on the hour and half past. Since its maiden voyage in Easter 2010, the Audlem Lass has carried more than 40,000 passengers and has raised more than £25,000 for lifesaving efforts at sea. (Photo credit: JonathanWhite) EAST Cheshire NHS Trust has signed an anti-racism statement pledging to uphold zero tolerance towards racism in any form. The trust says the commit- ment reflects its dedication to fostering a safe, respect- ful, and inclusive environ- ment for everyone in its care and workforce. The trust runs Maccles- field District General Hospi- tal, Congleton War Memorial Hospital and Knutsford and District Community Hospital. A spokesperson said: “The statement reinforces ongoing efforts to promote equality and diversity, ensuring that discrimination is not tolerated and that all individuals feel valued and protected within the trust’s services.” The statement says: “Becoming an unapologeti- cally anti-racist organisation, PLANS for the new Northwich Market in Barons Quay have received overwhelm- ing support from the public. People were asked to help shape plans for the £1.8million development in an online question- naire and two drop-in events held in late May. More than 1,100 r e s p on s e s we r e received, with 93 per cent supportive of the plan to move the mar- ket to a new unit in Bar- ons Quay. There was also strong support for the design of the newmarket, with 85 per cent of people pos- itive about the plans put forward by Chesh- ire West and Chesh- ire Council. The majority of people (88 per cent) felt that it was important that the new market includes a range of food and drink Thumbs up for market plans Vision: CGIs show how the newmarket might look (Photo credit: Cheshire West and Chester Council) stalls, with the most pop- ular options being Asian, Mexican, pizza, brunch/ breakfast, and a bar. And 93 per cent of people also wanted to see a range of produce, goods and services in the new market. The most popular options included a bak- ery, cheese/deli, flowers/ plants and a greengrocer followed by a butcher, fishmonger and vintage clothes. The council says the views will be used to shape the final plans, with the new market expected to open next year. The existing market will be demolished and replaced with new homes as part of an ambitious plan to regenerate the town centre. Nathan Pardoe, the council’s cabinet mem- ber for inclusive economy, THE AUDLEM LASS RAISES THOUSANDS Taking a stand on racism regeneration and digital transformation, said: “It’s great to hear the voice of Northwich resi- dents and their support for the plans for a new and improved market. “The public enthusi- asm for the new market to remain in the town centre is fantastic news and the feedback will shape the market design and offer. “Our next step is to launch a recruitment campaign for traders, and we welcome inter- est from existing and new traders.” begins first and foremost with an acknowledgement that rac- ism exists within society. “As a health care provider, we have a responsibility to ensure racism cannot influ- ence or impact on an individ- ual’s healthcare journey, or indeed a colleague’s experi- ence of work.” A celebration of local business To advertise in the Independent, contact Jayne on 07703 045189 Zero tolerance: Trust staff and management with the statement (Photo credit: ECNHS Trust)