Midcheshire Independent Issue 192

MAY/JUNE 2026 4 THE final stages of the renovation and refur- bishment of North- wich Library are set to begin in June. Project bosses say the work is expected to be completed and the library building reopened next spring. Specialist contrac- tors have been appointed to carry out the final phase of repair and reno- vation of the iconic town centre building. Cheshire West and Chester Council has unveiled plans to refur- bish and create a library and learning space, securing a much-loved community asset for gen- erations to come. The construction work MAKING MERRY IN MARBURY! THIS year’s Marbury Merry Days coun- try fair attracted thousands for a spectacular 45th anniversaryweekend Thousands of visitors descended on the village for the traditional two- day event. Organised by the St Michael and All Angels Parochial Church Council, the long-run- ning community event transformed the heart of the village into a bustling festival packed with entertainment, heritage displays, live performances and tra- ditional family fun. This year’s fair was officially opened by the Cheshire Dairy Queen Team – Lara Dicesare, Grace Barber and Annie Newport – ambassadors for Cheshire Young Farmers, who made a grand arrival in a Bent- ley vintage car. A major highlight of was the appearance of the Sealed Knot, Europe’s largest re-en- actment society, which Photo credit: JonathanWhite packed into the popular Fun Dog Show, which fea- tured categories ranging from “Sweetest Puppy” to “Friendliest Dog. A spokesperson for the organisers said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along and sup- ported this year’s Mar- bury Merry Days. “The weekend simply would not be possible without our fantastic vol- unteers, generous spon- sors, talented performers, exhibitors and all those brought the drama and atmosphere of the English Civil War vividly to life. Visitors were able to explore an immersive 17th-century living his- tory camp featuring authentic costumes, cooking demonstrations, crafts and military drills, while the Main Ring hosted thrilling battle recreations complete with marching soldiers, musket fire, drums and cannon blasts. Sunday also featured a special “children’s army”, giving younger visitors the chance to get involved in the action. Away from the battle- field displays, there was no shortage of attractions for all ages. Families enjoyed performances from Pinxton Puppets, model floatplane and boat displays, classic cars and vintage tractors, along- side music from the Wir- ral Pipe Band. Saturday’s entertain- ment included maypole dancing by pupils from Wrenbury School, perfor- mances fromGlo’s Dance Troupe and displays by the StaffordMorris Danc- ers. On Sunday, visitors who took part across the two days. It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the event and helping us continue this treasured village tradition.” Funds raised from the weekend will go towards the ongoing upkeep of St Michael’s Church, help- ing preserve the historic village landmark for future generations. NEWS IN BRIEF MACCLESFIELD Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club has moved location. It will now meet at Broken Cross Club on the second Sunday of every month at 9.30am, apart from in June when it will meet on the seventh. THE mayor of Macclesfield’s charity ball took place at Tytherington Club. Money raised from the evening of dining and dancing will go to the mayor’s chosen charities Cardiac Risk in the Young and Friends of Park Lane Special School. CHESHIRE East Council has agreed a new approach to improving standards in the private rented sector, including how it will use government funding and updated powers to better protect tenants. Its updated policy provides details of enhanced powers the council has to tackle poor practice, including action against rogue landlords and illegal evictions. Library revamp set to start Iconic: Northwich Library (Photo credit: CW&CC) New look: An artist’s impression of the revamp (Photo credit: CW&CC) involves full internal and external renovation and refurbishment and follows a series of emer- gency repairs. A council spokesperson said: “The aim is to create an accessible and welcom- ing library and learning space. The renovated building will include the library, an accessible first floor hosting a Skills and Employment Hub and flexible activity and meeting spaces. “Following the initial critical stabilisation, subsequent structural works and removal of hazards, the building is now safe and ready for its final phase of repair and renovation. “Designs showing plans for the building were shared at a public drop-in event last year. These designs prioritise its historical features and make it fit for the future, with the final full ren- ovation work now able to begin.” CHESHIRE East Council has moved to a cabinet model of decision making after re-electing its leader and deputy leader. Nick Mannion and Mi chae l Go rma n unveiled the 10-member cabinet and their areas of responsibility at the annual meeting of the local authority. It marks the formal replacement of the pre- vious committee sys- tem of decision making – following a decision taken by full council last September. It says the move will ensure the council has effective governance processes in place that enable decisions and improvements to be made at pace. It will also streamline current deci- sion-making arrange- ments and give more time and emphasis to scrutiny by councillors. Cllrs Mannion and Gorman said in a joint statement: “The move to a leader and cabinet system will help the council focus on delivering effectively for residents by enabling us to be more agile, clear- sighted and ‘joined up’ in our decision making. Responsibility for deci- sions will also be clearer and more transparent for our communities.” Council returns to cabinet model