Midcheshire Independent Issue 198

NOVEMBER 2026 8 A NEW banking hub has restored face-to- face financial services for the local community in Wilmslow. The hub offers a commu- nity banker service at the former NatWest Bank on Grove Street. Cash Access UK, the organ- isation that protects access to cash across the UK, has set up the new facility. It follows the closure of Nat- west and Halifax last year and Santander shutting its branch early next year. Tatton MP Esther McVey cut a ribbon to officially open the new premises. Customers of all major banks can visit any weekday between 9am-5pm to carry out regular cash transactions including cash withdraw- als and deposits as well as checking balances or paying bills. Businesses can also use the facilities. Additionally, the hub offers a community banker service where customers can talk to their own bank in a private space about more complicated issues on the day their bank is in the hub. CHESHIRE East is offi- cially the best place for children to grow up. A new report has named Cheshire East as the easiest place for children to grow up in England. Carried out by Dame Rachel de Souza, the Children’s Com- missioner for England, the report takes into considera- tion 162 metrics and considers things such as health, care, community, schools, family and jobs. Councillor Laura Crane, Cheshire East Council’s cab- inet member for children’s ser- vices, said: “Cheshire East is a fantastic place for children and young people to grow up, and we’re delighted to see this recognised in the report. “From high performing schools and strong commu- nities to the wide range of opportunities available to chil- dren and young people, there is much to celebrate across the borough. “This recognition reflects the dedication and hard work of families, schools, partner organisations and communi- ties, all of whom play a vital role in helping children and young people thrive.” Councillor Crane continued: “At the same time, we are clear-eyed about the chal- lenges that remain. While Cheshire East is a largely affluent borough, we know that not every child experi- ences the same opportunities. “Inequalities in health, edu- cation and economic outcomes continue to affect some chil- dren, young people and fami- lies, and we know that where a child grows up can still have too great an influence on their life chances. “That’s why we remain ambitious for every child and young person in Cheshire East. As we work towards becoming a Marmot Council, we are committed to tackling the root causes of inequality, reducing barriers to oppor- tunity and ensuring that every child has the support they need to achieve their full potential. “Working alongside our partners in education, health, social care and the voluntary and community sector, we will continue to improve out- comes, strengthen commu- nities and ensure that every child, regardless of their back- ground or circumstances, can benefit from the opportunities Cheshire East has to offer.” submitted by Rapleys for the applicant says: “The only logical place to deliver the planned additional sports facilities is at the exist- ing MRUFC site, which is already located within the green belt. “The site offers signifi- cant potential for growth and expansion, without extending any further into the wider green belt and delivering development that is in keeping with the scale and character of other sports, recreational, educational and residential uses in the imme- diate area.” It adds: “The delivery of acutely needed care home and bungalow develop- ment not only represents a significant benefit in its own right, but it is critical to the ability of the rugby club to deliver the planned sports facility improvements. “Without the land receipt from these elements of the scheme, the rugby club would be unable to finance the improved facilities, and without the more sustaina- ble level of income that the proposals would generate, the future of the club, or at the very least the main- tenance of the existing facilities, will be placed in jeopardy.” The application, num- ber 26/3523/FUL, can be viewed on the planning por- tal on Cheshire East Coun- cil’s website. New banking hub opens A new report has named Cheshire East as the easiest place for children to grow up in England (Image: Canva) Cheshire East is best for children to grow up Plans have been submitted for a major upgrade of Maccles!eld Rugby Union Club (Image: Google Maps) RUGBY CLUB’S UPGRADE PLANS New sports facilities, care home and bungalows are included in scheme PLANS have been sub- mitted for a major upgrade of Macclesfield Rugby Union Club – and they include the provi- sion of a care home and bungalows on the site to fund the scheme. Howard Homes is seek- ing permission for new and enhanced sports club facil- ities at the Priory Park site comprising a new 3G main stadium pitch, additional and improved playing pitches, lighting and drain- age improvements, upgraded and extended clubhouse/ changing room facilities and a new gym. The proposal also includes the construction of an 80-bedroom care home and 22 one and two-bed bunga- lows, together with asso- ciated highways, parking, landscaping, open space and other enabling works. A design and access state- ment submitted to Chesh- ire East Council by Studio KMA on behalf of the appli- cant states: “The proposed development represents a significant investment in Macclesfield’s sporting and community infrastructure, securing the long-term future of Macclesfield Rugby Club, a sporting institution that has proudly served the town for over 150 years.” It says the facilities will be shared by Macclesfield Rugby Club, Lacrosse UK and local football clubs, establishing a genuine mul- ti-sport, multi-club commu- nity destination and will cater for participants of all ages and abilities. The application site extends to approximately 9.1 hectares and is in the green belt, although the applicant argues it meets grey belt criteria. A planning statement