Midcheshire Independent Issue 183

SEPTEMBER 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 THE shocking levels of abuse hurled at Chesh- ire East councillors – including death threats and excrement posted through letterboxes – have been revealed by a new survey. The harassment, abuse and intimidation elected members of the local author- ity have had to face include stalking, trolling and obscene phone calls. The survey discovered over a third of those elected to serve their communities in the council chamber had considered stepping down as a result of the abuse they had received. And 82 per cent of coun- cillors had experienced WISTASTON college worker Anne Garner is looking to make great strides on behalf of a can- cer charity this month. The learning mentor at Cheshire College is taking on the ‘Walk 30 Miles Challenge’ this month to raise funds for Cancer Research UK. The virtual challenge is designed to be flexible, with participants free to complete their 30 miles in whatever way suits thembest – whether that’s a steady mile a day or longer walks at weekends. Anne, pictured, said: “I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, but thankfully I’m all clear at the moment. “As I find longer distances difficult, I’ve set myself the achievable goal of walking one mile a day for 30 days. “I’m really pleased to be part of this challenge, and I hope to raise money for Can- cer Research UK. Please sup- port me if you can and help fund life-saving research.” Anne has set up a giving page for people who want to donate: https://fundraise. cancerresearchuk.org/page/ annes-giving-page-220729 Statement: Cheshire East council leader Nick Mannion and CheshireWest leader Louise Gittins l Continued frompage one The council leaders say that, if approved, devolution would mean more local con- trol over the economy and regeneration funds, ena- bling targeted investments that support local industrial strengths – from life sciences to advanced manufacturing. Sarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey near Nantwich and chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Rural Strategy Group, said: “There is so much potential in the Cheshire and Warrington economy, particularly within our rural communities, but local businesses like mine need support and I think devolution will deliver that. “Businesses and communi- ties in our rural areas area must be included to ena- ble them to develop, grow and thrive. “They are a huge part of whatmakes Cheshire andWar- rington such a unique place to live and work and already contribute substantially to the wellbeing of the area, both socially and economically. We must be supportive to reap the benefits devolution can bring.” SPECIAL REPORT Abused, intimidated and harassed Threats against councillors revealed in shock report Unacceptable: FionaWilson says levels of abuse are rising (Photo credit: Cheshire East Council) privilege and responsibility – but it also means councillors are very visible, often easily accessible to residents and all too often receive appall- ing abuse. “We welcome this report and the necessary steps to protect our democratically elected members from abuse, harassment and intimida- tion. We need debate, not hate – and a kinder pub- lic discourse.” Councillor Gorman has also called on central gov- ernment to act. He said: “I think we need a national response. This is becoming a national problem.” The recommendations approved following the coun- cil’s review include the intro- duction of a formal reporting process, the appointment of a nominated officer for coun- cillor safety and the devel- opment of a comprehensive councillor safety protocol. Lone-working devices will be provided as will targeted training around conflict pre- vention and wellbeing. A member champion for councillor safety will also be appointed as an advo- cate to ensure these issues remain prioritised. Macclesfield councillor Fiona Wilson, who chaired the group tasked with exam- ining the problem, said: “Unacceptable behaviours directed at councillors are becoming increasingly com- mon, undermining demo- cratic engagement and, in harassment, abuse and intim- idation through social media. The local authority has now approved a raft of actions to help combat the abuse, intimidation and har- assment of elected members and offer them support. Council leaders Nick Man- nion and Michael Gorman, said in a joint statement: “Councillors are local lead- ers and champions, bridging the gap between residents and local government. “Becoming and serving as a councillor is a massive THE key findings of the councillor survey revealed: • 35 per cent of respondents had considered leaving their role as a councillor because of incidents of abuse, intimida- tion or harassment • 43 per cent of respondents felt the volume of abuse, intimi- dation and harassment had increased in the last 12months • Over half (53 per cent) of councillors felt council arrange- ments for protecting thempersonallywere ineffective • 82 per cent of members had experienced harassment, abuse and intimidation via social media Shock findings Stepping out for cancer research some cases, threatening the safety and wellbeing of those who serve their communities. “Female councillors are significantly more likely to feel at risk ‘frequently or occasionally’ compared with male councillors. And levels of abuse, intimidation of harass- ment appear to be increasing.” She added: “The fact that 67 per cent of councillors responded to the survey clearly indicates the levels of concern on this issue and that the reported levels of threats of violence and actual violence are completely unacceptable. “We have also engaged with the police and the police and crime commissioner and taken their advice on the reporting of incidents. It is positive that councillors now have a dedicated named police officer contact for rais- ing concerns.” Abuse of councillors is a national problem, A recent survey by the Local Govern- ment Association revealed 73 per cent of the 1,734 council- lors from England and Wales who responded, had been subjected to abuse or intimi- dation in the past year. TWO Knutsford schools are at the forefront of a ‘safe haven’ pilot scheme that aims to boost pupil safety and encourage more active travel. Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cam- eras will be installed over the next few days to help enforce signed no stopping restrictions outside Ivy Bank Primary and Marlborough Primary in Macclesfield, and Manor Park and St Vincent’s primaries in Knutsford. Under the ‘Safe Haven Out- side Schools’ pilot, the cam- eras will monitor each school’s ‘keep clear’ markings. If the scheme proves a success, it could be rolled out across the borough. Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee, said: “Previous measures to stop danger- ous parking have only had a temporary impact, so I am really pleased this scheme will operate throughout the whole school year. “With pupils starting back after the summer holiday, the new term is the ideal time to get drivers into a routine of safe parking. The remote monitoring will help them keep those good habits going too. “This should provide a permanent solution to the safety problems that dan- gerous parking at school gates causes. “If this pilot scheme proves a success, we may expand the number of schools taking part across the borough.” The pilot project is being run in collaboration with Derby City Council, which operates the scheme within its own borough and other areas. Cheshire East says the innovative camera technol- ogy being used is designed to promote a safer environment around the school gates by reducing congestion, which in turn contributes towards improved air quality. Drivers contravening these restricted areas will face a £35 penalty charge notice – which would rise to £70 if not paid within 14 days. THE call has gone out for businesses looking to trade at the new North- wich indoor market when it opens next summer Bar- ons Quay. All current market traders are being actively encour- aged to apply and make the transition. The closing date for applica- tions is October 26, however market bosses say early appli- cations are encouraged as demand for stalls is expected to be high. A spokesperson for Chesh- ire West and Chester Coun- cil said: “The new market will provide a significantly improved experience for customers and traders alike with a wider choice of stalls and facilities. A clear warning to drivers Wanted: New market traders “This will be the biggest investment in Northwich Market since 1960s. The new market will benefit from an investment of around £1.8mil- lion to create an inclusive community space for busi- nesses to grow, where current and new traders can thrive.” A selection panel made up of the council’s market man- agement team, letting experts and a representative of the local business community will review each application. They may invite short-listed applicants for interview before making their final selection.