Midcheshire Independent Issue 194

JULY 2026 2 Nopartofthispublicationmaybeusedorreproducedwithouttheexpresspermissionofthe publisher.Everyeffort ismadetoensurethatthearticlesandadvertisementsthatarecarriedare authentic,howeverthepublisheracceptsnoresponsibility forclaimsmade. © Investors inPublishingLtd2025. Thisnewspaper ispublishedmonthlyby Investors inPublishing,PublishingHouse, 3Bridgebank IndustrialEstate,TaylorStreet,Horwich,BoltonBL67PD. Tel.01204478812 EDITOR : Mike Hulme mike@independentnewspapers.co.uk ADVERTISING: Robin Atkins 07767 840274 robin@cheshireindependent.co.uk CONTACT: JayneMeadowcroft 01204 478812 or 07703 045189 jayne@independentnewspapers.co.uk CONTACT US AWOMAN has been jailed for her role in a county lines drug operation. Abigail Wright, 38, of Soot Hill in Nantwich, was sentenced to five years and seven months at Chester Crown Court. She admitted two counts of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs, including heroin and crack cocaine. Detectives launched an investigation after tracing a mobile phone linked to a county lines gang operating in the Nantwich area. The device, known as a ‘graft phone’, was used to send daily bulk messages advertis- ing heroin and crack cocaine for sale. Officers identifiedWright as the controller of the phone and arrested her near her home in March. A search of her prop- erty led to the discovery of about 20 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine, valued at about £200, along with the graft phone. Cheshire Police said anal- ysis of the device uncov- ered hundreds of messages promoting the sale of ille- gal drugs. Following the sentencing, the detective leading the investigation said: “I welcome the substantial sentence handed to Wright and I hope that it acts as a warning to those involved in the sale of illegal drugs. “Illegal drugs can have a devastating impact on not only drug users, but the com- munity around them, and we are committed to doing all we can to ensure those respon- sible are held accountable.” The fire took place in July last year and severely damaged a treehouse and play equipment (Image: NorthWest Academies Trust) PDQ LANDSCAPE & BUILDING SERVICES 07763 923005 01270 421405 From inside to outside, whatever you can imagine, we can make it come true. IF WE CAN’T DO IT NO ONE CAN! FREE QUOTE Call Steve sredmond24707825@aol.com Playground rebuilt after devastating fire A PRIMARY school’s playground has been rebuilt one year after a fire destroyed the equipment, including a beloved treehouse. Oak View Academy in Winsford was visited by the town mayor, Cllr Pauline Fitzsimmons, to celebrate the remarkable transformation of its outdoor area. The playground was rebuilt one year after an arson attack destroyed the previ- ous equipment. The fire took place in June last year and severely dam- aged a treehouse and play equipment, before the com- munity answered the school’s fundraising appeal. Helen Bebbington, head- teacher of Oak View Academy, said: “I am incredibly proud of what has been achieved here over the past year. “What began as a very upsetting incident has become something truly pos- itive, thanks to the determi- nation and generosity of so many people. “The garden looks abso- lutely wonderful and has become a much-loved space for our children, staff and families. “It provides opportuni- ties for children to play, read, learn and spend time together in a calm and nur- turing environment. “Seeing the pride that our pupils have in the area, par- ticularly in the planters they have helped to create and maintain, makes all the hard work worthwhile. “We are extremely grate- ful to our PTA, our families, the wider community, our colleagues at NWAT and everyone who supported us on this journey.” During the visit, Cllr Fitzsimmons met with pupils from years five and six, mem- bers of the PTA, headteacher Ms Bebbington, and Steve Docking OBE, chief executive officer of North West Acade- mies Trust. Through fundraising and donations, the school created an improved outdoor area. The new space has been described as ‘an oasis of calm’ and ‘a peaceful, shaded environment’. Pupils use the area to read, play, socialise, and learn, while parents gather there during morning drop-offs. One feature of the garden is a series of custom wooden planters built by NWAT’s facilities team. Each class is responsible for its own planter, giving pupils a sense of ownership. A wildflower planter, grown from seeds given to schools in honour of King Charles III’s coronation, also features in the garden. This was part of a national scheme by the Department for Education and the Eden Project, who distributed more than 200,000 packets of native British wildflower seeds to primary schools across the UK. The planters also include fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The school’s wider efforts have not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, Oak View Academy was named Mid Cheshire Primary School of the Year. Jailed over county lines drug operation