Midcheshire Independent Issue 180

JUNE 2025 2 Nopartofthispublicationmaybeused orreproducedwithouttheexpress permissionofthepublisher.Every effort ismadetoensurethatthearticles andadvertisementsthatarecarried areauthentic,howeverthepublisher acceptsnoresponsibility forclaims made. © Investors inPublishingLtd2025. Thisnewspaper ispublishedmonthly by Investors inPublishing,Publishing House, 3Bridgebank IndustrialEstate, TaylorStreet,Horwich,BoltonBL67PD. Tel.01204478812 EDITOR : Ged Henderson ged@hendersonnewsandmedia.com ADVERTISING: Robin Atkins 07767 840274 robin@cheshireindependent.co.uk CONTACT: JayneMeadowcroft 01204 478812 or 07703 045189 jayne@independentnewspapers.co.uk CONTACT US THE increasing use of ketamine as a recreational drug by young people in Cheshire has been high- lighted by concerned councillors. Cheshire West and Chester Council has voted unanimously to act on rising concerns over the use of the drug in the borough and the health dangers it poses. Councillors spoke in passionate sup- port of a ‘Notice of Motion’ put forward a full council meeting. Lisa Denson, cabinet member for a fairer future, brought the notion to the meeting, calling for the council and its partners to act on the illegal Class B drug, which poses significant health risks. She said: “We are responsible – not just to respond to a problem when it becomes a crisis – but to act early, raise awareness and protect our young people. The cost of doing nothing is too high.” She explained that ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic which has legit- imate medical and veterinary use, is increasingly being used as a recre- ational drug, particularly by people aged 16 to 24. And she added: “Locally we are seeing a worrying rise in ketamine use, often linked to social settings and peer influence. “Hospitals across our borough have reported an increase in presentations linked to ketamine-related harm. Schools, youth workers and commu- nity safety partners are raising the alarm about how widespread and dangerously misunderstood this drug has become.” Using ketamine can cause mental and physical harm, including memory loss, anxiety, depression and irrevers- ible bladder damage. A ketamine working group has been set up by the council, reporting to the Combatting Drugs Partnership. This partnership brings organisations like the Council, health, housing, commu- nity groups and the police together to address drug and alcohol use in the borough. The working group has delivered training to more than 200 profession- als who work with young people, as well as running awareness sessions for young people themselves and develop- ing online resources. Cllr Denson said: “This is just the beginning. More collaborative inter- ventions are planned, ensuring that our local response remains proactive and evidence-based. “But we cannot be complacent, we must build on this momentum support- ing our frontline workers, giving par- ents the tools to talk about ketamine, and, most of all, listen to the voice of the young people who are navigating these pressures every day.” NEWSINBRIEF THE first Winsford Artisan Market has been hailed a great success by market traders, local businesses and visitors. Cheshire West and Chester Council has confirmed the town centre market will now take place on the first Saturday of every month. CHESHIRE East Council is celebrating after receiving a ‘Good’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) for its adult social care services. CHESHIRE Police is urging owners of cars with keyless entry systems in Sandbach, Holmes Chapel and neighbouring towns and villages to be vigilant. The call comes after three cars were stolen in Sandbach and Holmes Chapel. STAFF from across Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service ran a range of events across the county to engage local communities. The work to deliver vital life-saving advice took place on ‘Cheshire Safety Day’. School work is underway Action calls over ketamine dangers New primary: A CGI of the planned new school WORK on a new primary school in Nantwich is now underway with an open- ing date set for September next year. Construction has begun to deliver Kingsbourne Academy, a new, 210-pupil school on the King- sley Fields housing development. The school will provide an array of outdoor learning provisions, as well as an athletics track, mul- ti-use sports field, and a kitchen garden. Modern and stylish class- rooms will be designed to provide an interactive hands-on approach to learning. The construction is being led by North West based company Con- lon Construction. Laura Crane, who chairs Cheshire East Council’s chil- dren and families committee, said: “Although there were delays beyond the council’s control, I’m pleased to see that construction is now beginning on this site, bringing us closer to delivering a brand-new school for this grow- ing community. “Nantwich is a very popular area in our borough, especially for families. The new school aims to reduce the pressure on oversub- scribed schools in the Nantwich area, limiting the need to travel across town. “I’m excited to witness the pro- gress of the construction and work closely with the dedicated teaching and support staff, who I’m confi- dent will be well-prepared to wel- come their first pupils next year.” Darren Lee, commercial direc- tor at Conlon Construction, said: “We’re proud to begin work on Kingsbourne Academy and be part of shaping the future for families in Nantwich. The school joins our growing portfolio of education projects delivered for Cheshire East Council over the past year, including Wilmslow High School and Springfield School. “With extensive experience in building high-quality educational facilities – from primary schools to secondary and even univer- sity campuses – we’re confident in our ability to deliver modern, vibrant and sustainable learning spaces that inspire both students and staff.” North West Academies Trust has been announced as the sponsor to run the new school. The trust runs 12 schools across Cheshire and Shropshire which are all rated outstanding or good by Ofsted. The school will open as a one form entry to Reception age chil- dren. Each year a new cohort of Reception children will be accepted, resulting in a full school by September 2031. Steve Docking, chief executive of the trust, said: “This new school represents not only a response to growing demand in the area but also a fantastic opportunity to shape a vibrant, inclusive learning community from the ground up. “We look forward to welcoming our first Reception pupils in 2026 and building a school that fami- lies in the local area can be truly proud of.” Cheshire East will start accept- ing applications in September 2025. In the meantime, parents can register interest and ask questions by visiting www.kings- bourneacademy.org.uk THE fields of Love Lane Farm came alive as the Smallwood Vintage Rally 2025 rolled in, bringing with it a fantastic fusion of history, horsepower, and family fun. The much-loved three- day Bank Holiday weekend event drew in thousands of visitors each day, all eager to step back in time and soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of yesteryear. Petrolheads and nostalgia lovers were treated to an impressive display of steam traction engines, gleaming classic cars and motorbikes, rugged vintage trucks and tractors, historic military vehicles and tanks, and a Thousands flock to rally Photo credit: JonathanWhite fascinating collection of sta- tionary engines. But it wasn’t just about the machines – the rally offered a jam-packed programme for all ages. Families enjoyed tasty treats from local food and drink stalls, browsed unique finds in the autojumble and craft marquee, and watched the colourful fairground organ in action. Thrill-seek- ers got their fix with tractor pulling and fairground rides, while dog lovers were wowed by Cheshire K9 Training’s energetic displays. Crowds cheered as the Dancing Diggers performed their precision routines, and on Saturday, heads turned skyward for a spectacular Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast by the iconic Avro Lancaster bomber.