Cheshire Independent Issue 203

5 JULY 2025 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk CHESHIRE police issued more than 20 traffic offence reports last weekend as part of ongoing efforts to tackle illegal car meets in Alderley Edge. Officers from the force’s Mac- clesfield Local Policing Unit acted after becoming aware of the illegal meet on Sunday June 22. A force spokesperson said: “Following the reports, a warn- ing was issued advising people that the event was not author- ised, and a dispersal order was also put in place which provided officers with additional powers to tackle offending drivers and members of the public causing harassment, alarm or distress in the local community. “Overall, the area was busy throughout the weekend, but thanks to the high police pres- ence in the area there were less offences reported than at pre- vious car meets.” In total police issued 24 traffic offence reports for a variety of offences, including speeding, illegal number plates, missing number plates and window tints. Four section 59 warning notices were also issued to driv- ers whose vehicles were being used in a manner which causes alarm, distress or annoyance. Officers are continuing to analyse video footage from the area. Chief Inspector Zoe Bowden of Macclesfield Command said: “As previously stated, we understand the frustration and anger that illegal car meets cause, and we are committed to doing all we can to tackle the issue. “We have a zero-tolerance approach and as these results demonstrate we will take action against those who break the law. “This is an ongoing operation, and I hope that the action taken this weekend will provide some reassurance and act as a warn- ing to those planning to come to Cheshire. “Our message is clear – anti-social behaviour and anti-social use of vehicles will not be tolerated.” DRUG testing kits have been distributed to more than 30 hos- pitality venues across Congleton as part of a new initiative to help combat spiking. The kits have been rolled out by the town council, in partnership with Cheshire Police and supported by funding from the Cheshire Police and Crime Commission- er’s SWAP (Safety, Work- ing Together, Action and Prevention) fund. T he i n i t i at i ve , developed in collabo- ration with the White Ribbon group and the Community Safety group, is designed to offer swift support to individu- als who believe they may have been spiked while out in local pubs, bars, and clubs. Each participating venue now has testing kits available behind the bar. These rapid urine testing kits can detect 13 commonly used drugs – significantly more than standard hospital tests – and provide results in as little as five minutes, with full results within an hour. Town mayor Robert Brittian said: “This initiative sends a clear message that spiking will not be tolerated in Congleton. “Our night-time ven- ues are stepping up to support the safety and wellbeing of their cus- tomers. These kits give individuals a way to act quickly, get evidence, and report the crime. “ Th i s pr oac t ive approach underlines Congleton’s commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone enjoying the town’s vibrant hospital- ity sector.” Costa Coffee loca- tions across the town are also participating in the scheme, recognising that many individuals don’t realise they’ve been spiked until the following morning. Costa’s earlier opening hours make it a valuable resource for those needing prompt access to a test. The scheme is fully endorsed by Congleton PubWatch and kits are provided free of charge to both venues and the public. Hospital- ity venues can replenish their stock of kits by con- tacting Congleton Infor- mation Centre. Spiking is a serious offence, punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Victims are encouraged to test as soon as possible and report any incidents to the police. NEWS IN BRIEF TRIBUTES have been paid to Cheshire East councillor Chris Hilliard. The 37-year-old who represented Wilmslow Lacey Green died suddenly last month. Leaders of the political groups on the council said he “genuinely wanted to make a difference” and would be deeply missed. JOB seekers and career changers from across Cheshire East gathered at the Macclesfield Jobs Fair, an event designed to connect local talent with potential employers. Hosted in partnership between Cheshire East Council and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the fair welcomed more than 600 attendees. Crackdown continues on illegal car meets Drug testing initiative aims to combat spiking New initiative: Anthony Selby from Costa Co!ee (Photo credit: Congleton Town Council)