Cheshire Independent Issue 136

AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2019 2 Follow us on Facebook: Cheshire Independent Independent CHESHIRE No part of this publication may 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 of the Cheshire Independent accepts no responsibility for claims made. Investors in Publishing Ltd 2019. Cheshire Independent is published monthly by Investors in Publishing. Publishing House, 3 Bridgebank Industrial Estate, Taylor Street, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7PD. Tel. 01204 478812 Fax. 01204 667345. www.independentnewspapers.co.uk SalesDirector: ROBINATKINS 01625 501675 robin@cheshireindependent.co.uk Editor: JOHNPATRICK john@independentnewspapers.co.uk Classified Sales: JAYNE MEADOWCROFT 01204 478812 jayne@independentnewspapers.co.uk THE second anniver- sary of the launch of regional adoption agency Adoption Counts was marked by a plea for more volunteers. Cheshire East’s adop- tion services are part of the agency, which brings together the skills and expertise of five local authorities in the North West. There are currently a high number of children waiting to be adopted in Cheshire East especially sibling groups, Black, Asian and minority ethnic children and children with complex needs. Councillor Dorothy Flude, council cabinet member for children and families, said: “Adoption Counts, is seeing some great results creating forever-families and helping to offer a loving home for chil- dren and young people when they need it most. “As a council and through the agency we continue to work hard to ensure that cared for children and young people have the opportunity to live in good, safe homes locally, either with their fam- ily or in another permanent home, as early as possible. I urge anyone who is interested in adopting to get in touch.” Sue Westwood, Adoption Counts regional manager, who was recently awarded an MBE for services to vul- nerable children and families, said: “Two years after launch- ing, our goal is still the same: to constantly improve our practices to make sure we are providing children with the right adopters, at the right time – reducing the delay in finding them forever homes and working harder for those who have waited the longest to be placed.” In just one year, Adoption Counts has approved 85 adop- tive families and found a for- ever family for 121 children. Anyone interested in find- ing out more about becom- ing adopters in and around Cheshire East should contact Adoption Counts on 0300 123 2676 or visit www.adoption- counts.org.uk CHESHIRE East cele- brated Historic County Flags Day by raising the traditional Chesh- ire County flag on its Westfields f lat pole in Sandbach. It was part of a national event marked by councils up and down the country and at the Houses of Parliament. The large blue flag, embla- zoned with wheatsheaves and sword, used to fly outside county council headquarters in Chester but has not been seen since the remaining part of the county was divided into two unitary authorities in 2009. Cheshire East Council leader Sam Corcoran said: “Cheshire is a great historic county and I hope this event today becomes a lasting tra- dition to celebrate our county and its proud history. “In Norman times, Cheshire was very much a self-ruling palatine and, who knows, that may return to some degree as we continue to discuss the idea of a devolved Cheshire and an elected mayor with our neighbouring councils.” Craig Browne, deputy leader, added: “Today is a reminder that, despite the introduction of unitary authorities, the county of Cheshire is still recognised as a place and geographical sub-region with historical links to the Crown and with a unique past. “Hoisting this flag today is not simply a symbolic event but a reminder that we belong to a very famous county called Cheshire.” SILVIA’S SPANISH Spanish Tuition www.mortonhallcommunitycentre.co.uk 10 Weeks Beginner’s Spanish Course Morton Hall Community Centre Union Road – Macclesfield SK11 7BN Thursdays 7.00 to 9.00 PM Starting 19th September 2019 £139.00 for 10 sessions To book a place or for more information please contact me: Email: silvia.gomez@btinternet.com 07484 756215 01260 297405 Independent Family Businesses Since 1853 Working together to serve the communities of Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Prestbury, Bollington & Macclesfield Albert R Slack Ltd 84 South Oak Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 6AT 01625 525063 JW Brocklehurst Ltd 17 Macclesfield Road, Prestbury, SK10 4BW 01625 829232 www.cheshirefunerals.co.uk Albert R Slack Ltd & JW Brocklehurst Ltd Funeral Directors Flagging up county history Proudly flying: Sam Corcoran (left) with Craig Browne and acting chief executive Kath O’Dwyer get ready to fly the old Cheshire County flag Call for more adopters Park proves a hit A FLAGSHIP business park in the heart of Stock- port is now fully occupied. Aurora Stockport – created by Stockport Council as part of the £1 billion investment taking place across the town – has transformed a once der- elict 18-acre site alongside the M60 into a thriving, high-spec 145,000 sq ft industrial park. Businesses across the bor- ough told the council there was demand for a new indus- trial park after revealing that high quality units were in short supply. As a result, Aurora, located off Gorsey Bank Road, close to junction 1 of the M60, was built to satisfy this demand. Interest in the business park was significant from day one, which resulted in the scheme being 75 per cent pre-let once it had been completed in December 2017. Local, regional, national and international businesses have relocated to the estate from a wide range of sectors including Aerospace, Rail, Home Improvements, Medical and Advanced Engineering. In addition, the devel- opment includes improved links to the riverside and a new car park to encourage more visitors to explore the River Mersey. David Meller, council cabi- net member for economy and regeneration, said: “Aurora has proved to be a huge suc- cess and has set a new stand- ard for industrial space in the area.” Steve Capper, director at CBRE, the world’s larg- est real estate services firm, added: “The quality of the scheme, the excellent loca- tion and the environment that Stockport Council created meant that we could have let these units several times over. “Demand in Stockport remains strong, which is evidenced by the continued shortage of stock and upward pressure on rents.” NEWS IN BRIEF PUPILS from Puss Bank School visited the Houses of Parliament and met with local MP David Rutley for a special question-and- answer session. WEST Park Museum has opened its doors this summer with a new look at the collection, lots of stories to tell and plenty of boredom- busting activities and events for children and families. It is looking for volunteers who can give their time to help.