Cheshire Independent Issue 212

3 APRIL 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk MACCLESFIELDhas been named one of best places to live in the UK in a pres- tigious annual guide. The town is one of just six North West communities among the 72 locations named in the highly-anticipated The Sunday Times Best Places to Live 2026 list. Norwich was named the overall best place to live in the UK, while Altrincham took top spot for the North West. Other places recognised in the North West are the Eden Valley in Cumbria, Lancaster, Aigburth in Mer- seyside and Didsbury in Greater Manchester. The list was drawn up by judges who visited all the locations and spoke to people living there. They also examined a range of factors including local schools, transport, broadband speeds, amenities, access to high-quality green spaces and the health of the high street. The judges said of Maccles- field: “With one muddy boot in the Peak District and one designer loafer in Cheshire’s NEW figures show that the value of Cheshire East’s visitor economy has grown by 11.6 per cent in the last year. The latest economic impact data shows that the value of the sector rose to £1.12billion in 2024 and that the borough welcomed a million more vis- itors than the previous year. Council chiefs say the figures highlight that the borough remains a key desti- nation for attractions, food and drink and relaxation, Looking at the wider pic- ture, the value of the visitor economy has exceeded £4.32bn across Cheshire andWarring- ton – the first time this figure has been passed since prior to the pandemic. Cheshire East attracts vis- itors from across the UK and internationally thanks to its combined offer of culture, nature and history. Top attractions include MACCLESFIELD FC chairman Rob Smethurst has spoken of his pride after he and the football club he founded were given the Honorary Free- dom of the town. Rob was recognised for his work to create the phoenix club following the demise of Macclesfield Town and his efforts to ensure the Silk- men’s future. And the club was bestowed the honour following its his- tory-making FA Cup run this season which made headlines across the globe. The historic 2-1 win over holders Crystal Palace made Macclesfield the lowest ranked team to ever knock out the holders of the world’s oldest cup competition. It sparked wild scenes among fans and placed Macclesfield firmly on the football map. The town council’s freedom award, the highest civic honour Macclesfield can confer, celebrates those who have made a lasting and exceptional impact on the community. At a specially convened town council meeting, mem- bers voted overwhelmingly to give the Freedom of the town in recognition of the club’s sporting success and its “wider positive influence on civic pride, community cohesion, and the town’s national reputation”. Local businessman Rob said: “I am incredibly hon- oured to accept the Freedom of Macclesfield fromMaccles- field Town Council. To be recognised in this way by the town means a great deal to me personally as a local lad, but it is also an honour that truly belongs to the whole Macclesfield FC family. “This recognition reflects the dedication and hard ROB’S PRIDE AT FREEDOM HONOUR Silkmen’s amazing journey is recognised Proud moment: Macclesfield FC chairman Rob Smethurst (Photo credit: Rightmov) work of so many people – our staff, players, volunteers and everyone behind the scenes who give their time, com- mitment and energy to the club every single day. I am immensely proud of what we have built together.” He added: “I would also like to pay special tribute to our supporters. The backing we receive from our fans is extraordinary and their loy- alty, passion and belief have played a huge part in the club’s journey. Their support continues to drive us forward and create the incredible atmosphere that makes Mac- clesfield FC so special. “On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to thank Macclesfield Town Council for this honour. It is something we are all very proud of. “There is still plenty to look forward to this season and everyone at the club is excited about what lies ahead. This recognition only strengthens our determination to keep working hard, representing the town with pride and con- tinuing to build something the whole community can be proud of.” Town mayor Emma Gil- man said “On behalf of the town, I want to say a huge thank you to Rob, the play- ers, staff, and everyone involved at Macclesfield FC. Your inspirational story, determination, and success have brought our community together and given Maccles- field something truly special to be proud of. This honour is richly deserved.” And Fiona Wilson, ward councillor and season ticket holder, added: “As someone who has followed Maccles- field FC closely for many years, I cannot overstate the difference Robert Smethurst has made. “His vision, courage, and unwavering commitment saved our club at a critical moment. Combined with the team’s fantastic FA Cup run, today’s recognition celebrates not just one individual, but the collective achievement of a club that brings pride, joy, and inspiration to all of Macclesfield.” The town’s MP Tim Roca said: “This is so well deserved and recognises the hard graft that has gone into making the club so successful. Well done and congratulations to every- body involved.” Macclesfield FC is the suc- cessor to Macclesfield Town, which was founded back in 1874. The historic club was liquidated and expelled from the National League in 2020 because of debts of more than £500,000. Its assets, including the Moss Rose ground, were put up for sale on the Rightmove property website and were bought by Rob who began his mission to return profes- sional football to the town, investing millions of pounds of his own cash. The club has continued to rise up the football pyra- mid, with the aim of bringing EFL football back to Mac- clesfield. The Silkmen cur- rently play in the National League North. Making people ‘happy’ Town is judged one of the best places to live Hot spot: Macclesfield is one of the best places to live in the UK golden triangle, Macclesfield is an unshowy place compared with neighbours such as Wilmslow and Alderley Edge. “But it has what it takes to keep everyone happy: schools, trains to Manchester and London, an attractive, improv- ing and accessible town centre and life’s big necessities – a hospital and supermarkets.” Helen Davies, who edits the Best Places to Live list, said: “This guide is a great oppor- tunity to highlight the best places in Britain. “It is full of places that show that our village, town and city centres can still be full of life, as well as places bursting with natural beauty, culture, connectivity and most impor- tantly a sense of community.” Growth in visitors is a welcome sign Top attractions: Tatton Park and Jodrell Bank (below) Jodrell Bank’s UNESCO world heritage site – an inter- nationally recognised centre for science and astronomy – and Tatton Park, an iconic heritage visitor attraction. Council chiefs hope that vis- itor numbers at Tatton Park will continue to grow even further this year with a new landmark exhibition. ‘Beyond the View: Canal- etto at Tatton Park’ explores the fascinating link between world-renowned artist Canal- etto and Samuel Egerton, Tat- ton Park’s 18th century owner. Mick Warren, who chairs the council’s economy and growth committee, said: “These latest figures show con- tinued confidence in Cheshire East as a place to visit, explore and enjoy, “Our borough benefits from an exceptional mix of her- itage, culture, green spaces and high-quality attractions, and it’s encouraging to see that reflected in the growth of the visitor economy. “We will continue working closely with partners and local businesses to support the sec- tor, maintain this positive momentum and ensure that tourism remains a key contrib- utor to our communities and local economy.”