Cheshire Independent Issue 219

OCTOBER 2026 4 CAMPAIGNERS pressing for TV’s Time Team to do a dig in Sandbach following the discovery of a Roman road have had a reply. Local resident, Graham Warner, wrote to the Brit- ish archaeological television series, Time Team, asking if they would do a dig and feature a recently discovered Roman road on the programme. Scorching temperatures during the summer unveiled a Roman road going across the site of two potential housing developments in Sandbach. Now Time Team has replied saying the suggestion is being passed on and will be considered. A spokesperson from Time TeamDigital said: “We appre- ciate you thinking of us and reaching out. “We will pass your message on to our team who will be in touch should they wish to dis- cuss your suggestion further or to request any additional information or images. “In the mean time, it would be useful if you could complete this form to help provide as much detail as possible about your nominated site.” A MUSIC and wellbeing initia- tive has received a huge finan- cial boost. Unknown Macc CIC, based at Proper Sound on Chestergate, has secured £20,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund. This money will help the com- munity project to expand its work, using music to address issues includ- ing social isolation and poor men- tal health. Unknown Macc will use the funds to purchase its own vinyl and digital DJ decks and equipment, which will help deliver free group sessions and one-to-one DJ tuition for young peo- ple aged 11 to 25. Founder, Lucie Wright, said: “Securing this funding is huge for us and, hopefully, for the community too. “We’ve been building Unknown Macc gradually, running paid ses- sions alongside some funded places, and seeing first-hand the difference having a creative outlet can make. “The National Lottery funding now gives us the opportunity to offer both free group sessions and one-to-one support on a much bigger scale and reach more of the young people we originally set the CIC up to help.” Unknown Macc is inviting local schools, charities, mental-health services, community organisations and other groups that work with young people who could benefit from the project to get in touch. Individuals and families can also approach the CIC directly, without needing to come through an organi- sation or formal referral. “We really want people to approach us,” Lucie added. “You don’t need any DJ experience and you don’t need to arrive full of confidence. “If you’re aged 11 to 25 and feel music could give you an outlet, some- thing positive to focus on or a way of connecting with other people, we’d love to hear from you.” There are also opportunities devel- oping for students to take what they learn beyond the classroom. Unknown Macc is currently involved in two collaborations with Macclesfield Town Council, one tak- ing place in October and another in December. The December collaboration will give four students the opportunity to showcase their DJ skills, giving them a real event to build towards. Alongside the new National Lot- tery-funded programme, Unknown Macc will continue to run its separate paid programme, with the income VOLUNTEER opportunities are available at a dementia specialist care village in Macclesfield. Belong Macclesfield, on Kennedy Avenue, has issued a callout for new volunteers. They are particularly interested in hearing from people who would be up for driving the minibus during trips in the local area and further afield. There are also volunteer opportuni- ties for gardening, activities, hospitality and companionship. A Belong spokesperson said: “Our vol- unteers are a big part of our community and we welcome interest from all walks of life including our tenants, relatives of our customers, students, retirees, local neighbours, or anyone with time to spare and enthusiasm to share. “Get in touch for an informal chat to find out more – either pop into the village or check out the website!” KNUTSFORD’S Tidy Town Days are taking off as once again residents came together to help improve access along a well-used footpath. As part of its strategy to support active travel and accessibility for the commu- nity, and keep Knutsford well maintained, Knutsford Town Council arranged its third Tidy Town Day to help clear the build-up of detritus and overgrowth which has been narrowing the footpath from Kenilworth Avenue to Manor Park South Five volunteers kindly gave their morning to cut back overgrowth, clear leaf litter and remove other vegetation from the route. The small but mighty team worked their magic, helping to make the footway tidier, safer and more welcoming for residents. Jeanette Hine, Corporate Support Manager said “I am really pleased with how the Tidy Town Days are bringing our community together. It is lovely to see everyone get- ting stuck in and having fun to help make the town cleaner, brighter and easier to explore. We would like to thank every- one who gave their time to help support our Tidy Town Day and make it such a great success” NEW crossings, cycle- way improvements and enhanced walking routes will be delivered as part of phase 2 of the Manches- ter Road Active Travel scheme, with construction starting at the beginning of October. The scheme – funded by Active Travel England – will provide a range of improve- ments along Manchester Road between Wilmslow town cen- tre and Handforth, helping to make cycling, walking and wheeling safer and more accessible for all users. It is expected to complete in spring 2027. The works include an exten- sion to the segregated two- way cycleway, improvements to the Network Rail bridge to accommodate new cycling infrastructure, new cycle bypasses at two bus stops, two new zebra crossings at Blue- bell Way and Styal Road, and footpath improvements. Councillor Mark Goldsmith, Cheshire East Council’s cab- inet member for highways and transport, said: “This cycle scheme was originally chosen by the public following consultation, so I am pleased to see that we are delivering what the community wanted. “I’d like to thank every- one who attended our recent public engagement event and spoke with the project team about the proposals. The feed- back really helps us under- stand local priorities and ensure people get the correct information too. “While a separate cycle lane on each side of the road was a common request, unfortu- nately the environmental and financial cost for this is just too high. The road would need widening, which is expensive and would remove the mature beech trees that are a key part of the character of Manchester Road. Therefore, the two-way cycle lane format of phase 1 will continue. “This investment will now A TRIAL date has been set for a Macclesfield woman accused of making threats to kill. Melanie Meigh appeared at Stoke- on-Trent Crown Court last month. The 23-year-old was arrested as part of a Staffordshire Police investi- gation into reports of assault and con- trolling behaviour offences in the Leek area in July and August this year. Meigh was subsequently charged with two counts of intentional stran- gulation and one count of threats to kill. She also faces charges of wilfully making a false statement on oath, engaging in controlling/coercive behaviour and theft from the person. She entered a not guilty plea to all charges and has been bailed once again, ahead of a trial date at the same court on October 16, 2028. Work starts on Active Travel scheme provide everyone with a bet- ter, safer connection between Wilmslow and Handforth. Cyclists will be segregated from the traffic, pedestrians will benefit from the new crossings and car drivers will have a fully resurfaced road too. “We know construction work can cause temporary disruption, and we’d like to thank everyone for their patience while these improve- ments are carried out.” A range of temporary traffic management measures will be required during the works, including temporary traffic signals, lane restrictions and a road closure later in the programme. Details of traffic management arrangements will be shared in advance and diversion routes will be provided. Volunteers work tidy-up magic Time Team consider Roman dig Funding boost for community project The funding will enable Unknown Macc to o!er free group sessions and one-to-one support on a much bigger scale. (Image: Supplied) Volunteer help needed Woman’s trial date decided helping the CIC become more sus- tainable and supporting its wider community work. The next £20 DJ taster sessions will take place in October for ages 16+, followed by the next paid course in November, with both digital and vinyl DJing available. NEWSINBRIEF THE Mayor of Knutsford, Cllr Peter Coan, and Paul Langley of LOL Cheshire have announced LOL X The Mayor is back for its third year. This special fundraising comedy night is to be held at Knutsford Little Theatre on October 9 with doors opening at 7:15pm, featuring some of the finest comedians from LOL Cheshire, including MC Chris Brooker, Karen Bayley and local lad Mundo Jazz. THE Prestbury Christmas Fair will take place on Sunday 6th December, from 2pm to 6pm at The Village, Prestbury. A POLICE helicopter helped to find a missing elderly person. Cheshire Police were alerted to reports that a ‘high- risk’ 88-year-old man had gone missing. With the assistance of a helicopter, police were able to locate the man ‘safe and well’. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service were called to assist after it was found that the man had fallen 30 metres down an embankment at Riverside Park.