Cheshire Independent Issue 190

MACCLESFIELD • TYTHERINGTON • BOLLINGTON ALDERLEY EDGE • PRESTBURY • WILMSLOW • HANDFORTH • POYNTON • BRAMHALL • DISLEY • ALSAGER • BIDDULPH • CONGLETON • SANDBACH ISSUE 190 FREE CHESHIRE FREE YOUR LOCAL GOOD NEWS-PAPER FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @CheshireIndy www.independentnewspapers.co.uk Looking for Flooring Inspiration? Let us help you find the perfect flooring for your home. With great advice, home styling, measure and planning service, plus quality fitting of top brands and designs, youwill be glad you did . Visit our showroom: Tuesday to Saturday or call 01260 224445 for a private appointment Thornycroft Farm, Pexhill Road, Siddington, Cheshire SK11 9JN ● Modern, Traditional & Luxury Carpets ● Natural Wood Flooring ● Laminate Flooring ● Stair Runners & Rods ● Luxury Vinyl Tiles ● Bespoke Rugs & Runners THE political map of Cheshire turnedredonGeneralElection night as Labour made historic gains in seats once consid- ered rock solid Conservative. The Tory strongholds of Macclesfield and Congleton fell to Labour, marking the departure of long-stand- ing MPs David Rutley and Fiona Bruce. TheConservatives didman- age to hold on to Tatton, but sitting MP and government minister Esther McVey saw her majority slashed to just 1,136. In his victory speech its newly-elected MP Tim Roca said Macclesfield was “turn- ing the page” on 100 years of one party representing it in Parliament. ! Special report starts on page two Labour joy as Tories crumble A REAL CROWD PLEASER! Tens of thousands flock to festival Big parade: Hundreds of people took part in the parade through town (Photo credit: Maccles!eld Town Council) MACCLESFIELD’S big 1261 Festival has been declared a major success, attracting tens of thou- sands of people into the town during a weekend of summer fun. Official figures from Macclesfield Town Council, organisers of the event, show almost 30,000 people vis- ited the town centre to take part in the activities, which included live music and street theatre. The new festival was a celebration of the town’s cre- ativity and community. It was named after Macclesfield’s charter year. More than 300 people took part in the festival’s ‘One World Parade’ through the town centre. It was co-or- dinated by Macclesfield Community ArtSpace and featured a host of commu- nity groups. Other event s saw Macclesfield Concert Band entertain visitors to Victoria Park with an afternoon of musical favourites. And ‘1261: The After- Party’ featured 14 musical acts entertaining across six venues in the town. The weekend also saw the town’s popular Treacle Market attract visitors. A Macclesfield Town Council spokesperson said: “The vibrant atmosphere and bustling crowds over the weekend were a testament to the festival’s success.” The council also thanked everyone involved in organ- ising the big three-day event, including volunteers. ! Full story andmore pictures page eight