Cheshire Independent Issue 205

SEPTEMBER 2025 2 EDITOR: GedHenderson ged@hendersonnewsandmedia.com ADVERTISING: RobinAtkinsTel. 07767 840274 robin@cheshireindependent.co.uk CLASSIFIED: JayneMeadowcroftTel. 01204 478812 or 07703 045189 jayne@independentnewspapers.co.uk CONTACT US No part of this publicationmay 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 accepts no responsibility for claims made. © Investors in Publishing Ltd 2025. This newspaper is publishedmonthly by Investors in Publishing, Publishing House, 3 Bridgebank Industrial Estate,Taylor Street, Horwich, Bolton BL6 7PD. Tel. 01204 478812 SPECIAL REPORT Statement: Cheshire East council leader Nick Mannion and CheshireWest leader Louise Gittins ‘We’re leaving no one behind’ ● Continued from page one “Devolution for our area means giving every corner of Cheshire and Warrington – from vibrant towns to rural hamlets – the power to shape its own destiny. “This is more than just a governance change – it’s a truly transformative moment in our collective history.” They added: “We’re ready to invest in our people, busi- nesses and public services, and stand up for all our com- munities to ensure that no one will be left behind by any future changes to our area. “We will work tirelessly to ensure that the benefits of devolution will be felt by all communities across the whole area.” Outline plans to set up a Mayoral Combined Author- ity and hold mayoral elec- tions in May 2027 are set to be voted on by the councils this month. The council leaders say that, if approved, devolu- tion would mean more local control over the economy and regeneration funds, ena- bling targeted investments that support local industrial strengths – from life sciences to advanced manufacturing. Sarah Callander Beckett, owner of Combermere Abbey near Nantwich and chair of the Cheshire and Warrington Rural Strategy Group, said: “There is so much potential in the Cheshire and Warrington economy, particularly within our rural communities, but local businesses like mine need support and I think devolution will deliver that. “Businesses and communi- ties in our rural areas area must be included to ena- ble them to develop, grow and thrive. “They are a huge part of what makes Cheshire and Warrington such a unique place to live and work and already contribute substan- tially to the wellbeing of the area, both socially and eco- nomically. We must be sup- portive to reap the benefits devolution can bring.” A MACCLESFIELD prop- erty that blighted the local area with anti-so- cial behaviour and drug issues has been handed an order banning anyone other than the occupant entering it. The property on Bond Street was served with the partial closure order following an application from Cheshire Police to magistrates. The order, which came into effect from on Thursday August 14 will run for three months. It means the occu- pant is banned from having anyone else in the property, with anyone who does so being at risk of arrest. Following the securing of the order, Sergeant Matt Bassirat of Cheshire Police, said: “I hope now, through the securing of this closure order, months of ASB, drug use and violent and offences taking place at the address in question will come to an end and give the residents some much needed peace. “I also hope it shows we really are dedicated to keep- ing our Macclesfield neigh- bourhoods and their residents safe and encourages others to work with us to make their communities safer for every- one. We are here to help. “I want to urge anyone with concerns about ASB or other criminality in their community to please con- tact local officers and we will do everything we can to address these issues and achieve justice.” Anyone with concerns about anti-social or suspicious behaviour in their area is asked to report it to Cheshire Police via the Cheshire Police website or call 101. Property is slapped with banning order No-go: The partial closure order is posted at the address (Photo credit: Cheshire Police) Abused, intimidated and harassed Threats against councillors revealed in shock report Unacceptable: FionaWilson says levels of abuse are rising (Photo credit: Cheshire East Council) THE shocking levels of abuse hurled at Chesh- ire East councillors – including death threats and excrement posted through letterboxes – have been revealed by a new survey. The harassment, abuse and intimidation elected members of the local author- ity have had to face include stalking, trolling and obscene phone calls. The survey discovered over a third of those elected to serve their communities in the council chamber had considered stepping down as a result of the abuse they had received. And 82 per cent of councillors had experienced harassment, abuse and intim- idation through social media. The local authority has now approved a raft of actions to help combat the abuse, intim- idation and harassment of elected members and offer them support. Council leaders Nick Man- nion and Michael Gorman said in a joint statement: “Councillors are local leaders and champions, bridging the gap between residents and local government. “Becoming and serving as a councillor is a massive priv- ilege and responsibility – but it also means councillors are very visible, often easily acces- sible to residents and all too often receive appalling abuse. “We welcome this report and the necessary steps to protect our democratically elected members from abuse, harass- ment and intimidation. We need debate, not hate – and a kinder public discourse.” Councillor Gorman has also called on central gov- ernment to act. He said: “I think we need a national response. This is becoming a national problem.” The recommendations approved following the coun- cil’s review include the intro- duction of a formal reporting process, the appointment of a nominated officer for council- lor safety and the development of a comprehensive councillor safety protocol. Lone-working devices will be provided as will targeted training around conflict pre- vention and wellbeing. A member champion for councillor safety will also be appointed as an advo- cate to ensure these issues remain prioritised. Action: Cheshire East Council is working to better protect its members Macclesfield councillor Fiona Wilson, who chaired the group tasked with exam- ining the problem, said: “Unacceptable behaviours directed at councillors are becoming increasingly com- mon, undermining demo- cratic engagement and, in some cases, threatening the safety and wellbeing of those who serve their communities. “Female councillors are significantly more likely to feel at risk ‘frequently or occasionally’ compared with male councillors. And levels of abuse, intimidation of harassment appear to be increasing.” She added: “The fact that 67 per cent of councillors responded to the survey clearly indicates the levels of concern on this issue and that the reported levels of threats of violence and actual violence are completely unacceptable. “We have also engaged with the police and the police and crime commissioner and taken their advice on the reporting of incidents. It is positive that councillors now have a dedicated named police officer contact for rais- ing concerns.” Abuse of councillors is a national problem, A recent survey by the Local Govern- ment Association revealed 73 per cent of the 1,734 council- lors fromEngland andWales who responded, had been sub- jected to abuse or intimida- tion in the past year. Shock findings The key findings of the councillor survey revealed: • 35 per cent of respondents had considered leaving their role as a councillor because of incidents of abuse, intimidation or harassment • 43 per cent of respondents felt the volume of abuse, intimidation and harassment had increased in the last 12months • Over half (53 per cent) of councillors felt council arrangements for protecting thempersonally were ineffective • 82 per cent of members had experienced harassment, abuse and intimidation via social media