Cheshire Independent Issue 218

3 SEPTEMBER 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk EARLY in January 2026, inspired by the extraordinary Longest Yarn knitted World War 2 exhibition, the Sandbach Yarn & Yarn crochet and knitting group had a fantastic idea. The group decided to make a diorama of all of the buildings around the cob- bles in Sandbach, including the historic Crosses, the Cenotaph and the cobbles themselves. Each group member chose a specific building or feature and – without a pattern to follow – drew upon their imagination and skills to recreate a faithful adaptation of this distinctive historical part of town. The detail is amazing, with embroi- dery representations of individual build- ing features, tiny flowers and even a miniature post box topper! A huge amount of work has gone into the Sandbach cobbles diorama and from the start of the project until its instal- lation it has taken approximately four months to complete. The installation will be available to view within Sandbach Market Hall dur- ing opening hours: Thursdays to Satur- days between 9am and 4pm. A representative from Sandbach Town Council said: “The completed installation AMACCLESFIELDmodel has been reflecting on her journey into the world of pageantry. Kia Bettany recently took to the stage at the Miss Swim- suit UK 2026 Grand Final in Blackpool. Having never done any- thing like this before, the 24-year-old decided to enter the competition as a way of pushing herself after over- coming an eating disorder and bullying in her teen- age years. While she may not have taken home the crown, she did receive the Miss Swim- suit UK Social Media Sash, representing a year of hard work and dedication. Kia said: “When I first entered, I did this challenge to prove something to myself – that I could overcome my fears, push past my insecuri- ties and do something I never thought I would have the con- fidence to do. “I’ve struggled with body image and self-love, and put- ting myself on a stage in front of people was something that genuinely scared me. “But this journey has taught me that you don’t have to wait until you feel com- pletely confident to go after something. Sometimes, you have to take that first scary step and discover what you’re capable of along the way. “I wanted to show others that no matter what you’re going through, you can over- come your fears and achieve things you never thought possible. Your struggles don’t define you, and your inse- curities don’t have to hold you back.” Kia continued: “Over the past year, this experience has helped me grow so much, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. “It has completely changed the way I see myself and has helped me become more con- fident, accepting and proud of who I am. “I’m so grateful to everyone who supported me through- out this journey. My family, friends, sponsors and every- one who followed, encouraged and believed in me. “If there’s one thing I hope people take from my story it’s this. Don’t let fear convince you that you can’t do CHESHIRE East Council com- pleted the first phase of works on a new 1.5 mile walking and cycling route between Wilmslow and Handforth in March and have now con- firmed when work on the second phase is scheduled to start. Works on Phase 2 of the Manchester Road Active Travel Scheme will start in autumn and will be com- pleted by spring 2027. Phase 2 of the scheme, funded by Active Travel England, will include: ● Extension of the segre- gated two-way cycleway alongManchester Road. ● Improvements to the Network Rail bridge to accommodate the new cycling infrastructure. ● New cycle bypasses at two bus stops to improve safety for cyclists and bus passengers. ● Installation of two new zebra crossings, located at Bluebell Way and Styal Road, to provide safer crossing points for pedes- trians and cyclists. ● To enable the construc- tion of the new crossing at BluebellWay,atreeneedsto be removed. A tree consul- tation is currently available for residents to share their views on theproposal. ● Footway improvements to enhance accessibility and the overall walk- ing environment. The Council says these improvementswill help create safer, more convenient and sustainable travel options for peoplewalking, wheeling and cycling, while improving con- nectivity between Wilmslow andHandforth. Drivers are advised to expect delays, local busi- nesses will remain open and access will be facilitated where possible. Phase 1works included: ● Installation of a new segre- gated cycleway ● Two new toucan-con- trolled crossing for pedestrians and cyclists ● Improvement of Stanneylands Road junc- tion including additional pedestrian crossing and a newcycle gate ● Introduction of a bus stop island ● Reduction in speed limit from40mph to 30mph ● Improvement to existing footpath crossing at side roads and businesses ● Extension of existing park- ing restrictions Next phase of walking and cycling route set to start Part of the historic Sandbach recreated in wool by a town’s knitting group (Image: Sandbach Town Council) Knitting group has town in stitches! Kia received the Miss Swimsuit UK Social Media Sash (Image: Supplied) Model reflects on Miss Swimsuit journey something. You are capable of more than you realise.” shows an incredible eye for detail and is a testament to the skills and vision of the group members.”