Cheshire Independent Issue 212

APRIL 2026 4 TATTONMPEstherMcVey has demanded govern- ment set out what it will do to support hundreds of pupils at Alderley Edge Girls School when it closes in the summer. Governors at AEGS have announced plans to shut the school permanently at the end of the summer term. The shock move will see the private school, which was founded in 1999, close in July. A statement on the its web- site blamed “major financial pressures” and a “significant” decline in pupil numbers, along with substantial sector wide challenges. The governors said “exhaus- tive efforts” had been made over recent years to secure the AESG’s future. The school caters for girls aged from two to up to 18, A subsequent letter sent to parents cited unprecedented cost pressures – including the introduction of VAT on school fees, the removal of busi- ness rates relief and higher employer national insur- ance contributions. Ms McVey said parents and pupils face disruption and uncertainty because of deci- sions taken by the government. Speaking in Commons edu- cation questions, Ms McVey PATIENTS at East Chesh- ire Hospice are using new beds thanks to the help of the community. The 16 specialist beds were bought with proceeds from an appeal last year, highlighted by the Chesh- ire Independent. The beds are already being put to good use in the inpatient unit, with one located in the Sunflower Liv- ing Well Centre. Each bed costs £8,610 and surplus funds from the appeal will help more people receive compassionate care when they need it most. The hospice needs £9,362 a day to keep its doors open so was extremely grate- ful for the generosity from the community. Meanwhile, the old beds still have a use. They will be taken by lorry to Ukraine, where medical equipment is urgently needed due to the ongoing conflict. Hospice inpatient unit manager Pippa Williams said: “After 10 years of con- stant use, it was time for us to replace the old beds. “Our nursing staff can already see what a difference the new beds have made. Patients and their families and friends can also see how much better they are. “These beds are the most vital piece of equipment in end-of-life care. They bring comfort, dignity and safety to those at their most vulnerable. “They help us relieve pain, manage breathlessness, sup- port rest, prevent pressure ulcers, and enable safe, gen- tle movement. “The beds are easy to move meaning patients can share a meal with loved ones, enjoy the sunshine in the garden, or simply hold hands with someone dear.” Humanitarian groups One Project Ukraine and Macclesfield Ukrainian Aid have taken delivery of the old beds. Jeannette Rice, from One Project Ukraine, said: “On behalf of the two organisa- tions we’d would like to say a huge thank you to East Cheshire Hospice for its incredibly generous donation of 15 specialist beds. “These will be heading to Ukraine in the next couple of weeks, where they will New beds are making a difference Delivery: Hospice staff with the new beds make a real difference to patients in need. Your kind- ness and support truly mean the world.” The bed appeal was an overwhelming success attracting support from schools, businesses, families and individuals. Head of fundraising Laura Tomlinson said: “The response to our appeal was incredible and we want to thank everyone who donated. “This was a phenomenal community effort, showing yet again how the public rally round the hospice. We are deeply touched by your kindness and compassion.” MP in support call for AEGS’ students said: “Alderley Edge School for Girls in my constituency has just announced its closure blaming increased costs such as national insurance and most significantly VAT on school fees. “Given the Secretary of State is responsible for its closure, what will she do to help minimise the disruption to the pupils who are now being forced to change schools against their wishes and to find places in local schools that are not there (that are full) in Cheshire East.” Education Minister Olivia Bailey told the MP: “I am sorry to hear about the closure of the school in her constitu- ency but closures of private schools have been in line with historical trends. All pupils are entitled to a state school place and she should contact eh local authority to discuss it further.” Ms McVey criticised the minister’s response, saying it was “clear the government did not care decisions taken by them were affecting chil- dren’s education”. She is working with parents who are looking at alternatives for the future of the school and is arranging a meeting with the chair of governors to dis- cuss the issue. Help: Esther McVey has raised the AEGS closure in Parliament l Continued frompage one Victory in new town battle “determination to protect the place they call home. “From the very beginning, this campaign has been driven by the passion, resilience, and unity of local residents. “Individuals from all walks of life stepped forward to con- tribute in whatever way they could – whether by attending protests, donating funds, dis- tributing leaflets, putting up posters, or simply spreading the word among friends and neighbours. Every action, no matter how small it may have seemed at the time, played a crucial role in reaching this milestone.” Campaigner Aysha Haw- cutt said: “I’m so proud of our little village for standing so strong.” Nick Mannion, leader of Cheshire East Council said: “This is a welcome decision after the unanimous decision of council, which made clear to ministers that the proposal for a New Town at Adlington was unsuitable. “We will continue to work through our Local Plan process to make sure that new sites are bought for- ward in a planned way as part of the Local Plan pro- cess with the involvement of our communities.” In its announcement the government said that the Adlington proposal was “unlikely to offer the same degree of national significant Petition: Macclesfield MP Tim Roco economic growth” as other new town contenders. However, that decision may not be the end of the matter when it comes to development. In its statement the govern- ment said that the shortlisted communities that were not chosen, still presented “credi- ble development opportunities” and could receive support for delivery through existing housing programmes. New town plans progress THE government’s housing department has narrowed the list of potential sites that could be developed as part of its scheme to deliver a host of‘new towns’in England. In September, a special taskforce recommended 12 locations to be considered for the scheme after a year-long review. While Adlington is now off the list – seven areas will be taken forward, with the final locations to be confirmed later this year. The government has promised that building work on three sites will start before the next general election, whichmust take place by 2029 at the latest. The seven to be progressed further are Tempsford; Leeds South Bank; Crews Hill and Chase Park; Manchester Victoria North; Thamesmead; Brabazon andWest Innovation Arc as well as a site inMilton Keynes. Campaigner Richard Slater said: “I think it’s important we don’t get too comfortable with the recent decision on Adling- ton – because this doesn’t feel like the end of it. “Yes, Adlington hasn’t been selected as a ‘New Town’, but let’s be absolutely clear – that doesn’t mean development here has been scrapped. It simply means it’s not going ahead under that label. The land itself is still verymuch in play.” And according to reports, Belport, the developer behind the new town drive, believes the site remains a “viable proposition” that can deliver homes, alongside infrastruc- ture and amenities. The NorthWest is to get one of the new towns. Manches- ter Victoria North in Greater Manchester made the list. The plan there is to build at least 15,000 homes, with a new Metrolink stop connecting residents to jobs across the city.