Cheshire Independent Issue 216

5 JULY 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk FRI 11 SEP 7.30PM BOOK : 0161 477 7779* STOCKPORTPLAZA.CO.UK* BOOKING FEE APPLIES * SCAN & BOOK CHESHIRE Police have launched a cam- paign in the east of the county to help women and girls run without fear of harassment. Operation Interven- tion will see an increased police presence in parks, on canal towpaths and along popular running routes this summer. Several proactive activ- ities have already taken place across the region, with plain-clothed female officers having taken to popular routes across the east and in locations where concerns have been previously raised. So far, no offences have been identified following the proactive deployments, but officers will be continuing to join fellow female runners on their routes to provide further reassurance and to target any unaccept- able behaviour where it arises. Inspector Richard Haque, of Macclesfield Local Policing Unit’s Neighbourhood Team, said: “Everyone has the right to get out into our neighbourhoods and com- munities and enjoy a run, without being subjected to sexualised comments or general harassment that, despite what some people think, can have a serious impact on some- one’s confidence or sense of personal safety. “Cheshire Constabulary remains committed to the safety and prevention of violence and harassment against women and girls. As part of a wider num- ber of initiatives already in place under Opera- tion Intervention, plain- clothed officers will be regularly lacing up their trainers and taking to routes across the east, taking appropriate action against anyone exhibit- ing this kind of intolera- ble behaviour. Operation Intervention follows the implementa- tion of the Protection from Sex-based Harassment in Public Act 2023, which came into force on April 1, 2026. A ‘RARE’ piece of artwork under a Stockport bridge has received high acclaim. The new artwork on Great Underbank bridge has been cre- ated in partnership with Ground- work Greater Manchester, the council and GMCA Some of Stockport’s most pre- cious birds and insects have been featured in a new town cen- tre mural. The underside of the bridge, outside Merseyway Shopping Centre, has been transformed in to a ‘daytime to night-time’ scene featuring some of Stockport’s most unusual and rare species that can all be found in the local area. The artwork, commissioned by Groundwork Greater Manchester, has been created by one of Greater Manchester’s best known street artists, Stockport’s very own Russ Meehan, also known as Qubek. The first bird you can see, at the daytime end, is the black and white head of a Willow tit. Stock- port and the wider Greater Man- chester area are among the last UK strongholds for this rapidly declining species, which favours the wet woodland habitats of Stockport’s river valleys. There’s also a Purple Hairstreak butter- fly, which can be found up in the canopy of oak trees in Stockport’s mature woodlands, such as in Eth- erow and Marple. FROM hands-on tech sessions for families and young people, to greener community spaces, support for care-experienced young adults and a major popular event returning in the town centre, 38 projects across Stockport are set to spring into life thanks to a £909,526 fund- ing boost. The investment, through Stockport Council’s Economic Development and Regeneration Flexible Grant (EDRFG), will back grassroots organisations and local ideas that bring people together, open up new opportunities and make neighbourhoods evenbetter places to live, learn, work and visit. It means res- idents will soon see projects taking shape across the bor- ough, including: ● FamilyTech 2026–27 – delivering hands-on digital workshops and events in libraries and community venues across areas including Brinnington andOfferton, helping young people and families build skills and confidence in coding, robotics and creative technology. ● Digital Ready: Care Leavers Hub – supporting care-experienced young people aged 18–25 to build digital skills, confidence and pathways into employment and independent living. ● Lancashire Hill creative community space – transforming an underused area into a greener, more welcoming spacewith new planting, community artwork and activities designedwith local residents. ● Stockport Spectacular Sunday Christmas event – bringing free live performances, music and family-friendly activities into Stockport town centre, helping boost footfall and create a vibrant experience for residents and visitors.The event attracted over 50,000 visitors last year. Projects take shape after £900k community boost Tackling harassment facing female runners Bridge artwork praised The new artwork on Great Underbank bridge (Image: Stockport Council)