Cheshire Independent Issue 214

MAY/JUNE 2026 6 ONE of Wilmslow’s much-love summer events is set to attract hundreds of film fans once more when it returns on June 13. ‘Cinema on the Carrs’ is an annual favourite and once again the films that will be shown have been voted for by the public. Paddington in Peru is the feature chosen for the afternoon with 80s clas- sic Back to the Future set to entertain the audience in the evening. Since launching in 2015, Cin- ema on the Carrs has become one of Wilmslow’s most popular free commu- nity events. Organised and funded by Wilmslow Town Council, the event brings together families, friends and neighbours for a day of outdoor entertainment in the picturesque sur- roundings of The Carrs Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring pic- nic blankets and enjoy an afternoon and evening of film, food and commu- nity activities. The ever-popular Duck Race, hosted by Girlguiding Handforth and Wilmslow, will also return this year, raising funds for local guiding groups. A wide range of food and drink ven- dors will be available throughout the day, while the 1st Wilmslow Scouts will run a tuck shop for refreshments and treats. A town council spokesperson said: “Visitors attending the evening screen- ing are encouraged to embrace the 1980s theme – so dust off the shoulder pads and fire up the crimpers!” THE former public toilets on Park Green in Macclesfield town centre are to go up for auction this month – but to buy them you’ll have to spend more than a penny! The building has been given a guide price of £40,000- £50,000 by property experts. BTG Eddisons Prop- erty Auctions has been instructed to sell the 2,400 sq ft, stone-built, single-storey property. It will feature in the firm’s upcoming mul- ti-lot timed auction, with bidding opening on May 26 and closing the follow- ing day. The toilets closed in 2023 when they were replaced by a new facil- ity in Macclesfield’s indoor market. According to auction- eers, there are a range of potential new uses for the building, subject to plan- ning consent. TWO brothers have been jailed after they left a man seriously injured in a street in Macclesfield. They are beginning their prison terms after appearing at Chester Crown Court for sentencing. Aaron Whittaker, 35, who had earlier pleaded guilty to assault, was jailed for three years and four months. Haden Whittaker, 33, was jailed for eight years after he admitted assault. The court heard that on November 19, 2025, the victim had attended an address on Fir Court, Macclesfield, with Aaron and Haden Whittaker. While at the address, an argument broke out between the three men which quickly escalated. The Whittaker broth- ers then began their vicious attack on the 44-year-old man, beating him unconscious. The pair undressed the man and dragged him outside, leaving him seri- ously injured and unre- sponsive in the street. A GROUP of local Scouts paid a visit to Congleton Town Hall for a fascinating insight into local history. Greeted by the mayor Rob- ert Brittain, the members of the 6th Congleton Scout Group were given a traditional ‘Oyez! Oyez!’ welcome by town crier Vicky Pulman. The Scouts, Cubs and Beavers listened to a talk from deputy mayor Suzy Firkin, including a quiz on the history of Congleton town, its original charter and the way people lived when it was signed in 1272. They also watched a film that explained more about the town hall and the town’s treasures and were invited to consider joining the town’s new youth council. The visitors toured the town hall with the mayor, including its secret tunnel and the Great Hall, where they got an opportunity to hold the town mace and ring the town crier’s bell as well as see the original town charter. Scout group leader Phil New- combe said: “The Beavers, Cubs and Scouts had a brilliant evening, and the visit was pitched perfectly for them. They really enjoyed learning more about the history of Congleton, “It was a fantastic opportunity for the young people to connect with the town’s history and civic life in a really engaging and memorable way.” For sale: The toilet block on Park Green (Photo credit: BTG Eddisons Property Auctions) Toilet block goes under the hammer Edward Feather, director and auctioneer at BTG Eddisons, said: “Former public conveniences often prove to be popular lots at auction because they offer a low-cost entry point into property development. “That’s especially true when the building is located in a prime, high-footfall spot such as this. We’ve seen some brilliantly creative developments from for- mer public toilet build- ings, including modern micro-offices, coffee bars, boutique flower shops, and pint-sized art gal- leries, and this property could be a really unique investment opportunity in its own right.” Brothers jailed following vicious attack Sentenced: Aaron and HadenWhittaker (Photo credit: Cheshire Police) Police arrived on the scene and the victim was taken to hospital where he received treatment for seven weeks. An investigation was launched and Aaron and Haden Whittaker were both arrested a short time later and subse- quently charged. Speaking after the sentencing, Detec- tive Constable Tiffany Berry-Perkin of Chesh- ire Police, said: “Aaron and Haden Whittaker carried out a brutal and unjustified attack, subjecting the victim to extreme violence. “This was a deeply distressing incident that has had a pro- found impact not only on the victim, but also on local residents who were confronted with the aftermath. Officers undertook extensive enquiries to identify and locate those responsible, building a comprehen- sive file of evidence that ensured both defendants were brought before the courts. “I welcome the sen- tences handed to them and hope they provide the victim with a sense of closure.” Carrs provides the big picture Main feature: Cinema on the Carrs is a summer must (Photo credit: WTC) SCOUTS TAKE A HISTORY TOUR Visit: Scouts, Cubs and Beavers with mayor Robert Britain (centre), deputy mayor Suzy Firkin (back), community committee chair Kay Wesley (left) and town crier Vicky Pulman