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NORTHWICH TOWN COUNCIL
TUESDAY 7th April, 2015
Present
:
Cllr Alison Gerrard – Town Mayor
Councillors
:
D Bowden
A. Stott
A. Cooper
K. Rimmer
B. Jamieson
Mrs J Illidge
S. Kryger
Also present:
G. Gibson
A. Dimelow
Mrs. L Nelson
T. Lawrenson
P. Dolan
Mrs G Gough
R. Cotterill
Chris Shaw – Town Clerk
Mrs L Clansey – Assistant Clerk
Mrs. L. Moore – Events Co-ordinator/P.A.
Mrs. T. Cash – Council Secretary
NTC 14/164
TO RECEIVE A PRESENTATION FROM SUSTRANS REGARDING THE
NORTHWICH STRATEGY
A presentation was delivered to members by Peter Green, Sustrans Area Manager. Mr Green
provided a brief summary of the Northwich Cycling Strategy. Members were handed an Options
Study Summary and Update documents. Main areas covering the routes around Northwich Railway
Station, and Barons Quay. Mr Green gave background to this. Transport solutions include
walking/cycling into town. Looking at improvements to suggested routes that can be easily found,
easily and intuitively followed. Signs of a high standard and provide a joined up network. Also looked
for alternative routes, an example of which is the Rudheath route for ease of use, providing signed
shortcuts for pedestrians and cyclists. Signs are not always apparent and need to be more obvious.
The town centre is a vibrant heart, needs to be visited regularly and not damaged by future
developments. Albion Way may be used as an alternative to cyclists, but main goal is to connect
links. Have sought to identify quiet road routes with short traffic free or shared space links for
pedestrians and cyclists not available to motor vehicles. Bridges cause difficulties for routes, and
would like to see replacement bridge (in the long term) to enable links to Winnington, improved
access to the Infirmary and Verdin Park. Would urge the Council to consider this link. Good quality
paths provided in other towns, looking for similar in Northwich. It is also a desire to link with
neighbouring towns of Winsford and Middlewich. A map was included in the summary report which
illustrated what needs to be done.
Cllr. Bowden introduced Mike Cooksley who is involved with the Northwich Neighbourhood Plan,
Leading the Transport Group, and explained that the intention is when the Cycling Strategy study is
completed it will form part of the NNP. Mr. Cooksley also thanked NTC for taking on the future
developments of the town and becoming very proactive in the initiative on a local basis. Cllr. Bowden
Acknowledged the hard work and much time taken in creating the NNP. Northwich Town Centre
does not have space for separate routes for cyclists, but by working with pedestrians and motorists
we have to prioritise what we can to realistically achieve within our budget. CWAC have done a cycle
study and put up signage out of town, but some of the safety aspect causes concern. Mr Green
agreed with these comments and added the need to create safe routes to get into town. Cllrs. Dolan
and Jamieson asked about specific routes to the Winnington area, and were pleased to see a
proposed 20 mph speed limit on some stretches within the gyratory system. Mr Green was thanked
for his informative presentation by the Mayor.
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Date
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Cllr Mrs Alison Gerrard
Town Mayor
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NTC 14/165
TO RECEIVE A PRESENTATION FROM CHESHIRE YOUNG CARERS
Apologies were made to the Council as representatives from C.Y.C. were unable to attend.
NTC 14/166
APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE OR ABSENCE
Apologies for absence and reasons were received from Councillors Mrs. D. Cooke, B. Cooke, A.
Dimelow, M. Donnelly and G. Gough. Cllr. Hough did not attend.
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NTC 14/167
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
Members to declare any interest under the following categories:
•
Pecuniary Interest
•
Outside Bodies Interest
•
Family, Friend or Close Associate interest
Cllrs Dolan declared an interest in any matters relating to the N.H.S..
NTC 14/168
OPEN FORUM
There were no public questions.
NTC14/169
SIGNING OF THE MINUTES
That the minutes of Town Council Meeting held on Monday 2nd March, 2015 be confirmed as a true
and accurate record, proposed by Cllr Rimmer, seconded by Cllr Stott.

Members noted minutes of the Planning and Environment Committee meeting held on
Tuesday 17th March, 2015. Were duly noted as a true record by Cllr. Stott and seconded by
Cllr. Jamieson.
Cllr. Stott commented that many residents attended the Planning Meeting to air their
objections regarding a submitted Planning application in their residential vicinity.

Members noted minutes of the Finance and General Purposes Committee meeting held on
Tuesday 17th March, 2015. Were duly noted a a true record by Cllr. Rimmer, seconded by
Cllr. Jamieson.

Members noted minutes of the Policy and Operations Committee meeting held on Tuesday
31st March. Cllr. Stott acting Chair, discussed staff issues including Appraisals and Targets
noted.
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Date
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Cllr Mrs Alison Gerrard
Town Mayor
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NTC14/170 TOWN MAYOR’S COMMUNICATIONS
The Mayor informed members that she had attended the following events during March.
85
1st
Graduation of 55 Entry 146 (Northwich) Sqdn. At UCAN.
86
4th
Sheriff’s Brunch, Hosted by Sheriff of Chester Cllr. Herbert Manley
87
4th
Brownie evening visit to Council Chamber, Q & A session.
88
5th
Return of the Forbidden Planet school production The Grange.
89
9th
Rotary Club of Northwich, Special Speakers Meeting
90
20th
Winsford Mayor’s Charity Dinner. Vale Royal Abbey.
91
21st
Swimathon Event, Moss Farm
92
21st
Knutsford Civic Ball. Hosted by Mayor and Mayoress of Knutsford
93
25th
Local Councils Excellence Awards, Eaton Park.
94
26th
Ron Carey Memorial, Northwich Railway Station
95
27th
McCarthy & Stone Professionals lunch at new Assisted Living Dev. N/wich Marina
96
30th
Rotary Club of Northwich 92nd Charter Night, Vale Royal Abbey.
The Mayor advised that invitations will be sent out shortly for the Mayor’s Charity Ball.
NTC14/171 TOWN CLERK’S REPORT
TC reported on the following: Northwich Railway Station
A meeting took place on Wednesday 1st April with Abellio Northern to discuss the Northern Rail
Franchise. Cllr. Cooper gave an overview of the franchise.
Resolved
TC has contacted Serco and Arriva who also wish to speak to members regarding the above
franchise. If members wish to meet them the meeting will be arranged in the next 2 weeks.
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Date
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Cllr Mrs Alison Gerrard
Town Mayor
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Leighton Hospital Maternity Unit
Members had raised concerns previously regarding the potential closure of Maternity Unit at Leighton
Hospital. Response to this has been received from Tracy Bullock, Chief Executive Officer of which
members are aware of the contents.
Cllr. Dolan advised that live births were declining, there is a question mark around provision, there are
concerns regarding 1-2-1 Midwives. Has requested these issues are further considered. Cllr.
Bowden’s understanding having read the report is that other areas are taking over the Maternity Unit.
Cllr. Cooper added the Trust is having to finance this Unit at Leighton under considerable pressure.
Good service is currently given.
Newsletter
The spring edition of the NTC Newsletter is nearing completion and will be available for the next
Artisan Market.
Subway
Improvements are still progressing with talks going ahead regarding the removal of water feature, the
installation of hanging baskets and a socket for a Christmas Tree.
Austin Street Allotments
All asbestos has now been removed and a large clear up has been undertaken removing trees,
shrubs and rubbish. Approximately 100 tonnes of rubbish has been removed from the site including a
car, caravan and other items not associated with an Allotment site. An electrical cable was damaged
accidentally, but now resolved. The drainage use is currently being investigated and we are currently
in talks with INEOS regarding this. The main path and additional plots have now been installed and
these will be allocated shortly. Cllr. Jamieson thanked NTC for a fantastic job and well done for all the
hard work.
Town Council Services
NTC has won contracts for Lach Dennis and Comberbach Parish Councils to add to the ever growing
list of contracts.
Cemetery paths and new Cremation Plots
Work will begin after the Easter break and will take around 3 weeks to complete. Cllr. Rimmer
commented that he had visited the site and knows the state of the paths before repair.
Church Walk Paddling Pool Improvements
NTC have received a WREN Grant to refurbish the Paddling Pool, the process continues of receiving
quotes for the work which we anticipate will be done in the Autumn.
Tree Survey and Associated Works
Tree survey has been carried out at Whalley Road Playing Field and at Church Walk Play Area
which highlighted some high-risk trees needing immediate attention. These works have now been
completed and we will carry on surveying our areas every three years to meet our insurance
requirements.
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Date
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Cllr Mrs Alison Gerrard
Town Mayor
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Northwich Flood Defence
The Environment Agency has started the work to the flood defences in Northwich and is using
Whalley Road to stockpile soil in that area for the bund which will eventually go across our field. The
EA have assured us that the area will be reinstated to a high standard when works are completed.
Liverpool Street Garages
Work has now been undertaken on the garages at Liverpool Street to tidy the area which has been
raised previously in Full Council before Christmas. TC is working with local wardens and PCSO to
ascertain ownership of the unsecured garages. Will keep members informed of the outcome.
Cenotaph Survey and Refurbishment
Survey results are now coming back and we will be in a position over the next 2 weeks to apply for
the funding from the War Memorial Trust.
James Street Play Area
Installation of play equipment is now complete, although better weather is needed before the wet pour
is installed. Once fully completed we shall have a Grand Opening, inviting residents and members.
Events
Artisan Markets/Council Surgery
The next Artisan Market will be 11th April, and will include our Council Surgery as usual. Members are
requested to support this event.
Pedal Power
Preparations are well under way for the second Pedal Power festival, and a website, Facebook and
twitter account have been created.10,000 leaflets are being printed as handouts at the Artisan Market
and will be delivered to local schools. Funding of £5,000 from the locality has been secured to
support the event. Cllr. Cooper commented there is a steady stream of applications being received.
Northwich Carnival
The Northwich Carnival is on Saturday 4th July, and will take place as usual in Verdin Park.
Community Day
Annual Community Day will take place on Saturday 1st August at Vickersway Park and will be full of
activities for all the family, mostly free of charge. Further update to members closer to the event.
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Date
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Cllr Mrs Alison Gerrard
Town Mayor
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NTC 14/172 TO APPROVE THE USE OF INTERNAL AUDITORS FOR THE COMING YEAR
Approved
Cllr Rimmer proposed that the recommendation to continue to use Internal Auditors JDH Business
Services. This was seconded by Cllr. Cooper.
NTC 14/173 TO NOTE THE FIRE STRATEGY CONSULTATION RESPONSE CARRIED OUT BY
NTC, WTC AND MTC
The previous 5 year strategy worked well, and plans for the next 5 years show progress has been
made. A reduction of almost 50% in fire incidents over the last 10 years. A proposed building of a
dedicated safety and Lifeskills Centre at Lymm is being welcomed. Cllr. Rimmer commented that it is
good that Fire and Rescue supports the Prince’s Trust.
NTC 14/174
TO DISCUSS PARKING ENFORCEMENT
Cllr Jamieson informed members that parking enforcement has now been in place for a year. Over
5,000 tickets have been issued for various parking offences. Market Street car park specifically
attracted over 1,000 tickets. Considers that this will deter people from coming into Northwich.
Resolved
TC to set up meeting to discuss this ongoing issue with Jamie Baron
NTC 14/175
TO DISCUSS WHALLEY ROAD PARKING
Cllr. Cooper commented on the one way system suggested in the recent meeting with CWAC.
Cllr. Jamieson noted other issues that were discussed including Residents Parking Permits, and the
way this could be properly managed. There appears to be no reasonable reason why residents have
to pay due to changes in their locality.
Resolved
TC to contact Jamie Baron as above, and report back to Council.
NTC 14/176
WINNINGTON URBAN VILLAGE
TC attended a meeting with McPhillips. Comments were invited regarding locations of various
Highways improvement works and the timescales given for these works to be carried out. Cllrs.
Dolan and Jamieson noted points in the report provided regarding how this can be phased in as plans
will have a significant impact on residents, and additional impact on Northwich Town Centre from the
Winnington and Hartford areas, finding this not really acceptable as the mentioned plans will have a
negative impact on town traders.
Resolved
TC to contact Contractors (McPhillips) for further meeting.
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Date
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Cllr Mrs Alison Gerrard
Town Mayor
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NTC 14/177
TO DISCUSS UNADOPTED ROADS IN WINNINGTON
Cllr. Dolan advised there are some 130 properties to be brought up to standard. He is asking for
support of £2,500. NTC have not been made aware of this issue. £300,000 will be needed to bring
up to standard. Cllr. Dolan was not aware of the issues around Darwin Street. Property holders may
not all contribute. Suggested the money from the Urban Village be used to fund this improvement.
Cllr. Cooper has received a letter sent to residents from CWAC. Press release said no money was
required initially. CWAC letter tends to contradict the press release.
Resolved
TC to enquire if the interest free loan offered could not be extended to others, and the money repaid
when property is sold.
NTC 14/178
TO APPROVE PLANNING COMMITTEE RESPONSE TO CLEAN ENERGY
Last full Council Meeting Mr. Paul Mathias spoke about this subject. Cllr. Bowdon gave a brief
overview of the presentation given. Clean energy is essential for a healthy environment. A suitable
response to Mr. Mathias was considered by members. Cllr. Bowden moved that the response be
accepted, seconded by Cllr. Rimmer.
Accepted
NTC 14/178
TO APPROVE TOWN CLERK’S RECOMMENDATION TO INSTALL A BOLLARD
ON THE MAIN PATH IN WITTON CEMETERY
Report provided explanation as to the reasons why a bollard is required in the Cemetery. This is a
safety measure and will prevent vehicles, other than funeral vehicles driving onto the pathway. This
will also ensure that Contractors and visitors report to reception to sign in and be issued with an
official pass. If Contractors need to gain access to the path, a key will be issued to lower the bollard.
The key will be returned to the office when signing out. This of course excludes members of the
public visiting graves. Moved by Cllr. Cooper, seconded by Cllr. Stott.
NTC 14/179
CWAC EXCELLENCE AWARDS
NTC were recognised at a recent CWAC Awards Evening ceremony. This was attended by Chris
Shaw, Lesley Moore, Cllr. Nelson and the Mayor. Out of the 8 entered categories, NTC were
shortlisted for 4 and won 2. These were, Innovation in Service, outright winner. Council of the Year –
Highly Commended/Runner Up. Awards are on display at our Reception Desk. TC wished to thank
all staff for their contribution to these awards and continued support. Cllr. Stott also thanked staff for
their hard work. There was a vote of thanks to NTC. Moved by Cllr. Bowden, seconded by Cllr. Stott.
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Date
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Cllr Mrs Alison Gerrard
Town Mayor
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NTC 14/180
CWAC AND PARTNERS CORRESPONDENCE
Town and Parish Council Elections. Cllr. Jamieson considered the report provided, noting a change
to the arrangements to withdraw nominations. Members expressed concerns that the report suggests
that town and parish clerks should seek candidates to stand down to avoid contested elections.
On the subject of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Cllr. Dolan summarised the report, and raised
concerns about the provision of mental health services within the Integrated Strategic Needs
Assessment structure within CWAC, and also stressed the need for improvements to mental health
services.
Cllr. Cooper drew attention to the Cycle Sportif article.
Cllr. Jamieson noted some services being outsourced and the CWAC Joint Venture Partnership.
NTC 14/181
MONTHLY SURGERY AT NORTHWICH ARTISAN MARKET
Cllr. Murphy was present on the NTC Stand at the Artisan Market and noted mixed views from the
public on memorial Court.
NTC 14/182
DATE OF NEXT MEETING
Tuesday 5TH May 2015 at 6.30pm.
There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.55 pm.
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Date
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Cllr Mrs Alison Gerrard
Town Mayor
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