News in Macclesfield

Labour councillors in Macclesfield have called on David Rutley MP to back a campaign to fund free school meals for children through the half term and Christmas holidays.

The campaign has been launched by Manchester United footballer Marcus Rashforf MBE who successfully lobbied the government to cover the lunches over the summer.

Councillors have voted to freeze their allowances until May 2021 at Cheshire East's full council meeting.

The allowances, which were recommended to be increased by the authority's independent remuneration panel, are given to elected members as compensation for their time performing various duties associated with their role.

Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council, has said he does not want to see tier 3 restrictions placed on the borough.

Responding to a question from Alsager Town councillor Sue Helliwell, the Labour representative added he had not asked the government for such a move.

Macclesfield Hospital is set to roll out a new initiative to help prevent patients falling, following a successful trial on Ward 3.

Beginning in November, the Red Frames Project will see the introduction of approximately 140 red, wheeled mobility frames which will ensure that all patients who require a walking aid whilst in hospital will have the equipment to help them, exclusively to them.

Communities in Cheshire are being asked to share how local businesses in their area are successfully adapting during the pandemic, as part of a drive to keep people safe while supporting the local economy.

Let's Turn This Around – set up by the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership– urges residents and businesses to work together to follow restrictions and keep the region open for business.

Plans to build an apartment block with 36 units have been backed by Macclesfield town council, but there is some opposition among neighbouring residents.

The proposals are to build one three-storey block on land off Moss Lane which would contain 12 two-bedroom apartments with a further 24 one-bedroom units.

Age UK Cheshire East's new Veterans Keep in Touch service is hoping to expand and is looking to encourage more volunteers to join its ranks of veterans calling veterans.

The new service, funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust Fund, started during the lockdown in April and since then, contact has been made with over 90 veterans who have been previously supported by the charity.

Organisers of Macclesfield's Treacle Market have decided to cancel this month's market due to increasing coronavirus infections in the area and the introduction of Tier 2 restrictions.

The monthly market was due to be held due to be held on Sunday and it would have been the third occasion it was held following its return in August.

Two Macclesfield businesses have expressed interest in the government's Kickstart youth employment scheme following meetings with the local MP.

David Rutley MP recently met with Fabric-IT and Extra Mile Healthcare to discuss the scheme and it could benefit their businesses.

In her latest column, the mayor of Macclesfield Cllr Sarah Bennett-Wake urges people to keep others safe by wearing masks while also supporting local enterprises.

Keeping Everyone Safe and Happy