News in Macclesfield

A Macclesfield councillor has sought to reassure parents about Cheshire East's plan for the "phased wider opening" of schools across the borough.

Cllr James Barber, who is the council's 'Champion for Young People', acknowledged that the thought of children returning to educational settings would cause "anxiety and worry" for some people.

A Bollington councillor has called on the government to provide extra funding to local authorities as the council reveals the coronavirus pandemic has cost the borough £60m

Cllr Amanda Stott, who represents Bollington and is the cabinet member with responsibility for finance, described funding so far as "not enough".

A Macclesfield IT firm is showing solidarity with fellow small businesses going through hard times by offering to create their websites for free.

Fruitcake Media, a web design company, made the offer this week as more businesses in the town seek to adapt to the new circumstances of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Macclesfield's Joe Wicks" has been putting people through their paces during the lockdown with the towns very own online live fitness classes.

Personal trainer Matt Rigby has taken his Park Fit sessions- which would normally run in South Park- to Facebook Live in partnership with Macclesfield Town Council.

TV presenter and Prestbury resident Paddy McGuinness has shown his generosity by donating a free M&S lunch to frontline workers.

A meal was delivered to the Congleton District Nurses today (Thursday) with a special gift message from Paddy, who acknowledged the tireless efforts of frontline workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Cheshire Constabulary has sought to remind residents that the helpdesk remains open at Macclesfield police station for those seeking to report an issue.

Residents who need to report an issue to the Constabulary via the helpdesks can do so by turning up at a station on Brunswick Street and using the telephone outside.

With the world engulfed within the coronavirus pandemic, Mental Health Awareness week has assumed added significance this year as Macclesfield Town FC join with the EFL's charity partner and urge you to #SpeakYourMind.

During these unprecedented times, we worry about ourselves, our loved ones and all the things that we hold most dear to us.

Two Macclesfield councillors have paid tribute to the dedication and life-saving work of Cheshire East public health and social care teams during the coronavirus pandemic.

Coun Laura Jeuda, cabinet member for adult social care and health, and Coun Mick Warren, cabinet member for communities, have joined fellow cabinet members Coun Jill Rhodes, portfolio holder responsible for public health, and Coun Kathryn Flavell, cabinet member for children and families, to give an update on how staff have responded to the outbreak.

Macclesfield residents are being given the chance to have their say on a new housing strategy for vulnerable and older people.

The Cheshire East Council proposed strategy sets out the approach and key priorities for ensuring older or vulnerable residents can access the right type of housing across the borough.

The Fallibroome Trust which runs nine schools – including five in Macclesfield - has unveiled plans for the return of the first tranche of pupils next month.

But trust CEO Peter Rubery acknowledges that while measures are designed to reduce the risk of coronavirus infection it can not be eliminated and parents and colleagues "will make their own judgement about the acceptance of risk".