News in Macclesfield

In her first fortnightly column, Cllr Sarah Bennett-Wake writes about a week in the life of a "masked mayor" to give you an insight into to how she balances her job as a teaching assistant, mayoral and council duties, as well as her home-life; all within 'new normal' of the pandemic.

One of the most exciting aspects I enjoy as a working Mayor is the variety each week brings. In my first article for Macclesfield Nub News I will reflect on my long week; beginning with chairing, my first, full council meeting as Mayor, ending with a bacon barm at the Green in the Corner community café in Hurdsfield, and everything in between.

On Thursday 13th August 2020, thousands of young people across the country received results for exams they never got to sit. Granted, the circumstances were unavoidable – a global pandemic being a pretty justifiable reason to cancel exams. However, what is not remotely justifiable is the way the results themselves were calculated.

A-Levels are the key to students futures. Whether they want to go to University or do an Apprenticeship (or something entirely different), young people need positive results. Yet this year, the system of grading that was in place of the exams has crushed the hopes, dreams and aspirations of thousands.

As new councillors taking on the challenge of Ryle Street and Hobson Street sinkholes which have plagued residents for over a year now has been a massive learning curve.

Even the Leader of the Council Sam Corcoran has described as the "most complex issue he's seen as a councillor".

The final homes have been released for sale at a Jones Homes development which generated a £350,000 investment in Tytherington.

Construction work is nearing completion at the 184-home Kingsfield Park development off Larkwood Way, close to Tytherington Business Village.

I can actually trace my love affair with Macclesfield to a precise date: 03 July 1973.

I had been sharing a house in Handforth with some students. I saw an advert in the Manchester Evening News: "Fully furnished terraced house for sale. Furnished. £650."

Yet again there are issues with car parking in Macclesfield, Cheshire East Council immediately introducing parking charge on the day non-essential shops opened.

The fees can now only be paid using a card or the ring-go app, Clearly NO thought has been given by the portfolio holder about people who may not have the skills or equipment to use the system.

A petition has been started to show support for the campaign to set 20mph speed limits on most of our residential streets in towns and villages across Cheshire East.

It has been set up by Macctastic – a sustainability action group in Macclesfield – on behalf of Cheshire East Climate Alliance (which brings together local sustainability groups from across Cheshire East).