Archives for May 2022

Sports Centre on track for spring opening 

It’s been a really busy time for the Trustees planning the reopening of Kidsgrove Sports Centre. 

We are still awaiting a handover date from the contractor, however given the progress, we are fairly confident there won’t be too long to wait now. 

We have been really busy ensuring that the centre will be operationally ready to open. This includes; recruitment of the centre manager, Crowdfunding to help equip the centre, arranging the supply of gym equipment, conversing with sporting bodies and organisations; finalising booking systems and marketing, just to mention a few of the tasks being undertaken. It has certainly been a hectic period. All of the Trustees share the desire of our community to get the centre reopened as soon as possible.

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New footbridge opened at Kidsgrove Station

The new footbridge is open and the long awaited lifts will be commissioned very soon.  NSCRP also looks forward to seeing plans for the proposed Town Deal-funded refurbishment of the station building. 

The new bridge at Kidsgrove Station is now open for use. Photo Sarah Honeysett

Train timetables are still partially reduced so please check times before you travel at nationalrail.co.uk

The station’s Spotter Tea café reopened last month, selling drinks and snacks at very reasonable prices (cash only at the moment).  Open 7 – 10am Monday to Friday; 8 – 12 noon Saturday.  All welcome. Why not come and say hello to Kath when you’re next there?

If you see any antisocial or suspicious behaviour at the station we urge you to text the British Transport Police non-emergency number on 61016. (In an emergency call 999.)

If you would like to join our lovely group of station volunteers, Friends of Kidsgrove Station, please email: northstaffscrp@stoke.gov.uk.  or simply call by for a chat – they meet roughly every other Thursday morning.

Platinum Jubilee fund set up for Moorlands celebrations

As the nation prepares to begin a year of celebrations to mark the Queen’s historic 70-year reign, the District Council has launched a grant fund for those planning local events.

The Queen is the first British Monarch to celebrate a Platinum Jubilee and plans already announced include: The creation of an extended Bank Holiday weekend from Thursday 2 June to Sunday 5 June for public events to take place; the Big Jubilee Lunch and street parties; £22m of National Lottery Funding to support activities.

At a local level, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council has announced it has created a £20,000 fund for communities to organise their own events and celebrations. Councillor Sybil Ralphs, Leader of the Council, said: “It is a truly historic milestone of selfless public service and I know people will want to take part in both national and local events as we come together across the UK to honour this achievement. I’m sure this extra financial help will be welcome by those planning community events.”

The fund will be open to applications from Town and Parish Councils with £1,000 being available to Town Council’s and the remaining budget split equally between the Parish Councils. Parishes may wish to consider submitting joint bids or making funds available to community events supported by the Town and Parish councils. There’s more information, including an application form, at www.staffsmoorlands.gov.uk/PlatinumJubilee

Free short term parking set for Biddulph

Plans to modernise parking facilities across the Moorlands have been approved by the District Council.


For the first time at Wharf Road people will be able to park for free for an hour at any time

Key changes to be introduced include:

· The introduction of short free parking periods at some car parks to support quick trips into town

· Increasing the options for payment, including contactless digital payments such as Pay By Phone, in addition to coin only methods

· Reviewing the permits currently available to offer more flexibility for customers and creating a tourist pass

· Developing an electric vehicle strategy to look at suitable locations and types of chargers provided in the Moorlands alongside joint working with the County Council on a wider strategy to encourage greater use of electric vehicles

As part of the review, industry experts Parking Matters were appointed to carry out public consultation last year. Over 770 online responses were received from members of the public alongside views from interest groups, including councillors and tourism and business organisations.

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Dementia Action Week 2022 

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Dementia Action Week will be held from 16th to 22nd May, the week is a national event led by Alzheimer’s Society. 

During this week, we encourage everyone to think about ways in which they can support people affected by dementia and their carers.

Alsager became a Dementia Friendly Community in 2017 and each year we invite businesses in the town to display our blue and yellow bunting, so look out for it this May and think about some small thing that you might do to support someone with dementia.

Maybe you would like to become a dementia friend and join over 3,500 dementia friends in our area? Details below.

This year the theme is Diagnosis and it is really important to seek advice if you have any concerns about your memory. There is a lot of support available for anyone who receives a diagnosis of dementia and help to access that support.

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Cheshire East funding for Jubilee street parties

Cheshire East Council has announced plans for the extended Platinum Jubilee bank holiday celebrations to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s 70-year reign.

Her Majesty The Queen is the first British monarch in history to celebrate a platinum jubilee, having acceded to the throne on 6 February 1952 after the death of her father King George VI, when just 25 years old.

To help with the celebrations across the borough, Cheshire East Council is providing a community fund to allow residents to apply for up to £120 for street parties or similar community events.

More information and how to apply for the Queen’s Jubilee community fund can be found on the council’s website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/queensjubilee along with guidance on managing events safely.

Councillor Mick Warren, Cheshire East Council’s committee chair for communities, said: “This Platinum Jubilee is an amazing milestone and one which marks 70 years of unparalleled public service by Her Majesty The Queen.

“Whether you are attending a local street party, planting a tree for the Jubilee as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy or involved with the Platinum Jubilee Beacons, it really is a once in a lifetime celebration and opportunity for all of our residents and communities to come together to mark this historic occasion.”

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