The team was strengthened by two new councillors, Clare Ward and Richard Thelwell, who were co-opted to the council during the meeting.

Councillors agreed a £6,792 annual tax for 2026/27, trimming donations and parish enhancement spending to protect residents from sharper rises while setting aside extra funds for the long-promised Neighbourhood Plan.

Visible improvements to the parish landscape were discussed, including new noticeboards that are ready to go up, footpath signs on order, blossom tree planting, and a larger visibility of soldier silhouettes and poppies to commemorate Remembrance Day in November 2026.

Planning enforcement dominated the discussion. The council reiterated its long-standing objection to a static caravan at an address on Audlem Road, warning that continued inaction risks the 10-year rule being invoked. A second enforcement letter will also be sent regarding a caravan in Walgherton. Councillors were equally firm in opposing new development proposals they see as out of scale or inappropriate for the area.

Highways concerns were familiar to many residents: drainage problems, potholes, poor visibility and deteriorating road surfaces. While resurfacing on London Road is complete, hopes for reduced speed limits on the A51 and Crewe Road appear slim, leaving councillors searching for alternative safety measures.

Elsewhere, complaints about Heler’s hedges, delivery routes and factory noise continue to rumble on with the chair set to raise matters directly with the company.

The next meeting takes place on 13 January 2026.