BUSINESS CONSULTATION MEETING

Alderley Edge Parish Council are inviting local businesses to a meeting next week to introduce businesses to the Neighbourhood Plan, discuss some of their priorities and develop new ideas to support the local economy over the next few years.

The Parish Council are very keen to listen and respond to the needs and interests of businesses in the village. As part of this, we will be creating a business mailing list and any business that wishes to be updated and are unable to attend the meeting, should email Cllr Rachael Grantham.

We are very keen to improve links with the businesses; however, we also recognise that they have limited time to commit outside of the working day but would like to encourage as many businesses as possible to attend. The meeting will take place at the Festival Hall on Thursday 6th July at 6pm.

RYLEYS LANE CAR PARK EXTENSION

I am pleased to report that Cheshire East Parking have finally completed their assessment of a possible extension to Ryleys Lane Car Park. It is estimated that 1,200 sq.m of parkland would be required between the existing car park and Wilmslow Road to accommodate an additional 35 parking spaces. The cost estimate for this scheme would be c. £150,000 plus VAT, including:

- CAT scan of the site, to identify any underground services (£600)
- Clearing the site of small trees, hedgerow and vegetation (£4,000)
- Removal of mature trees, roots and stumps (£2,000)
- Base materials to form new level (£19,200)
- Kerb edgings approximately 100m (£1,200)
- Semi-permeable tarmacadam including sub-base (£100,000)
- Surface water drainage works (£14,000)
- Lighting, service trenches and cabling (£6,000)
- Line bay markings (£1,500)
- Signage (£600)

The Parish Council remain open to the possibility of a joint venture with CEC to enable the scheme to go ahead; however, any change of use to the parkland (public open space) would be contrary to Cheshire East (and National) Planning Policy unless alternative and improved public open space can be identified elsewhere. A possible extension to the Beech Road Play Area would satisfy this.

SOUTH STREET CAR PARK - REPAIRS

I am pleased to report that repair work to South Street Car Park is due to be carried out on Thursday 29th June. I have been chasing this up for some time with ANSA Environmental Services who are responsible for maintenance of the Car Park and I am pleased that the work has now been scheduled. Unfortunately, there will be restricted access to the Car Park whilst the repairs are being carried out, so please bear this in mind if you are planning to visit the village by car on Thursday.

BLOCKED GULLIES - URGENT!

On Monday 26th I will be accompanying colleagues from Cheshire East Highways as they carry out gully emptying in Alderley Edge.  I have been invited to accompany them in order to highlight any areas that may have been missed on previous visits.  I am aware that there are particular issues on Beechfield Road, Macclesfield Road, South Street and Crescent Road, but if there are any other areas close to your home, please let me know using the comments box below.  Many thanks, Craig

BEECH ROAD - FOOTPATH (UPDATED)

I am pleased to report that the footpath on Beech Road has now been repaired and resurfaced.  I reported the footpath a few weeks ago and I would like to thank CE Highways for responding so quickly.  I am sure everyone will agree that it is now much safer to walk along and also looks much better than it did.  I'm continuing to press for footpath improvements in other parts of the village.

COMMUNITY SURGERY - JUNE

I am pleased to announce the date of my next Community Surgery will be Saturday 23rd June, starting at 10am.  Please come and join me for a cup of coffee (or something colder if the weather is nice) and a chat about any local issue that may be of concern to you.  As usual, the venue will be Aldeli, Wilmslow Road, Alderley Edge.