Date: 09 March 2023

Reference Number: 6063

Cheshire West and Chester Council has started working with a social enterprise company created to ensure play areas are inclusive.

The Council has been working with Plan Inclusive Play Areas (PiPA PLAY) to review the Council’s website to provide updated information on inclusive play currently offered at outdoor play areas managed by the Council.  The second part of the work will then look at a selection of outdoor play parks across the borough in terms of opportunities to improve their inclusive play potential.

The following factors will be looked at as part of the play area assessment work: improving entry and exit points at play areas, pathway improvements, surfacing and also feasibility for additional equipment to encourage inclusive play.

Council Leader and Cabinet Member for Wellbeing, Councillor Louise Gittins said: “All children deserve a safe play area that works well for them and their families within a reasonable distance from their home.  Working with PiPA PLAY means our play areas will be independently assessed to help make them even more inclusive.

“The Council’s work with PiPA PLAY is unique, in that we are the first local authority to engage on this level, from delivering play area audits to involvement in website content.”

Becky Maddern from PiPA PLAY said: “We are delighted Cheshire West and Chester Council asked PiPA PLAY to support them in ensuring the play parks they manage are accessible and inclusive for all.

“Here at PiPA PLAY our aim is to empower the true meaning of inclusion, equality and diversity in play area design.  As a mum to a child with profound disability, I have first-hand experience of what it feels like to see your child excluded from play parks. My son loves to be swung high on a swing and to go fast down a slide, however very few parks cater for his needs.  Play is fundamental to a child’s development and by creating inclusive and accessible parks we can create an environment where children can play and grow together, because all children and families deserve and have a right to access their local play park.”

This work will also feed into the review of the current Play Strategy (2020-2024), which is to be updated in 2024 and also any future plans for play area investment, including funding applications.

Date: 09 March 2023

Reference Number: 6071

Cashless parking will be available across Cheshire West and Chester Council’s car parks from Thursday 16 March 2023 making it more convenient for residents and visitors to park and help support town centres and local businesses.

A number of user-friendly apps will be available including RingGo, JustPark, PaybyPhone and APCOA connect. This offers an alternative means of payment to the existing pay and display machines enabling payment via your mobile phone.

With these apps, there is no need to have the right change, display a ticket in your vehicle or look for the nearest Pay and Display machine. You simply register your details on an app and enter a location code, displayed when you park.

In addition, you can extend your parking session, where permitted, if you need more time from your phone, without having to rush back to the car.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways and Strategic Transport, Councillor Karen Shore said: “Moving to cashless parking will not only make it easier for residents and visitors but also support ongoing local economic recovery by encouraging people to shop local.  

The new apps will make it convenient for residents to pop into town without the need to find change for parking.  The ability to extend your parking session also means visitors can take their time and enjoy everything the borough has to offer.”

There is a small transaction charge for cashless payments but ticket machines across Council-owned car parks will continue to offer different payment options. More information on parking is available on the council website.

Date: 13 March 2023

Reference Number: 6079

Cheshire West and Chester Council has reported the theft of highway grid covers across Winsford and Northwich. 

Over 30 gully/grid covers were taken on Thursday night (9 March), leaving a dangerous hole in the road at each site. A white van has been spotted in areas of Winsford, Weaverham, Banton and Hartford. 

The Council has made the areas safe with cones and are arranging for permanent repairs. 

Councillor Karen Shore, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member – Environment, Highways & Strategic Transport said: “These recent thefts of highway grids are a challenge for our highways team. The thieves are creating a hazard for road users, and the grids are costly to replace. We are working with the Police to catch the culprits but would appreciate any assistance from residents to report any suspicious activity they may have seen”. 

Gully grids, prevent large debris as well as animals from entering the drainage system. 

Please call the Police on 101 and quote incident number: IML1496847 or call the Council on 0300 123 7036 if you notice any suspicious activities.