Local News

Tens of thousands of people who are suffering long-term effects of coronavirus will benefit from a revolutionary on-demand recovery service, the head of the NHS has announced today.

Just three weeks ago, Chester Football Club launched Boost the Budget, the most ambitious fundraiser in the club’s history which aimed to raise £100,000 for next season’s first team budget over a seven-week period.

Fifteen season-defining fixtures are set to take place over seventeen days across the Vanarama National League, Vanarama National League North and Vanarama National League South.

Cheshire Constabulary is urging anyone who is considering attending an illegal rave to think twice.

A new High Street Commission is meeting during the summer to work on plans to support the recovery of the high streets across the Borough.

Sunday 5th July marks the 72nd birthday of the NHS and we want to use this weekend to remind everyone to take part in the biggest ‘thank-you’ our region has ever seen.

Preparations are underway and measures are being put in place at Chester Cathedral so it can re-open its doors and welcome people back into the building safely for private prayer and reflection.

Cheshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) has sent shock waves through Cheshire’s criminal world after disrupting the activity of crime gangs by infiltrating encrypted devices.

A few days ago, the last patient was discharged from the NHS Nightingale Hospital North West in Manchester.

Communities that depend on tourism will receive a major boost from a new £10 million Kick-Starting Tourism Package, the Minister for Regional Growth and Local Government Simon Clarke MP has announced today.

Made Smarter, the movement helping SMEs join the Industry 4.0 revolution, has reached a major milestone having now funded more than 100 businesses, including 10 in Cheshire and Warrington.

To encourage children to read more over the summer, Cheshire West and Chester Libraries have launched their own special “Read” webpages.

Some of Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Libraries will be able to welcome visitors again later this month.

Children in Willaston will soon be able to climb, slide and scramble on a large new piece of play equipment at Johnston Recreation Ground, thanks to a £23,000 grant from funding body FCC Communities Foundation.

“We’ll give this everything we’ve got” – MDA vows to fight back after job losses in aerospace industry.

On Sunday 5 July 1948, some 72 years ago, the National Health Service was created.

Chester’s “simple pleasures” are the subject of a fun new campaign that everyone can get involved in to mark the easing of lockdown.

Detailed plans have been unveiled for all children and young people to return to full-time education from September.

Health leaders in the North West have thanked thousands of students who have been deployed to the NHS frontline to support the response to the Coronavirus pandemic.

The 4th of July is probably a date marked on many calendars as the next stage in the re-opening of high streets across England as bars and restaurants start to welcome customers back.

Morrisons is to open 320 cafes in England this Saturday with more competitive prices and social distancing measures to keep customers safe.

The North West Regional Organised Crime Unit have been involved in a massive international operation targeting criminals involved in serious and organised crime resulting in 93 arrests and the seizure of £3.6 million criminal cash, 79kg of drugs, 10 firearms and 220 rounds of ammunition across the North West.

Special schools in West Cheshire that have remained open during the lockdown period, providing care and support for the most vulnerable pupils, have been welcoming back more of their children and young people during the summer term.

Following the easing of restrictions in the continuing Coronavirus pandemic, Cheshire West and Chester Council has announced it will reopen its outdoor play areas and outdoor gyms from Saturday 4 July.

Millions of drivers are at risk of drink-driving as nearly a third (30%) have plans to head to the pub to celebrate the end of lockdown.

A chef at a Michelin star restaurant who has brought Italian style and vintage vehicles to the world of mobile catering has kept his Deeside-based business going through the Covid-19 lockdown by switching to home delivery.

Three men from Chile who travelled to Cheshire with the intention of committing crime have been jailed for more than 13 years.

Cheshire Archives and Local Studies has put together a digital exhibition ‘Hidden Histories’ documenting Cheshire’s LGBT+ history.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has announced it will be able to provide wedding ceremonies again from 4 July.

With Super Saturday and the opening of the city’s hospitality sector approaching, CH1ChesterBID highlights some of the changes you can expect to see around the city.

Anyone can become a victim of investment fraud. Many people lose their entire life savings to investment scammers.

Organisers of the Taste Cheshire Food and Drink Festival have taken the painful decision not to stage this year’s event and to move the entire programme to Easter 2021.

Staff from the Careers and Employability team at the University of Chester are celebrating the addition of a very special new team member.

The people of Cheshire are being urged to remain vigilant and act responsibly as coronavirus restrictions are eased this weekend.

New regulations out today could see private landlords facing fines of up to £30,000 if they don’t comply with important changes, designed to keep tenants safe from faulty electrics and fire hazards.

Two men have been jailed for a vicious and sustained assault in Ellesmere Port.

Detectives are urging residents across Cheshire to be vigilant following a spate of hoax calls from scammers claiming to be police officers acting on behalf of HMRC.

New byelaws agreed by the Environment Agency will protect salmon and sea trout in the Rivers Dee and Wye in England.

Alton Towers Resort has today announced it will be opening its gates for thrill-seeking and family fun from Saturday 4th July.

Following last year’s success Cheshire West and Chester Libraries’ summer reading challenge for adults has moved on-line.

Businesses will have the flexibility to bring furloughed employees back to work part time from today, as part of the government’s plan to re-open the UK and kickstart our economy.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is reminding tax credits customers that they need to tell HMRC about any changes in their circumstances or income by 31 July.

Merseyside Police have told us about someone pretending to be a Fire Inspector from Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.

The Council is today publishing a plan which will protect lives, livelihoods and our community from the continuing threat of coronavirus over the months to come.

A new approach to health and wellbeing across the borough, ensuring affordable and accessible leisure provision for all, is set to be discussed by councillors.

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A care home in Chester has thanked those who have gone the extra mile to support residents throughout the coronavirus pandemic, from the members of the community to its dedicated team members.

Residents in Little Neston will soon be getting an improved play facility at Woodfall Lane, thanks to a £94,006 grant from funding body FCC Communities Foundation.

A virtual season of events set up by a local community theatre company has proved such a hit with its members and supporters that several more events have been added.

With communities pulling together to help at this time of international crisis, staff from across the University of Chester have been playing their part – and giving their time - in the response to COVID-19.

An academic at the University of Chester has joined the Committee of a worldwide sporting event which promotes equality for all, and in particular for LGBTQ+ people throughout the world.

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The RSPCA is investigating after a pair of mating swans were found injured and the eggs on their nest had disappeared - prompting fears they may have been attacked.

Tracey Hartley-Smith, Clinical Lead for Children and Young People’s Learning Disability Services in Wirral, has been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse.

Cheshire Police and Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service are urging motorists not to get behind the wheel after drinking alcohol or taking drugs as government restrictions are eased this weekend.

The men were all arrested on Monday 29 June following a series of dawn raid across Chester.

To mark the milestone, NHS Cheshire Clinical Commissioning Group is saying “thank you” to the GPs, health and care professionals, key workers and volunteers who have supported the people of Cheshire throughout the Coronavirus response.

National Express’ iconic white coaches will be back on the road from tomorrow following an 86 day break.

Chester Football Club can confirm its intention to compete in the 2019/20 National League North play-offs.

A new pop-up outdoor eating area is opening on 4th July to coincide with relaxing of the lockdown rules for cafes and restaurants.

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A sofa, a king size mattress and bikes, all items you’d expect to find in a home, except these were all found on the side of some of the country’s busiest roads.

Chester’s award-winning eatery 1539 Restaurant & Bar is set to re-open its doors this Saturday 4 July.

Mandatory MOT testing is to be re-introduced from 1 August 2020, as COVID-19 restrictions are slowly lifted.

Many people have re-discovered their love of walking in the great outdoors in recent months – and now Diabetes UK are asking people to join them for the One Million Step Challenge, to raise funds and help make a huge difference to the lives of people with diabetes across the UK.

Officers from Chester Local Policing Unit have arrested nine men in connection with county lines drugs dealing following a series of dawn raids across the city.

The easing of lockdown restrictions in England from next weekend (4 July) will see the equivalent of more than 10m people – an incredible one third (31%) of all drivers – getting away for an overnight stay, potentially making it the busiest weekend of the year so far on the roads.

Powerful portraits of NHS workers from the North West who have served on the NHS front line throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, have been captured by acclaimed photographer Rankin, as part of collection unveiled today to celebrate the NHS anniversary.

It’s time for the next update in Boost the Budget – Chester FC’s most ambitious fundraiser in their history.

Motorcycle training and testing is to resume from 4th July in England, DVSA announced yesterday.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has been working with partners across the borough to ensure businesses can re-start in a safe way.

The Serious and Organised Crime Unit have charged three men in connection with drug offences.

With their next Boost the Budget update due this afternoon, at the end of the second week of the scheme, Blues Chairman Andy Morris has praised the supporters on an outstanding start.

Cheshire based social enterprise The Digital Life Skills Company has received a cash donation from The Co-operative Bank that will enable them to continue their important work in the community following the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

The borough is showing its support for the Armed Forces as a dedicated week to celebrate their contribution to the country goes online.

Cheshire Constabulary is urging anyone who is considering attending an illegal rave to think twice.

The White Horse are delighted to confirm that the family-favourite gastro pub at the heart of Chester Racecourse will open its doors to the general public on Saturday 4 July.

Learners can resume driving and riding lessons and tests from 4 July as the government gives the go-ahead to restart driving tests in a Covid secure way.

Four women who were arrested by Cheshire police in connection with a series of offences across the North West have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud.

As lockdown restrictions begin to ease, residents will see a range of businesses and public services start to re-open.

Firefighters warn smokers of the dangers of smoking indoors after three fatal fires.

The British Beer & Pub Association, the leading trade association representing brewers and pubs, has today welcomed plans for ‘Al Fresco Pubs’, whereby pubs will be given more freedom to serve customers outside.

As hot weather is predicted to continue people are being asked to look out for frail and elderly neighbours, family and friends whilst remaining mindful of social distancing guidelines.

Cheshire Archives and West Cheshire Museums are asking for photographs and suggestions for objects that tell the story of the COVID-19 pandemic and how it has affected our community.

A charity is determined not to let lockdown spoil its Annual Summer Fair by taking the fun online instead.

Chester Race Company can confirm that it has taken on the operating agreement for Musselburgh Racecourse.

Creamfields is back in 2021 and with excitement already building it promises to be THE festival of the summer.

A partial closure order has been imposed on a house in Chester in response to persistent anti-social behaviour and drug use.

The Cheshire group of CPRE, the countryside charity, has called for major investment in the region's rail network whilst questioning the justification for HS2 Phase 2b.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the UK’s Gardening Charity, has like many other organisations, suffered losses of millions of pounds due to the impact of the Coronavirus and, as a result, the RHS has taken the tough decision to cancel some of its shows next year.

Homeowners are being urged to take extra care at home following a recent rise in house fires.

People visiting the countryside should leave barbecues at home and take extreme care to avoid starting a fire.

A graduate from the University of Chester has been awarded the highest mark in the world for her final exam in a professional accounting qualification.

Enjoying a meal, drink or just a snack in our city centre, towns and villages while watching the world go by has been denied during the lock down but there is a welcome change on the way.

As more and more workplaces begin to re-open following lockdown, there are concerns that the health and safety of people with diabetes may be overlooked.

Cheshire West and Chester Council company Vivo Care Choices has helped the brand-new West Cheshire Autism Hub get ready for its virtual launch.

Chester Football Club was delighted to hear from two of their newest fans recently this week, all the way from the other side of the world.

The NSPCC’s first virtual retreat day in the North of England is set to take place this weekend, in aid of Childline.

Cheshire West and Chester Council is launching a Business Recovery Support Programme to support businesses to develop and grow during these challenging times.

Cheshire West and Chester Council held a sod cutting ceremony to mark the start of the long awaited £70m Northgate scheme in Chester city centre.

A leading Cheshire doctor has reassured patients with signs of a stroke and their families that emergency care is still there for them, despite the coronavirus pandemic.

Residents are invited to help review Cheshire West and Chester Council’s approach to dealing with COVID-19.

Alton Towers Resort has today announced it will be opening its gates for thrill-seeking and family fun from Saturday 4th July.

The Register of Play Inspectors International is calling for all playground owners to carry out an in-depth inspection prior to the re-opening of any facility and to ensure that all inspection schedules are brought fully up to date.

The British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), the leading trade association representing Britain’s brewers and pubs, has today welcomed confirmation from Government that all pubs will be able to reopen from 4th July.

The NSPCC is urging people to stay alert for possible signs of abuse under lockdown, by releasing the top 10 signs of abuse to coincide with its annual Childhood Day fundraising.

Royal Mail reveals images of a set of 13 stamps to be issued as a tribute to the musical contribution of rock legends, Queen - one of the most popular and enduring groups of all time.

Congratulations to the Chester FC Under-19’s, who have been crowned CHAMPIONS of the National League Alliance North Division.

We understand that many people will be feeling anxious now that changes in shielding advice have been announced. We want to reassure you that your safety will continue to be paramount.

Four people in Ellesmere Port are celebrating today after winning £1,000 each thanks to their lucky postcode.

The Lord Mayor of Chester has sent condolences on behalf of the city to the people of Reading following the attack on Saturday evening.

A group of Christian leaders across Chester have come together to stand against racism, bullying and prejudice.

Flintshire-based social enterprise RainbowBiz CIC has been given the green light to re-open its trading arm, the Hippy Shop in Mold next week by First Minister Mark Drakeford.

Following the recent launch of Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership’s #GettingStudentsOnline campaign, Northwich-based Storengy is the latest business to provide kit bundles to students at Blacon High School, Chester.

Six kestrel chicks which were rescued after their mum was injured and unable to take care of them have now been released back into the wild.

The number of children needing foster care in the North West has risen by 48% during the Coronavirus pandemic, while the number of people looking to become foster parents plummeted by nearly half compared to the same period last year, according to children’s charity Barnardo’s.

GinMistic Events, a group of five Events Management students studying at the University of Chester, has raised over £1,100 for The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, via a virtual raffle.

A police boss has vowed to crack down on modern slavery, amid fears the economic downturn caused by Covid-19 will lead to more victims being exploited.

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Manchester Airport is advising customers of a range of new safety measures, as flying resumes to a range of destinations from today.

With the current covid restrictions in Wales, the fundraising activities for the RNLI station at Flint are on hold, which as a charity is very difficult for them.

Cheshire Police is urging anyone who is considering attending an illegal rave to think twice.

We are now one week into Chester FC’s most ambitious fundraiser in their history – aiming for a total of £100k for the playing budget.

Changing Lives Together’s buddying and befriending calls are making a big difference to vulnerable people during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dogs Trust, the UK’s largest dog welfare charity, is issuing advice to reassure owners around coronavirus transmission and dogs following widespread media coverage today.

Five people attempting to fill the drug dealing void in Ellesmere Port have been arrested.

Burglars from Chile who came to the UK to commit crime in Cheshire have been jailed for seven years.

Blues Giving Back is a new initiative from Chester FC and Chester FC Community Trust to support local charities facing increased demand due to coronavirus.

Following a vote by all member Clubs, and subject to FA Council approval, the Vanarama National League, Vanarama National League North and Vanarama National League South seasons 2019/20 will be concluded with final league tables compiled on an “Unweighted Points Per Game” basis.

Tracey Hartley-Smith, Clinical Lead for Children and Young People’s Learning Disability Services in Wirral, has been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse.

Cheshire Constabulary is urging anyone planning to attend a protest this weekend to take extra care to help keep themselves and others safe.

Exactly a year ago, Jack Howe aged just 19, was killed in an accident on a rented quad bike, on his first ever lads’ holiday in Zante, a day before he and his seven friends were due to return home.

A new NHS scheme has seen tens of thousands of people in the North West get a fast, safe, face-to-face consultation with a local pharmacist during the coronavirus pandemic.

​A leading publican has warned that many licensees across the country are facing financial ruin due to the decision by several pub companies including one of the largest, Punch Taverns to continue to demand rental payments during the period of the Coronavirus lockdown.

Storyhouse has announced today that it will re-open as soon as the government allows and as early as 4th July.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has pledged to continue welcoming people escaping war zones and persecution, following the success of the Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement Programme.

British retail heritage brand, Laura Ashley has confirmed that its stores in Chester, Congleton, Crewe, Knutsford, Nantwich, Warrington and Wilmslow are re-opening in June, to commence its closing down sale.

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has maintained its Care Quality Commission outstanding rating for caring, alongside an overall rating of Good.

A major fund launched to help people affected by the coronavirus pandemic has distributed over £500,000 in grants.

A pen pal project to befriend people living with dementia has seen 100 students reach out to care home residents living under lockdown.

Spending time in the great outdoors, at places such as campsites, will be just the break people need after spending so much time at home.

Only one-in-three drivers expect to take the summer holiday they had planned before the coronavirus outbreak, with a UK ‘staycation’ by car now favoured by those who had no plans or had to cancel them, new research for RAC Breakdown shows.

A grant from Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Community Response Fund has helped CLIC Sargent continue to stop cancer impacting young lives during the coronavirus pandemic.

To improve the security experience and help restore confidence in travel as the airport begins to see more people wanting to travel, passengers at Manchester Airport now have the opportunity to pre-book a free 15-minute security slot, as part of a UK-first new trial by MAG.

Around 10,500 jobs will be lost in the tourism and hospitality industry in North Wales even if it’s allowed to start trading again on July 1 – with another 2,000 at risk if it’s a month later.

Chester cautiously welcomed back local people to city centre shops on Monday, as some retailers re-opened their doors for the first time since March.

Love Letters to the Town is a special project, by and with a group of local young writers who have something hopeful to share with the people of Ellesmere Port and the world.

Residents are invited to show their support for the borough’s Armed Forces in a different way this year.

The North West’s cancer centres are pulling out all the stops to ensure people can get convenient cancer care during the coronavirus pandemic.

As non-essential retail opened in the city centre this week, the team at CH1Chester BID captured on film the shops and shopkeepers who are opening up the city again.

Chester-based charity Children Today has launched its ‘Lockdown Locks’ challenge to encourage people to take on their own haircut at home whilst supporting children in need.

The hard work and dedication of members of staff at the University of Chester have been celebrated at a special online event organised by Chester Students’ Union.

A total of 16 men have been charged with drug offences following an operation by Cheshire Constabulary’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) targeting organised crime in Ellesmere Port and Chester.

The Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has written to the Secretary of State for Education, Gavin Williamson MP, calling for the Countryside Code to be taught in schools.

Emirates has opened twice weekly flights for passengers between Manchester and Dubai on the back of its cargo operations.

Will Goodwin became the latest player in an exciting line of youngsters to make the transition from Chester FC Academy into the First Team squad.

The UK’s largest coach operator will re-start services on its national network of intercity routes at a reduced frequency on Wednesday 1 July, with significant new measures in place to allow customers to travel in confidence.

Criminals are exploiting the COVID-19 pandemic to try and get their hands on your money and personal information.

An online fundraiser for Chester Zoo took staff on a day-long “walk on the wildside”.

Residents of West Cheshire may be surprised to know that a ship named after the town of Neston was active in the transatlantic slave trade.

The views of artists and educators working in community settings across the North are being sought by the University of Chester.

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Homes in Ellesmere Port, Chester and Wirral have been raided by detectives disrupting organised crime.

Residents across Cheshire are being urged to remain vigilant when buying pets online following an emerging trend of animal related scams during the coronavirus pandemic.

As we start to enter the recovery phase of the coronavirus pandemic, we will experience change and will need to adapt to a new norm.

On Friday, Chester FC launched the most ambitious fundraiser in our club’s history, aiming for a total of £100k for the playing budget.

Police investigating a sexual assault at Chester bus station would like to speak to a good Samaritan who may have vital information.

Two people in Ellesmere Port were celebrating over the weekend after winning £1,000 each thanks to their lucky postcode.

The new leader of the University of Chester’s Business School has pledged to develop the enterprising outlook and commitment of its staff and students further to become one of the UK’s most business friendly and connected business schools.

Detectives investigating a burglary incident in Chester are appealing for information and footage from members of the public.

Scams Awareness fortnight launches today - Cheshire West and Chester Trading Standards and Citizens Advice Cheshire West are encouraging people to talk about their experiences of scams during the pandemic.

Chester-based North West Academies Trust has invested in more than 200 new laptops to make sure all pupils can keep learning in lockdown.

During a time of great financial uncertainty for charities, the University of Chester has worked with Santander Universities UK to support a number of local initiatives to help others.

Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet re-opens today following government regulations and guidelines. The centre will reopen with restricted customer capacities and adjusted opening hours from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Sunday.

Face coverings are a must for everyone travelling on public transport in England from today.

The Gladstone Library, in Hawarden, has issued a statement regarding their founder, William Gladstone, in the light of the recent Black Lives Matter protests.

A charity which supports people living with neurological conditions has turned to its community for help to organise a lockdown-compatible event to help celebrate its 35th anniversary.

Chester Football Club has launched the Boost the Budget scheme to give the Blues the best possible chance of being competitive next season, setting an ambitious goal of raising £100,000 for the first team playing budget.

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Staff from local NHS Trust CWP have come together virtually with a moving performance to provide hope and togetherness to people in times of adversity.

Environment Agency figures released today show a huge surge in fishing licence sales after the government lifted restrictions on outdoor activities.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has written to head teachers, governors and parents to explain the current public health situation in the borough and set out the plans for a phased wider re-opening of schools for some year groups.

New rules requiring passengers to wear a face covering on their journey will come into force on public transport across England from Monday, Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has confirmed today.

We are just coming to the end of Neighbourhood Watch Week this year and you can find out about activities and inspiring stories.

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A brood of rare peregrine falcon chicks have started to fly their nest at Chester’s Shot Tower under the watchful gaze of their parents – ending their own mini-lockdown and delighting hundreds of video viewers, who have tuned in daily to watch their progress.

Sexual health services across Chester West and Chester are now providing postal kits so people can test themselves for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at home.

Foster4, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s foster carer recruitment service, celebrates Father’s Day on 21 June by recognising the contribution that fathers and father figures, including male foster carers, make to the lives of their children.

Detectives are urging motorists with high-powered cars to review their home security measures following an increase in the number of thefts of such vehicles in Widnes and Northwich.

One in five teachers who are shielding, because they have been identified by the NHS as being clinically extremely vulnerable to coronavirus, have been told to go into school, a survey by NASUWT – The Teachers’ Union has found.

Financial support is available for West Cheshire residents struggling to make ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Two Chester students have earned national recognition for work focussing on the formative years of early childhood.

SCAM ALERT!

Storyhouse have today announced that this year’s planned season of Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, which costs £ ¾m to stage and accounts for one fifth of the charity’s entire annual ticket income, has been postponed until next summer.

Stagecoach, Britain’s biggest bus and coach operator, is launching a new smartphone “busy bus” indicator to help customers plan their journeys as services increase across the country.

The British Liver Trust is warning of a potential future surge in a serious form of liver disease as a new survey reveals that four out of ten people in the UK have gained weight during lockdown.

Bike to work? Where are you going to keep it? Many workplaces are not equipped with bike storage for staff

Prospective students can visit the University of Chester from their own homes in a series of Virtual Open Days on Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 13.

New analysis published today by the TUC shows that young workers (aged 25 and under) in the North West face the highest risk of unemployment due to the coronavirus crisis.

A package of support to help High Streets to get back on their feet has been launched today (Friday 12 June), the Government has announced, ahead of shops re-opening from 15 June.

Parents of babies born in Cheshire West and Chester will be able to register their birth from Monday 15 June.

Officers investigating an arson incident at a closed down restaurant in Ellesmere Port have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident.

Are you interested in the Special Constabulary ?

Chester is getting ready to see the re-opening of more shops and welcoming the return of shoppers.

Face coverings will be mandatory on trains from Monday 15 June.

With many children set to remain out of school for some time, employers who are trying to return to normal may see an increase in parents struggling with childcare.

Becoming an avatar is just one way that you can visit the final year degree show of the University of Chester’s Art and Design students.

The leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council is calling on all residents to play their part in preventing the spread of coronavirus to help save lives and save livelihoods in our borough.

There have now been a further six reports of theft incidents involving catalytic converters.

Covid-19 is impacting many families and individuals in very different ways. But with so many of us spending more time at home than ever before, many people are thinking about whether they can move or extend to gain more space, or just taking advantage of lower interest rates.

As part of National Specials Weekend, Cheshire Special Constabulary gave 1,110 hours of their spare time to help keep the communities of Cheshire safe.

Cheshire West and Chester Council company Vivo Care Choices has handed out grants to seven different initiatives through its newly-launched Community Fund.

Initial 12 week discount for NHS Heroes will be extended until the end of September. The move is a thank you to hard working NHS staff during the battle against the coronavirus.

The owner of a restaurant in Ellesmere has been sentenced for a total of 23 food safety and hygiene offences at Liverpool Crown Court.

A pioneering new service has been launched to transform the lives of people hooked on drugs in North Wales. The Dechrau Newydd (Fresh Start) programme will provide rapid-response support and help break the vicious circle of addiction and offending.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Regulatory Services team has been supporting many businesses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic as regulations change rapidly.

Acas North West has updated its coronavirus guidance to cover best practice around how to handle returning to work.

Drivers remain committed to keeping their vehicles properly maintained through the coronavirus pandemic, with relatively few intending to make full use of the automatic six-month MOT extension.

Neston Town Council are delighted to bring back their much loved market this Friday, 12th June.

Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, Louise Gittins, said: “I’m delighted with the announcement that Government has reversed its decision and allowed Chester Zoo to re-open safely.

As part of Government plans to further ease lockdown, non-essential shops and businesses within the city will be given the go-ahead to re-open from Monday 15 June. In support, parking at Linenhall will remain available free of charge until the end of July.

Research shows that learning new skills can boost self-confidence, raise self-esteem and help you to connect with others.

Homeowners are being reminded to take extra care of outdoor belongings as 44% more garden theft claims were received during the summer of 2019 compared to the colder months at the beginning of this year.

After taking the concerns of local residents directly to the Prime Minister, Cheshire’s Conservative MPs and councillors are delighted that Chester Zoo can reopen on June 15th.

Chester FC have been awarded a £1,500 Pitch Preparation Fund grant from the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s Football Foundation.

Operational activity is being stepped up across the county to target the illegal and anti-social use of motorbikes.

RSPCA called about more than 400 equine incidents in Cheshire last year, sparking fears that more sick horses will be dumped across the country.

Please be aware that we have received several reports of a telephone scam.

Business leaders in Cheshire are being urged to help support thousands of children from across the region who are without access to online learning during the Covid-19 lockdown.

Local Authorities given new tools to crack down on misuse of mandatory cycle lanes

Contacts to the NSPCC’s helpline about the impact of domestic abuse on children have surged by almost a third since the start of the lockdown, to an average of one an hour.

Residents in Cheshire West and Chester are being warned to be wary of scammers pretending to be from the NHS as coronavirus contact tracing launches in the UK.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning residents about the dangers of smoking at home following a third fatal fire in Cheshire East involving cigarettes since February this year.

Cheshire Constabulary is urging residents to be vigilant following an increase in catalytic converter thefts.

Colleagues and customers at Morrisons in the North West have been named some of the nation’s most generous after they raised £91,124.35 towards Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal this year.

Coinciding with Bike Week (6-14 June), Cheshire West and Chester Council is launching its Walk. Ride. Thrive campaign to encourage more people to enjoy a summer of active travel.

Three councils across Cheshire have secured £5.4m in European funding to support young people and adults who need help to find work, training or further education across Cheshire.

Cheshire West and Chester Council are marking this year’s National Carers Week by looking for ‘hidden’ carers.

A graduate who taught herself coding has launched an Instagram game, attracting over a million users since it launched last month.

In March, when the lockdown of public places was due to be announced, for SPACE, a local charity in Chester that run a support centre for families of children with additional needs, closing was inevitable.

A Bedfordshire man who left his family home to care for his 92-year-old mother in Tarporley during lockdown has credited Cheshire charity Older People Active Lives for helping them both cope with isolation.

A Government Minister has given an absolute reassurance to Cheshire Conservative MPs to do whatever it takes to secure the future of Chester Zoo.

The Council and school headteachers have urgently reviewed plans for a phased return of some children to school, responding to the latest public health position.

Chester FC can provide a further update to supporters and City Fans United members in relation to the club’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic and uncertain footballing landscape.

The scammers have a new scheme.

Chester FC Women has announced an exciting step forward in preparation for football’s return with the formation of a Development Squad.

Chester’s record-breaking goalkeeper John Danby, a player whose career with the Blues stretched over both versions of the football club, is to join the club’s Hall of Fame.

We can confirm that striker Akwasi Asante has decided to leave Chester FC.

This weekend is the start of Neighbourhood Watch Week in which we are celebrating neighbours and we kick that off with a folding card from us to you.

Residents are being asked what a stronger future means to them as planning gets underway to help the borough come back from COVID-19 as an even better place to live and work.

Some dental practices in the North West will begin to reopen from Monday (8th June) for face-to-face appointments that are pre-booked by phone or email.

Following the death of George Floyd in America, Cheshire West and Chester Council will illuminate iconic landmarks in Chester purple for the evening next week to stand together in solidarity with everyone fighting racism, discrimination and inequality.

To mark Volunteers’ Week, volunteers in the North West have been thanked by the Duchess of Cornwall for their acts of kindness to support the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Furlough at Bunbury Mill - Here's the latest news.

The leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council has sent a letter to the Secretary of State to share her concern about the decision to introduce legislation to keep Chester Zoo closed indefinitely.

Taking a day trip is not essential. That’s the message from rail operator Northern, which is calling on all rail travellers in the North West to take extra time to think ‘Is my journey necessary?’.

A pioneering new service has been launched to provide professional online lessons and fun music challenges for children in North Wales to ensure they don’t miss out because of the coronavirus restrictions.

Officers investigating a collision in Parkgate have renewed their appeal for information.

Tatton Park has successfully begun welcoming visitors to its newly-reopened parklands.

As public transport usage is expected to further increase, the wearing of face coverings for transport providers and passengers will become a mandatory requirement.

The Government will work with operators to make it mandatory for passengers to wear face coverings when using public transport in England.

A graduate from the University of Chester is proof that focus is the key to success in sports photography – in more ways than one!

Police in Wales are reminding their neighbours across the border check the rules before they travel, as tourists continue to flock there despite lockdown restrictions.

Three men from Ellesmere Port have been charged with assault following an incident in the town.

A leading academic at the University of Chester has published an evaluation of creative and collaborative processes to tackle poverty in Cheshire which could help to tackle the issue in a new way during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

A six-year-old boy from Ellesmere Port who has an inoperable brain tumour has been given a specialist buggy by a children’s charity to ensure he can attend vital hospital appointments and go outside with his family.

As she approaches her 100th birthday, Olive is arranging 100 flower bouquets in her garden to create 100 smiles and raise money for the Hospice of the Good Shepherd at the same time.

RSPCA reveals 546 calls about litter in Cheshire, over the past five years, and calls for people enjoying days out to dispose of rubbish carefully.

Three Cheshire Labour MPs have written to the government over fears for the future of Chester Zoo.

Eco-aware Chester University staff have given surplus sweet treats to key-workers working at the forefront of the coronavirus epidemic.

New research has found 75 % of people living in the North West think their local green spaces, including the countryside next door to where they live, could be enhanced.

The iconic Jodrell Bank Observatory is taking its first major steps to resume operations after lockdown as part of what is probably the biggest ‘reboot’ in the history of astrophysics.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Libraries Service is excited to be taking part in this year’s all-new digital Summer Reading Challenge which is organised by The Reading Agency.

Care Providers in West Cheshire will benefit from a national £600 million Infection Control fund to tackle COVID 19.