Acton Edleston & Henhull

Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

Acton, Edleston & Henhull Parish Plan

Acton, Edleston & Henhull Parish Council Parish Clerk: Carol Mace Reproduced from the Ordnance survey Map on behalf of HMSO. C Crown Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Ordnance Survey License No. 100044023 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

FOREWORD ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS CONTENTS

The Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Council We have had enormous support during the Foreword 2 set up The Steering Group to formulate a “Parish preparation of this plan from people in the local Acknowledgements 2 Plan” which would be a plan recognised by Crewe community, local businesses, local authorities, the and Nantwich Borough Council and Cheshire Community Council and our Parish Council. Executive Summary 4 County Council. This would ensure both bodies I want to extend my thanks to all who have Introduction 5 would have to, at least, consider the views of the contributed to this plan, both in terms of financial Chapter 1 Description of the Parishes 6 Parish and we think this is particularly important contributions and other donations, and the in Planning matters. Chapter 2 History of the Parishes 8 hundreds of hours of volunteer time that have We stated from the beginning that a separate and been willingly given. Chapter 3 The Parish Plan Process 10 independent group should undertake this task. On the back page, I have tried to remember, name Chapter 4 Public Engagement 12 We did not want the same people wearing and thank all those who have helped. Chapter 5 The Snapshot Report 14 different hats reporting to themselves. One of the most heartening things is the way the Chapter 6 Key Areas for Focus 16 In this, we were lucky to have a group who plan preparation has brought people together who volunteered their services. Ably led by Annie 6.1 Vehicles Traffic and Transport 16 didn't know each other before and how, even Coombs, a large number of people worked well towards the end of the process, meetings have 6.2 Environment and Countryside 21 and hard to complete a Plan. On behalf of the been well attended. It was great when Reg said, (including Future Development) Parish Council and the Parishioners as a whole I “I've met more people through doing this plan 6.3 Community Facilities 26 would like to thank each of them. than in the previous 8 years I've lived in Acton”. 6.4 Parish Communication 29 The Open Day in January 2005 was a great I think that sentiment is true for many of us. success and I am sure that everybody will enjoy Chapter 7 Action Plans 33 The support in terms of officer time from both reading the report and plan on something, with County and Borough Councils has also been most Chapter 8 What Next? 42 which we are familiar and is such an important forthcoming and helpful (even from people who Chapter 9 Conclusions 43 part of our lives. had never heard of Parish Plans!). REFERENCES 43 This Plan was put before the Parish Council on I am not going to thank individuals here, except March 24th 2005 for approval. I am pleased to APPENDICES for Peter Webb, without whose constant support report it was enthusiastically adopted as an and determination we certainly would not have Appendix 2.1 Listed Buildings 44 expression of people's aspirations and a framework finished the plan on time - we might not even Appendix 3.1 Parish Council and Parish Plan 45 for future action in the Parish. have got it started! Steering Committee I would like to say that the Acton, Edleston and Appendix 4.1 Flyer 46 Henhull Parish Plan is a well-researched, well- written and attractive document. I would also like Annie Coombs Appendix 4.2 Questionnaire 48 to thank Peter Webb for his professional advice Chair Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Appendix 6.1 Footways and Footpaths 51 and of course Annie Coombs' drive and Steering Committee commitment, which brought it about. Appendix 6.2 Environment and Countryside 53 March 2005 Appendix 6.3 Local Events in the Area 58

Maurice Connolly

Chair of Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Council

2 3 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The parishes are steeped in history and valued for Chapters 1 and 2. The way the Steering their rural and countryside nature as well as being INTRODUCTION Committee was formed and went about the job of important productive farmland. The preparing the plan and consulting the community Acton, Edleston and Henhull are 3 small rural questionnaires showed that some residents' quality is described in Chapters 3 and 4. Chapter 5 gives parishes, combined for administrative purposes, in of life is disturbed by heavy and high speed traffic, This Parish Plan; for the parishes of Acton, a brief summary of the findings of the the rural heartland of South Cheshire. They cover traffic noise, parking congestion round the school, Edleston and Henhull, has been prepared by a questionnaire. Chapter 6 gives more detailed 765 hectares and have around 200 households, a litter and fly tipping and dog fouling. In addition, Parish Plan Steering Committee that has taken its explanations of those areas identified as issues third of which are in the village of Acton, the only people feel their quality of life could be improved guide from the Parish Council and from the points needing further investigation, which are potential real settlement in the parishes. The rest of the by of view of people who live and work in the areas where people can get involved in helping to population is scattered across the parishes along implement some of the improvements suggested. G a better bus service; parishes. The process has taken about 20 months minor roads and lanes. People know each other in in all, with the key activities comprising an initial The main outcomes and proposed actions arising the village, but the traditional concept of G more village facilities - especially a shop and survey of what people thought were the “big from the community consultation process are community is limited and communication can be play area; issues”, a questionnaire to all households, shown in a series of tables in Chapter 7. Chapter difficult. G a re-energised Home-watch scheme; identification of the key points for action, 8 gives some thoughts on what should happen The Parish Council decided to initiate the G environmental enhancements including presentation of these at an open day, further next because there is now some expectation on the preparation of a Parish Plan, but was determined conservation and some tree planting; investigation of the issues including meetings with to see a different group of people lead the process local authorities and other organisations and G more information about what is going on in to try and improve social cohesion. A Steering finally the preparation of this report with its the parishes; and Committee was formed following a public action plans. meeting. G occasional additional parish events. Parish plans were part of a Countryside Agency Some of these ideas are small, easily funded initiative, “Vital Villages”. Recent changes at the initiatives that should be straightforward to make Countryside Agency mean responsibility for this happen by a small group of volunteers. Others are initiative has moved to Government Office North dependent on external funding and actions from West from 1st April 2005. The importance of the the local authorities and for these, ongoing parish plan process as a means of giving rural dialogue and communication will be important. communities a stronger voice in their future It is acknowledged that the Parish Council has remains intact. The new planning system affords played a long-term role in some of these issues great importance to involving communities. over the years. Preparing a parish plan is one of the steps a parish council has to take if it intends to seek “Quality part of those consulted that their views will be The Parish Council and the Parish Plan Steering Status”. taken on board and things will happen. Committee recognise that this plan is a step in a process. It will be important that expectations The Countryside Agency gave financial support to Please read some, or all, of this plan. The aim is It took some time for this committee to grasp the raised in terms of increased community cohesion, the Parish Council to enable the consultation, to provide information of interest to people who tasks in hand and to make a funding application parish events and communication as well as actual communication and plan production to take place. live in the Parishes, to act as a means of to the Countryside Agency (CA). It gained projects have leadership from within the broader Funding for essential parts of this report has also influencing the statutory planning system, but momentum after a few months by word of mouth, community and not just those who have led the come from a number of other sources, namely also to inspire you to get involved in the next with more people attending the meetings following plan preparation to date. Nonetheless, the Plan is Cheshire County Council (the County), Crewe steps, which are described in Chapters 7 and 8. issue of a flyer. an important statement of the community's and Nantwich Borough Council (the Borough) A questionnaire was used to consult the aspirations at this time and a framework for and Acton Edleston and Henhull Parish Council community. A 60% return rate of the community action within the parishes. (AEHPC). Volunteer time from members of the questionnaire identified the main areas for focus. local community has also been significant. Further research and meetings with local In preparing this Parish Plan, background authorities and other organisations were information was researched about the parishes, the undertaken. households and local history and is presented in

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holds barges, mainly for leisure use.

The A534, that leads from Nantwich's historic Acton Village Household Information Welsh Row, passes through the centre of the The village is clustered round the Grade 1-listed Information in this section is based on the 2001 village of Acton to connect with the A51 at St Mary's church, with the main Chester road Census . Further information is given in Chapter 1 DESCRIPTION OF THE Burford Crossroads (the scene of a car crash with passing through the village centre. Other facilities 5 about the households that responded in the one fatality, in 2004). The busy A51, which forms PARISHES include a primary school opened in 1843, 'The questionnaire. 453 people in the parishes live in the northern boundary to the parishes, together 178 houses giving an average number of people This chapter describes the parishes, the with the A534 is a major link from North Wales per household of 2.6. The age profiles show that households and the planning policies relevant to across to the M6. 22% of the population is in the 0-15 range, 60% them. A short length of the new road from the centre of in the 16-64 range and 18% in the 65+ range. Nantwich to the aqueduct falls within Henhull The majority of the households in the parishes Location and Land Use parish. The other roads are unclassified. One of (68%) are owner-occupied, with 16% rented from these, Monks Lane, which runs from the centre of the social landlord Wulvern Housing, which took The three parishes of Acton, Edleston and Acton village to the A534, is a popular short cut over local authority stock. Henhull are combined for administrative purposes. for traffic travelling east-west. They form a crescent round the western side of the market town of Nantwich and cover an area of Edleston, the southernmost of the three parishes is Local Plan Context 765 hectares (1,890 acres). The majority of the traversed by the Manchester to Cardiff railway The Borough of Crewe and Nantwich Replacement land use in that area is agricultural grassland, with line, which has a station in Nantwich. In the Star' pub (dating from 1590), a village hall (built Local Plan to 2011 was adopted by the Borough limited woodland and some arable farmland. eastern point of the parish, the alignment of the in 1909) and a car park. The village is in a Council in February 2005. There is one village, Acton, a small business area dismantled Nantwich to Audlem branch railway Conservation Area. The name Acton refers to the associated with Nantwich Marina canal basin, the heads south. Acton is a village in the oak trees prevalent in the village and on the Dorfold Estate and three mainly other dairy Borough that has been Parish Boundaries surrounding estate. farms. The rest of the settlement pattern consists defined by a “Settlement of scattered houses along the roads and lanes that North: Main roads A534 and A51, excluding Boundary”. This defines run through the parishes. Reaseheath College buildings to meet River Dorfold Hall the area of the village within Weaver. which policies permit Transport Routes Dorfold Hall Estate with its Jacobean house (open limited development. Land East: River Weaver, Field boundaries, canal, edge to the public on Tuesday afternoons) owns a large The Shropshire Union Canal passes through all outside this boundary is of Nantwich town and centre line of Nantwich part of the parishes land area. Dorford Hall Park three parishes, forming the boundary between the classified as being “in the Lake. is home to the annual Nantwich and South parishes and Nantwich for part of its route. An open countryside” where South: Tributary of the Weaver that flows from Cheshire Show, which hosts Europe's largest inter- aqueduct carries the canal over the Chester Road development will only Nantwich Lake. national cheese exhibition. The Estate includes (A534), which leaves Nantwich in a northwesterly exceptionally be permitted. other farm and agricultural houses, registered direction. There is an extensive canal basin that West: Field boundaries and a small brook. The policy recognises that historic parkland and actively farmed areas. very limited genuine Nantwich Marina opportunities for infilling exist within the smaller settlements of the A number of small businesses associated with Borough. Affordable housing may be granted as an tourism on the canal are located at the marina exception and subject to a number of specified including a boatyard repair shop, café, launderette, criteria. canal holiday company and a canal boat chandlers shop. There are a few houses located near the The village centre is designated a Conservation marina and a car park for canal-based Area. The Local Plan sets out that the aim is “to holidaymakers. The marina has been the site of conserve and enhance the special character of these community art-based projects and will be the areas by preserving existing buildings and features permanent location for a community art sculpture. and prompting their appropriate enhancement.

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This can be achieved by careful control of develop- parishes. taken by siege on several occasions during the 2 and quite small and could have been built by ment both within and adjacent to the Conservation Village and Parish Names month long battles. Edwin, Prince of Mercia, brother-in-law to King Area”. Acton village also has a Conservation Area Harold. The tower is the oldest part of the Life in the C18th and C19th continued to be Appraisal Plan, which includes reasons for Most of the villages within the Parishes have present building holding a ring of six bells, which focused around the Church with people designation and characteristics of the area and names that can be traced back to pre-Conquest date from the C18th. Adjoining the tower is the concentrating their efforts on feeding their mentions the significance of the long distance views times although the spelling changes from century raised Chapel beneath which is a vault families and maintaining a roof over their heads. of the village and particularly the church. to century. Acton itself (Actune) means “Oak containing 28 lead coffins, which date back to Signs of change were the canals and after 1843 Town” whilst Henhull or Henhill was a place for the C14th. Stained glass windows at the East The important heritage of other areas is also the steam locomotive and machinery that Woodhens or other wildfowl. The Parish of and West ends of the building are by “Kempe” recognised in the Local Plan by policies on the became available to assist in farming. People Henhull was the seat of the family of that name. and are from the late C19th. battlefield site, Dorfold Hall Historic Park and the were able to travel further and began to migrate In recent years modern metal detectors have scheduled ancient monuments and historic to Nantwich to work in the new boot and shoe found Henhull to be the richest source of buildings. Industry. With the opening of the canals and historical artefacts. Almshouses the railway, local farmers switched from making Other relevant policies encourages economic cheese, which would “keep”, to sending activity / rural diversification in rural areas with a The Parishes through the Ages milk to the larger centres of presumption against residential conversion of population, and dairy farming was existing rural buildings except in special North of Acton village to the A51, there is an area established as the main industry. circumstances. of enclosure dating back to the C8th or C9th. During the 20th Century the Parishes Nantwich Marina has a specific policy allocating it Cheshire's Historic Landscape Characterisation became involved in the Great War and as an area for tourism and recreational (Cheshire County Council 2005) classifies it as Second World War taking in evacuees development associated with use of the Shropshire “Medieval Townfields Type”. There are also from Liverpool and other badly Union Canal. surviving signs of “Ancient Field Systems” across the parishes. affected areas. During 1940 Dorfold The eastern edges of the parishes, which bound Park was converted into a camp for The area has predominately been used for the River Weaver fall into the site area of the American soldiers and the village of agricultural purposes and forestry although there proposed Weaver Valley Regional Park. Acton was bombed, suffering damage is evidence of some related industries such as but no loss of life. wheelwrights. The villages remained small and 2 HISTORY compact.

The Ancient Parish of Acton can be traced back to St Mary's Church the C11th, as one of the largest in the “Nantwich This chapter describes the rich heritage of the The magnificent Grade 1-listed Church of St The almshouses were built in 1613 by the Hundred” consisting of 17 townships, Mary, which is one of the Wilbraham family to provide housing for two old which are said to have been created finest medieval churches people of the parish. between 1086 and 1260. The village in Britain, was built in of “Actune,” is mentioned in the the C14th of local red Domesday survey of 1086. There was sandstone. There is Dorfold Hall a large manorial hall at Acton, owned evidence that a church Dorfold Hall, in a more modest state, was by the Earl Morcar whose estate had been on the site from mentioned in the Domesday survey. The name provided wood for fuel for the salt as early as the C10th, “Deofold” means cattle enclosure or deer park. In industry. Nantwich itself developed substantiated by the 1602 the Estate was bought by Sir Roger later as a baronial centre, displacing discovery of Saxon Wilbraham, a prominent lawyer of his time. On Acton. carvings on the his death the Estate passed to his younger brother foundation stones of the During the English Civil War the Ralph Wilbraham who built the present Jacobean current building. The Battle of Nantwich took place in 1644 house in 1616 completing the building in 1621. early church was probably of timber construction just outside the village, which was After 5 generations of Wilbrahams, Dorfold was

8 9 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

the Sealed Knot, and the wearing of a sprig of members of the public and 5 parish councillors holly on 'Holly Holy Day' in January each year. took place in July 2003 at which Cheshire Community Council gave a presentation on the The parishes have a wealth of historic interest in purpose of parish plans. The Chair of the Parish their listed buildings, which are itemised and Council directed the meeting to find volunteers to shown in Appendix 2.1. form the Parish Plan Steering Committee. He explained that whilst the Parish Council remained ultimately accountable, it wanted a different group of people to lead the process in order to widen community involvement. A small steering committee of 5 people was formed and given a


Jul-04 Offer of grant from CA


remit to seek funding for the plan. Parish


Councillors and Steering Committee members are Questionnaire sent out and collected



sold to another wealthy Cheshire lawyer James listed in Appendix 3.1. 3 PARISH PLAN PROCESS Oct-04 Questionnaire analysed



Tomkinson in 1754. In 1861 the Hall reverted Over the period from August 2003 to February Action groups set up


back to descendants of the Wilbraham family and 2004, the small steering committee met and

then to the Roundell family, of whom the present gradually enlarged its membership, mainly by Jan-05 Parish Open Day attracts This chapter tells how the idea for the Parish Plan 90+ people







owner, Richard Roundell, is the fourth generation started, the application for funding and the work word of mouth and by meeting in 'The Star'. Focus groups and writing

to live in the Hall. led by the Steering Committee thereafter to Adoption of Plan by Parish Council


Canals and Aqueduct produce this Plan. Countryside Agency Application and Apr-05 Appointment of graphic designer

The Shropshire Union Canal was built in stages. Grant Awards Plan layout and photographs

The first section from Chester to Nantwich Government Initiatives Printing of plan and start In March 2004 an application was submitted to of projects



opened in 1774 and finished at Basin End The “Rural White Paper” (2000) set out the the Countryside Agency, for a grant of £5,000. A Jul-05 Launch of Parish Plan













(Nantwich Marina). This was designed to carry Government's plans for the countryside. The 51% grant of £3,470 was offered with match A small sub-group was set up to write the Plan. 14ft wide Mersey Flats and is wider than the Government wants local communities to take more funding from the Parish Council. Cheshire This sub-group reported back regularly to the southern section. The last section of the canal active involvement in the future of their Community Council offered some of its services in wider Steering Committee and anyone who cared between Nantwich and Birmingham, completed in neighbourhoods and to engage more with the kind to enable the budget to be met. During the to attend the meetings. 1835, was built to carry only narrow-boats, 7ft authorities. Parish Plans are part of this process process, further grants and services were procured wide. The owners of Dorfold Park objected to the The main events during the plan preparation are and were launched in 2000 as part of the from the Parish Council, the County Council and intended route, so the engineers, Telford and shown on the timeline diagram. The process of Countryside Agency's “Vital Villages” programme. the Borough Council. Cubitt, had to build the half-mile Nantwich public engagement is described in more detail in embankment to avoid the park. Telford's single- The Vital Villages initiative “aims to help small Chapter 4. arched cast-iron aqueduct, spanning the Chester rural communities to take stock of their village; to Steering Committee Leadership Road, is a Grade 2 star listed structure. identify what they need to revitalise it; to ensure From May 2004, the Steering Committee worked local people have a voice in their future; and to with the community and the local authorities, provide support to enable each village to make its optimistic that it would receive a grant from the Battlefield Site own decisions and to implement some of the improve- Countryside Agency or another source of funding. The Battle of Nantwich took place on 25th ments needed locally.” (CA, 2001, Vital Villages).

January 1644 in fields in the current area of Jul-03 Public presentation about
Nantwich Marina, round Acton village and north parish plans Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Oct-03
beyond the route of the A51. The victory over the Council Decision Jan-04
Royalists ended a six-week siege of Nantwich and
is regarded as a turning point in the Civil War. It AEHPC decided in 2003 that it wished to prepare Application for funding to CA

is still celebrated, in a re-enaction of the Battle by a Parish Plan. A public meeting attended by 8 Apr-04


Big Issues flyer distributed

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G encourage identification of further issues described in Chapter 5. and participation.

Some Parish Councillors and the rest of the Parish Open Day Steering Committee contributed to the final version of the questionnaire, which is included in A successful Parish Open Day was organised on 4 PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT Appendix 4.2. the afternoon of 22nd January 2005, which Distribution was arranged in May 2004, by coincided with Holly Holy Day. (See Chapter inclusion with the local church magazine, Cross The questionnaire had 26 questions covering 2). The Open Day was held in the village hall, County. Those responsible for distributing the household information, travel, access to services This chapter tells how the local community has attended by over 90 people, many of whom magazine made every effort to distribute it to the and countryside, village and community been consulted during the preparation of this Plan. stayed for more than two hours. Exhibition right households but not all AEH households facilities. material included the main findings from the received a flyer. There were, however, sufficient In addition to the questionnaire, historic memorabilia, photographs “Big Issue” Flyer responses with consistent views for the Steering questions, there was and maps relating to the parishes, canal history Committee to be able to pinpoint the topic areas The Steering Committee decided it needed to a tear-off slip giving and commun-ity art. There were also for the questionnaire. inform the community about the parish plan residents the refreshments, provided by the Acton and process, find out what issues particularly A number of informal presentations were given at opportunity to enter Reaseheath Women's Institute, an under 16's concerned residents before sending out a this stage about the parish plan process to a prize draw and quiz - with prizes and a prize draw for those questionnaire and involve more people if possible. organisations such as the WI, Age Concern and indicate possible residents who completed the questionnaire. attempts were made to engage the businesses at community activities A copy of the flyer is reproduced in Appendix 4.1. The Open Day was advertised before and reported Nantwich Marina. This process also brought new in which they would twice afterwards in the Nantwich Chronicle. members to the Steering Committee and more like to be involved members of the community attending the and/or would be meetings in 'The Star'. Dialogue with the major prepared to lead. Focus Group Meetings landowner in the parishes at Dorfold Hall has In September 2004, the Steering Committee and Following the Open Day it was decided to conduct been organised with the estate's land management other volunteers hand-delivered the a number of meetings to gather more background advisors. questionnaires, helped residents respond if information and engage particular groups because, required and collected them or requested they although individuals from households had Questionnaire were dropped off at 'The Star'. Results are responded, the views of these groups were also

Two members of the Steering Committee designed the questionnaire, which aimed to:

G collect background statistical information;

G canvass opinions on the subjects drawn from the flyer; and

12 13 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan thought to be important. They were: 4% are under 5. 46% of pupils travel to and from school by car whilst 37.5% walk. G the Headmaster of the local school - as a Vehicles, Transport and Traffic small proportion of the pupils live in the G Applying questionnaire results to the whole parishes; population there are on average:- Environment and Countryside (including G the Vicar, as the Church is considering the future development) G 1.7 cars per household future of the almshouses; G 100% of the respondents consider that the G 0.85 cars per adult G the main business at the marina; countryside is important; G Generally parking is not a problem with G a representative of the Parish Hall G “Tranquillity” and “openness” were most only 10% stating that they have difficulty; committee; important characteristics with “local G Over 40% of the respondents use the 84 bus identity” a close third; G the co-ordinator of the Home-watch scheme. service at least a couple of times per month, G “Trees and Hedges” and “Wildlife” were the with 6.5% reliant on it daily; most important elements of the countryside G 50% of the respondents said that the bus to respondents; Ongoing Dialogue with the Parish service from Nantwich, Crewe and Chester 5 SNAPSHOT REPORT G “Fly tipping”, “litter” and “dog fouling” are Council was “acceptable” or “very good”, with only the main concerns that detract from the 5% rating it “poor”; Communications between Parish Council and countryside; This chapter describes the findings of the G 14% (or 53 residents, based on the 2001 G Respondents would like to see both street questionnaire, which were described in the Census) say that they would use a later trees and new woodland established as well snapshot report - an interim report used to analyse evening bus service from Crewe and as new wildlife areas together with wildlife- the questionnaire results. Nantwich; sensitive maintenance; The Questionnaire G Fewer than 10% of the residents use the G 60 % of respondents did not want any A copy of the questionnaire is included in mini bus service between Bunbury and further development in the Parish with 33% Appendix 4.2. A 60% response rate was achieved. Nantwich but this could be doubled if it supporting very limited development. stopped in Wilbraham Road and Close; From an initial analysis of the questionnaire G G 65% of the respondents however thought results the Steering Committee identified that 95% of the respondents consider that a that the provision of smaller houses for first most issues could be grouped under three speed limit should be introduced through time buyers, particularly in Acton village headings. Acton Village. An 80% majority would like was important. G to see a 30-mph speed limit. Steering Committee were formalised. Progress was vehicles transport and traffic; G Respondents would like to see the following reported to quarterly Parish Council meetings, G environment and countryside (including improvements :- Village and Community Services verbally at first and by a written report since the future development); and G Knowledge of the Home-watch scheme is funding application. Latterly, minutes from G “pedestrian crossings” , G village and community services. Steering Committee meetings have been circulated not widespread but there is substantial G “wider footways” to Parish Councillors. Household Information support (79%) with a high interest in G “improved surfaces to footways” participating (64%) from the respondents; G The main reason given for choosing to live G “renovation to the Acton Bus Shelter”; G Respondents would like to see a Launch of Parish Plan in the Parishes was “village life”; G Community Shop at The Star and there was G 80% of the respondents have lived in the Like many other school locations Acton The Plan will be launched will at an event in some support for employment workshops area for over 5 years with nearly 35% School does not have off road parking for Acton Parish Hall. The aim is to present the Plan and small scale light industry; having been resident for more than 25 peak “drop off” and “collection” times. information and findings to the community, and G years; and This causes congestion to 40% of the If conveniently sited, residents say they also to encourage more people to become involved respondents' households; would use a wide variety of recycling facilities; in the delivery of aspects of the action plans. G Some 65% of the respondents are 40+ years G G of age with 35% being over 60 and less than Of the few youngsters in the Parishes, nearly The most used surgery is Nantwich with

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only 19 % using elsewhere. Nearly 75% the residents. Less than 4% had “no In order to do this, research was undertaken using is difficult to have a village atmosphere with a travel by car but the bus service is key for opinion”; and library, internet and phone calls together with high-speed road cutting through its heart. 95% of over 14% of the residents. meetings with local authorities and other questionnaire respondents agree there should be a G The Church also publicises its events organisations. These are described in the speed limit and 80% think this ought to be set at G 9% of the respondents say they have a sufficiently to nearly 70 % of the following sections and those actions that appear 30mph. Fifteen respondents cited speeding problem with collecting prescriptions; respondents with only 11% saying that it realistic to take forward are presented in Chapter vehicles in the village as an issue. needs to improve. G 144 respondents said that they would like 7, the Action Plans. The headmaster says Acton School is concerned to see additional events organised against 94 Conclusion about the difficulty of shepherding larger numbers who would not. Of the “yes” responses The response to the questionnaire was excellent of pupils across Chester Road for regular activities ”plays” and “concerts” were the favourites 6.1 Vehicles, Transport and Traffic and this analysis highlights a number of issues at St Mary's Church, due to the speed of traffic with “community cinema” and that are of concern to the residents of the 6.1.1 Traffic - Speed and Crossings and poor sightlines. A similar view was taken by “discos/ceilidhs” also achieving over 10% Parishes. These issues have been taken forward by The A51 between Reaseheath College and Burford the 20% of questionnaire respondents who G Nearly 50% of the responses would like to the Steering Committee and are described in the traffic lights is part of the primary road network requested a pedestrian crossing. see “improved village notice boards”; next chapter in the action plans. and carries typically 14,500 vehicles per day. The There were also requests for a speed limit on G One of the highest numbers of responses in A534 through Acton village carries less traffic, Cuckoo Lane from eighteen residents and on the questionnaire concerned the Church typically 3,400 vehicles per day. The short section Marsh Lane from ten. which clearly showed that it is important to of A534 from Burford lights towards Burland, 6 KEY AREAS FOR FOCUS The issue of a speed limit has been acknowledged Cuckoo Lane, is part of the primary road network, by the County Council Highways Department, carrying significant flows of traffic on a narrow which is currently undertaking speed checks on the meandering course. This chapter describes each of the key areas for A534 with the intention of submitting a case to focus, and the approach adopted. The first phase of traffic management measures the Council's Speed Review Panel. Depending on have been implemented by the County Highways the outcome of the speed review, further traffic Introduction management measure will be required to support a speed limit. The County Highways Department Different members of the Steering Committee confirms that the issue of a pedestrian crossing of took the lead on the three focus areas identified Chester Rd will be reviewed then. from the questionnaire analysis. It became The County Council Highways has also increasingly apparent that there was another cross- undertaken to investigate Marsh Lane on the cutting issue - that of communication. The approaches to Ravensmoor village where there have Steering Committee therefore decided to research been accidents. and prepare action plans for four areas: The Nantwich and Area Traffic Study has been set 1. Vehicles, transport and traffic; up to prompt the County Council Highways 2. Environment and countryside including Department on Chester Road. This has consisted Department to investigate ways in the next Local future development; of three refuges, limited footway widening, lining Transport Plan for 2006-2011 of reducing the 3. Village and community services; and and signing. Phase 2 is awaited, as are traffic impact of traffic in Nantwich and the surrounding data, post Phase 1 implementation. area. Re-signing of through routes round Nantwich 4. Communication. bypass would enable other roads to be downgraded The new bypass to Welsh Row was opened in late For each of these topics it was agreed that the to C status with reduced speed limits. In 2004 following the development of the former current situation within the parishes would be particular the proposal for Acton is for the A534 to Kingsley Fields Farm for housing. described, issues would be identified from the become a C road from Burford traffic lights into questionnaire and residents' comments at the Although traffic flows in Acton are not great, the Nantwich with a 40mph speed limit except in the Open Day and potential solutions, translated into speed of vehicles passing the school and the village where 30mph is suggested. The Parish realistic actions would be developed. Church has caused concern to the residents of the Council will be consulted on the re-signing village and to the school. The community feels it

16 17 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan proposals and the next Local Transport Plan. for dropping off and collecting children at Police to act. Cheshire County Council has no for cycle lanes in the parishes. A possible section between 8.15am and 8.55 am and 3pm to uniform policy on this, treating each request of road for cycle lanes is on Chester Road between The support for a speed limit through Acton and a 3.50pm, occurs illegally on the pavement or the individually. Acton village and Malbank School as part of a pedestrian crossing of Chester Rd is very strong. It grass verge, in the bus stop and also in future School Travel Plan or as part of any traffic is for the County Council as Highway Authority to Wilbraham Road, compromising access for management measures on the A534 following the respond to these requests from the local residents. 6.1.3 Footways, Cycle Lanes and emergency vehicles if required. The school closes Footpaths Speed Review. The Parish Council, with support and assistance the gates to its staff car park at 3pm to prevent For the three issues of Chester Road footway from the Transport Focus Group of the Steering congestion from parent parking. Acton village lies 1.25 miles away from the condition, new footway provision on the A51 and centre of Nantwich, approximately a 25 minute The Headmaster has indicated to parents on cycle lanes on the A534, site visits are walk along Chester Road. This road has a many occasions that the village car park, 200 recommended between the County Council and footway only metres from the school, is available. Recently representatives from the Parish Council and on the south the school has worked closely with the Police to Transport Focus Group to develop a clearer side as it implement other measures, such as the issuing of understanding of the issues and potential passes Dorfold fixed penalty tickets, and with the Highways solutions. Hall and Department on a proposal for further road Nantwich There is a network of public footpaths in the markings. There are a variety of views held, that Marina. parishes, albeit not a particularly dense one. This need further exploration. This is a national is described in more detail in Appendix 6.1. Fewer problem at schools not just one experienced by The condition than 2% of respondents found inaccessible public Acton. and width of Committee, will continue to lobby for the speed rights of way detracted from their enjoyment of the Chester limits, using community-led liaison and the All schools are required to produce a Travel Plan the countryside. However respondents identified Road footway information gathered in this Plan, building on by 2011. The School Travel Plan could look at some areas where improvements or more prompted relationships established as part of the Parish Plan better use of the car park in the village, car- maintenance would be desirable. There were many process and other Councillor dialogue. sharing, effective use of the bus services, along specific comments about litter, lack of bridleways, individual with Traffic Orders banning car parking on the poor surface of the footpath between All transport-related consultations will be comments in Chester Rd at school times. The issue of car Wilbraham Road and the canal, and the state of responded to in a timely fashion by the Parish the parking at the school itself could be addressed the track past Dorfold Dairy Farm. Council working with the Transport Focus Group. questionnaire. through the Travel Plan. The school has no (This has already commenced with the response to More regular mowing of the verge and cutting To ensure information is updated a footpath surplus land in its ownership and it is difficult to the County consultation on the Local Transport the edges to reveal the full width of surfacing warden system could be operated, which would see how an area of hard-standing used briefly Plan). would improve it. At present the only regular involve reporting any deficiencies to Cheshire twice per day in school term times and sufficient 6.1.2 School Traffic Congestion maintenance is carried out in mid-July prior to County Council for appropriate action, using in size to accommodate the number of vehicles, the South Cheshire Show. standard Report Forms (see Appendix 6.1). Traffic congestion caused by the car journey to could be justified. Very few primary schools The footpath wardens' role will be to walk and from Acton School has, for a long time, have the luxury of surplus land and most have Other locations mentioned for new or improved designated footpaths at least twice a year, noting: caused concern to local residents and the school arrangements similar to Acton's with a car park footways were Cuckoo Lane, Wilbraham itself. This is borne out by the questionnaire, with available at a short distance from the site. Rd/Close and the A51 between Henhull Bridge G The condition of stiles and/or gates; 38% of respondents quoting this as a recurring and Burford lights. A School Travel Plan would help air the issues G Access to footpaths; weekday problem, supported by a further 19 fully and explore all options. This involves a The County Council acknowledges that a footway G The condition of signs or signposts; and individual comments on survey forms. significant amount of work, but grants are in the A51 corridor between Henhull Bridge and G The school currently has 127 pupils aged 4-11 available from Department of Education Services. Burford lights is worthy of further investigation Surface conditions and litter. under the Public Rights of Way Improvement from about 100 families, many of whom travel The Parish Council and Transport Focus Group One local resident has already offered his services Plan, as it could also provide improved access to from outside the Parish as there are no primary will support this in whatever capacity it can, as as a footpath 'warden' in Edleston, and the Parish the Shropshire Union Canal towpath from schools in the adjacent communities of Burland, the problem is a community one. Plan aims to enlist other volunteers to follow suit Bluestones and Burford. Faddiley and Ravensmoor. There are two school The “zigzag” lines outside the school could be for the rest of the area. The wardens will also act buses, but these are not fully used. Car-parking reinforced with Traffic Orders to enable the Seventeen respondents commented on the need as points of contact for local residents to report

18 19 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan footpath problems. Also of concern is filling in the missing “gaps” in including Acton's bus stops. of the questionnaire identified the countryside as the bus timetable between 8.45am and 9.45am 'very important' to them. This section of the 19% of respondents suggested renovation of the from Acton to Nantwich and Crewe, and between Parish Plan looks in greater detail at the landscape 6.1.4 Public Transport existing bus shelter was required. A County- 17.30 and 18.45 from Crewe to Nantwich and and wildlife value of the three parishes; at the funded solution would be a modern bus-shelter. Chester. issues raised during public consultation and at The main public transport provision in the The preference in Acton is for renovation of the potential solutions. It also outlines opportunities parishes is the No 84 bus service, from Crewe and Following a meeting with the Transport Focus existing timber structure, which is in keeping for future action in the context of existing Nantwich along Chester Rd to Acton en route to group, Cheshire County Council Transport Co- with the village and its Conservation Area status. Chester. Arriva Buses operate modern, low-floor ordination (CCCTC) has confirmed it will A small works contract would need to be let. investigate with Arriva Buses how the remaining An initial meeting with CCCTC has progressed evening service from Crewe to Nantwich can be some of the public transport issues. It would be operated more flexibly to serve the communities useful for there to be an ongoing line of around Nantwich including Acton. communication between the Parish Council, No 72, the Rural Rider, sponsored by Cheshire Transport Focus Group and CCCTC. Bus, has a few daily services between Investigate ownership and funding for bus shelter Whitchurch, Wrenbury, Edleston and Nantwich. renovations and find volunteers for regular Very few respondents indicated they use the No maintenance. 72, service. The Rural Rider services have been operating quite successfully for several years, but a further survey may lead to timetable adjustments. buses at half-hourly intervals throughout most of The mini-bus service No 56, runs between environmental initiatives across the whole of the working day. This service is important to 18% Bunbury and Nantwich with a few individual Cheshire. The Environment Focus Group has of local residents who use it at least a twice per services on Thursdays and Saturdays. A particular gathered a large amount of information about the week. 42% of respondents use the bus twice or request has emerged from the questionnaire for parishes from various sources. This is presented in more per month. the No 56 service to be diverted via Wilbraham Appendix 6.2. Close to help older people visiting Nantwich. The evening No 84 bus service is supported by 6.2.2 Trees and hedges CCCTC has agreed to discuss the option of this Cheshire Bus as an hourly service with the last Trees and hedges topped the list of valued service stopping at Wilbraham Close with the service leaving Crewe at 21.35 and Nantwich at countryside elements in the survey of residents, current operator. 21.55. In summer 2004, Cheshire County and new woodland and street tree planting are Council reduced its support for Cheshire Bus Eighteen individual comments were made on a also popular future environmental improvements. sponsored services, cutting evening services variety of bus issues. One issue that was Several locations were suggested for new planting, significantly in the County. Fifteen respondents subsequently supported by comments from the including Wilbraham Road and Close, St. Mary's specifically confirmed they would like to see a Transport Focus Group, was the need for Church and 'small areas of agricultural land'. later service between Crewe, Nantwich, Acton and “through ticketing” between Arriva Bus services Cheshire has only one-third (4%) of the average the surrounding area. and Rural Riders. CCCTC is investigating woodland cover of the rest of England, which through ticketing along with the introduction of means that Acton, Edleston and Henhull's mature electronic travel cards. 6.2 Environment and Countryside (including future development) trees and hedgerows are ecologically and visually To improve accessibility on to low-floor buses, important. Within the parishes, 34 individual kerbs have to be raised at bus-stops. These have 6.2.1 Introduction trees and several groups are protected by Tree been installed between Crewe and Nantwich on Of the 765 hectares that make up the parishes of Preservation Orders, and others because they grow the 84 route but not yet in Acton and at key stops Acton, Edleston and Henhull, more than 90% is within the Acton Conservation Area. Many others towards Chester. CCCTC has confirmed there is open land and it is perhaps unsurprising that have no protection. Some hedgerows would be some funding available to continue the work nearly three-quarters of respondents to this section protected under the 1997 Hedgerow Regulations,

20 21 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan and could not be removed without Local schemes. There is currently no Tree Warden for Woodland Grant schemes, funded by the Forestry nature reserve, Authority permission, but most hedges within the Acton, Edleston and Henhull. Commission and DEFRA. To qualify for grant including Water parishes are species-poor and do not fulfil the aid, woodland schemes must benefit the Board land at the end The Woodland Trust is currently undertaking necessary criteria for protection. community at large - for example, the planting of Wilbraham Road, nationwide ancient tree surveys, and an example sites must incorporate or be close to public rights The Cheshire Landscape Trust (CLT) is co- of the recording form is included in Appendix 6.2. Acton village car of way. Trees and hedge plants are available from ordinator of the Local Biodiversity Action Plan park, the moat, areas the Cheshire Landscape Trust. (LBAP) for Ancient and/or Species-Rich of agricultural land Planting Opportunities Hedgerows. By April 2004, 139 Cheshire parishes The native Black Poplar is the subject of another and 'wherever possible'. It was (including Acton) were taking part in the There are surprisingly few opportunities for street species LBAP in Cheshire. Of an estimated 6- hedgerow survey, and volunteers had surveyed tree planting within the parishes. In Acton village, 7,000 specimens in Britain Cheshire holds more suggested that road more than 112 kilometres of hedge. Wilbraham Road has narrow verges that may be than 300, most of which are found in the verges could be suitable, subject to approval of planting proposals floodplains of the rivers Gowy and Weaver, managed more by Cheshire County Council Highways adjacent to rivers and brooks and in ditches and sensitively. Tree Wardens and Tree Guardians Department and the granting to the Parish hedgerows. The species is threatened by loss of The creation of a parish nature reserve would Tree Wardens are local people with an interest in Council of a licence to plant. On private land, habitat, felling and lack of natural regeneration. require its 'adoption' by the Parish Council and the trees, woodlands and hedgerows of their area. such as the grassed areas in front of the bungalows As part of the LBAP, the Cheshire Wildlife Trust would be subject to landowner's permission, access co-ordinates the propagation of young trees from They give some of their time on a voluntary basis in Wilbraham Close, the permission of the agreements and the preparation of a management native stock, and a further supply of trees should to gather information, work with and educate landowner (in this case, Wulvern Housing) must plan following detailed survey. This is potentially be available for distribution during the 2006-07 local people, especially children; and protect be gained before applying for planning permission. time-consuming if not costly, and would require winter planting season. By then, the Parish Plan threatened trees. In return Wardens receive In each of these locations, consideration must be long-term commitment from dedicated members will have identified potential sites within the information packs and related publications, given to the opinions of residents, existing service of the community. A more realistic target for training opportunities and 25 free trees per year. runs, street lighting, access, sightlines and public parishes and have had their suitability confirmed these areas is to set up nest boxes and feeding safety. Supplementary planting could enhance by the LBAP co-ordinator. Tree Guardians are young people with an interest stations. On agricultural land the new existing areas such in local trees - they Action will be taken on several fronts. These are: Environmental Stewardship schemes are designed as Acton village car learn about trees and G To initiate a survey of ancient trees within to be of benefit to wildlife, but their effectiveness park. The Parish the local landscape, the parishes; in the parishes will depend on the extent to which Plan aims to submit take part in tree local farmers decide to take up the scheme. proposals for these G To encourage individuals to take on the planting activities, Gardens should not be overlooked as a valuable areas, and others roles of Tree Warden and Tree Guardians; collect seeds and wildlife resource. that may emerge carry out surveys. G To participate in the LBAP Hedgerow during the survey. The scheme is tied in Survey; and with the National Locations for Gardens G To identify suitable site/s for Black Poplar, Curriculum and runs woodland planting woodland and street tree planting. in conjunction with on public land in local schools. the parishes are More details are given in Appendix 6.2 Participants also scarce and the Parish receive 25 trees per Plan survey may 6.2.3 Active conservation and year for the benefit find that private encouragement of wildlife of the local land offers the only community. serious opportunities Wildlife is valued almost as highly as trees and for this type of planting. For some local farmers hedges by residents of the parishes, and many Registration forms for both schemes are available woodland creation could be an attractive option respondents also wanted to see new wildlife areas from the Cheshire Landscape Trust. The CLT also under the new Environmental Stewardship scheme created and an increase in wildlife-sensitive co-ordinates the Parish Tree Warden and (for (higher level). Funding is also available through maintenance. Several possible locations were young people) the Cheshire Tree Guardian suggested for the creation of a wildlife area or

22 23 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

A Gardens and Allotments LBAP for Cheshire is G Contact CNBC and other organisations helps to discourage more tipping. Crewe and may be to invoke the provisions of the Dogs underway. The aim of the LBAP is to increase for assistance to provide nest boxes and Nantwich Borough Council (CNBC) is quick to (Fouling of Land) Act 1996, under which CNBC biodiversity in gardens and the Cheshire Region bat boxes respond to reports to its 'Streetwise' office, aiming can designate land on which it is an offence for Biodiversity Partnership produced a leaflet to remove most tipped material within 24 hours, owners not to clear up and dispose of a dog's G Promote bird feeding throughout the 'Tomorrow's Garden for Wildlife' last year. The unless the extent and type of material requires the faeces. However, dog owners will be encouraged parish, and investigate sites for the Parish Plan will support the LBAP by encouraging use of large machines. The Environment Focus to be responsible, especially in their 'own establishment of feeding stations residents of Acton, Edleston and Henhull to get Group encourages all residents to make full use of backyards', and seek to resolve the issue through involved by: Action will be taken on several fronts: this service. persuasion rather than confrontation. G G Promoting wildlife-friendly garden design To promote gardens for wildlife; G Report fly tipping immediately to and management G To initiate a survey of ponds throughout Litter 'Streetwise'; G Participating in garden surveys the parishes; G Investigate the possibility of employing a Through traffic is also responsible for much of the G 'lengthsman' to provide core litter G Feeding birds To find suitable sites and set up nest litter, particularly on road verges and lay-bys, and collection boxes, bat boxes and bird feeding stations; the towpath. At certain locations this could be G To encourage links between Acton School mitigated by litterbins and bin placement will be G Set up small local litter picking groups and Ponds and the Cheshire Wildlife Trust, through organised (via CNBC and British Waterways) organise annual Parishes' clean-up event; Lowland Cheshire's ponds face threats including the establishment of a Watch Group; and where appropriate. The Environmental and development, neglect and land drainage. Protection Act 1990 imposes a duty on Local G To arrange public presentations on related G Put pressure on irresponsible dog-owners Although more than 40 ponds are marked on the Authorities to keep land and highways free of topics in the Village Hall. to clean up after their animals. Ordnance Survey plans of the area their status in litter and refuse. Although main road verges are the parishes is not well known and the Parish Plan covered by routine visits, additional voluntary proposes to initiate a preliminary survey of 6.2.4 Litter, dog fouling and fly tipping litter collection would lead to higher standards. presence/absence with notes on context and It is proposed that small litter-picking groups will Of the list of potential detractions from residents' 6.2.6 Development condition. This would be tied in with the Ponds be formed. CNBC is willing to provide bin bags enjoyment of the countryside, these three issues LBAP, which aims to increase awareness across and holders, litter pickers, gloves and high Residents were asked, in their opinion, whether were of equal concern and many specific locations Cheshire of ponds as important wildlife habitats. visibility jackets, and will collect full bags by additional housing would be of benefit to the were identified. Fly tipping occurs on the main Ponds could be included in Environmental arrangement. Each group would 'adopt' a length community. More than 90% of respondents roads (Chester Road, Marsh Lane) through the Stewardship schemes or, as appropriate, of public highway, footpath or towpath for regular wanted no or very limited development in the parishes and also on several of the lanes, designated as SBIs. Given sufficient enthusiasm attention, and there would also be annual parish parishes and/or specifically in Acton Village. including Welshman's Lane, Ravens Lane and Dig and expertise, the Parish Plan pond survey could clean-up days, coupled with an event at Acton However there is a higher percentage (41%) in Lane. Litter is 'everywhere' according to most be expanded to include water quality, flora and Parish Hall. favour of very limited development in Acton. A respondents, but particularly on road verges, majority supports the idea of a community shop, fauna. The neighbouring Stoke and Hurleston Parish footpaths, the canal towpath and in the Acton based at The Star Inn, and about a third of Council has recently undertaken to employ a village bus shelter. Similarly, dog fouling is also respondents support the development of small 'lengthsman', funded by CNBC, whose task will Bird feeding stations, nest boxes and 'everywhere', but the location causing most employment workshops and light industrial be to spend 3 hours/week in litter collection on bat boxes offence is St. Mary's churchyard. premises. On the separate issue of affordable the main road and towpath through the parish. housing, over half the respondents thought the There are plenty of opportunities to encourage This option could also be explored for AEH but provision of small houses for first time buyers is local wildlife by providing nest sites, the lack of Fly tipping would have to be supplemented by voluntary important, and a small majority also think that which, for some species such as House Sparrows collections. The incidence of fly tipping is perhaps inevitable, the provision of housing for rent is important. and House Martins, could have contributed to given the volumes of through traffic, the relative their decline. The Parish Plan aims to: Acton's settlement boundary is tightly drawn, isolation of some of the country lanes and the Dog fouling allowing little opportunity for new building within G Identify and evaluate suitable sites such as proximity of an urban area. The problem can be the village. The boundary includes the village car Acton School grounds, St. Mary's mitigated by reducing opportunities, blocking Outsiders cannot be so easily be blamed for all park and Acton School playing fields although it is Churchyard, Acton Village car park, open field entrances and, where possible, incidences of dog fouling, particularly in the unlikely that development will be proposed for private land. reporting specific offenders. Prompt clearance churchyard and on local footpaths. The solution

24 25 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan these sites. Other options for new residential or with its football goal posts and woodland area, The Steering Committee and villagers who want 6.3 3 Community Shop workshop provision include change of use and gaining access via the stile at the bottom of these facilities should seek to work with the school The recent closure of the Ravensmoor and refurbishment of existing buildings such as Wilbraham Road. The fence between the school and CNBC to draw up proposals for this area and Burland shops means there are no rural general underused farm outbuildings. An example of this and field is part of the school's security. From the examine possible sources of funding. The Steering stores within close proximity of the Parishes. has recently been seen in the redevelopment of questionnaire results, it seems that residents make Committee should also find ways to ensure that Residents therefore have to travel into Nantwich Village Farm. The almshouses in St. Mary's very little use of the children's play area to the residents in general are aware of this facility (see for such facilities. Whilst this is close, the results Churchyard offer a further opportunity for rear of the school. This may in part be a Communication) and establish what facilities are from the questionnaire demonstrated considerable beneficial community use. communication issue. wanted. interest in a small community facility in 'The Star'. The canal marina site at Nantwich Basin has There is potential for greater use of this facility There will be difficulties in setting up and potential for redevelopment and enhancement of and the provision of additional play equipment 6.3.2 Church organising such a shop. The main issues will be existing boatyard and canal user support facilities and / or an improved area would assist. The The questionnaire demonstrated that the Church the suitability of the accommodation, finding and would benefit in the short term from general relationship with the school's facilities needs to be is important to a large percentage of the funding for its refurbishment, agreeing the range environmental improvements such as better hard fully considered. The “Friends of Acton School” parishioners, and its magazine is well received and of goods and services to be offered and ensuring surfacing and screening of certain elements. More has raised funds for new play equipment next to organised. All churches in Nantwich are involved sufficient take-up. could be made of this site to attract visitors other the playground, but at a later stage plans to raise than canal boat owners and renters. This could be funds for more equipment for the grassy area at Barry Parker, the publican, is keen to explore the a good location for local events. the far end of the school car-park, which could possibilities and has identified a currently unused then be opened to the community if the fence was area of accommodation that might, with The Parish Plan therefore supports adopted Local moved. conversion, be suitable. A Countryside Agency Plan policy, which is restrictive with regard to retail consultant has viewed the premises and is future development in Acton Village. However, a Discussions with the Headmaster indicate that optimistic in principle that a scheme can be put more positive view would probably be taken of there may be opportunities to look at this area together. Discussions with the Post Office are now proposals targeted towards first-time buyers, and apply for additional funds to improve the planned as the questionnaire responses indicated a affordable housing for rent and small-scale overall facility. CNBC has worked with other local need. Previous purely commercial enterprises employment. similar sites and has previously been able to of this nature have not succeeded and identify appropriate funding bodies. However, As requirements might change it would be consideration will need to be given to ownership appropriate in the future to assess, via a and management before proceeding. A questionnaire, the likely need within the community enterprise shop has been established community for first-time buyers' and/or in the forthcoming Festival of Christian Faith in in Antrobus near Northwich in the last 18 months “affordable” accommodation. June 2005. It will encourage people to support and so far has proved a success. the local community and try some of the events. Further work with the Countryside Agency's retail Discussions with the Vicar indicate that the 6.3 Village and Community Services consultant will be undertaken to consider the Church is considering the potential of using the options that might attract external funding, are 6.3.1 Introduction almshouses for a number of church-related and / financially viable and are likely to be most used by or community-related activities. The Parochial One of the biggest issues regarding village services the residents. Church Council (PCC) is ultimately responsible is the lack of volunteers. Someone who does not for making decisions on this, but would welcome live in the village has led the preparation of this suggestions from the community via the Parish 6.3.4 Village Activities / Social Events section of the Plan. It will be important, in Plan process or the Parish Council. moving to the implementation of any projects, There are already a number of clubs/events that the people who want these facilities are An ongoing remit for AEPPSC could include organised within the Parishes either by the prepared to become involved. increased access would necessitate clear organising a further questionnaire in due course Church, the School, the Parish Hall and the signposting of responsibilities. The school's and continued liaison with other village groups Parish Council. Examples are : such as the School, the Pub and the Parish Hall. 6.3.2 Children's Play Area / School Field insurance will only cover for school activities, so it Acton Parish Hall - The Oddfellows, Acton & would need to be stated that people entered at Reaseheath Women's Institute, Nantwich Inner Anyone in the community can use the school field their own risk.

26 27 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

Wheel, County and Borough Councils and Cheshire people with disabilities and the rear meeting room Nantwich Community Council, offer assistance on this was re-built. The Trustees are considering 6.3.7 Home-Watch Scheme Young Farmers subject. Funding for such events is available opportunities to fundraise for improvements to and Acton given the right conditions. Discussions need to the Village Hall amenities, in particular the There is currently a Home-watch scheme in the Operatic take place with existing organisations to see what kitchen area to improve facilities in line with village, which is co-ordinated by one of the Parish Society. venues are possible and the type and nature of modern needs Councillors. There is remarkably little knowledge events that would of this scheme, even amongst long-time village St Mary's Support and work with Parish Hall Trustees to be suitable. One residents. The Parish Councillor, who is the Church - fund raise for improvements to Acton Parish Hall. possibility for liaison person with the police, wishes to Regular outdoor events is to relinquish this role. Responses to the Services, bible work with the 6.3.6 Recycling/Composting questionnaire indicated a need for a Home-watch study groups, a businesses at the scheme with 15 respondents indicating they choir, Praise 'The Star' has in the past provided a recycling Nantwich Marina would help. and Play pre centre in its car park but due to lack of use this and/or the School. A new liaison person needs to be found, together school children has been reduced to a glass bottle bank only. Thought also needs with a review of whether the Home-watch scheme and mums and Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council provide to be given to can realistically be extended over the parishes and Holy Disorder the normal refuse kerbside collection services arranging transport not just in the village area. The first step could for teenagers together with collections for paper and magazines to ensure residents be to organise a presentation by the police about 'The Star' - In addition to a social venue the pub every five weeks. The questionnaire and the can attend events in Home-watch schemes and gauge true interest has darts, dominoes and pool teams. Age Concern responses from the Open Day demonstrated an surrounding villages from that. interest in further facilities or arrangements to meet there once a month and it is also a meeting and to ensure all events are sufficiently include composting. 6.3.8 Historical Interpretation place for Nantwich Round Table and a variety of advertised. walking Groups. It is necessary to identify further the kerbside The Open Day on 22nd January 2005 included All organisations that can help with advice, ideas collections that are possible and or what exhibition material and scrap-books about the A fuller list of current local events is attached at and links to funding to establish a shopping list additional “banks” can both be provided, together history of the parishes. It happened also to be Appendix 6.3. Nearby communities also provide of possibilities will need to be contacted. As with demonstration of a sufficient demand. Holly Holy Day (see Chapter 2), and there had a variety of social or cultural events as does cinema was mentioned in the questionnaire been a presentation by the Battlefield Society in Nantwich and Crewe. From the questionnaire a responses, had a positive reaction at the Open Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council has the Church that morning. Members of the public good proportion of the residents would like to see Day and has an individual ready to champion a confirmed that paper and metal can banks can be and the Battlefield Society, who came to the Open more such activities provided within the parishes. film night, this seems a good place to start. One sited on an appropriate site. A textile bank is Day, expressed an interest in having some Discussions with residents have suggested that or two trial events will be held to gauge residents' also possible provided the demand is high interpretation in the village and surrounding areas advertising of the existing events is quite reaction and support. enough. The new allotment sites in Henhull have about the wealth of historical evidence in the area. uncoordinated. been mentioned as a possible community 6.3 5 Acton Parish Hall Opportunities to arrange further social events will composting site. It may be possible to find funding for historical The Parish Hall in Acton is an important local interpretation of battlefield, ancient monuments, be dependent on identifying individuals or It will be necessary to work with the Borough venue, providing ample space for theatrical and the aqueduct, St Mary's Church etc, about which organisations prepared to put in the necessary Council to take any initiatives forward. CNBC is operatic performances. The Parish Hall is a lot of information is already held. In other work. Sufficient numbers of residents attending keen to encourage community waste minimisation managed by a Board of Trustees, drawn from the sections of this Plan proposals emerge for new and will also be key to their ongoing success. The schemes. However kerbside collection for all local community and by a Management improved notice boards, a renovation of the bus Parish Hall, St Mary's Church and the School all recyclates, except glass, is planned for January Committee representative of the organisations stop and other village facilities. It might be offer premises that could be suitable for a variety 2006. A small group should meet with the that use the hall on a regular basis. Over a possible to combine these into one project. of social / cultural functions. It is recognised that Council and look in detail at the opportunities, dozen organisations use the hall on a regular similar events are already offered in nearby bearing in mind times-scales. The Borough has Investigate historical interpretation, in the basis with approximately 350 bookings a year. villages, so advertising these to AEH residents will confirmed that it is intending to look at a number parishes together with funding opportunities as be part of the solution. Over recent years there have been a number of of new recycling schemes and there is the part of improved signage and village improvements to the hall. The new foyer and A number of organisations, including both the possibility that the parishes could be involved at improvements. Liase with Battlefield Society. reception area were built, facilities provided for the outset.

28 29 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

central notice board for communication other organisations. These mainly centre round desire for more play equipment, almshouse 6.4 Communication unrealistic. This might lead to a web-based Acton village and households in the outlying rural renovations and use, bus shelter renovations and solution, but there was not a high level of support areas may be unaware of them and in many cases signboards. The dispersed nature of the settlement pattern, for this from the questionnaire responses. Only feel closer links with Nantwich or other apart from Acton village itself, means that there 21 questionnaire respondents indicated they settlements. 6.4.3 Parish Council Information are no other obvious foci for communication. The would be interested in a Parish website. The age There are also a number of parish facilities about village is the hub, but some residents in the profile of the parishes may mean there is less There is no easy way for the Parish Council to which people (even in Acton village) know very parishes will rarely need to pass through the computer literacy and internet access than in communicate with the residents. It uses the little. These include: the bottle bank in the pub village. There are a number of channels that give other communities. However in the longer term it village notice board to advise of forthcoming car-park, the mobile library, the launderette at the information, some more successfully than others. would be appropriate to review the community's events and occasionally relies on Parish marina, the Acton village Home-watch scheme, interest in a website. Councillors to distribute information about public the Borough Council's excellent response to fly- meetings. However the dispersed nature of 6.4.1 Existing Mechanisms (Notice There is support for a project that would upgrade tipping collection when informed, the Tuesday households across the countryside and parish Boards, Church Magazine, Web sites) and increase the number of notice boards in the afternoon public opening of Dorfold Hall and boundaries that do not follow road alignments Parishes. It would need to establish where and events in the Parish Hall such as the cinema There are two notice boards outside the Parish does not make this easy. how many notice boards are required, identify evenings organised by the School. Hall. Neither are very visible and only one is used people local to each to update and then embark The Parish Council arranges one public meeting for Parish notices. There are also individuals and organisations which on research on funding. (This might be combined per year. These are normally not well attended The design, whilst hold a lot of information, for example on history with other village improvements like the bus and publicity is an issue. 6 parish councillors and fitting for a and natural history, that are not well-known in the shelter, the upgrading of the black and white 4 members of the public attended the last one. conservation area, parish. signposts and historic interpretation.) Public meetings that have been topic-specific in is not particularly The preparation of a laminated Parish information the past about more contentious issues such as striking. 49 The magazine, Cross Country, covers the four sheet that would provide basic local information for speed limits or housing development that was respondents to the rural churches; St Mary's Acton, St distribution to all households would help to proposed for the centre of the village were very questionnaire Bartholomew's, Church Minshull, St Oswald's, overcome this and would form a good community well-attended. Worleston and St David's, Wettenhall. Views on indicated they project for which funding would be needed. It its effectiveness in terms of publicising church Having embarked on this process of Parish Plan would like to see might be possible to extend this to write a historical activities are generally positive, with 74 preparation, communication has increased improved village pamphlet about the parishes. notice board(s). questionnaire respondents saying it publicises its significantly via the consultation process and it activities sufficiently There are various stakeholder groups that know will be important that the momentum is not lost. Much more their own business, but might benefit from knowing and only 12 saying Proposals to address this include the Parish Council obvious is the what each other is planning on doing or doing. e.g. it does not. to publish a précis of its meeting proceedings in Church notice board, located at the junction of Church, School, Pub, Parish Hall, WI etc. There Feedback at the the Church magazine; the setting up of focus Chester Road and Monks Lane in an elevated was excellent attendance of over 90 people at the Open Day elicited groups for topic-specific issues such as “traffic and position in the churchyard. The board has large, Open Day and suggestions that there should be an some comments transport” and “environment” so that those people graphically well-presented, witty comments or annual parish event, yet other public events have about the variability involved in the Plan preparation have an ongoing quotations that change monthly. These contribute been very poorly attended. It should be possible to of information remit in any consultations in these key areas; the to the village's local distinctiveness and are noticed get all the community groups working together for between the Parish Plan Steering Committee to fix a regular by most who drive or walk past. an annual parish event. different parishes. meeting cycle to feed into Parish Council meetings The School and the Church both have web-sites, Two parish councils report on their meetings in It will be important to use the launch event of the and to commence monitoring of action plans; and which provide links to each other. The School Cross County, whilst AEHPC does not. Parish Plan as an opportunity to find more the preparation of a six monthly Parish newsletter, web-site is about to be upgraded by an volunteers. although this needs further discussion as to how enthusiastic school governor. 6.4.2 Informal Communication It should also be possible to take a more holistic closely it is linked with the Church magazine. www.acton.school.cheshire.org.uk approach to fund-raising and funding applications 6.4.4 Links with Adjacent Parish/Town Councils There are strong informal communication www.cross-country-anglican.org.uk for facilities that would benefit the community and with the Statutory Planning Authorities channels via the WI, the church, the pub and overall. e.g. Linking School ideas and community The geography of the parishes makes reliance on a The current Borough Councillor sits on 7 parish

30 31 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan councils as well as that of Acton, Edleston and business, voluntary and community sectors. The government review and waste management. The Henhull. He is therefore able to provide a link wider partnership meets twice yearly, giving Parish Council is asked for views on County between them. There have in the past been joint everyone an opportunity to contribute to the matters such as waste, structure plan review and initiatives between AEHPC and others, delivery of the Community Strategy. The LSP is transport. particularly Burland and Church Minshull with fully committed to engaging with citizens and is The County is about to endorse a protocol for regard to transport issues. committed to working with communities to help dealing with parish plans. This will provide develop their parish plans. The new strategy to be Links with Nantwich Town Council seem less well parishes with an assurance that their plans can launched in November 2005 will identify clearly developed. A case in point is the excellent make a difference. For its part Cheshire County how it will link with parish plans. The LSP community art project at the marina, through the Council will ensure that each plan is taken website can be used to publicise parish events. Community Arts Officer and British Waterways, through a formalised process, to provide parishes about which there was no local communication. www.cn2010.org.uk with clarification on what they might expect from the county and the timeframe for responses to be There is however an imminent opportunity for The Parish Plan Steering Committee wants to made. It will also raise awareness of the plans this to be remedied if the forthcoming market remain in touch with the LSP to understand how within the operation of County Services and town “health check”, for which Nantwich has the Parish Plan will eventually feed into the where possible ensure that local actions meet local funding, engages with its adjacent parishes. The Borough's Local Development Framework (LDF). needs. The County's Rural Recovery programme Parish Plan and questionnaire results can be used is also a source of possible funding for in this process and the Steering Committee should Cheshire County Council implementing some Parish Plan projects. have an ongoing role in consultation. Communication with the County has been issue- The Steering Committee therefore will wish to driven. Presentations have been given in the past remain in contact with the relevant officers and Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council for the focus groups to be involved in meetings on The Parish Clerk receives information from the specific topics. Borough Council on planning applications and other matters for discussion by the Parish Council. There are projects contained in the “Nantwich Initiative” that are in or adjacent to the parishes. These include Weaver Valley Regional Park, 7 ACTION PLANS Nantwich Riverside enhancement, Kingsley Fields, Welsh Row traffic calming, Route signing, Nantwich Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Festivals including Nantwich Show.

Ensure that officers dealing with these projects are aware of the Parish Plan and that ongoing communication with the Parish Council and relevant members of the Parish Plan Steering Committee is undertaken. Clarify and formalise bridging arrangements for Parish Plans and Borough Council.

Crewe and Nantwich Local Strategic Partnership (LSP)

Crewe and Nantwich LSP, which is a borough- wide partnership consisting of the public, private, on topics to do with speed limits, local

32 33 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Short to long term. Long term. Within the next Local Transport Plan period 2006-11 Long term. Within the next Local Transport Plan period, 2006-2011 Speed review in short term by late 2005, speed limit and physical highway changes in 2006 and 2007 2006 and 2007 Medium to Long term Cheshire County Council Highways focus AEPPSC Transport group County Highways and Public Rights of Way Team. AEHPC and AEHPPSC TFG County Highways; County School Travel Advisor AEHPC and AEPPSC TFG County Highways in conjunction with the Speed Review Panel AEHPC and AEHPPSC- TFG County Highways in conjunction County Transport Coordination. Acton School in conjunction with County School Travel Advisor. AEHPC and AEPPSC TFG AEHPC and AEPPSC TFG to arrange site visit. Cheshire CC to arrange for hedge to be cut back hard reveal the full width of the footway opposite the Marina. Footway to be resurfaced over this length. County to incorporate regular mowing visit into road verge mowing schedule. AEHPC and AEHPPSC TFG County to review footway provision between the public footpath and Burford lights. Also on Marsh Lane and Cuckoo AEHPC and AEHPPSC TFG to arrange site visit with County to investigate provision. Footway then to be installed. AEHPC and AEHPPSC TFG to arrange site visit. County Highways to investigate widths available particularly near Henhull Cottage where the verge has encroached on the road. Advisor Liaise with School Travel over encouraging journeys to Malbank School from Acton and Bluestones. County Highways to record speeds along Chester Rd, County Speed Review Panel to determine new speed limits based on criteria set down for Cheshire. County Highways to funds for physical set aside LTP calming measure to support new speed limits. Consult with Borough, Parish Councillors and emergency services. Focus Group AEPPSC Transport with Parish Council on consultation responses and community liaison. Following the speed review County to investigate measures to assist pedestrians. Liaison with School, Church, Parish Council and AEHPPSC TFG Acton School to produce a Travel Plan in conjunction with County Advisor. Travel Parish Council and AEPPSC to help in whatever capacity is required. Widen the footway where narrowest opposite the Marina to achieve 2.0 metre width. Mow verges twice per year in May and late September as well as cutting back part of the Nantwich Show in late July. Create 2.0m footway between Henhull bridge and public footpath leading to Bluestones, then from the public footpath to the Burford lights. traffic As above for section of Marsh Lane and Cuckoo Mark cycle lanes on the carriageway between Acton village near the school to Malbank with advanced stop areas at the canal aqueduct lights. traffic Reduce national speed limit between Burford lights Acton village and the canal aqueduct. Reduce the national speed limit on Monks Lane between the Windmill and Acton village. Install measures to help pedestrians across the road more easily. More parents to park vehicles in village car park and escort children to school entrance. Car sharing. School to publicise parking arrangements, and school bus services serving the rural areas. Car park nearer school. Issue solutions Proposed Actions By whom By when Issue solutions Proposed Actions By whom By when Inappropriate speed of vehicles along Chester Rd, through Acton past the school and church Village and on the section of Monks Lane leading into Acton. Lack of pedestrian crossing Chester Rd in Acton village. Car parking on Wilbraham Rd and Chester Rd at school times in Acton causing congestion. Lack of pedestrian crossing Chester Rd in Acton village. Car parking on Wilbraham Rd and Chester Rd at school times in Acton causing congestion. Condition and width of Chester Rd footway between Acton village and the canal aqueduct. Lack of footway on A51 between the Shropshire Union Canal at Henhull Bridge and Burford traffic lights. Lack of footway on Marsh Lane (part of C&N Circular Footpath route) and Cuckoo Lane Lack of cycle lanes from Acton to Nantwich 7.1 Transport and vehicles 7.1 Transport 7.1 Transport and vehicles 7.1 Transport 34 35 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Medium term. Medium term. Short term Long term Long term Medium term Medium term Long term Short term for new signing and longer term for final. Long term Within the next Local Transport Plan period 2006-2011 Medium term. Medium term. Short term. County Transport Coordination, Arriva and other operators. AEHPC and AEPPSC TFG County Transport Coordination, AEHPC and AEPPSC TFG County Transport Coordination, AEHPC and AEPPSC TFG AEHPP Steering Committee: Environment Group Acton School AEHPPSC EG Acton School AEHPC Nantwich and Area Study Group, Traffic County Highways, AEHPC, AEHPPSC TFG County Highways, AEHPC and AEHPPSC TFG County Transport Coordination, AEHPC and AEPPSC TFG County Transport Coordination, AEHPC and AEPPSC TFG County Transport Coordination, AEHPC and AEPPSC TFG Launch a Travelcard similar to the Launch a Travelcard Chester one. Install equipment on Arriva and Cheshire Bus supported services to accept the cards. Publicise integrated ticketing. Consultation with residents. Passenger surveys. Changes to timetable. County to investigate raising kerbs at key locations en route from Nantwich to Chester gain full benefit of low floor buses. Initiate a survey of ancient trees within the parishes. Encourage individuals to take on and Warden the roles of Tree Guardians Tree Participate in the LBAP Hedgerow Survey Identify suitable site/s for Black woodland and street tree Poplar, planting Submit proposals for approval by CCC Highways and CNBC Promote gardens for wildlife as part of LBAP AEHPC and / or AEHPPSC TFG to be represented on Nantwich and Study Group, to Area Traffic for re-signing, re- support efforts designation and reduced speed limits within the town and bypass area. Investigate accident records for Marsh Lane between Nantwich and Ravensmoor. speeds and Collect data on traffic flows. Review as part of speed review. Investigate ways to make the evening bus service as useful possible between Crewe, Nantwich and surrounding communities. County to discuss with Arriva and maintain dialogue with AEHPPSC TFG. Coordination County Transport to discuss proposed diversion with operator and review usage. Allow “through” ticketing on services provided by different operators. alterations. Timetable Better publicity. Raise kerbs. Improve knowledge base through survey and evaluation. Active monitoring of valued elements. New woodland and street tree planting. Create new wildlife sites Resigning of routes around Nantwich using the Bypass and re-designation of roads within the town and immediate environs. management measures Traffic “Flexible” evening bus services from Crewe to Nantwich and the surrounding communities by request. Fill in the “missing” services i.e. 9.15 am from Acton and 1800 from Crewe toward Nantwich and Acton. Thursday and Saturday Mini- bus service, no 56, , to be diverted as an experiment to call at Wilbraham Close. Issue solutions Proposed Actions By whom By when Issue solutions Proposed Actions By whom By when 7.2 Environment and countryside including future development and countryside including future 7.2 Environment Lack of integrated approach to ticketing between Arriva services and Cheshire Bus supported services. Poor use of Rural Rider Service no 72 by Edleston residents. Lack of raised kerbs to help pushchairs/ wheelchair users in Acton. Protection and enhancement of highly valued countryside elements. Protection and encouragement of wildlife. Through traffic passing through Through traffic Acton village at speed when such ought to be following the traffic Nantwich Bypass Inappropriate speed on Marsh Lane at Edleston Reduced evening bus service serving communities around Nantwich from Crewe after 9.35pm. “Gaps” on half-hourly service between Acton and Crewe. No bus calling directly in Wilbraham Close for more accessibility to elderly residents 7.1 Transport and vehicles 7.1 Transport 7.1 Transport and vehicles 7.1 Transport 36 37 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Medium term Medium term Medium term Medium/long term Medium term Medium term Medium term Short term, ongoing Medium term Medium term Medium term Short term for research Medium term for improvements. Medium term - questionnaire Long term - implementation Short term for feasibility. Future actions dependant on outcome. Short term Medium term One volunteer to date. AEHPPSC EG to enlist further volunteers. AEHPPSC EG to enlist further volunteers. AEHPC AEHPPSC EG to facilitate consultation process AEHPC and AEHPPSC with School and the “Friends of Acton School” AEHPPSC and Church. Barry Parker with the help and assistance of AEHPPSC Parish Hall Trustees, AEHPC AEHPPSC, Parish Hall Committee, the Friends of Acton School and the Church. Initiate a survey of ponds throughout the parishes Find suitable sites and set up nest boxes, bat boxes and bird feeding stations Encourage links between Acton School and the Cheshire Wildlife through the establishment Trust, Group. of a Watch Arrange public presentations on Hall related topics in Village Liaise with CCC Highways over roadside verge maintenance Individual footpath wardens to be encouraged to 'adopt' parts of the footpath network Survey and assess condition of 'black and white' road signs Report fly tipping immediately to 'Streetwise' Set up small local litter picking groups and organise annual Parish clean-up event Put pressure on irresponsible dog- owners to clean up after their animals Investigate possibility of PC employment of a 'lengthsman' Community consultation to assess extent and nature of local need for first time house owners/tenants. Consider future use of alms- houses and potential of marina Promote area. Work with the Promote area. Work School, the Friends of Acton School and CNBC to identify improvement opportunities together with funding. Church to consider its own needs and give consideration to use that community wants. Ask questions in Parish Plan follow up questionnaire Discuss options with Retail Consultant. Prepare potential business plan. Identify potential areas of demand. Consider viability of including a part time Identify sources of post office. funding. Investigate funding sources and apply. Cheshire Contact CNBC County, Community Council for ideas and funding. Developed a business plan. Start with cinema as have someone interested in leading this. Promote wildlife friendly landscape maintenance. Community involvement. Involve community in inspection and reporting Involve community in reporting and active control Assess community views Via the launch and Plan report Via advertise the availability of Follow up initial this facility. discussions with the school for opportunities for improvement of the area. Almshouses restoration would attract funding. Community agreement on what is best use that chimes with Church plans. The Feasibility study. Countryside Agency has agreed to fund advice and help from one of its Retail Consultants. Apply for funding kitchen upgrade The Parish Hall, Church and School are potential venues. Discuss feasibility with the Parish Hall Committee. Contact adjoining villages to ensure activities are mutually beneficial and joint promotion and travel arrangements. Issue solutions Proposed Actions By whom By when Issue solutions Proposed Actions By whom By when Very little use of the children's Very play area to the rear of school. Potential for alms-houses to become community resource resting with Church at present. Recent closure of the local shops at nearby Burland and Ravensmoor removes the option Support for a of a rural facility. Community Shop and Post Office at “The Star”. Parish Hall in need of upgrading, especially kitchen Demand for additional events organised in the Parish. Particularly Plays and Concerts. Manage so as not to compete with other local events or local organisations. Condition of Public Rights Way Fly-tipping, litter and dog-fouling Future Development 7.3 Village and Community Services 7.2 Environment and countryside including future development and countryside including future 7.2 Environment 38 39 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Spring/Summer of 2006 Short term Short term - immediate effect Short term and Medium term Short term Short term - Investigations. Medium term Implementation. Short term Short term (ask for volunteers at the Launch - if none then write to all who to help) offered Issue One 6 months after the Launch Event. Medium term AEHPC, AEHPPSC School Nantwich Marina AEHPC AEHPPSC AEHPC with assistance from AEHPPSC AEHPC,AEHPPSC, CNBC, Barry Parker. AEHPC, AEHPPSC, Police AEHPPSC will investigate. AEHPC to provide information for boards (as well as others) AEHPPSC with AEHPC AEHPPSC Organise the launch of Parish Plan and get feedback on sort of event for future, link in with other groups e.g. school Schedule meetings and let confirm with everybody know, AEHPC. PC to publish report in Cross Country Liase with CNBC Liase with County Council Liase with LSP Identify suitable locations and number of notice boards and historic interpretation boards required. Liaise with AEHPC. Identify funding sources. Open discussion with CNBC. Explore opportunities /economics of providing extra facilities at The Star Discuss with Police and arrange presentation. Find volunteers. Investigate appropriate locations Investigate funding Ensure there is someone who will take responsibility for updating each board Investigate funding (local businesses, Rural Recovery Programme?) Form a newsletter group Investigate funding (local businesses, Rural Recovery Programme?) Organise an annual event, but have a wider group of people involved in organising and communicating the event. AEHPPSG and interested parties meet prior to each PC meeting and give feedback AEHPC to communicate PC meeting reports Bridging protocols and bridging template required. Parish Plan status needs establishing by County and Borough. Seek provision of further notice boards and consider how they are to be regularly updated. Identify historic relics worthy of interpretation. A project with the Borough Council to increase the type and nature of collections. More recycling facilities provided on the pub car park. Reinvigorate the current Home-watch Scheme by someone else taking over Assess how responsibility. much of the Parishes can be covered. Get advice from the Police. More and more prominent signboards 6 - monthly Parish news letter Information Sheet(s): 1. local contact information, 2. history etc about the parishes Issue solutions Proposed Actions By whom By when Issue solutions Proposed Actions By whom By when Parish Council Annual Events have been poorly attended, yet there were suggestions for annual events at the Open Day Parish Plan process must not lose impetus in communication. Need to monitor action plans and link with AEHPC How does Parish Plan fit in Market statutory planning, LSP, health-check, “Nantwich Town Initiative” projects? Events and Information not widely communicated. The Historical Information at the Open Day elicited requests for historic interpretation. Desire for more opportunities re-cycling / composting. Current provision from C&NBC is limited to kerbside paper collection. Home-watch Scheme is restricted to Acton village, little known about and the current coordinator wants to relinquish responsibility. The dispersed nature of the parishes means there is no one place everyone goes, nor a common route taken. Church Magazine is effective communication tool, but doesn't include general parish information. People liked the Open Day invitation (graphics and colour) Lot of information and initiatives about which no-one knows anything. 7.4 Communications 40 41 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

This chapter comprises the action plans that came G Parish Council confirms its agreement to G Parish information Sheet contents of this Plan; out of the work in the four key focus areas using the Parish Plan focus groups for G Parish Notice Boards and Historic G A number of projects have been identified. described in the preceding chapter. From the relevant consultations, e.g. transport issues Interpretation Some have obvious leaders who will descriptions it can be seen that there are solutions and environmental issues. G champion their progress, others will need to the issues identified, but some will be more Parish Hall Improvements G A transport lobby group is set up that more work to identify people who will easily implemented than others. G comprises member(s) of the Parish Council Bus Shelter improvement make them happen; This plan is aspirational on the part of the and the Parish Plan Steering Committee G Re-invigorated Home-watch Scheme G The potential for greater community community as well as practical. It therefore needs Transport Focus Group. This is the G Tree Warden Scheme involvement in the issues that will require to include actions that are easy to implement vehicle for future discussion with the G engagement with the local authorities is quickly, but also needs to state the views of the County over traffic issues. A mechanism for dialogue is set up addressed by the formation of focus residents on the bigger issues so the plan is there between the Church, the School, the Pub G Clarity needs to be given to the ongoing groups that can take responsibility for as a point of reference for future consultations by and the Parish Council and Parish Plan role of the Parish Plan Steering Committee liaison with local authorities; statutory planning and other authorities. Steering Committee. as a support mechanism to the Parish G The Plan's preparation has not been without The action plans that form the rest of this chapter Council for communicating to the wider Parish Plan Steering Committee maintains difficulties and differences of opinion. It has to be are presented in tabular form for ease of reference community. dialogue with County and Borough remembered that a vast amount of volunteer time and ongoing monitoring. They précis the Councils generally over the way the Parish G Parish Plan Steering Committee fixes has been put into this plan. In order for it not to information described in chapter 6. Plan fits in the new planning documents, regular meeting cycle to feed into Parish “sit on the shelf”, those involved in its preparation regional spatial strategies (RSSs) and local The time-frames on the attached plans are: Council meetings and to commence need to be empowered to carry on leading some of development frameworks (LDFs) as they monitoring of action plans. the proposed actions, encouraging others to do G Short term less than 6 months are developed. G likewise and maintain good communication G One or two projects are identified for G Medium Term 6 months to 2 years A Parishes event is organised in a year's between the different parties. championing and implementation. The G time from the launch event, possibly Long Term 2 years + search for suitable funding sources is This is the first step. If you would like to get jointly with the school. ongoing by the Parish Plan Steering involved, please contact the Clerk to the Parish Committee and project champions. Those Council, Carol Mace. with strong potential are: G Litter collection day 9 CONCLUSIONS 8 NEXT STEPS REFERENCES G Community cinema or theatre

Preparation of this Plan has fulfilled a number of c+n (March 2003), Cultural Strategy for Crewe The action plans in the previous chapter have important objectives. and Nantwich Borough Council 2003 - 2006. identified a series of actions, over short, medium G Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Cheshire County Council (1999), Cheshire 2011 and long time-scales. Council now has a statement of how the Structure Plan. It is important that the completion of the Parish community wants to see the parishes Cheshire County Council (2004), Feet First - A Plan itself and its distribution to the community shaping in the future, which it Walking Strategy for Cheshire. does not become the end product. The acknowledges as the framework for Cheshire County Council, (2000), Sustainable momentum and particularly the communication community action within the parishes; Travel and Rights of Way Draft Report. with the households in the parishes should G A new group of people have become Cheshire County Council, (2004), Local Transport continue. Leadership for the actions needs to be engaged in the plan preparation process, Plan. identified. These may not be the same people who have got to know each other, a wider Cheshire County Council, (2005), Cheshire's New that led the plan production process, in fact it is sector of the community and have gained Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011. desirable that a larger network of the people from experience of the local authority processes; Cheshire County Council, (2004), Cheshire 2016 the community become involved. The action G Draft Deposit Structure Plan Alteration. plans will evolve as people explore their feasibility Information about the parishes that was Countryside Agency, (2001), Vital Villages. and implementation. not widely known has been shared via the

42 43 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

APPENDICES Appendix 3.1 Parish Council and Parish Plan Steering Comittee Appendix 2.1 Listed Buildings and Ancient Monuments

Acton, Eddleston and Henhull Parish Council

Grid Reference Grade Parish Description Date of Listing Group Value Chair: Maurice Connolly SJ 65 SW 1192/4/14 II* Acton Dorfold Dairy House 12/1/67 GV Vice Chair: John Beech SJ 65 SW 1192/4/15 II Acton Farm Building NW of Dorfold Dairy House 4/7/86 GV Elected Members: Kath Farrington SJ 65 SW 1192/4/1 II Acton Dorfold Hall Lodge and Entrance Gates 10/6/52 GV

SJ 65 SW 1192/4/2 II Acton The Star Inn 12/1/67 GV Mike Houlston

SJ 65 SW 1192/4/4 II Acton Church Farm House 4/7/86 GV Clare Lewis-Jones (Parish Plan Liaison) SJ 65 SW 1192/4/5 II Acton Cottage SW of Burford crossroads 4/7/86 Co-opted members: Arthur Griffiths SJ 65 SW 1192/4/7 I Acton Dorfold Hall Dorfold Park 10/6/52 GV SJ 65 SW 1192/4/6 II Acton Cuckoo Cottage and The Cottage (Magpie Cottage) 12/10/67 Philip Percival SJ 65 SW 1192/4/8 II Acton Clock Tower Building NW of Dorfold Hall 12/1/67 GV Clerk to the Council: Carol Mace SJ 65 SW 1192/4/10 II Acton Ice House NE of Dorfold Hall 12/1/67 GV SJ 65 SW 1192/4/16 I Acton Church of St. Mary the Virgin 12/1/67 GV SJ 65 SW 1192/4/17 II Acton Almshouses, St. Mary's Churchyard 12/1/67 GV Acton Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Steering Committee SJ 65 SW 1192/4/20 II* Acton Glebe House, Monks Lane 12/1/67 GV Chair: Annie Coombs SJ 65 SW 1192/21 II Acton Madams Farmhouse, Ravens Lane 12/10/67 SJ 65 SW 1192/4/11 II Acton Wall fronting S front of Dorfold Hall 4/7/86 GV Finance: Dave Bexon SJ 65 SW 1192/4/13 II* Acton Gate in walled garden SW of Dorfold Hall 4/7/86 GV Core Team: Reg Cooper SJ 65 SW 1192/4/12 II* Acton Small gate in wall W of Dorfold Hall 4/7/86 GV SJ 65 SW 1192/4/19 II Acton St. Mary's Churchyard Wall, Monks Lane 4/7/86 GV Chris Driver

SJ 65 SW 1192/4/100 II Acton K6 Telephone Kiosk Chester Road 28/10/87 GV Peter Foster SJ 65 SW 1192/4/18 II Acton Sundial, St. Mary's Churchyard 4/7/86 GV Irene Houston SJ 65 SW 1192/4/9 II Acton Statue Group, forecourt of Dorfold Hall 4/7/86 GV SJ 65 SW 1192/1651/0 II Acton The Old Farmhouse, Village Farm 5/7/02 Clare Lewis-Jones SJ 65 SW 1192/4/95 II* Acton/Nantwich Nantwich Aqueduct, Chester Road 4/7/86 Carol Mace SJ 65 SW 1192/4/62 II Edleston Moss Cottage, Marsh Lane 1/12/86 SJ 65 SW 1192/4/63 II Edleston Broomfield Cottage and Newbury Cottage, Marsh Lane 4/7/86 Peter Webb SJ 65 SW 1192/4/64 II Edleston Edleston Farmhouse, Marsh Lane 4/7/86 Members: Nancy Boyer SJ 65 SW 1192/4/66 II Edleston Edleston Bridge No. 89 SUC Main Line 4/7/86 SJ 65 SW 165/4/96 II Edleston Milestone S of Marsh Lane bridge SUC 10/5/91 Ernie Broughton SJ 65 SW 1192/4/60 II Edleston Green Lane Bridge No. 90, Green Lane 4/7/86 Norman Buckle SJ 65 SW 1192/4/67 II Henhull 2 Basin End, Chester Road 4/7/86 GV SJ 65 SW 1192/4/68 II Henhull Nantwich Junction Bridge No. 92 SUC 4/7/86 GV Carolyn Coupe SJ 65 SW 1192/4/69 II Henhull Lock Gate N side of Nantwich Junction Bridge 4/7/86 GV Derek Grocott SJ 65 SW 1192/4/70 II Henhull Canal Milepost by Nantwich Junction Bridge 4/7/86 GV Mary Holden

Charles Hull

Angela Latham

Lindsey Tomlinson

Policy Number Monument Number Parish Feature BE.15 32562 Acton Standing Cross, St. Mary's Churchyard BE.15 13437 Acton Monks Lane Moated Site BE.15 13518 Edleston Moated Site and Fishpond

44 45 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

Appendix 4.1 Flyer Appendix 4.1 Flyer (cont)

46 47 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

Appendix 4.2 Questionnaire Appendix 4.2 Questionnaire (cont)

48 49 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

Appendix 4.2 Questionnaire (cont) Appendix 6.1 Footways and Footpaths in the Parishes Footways There is a narrow footway on the north side of Monks Lane between Acton village and the Swanley Lane junction. There are very few other sections of footway on roads in the Parish. Footpaths Two footpaths are particularly well-used, the north-south one through the Dorfold Estate from Dig Lane (which can be muddy in wet weather), north through Acton village, across the Shropshire Union Canal to Welshman's Lane and Reaseheath College. This forms part of the well-promoted Crewe and Nantwich Circular Walk. The other is the towpath of the Shropshire Union Canal itself. This has been surfaced in the past, but has become rather narrow and wet in some places. Recently the section between Marsh Lane and Nantwich Marina bridge has been resurfaced with improved access including a long, gently graded ramp adjacent to Malbank School. The parishes are well served by north-south orientated footpaths. It is possible to walk from Welshman's Lane in the centre of Henhull as far as the southwest corner of Edleston almost entirely on farmland footpaths. The only sections of road on this route are in the centre of Acton and a short length of Marsh Lane. The northern section of this route forms part of the Crewe and Nantwich Circular Walk, which turns east along Marsh Lane and cuts across the fields to Shrewbridge on the Weaver. A footpath follows the west bank of the Weaver, running through the southeast corner of Edleston and the eastern boundary of Henhull as far as Beam Bridge. A well-used route runs west from Acton village across Ravens Lane to Swanley, but in general east-west links follow the main roads through the parishes. The canal towpath also runs north-south through the parishes and provides an entirely segregated link between the A51 and Baddington Lane, south of Edleston parish. Recently the section between Marsh Lane and the canal marina bridge has been resurfaced with improved access including a long, gently graded ramp adjacent to Malbank School. The County Council has produced a booklet entitled 'Public Paths - an A to Z of Problems and Protocols', which details the responsibilities of landowners, most of the problems that can arise in connection with public footpaths and actions that can be taken to correct them. Other organisations concerned with keeping PROW open and in good condition are the mid- Cheshire Footpath Society, which has a local District Inspector, and the South Cheshire Ramblers. Contact details are given below. Public Rights of Way (PROW) are public highways and enjoy the same protection as roads under the Highways Act 1980. Cheshire County Council has a PROW department that keeps legal records of footpaths; deals with path creation, diversions and closures; and responds to reports from the public. Acton Parish Council holds a copy of the definitive PROW map for the parishes. The County Council operates a 4-year rolling programme of inspections across Cheshire. It provides signs and notices to landowners and can loan tools for litter collection to local communities. A joint pedestrian/cycle crossing of the A51 at the Welshman's Lane junction was installed in the late 1990s as part of a wider safety scheme at that crossing. Cycle tracks have been con- structed on the new Kingsley Fields Road to help encourage cycle journeys to Malbank School. 50 51 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Appendix 6.2 Environment and Countryside Landscape and visual character

ADOPT A PUBLIC FOOTPATH The parishes of Acton, Edleston and Henhull lie in the Cheshire Plain to the west of Nantwich. The key characteristics of this area (as far west as Cholmondeley) were described in the Landscape Assessment Report form of Cheshire (1984) as:

' A large, relatively flat area of the Cheshire Plain with only minor undulations to its relief, such as the PARISH: NAME: course of the river Weaver. There are no outstanding natural features in this medium to large-scale farmland landscape type, so the hedgerows and hedgerow trees become very important elements in the Address: landscape. The hedgerow trees can give a wooded appearance although there are some areas with few, mainly over-mature hedgerow trees, incomplete hedgerows and no woodland. Small isolated villages and a network of drainage channels, canals and brooks are characteristic features.'

Telephone Number: This description gives a recognisable picture of the landscape character of the Parish Plan area. Important elements within the parishes include the river Weaver, which forms sections of the eastern boundaries of both Edleston and Henhull; the Shropshire Union Canal main line, which is embanked for I have surveyed the following paths: part of its length and an important landscape element; Dorfold Hall and its historic parkland and the Path Location: Date of Inspection: railway, which crosses Edleston diagonally from its northeast corner. The village of Acton itself is the main settlement. Scattered habitation includes substantial farms and Status (Tick) Overall condition (circle) their associated buildings, some of which continue to operate as working dairy farms - for example, Footpath A. Good Church Farm, Henhull Hall Farm, Dorfold Dairy House, Dig Lane Farm and Edleston Farm; others have Bridleway B. Acceptable been converted to private residential use - for example, Village Farm, Madams Farm and Fields Farm. Pavement C. Difficult The predominant building materials are red brick combined with dark Welsh slate, but there are also D. Blocked good examples of half-timbered (Moss Cottage on Marsh Lane, The Star Inn) and sandstone (St. Mary's Description of conditions/problems encountered: Church) buildings. The highest point in the Parish Plan area is in the centre of Acton village, at 61m above sea level. The lowest points (43m asl) are beneath the aqueduct and at the junction of Welshmans Lane with the A51. Longer views from the parishes are often interrupted by foreground elements such as buildings or trees, but there are views of the sandstone ridge at Peckforton to the west and the Staffordshire Hills and Pennines to the east. The lights of Crewe are prominent to the east from Chester Road in Acton; and the main telescope at Jodrell Bank, 25km to the northeast, can be seen from ground level in the Path Location: Date of Inspection: parishes.

Status (Tick) Overall condition (circle) Wildlife habitats Footpath A. B. C. D. Apart from an area of wet pasture just outside the southern boundary of Edleston there are no Bridleway designated Sites of Biological Importance in the three parishes, although the river Weaver corridor west Pavement of Nantwich is currently under consideration for designation as a new Local Nature Reserve and Description: riverside park. There is a probable ancient semi-natural wood covering c.3 hectares in the centre of the Dorfold Estate. The dominant parish habitats are semi-permanent improved pasture; silage leys and arable land, well drained and regularly ploughed, fertilised and planted with fodder crops and cereals. The area contains several kilometres of trimmed enclosure hedgerows, although many of those on the Dorfold Estate have been removed or become fragmented. There are mature individual trees along Please return completed forms to: watercourses and in hedges, and some in open farmland and former parkland, mostly in Acton Parish. Charles Hull, Edleston Cottage, Edleston Hall Lane, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8PL There are several immature linear woodland plantations, again primarily on the boundaries of the or Chris Driver, Madams Farm, Ravens Lane, Acton, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 8PF Dorfold Estate, in particular along the Chester Road and the Shropshire Union Canal.

52 53 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

Appendix 6.2 Environment and Countryside (cont) Appendix 6.2 Environment and Countryside (cont)

The parishes hold a range of water bodies, including sections of the Weaver and its tributaries (Edleston recently published a revised list of birds of conservation concern 2002-2007. Since 1996 the overall and Ravensmoor Brooks), the Canal, and numerous ponds, including the lake at Dorfold Hall, the moat number of species on the Red List (high conservation concern) has increased by 4 to 40 species. However, pond at Acton and up to 40 field ponds of different sizes. These constitute a fragmented but potentially some conservation actions have had a beneficial effect, and 5 species have moved from Red to Amber valuable and important wildlife habitat. In addition the linear waterways and the railway line provide (medium conservation concern) listing. Locally occurring species of high or medium concern are listed in relatively safe 'corridors' for wildlife to move through and across the area. Table 2 below, together with an assessment of their local status

Most of the farmland is accessible, in fairly intensive production, and thus of quite low value to wildlife. However, within the farmland there are field margins, patches of poorly-drained ground and set aside Table 2 Species Status in Acton, Edleston and Henhull areas - all of which provide permanent or seasonal wildlife habitat. These could become more widespread under a simplified wildlife-friendly voluntary Environmental Stewardship scheme, which is Kestrel A Frequently seen and numbers have increased over the last few years. to be introduced by DEFRA in March 2005. The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group hopes that 80% of Grey Partridge R Once a common bird but with no records for the last few years. farmers in Cheshire will participate at entry level within the next two years. Private gardens are also a Lapwing A Occasionally breeds in the area. significant resource, and an increasingly important source of food for both wintering and resident bird Stock Dove A A few scattered pairs in the area. species. Cuckoo A No longer breeds in the area. Barn Owl A Occasionally seen in the area. Wildlife occurrence in the Parishes Kingfisher A One pair usually breeds in the area each year. Lesser Spotted A scarce bird in the area with just a few sightings each year. Biological records for Cheshire come from a variety of sources, including organisations such as the Woodpecker R Cheshire Wildlife Trust, clubs or societies like the Nantwich Natural History Society and numerous Skylark R 4 pairs are known to breed in the area. individuals with an active interest in wildlife. The centre for biological records is rECOrd - an Swallow A Still common in the area but has decreased over the years. organisation that is currently transferring historical and recent records onto a computer database for House Martin A Still common in the area but has decreased over the years. the whole of the County. Most of the information currently held by rECOrd for the parishes stems from Song Thrush R Reasonably common around habitation. surveys, of moss species (1988) and St. Mary's Churchyard (1998). There are also a few individual records Mistle Thrush A A few pairs breed in the area. of mammals, reptiles, plants and insects. These do not give a full picture of the wildlife interest of the Starling R Still very common in the area although the numbers have fallen significantly parishes. However, records of birds in the area have been compiled as part of the recording activities of over the last few years. the Nantwich Natural History Society and survey results from the British Trust for Ornithology (see Table House Sparrow R Still very common in the area although the numbers have fallen significantly 1). A total of c.75 bird species has been recorded from some gardens in the parishes. over the last few years. Table 1: Common birds frequently seen in the parishes Tree Sparrow R Fairly common but local in the area; seems to be increasing. Linnet R A few scattered pairs in the area. Grey Heron Stock Dove Fieldfare Treecreeper Bullfinch R A few scattered pairs in the area. Mute Swan Woodpigeon Song Thrush Jay Yellowhammer R A few scattered pairs in the area. Canada Goose Collared Dove Redwing Magpie Reed Bunting R One or two pairs in the area. Mallard Swift Mistle ThrushJackdaw Tufted Duck Great Spotted Woodpecker Whitethroat Rook Sparrowhawk Skylark Blackcap Carrion Crow It may appear surprising that certain locally-common birds like House Sparrow and Song Thrush are Red- Buzzard Swallow Chiffchaff Starling listed, but this is a reflection of broader factors such as a rapid decline in the UK breeding population. Kestrel House Martin Spotted Flycatcher House Sparrow Local success is not necessarily representative of national success, but it indicates how local measures, Pheasant Pied Wagtail Long-tailed Tit Tree Sparrow including wildlife-friendly management and garden feeding, can support certain species. Barn Owls, Moorhen Wren Coal Tit Chaffinch which are regularly seen in the parishes, have increased in numbers thanks to the work of the South Coot Dunnock Blue Tit Greenfinch Cheshire Barn Owl Group, which erects nest boxes, advises on management and monitors the Black-headed Gull Robin Great Tit Goldfinch population. Barn Owls and other birds, such as 12 species of farmland birds and Spotted Flycatchers, are Common Gull Blackbird Nuthatch Yellowhammer the subjects in Cheshire of Species Local Biodiversity Action Plans (LBAPs) which have been drawn up to protect and achieve realistic increases in the populations of target species - in the case of Barn Owl, to There have been sharp declines in the numbers of many bird species during the past 25 years, not only 50 pairs in Cheshire by 2020. on farmland but also in lowland woodlands and urban areas. For nearly 10 years government and non- governmental organisations have been reviewing the population status of British birds, and have

54 55 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

Appendix 6.2 Environment and Countryside (cont) Ancient tree survey

'Veteran trees are an integral and valuable part of the lowland British landscape. They are the old trees in woodland and parkland, the gnarled oaks in the hedgerows and the decaying pollard willows along riversides. Veteran trees are no longer retained and managed …most are forgotten and neglected. Many more have already been lost, felled to make room for development, intensive agriculture and forestry, or for safety reasons. Recently there has been a resurgence of interest in veteran trees. Their biological, historical and cultural importance is slowly being recognised together with their aesthetic appeal and the unique contribution they make to the landscape.

Britain is of European importance for the large number of old broadleaved trees still surviving here. This is largely a result of historical factors, which have allowed veteran trees in Britain to survive while, in other European countries, old trees have severely declined in number or were rarely allowed to remain. Across Britain the distribution of veteran trees is patchy'. From 'Veteran Trees: a guide to good management'. (2000). English Nature

It is proposed ultimately to follow this method of recording ancient trees, but initially parish residents who know the location of potentially ancient trees will be asked to contact a survey co-ordinator, who will follow up calls with a visit and detailed survey. A rough rule of thumb can be adopted to assess the value of a tree, such as an oak, in relation to size:

G Trees with a diameter at breast height of more than 1.0m (girth 3.2m) are potentially interesting.

G Trees with a diameter of more than 1.5m (girth 4.7m) are valuable in terms of conservation.

G Trees with a diameter of more than 2.0m (girth 6.25m) are truly ancient.

Absolute age is not necessarily a good indicator of ancient status, as different species have different life spans. Thus willow and birch are short lived and specimens over 100 years old are valuable, whereas oak only starts to mature at 200 years.

56 57 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

Appendix 6.3 Local events in the area

Some residents in the Parishes currently take part in a large range of clubs and societies. The focal points for activities and events tend to be Acton Parish Hall, St Mary's Church, the Star Public House, Acton C of E Primary School and the Goodwill Hall at Faddiley. However these events are not advertised over all of the parishes and some members of the community are unaware of the opportunities available.

The aim of this Appendix is to give an insight into the range and extent of events rather than providing a comprehensive list.

Acton Parish Hall: Regular bookings are taken from four Masonic Lodges, The Odd Fellows, Acton & Reaseheath Women's Institute, Malbank & Cheshire WI Federation, Nantwich Inner Wheel, Nantwich Young Farmers, Acton Operatic Society, the Whist Drive, “Acton Mums & Tots”, The Parish Council, Friends of Acton School and Nantwich Flower Club. In addition the Parish Council runs its own fund raising events. Examples are “Race Night” - hot pot supper and fun at the races, “Let us sing with you” - songs by the Operatic Society. Contact for further information of any of the above events is Mrs Grocott on Telephone 01270 625353.

St Mary's Church: In addition to regular services held on a Sunday and mid week (Wednesday 10:15), the church offers much to residents. These include bible study groups, a choir, and those wishing to learn bell ringing. The Church caters for children by providing “Praise and Play” for pre-school children and mums, Sunday Club for primary aged children and “Holy Disorder” for teenagers. The church also runs a couple of activity days each year in the Parish Hall for primary school aged children. The Church Social Committee organise many activities from Harvest Suppers, Garden Days, Frugal Lunches, Christmas Fairs, Concerts, Theatre Trips etc to name but a few. Currently the Church is planning a festival in conjunction with other local churches called “Living Life to the Max”. The festival will include the church being open on the Sunday with flowers, art and information (Archives, registers and tithe maps), Taize music, hospitality and hymns. For information on any of the above contact the Parish Office Telephone: 01270 628864 Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00am to 12:30pm, or look at “Cross County”, the Parish Magazine.

The Star Public House: The pub is open seven days a week and offers food and drink, with a non- smoking area. The Star contributes much to local life with various darts, dominoes and pool teams. Once a month, on a Sunday evening, there is live music. “Age Concern” meets fortnightly for coffee with a guest speaker followed by lunch. “Nantwich Round Table” meets here as do various walking groups. For further information contact Barry Parker at the Star on Telephone: 01270 627296.

Acton C of E Primary School: The school offers much for its pupils. The school has close contacts with the Church. In conjunction with the “Mums & Tots” Group and “Rebecca's Nursery” at Burland, the school has attended Rural Touring Company theatre workshops and plays, held in the Parish Hall. The Friends of Acton School run regular fund-raising events where some of the wider community are invited. Such events include Community cinema for children, summer fairs etc.

The Goodwill Hall Faddiley: Other activities in which some residents of the Parishes participate include the local branch of the “Over 60's” that meets at the Goodwill Hall. “The Rural Touring Company” puts on regular productions at the Goodwill Hall. Contact N. Alexander for further details Telephone: 01270 524581.

58 59 Acton, Edleston and Henhull Parish Plan

organising the screen and having his toolkit at the ready), Peter Webb (for the power-point Thanks . . . presentation), Annie Coombs (for her speech) Reverend Donald Brockbank (for making the prize Flyer and Questionnaire draw), The Nantwich Chronicle (for giving press

Reg Cooper, Peter Foster (for designing the coverage before and after the event) and the 92 questionnaire), Dave Bexon, Nancy Boyer, people who attended. Maurice Connolly, Annie Coombs, Reg Cooper, Carolyn Coupe, Andrew Mildinhall, Chris Driver, Focus Groups and Information Peter Foster, Mary Holden, Mike Houlston, Irene Reverend Donald Brockbank (Church), Kath Houston, Clare Lewis-Jones, Carol Mace, Liz Ford Farrington (Home-watch), Mike Houlston (Parish (for distributing and collecting questionnaires), Hall), David Wycherley (School), Ernie Broughton, Barry Parker for providing a collection point in Norman Buckle, Tony Coxhill, Peter Foster, Irene “The Star”, Jeremy Vernon for analysing the data, Houston (Transport Focus Group), Chris Driver, Bexon Hodson Ltd for printing and Mako Charles Hull, (Environmental Focus Group), Creative Solutions for design work. Graeme Kay (BSBI), John Gittins (Cheshire Landscape Trust), Michael Verity, Richard Fearnall Prizes (Strutt and Parker on behalf of Dorfold). John Beech of Poole Carriages, Barry Parker of The Star, Richard Roundell of Dorfold Hall (for prizes Contribution to Document Preparation for completing the questionnaire), Norman Buckle Maurice Connolly, Annie Coombs, Chris Driver, of Kidscope (for prizes for the under 16's quiz). Peter Foster, Susan Hull, Clare Lewis-Jones, Carol Mac and Peter Webb (text) Annie Coombs and Open Day 22nd January 2005 Chris Driver (photography) Unity Creative Arthur Griffiths, Philip Percival, Lindsey (graphic design and printing). Tomlinson (for loaning battlefield artefacts), Nancy Boyer, Frances Green, Lilian Moss (for Officer Time loaning photographs), Anne Owen (for loaning her Joanne Parr (Countryside Agency), Rod fascinating scrap-books), Angela Latham (for old Brookfield, Louise Hare, (Cheshire Community post-cards), Elizabeth Hadfield (for loaning her Council, Peter Webb (Cheshire Community paintings of buildings in the Parishes), Norman Council and in his own right), David Bibby, Dave Buckle (for the exhibitions stands), Lara Ward (for Blackburn, Chris Booth, Rob Edwards, Lesley bringing the Community Art Exhibition), The Gleaves, Keith Harpur, Ian Marshall, Dave Brownies (for their exhibition), Deana Emerton Matthews, Janet Mills, Bob Mitchell, Fil Prevc, and Pat Grocott (for cleaning the Village Hall), Andrew Ross, Rob Welch (Cheshire County WI members: Nancy Boyer, Jo Cooper, Tracey Council), Rachael Dyer, Alan Leah, Penelope Foster, Irene Houston, Susan Hull, Joyce Percival Lane, Dee Meredith, Helen Smith, Paul Ramsdale, (for cakes and cheese straws and endless cups of Caroline Yoxall (Crewe and Nantwich Borough tea), Carol Mace for sausage rolls, Angela Latham Council), Kirstie Hercules (Crewe and Nantwich (for organising the cinema questionnaire), Chris LSP) ,Lee Greenhough, Jackie Hulse, Chris Mahon Driver (for taking photographs for the display and (Cheshire Wildlife Trust), Steve McWilliam preparing the under 16's quiz), Emily Bexon, Joel (rECOrd), Andy Wilkinson, Peter Birch (British Buckle, Jemima Lewis-Jones, Helen Foster, Emily Waterways), Ruth Foley, (Wulvurn Housing). Potts (for doing the quiz), Derek Grocott (for Image supplied by Bluesky Int. Ltd which is © Getmapping plc 60 Sales Telephone: 01530 518562 www.bluesky-world.com