Local News 7

Apartments for vulnerable adults

Cheshire East how now approved a proposal for a block of 18 apartments for vulnerable adults, to be built on the vacant site of what was the Alsager Arms. They will be self-contained one-bedroom specialised supported living apartments. There will also be 16 parking spaces.

Helping hedgehogs

Did you know that hedgehogs are red listed, that is, they are at high risk of extinction in the UK? The main restriction on urban populations is lack of access between gardens, so the Alsager Urban Wildlife Initiative has a plan. They have a machine which will cut a 5" hole through your garden boundaries – wood, brick, concrete and wire fencing. You can contact them on 07800 666259. Don't forget to discuss with your neighbours first!

Alsager's active travel project

The government has offered Cheshire East Council £619,000 to support active travel projects and the council has now announced the first nine of these schemes, including one for Alsager. The proposal is to close Lodge Road, which includes the rear entrance to Alsager School, to all except pedestrians and cyclists. The objective is to boost social distancing, encourage walking and cycling and improve access to town centres. All schemes are experimental in the first instance.

Alsager Town Council actually proposed alternative suggestions including 20 mph speed limits and improvements to footpaths and cycleways to connect routes in Alsager so that people did not have to go through the town centre. Councillor Phil Williams said that they cannot understand what this scheme is supposed to achieve, and is concerned that it will increase traffic at bank corner.

Changes to roads like this are always controversial. It will be interesting to see what happens and how people respond.