Reports to November 2025 meetings of parish councils

Capenhurst & Ledsham Parish Council - 04 November 2025

Cllr Simon Eardley attended this meeting in-person and presented the following report:

• Drainage matters (Capenhurst Lane area):
  • Following the last meeting, I have written to the Crown Estate direct. I had asked CWaC to provide me with a direct contact, but this has not happened. So, I have gone to their generic email address which I believe will see a response within a given timeframe. I have set out in brief the challenges of neighbouring landowners and the location of where we believe there to be a ‘blockage’ in terms of the efficient movement of water towards Powey Lane. I have also suggested a site meeting would be helpful so a representative of their organisation can see for themselves the challenge and what we are looking to do to resolve. I will relay a response on this as soon as I have one.
  • Similarly, I have also chased National Highways in respect of their culvert responsibilities down towards Powey Lane. This has also proven to be somewhat of a challenge – and a frustrating one at that! Several emails have been exchanged with the contact I have (those who I was previously in touch with appear to have moved on) and his most recent suggestion was for a meeting on site with CWaC officers at the end of October. I am not aware that this happened, but I have nonetheless asked for an update and when such a meeting will take place / confirmation of a plan of action when it does. Again, I will keep you updated.
  • I am disappointed that this is somewhat of a ‘holding’ position again on these two specific matters, but I hope to have positive developments in the coming weeks.
• Planning matters:
  • Capeles, Capenhurst Lane – change of use from C3 dwelling house to C2 children’s care home. It has been confirmed that this application will go to the CWaC Planning Committee for consideration, most likely in early December 2025. SE will speak in opposition to the application and there is the option for a representative of the parish council to do so also if they wish.
  • The Hayloft, Capenhurst Lane. Investigations and enquiries are ongoing with SE in touch on a regular basis both with residents who have expressed concerns and the CWaC Planning team. The issues here are complicated and are not straightforwardly dealt with. All correspondence sent to SE has been relayed to CWaC Planning and he will continue to pursue the matter and provide further updates in due course. A ‘Lawful Development Certificate’ application in respect of the main property was refused in late September 2025 – officer report is available online.
• Member Budget. This remains open and must be committed by the end of January 2026. SE is open to applications for small projects, working on the basis that a grant of circa. £250 might be possible.
• Outcome of surgery held on 18 October 2025:
  • Concerns were expressed regarding the dog agility facility that is operating to the rear of the former Malpas Tractors site.
  • Request made for a ‘concealed entrance’ sign on Capenhurst Lane, on the approach to School House Farm. SE to submit request to CWaC.
  • Request made for visibility mirrors on the verge of Capenhurst Lane to assist drivers seeing approaching vehicles. SE to write with explanation as to why this is not a favoured option.
• Miscellaneous:
  • Resignation of parish councillor Tracey Royle. I am sorry to hear that Tracey has decided to stand down. It has been a pleasure to work with her; her contribution to the life of the parish has been greatly appreciated.
  • Resurfacing works to Capenhurst Lane, broadly from the junction with Rectory Lane to the Brook Farm area, have been undertaken. This has come as a surprise as no notification was given, but they are to be welcomed as the area has improved as a result.
  • ‘Play meeting’ – SE to pursue this with officers. A date was hoped to be sourced for September 2025 but was delayed owing to the ‘pre-election period’ for the Strawberry by-election.
  • Gully cleansing – notification of works scheduled for Capenhurst Lane and Ledsham village (and surrounding) has been received. This will necessitate some short road closures.

Lea-by-Backford Parish Council - 10 November 2025

Cllr Simon Eardley attended this meeting in-person and presented the following report:

Issues from the September 2025 meeting

• Grove Road manhole and possible infrastructure deterioration in the vicinity of the property, Durlston. This was logged on 15/10/25 (ref. CE757459816). An officer has inspected the location and I am advised no further action is proposed at the present time.
• Hedge overgrowth issues, Station Road – some of these issues remain in relation to private hedges and have been escalated to CWaC officers as required. Progress and action will continue to be monitored.
• Liverpool Road water leak – see substantive comments below.
• Station Road, possible culvert blockage under carriageway (on the approach to the railway bridge) – I await further action by CWaC to inspect the line here for any blockages.

Liverpool Road, A41 water leak

• This is technically in Backford parish but is relevant to Lea-by-Backford owing to where the water is ending up (i.e. near the Five Villages Hall).
• Reported again by SE on 13/10/25 – both the water leak and the broken drain/gully cover. Ref. CE756891597. This area was previously reported on 19/07/25 (Ref. CE732619242) for the same reasons. I am aware that a number of residents have also been in correspondence with CWaC on the matter. The latest response is as follows: “Thank you for your enquiry regarding water leaking on the A41/Station Road, after waiting on investigations by the local water utility company they have ruled out a water burst so we have undertaken further investigation to which blocked manholes/gullies  were identified a job has been raised with our contractors to clear and resolve the issues.” I am advised that there are to be gully cleansing works w/c 10/11/25 which I assume will seek to resolve this issue – we’ll see!

Digital matters – broadband

There is no update on progress regarding the wider delivery of improved broadband provision in the area at present. As soon as there is a substantive update, I will arrange for the CWaC Digital Specialist officer, Mike Dugine, to either provide a written note or attend a parish council meeting in person. There may be some progress around agreeing datasets by ‘Building Digital UK’ (who are working with Openreach to connect a few thousand properties in Cheshire, including CWaC) in November with the objective to sign a contract in April. At the time of writing this report, no more can be said.

HyNet CO2 pipeline project

I have been advised that the next set of public engagement / information sessions will be held as follows: Tuesday 11th November 2025 – Thornton-le-Moors | 4pm to 7pm and Wednesday 10th December 2025 – Northop Hall | 4pm to 7pm. More information around the whole project is available here: www.hynethub.co.uk

With various works now underway in the area, some residents have been in touch with their current concerns. One such issue was the substantial amount of mud left behind by operations on Station Road (on the approach to the village green). These were raised with the project team and assurances given that they would tackle the problem raised. This was actioned at the time.

CWaC consultation prior to 2026 budget

Each year, Cheshire West and Chester Council undertake a consultation prior to embarking on their budget planning which will culminate in a meeting of the Council in February 2026 to set a budget for the forthcoming year and also decide on whether or not council tax should be raised. CWaC have now launched their latest budget consultation called ‘Fit for the Future’ and they are inviting you to have your say on these issues. The blurb they have issued reads like this:

“Cheshire West and Chester Council is inviting residents, businesses, and community organisations to take part in its annual budget consultation, Fit for the Future. The consultation asks people to share their views on how the Council should plan for the years ahead, making the best use of public money while continuing to protect vital local services.

The Council spends almost one billion pounds each year delivering services that matter most to residents, from social care and schools to waste collection and roads. With rising costs and increasing demand, the Council must make careful choices about how to balance its budget and plan for the future.”

The Fit for the Future consultation runs from Monday 20 October until Sunday 30 November 2025.

There are several ways you can get involved and have your say:

• Visit: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/news/have-your-say-on-how-cheshire-west-and-chester-can-stay-fit-for-the-future to complete a survey and take part in a budget simulator.
• Write to: Fit for the future, Insight and Intelligence, Cheshire West and Chester Council, The Portal, Wellington Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 0BA.
• Telephone: 0300 123 8123 to speak to the Council’s Contact Centre, quoting ‘Fit for the future’.
• Paper copies of this consultation will be available in public libraries and on request using the contact details above. Alternative formats are also available on request.
• Email: [email protected] to share your views.

Backford & District Parish Council - 11 November 2025

Cllr Simon Eardley attended this meeting in-person and presented the following report:

Miscellaneous issues / reports:

• I have undertaken litter picks in the area as follows:
  • 17 October – Chorlton Lane (and around) at the junction with Rake Lane.
  • 11 October – Rake Lane (near the junction with Liverpool Road).
• Volunteer litter picking appears to have taken place on 29 September on Whitby Lane – I queried this with CWaC and they were not aware of their operatives undertaking this work. Many thanks to whoever the volunteers were!
• Static caravan in field off Liverpool Road, A41 (next to recently approved stables). This has been logged as a concern with CWaC, 06/11/25. Ref. CLR763179818.
• Lighting column – The Channel – not working. Reported on 06/11/25, ref. CE763182493.
• Water leak – Liverpool Road, A41 – see substantive comments below.
• Lights out on Liverpool Road (A41), Backford - in the area of the Whitby Lane junction. Comments were made on online posts relating to street lighting as the main ones on this route were not working. This is the response from officers, 17/09/25: “Unfortunately, there is a street lighting cable fault in this location which is affecting the lighting on the A41. Works have been raised with our contractor to investigate the cause and complete the remedial works. Due to these jobs now being late and the concerns raised, I have escalated this fault and asked them to confirm a date of repair ASAP.” This remains unresolved.

Highways – Gordon Lane

A few issues on Gordon Lane were raised with CWaC on 13th October 2025. The road surface here continues to deteriorate in various spots. It is frustrating that, despite being marked up for repair several weeks ago (and some locations from a long list were actioned), a deep pothole on the right-hand side of the road if you are coming from the village was not dealt with. This was raised again with CWaC for repair. Reporting reference: CE756857947. At the same time, further edge deterioration in the area was reported. Reporting reference: CE756856413.

The following week, w/c 20 October, there was also a temporary road closure on Gordon Lane in order that works could be undertaken by ‘Manweb’ near to Whitby Lane. There was a fair amount of dialogue around confusing signage in the area suggesting works on ‘The Channel’ which was incorrect. I never received a satisfactory reply from CWaC on the matter!

Liverpool Road, A41 water leak

• This has been a longstanding issue with extensive water running towards the Five Villages Hall.
• Reported again by SE on 13/10/25 – both the water leak and the broken drain/gully cover. Ref. CE756891597. This area was previously reported on 19/07/25 (Ref. CE732619242) for the same reasons. I am aware that a number of residents have also been in correspondence with CWaC on the matter. The latest response is as follows: “Thank you for your enquiry regarding water leaking on the A41/Station Road, after waiting on investigations by the local water utility company they have ruled out a water burst so we have undertaken further investigation to which blocked manholes/gullies  were identified a job has been raised with our contractors to clear and resolve the issues.” I am advised that there are to be gully cleansing works w/c 10/11/25 which I assume will seek to resolve this issue – we’ll see!

HyNet CO2 pipeline issues

• Marking of trees on Rake Lane, Little Rake Lane and Chorlton Lane etc. The poor and unprofessional marking of large numbers of trees in the area aroused a lot of concern at the end of September / early October. Alongside landowners, Scottish Power and following enquiries to the Council too (the ‘tree team’), nobody seemed to know what these related to as they were unusual. The HyNet project team eventually came back with some clarification which explains the matter: “I’ve just heard back from UI (United Living - those undertaking the practical works) regarding your enquiry about the tree markings. They have advised that as, part of the Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP), the team surveyed tree canopies along the pipeline route including Little Rake Lane. As a proactive measure, all the HGV routes are surveyed to identify any branches that need pruning for safety.  This is to ensure HGVs can pass safely without striking branches or leaving debris on the road. The Environmental team is confirming the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) status of the trees and is contacting the relevant authorities and landowners for consent. No works will take place until permissions are in place. It should also be added that your picture did highlight that these trees had not been marked up in the standard way.  As a result, some additional education has been provided for those carrying it this activity, so many thanks for getting in touch and highlighting this too!” I responded to say this was NOT satisfactory and they must do better in the future around anything like this as, rightly, residents are concerned when there appear to be works about to happen to longstanding and iconic trees in the area.
• I attended the engagement event around the project held on 23 September at the Mollington Banastre Hotel. There was reasonable attendance at this by residents, but we must continue to collectively promote these opportunities when they arise and when we are given sufficient notice of them!
• I have been advised that the next set of public engagement / information sessions will be held as follows: Tuesday 11th November 2025 – Thornton-le-Moors | 4pm to 7pm (already happened by the time of the meeting) and Wednesday 10th December 2025 – Northop Hall | 4pm to 7pm. More information around the whole project continues to be available here: www.hynethub.co.uk
• With various works now underway in the area, some residents have been in touch with other concerns. One such issue was the substantial amount of mud left behind by operations at the various locations where the contractors are working in fields. These have been raised with the project team and assurances given that they would tackle the problem on an ongoing basis.

Digital matters – broadband

There is no update on progress regarding the wider delivery of improved broadband provision in the area at present. As soon as there is a substantive update, I will arrange for the CWaC Digital Specialist officer, Mike Dugine, to either provide a written note or attend a parish council meeting in person. There may be some progress around agreeing datasets by ‘Building Digital UK’ (who are working with Openreach to connect a few thousand properties in Cheshire, including CWaC) in November with the objective to sign a contract in April. At the time of writing this report, no more can be said.

Shropshire Union Canal repair update

Although this isn’t within the parish, I thought you would be interested to see this update. This note received on 05/11/25 from the Canal & River Trust:

“It’s really encouraging news: our contractors have made excellent progress on-site. The culvert repair is now fully completed and grouted. We’re currently working on reinstating the canal bed and wash walls, with the aim of reopening the canal by the first week in December. Following that, we’re targeting the w/c 8th December to reopen the towpath, and we expect to fully demobilise from the golf course site by mid-December / pre-Christmas. I’m awaiting an updated programme from our contractor, which I should receive on Friday (7th November). That will allow me to confirm more specific dates, but so far, the team has worked really well and the weather has been relatively kind — helping us avoid major delays.”

CWaC consultation prior to 2026 budget

See details under the Lea-by-Backford report above.

Saughall & Shotwick Park Parish Council - 17 November 2025 

Cllr Simon Eardley's report is available here: Cllr Simon Eardley's report to the November 2025 meeting of Saughall & Shotwick Park Parish Council | Simon Eardley

Mollington Parish Council - 20 November 2025

Cllr Simon Eardley attended this meeting in-person and presented the following report:

Planning matters

• Proposal for a ‘Battery Energy Storage Site’ on land to the south of the A494 and adjacent to the M56 motorway belonging to Hill Farm, Coalpit Lane. This planning application was heard by the Planning Committee of CWaC on 04 November 2025. I was given the opportunity to speak at this meeting (5 minutes) to make the case robustly for the refusal of the application on clear grounds – detrimental impact on the green belt and countryside, industrialisation of the countryside etc. Sadly, it was not possible to convince a majority of the committee that they should refuse the application. The vote was 7 to approve (Labour, Lib Dem and Green councillors); 4 to refuse. One of the most alarming aspects of the meeting was the comment from a planning officer that: “Any land in the green belt can be designated as grey belt.” As I warned prior to the general election in 2024, major changes to national planning policy and frameworks are now being felt locally. This position represents a major threat to the green belt and countryside around the parish.
• A further ‘PDQ’ application for the barn within the area adjacent to Warren Farm has been received. I have queried this with CWaC Planning officers as to why an apparent repeat of the previously submitted (and turned down) application has occurred. This matter will be dealt with under officer ‘delegated powers’ in any case. I have no power of ‘call-in.’
• There is no further news as yet regarding when the planning applications at the field near the entrance to Crabwall Manor and the field off Coalpit Lane will go to the CWaC Planning Committee. I will update the parish council when I hear further on both these sites.

Meeting with the headteacher of St Oswald’s Church of England Primary School

Cllr Wells and I met with Danielle Beesley on 14 November 2025 and had a constructive meeting. We discussed a number of issues of concern and were pleased to make general contact with her, now that she has been in post for around a year. A summary of issues discussed:

• The potential impact of the HyNet project. SE to make an introduction to the main ‘ENI’ contact that I deal with to ensure strong communication with the school on an ongoing basis.
• Ongoing challenges around parking during school pick-up and drop-off time. SE to ask the PCSO to support the school on a periodic basis with a hi-vis presence to encourage appropriate parking.
• Maintenance of the lay-by ditch next to the school field. The responsibility for this lies with the Chester Diocesan Academies Trust (CDAT) which the school is part of. Works to maintain this area better have been undertaken this summer, but the need for this to happen on an ongoing and consistent basis was discussed. SE to raise with appropriate contact as necessary going forward.
• A parish council plan to introduce verge markers on the lay-by near the school to help ensure it doesn’t get damaged by inconsiderate parking.

Drainage issues – Grove Road area

• A meeting was held with residents from various properties stretching from Aerona towards the junction of Demage Lane on 01 October 2025. Cllr Wells was present on behalf of the parish council, together with representatives from Sanctuary Housing (x3). Other than SE as borough councillor, no representative of CWaC was present.
• The CWaC ‘position’ in relation to this ongoing problem was detailed by SE which is, in simple terms:
  • The responsibility for drainage and any ‘ditch’ infrastructure or equivalent along this route rests with landowners rather than the Council.
  • The area is regarded as ‘low risk’ from a flooding perspective (it is not internal to properties during periods of heavy rainfall, albeit it is extensive across the road, driveways and towards properties).
  • Owing to the low-risk nature of the area, they (the council) would not look to take enforcement action to address any challenges that may arise as a result of landowners not addressing any drainage matters in the location.
  • Their recommendation is that an open ditch be reinstated (it is assumed this was the case historically) which would allow for easier maintenance of drainage in the entirety of the route.
• The actions from the meeting were as follows:
  • Sanctuary Housing confirmed they would be willing to undertake investigation works to identify and locate the expected pipework which stretches from Aerona through to the culvert which runs under Demage Lane, but they would wish CWaC to grant them permission to do so.
  • SE was requested to write to CWaC stating the above, based on the following note from Sanctuary:

Drainage investigation plan

Sanctuary Housing wish to undertake a trial excavation dig to the left-hand side of the access driveway at Aerona Grove, this will establish that there is drainage pipework stretching for this section along the road to the drainage outlet located close to the neighbouring property The Chalet. The excavation work has been kindly offered with the support of local farmer/land owner Mr Jones, Sanctuary housing seek permission from the local authority for this work to commence as soon as possible.

In conjunction with this work, we would like to call upon the expertise of the local authority to provide a drainage camera unit, this will provide a full investigation of the drainage pipework can be undertaken to establish its condition and suitability to provide adequate drainage to prevent future flooding.

I would expect that the excavation would be no more than 2 metres deep, probably extending 1.5 m to the point where a connection with the existing pipework can be established.

• Tomos Jones to undertake ongoing ditch maintenance to the open ditch to the left of Aerona (this has been done).
• Sanctuary would undertake their drainage investigation plan following confirmation from CWaC, ideally in co-operation with them, to assess the extent of the expected problems.
• This requested email was sent by, alongside some additional evidence around land ownership, on 14/10/25.
• The CWaC response to this was not favourable. This was relayed to Sanctuary Housing who have been supplied with contact details for the CWaC Highways Area Team Leader to consider a way forward.
• I await an update from Sanctuary – my last communication with them was on 03/11/25, but my principal contact has been on annual leave recently.
• I will issue an update to residents around the current state of play by the end of 21/11/25.

HyNet CO2 pipeline issues

There have been several emerging issues and challenges now that this project is underway in earnest from a development perspective:

• The poor and unprofessional marking of large numbers of trees in the area aroused a lot of concern at the end of September / early October, although in Mollington specifically this was actually done via plastic film being attached to numerous trees (on Overwood Lane, for example). However, this might be of general interest to the parish council. Alongside landowners, Scottish Power and following enquiries to the Council too (the ‘tree team’), nobody seemed to know what these related to as they were unusual. The HyNet project team eventually came back with some clarification which explains the matter: “I’ve just heard back from UI (United Living - those undertaking the practical works) regarding your enquiry about the tree markings. They have advised that as, part of the Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP), the team surveyed tree canopies along the pipeline route including Little Rake Lane. As a proactive measure, all the HGV routes are surveyed to identify any branches that need pruning for safety.  This is to ensure HGVs can pass safely without striking branches or leaving debris on the road. The Environmental team is confirming the Tree Preservation Order (TPO) status of the trees and is contacting the relevant authorities and landowners for consent. No works will take place until permissions are in place. It should also be added that your picture did highlight that these trees had not been marked up in the standard way.  As a result, some additional education has been provided for those carrying it this activity, so many thanks for getting in touch and highlighting this too!” I responded to say this was NOT satisfactory and they must do better in the future around anything like this as, rightly, residents are concerned when there appear to be works about to happen to longstanding and iconic trees in the area.
• I attended the engagement event around the project held on 23 September at the Mollington Banastre Hotel. There was reasonable attendance at this by residents, but we must continue to collectively promote these opportunities when they arise and when we are given sufficient notice of them!
• I have been advised that the next set of public engagement / information sessions will be held as follows: Tuesday 11th November 2025 – Thornton-le-Moors | 4pm to 7pm (already happened by the time of the meeting) and Wednesday 10th December 2025 – Northop Hall | 4pm to 7pm. More information around the whole project continues to be available here: www.hynethub.co.uk
• With various works now underway in the area, some residents have been in touch with other concerns. One such issue was the substantial amount of mud left behind by operations at the various locations where the contractors are working in fields. These have been raised with the project team and assurances given that they would tackle the problem on an ongoing basis.

Digital matters – broadband

See details under the Lea-by-Backford report above.

Shropshire Union Canal repair update

This is close to the former Mollington Grange Golf Course, so likely to be of interest. This note received on 05/11/25 from the Canal & River Trust:

“It’s really encouraging news: our contractors have made excellent progress on-site. The culvert repair is now fully completed and grouted. We’re currently working on reinstating the canal bed and wash walls, with the aim of reopening the canal by the first week in December. Following that, we’re targeting the w/c 8th December to reopen the towpath, and we expect to fully demobilise from the golf course site by mid-December / pre-Christmas. I’m awaiting an updated programme from our contractor, which I should receive on Friday (7th November). That will allow me to confirm more specific dates, but so far, the team has worked really well and the weather has been relatively kind — helping us avoid major delays.”

Miscellaneous

• 40+ areas of Parkgate Road in both Mollington and Saughall have been marked up by CWaC Highways for repair. This is clearly welcome news and shows the extent to which issues on this key route need addressing.
• ‘Siding out’ of pavements – Overwood Avenue towards Townfield Lane. I have been in correspondence with a resident of Overwood Avenue around the possibility of some pavement vegetation clearance works being undertaken on this stretch which is overgrown with vegetation and difficult to navigate for pedestrians in a safe manner. I don’t expect that CWaC will confirm they will undertake these works (no budget exists for works like this in a location of relatively low footfall). I have asked whether they would permit volunteer clearance works via their ‘Highways Volunteer Scheme’ and await a response.
• Townfield Lane littering incident (Parkgate Road end). A driveway camera of a resident caught the occupant of a moving vehicle disposing of litter from its window towards the end of October. This footage was relayed to CWaC Regulatory Services but regrettably it wasn’t possible to identify the registration details of the car in question in order to take further action.
• Townfield Lane flytipping incident, 21 October 2025. One of the worst flytipping examples was experienced on this route which completely blocked the road. A local farmer helped to move the extensive materials dumped to one side before it was collected (via two visits) from CWaC officers.
• Littering on the former golf course, Mollington. I have again raised the problem of extensive littering on the public right of way which runs from Parkgate Road and ends up at Knolls Bridge with the managing agents of this site. Regrettably their communications are infrequent and quite unresponsive. I will chase this matter again.
• I undertook a litter pick on Parkgate Road (from the Mollington Banastre Hotel to the entrance to the former golf course PRoW on 11 October. Not surprisingly, this resulted in a full bag collected in this location which is an ongoing area of concern.
• Some, but not all, of the small highways improvement requests that I submitted to CWaC Highways at the end of July (and detailed to the September meeting of the parish council) have been actioned. These including the cleaning of signage at the Parkgate Road junction of Overwood Lane and other miscellaneous issues. It is disappointing that a more comprehensive job to action all the requests was not delivered but I expect to receive an update as to why from officers in the coming weeks.
• Arrangements were made for CWaC officers to remove some road traffic collision detritus from the area at the entrance to Overwood Avenue at the end of September following concerns logged with me by a resident of Parkgate Road.

CWaC consultation prior to 2026 budget

See details under the Lea-by-Backford report above.

Puddington & District Parish Council

This parish council is not currently meeting.