Year in Review - The stories that shaped Congleton in 2025
By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 30th Dec 2025
By Matthew Hancock-Bruce 30th Dec 2025
As the year draws to a close, we take a look back at the stories that shaped Congleton in 2025.
The town saw many highs and lows throughout the year, with Nub News covering everything from courtroom drama to huge celebrations involving the whole community.
Below, we pick out one Congleton Nub News story from each month of the year.
January - New Chief Inspector
2025 started with the arrival of a Chief Inspector of Congleton Local Policing Unit.
Dave Levins was appointed to the role, bringing more than two decades of experience with him.
February - Park Lane closure
In February, businesses in Hightown were left furious when Park Lane was shut without any notice.
Lasting seven weeks, the closure order allowed Cheshire East Council to install a new pedestrian crossing and carry out additional improvement works.
However, staff at the Railway Inn branded the closure an 'absolute disgrace'.
Meanwhile, the team at Bond's Bakery said: "We've been here in Congleton for 50-plus years and the businesses at Hightown have been overlooked more times than I can remember when it comes to being informed about road works or closures."
March - Child sex offender finally brought to justice
Child sex offender Philip Rigby was sentenced at Chester Crown Court in March.
The then 55-year-old was jailed for over 13 years after admitting to indecent assault on a girl under 14 and five counts of buggery.
The court heard how Rigby sexually abused three children in Congleton between November 1982 and November 1988.
April - Orso Lounge opens
April saw the eagerly anticipated opening of Orso Lounge on Bridge Street.
The former Boots has been completely transformed with vintage furniture, heavily patterned wallpapers and eclectic artwork.
Check out these photos from opening day.
May - Congleton Town's play-off final defeat
Congleton Town fans were left disappointed in May as their side fell at the final hurdle, losing 2-0 to Hednesford Town in the Northern Premier League West play-off final.
The occasion also took a rather serious turn when Hednesford fan Stuart Wright was taken ill.
Thankfully, off-duty firefighter Ade Wilkes was quick to respond.
"If it wasn't for Ade's quick actions and professionalism that day, it would have been a very different outcome, he saved Stuart's life," said Stuart's wife, Larraine.
June - Food & Drink Festival
Congleton's annual Food & Drink Festival returned in June.
It was the first time the event had been held since being taken over by Congleton Town Council.
Hailed an "absolutely fantastic" success, the event drew thousands of visitors as more than 90 vendors lined the streets.
July - Congleton Pride
July saw the 'biggest and boldest' Congleton Pride ever.
Thousands flocked to the town to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community, undeterred by the rain or the acts of a small minority.
In the weeks prior to the event, banners promoting it were stolen, prompting a police investigation.
August - Bottled water menu
La Popote, a Michelin restaurant in Marton, turned a few heads in August.
Chef Joseph Rawlins teamed up with water sommelier Doran Binder to launch Britain's only bottled water menu.
"It will elevate the dining experience for non-drinkers like myself and millions of others who aren't interested in a wine menu," Doran said at the time.
September - Sunday rail service anniversary
September marked one year since the last Sunday rail service in Congleton.
To 'celebrate' the occasion, local resident and rail travel advocate arranged a meeting to discuss the options for ensuring the restoration of these services.
He said: "Put bluntly, Northern's current destruction of weekend rail options at Congleton cannot be allowed to continue."
October - Distillery's new owners
In October, Rob and Karen Tonge picked up the keys to the Edge Distillery at Alcumlow Hall Farm.
Both big fans of the brand's London dry gin, the couple spotted the business for sale online and decided to make their move.
It marks a huge change of pace forRob and Karen, who have spent most of their life working in the pharmaceutical and medical research industry.
You can find out more about the distillery's new owners here.
November
Having shut down earlier in the year, the site once home to Airbags International was put up for sale in November.
Autoliv, the firm's parent company, said the closure was made in response to 'evolving market conditions'.
It impacted around 250 members of staff.
December
December was the return of the popular annual Christmas Window Competition.
Taking home the top prize for the third consecutive year was Bare Health on High Street.
The Coffee House, which opened earlier this year, took home the silver medal.
Rounding out the top three was Chris Hamriding Lettings & Estate Agents.
CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
congleton vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: congleton jobs
Share:
