News in Congleton

As the seconds tick down on 2020, it's comforting to know that the oft-hellish start to the decade is nearly over.

What's less comforting is the recognition that Covid-19 is far from over — with Matt Hancock announcing just before Christmas that two new variants of the virus were in the UK which both spread more rapidly.

Local council leaders have said they are "deeply disappointed" at the news the borough will be moved to Tier 3.

The change will apply from one minute past midnight, in the early hours of Boxing Day.

Cheshire East Council will begin with the refurbishment of Congleton Leisure Centre in the spring – subject to obtaining planning approval – which will then deliver on its promise to provide modern gym, exercise and swimming facilities for the town.

The 15-month-long project has been awarded to a local contractor and, although the centre will have to close for much of the building work, that will mean a faster completion, with recommissioning sooner than first planned.

It's a busy time for Santa and his elves as they load up his sleigh ready for his big trip tomorrow night.

Of course he'll have travelled much of the world before he gets to UK shores, visiting good children across many other countries before he arrives here.

Cheshire East will be moving to the Tier 3, 'very high', level of Coronavirus restrictions on Boxing Day, the health secretary has announced.

The increased restrictions mean that all hospitality businesses will be forced to close or be restricted to takeaway services only.

The number of people killed or seriously injured on Cheshire's roads has reduced by 38 per cent over the last five years.

The county's police and crime commissioner, David Keane, says this is down to the work of Cheshire Police and key partners to put in place preventative measures to make Cheshire's roads safer.

The MP for Congleton has welcomed the news that Cheshire East will be given £880,000 to support vulnerable children and families this Winter.

The money will be used to support families in financial difficulty to provide food and other essentials over the Christmas period.

Cheshire East Council leaders have called for respect towards council staff following an alleged number of recent incidents of "extreme hostility" by members of the public.

Deputy leader Cllr Craig Browne and Cllr Laura Crane, cabinet member for highways and waste, said the aggression, abuse and threats towards male and female staff and council members are "totally unacceptable".

An online calculator has launched to tell people when they are likely to receive the Coronavirus vaccine.

And with Covid restrictions continuing into 2021, the vaccine cannot come soon enough for many people.

The leader of Cheshire East Council has urged residents to follow public health guidelines over the Christmas period as infection rates rise and fears mount over the new Coronavirus variant.

Cllr Sam Corcoran described the news of a new, faster spreading, strain of the virus as a "significant concern" and reminded people to adhere to the revised Christmas restrictions.