WINSFORD Town Council was named Cheshire West and Chester ‘Council of the Year’.

The accolade was presented at the first Local Councils Excellence Awards, which was held at the Eaton Estate, Chester.

The event, organised by CWAC in partnership with the Cheshire Association of Local Councils, recognised the achievements of the town and parish councils in the borough.

Winsford Town Council pipped Northwich Town Council and Tatton Hall Parish Council to win the ‘Council of the Year’ award, which was presented by CWAC chief executive Steve Robinson.

Winsford Town Mayor, Cllr Gina Lewis, said: “Winsford Town Council has worked extremely hard to fulfil the Neighbourhood Plan motto 'the only town you'll ever need'.

“I am delighted that this award recognises our efforts.”

Mr Robinson cited the Neighbourhood Plan, work to the Marina, the Salt Regatta and the first ever ‘What’s on Winsford’ guide as key reasons for naming Winsford Town Council their council of the year.

The chief executive also praised the council’s commitment to offering apprenticeships and celebrating local achievement through the Mayor’s ‘Oscars’.

Winsford Town Clerk, Alan Warburton, said: “This is great testament to the council's commitment to innovation, continuous improvement and to working with our partners to help improve the quality of life of the people of our town.”

Winsford Town and CWAC councillor, Cllr Brian Clarke, who played a key role in the development if the Neighbourhood plan, said the award was the ‘icing on the cake’.

Cllr Clarke said: “I can honestly say that for us to have made the shortlist in the first place was an outstanding result.

“But to have won the award was the icing on the cake for all of the effort that we as a town council have put into making Winsford a better place to live and work over the last four years.

“The slogan for the Neighbourhood Plan is to make Winsford 'the only town you`ll ever need’, and this award shows we are on the right track.”