CHESHIRE East Council celebrated the opening of two Connected Community centres in Middlewich with the community.

Local volunteers and organisations supported the events at Middlewich Methodist Church and Middlewich Victoria Hall on February 22.

Mayor of Middlewich Cllr Bill Walmsley and his consort Bernice Walmsley, were joined by Cllr Liz Wardlaw and Cllr Janet Clowes from Cheshire East Council to officially open both centres.

Cllr Janet Clowes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for adult social care and integration, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people of all ages come along to the celebration event at the Middlewich Victoria Hall, which will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in September.

“My thanks and congratulations go out to all who have worked so hard to bring this project to fruition – it’s a wonderful achievement.”

Cheshire East Council has invested £150,000 in developing Connected Communities centres and each one is supported by a neighbourhood partnership representing local people as well as a range of agencies, including the police, health services and the voluntary sector.

Children from St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, led by Sophie Quinn Jones from the Performing Arts Academy, participated in a dynamic demonstration which showcased various styles of dancing.

Cllr Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for health said: “I am extremely pleased to see Middlewich Methodist Church become the latest of our Connected Communities centres.

“The church is part of Churches Together in Middlewich and supports the local foodbank as well as the Winsford Salvation Army in its work to support our community.

“I would like to thank all our partners for making the open day a wonderful event and I want to thank all the centres for all the brilliant work they do.”