IT is 16 years since Middlewich First was first elected to represent the town on the old Congleton Borough Council.

The independent group has continued to represent Middlewich on Cheshire East Council over the past decade, and it wants to carry on that work over the next four years.

In a statement, the group said: “All Middlewich First candidates are committed to doing what’s best for Middlewich.

“We will ensure that the Middlewich eastern bypass continues to make progress, with the planning application recommended for approval on April 24, funding in place, and contractors appointed – and will keep up the pressure to reopen the rail station in Middlewich.

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“Both of these major transport infrastructure projects have been our long-term goals and they are now within our grasp. Also, having now got it firmly on CEC’s agenda, we will progress the feasibility study for a southern bypass to take M6 traffic to Winsford and Chester.”

Middlewich First is also keen on improving local infrastructure, such as traffic calming in Lewin Street, Warmingham Lane and at Town Bridge.

Air quality improvements, cutting the number of lorries on residential roads and pushing for improvements to the town’s leisure facilities are also on the agenda, along with plans to support the upkeep of the canal towpath and an attempt to rework the neighbourhood plan after it was voted down.

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The group added: “This will be done by getting involved, by negotiating with stakeholders, funding bodies and community groups, rather than by table-banging and by continually criticising the people who are in a position to help – this opposition approach has been shown not to work in the past.”

Middlewich First are among several independent candidates hoping to retain their seats, with other serving councillors currently in Wilmslow, Alderley Edge, Handforth, Bollington, Macclesfield and Nantwich.

Voters in Cheshire East will head to the polls on Thursday, May 2.

While the Conservatives are hoping to cling on to power and continue their growth agenda, opposition parties and independent candidates are demanding a fresh approach.

For more information visit cheshireeast.gov.uk/elections

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