MIDDLEWICH’S outgoing mayor Bill Walmsley delivered his annual report at a meeting this week, highlighting ‘significant progress for the town made at Cheshire East’.

Town mayor Bill Walmsley, who lost his place on the town council in last week’s local elections, will also come to the end of his year as mayor this month and will formally pass the chains onto his successor at the council’s Annual Meeting on Monday, May 20.

Speaking in a special meeting on Wednesday, the mayor rounded up his year in office and highlighted the big events of the past 12 months.

Bill said: “It’s amazing to think that I’ve been the mayor for almost a whole year, so it’s understandable that we look back on, and review, what the council has done in the year.

“The council has faced many challenges, both short and long-term, and some notable events include: the celebration of putting 14 names on the War Memorial, the canal breach, the opening of two Connected Communities Hubs in Middlewich – in Victoria Hall and at the Methodist Church - the fantastic refurbishment of Fountain Fields, and of course, putting on our regular events for the benefit of all local residents and businesses - the FAB Festival, the Classic Car & Bike Show and the Christmas Lights Switch-On.

“Significant progress for the town has been made at Cheshire East on essential infrastructure for the town including a fully-funded Eastern Bypass, the Leisure Centre funding and the planned upgrade of Victoria Building using S106 funds. We even have the start of a project to further improve the traffic situation in Middlewich with a possible Southern Bypass.

“Also, the campaign to re-open the rail station has also made giant leaps forward this year. I would like to thank our three ward members for their efforts to move all these things forward for the good of the town.

“At the elections in May, the council saw the retirement and departure of some long serving members of this council and I would like to record my thanks to them all for their efforts on behalf of the town.”

Middlewich Town Council’s Annual Meeting will take place at the Civic Hall on Monday, May 20, at 6.30pm.