RESIDENTS have gathered at Middlewich Cenotaph this afternoon, Saturday, to protest about the 'neglect' of the town.

Around 2,500 people have so far signed a petition – with more expected by the end of the day – saying their wishes for Middlewich have been ignored for many years and the town is deteriorating as a result.

More than 100 people staged a peaceful protest in the town centre, with signs, whistles and horns to spread awareness of their cause in an attempt to be heard by Cheshire East Council.

Protest organiser Laura Turner said residents had been reporting their concerns for years, on both a town and borough level, and had also recently requested a meeting to discuss the town issues in more detail – to no avail.

"Our children are our future," Laura added.

"The kids that are here today are not getting anything for their town."

Fiona Bruce MP, who attended the protest, said she admired how many residents had come out to fight for their town.

"I'm right behind them," she added.

"I believe groups like this can make a difference and I am very much hoping that Cheshire East Council and councillors can work with this group and together we can all work to make Middlewich a better place."

The protest took place over demands to know why there has been little or no infrastructure improvements in the town to support new housing developments.

Protesters also want to know how Section 106 money – a contribution a developer makes towards local services such as education or the NHS – has been spent.

There is anger over the smells and traffic from the Ansa depot on Cledford Lane and residents say poor air quality has long been an issue.

Other concerns include poorly maintained roads, the axing of some gritting routes, the state of the cemetery, and for years the town has been asking for a swimming pool.

A spokesperson for Cheshire East Council commented: "Section 106 contributions funds have been secured to support future investment in green spaces, local highways and education facilities, and will also be used to part-fund the construction of the much-needed Middlewich Eastern Bypass.

"Where residents have concerns about their local area or council services and policies, we would encourage them to speak to their local ward councillors in the first instance.

"Our councillors have an important role to play ensuring that individuals’ concerns are directed via the appropriate decision-making route for resolution.

"Contact details for all our councillors can be found on our website, at cheshireeast.gov.uk.

"All councils are facing significant financial challenges, not least due to the additional pressures from Covid-19.

"This council works hard to serve all residents and communities in all parts of Cheshire East equitably – and we aim to ensure that no towns or communities are favoured or neglected.

"Central Government funding to local authorities has been cut significantly over recent years and this limits the ability of councils to respond to all issues as local councillors would like."