WITH 2023 just around the corner, Northwich councillors are confident the town has a bright future ahead of it.
Northwich town mayor Graham Emmett, town councillor Lee Siddall, and Cheshire West and town councillor Sam Naylor, have shared some of their thoughts about the past year, and the developments residents can look forward to in the year ahead.
“This has been a challenging year for Northwich, with plenty of ups and downs," Sam said.
“Councillors have tried to deliver the best for the town against a backcloth of central government implosion, with three different prime ministers, a terrible cost-of-living crisis, and a continuing reduction in government funding for councils.
“There is no doubt that Northwich continues to punch above its weight. This is very much down to its individuals, its organisations and their sheer determination to put Northwich ‘on the map’.
“We should celebrate the renaissance of the Plaza, the improvements and expansion of our much cherished Victoria Infirmary, the reputation of our educational establishments, the cleanliness of our town centre and our ‘In Bloom’ awards and most of all the fact that Northwich is one of the safest places to live in the UK.”
Lee Siddall said: “If I was to pick just one highlights of 2022, it would have to be the amazing success of the Northwich Pina Colada festival. It brings so much to our town, and truly highlights what can be achieved when organisations work so well together.
“Northwich is quickly becoming the events capital of Cheshire and the envy of many local towns. Going into 2023, I am looking forward to seeing plans for Weaver Square, our refurbished library, and I am hopeful about plans for a new Northwich Market to help the green shoots of local independent business grow and thrive in Northwich.
“I hope to stand as a CWaC councillor candidate for Winnington and Castle in May. I want to continue to make a positive difference within Northwich on a bigger platform, and be the voice that puts Northwich first.
Town mayor, Graham Emmett, said: “Since becoming mayor in May, I’ve taken part in some amazing events.
"On June 2, my first public speaking challenge – the proclamation of the Queen’s seventy-fifth anniversary and lighting the beacon in Verdin Park. Making the proclamation to several hundred people without a microphone was quite a challenge.
"September 8 brought us the passing of Queen Elizabeth, which led me to my second proclamation, that of the accession of King Charles on the steps of Brio to a crowd of several hundred.
"The November 14 Remembrance Sunday parade was held in full for the first time since 2019, and the town showed its respect for the who fell in all the wars. It struck me how many veterans we have from the Gulf Wars and from Afghanistan.
"The Christmas Extravaganza – a parade of children with lanterns led by the amazing Balata Mersey Drum Band – saw two or three thousand people crammed into Barons Quay to see the Christmas lights switched on.
"In between all this I’ve visited many care homes, schools, shops and businesses and met scores of people, hopefully fulfilling my role as the ambassador for Northwich.
"I’ve done all this supported by the town clerk, Chris Shaw, and his staff, especially Theresa Cash, who manages to fit in organising me with all her other duties at the town council.
"I’ve another five months before I hand over to the next mayor. I hope they have as much fun as I have."
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