At this week's Alderley Edge Parish Council Annual Meeting Councillor Paul Tomlinson stood down as chairman of the Parish Council and handed the responsibility to his fellow councillor Mike Williamson.
Mike Williamson has been a Parish Councillor in Alderley Edge since the early 1990's and told me the priorities for the Parish Council this year would be:
"Following the completion of the bypass, we must consult the residents of the village to determine how best to reclaim London Road for pedestrians and shoppers, and to manage traffic flows and parking to allow a vibrant shopping area to exist along side the cafes and bars which have been so successful.
"There are short-term measures which the Parish Council and Cheshire East hope to impliment immediately after the by-pass is opened, such as mini-roundabouts, to change traffic priorities, and alterations to the pelican crossing lights in favour of predestrians. Cheshire East has briefed the Parish Council on changes to the road signage, designed to divert traffic away from Alderley Edge.
"The most pressing issue, and perhaps the most problematic, is the future of the Festival Hall. From the first day Macclesfield Borough Council suggested closing the hall, the Parish Council has worked tirelessly to ensure that that would not happen. The Festival Hall was transferred to the Parish Council ownership in April 2009.
"So far the plan to construct a new Medical Centre on the site has not moved beyond the design stage. Clearly such a centre is needed, and the Practice in George Street fully support the plan as meeting their future needs. Firstly the Parish Council will use all means to enage the Primary Care Trust and reach an agreement which will allow the project to proceed.
"However, if we are not successful, the Parish Council has a clear vision of how a modernised, improved hall will become a focal point for village life. This years increase in the precept has caused some concern, and there will be further expenditure required before the Festival Hall can reach it's full potential, but the alternative of losing such an asset is not one the Parish Council is yet prepared to contemplate."
Councillor Williamson will be supported by Councillor Matthew Lloyd, who was elected to the Parish Council last year, and takes up the post of vice-chairman.
Matthew Lloyd said "I am honoured to be appointed vice-chairman of the Parish Council by my fellow councillors. It will be my pleasure to offer whatever support I can to Councillor Mike Williamson in his position as Chairman of the Council.
"I will also continue to work to ensure Alderley Edge thrives as a community and that we seize the opportunity the bypass presents to make the centre of our village a calmer, safer and more pleasant hub for all residents, local businesses and visitors to Alderley Edge."
