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About Mollington
Mollington is a small village of around 640 people situated approximately two miles north of the centre of Chester. It is sandwiched between the A41 Chester-Liverpool and the A540 Chester-Hoylake roads and is bisected by the Shropshire Union canal. It has a primary school, which it shares with its neighbours Lea-by-Backford and Backford, and a Pre-School. Other shared facilities are the Village Hall (formally opened by Viscount Leverhulme in 1950) and the local church. Additionally Mollington has two 4-star hotels and two residential care homes.
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Learn more about Mollington.
Click on the video above. |
News and current activities
CLEARING DITCHES
Last year storm Christophe caused some severe flooding in the village that affected many of our residents particularly those who live on or near to Grove Road.
Apart from the severity of the storm, two other factors contributed to the flooding: a collapsed drain and, a blocked drain caused by some footballs entering the system via the attenuation pond located on the school premises.
Whilst the collapsed drain has been repaired and the school pond cleared with grating installed to prevent debris from entering the drain, it is imperative that the drainage system remains unobstructed, allowing the water to flow and the drainage system to do its job.
For those residents whose property is adjacent to a drainage ditch along Grove Road, please check that the entrance to the ditch is clear, that the ditch is clear of any obstructions and that the exit is also clear, allowing water to flow freely throughout the length of the ditch. The Parish Council will contact farmers and ask them to check all the ditches on their land.
If you have a problem with a drainage ditch please contact a member of the Parish Council.
If you want to learn more about how you might protect yourself from flooding this year please visit the Flood Hub. www.thefloodhub.co.uk
SCRAM HELP LINE
A new emergency hotline has been launched for people to report and check financial scams as they happen.
The ‘159 Service’ has been set up by banks and telephone companies who want to fight fraud and is backed by Stop Scams UK. The following banks are part of the pilot project at present:
• Barclays
• Lloyds (including Halifax and Bank of Scotland)
• NatWest (including Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank)
• Santander
• Starling Bank
When people call '159' they will be automatically connected to their bank’s fraud prevention services, although not all banks are participating at the moment it is hoped more will join.
If you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details just:
🛑 Stop
📞 hang up
☎️ call 159 to speak directly to your bank.
159 works in the same way as 101 for the police or 111 for the NHS. It’s the number you can trust to get you through to your bank, every time.
For more information visit: https://stopscamsuk.org.uk/159
The ‘159 Service’ has been set up by banks and telephone companies who want to fight fraud and is backed by Stop Scams UK. The following banks are part of the pilot project at present:
• Barclays
• Lloyds (including Halifax and Bank of Scotland)
• NatWest (including Royal Bank of Scotland and Ulster Bank)
• Santander
• Starling Bank
When people call '159' they will be automatically connected to their bank’s fraud prevention services, although not all banks are participating at the moment it is hoped more will join.
If you think someone is trying to trick you into handing over money or personal details just:
🛑 Stop
📞 hang up
☎️ call 159 to speak directly to your bank.
159 works in the same way as 101 for the police or 111 for the NHS. It’s the number you can trust to get you through to your bank, every time.
For more information visit: https://stopscamsuk.org.uk/159
Webcast Planning Committee Golf Club Development
Watch the hearing of the application which took place on 6th July:
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The Green - Mollington. Proposed Development on the Former Golf Course, Mollington. 20/03019/FUL
Updated: Please be aware that this application was heard on Tuesday 6 July at 4 pm. Cllr Rob Skupski spoke on behalf of the Parish Council and for residents directly affected by this development. Harworths the developers have the right to appeal.
Planning committee agenda: 20/03019/FUL: Item 6
http://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=827&MId=6605&Ver=4
Link to committee papers and reports here:
http://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/documents/g6605/Public%20reports%20pack%2006th-Jul-2021%2016.00%20Planning%20Committee.pdf?T=10
Local Plan 2023 - early conservation review
This plan sets out how many houses are needed and where they should be built but also where land should be protected from development.
CW&c are thinking about whether the Council's current local plan mees to be updated to reflect climate change, poverty and health.
If you want to be part of the conversation to hlp CW&C decide whether they need to change the plan then go to the link below:
www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/localplanconversation
Consultation runs from Wed 23 June 2021 to Weed 15 September 2021
Please have your say!
This plan sets out how many houses are needed and where they should be built but also where land should be protected from development.
CW&c are thinking about whether the Council's current local plan mees to be updated to reflect climate change, poverty and health.
If you want to be part of the conversation to hlp CW&C decide whether they need to change the plan then go to the link below:
www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/localplanconversation
Consultation runs from Wed 23 June 2021 to Weed 15 September 2021
Please have your say!
CHESTER HALF MARATHON
This event passed through the villages of Mollington and Lea on Sunday 19th September this year. The feed back from organisers and runners was overwhelmingly positive.
Next year the event will again pass through the villages on Sunday 15 May 2022. There will be a period of about one hour, while the runners are on Well Lane and Station Road, when it will be unsafe to allow vehicles to use these roads. Marshals will be on hand to advice and guide residents at this time. More to follow.
To see the route and information for residents, who will be affected, please click on the link below.
https://www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/half-marathon/route
Volunteers Welcome
The event is great fun and we welcome any resident who wants to volunteer on drink stations or for Marthal duties.
8.30 am to 11.30 am on that Sunday morning. Its your chance to claim your tee shirt be part of something BIG!
If you are interested in being part of the volunteer team please contact Roger and Christine Jones 01244 851842
First Resident Home Trophy
We award a trophy to the first resident home. Register your intention to run on our community facebook page and residents will wish you luck and cheer you on.
This event passed through the villages of Mollington and Lea on Sunday 19th September this year. The feed back from organisers and runners was overwhelmingly positive.
Next year the event will again pass through the villages on Sunday 15 May 2022. There will be a period of about one hour, while the runners are on Well Lane and Station Road, when it will be unsafe to allow vehicles to use these roads. Marshals will be on hand to advice and guide residents at this time. More to follow.
To see the route and information for residents, who will be affected, please click on the link below.
https://www.activeleisureevents.co.uk/half-marathon/route
Volunteers Welcome
The event is great fun and we welcome any resident who wants to volunteer on drink stations or for Marthal duties.
8.30 am to 11.30 am on that Sunday morning. Its your chance to claim your tee shirt be part of something BIG!
If you are interested in being part of the volunteer team please contact Roger and Christine Jones 01244 851842
First Resident Home Trophy
We award a trophy to the first resident home. Register your intention to run on our community facebook page and residents will wish you luck and cheer you on.
HYNET
Many of you may be aware of a project to produce hydrogen at a facility at Stanlow by a consortium called HyNet NorthWest. As a by-product, Carbon Dioxide is formed and it is proposed to capture this and transport it via underground pipeline to near Connah’s Quay. One of the preferred routes is through Mollington, running close to the centre of the village and St Oswalds school. Mollington Parish Council has raised concerns regarding certain safety aspects and localised disruption and has communicated these to the Planning Inspectorate. The next step will be a Public Consultation, either in the autumn or early next year, when we can all have our say. More information can be found at https://hynethub.co.uk/
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Welcome to our new PCSOHello! My name is Tony Icke and I will be taking over from Wendy Leason as the named PCSO for Mollington and the surrounding area. I will be working with PC Hannah Forrest, the designated PC, to provide the service that the area requires. I look forward to working with all communities and would love be involved in as much as possible and with as many groups as possible where time permits.
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Grove Road: Speed Limit Assessment
Following concerns from residents over vehicle speeds on Grove Road combined with the proximity of a primary school, a request for a speed limit assessment was carried out in 2017. Despite Grove Road meeting the requirement for a 30 mph limit because it has 21 houses within a 600m stretch, this was not granted by Highways (see document below) and instead a 40 mph limit was proposed. In February 2021, a survey of residents opinions was circulated and the response was overwhelmingly positive. It is anticipated, therefore, that the change will be implemented in the coming months.
Click here to view the documentation. |
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House Name and Number item
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Residents along Townfield Lane asked Mollington Parish Council to look into the idea of a house name and numbering system for houses on Townfield Lane as there was a perception that emergency services and delivery drivers were having problems finding named properties along this long stretch of road. Following an article in the February issue of The Five Villages newsletter, ARE YOU IN THE KNOW? it became clear that although some residents were in favour, it was not unanimous. A local Geo-location expert was able to shed light on the latest technologies now being used by emergency services and delivery drivers and offered tips to help residents make best use of on-line delivery services. Large delivery companies can now identify properties with 'letterbox' accuracy and smaller companies, or sole traders, can use WHAT 3 WORDS or the location facility on WHATSAPP to locate properties. Full report on the Parish Council's investigation can be found here.
Click here to view the documentation. |
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Farm Redevelopment
Warren Farm submitted a planning application to build 6 houses at Warren Farm on Townfield Lane, Mollington.
You can see the comments on the planning section of the Cheshire West and Cheshire Planning portal. Planning Application No. 20/04324/FUL View a PDF diagram of the proposal here. The Parish Council discussed this at their meeting on Tuesday, 11 January. We made a number of comments regarding the need to maintain the open aspect on Green Belt and the need for high quality design and sustainability. View the comments made by the Parish Council here. |
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The Green - Mollington. Proposed Development on the Former Golf Course, Mollington.
This application was turned down at a meeting on Tuesday 6 July at 4 pm. If you wish to see more please refer to the following documents. Planning committee agenda: http://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=827&MId=6605&Ver=4 Link to committee papers and reports here: http://cmttpublic.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/documents/g6605/Public%20reports%20pack%2006th-Jul-2021%2016.00%20Planning%20Committee.pdf?T=10 Harworth, the owners of the former golf course, submitted a planning application on 24 August 2020, Reference 20/03019/FUL. Following a survey of residents opinions, carried out jointly by Ward Councillor, Simon Eardley and Mollington Parish Council, Mollington Parish Council objected to the proposal in line with the comments made by those residents who responded. Details as follows: 240 questionnaires were circulated. The questionnaires were unbiased offering residents the options of supporting the application, rejecting the application or providing no opinion. Replies were received from 64 households (27%). Those supportive, (strongly or partially) of the proposed development numbered 18 (32%). Those opposed, (strongly or partially) of the proposed development numbered 44 (69%). The major concerns stated were:
Residents/Respondents were also concerned about the loss of wildlife habitat should a larger development be approved. When asked “What are your priorities for the site” there were 156 responses: • 40 mentioned improved walking and cycling routes. • 72 mentioned re wilding /nature/managed projects. Thank you to all residents who took time to respond. R D Jones Chair Mollington Parish Council |
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Current Planning Policy: CWaC Local Plan Policy STRAT 9 Greenbelt and countryside.
PLANNING
For those who are interested, here is a link to the CWaC Local Plan policy map - you can zoom into Mollington and click on the various layers to see what policies affect your area at Local Plan level. If you have specific questions on planning policy, its best to contact the Planning Policy Team via email: planningpolicy@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
PLANNING
For those who are interested, here is a link to the CWaC Local Plan policy map - you can zoom into Mollington and click on the various layers to see what policies affect your area at Local Plan level. If you have specific questions on planning policy, its best to contact the Planning Policy Team via email: planningpolicy@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
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New Council App available to make reporting faults easier To download the app, search Cheshire West and Chester in either the Apple or android app store. Watch this short video showing how easy it is to use: ( https://vimeo.com/user22784367/review/440740855/cac24b70b6 ) Alternatively you can report a fault here: https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/residents.aspx |
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The Five Villages Hall is now officially open.
The hall was opened on Thursday 14 Oct and over the next two days residents and school children were invited to opening events with free first drinks, cakes and canapes. See www.thefivevillageshall.org.uk for more details of the launch |
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Corona Virus Covid 19 Community Response
The Covid 19 Mutual Aid document includes many useful telephone numbers for help of various kinds and includes, near the end, a FOOD DELIVERY service page which we hope will be of use to residents. For help, in the first instance, please ring the official support number on 0300 123 7031 Covid support Document Click here to view the document. |
Meanwhile, Mollington Parish Council are now able to hold face to face meetings either in the school or village Hall.
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Highway issues A540 Parkgate Road: Litter, flooding, poor road hazard signs, 50mph repeater signs, verges/hedges and double white lines are issues raised almost on a weekly basis. Speed of traffic along Station Road, particularly but not exclusively, around school pick up times has been of concern for a number of years. Recently, following requests from the Chair of the Five Villages Hall Committee and residents, Mollington and Lea Parish Council in conjunction with Highways, are looking at the possibility of changing the speed limit from 'de-restricted' 60 mph to 40mph on Station Road. Blind Bends: Residents whose driveways are on the bend or just after, coming in to Mollington from Station Road, opposite the village green, have raised concerns about the speed of traffic entering the village. The existing 'please drive carefully' signs on the Mollington entry sign seem to be ignored. Families have genuine concerns for the safety of their families. The dangerous bend on Townfield, near Rose Farm, has also been raised as an issue, Parking on Well Lane: the amount of street parking on Well Lane is significant and blocks the view for drivers along this stretch of road. We are aware that at present many houses along this stretch are being renovated and builders vans are contributing to the problem. Hopefully, the parking problem will ease off in the future. In the meantime, we would ask residents to be mindful of the issue. Chair of Mollington Parish Council has asked Simon Eardley to present a list of our concerns at his next meeting with Highways in the coming weeks. |
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Poor Grass Verges and Village Green Maintenance
In the last year the grass verges and village greens have not be cut, strimmed or weeded by CW&C to the extent that residents would like. A meeting between CW&C and our local councillors, in July, has resulted in a one off remedial action to spray and weed gutters and clear weeds from Mollington Wall. CW&C commitment has been redefined as a monthly cut of grass verges and the village greens and an annual weed treatment. Due to staff shortages, they no longer cut, strim or tidy around obstacles such as posts, street signs and notice boards. The trees and shrubs planted on the village greens are regarded as obstacles. In some instances these obstacles prohibit the use of a standard sit on CW&C mowers: As a result, these areas are now left uncut. It is a sad state of affairs. Volunteers Needed Over the years, local residents have always supplemented the work of CW&C: Tending the Finger Post, planting spring bulbs and weeding and cutting some of our verges and common green spaces. In the past, the WI have offered their services to good effect. Sadly, the number of volunteers has dwindled and we are now in need of more residents to take on the challenge of keeping our green spaces looking the best they can be. If you see an area of land that has been neglected and want to help, please let us know, so we can put you on a register of volunteers. Your offers of help will be greatly appreciated. Poor Hedge Maintenance: Residents have raised the issue of poor maintenance of hedges which line our pavements; many are overgrown and are encroaching on the pavement. Can I ask residents who have hedges, to take a look and ask themselves: "Can two people walk abreast?" "Can a parent walk safely holding hands with young children, without having to step into the road?". I think that in a number of cases the answer will be no! Can I ask hedge owners to be considerate and keep their hedges trimmed, for the benefit of all. Leaf litter from the horsechestnut, oak and beech trees which line much of Townfield Lane, Well Lane and Station Road was an issue last autumn. We appeal to residents to sweep up leaf litter from outside their properties before the leaves block drains and soil the pavements and verges along these main through-roads. If you employ a gardener, please ask them to pick up leaf litter as opposed to sweeping leaves into the road which has consequences for residents along whole stretches of road. Tree Felling: Some residents have expressed concern at the number of trees which have be felled on private land in recent years. Applying Tree Protection Orders to trees in the Parish is a lengthy and resource heavy exercise. We would therefore ask residents to respect these wonderful old trees and make every effort to care for any on their land, for the benefit of all. Below is the link to the trees section of the Cheshire West website. https://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/planning-and-building-control/total-environment/trees-and-hedges/trees-and-tree-preservation-or.aspx |
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Drainage issues
Storm Christoph and resulting floods raised many issues and Mollington Parish Council are working with Highways, farmers, residents and the school to resolve these issues to reduce the risk of flooding in the future. Issues raised include: Confusion over ownership and responsibility for clearing ditches. Blocked or inadequate drains which could not cope with the volume of water coming off the fields. Excessive, extra-ordinary, run-off from the farmers' fields during the floods. The poor state of the flood water pond on the school grounds which takes water from the school car park, school roof and school fields. Highways have resolved the issue of blocked drains in the road outside and school and have fitted grids to the school pond and the ditch running along side the school playing field hedge to prevent debris from entering the drainage system. |