iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Kaleigh Watterson

@kaleighwatterson.bsky.social

117 followers 118 following 247 posts

The BBC's political reporter for Cheshire. Cat lady, Sandgrounder, fan of loud tights. Find me: 📺 Politics North West, North West Tonight 📻 Radio Manchester, Radio Merseyside, Radio Stoke 🖥️ bbc.co.uk/news

Posts Replies Media

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

A surprise fluffy guest during the count, an ex MHK’s son winning a seat and a link to the 1980s hit So Macho - my piece from the Douglas Central count at the Isle of Man election is live now. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #isleofman #isleofmannews #isleofmanelection

Isle of Man election: Ex-MHK's son in and deputy speaker out in Douglas Central

A minister keeps his seat but deputy speaker goes in city centre constituency.

100

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Busy evening/night/morning covering the Isle of Man election for BBC Isle of Man! See the results here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... And now I'm off to bed!

Fifteen new members elected in Isle of Man election

Three ministers lose their seats and Peel and Glenfaba elects the Isle of Man's youngest MHK.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Reporting from the Isle of Man this evening ahead of the election - catch up on iPlayer: www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0031zg5 #isleofman

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Plans for more than 100 houses on peatland near Wilmslow were approved - with one councillor saying the council did not "have a chance in hell of actually winning an appeal" if they were to refuse the plans. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #cheshire #news

Lindow Moss peatland housing approved with 'heavy hearts'

One councillor says the authority "did not have a chance in hell" of winning an appeal if refused.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Cat charities are urging people to get their pets neutered as the numbers of stray and feral cats are "becoming unmanageable". www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Cat charities warn stray and feral numbers 'becoming unmanageable'

Charities are warning about the consequences of a sharp rise in the number of unneutered cats.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Big plans for the future of Crewe - a new station being looked into for Leighton and a 'Greater Crewe' masterplan on the cards. Read more here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #crewe #cheshire

Rail station near new hospital in Leighton area of Crewe 'viable'

A study says a new railway station would be feasible, but more work is needed.

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

BBC Sky at Night presenter Dr George Dransfield says planned cuts to Jodrell Bank are "a gamble on the future of UK science and scientific research". More on this on BBC North West Tonight at 6:30pm. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Jodrell Bank cuts a disappointing gamble, Sky at Night host says

Dr George Dransfield says the decision to cut funding is "short-sighted".

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

People living in parts of Cheshire say changes to community transport are "isolating people". www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Upset over Cheshire West and Chester community transport changes

Users of community transport say changes to the service in their area mean it is no longer sutiable.

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 21/07/2026

A planned sale by Warrington Borough Council of its third-share of a bank has collapsed. But it says there is another potential buyer - but it would mean "new and substantial costs" for the authority. #warrington #cheshire #news www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Warrington Council's sale of £30m Redwood Bank shares collapses

The council says a further offer has been received, but there will be "new and significant costs"

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

Cheshire and Warrington is electing a mayor next year - meaning Lancashire will be the only part of the North West without one. Why? My colleague Gina explains: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Why does Lancashire not have a mayor?

Lancashire's Combined County Authority does have some devolved powers but fewer than a mayor would have.

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Ex-Conservative rail minister Huw Merriman says he's "hopeful" that a new rail link between Manchester and Birmingham could be delivered if Andy Burnham becomes PM. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Ex-rail minister hopeful of Birmingham-Manchester HS2 alternative

A former rail minister says a link to Birmingham from the North West is "the real prize".

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

I had a great day at the Royal Cheshire Show yesterday - including meeting farmer Ian and his lovely daughters. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Meet the girls teaching other children the importance of farming

Lily, seven, and Evie, 10, say they love being part of the Royal Cheshire Show and inspiring others.

100

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 11/06/2026

A really important piece of journalism from yesterday's BBC North West Tonight. Absolutely heartbreaking what these girls and women, and their babies went through. www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/epis...

Sick Babies Left to Die at Home for Unmarried Mothers

Sick babies considered unsuitable for adoption were allowed to die at a church-run mother and baby home in Cumbria, according to a new study of documents by a leading academic.

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Big news for Crewe - the new Leighton Hospital looks set to receive planning permission at a meeting today. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

New Leighton hospital plans set for approval

The new hospital is to be built on land next to the existing site.

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

ICYMI: Protesters travelling into Crewe to demonstrate outside the headquarters of a religious group where police raids took place last month have been asked to "go home" by the council leader. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Crewe out-of-area protesters asked to 'go home'

Earlier this week fireworks were set off outside the headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light.

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

At Cheshire East Council's first cabinet meeting this morning, the leader asked people travelling in to protest outside Webb House in Crewe to "stop and go home" www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Crewe out-of-area protesters asked to 'go home'

Earlier this week fireworks were set off outside the headquarters of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light.

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

Can the railway town of Crewe become a city one day? Politicians in the area hope it can happen - but what do those in the town think? #Crewe #cheshire #news www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Can the railway town of Crewe become a city?

The town aims to be Europe's best small city by 2050 - but is it possible?

100

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

City living and a cultural centre planned for the next phase of Chester's Northgate scheme www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Chester Northgate: Culture and city living at heart of new plans

The second phase of the Northgate development in Chester is set to include 400 new homes.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

A mum says a council decision to stop funding residential SEND provision at three schools in Cheshire is "heartbreaking and illogical". www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Cheshire residential SEND provision axe 'heartbreaking and illogical'

Parents call for a council to reconsider plans to stop funding residential provision at SEND schools.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Traders at Winsford Market say the closure of the side entrance to the site is impacting their footfall. It was closed during regeneration works, but the council say reopening it would "put the public at risk". #winsford #cheshire #news www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Winsford Market door closure impacts footfall, traders say

The council says the door had to shut for safety reasons, but traders say they have lost custom.

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Why one Cheshire village wants its own local council www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Willaston locals 'want to give village a voice' with new council

As one village seeks a new local council, organisations say there has been a growth in this area.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

A big day for Cheshire - it was the first board meeting of the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority. I had a chat with chair Louise Gittens and interim chief executive Nick Walkley about what it means for people in the area. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Cheshire and Warrington: 'We want to be different from other areas'

Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority holds its first board meeting.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

The first meeting is under way at Warrington Youth Zone. Chair Louise Gittens said meeting here was a “statement of intent and ambition” and they’re keen “not to replicate” other areas and are “doing it the Cheshire and Warrington way”

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Big day for devolution - the board of the new Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority meets for the first time today www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Cheshire and Warrington combined authority to hold first meeting

Cheshire and Warrington combined authority was created earlier this year in a key change for the area.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

A handy guide to what the different types of council do and where local elections are taking place this year. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

England local elections 2026: What do different councils do?

Elections are taking place across England in 136 local authorities.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

Today's the deadline for areas to submit their initial interest become the first UK Town of Culture - but where in the North West is bidding? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Town of Culture deadline: Where is bidding in North West?

Towns across the North West are planning on bidding - but what does the competition involve?

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 30/03/2026

With the next generation of new towns on the way, what was it like growing up in one of the first ones? Plus some details on some interesting and maybe slightly unexpected wildlife that can be found in Birchwood! www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Birchwood: The 'utopian' vision behind the original new towns

With much talk about building new towns, what was it like growing up in one of the originals?

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

Building a new town in Adlington in Cheshire was 'unlikely' to provide nationally significant economic, a report found. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #adlington #cheshire #newtowns #news

Adlington plan 'unlikely' to provide significant economic growth

A report highlights the reasons why a Cheshire site was not named as a location for a new town.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

Warrington Council's investments - which led to the authority building up around £1.8bn debt - have made a loss of around £100m, a new report says. #warrington #news www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Report finds cash-strapped Cheshire Council lost £100m

The report comes from envoys working with Warrington Council to slash their mammoth £1.8bn debt.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 23/03/2026

Campaigners say they are "thrilled" after the government says Adlington isn't on the list of areas for a planned new town www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Campaigners celebrate after new town plans for Adlington dropped

Critics of plans to build a new town in Cheshire called it the

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 22/03/2026

"It's about taking culture far and wide." From towns which owe their development to the railways to those with links to famous Victorian authors, alook at some of the places in Cheshire hoping to become the UK's first Town of Culture. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

The towns aiming to prove Cheshire means culture

Areas across the county are vying with others in the country to be the UK's first Town of Culture.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 20/03/2026

On this week's Politics North West we're looking into the Town of Culture competition. I spoke to @23carra.bsky.social, Alex Greenwood and Red Rum Club about why they're all backing their hometown of Bootle. See more on Politics NW on Sunday, 10am on BBC One. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Bootle 'back on its feet' ahead of culture bid

Jamie Carragher and Alex Greenwood are ambassadors for Bootle's Town of Culture bid.

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Bentley workers say they're "shocked and angry" at plans to cut around 275 jobs at the firm's site in Crewe www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Workers at Bentley in Crewe 'shocked and angry' at job cuts

A union says the announcement came as a blow to employees with up to 275 positions at risk.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

More than 200 jobs at risk at Crewe-based luxury car maker Bentley www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Hundreds of jobs at risk at Bentley in Crewe

The news comes as financial results for 2025 show a seventh consecutive year of profitability.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 16/03/2026

Labour have named their candidate to stand as Cheshire and Warrington's first mayor - the current Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Labour names Cheshire and Warrington mayor candidate

Dan Price, Cheshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, has been named as Labour's mayoral candidate.

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

Crewe's new youth zone opens in the coming months but "the work doesn't start when the building opens", one of the youth workers told me. Read more: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #Crewe #Cheshire

Focus on what youngsters want at new Crewe youth zone

With the new centre set to open in Crewe this year, staff want to hear what youngsters want from it.

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 10/03/2026

Warrington could soon have more councillors. It's all part of a boundary review in the area, which could also see the area with more wards too. Find out more: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #Warrington #Cheshire #news

Warrington Council to ask for three additional councillors

Warrington council wants three new councillors to ensure “fair representation”.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 08/03/2026

A council tax rise of just under 7.5%, potentially millions of £s worth of borrowing alongside millions of £s cuts - that's all in Warrington Council's latest budget which ewe signed off this week. I'm looking into it on Politics North West today - BBC One, 10am or on iPlayer

100

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 06/03/2026

Crewe Heritage Centre is set to restore some of the natural landscape lost when the railway arrived in the town in the 1830s. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Crewe museum to restore green spaces 'lost to railways'

The Heritage Centre aims to recreate some of the area's natural landscape lost during the 19th Century.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 03/03/2026

If you live in Warrington, your council tax is going up by more than the usual amount next year - after the council signed off their budget last night. Full details: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #warrington #counciltax #news

Warrington signs off 7.48% council tax rise for 2026-27

Warrington Council has been in financial difficulty ever since building up debts of about £1.9bn.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 02/03/2026

Warrington Council signed off their budget tonight - which includes a 7.48% council tax rise and £40m of cuts

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

So it's been a busy old week of budget setting in Cheshire, so here's the details of what's gone on if you missed any of it. And we still have Warrington to go on Monday too.

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 27/02/2026

Cheshire West and Chester Council signed off their budget last night - with £33m of cuts and a 4.99% council tax rise. But the authority said its position was "better than we had hoped". www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Cheshire West and Chester council tax 4.99% rise amid £33m cuts

The council tax increase comes as the local authority also signs off plans to make cuts of about £33m.

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 26/02/2026

Cheshire East's leader and deputy leader survived a motion calling for their resignations. And it also emerged during the meeting there were calls for to Leighton in Crewe to be the site of a potential new town, according to dep leader Michael Gorman. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Cheshire East leaders face down resignation calls after town plan controversy

It comes amid plans for the creation of a new town in Cheshire to boost house building.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Cheshire East Council's signed off its budget - with a 4.99% council tax rise. It's also needing to use exceptional financial support to balance the books www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Cheshire East Council agrees 4.99% council tax rise

The authority's budget includes using exceptional financial support for the third year in a row.

100

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Stocked up on sugar for today’s full council meeting (I do also have some fruit!) On the agenda is discussing the council’s budget and a motion calling for the leader and dep leader to resign over a letter sent about the Adlington new town plans.

100

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 25/02/2026

Last year, Cheshire East Council closed three of its tips. So what's the impact been on people in those areas? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #macclesfield #cheshire

Macclesfield: 'It's a 30-minute trip each way now to the tip'

Residents say they are facing longer journeys and lengthier queues after several tip closures.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 24/02/2026

Warrington Council says the decision to allocate it exceptional financial support "provides clarity". It doesn't mean extra cash - but it's a way to allow councils to borrow to cover their day-to-day spending in a way they're not usually allowed to do. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Warrington: Exceptional financial support 'provides clarity'

The allocation will give Warrington Council a

100

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 23/02/2026

Six North West councils - including Cheshire East and Warrington - have been allocated exceptional financial support from the government. Read more about what this means here: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Six North West councils handed support to help balance books

The authorities have been given the support to help plug budget black holes.

000

Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 20/02/2026

After calls for them to resign, Cheshire East's leader and deputy leader say a letter where they initially indicated support for a proposed new town in Adlington was "not in line" with the council's views or planning policies. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #adlington #cheshire #news

Adlington new town support letter 'not in line' with views

The leader and deputy leader of Cheshire East Council apologise for a letter supporting a new town.