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Kaleigh Watterson @kaleighwatterson.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Markets -for many, a really important part of a town centre. In Cheshire, one council's been spending money on their markets while another is looking for new operators to run theirs. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article... #news #cheshire #markets #highstreet

bbc.co.uk

New operators could take over Cheshire East markets

New operators are sought for markets in Congleton, Crewe, Macclesfield and Wilmslow.

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

You can see more on BBC North West Today’s bulletins during BBC Breakfast this morning!

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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

bbc.co.uk

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.

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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!

bbc.co.uk

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.

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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

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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

bbc.co.uk

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.

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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...

bbc.co.uk

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.

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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

bbc.co.uk

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.

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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...

bbc.co.uk

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

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

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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...

bbc.co.uk

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"

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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...

bbc.co.uk

Why does Lancashire not have a mayor?

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

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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...

bbc.co.uk

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".

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

Seven-year-old Lily joined me with farmers Helen and Martha on BBC Radio Stoke, you can listen back here at 42 minutes in. Lily was fabulous! www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/...

bbc.co.uk

Stuart George - 16/06/2026 - BBC Sounds

The biggest talking-points in Staffordshire and Cheshire. Get involved: 0800 1218080

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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...

bbc.co.uk

New Leighton hospital plans set for approval

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

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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...

bbc.co.uk

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.

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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...

bbc.co.uk

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.

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

You can also hear more on this on BBC Radio Stoke this morning - around 10:30am.

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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...

bbc.co.uk

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?

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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...

bbc.co.uk

Cheshire residential SEND provision axe 'heartbreaking and illogical'

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

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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...

bbc.co.uk

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.

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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...

bbc.co.uk

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

Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority holds its first board meeting.

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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”

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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...

bbc.co.uk

England local elections 2026: What do different councils do?

Elections are taking place across England in 136 local authorities.

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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...

bbc.co.uk

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?

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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...

bbc.co.uk

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?

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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...

bbc.co.uk

Report finds cash-strapped Cheshire Council lost £100m

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

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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...

bbc.co.uk

Campaigners celebrate after new town plans for Adlington dropped

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

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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...

bbc.co.uk

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.

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

But don't worry - the piece does include Cheshire too! Crewe's going for Town of Culture too - so can the railway town get on track to celebrate its culture? See more on Politics North West on BBC One at 10am on Sunday. #Crewe

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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...

bbc.co.uk

Bootle 'back on its feet' ahead of culture bid

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

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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...

bbc.co.uk

Labour names Cheshire and Warrington mayor candidate

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

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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

bbc.co.uk

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.

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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

bbc.co.uk

Warrington Council to ask for three additional councillors

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

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

My cat was headbutting my phone as I wrote this so that's my excuse for the typos!

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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

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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...

bbc.co.uk

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.

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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

bbc.co.uk

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.

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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

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

And it's Warrington on Monday - £40m of cuts proposed, including a plan to close the town centre CCTV control room, as well as a 7.48% council tax on the rise. I'll be there on Monday with all the updates on that meeting.

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

But other amendments - 2 from the inds around a new pothole machine trial and funding for additional community funding, as well as Cons one on more funds for the Parent Carer Forum (which supports SEND families) were passed. Read more: www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

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.

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