Midcheshire Independent Issue 197

3 OCTOBER 2026 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk TWO-WAY traffic has been reinstated on Winsford Station Bridge following further engineeringassessments,witha7.5 tonne weight restriction and 20mph speed limit being introduced to protect the structure. Detailed investigations into the con- dition of the bridge are continuing, but the latest assessment has confirmed that the bridge can safely reopen to two-way traffic provided the weight restriction is adhered to. The 7.5 tonne weight restriction is essential to protect the bridge while engineers continue to assess its condition and develop longer-termplans. A signed diversion route for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes will be in place via the A533 Bostock Road and A5018 Wharton Park Road. Cheshire West and Chester Council is working closely with the Winsford Business Improvement District (BID), local businesses and local members to help ensure drivers are aware of the new arrangements and do not contravene the weight restriction. YOUNG people aged 16 to 19 in Cheshire West and Chester will be able to travel on buses for just £1 per single journey on all local par- ticipating bus services, thanks to a new scheme being launched by the Council and its transport partners. The NextGenTravel Pass offers affordable bus travel on any route, at any time, including evenings and weekends, on all local participating bus services, as long as the journey is within, starts or ends in Cheshire West and Chester. The scheme launched on October 5 and applications for the pass are open now. The pass is free to apply for, helping young people cut the cost of getting to school or college, work, training, social activities and visits with friends and family. NextGenTravel is part of a two-year trial led by CheshireWest and Chester’s Enhanced Partnership and funded by UK Government. Anyone aged 16 to 19 who lives in Cheshire West and Chester can apply. Using their pass, holders pay just £1 per single bus journey on participating services across the borough, giving them greater independence while helping fam- ilies manage travel costs. Applying for the pass is quick and sim- ple. Young people just need: ● Internet access ● An email address ● The ability to upload documents and photos Applications can be made on the Coun- cil’s website www.cheshirewestandches- ter.gov.uk/nextgentravel – or by scanning the QR code featured on posters and leaf- lets across the borough. SIXTY years after the former Northwich Market opened, a new chapter has begun with the opening of a brand-new market at Barons Quay. The ribbon was cut by North- wich Mayor Councillor Robert Cernik, and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Rachel Waterman, and all the market’s nineteen stalls opened for business. Occupying a prime corner location within Barons Quay, the new market will offer a sig- nificantly improved experience for customers and traders alike with a wider choice of stalls and facilities. One wall of the market fea- tures the sixty-year-old ‘Indoor Market’ sign from the old mar- ket which has been restored; plus there are fifty hanging fish mobiles and a large, white- clawed crayfish mobile made from recycled plastic inspired by the nearby River Weaver hang- ing over the seating area. Eleven local primary schools were involved in the art project – Little Leigh, Whitegate CofE, Witton Church Walk CofE, Hartford Manor, St. Bede’s Catholic, Byley, Antrobus St. Marks, Weaverham Academy, Weaverham Forest, Charles Darwin and Winnington Park Schools. Councillor Nathan Pardoe, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Economy, Regeneration and Dig- ital Transformation said: “The new Northwich Market is now open to the public – as a desti- nation to shop, meet and eat.” Ribbon cutting at the new Northwich Market. (Image: Cheshire West Council) £1 bus travel launched Two-way traffic returns to bridge NEW NORTHWICH MARKET NOW OPEN