Here are few of the recent projects. There are few more pictures here.
The Town Plaque project
In 2022 the Civic Society produced a number of brown plaques which were affixed to important historic buildings in the town. In 2021 we reviewed the idea and decided that there were other buildings which also deserve recognition. We therefore formed a sub-committee which drew up a shortlist and persuaded some of the owners to fund their manufacture. We selected six buildings – the Civic Centre, Chatwin’s bakery, Pockets/Christians corner store, the TSB bank, the Museum and the Town Bridge. There are some photographs in the Town Gallery. Can you find them all?
Tracking empty commercial premises
The Society is keen to see that all commercial premises are occupied and are successful because it’s good for the owners and employees and for the town’s image as a thriving, dynamic centre. As well as monitoring recent planning applications on line and in the local press, all members are encouraged to identify and report on changes to premises they see as they walk and drive around the town.
How we review planning applications
The Society monitors the applications in the conservation area of the town. At monthly meetings recent planning applications are discussed. The Chair makes submissions to CE and to the Town Council. All members are encouraged to identify and report on changes to premises they see as they walk and drive around the town.
The Cheshire East web portal for applications is here.
The street paving campaign
Awaiting text on this
The street furniture project
In 2010 members surveyed the condition of the town centre’s pavements, roads, seating, signs etc. We lobbied local government for improvements to the Public Realm. As a result, in 2012, the Nantwich Partnership was formed, comprising Cheshire East Council, Nantwich Town Council, local businesses; local voluntary groups (Nantwich in Bloom, Litter Group, Rotary Club of Nantwich and youth groups).
The Civic Society was asked to Chair this Partnership – and we have continued to lobby for improvements since then via this town-wide forum.
The Nantwich Canal Aqueduct
Constructed about 1826, this is one of the celebrated works of Thomas Telford and provides an iconic ‘gateway’ to the west of the town. The condition of the aqueduct had been deteriorating over many years. After much lobbying by the Civic Society, Nantwich Partnership and other bodies, the Canals and Rivers Trust agreed to undertake the restoration of the structure, which was completed in November 2015. Subsequently, the Society, together with the Rotary Club, organised the painting of the railings next to the steps up to the aqueduct.
Coed Wen
Along with Sustainable Nantwich and Nantwich in Bloom, our Civic Society members had a gently active morning at Coed Wen ( opposite the far end of the Lake). We were clearing up brash and branches from the recent ash tree felling. With Ash Die Back disease affecting all ash trees in recent years, CEC had felled a lot of ash in the wood as part of their programme across the district. The brash piles will help with shelter and habitats for smaller animals, insects etc. The spaces created will allow new and more varied plants to grow in the lighter areas.
We shall be back for some more work hopefully with wild flower plant plugs.
Willow feature, Mill Island
This was planted in 2006 by Weaver Primary School children in memory of Lynn Cameron, a local teacher who had died of breast cancer. The then Riverside Officer, James Thompson, organised the planting and plaque, paid for by her husband and the then Chair of the Civic Society – Peter Cameron.
It was maintained and used for several years as an outdoor classroom by schoolchildren but when the riverside Officer funds dried up it fell into disuse and nature took it back.
Four years ago, volunteers from the Society, Nantwich in Bloom and others, rediscovered the semi circle of willows, overgrown with 4 foot high nettles in the centre and perimeter. Some willows had died so replanting took place and the semi circle was reinforced by prunings, the arch rewoven and a seat built. During Covid restrictions, outdoor working permitted the maintenance and the work benefited several otherwise isolated people as well as regular volunteers. It has featured favourably in the Nantwich in Bloom’s North West in Bloom entries over the past 3 years. Volunteer groups continue to maintain and improve the feature.