Open Meeting Notes – 1st June 2026
Unico Lounge, Grove St.
Present: Helen Battilana (Secretary), Paddy Carrington, Lesley Seddon, Cllr. Elaine Evans
Apologies for Absence: Rob Sawyer, Rob Sharpe, Bethan Weston
Matters Arising from 2026 AGM Minutes: The notes from this meeting are awaiting completion, so not yet circulated. However, John Jackson has now been reimbursed for this year’s cost of Host Media for our website.
Treasurer’s Report: not available.
Bike Stands on private land:
Elaine explained that WTC have approved funding for 30 new Sheffield-type stands organised by the Take a Stand scheme. Initially, 15 will be installed at locations including the URC Halls/Unitarian Chapel/Parish Hall/St Anne’s Church/Kings Arms PH/The Guild (although The Guild have requested a cover so their application is more complicated). Bernadette at Take a Stand is organising the installation directly with the land owners. Elaine asked if CW volunteers would be available to offer encouragement to organisations considering being involved in the second phase of the other 15 stands? It was agreed that she would notify HB of any leads on this so that she can arrange a volunteer to offer support – identifying the exact position and measuring according to the guidelines provided. It is hoped that Hickory’s Smokehouse will agree to have stands as they have plenty of room.
Wilmslow Ways
Laurie Tebb, WTC Operations Manager, is obtaining prices for the signage and negotiating with CEC Highways Dept for approval of size, font and colour. RSh has supplied him with a spreadsheet of our suggested locations for the signs. It is hoped that the WTC grant for this project will include printing of our updated map – showing the routing of Wilmslow Ways.
Manchester Rd
As agreed at the AGM, Ian Smallwood, Bethan Weston & HB met to prepare feedback on behalf of CW about phase 1 of the scheme and suggestions about phase 2. Their submission (based on the very helpful report with annotated photos by Ian) was sent to Mark Goldsmith/Active Travel/CEC Highways on 19/5. HB has circulated Mark’s reply and she has reminded AT & Highways that their promised responses are still awaited.
ROWIP Consultation
RSh & HB submitted 13 separate suggestions prior to the deadline of 24/5 for Wilmslow & Handforth areas about improvements on rights of way for cyclists. This was not a user-friendly process.
Next Bramble Bash:
Following completion of restoring the full width of the A538 cycle path at two work parties on 16 & 17 May, it was agreed to return to the access path to Melrose Way (Alderley Edge By-Pass) from Brook Lane as LS reported it is difficult to negotiate again. Being in Alderley Edge, it cannot be cleared by the two WTC Rangers, although this is the type of work they can tackle. Owing to the likely availability of PC we will work on FRIDAY 12TH JUNE, 10.00.
AOB: None
Next Open Meeting:- Monday 20th July, 7.30 at Unico.
