The meeting, which starts at 7.30pm on Monday May 13, aims to provide help for local companies in the area.

The theme of the Monday’s meeting will be “social media” and how businesses and individuals can use it effectively.

One of the organisers David Nixon said: “Predominantly Christian based, the aim of the group is to provide support for anyone in business and is seeking representation from a wide section of businesses and churches within the local community.

“We hope you can make it and we look forward to seeing you together with any colleagues you may wish to invite.”

It takes place at Nantwich Elim Church Conference Centre on Regents Park, London Road. Refreshments and networking from 7pm.

For more information contact David on 07767 441405 nixon.d@sky.com, Graham Talbot 07534 209113 Graandjo@aol.com, or Rod Greenow 07967 741359 woosterdom@gmail.com

The accident happened as the elderly victim was walking across the crossing at around 2.30pm today (January 22).

The train came to a stop at the scene and remained there for some time.

British Transport Police said the woman was found conscious and paramedics were quickly on the scene to treat her.

A spokesman said it is believed she suffered a “glancing blow” and received arm injuries.

“We attended with colleagues from Cheshire Police and North West Ambulance Service,” he added

“The elderly lady has been taken to North Staffs Hospital with an arm injury, and this does not appear to be life-threatening.

“We are now working to establish the full circumstances of the incident and have informed the rail accident investigation branch.”

The train involved was an Arriva Trains Wales Milford Haven to Manchester Piccadilly service which had just left Nantwich station.

The accident caused long delays on the busy road in and out of Nantwich town centre.

Richard John Leah, 66, from Nantwich, died after the two-vehicle accident close to the junction with Stapeley Terrace.

Police received reports of a collision involving two cars at 1.25pm yesterday (January 10).

The accident involved a Rover and Fiat.

Mr Leah was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured.

Police closed the road for several hours yesterday afternoon while investigations were carried out and the wreckage cleared.

Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is urged to call Cheshire Police on 101 quoting incident number 353 of 10 January.

Cheshire Police say the 66-year-old victim, a local man, was declared dead at the scene near the junction with Stapeley Terrace.

The collision involved two vehicles at about 1.25pm today (January 10).

Police closed the road off in both directions at the junctions withn Elwood Way and Churche’s Mansion while the wreckage was cleared. It’s not clear at this stage if anyone else was injured.

The road is now open again.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the accident or anyone with information to contact them on 101 quoting incident number 353 of 10 January.

The fair was opened by MP for Crewe and Nantwich Edward Timpson and featured stalls selling items such as quality handmade gifts, cards and home-made preserves.

There were also attractions for the children and a giant chocolate fountain.

Entertainment was provided by singing teacher Phoebe Fisher and The Funky Choir, both based at Regents Park, off London Road.

The fair raised funds for the Regents Park building fund set up to improve the site facilities and the new Olive Grove Conference Centre and Retreat, which is housed within the main buildings.

Pictured (back, l-r) are Rev Michelle Nunn, Edward Timpson, Pheobe Fisher Classical Singing Teacher, Santa and Dee from Dee’s Nails, (front l-r) Julia and Sam Timpson, Maisy with Eva the Guide Dog, Ruth from Infinity Studio and Mayor Cllr Graham Fenton.

Cheshire East Council has identified a “walking route” which they say could mean the withdrawal of free transport.

It runs from Willaston, down Cheerbrook Road, across the A51 (pictured), down London Road and into the town centre and out along Welsh Row.

However one local councillor says many parents are unhappy as the route made available by a toucan crossing at Cheerbrook Roundabout still poses too many hazards for children.

These include lack of street lighting, indirect route, negotiating a half barrier level crossing, and along London Road which carries a lot of HGVs

Willaston and Rope Cllr Brian Silvester has backed the parents’ complaints.

“I have written to the council to ask them to review their decision that withdraws the free bus service from Willaston to the Malbank School,” he said.

In a letter, Cheshire East Transport Policy Officer Janet Mills said: “The approval of a new Cheshire East policy now triggers a process of reassessment of all currently assessed walking routes to school, which could have potential impacts on entitlement to school transport.

“The crossing of the A51 at the Cheerbrook Roundabout was originally assessed as “unavailable to walk” but because of the recent installation of a toucan crossing this has made the route potentially ‘available to walk’.”

Current guidelines say pupils who attend a school less than three miles from home, and who have access to a viable walking route, are not entitled to free transport.

More than 100 pupils attending Malbank High School are entitled to free transport which costs of £75,000 a year.

The warning comes in a Network Rail objection to a first phase application by Muller for their 1,100-home development in Stapeley.

Network Rail also criticises Cheshire East planners after they were only told of the proposal by a member of public, despite the potential for a “material increase” in traffic using the town’s crossings.

Muller wants approval for a first phase proposal for 189 homes, employment units, school, and access road to the site between Peter de Stapleigh Way and Broad Lane, Stapeley.

But in the objection, Diane Clarke, of the Network Rail Town Planning Team, states that Cheshire East Council has a “statutory responsibility under planning legislation…to consult the statutory rail undertaker where a proposal for development is likely to result in a material increase in the volume or a material change in the character of traffic using a level crossing over a railway.”

They object to the impact it could have on three rail crossings – the town centre crossing on Wellington Road near the station, London Road crossing, and Shrewbridge Road crossing.

They warned: “As a first principle Network Rail would seek to close level crossings and, as in line with the Crewe and Nantwich saved policy, seek funding from the developer for the full cost of all mitigation measures at the level crossings as deemed necessary by Network Rail.

“This could include replacement road bridges and footbridges.”

They are now seeking urgent meetings with Cheshire East planners over the proposals.

In a similar case near Wycombe, the Secretary of State ordered after appeal that no further applications should be considered unless it included the closure of crossings.

A spokesman for Cheshire East Council said: “The application does not fall within the council’s normal criteria for consulting Network Rail. However, Network Rail believes the proposal has implications for their operation and has requested to be consulted.

“The council will, of course, ensure that they have sufficient opportunity to comment before the application is determined and that their views are taken into account.”

The objection is one of more than 330 comments registered by those for and against the controversial plans, which are due to go before the council’s Strategic Review Board on December 5.

More than 50 people crammed into Broad Lane Methodist Church Hall in Stapeley, with most speaking against Muller Property bosses.

Many against the proposals for a 1,000-home “village” on greenfields between Peter de Stapleigh Way, Broad Lane and London Road, say traffic studies do not reflect the real-life situation.

And they accused Muller bosses of “hiding behind” statutory requirements rather than listening to residents who live there.

Colin Muller said they had conducted an “extensive primary network study” looking at traffic on major routes like the A51 and A500, as well as local network reports on Broad Lane and Peter de Stapleigh Way.

“These showed there are no issues with traffic in the southern end of Nantwich,” he said.

“We’ve submitted these to Cheshire East Council and it effectively makes the case for development in the southern part, and not in the northern part of the town.”

He said the traffic study was conducted on April 24 2012 between 7.30am and 8.30am, and from 3pm to 6pm, and that there were statutory guidelines they had to follow to collect the data.

“We’ve not tried to fudge it or manipulate it,” he added.

But some residents at the heated Stapeley Parish Council meeting last night (November 8) disputed the findings.

One critic told Mr Muller: “Your traffic survey is not all inclusive. If you want to be a responsible developer you would widen that survey and not hide behind what you say is the statutory requirement.

“You need to take account of all of these people. We hear what you say but you are not doing anything to help us here.

“You are relying on a statutory requirement which suits your need over and above the community’s need.”

Another said: “We are against this development. It will blight our lives while you’ll be sitting in your country pile spending the millions you have made.”

Cllr Peter Groves added: “With so many homes and 1.7 cars per home, the reality is we would face utter gridlock. Everyone who lives here knows what it is like, it is a complete nightmare.”

Another resident added: “The traffic report does not reflect the reality of travelling between 7.30am and 9.30am.

“If you are wanting a community on your side, you should re-commission another traffic study at different hours, over several days, and nearer the schools.”

Muller Property’s two initial applications, one for an access road and one for an initial 189 homes, business units and other facilities, are to go before Cheshire East Council’s Strategic Review Board on December 5.

Members of the public have until November 14 to submit their support or objections to the plans.

The assault happened as the victim waited in his car at the traffic lights of Peter de Stapleigh Way and London Road.

Police say the victim had allowed a car which was tailgating him to overtake moments earlier.

But when both vehicles stopped at the lights, the offender got out and knocked on the victim’s window, shouting abuse at him.

When the victim climbed out, he was punched twice in the face suffering a black eye.

The attacker then got back in his car and drove off towards Newcastle Road.

Police are calling for witnesses to the assault to come forward.

It happened at around 3.40pm on Friday November 2.

At 3.40pm on Friday 2 November 2012, a driver became aware of a man driving closely behind him looking agitated and waving his arms about.

The offender was possibly driving a black Vauxhall Astra. He iswhite, in his mid 40s, 5ft 10in, unshaven, with scars on his face and short mousy coloured hair. He was wearing a cardigan.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information should contact PC Nicola Berry on 101 quoting incident number 706 of 2 November 2012.

You can also give information anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Cornflake, a white and ginger guinea pig, has been aiding the Village’s hospitality manager Debbie Mercandelli by typing a few memos!

Cornflake and a second guinea pig, called Muesli, are kept at the residential care complex off London Road and are much loved by staff and residents alike.

They are regular visitors into the home and can be seen running around in a purpose built pen.

Debbie said: “We all know how therapeutic keeping a pet can be and we all enjoy having Cornflake and Muesli here.”

The company acquired The Leopard earlier this year before refurbishing the historic building on London Road.

The house was originally built in 1880 by Taylor Walker to a very high spec’ in the style of an Edwardian hunting lodge.

Steve Nuttall, Joules director, said: “We found an unusually high quality build, especially the fine leaded glass adorned with African hunting shields.

“This led us to research the pub’s history and to find the Taylor Walker designer’s penchant for both hunting lodge and country house design.

“We have tried to re-establish this history and created some new features making reference to its origins.

“Nantwich is a key local town for us, and we have been desperate to have a Brewery Tap here to showcase the three beers we brew at the nearby brewery in Market Drayton.

“The total investment nearing £750,000 reflects our confidence in this exceptional pub.”

Trudie Meredith, sales and marketing manager, added: “The Leopard has been Joule’s Brewery’s biggest ever investment which reflects our desire for the brewery to secure a flagship house in Nantwich.

“We hope we have done the house justice, which also was once home to Nantwich Football Club, headquarters and changing rooms as a part of it’s rich history.”

Steve Nutter and Cate Gale (pictured) take the Leopard having recently relocated from Manchester.

They said: “Our aim is to take the Leopard forward with the Joules vision and values in mind creating a traditional British pub, providing excellent cask ales, traditional home cooked British dishes and exceptional customer service, all in a welcoming comfortable environment.

“The refurb has not only been limited to the interior of the Leopard – the beer garden has also undergone an impressive transformation, offering our customers the opportunity to experience al fresco dining – weather permitting of course!”

Joule’s now has 18 houses and has already started work on the Mere in Alsager due to open in 2013 and the Old Town hall Vaults in Whitchurch due to open later this year.

The centre, off London Road, is a finalist for the North West’s Care Employer of the Year.

And activities organiser Fred Allman (pictured) has reached the final in the activities category.

Last year, hospitality manager Debbie Mercandelli scooped ”Great British Care Award Winner for Hydration and Nutrition”, while the previous year Richmond Nantwich won “Great North West Care Award for Care Employer of the Year”.

They will compete against other care homes and activity organisers to win a place to represent the North West at the Great British Care Awards in London next year.

Judging takes place tonight (September 18) with results announced at an awards ceremony in Blackpool on October 12.

Lynne Griffin, village manager, said: “We are all absolutely delighted both the village and Fred have been recognised in this way.

“It is a huge achievement to have reached the finals in a category for the third year running – we are all very excited.”