Adam’s four rare Exmoor foals were handed back after nine weeks of training at Reaseheath’s Equestrian Centre.

The project gave staff and students a chance to use natural horsemanship skills on previously unhandled young stock.

The progress made by the foals will be shown during a BBC Countryfile programme on Sunday April 7.

Adam was filmed taking them through their paces in Reaseheath’s indoor arena alongside programme leader Caroline Booth (BHSI), who led the project.

Yard manager Kim Bailey and students Chris Jones and Shelly Degnan were also involved.

Adam said: “When I visited Reaseheath’s equestrian centre during the HE awards ceremony last year, I thought it would be a perfect training centre for my foals.

“I was very confident they would do well, but I have been amazed at just how far they have progressed.

“They are now so trusting and easy to handle. I am sure the training they have received at Reaseheath will have given them a good start in life and that they will all do well in the future.”

Caroline added: “It has been a great privilege to work with the foals and we were very sad to see them go.

“We have used basic principles of training aimed at developing an environment where the foals felt safe and could build up a trusting relationship with us. This gave them so much confidence and trust in us that they were happy to do whatever we asked of them.

“They really did us proud during the filming and Adam was delighted.”

Mr Platt was chair of Reaseheath’s College Board for 14 years, retiring two years ago, and was a long standing governor.

He was key in ensuring the long-term future of agriculture and farming through education, and was awarded an OBE to recognise his lifetime achievement, and an honorary doctorate from University of Chester.

John was also chairman of Cheshire Agriculture Society for almost 30 years, stepping down as president just a week before his death.

He played a lead role in running the Cheshire Show, served as the Deputy Lieutenant of Cheshire, and was also president of the Mid-Cheshire Sheltered Workshop.

Mr Platt had been suffering from a series of health problems. He leaves behind two sons, a daughter and grandchildren.

Reaseheath Principal Meredydd David described Mr Platt as a “visionary and inspirational leader”.

“John gave a lifetime of service to the agricultural community, to the public services and to the development and support of land-based training and education in Cheshire,” said Mr David.

“He supported and championed Reaseheath for many years.

“It is testament to his drive, commitment and vision that Reaseheath has expanded so rapidly and is now recognised as one of the outstanding land-based colleges in England.

“Those who had the privilege of knowing John will appreciate what a wonderful person he was and how considerate, kind, caring and influential he was as a leader.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this very sad time.”

Cheshire East Cllr Steve Wilkinson said: “I cannot think of anyone who has done more for and on behalf of the rural communities and agriculture in Cheshire than John.

“He has been an inspiration to everyone he has worked with during the many roles and positions he has held – from Cheshire Federation of Young Farmers, to long-serving governor and chairman at Reaseheath College.

“He also has many years of service to the Cheshire Agricultural Society and the Cheshire Show.

“I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sympathy to his family and pay a personal tribute to the support and encouragement he gave to me and to his never-ending enthusiasm and interest in local government.”

His funeral will take place on Tuesday March 12 at 11am at Chester Cathedral.

But they also question the weight of the report as they continue their fight to prevent Muller Property’s Nantwich South project.

The draft strategy, published by Cheshire East Council this week, shows support for Nantwich North plans near Reaseheath to meet the need for more housing over the next 20 years.

It states the Reaseheath development, and brownfield sites such as the former Stapeley Water Gardens and the old gasworks off Welsh Row, can provide enough new properties until 2030.

Pat Cullen, of Protect Stapeley campaign group, said: “On the face of it and from Stapeley’s point of view, the report is obviously very helpful.

“But it still needs to go out for consultation and it still needs to be approved so until this happens, there is a question as to how much weight it actually carries.

“We must remember that Muller’s applications are in the system. If the Nantwich North applications have not been lodged by then, the only plans on the table are Nantwich South.”

Cheshire East’s Strategic Planning Board is to rule on Muller Property’s first phase applications on January 30.

“My gut feeling is Nantwich South will be rejected but there is no doubt Muller will appeal,” added Mr Cullen.

“While the new draft development strategy addresses the question  of Cheshire East’s five years supply of land, it is not yet approved and adopted and an independent planning inspector may well dismiss it.

“In short, the new draft development strategy is a step in the right direction but there is still a long way to go in the fight to protect Stapeley.”

You can view the draft development strategy here

That’s according to a draft Cheshire East Council strategy now ready for public consultation.

The council says their new Local Plan aims to promote economic growth, connectivity and protect countryside from unplanned development for the next 20 years.

And after almost two years of consultation and feedback, it has published a draft development strategy for a final six-week consultation to allow residents to make further comments.

Key issues highlighted in Nantwich included new housing, employment and protection of market town.

Two major housing plans are already being put together by developers – one by Muller Property for “Nantwich South” in Stapeley, and one by Mosaic and Reaseheath College for land north west of the town centre.

But the draft plan states the land north west of Nantwich is the most appropriate to provide a mixed use site for employment and about 1,000 houses.

“This site is sustainably located in close proximity to the town centre and provides opportunities to extend the Riverside Park,” states the report.

“Consultation responses to the draft Strategy indicated that there was more support for this site than for the development of land at South Nantwich.

“In addition, the former Stapeley Water Gardens site is identified to provide two hectares of employment land and 250 dwellings and the Snowhill area is identified for regeneration, to include retail, offices, leisure and about 50 dwellings.

“The identification of both of these sites reflects the support received during the consultation for the development of brownfield sites and the mixed use development of the former Stapeley Water Gardens site.”

Two new areas of Green Belt are also proposed to the east and west of the town as a result of feedback.

This will see open land between Crewe and Nantwich retained, ensuring Nantwich retains its rural setting.

An employment improvement area has been identified at Wardle as having future potential for expansion and consolidation of existing and new employers, to provide employment opportunities.

The overall Local Plan for Cheshire East aims to create 20,000 jobs and 27,000 new homes by 2030.

Other highlights include two new “settlements” south of Crewe, and dualling of the A500 road linking the Shavington Bypass to M6 junction 16.

Council Leader Cllr Michael Jones said: “I take very seriously my responsibility to protect the people of Cheshire East from unwanted and unplanned development.

“By extending the period for people to comment on the Development Strategy, I am confident we will give more people the time they need to consider the issues in depth and to put forward robust and constructive comments that will benefit all our local communities.

“Our Development Strategy is a robust, jobs-led strategy to deliver targeted and sustainable development to benefit all the people of Cheshire East.”

View the draft strategy here

Persistent and heavy rain for several days has seen river levels rise as it flows from the A51 near Reaseheath through the town to Shrewbridge Lodge and Nantwich Lake.

The river has burst its banks in some areas on that stretch, leaving footpaths impassable and fields flooded.

Th Agency moved it from Flood Alert to the more serious Flood Warning at around 5.20pm today (November 25).

“Following Saturday’s persistent rainfall the Weaver river level has risen. As a result flooding in the area of Shrewbridge Lodge, Nantwich is expected during Sunday and into Monday (November 26),” said a spokesman.

“We will continue to monitor and update when the situation changes.”

It’s the second time in two months the river has flooded, after a warning was issued on September 25 after heavy rain.

For more updates, follow the Environment Agency’s North West Flood Warning web page

WI members took part in Cheshire East Libraries “Stories of the World” reading challenge as part of the Cultural Olympiad.

It involved reading five books themed around places and cultures from other countries, encouraging readers to try something different in their reading choice.

Tom Appleby, library manager, said: “It was great to see so many of the WI members get involved in the event and maybe read books they wouldn’t usually read.”

The WI, who support public libraries through their national “Love your Libraries Campaign”, is encouraging everyone to sign up to their local library and write to local councillors stressing the importance of libraries in their community.

Police say the 44-tonne wagon swerved to avoid another vehicle before crashing on Main Road, in Worleston, Nantwich.

The cab of the lorry, registered to a local farm, toppled over, partially blocking the route at around 6am.

The trailer remained upright and the driver managed to scramble clear without injuries.

A Cheshire Police spokeswoman said the road was closed off from the A51 Reaseheath roundabout so emergency services could recover the vehicle.

“Thankfully its load of cheese remained on board, and there were no injuries,” she added.

“We had to close the road from the Reaseheath roundabout as it happened on a bend, and the cab toppled over.”

The road was reopened at about 8.45am.

The main A500 nantwich bypass between Peacock (Crewe Road) and Sainsbury’s (Middlewich Road) roundabouts has been closed today (June 21) for resurfacing.

Cheshire East Council says the works should be completed tomorrow.

Meanwhile, other roadworks on the A51 near Reaseheath College and on the A530 Middlewich Road have compounded the problems.

There are traffic signals in place along Millstone Lane, Hurleston, both ways between Welshmen’s Lane and A51, with speed restrictions of 30mph between Henhill Bridge and Reaseheath roundabout.

This is to allow for repair works to the carriageway, and is due to end on June 29.

And along Middlewich Road, there are two-way traffic signals in place near Hollows Bridge to allow for footway works to be carried out.

These works are due to continue until July 12, according to Cheshire East Council.

Youngsters like Nick Powell, Nantwich teenager Max Clayton and Davis’ son Harry, who played on loan at the Dabbers, took the plaudits.

But the manager, who took over from Dario Gradi just six months ago, displayed all the attributes he showed when taking Nantwich Town to two successive promotions a few years ago.

A wonder goal by 18-year-old Powell in the first half and a Byron Moore strike 10 minutes from time sealed the 2-0 win over Cheltenham in searing heat.

Davis’ half-time talk worked wonders as after the break the defence snuffed out Cheltenham’s powerful attack which had looked dangerous in the first period.

Former Brine Leas pupil Clayton came on as a second half substitute for Powell and played his part, his rasping shot late on well saved to prevent a third Crewe goal.

It was a mature performance all-round from a young side, many who have come through the academy at Reaseheath together as boys.

Crewe can now look forward to League One fixtures against the likes of Sheffield United, Coventry City, Portsmouth and Preston North End.

(Pics by Jonathan White)

The popular Granada Reports presenter and weather forecaster watched 18-year-old Colin Potts, a Level 2 Diploma in Agriculture student, deliver the lamb.

He also helped students Fred Hampton, 17, and Alice Morley, 18, to bottle feed some of the new arrivals and chatted to sheep unit manager Matthew Bagley.

His visit came as the college opened its lambing sheds and zoo to the public for a second consecutive weekend.

The event is one of the most popular in the college’s calendar and regularly attracts thousands of visitors.

Fred, who first visited the college 15 years ago, said: “This has been a real eye opener for me and a real treat.

“I’ve never seen a lamb being born before, although I’ve seen it on television. It was a magical experience and quite moving.

“I was so impressed by the confidence of the students and by the level of responsibility they were taking to make sure the birth went smoothly.”

(Pics: Fred Talbot chats to Matthew Bagley, and bottle feeds lambs with students Fred Hampton and Alice Morley)

Families have fought for 13 years to restrict the speed along the road near Reaseheath College.

Now, with the help of Bunbury ward Cllr Michael Jones, their campaign has convinced Cheshire East to impose new speed limits between Reaseheath roundabout and the junction with Wettenhall Road.

Cllr Jones told Nantwichnews those restrictions should be in place as early as next month.

He said: “Residents have been working for 13 years to get this achieved.

“There was a major lorry incident there last year and a near fatality two weeks ago. As a 60mph stretch, it’s very dangerous and this is a welcome result.

“I wanted to get involved to help out, but the residents have won this battle.”

Campaigner Fiona Swain has been writing to MPs, councillors, highways and the police for years highlighting the dangers of the route.

She also gathered signatures at various points, but said it was the involvement of Cllr Jones which made the difference.

“The speed of the vehicles is ridiculous and many lorries and cars don’t stop for the red light at the crossing,” she told the Chronicle.

“There are students and many young families in this area – hopefully this speed limit will make us all a little bit safer.”

(PIC: A serious lorry accident at Reaseheath roundabout in November 2011)

The accident happened at around 8.45am today (January 16), involving one HGV and two cars.

Police say a lorry collided with the two cars close to the entrance of the Equestrian Centre, near Reaseheath College and the A500 roundabout.

Officers had to close the road at around 8.50am, causing massive tailbacks towards Nantwich and Chester during peak hour.

One driver suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene. The road was cleared and re-opened in both directions by 10.40am.

“There were no serious injuries and the cause if being investigated,” said a Cheshire Police spokeswoman.