Monthly Archives: January 2026

**CAR PARK NOW OPEN (CHURCH STREET NEXT TO HERON FOODS AND TESCO) TUES 27TH JAN **

**CAR PARK NOW OPEN (CHURCH STREET NEXT TO HERON FOODS AND TESCO) TUES 27TH JAN **

Following the earlier message, we have been able to complete the investigation works and drainage survey, and have now reopened the car park.

We have also carried out an interim tidy up. Please note that where the trial pits have been dug there is soft ground that will take a while to settle – so a contractor will return at a later date to top up the ground and level again. The main trial pit at the centre of the site (near the lower end) has barriers around it due to a mound left as there was still some water present when it was backfilled. Please avoid this area and please do not move the barriers.

Thank you to Rob Elliot Ltd, S Hough and S Till.

Apologies for the inconvenience caused while the work was underway and thank you again for your understanding.

Closure of Car Park Church Street (by Tesco/Heron Foods) – Tues 27th and Weds 28th Jan

**UPDATE ON CURRENT CAR PARK (CHURCH STREET) CLOSURE ON TUES 27TH JAN – POTENTIAL FOR FURTHER CLOSURE ON WEDS 28TH JAN 2026**

Thank you for your co-operation and help to keep the car park free of vehicles.

We have been able to carry out 4 trial pits to provide the required information for the upcoming planning application to redevelop the car park. However the ongoing weather conditions are impacting on the soakaway test. If the rain continues to be heavier than originally forecast, then it may impact on the measurements needed to calculate the drainage solutions. The test involves monitoring the amount of time it takes for the water to dissipate in the trial pits – which will inform the design. As the ground is made up of clay this is not a quick process.

Whilst we do not want to keep the car park closed longer than necessary, there is a chance we may need to keep it closed overnight until tomorrow during the day. It is important that the drainage solution is correctly designed and specified to avoid the ongoing issues we have. Apologies for the inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

No photo description available.

Actions for A500/Alsager Road junction

Actions for A500/Alsager Road junction

The Parish Council is in regular direct contact with officers at National Highways, who are responsible for the A500 and the slip road, to campaign for action following the previous and ongoing accidents.

We are aware that there have been two further accidents reported since the temporary signs were installed, plus regular near misses due to drivers seeking to avoid congestion. This information is passed onto National Highways, please continue to report any near misses.

We have received the following update from National Highways, and want to keep you informed given the ongoing concerns:

Upgraded signing on slip road
The works are committed, and National Highways are aiming to complete the upgrade by 31 March 2026.

Collision Data
National Highways will continue to analyse the collision data to establish the primary causation factors as and when Staffordshire Police release their reports to Staffordshire County Council.

M6 J16
The anecdotal evidence of increased usage of the slip roads at the A500/Alsager Road junction (westbound) is to queue jump congestion on the A500. Traffic signal engineers have reviewed the timings of the signals at M6 J16 and have concluded the signals are working as intended (no faults identified). The problem is down to traffic growth and an ageing asset. The M6 J16 junction layout simply cannot accommodate 2026 and beyond vehicle capacity as it exceeds the current design geometry. Unfortunately, the junction is not a priority for future road investment in the short term.

Alsager Road
The local road is managed by Staffordshire County Council (SCC) who have agreed to review road safety. SCC will forward their conclusions including any actions they are able to deliver in due course.

In vehicle SAT NAV Technology
Examples of google desktop sat nav tool prioritising the slip road rather than staying on the A500 have been raised at partnership meetings with the leading suppliers of sat nav technology. The response is they will investigate but have made it clear motorists have a duty to drive within the law and follow guidance contained within the Highway Code. In car technology is provided to improve the driver experience but the driver is ultimately responsible for ensuring they continue to drive with due care and attention.

The Police have also advised they will carry out sat nav tests using their vehicles. Report will be provided in due course.

Continued monitoring
National Highways Inspectors will continue to check the junction as part of their weekly route safety checks. Any safety critical issues identified such as fading road markings or vegetation compromising visibility will be defected and fixed in line with the contractual timelines.

Camera survey
A survey has been completed. Results are awaited of any findings of interest.

Temporary signing
Temporary signing to remain in place until the works to upgrade the permanent signing has been completed.

Contact details for National Highways:

https:/www.nationalhighways.co.uk
Customer Service No.: 0300 123 5000 or email info@nationalhighways.co.uk

Planting of Sakura Cherry Trees at Minnie Pit Heritage Site Thurs 22nd Jan

Planting of Sakura Cherry Trees at Minnie Pit Heritage Site Thurs 22nd Jan

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The Parish Council in collaboration with the Minnie Pit Heritage Site committee have been successful in securing 4 trees from the Sakura Cherry Tree Project.
The 4 trees being planted at Minnie Pit Heritage Site are some of the over 8,000 Japanese cherry trees – or Sakura in Japanese – given to the UK by Japan, and planted across the country in parks, gardens and schools to celebrate Japan’s relationship with the UK.
The project is a legacy from the Japan-UK Season of Culture 2019-2021, which aimed to showcase Japan’s multifaceted attractions in the UK. The gift of these trees enables people to learn more about Japan, its culture and traditions. It is the intention of this project to plant across the whole of the United Kingdom so that each spring there is a wave of cherry blossom across the country.
The Sakura Cherry Trees will be distributed to over 1,000 sites in all four countries of the UK from St Ives to Aberdeen to Londonderry, Cardiff and several of London’s biggest parks. The project was formally launched with a planting ceremony at The Regent’s Park attended by HRH The Duke of Gloucester, the then Japanese Ambassador Yasumasa Nagamine, Joint Chairman of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project Keisaku Sandy Sano and local school children in 2019.
To date, trees have been planted in all the counties of England and Wales, and planting continues in Scotland. Trees have been planted in Northern Ireland, the Orkneys, Tresco in the Scilly Isles, the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Man, and planting will continue for the next two years, completing in 2027.

If you would like to be present at the planting, please email clerk@audleyparishcouncil.gov.uk – we are hoping for Thursday 22nd January 26, but it is weather dependant.

Logo project 2 Logo project

Audley Methodist Church car park – closure one day Tues 27th Jan

Audley Methodist Church Car Park (next to Tesco/Heron Foods) – closure for one day on Tues 27th January 2026

The closure of the car park is now planned for Tuesday 27th January 2026 (one day) for the trial pits and drainage survey to take place from 8.30am onwards.

Please do not park on the car park as your vehicle will be at risk of damage. It may also hinder the progress of the survey, which is required to inform a planning application to improve the car park overall.

Apologies in advance for any inconvenience and thank you for your co-operation.

No photo description available.

Audley Methodist Church Car park – planned closure (one day)

Audley Methodist Church Car Park (next to Tesco/Heron Foods) – update on provisional closure on Tues 13th January 2026

The closure of the car park provisionally planned for Tuesday 13th January 2026 (one day) for the trial pits and drainage survey has been postponed. A new date is being arranged, potentially for w/c 26th January and this will be notified to all, as soon as it is confirmed.

Apologies in advance for any inconvenience.

No photo description available.

New Parish Councillors (3)

We would like to extend a very warm welcome to Neil Ginnis (Audley Ward), Sarah Williams (Halmer End Ward) and Chris Griffiths (Halmer End Ward), who have recently joined the Parish Council 👋✨

Following the appropriate due process, their appointments were formally agreed at the last Council meeting held on 18 December 2025. All three individuals bring their own individual valuable experience, knowledge and enthusiasm to the Parish Council, and we are delighted to welcome their contribution and involvement 🤝🌟
The next Borough, Parish and Town Council elections will take place on 7 May 2026 🗳️. In early spring, Newcastle Borough Council will begin the nominations process to invite candidates to stand for election, and further information will be shared in due course.

If you are interested in standing as an elected member and helping to shape your local community, you can find further guidance here: