**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.

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

Please click here to view Notices and agendas

Audley Rural Parish Council’s Views on the Strategic Employment site (AB2) in the Local Plan
(NBC Local Plan Main Modifications Consultation Ends 17 December)

What is AB2?

AB2 is a proposed Strategic Employment site in the Newcastle-under-Lyme Local Plan. It covers almost 80 hectares of agricultural land and open countryside currently within the Parish and Borough’s Green Belt, located near Junction 16 of the M6 and bordering the A500, Park Lane, Moat Lane, and Barthomley Road.  For context, the total site area is comparable in size to the combined villages of Audley and Bignall End.

In addition to the Local Plan, a planning application has been submitted by the developer for the AB2 site which includes:

• Six “Big Box” logistics warehouses
• A 200-space HGV lorry park
• A new left-turn access for A500 westbound traffic
• A traffic-light controlled right turn for vehicles approaching from the Junction 16 of the M6
• Creation of 2,500 to 3,570 jobs
• Green Infrastructure

As a Strategic Employment site, AB2 will provide jobs for Newcastle-under-Lyme, but also the wider areas including Cheshire East and Stoke-on-Trent. Cheshire East Council has formally objected to the allocation in the Local Plan stating: “Site AB2 is adjacent to the borough boundary and is slightly closer to the centre of Crewe than it is to the centre of Newcastle-under-Lyme (and much closer to the centre of Alsager). There are concerns over the impacts that the plan may have on Cheshire East, for example in terms of housing demand, infrastructure requirements and travel patterns”.

Parish Council considerations

Since 2021, the Parish Council has objected to the AB2 site allocation.  At the Local Plan Examination hearings in May and June 2025, the Parish Council presented detailed representations using legal expertise.  Key considerations included:

• Green Belt designation: National planning policy requires “exceptional circumstances” to alter Green Belt boundaries, and the Parish Council sought clarity on how these tests have been met.
• Environmental role of the land: The site provides a buffer between nearby settlements and major roads.
• Local impacts: Potential issues include noise, light pollution, air quality, increased traffic through local roads, and additional pressure on infrastructure and services.

Traffic and A500 slip-road safety

The concerns raised by the local residents regarding transport and road-safety conditions around the A500 slip road, which serves the area, have been raised within the representations.  Increases in traffic collisions at the Audley/Alsager Road slip-road exits, linked to congestion on the A500, reinforce the validity of these concerns.  The Parish Council has requested that these existing conditions be carefully considered by the Planning Inspector when assessing the site’s suitability.  The Parish Council has also asked for clarification on how additional vehicle movements—including HGV traffic associated with the proposed development—would be managed, and what measures may be required to ensure safe access to and from the site.

Next steps

Further representations will be made in response to this last consultation which ends 17^th December 2025.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council’s Local Plan – Main Modifications Consultation Ends 17 December 2025

Residents and interested parties are encouraged to review the Local Plan Main Modifications documents, available at the link below:

https://www.newcastle-staffs.gov.uk/localplan

Click here to view the Local Plan Modifications on the Borough Council website

Representations on the modifications must be submitted before the consultation closes on 17 December 2025. All comments will be considered by the Planning Inspector as part of the next stage of the Local Plan examination. This consultation is the final opportunity to comment on the proposed changes before the Inspector issues a final report.

Key proposed changes affecting Audley Rural Parish include:

• Removal of site AB33 (Land off Nantwich Road/Park Lane – 55 homes).
• Removal of site AB12 (Land east of Diglake Street – 125 homes).
• Retention of site AB15 (Land north of Vernon Avenue – 33 homes), with minor amendments to policy wording.
• Policy changes for Strategic Employment Site AB2, covering approximately 80 hectares near M6 Junction 16 by Park Lane, Moat Lane and Barthomley Road.

Full details are available online or at Audley Library. Following the Inspector’s final report, the Local Plan will return to Full Council in 2026 for consideration and potential adoption.

Message from Audley Library regarding car park closure (from 4pm Tues 11th Nov to midday approx Weds 12th Nov 2025)

WJ Road markings will be marking out the bays on the car park on Wednesday, 12th November. The work will take place early morning, subject to weather, and should be reopened to the public by the latest mid day.

To prepare for this they will be closing the Library car park at 4.00pm on Tuesday 11th November.

Please contact Audley Library for any queries.

Audley Rural Parish Council is pleased to confirm the recent installation of a new flagpole in the village centre, located within one of the few areas of land owned and maintained by the Parish Council.  The flagpole has been erected in Margaret’s Garden to provide a focal point for civic pride and community events.

The decision to install the flagpole was made following several discussions within the Council about how best to celebrate our shared heritage and foster a sense of unity within the parish.  The flag will be maintained to a high standard and flown respectfully, changing when appropriate according to national and local occasions.

We are aware that the timing of the installation coincides with the national “Raise the Colours” movement.  We would like to make it clear that the Parish Council’s decision is entirely independent of any protest or political campaign.  The flag is not intended as a statement for or against any national issue, but simply as a dignified expression of pride in our community and our country.

We hope parishioners will see the flagpole as a positive addition to our shared public space — a symbol of local togetherness, respect and continuity for generations to come.

Please note that the service at Alsagers Bank has now changed to Halmer End Methodist Church at 10am not St Johns as previously advertised

Audley and Alsagers Bank Remembrance Day Services

Sunday 9th November 2025

(Photos Copyright Around Audley (Shraleybrook Media))

Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience however there will be road closures in place from approx. 9.30am until 12.00pm latest on Sunday 9th November 2025 due to the parade at Audley and then the outside services which will take place at both Cenotaphs in Audley and Alsagers Bank around 10.45am.  The roads will be reopened as soon as possible, once the parade in Audley has walked through the routes as shown below.

However the immediate area around the Cenotaphs at Alsagers Bank High Street and Audley Church Street will be closed to all traffic between 10am and 11.30am – times may be altered slightly on the day but are not expected to exceed these times.

AUDLEY PARADE AND SERVICE (roads closed from 9.30am)
Meet at Bridge Close, Bignall End (please park considerately).  At 10am approx, you will proceed along Stephens Way – Gresley Way – Boyles Hall Road – New Road –  congregate at approx. 10.35am on Audley Community Centre car park (where Audley Brass will join at this point) ending at Church Street by the cenotaph at St James Church (10.45 a.m.).  Following the service at the Cenotaph, a church service will be held at St James.  Please note the roads will be reopened as soon as the cenotaph services have finished, so please disperse as soon as possible.

Road Closure and Parade Route Audley Remembrance Sunday –  from Bignall End to Audley

ALSAGERS BANK SERVICE (High Street to remain closed from 9.30am at the junctions with The Drive and Heathcote Road)
Please note – Church Service to take place at Halmer End Methodist Church at 10am St Johns Church at 10.15 a.m.  A service will take place at the cenotaph on Church bend, Alsagers Bank at 10.50 a.m.   The main road (High Street) will be closed from the junction of Heathcote Road to the junction of The Drive between 9.30am until 12pm latest.  The roads will be reopened as soon as the cenotaph services have finished, so please disperse as soon as possible.

Road Closure and Route Audley Remembrance Sunday – Alsagers Bank

It is expected that D&G bus service Sunday 1B will be affected/not running. 

Wreath laying:

If you wish to lay a wreath during the service in Audley, before the start of the service (or at the correct point during) please stand along the wall to Wilbraham House on the left hand side of the cenotaph (nearest to the car park entrance to the Butchers Arms) to form a queue.

If you wish to lay a wreath at Alsagers Bank please join the queue, alongside the cenotaph.  You can purchase a wreath through the Royal British Legion – here https://www.poppyshop.org.uk/collections/poppy-wreaths 

Wreaths will be laid after The Reveille in the below order:

• Civic VIPs
• Representatives of regular forces
• Representatives of territorial and reserve forces
• Representatives of ex-Service associations, including RBL & RBLWS
• Representatives of uniformed public services (police, fire brigade, ambulance services)
• Representatives of uniformed voluntary services (St John, Red Cross etc)
• Representatives of cadet forces
• Representatives of youth organisations
• All other community groups and members of the public

Changes to Bus services on Sunday 9th November 2025 during the Remembrance Day Parade and Service
Please note that the D&G Bus service 1B will not run in Audley between 09.15 and 11.15.
Buses will restart at 11:26 from Newcastle and 12:15 from Audley.

Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

You can find the details of the road closures and the route for the parade by clicking on the below links:

Road Closure and Parade Route Audley Remembrance Sunday –  Bignall End

Road Closure and Route Audley Remembrance Sunday – Alsagers Bank

At the last meeting, the Parish Council agreed to hold a budget consultation meeting on Thursday 20^th November 2025 at 6pm until 7pm at Halmer End Stute (Wesley Place).  This is an opportunity to hear first-hand what the precept has been spent on this year and what projects we have underway, plus the draft budget for the next financial year.

Parish Council meetings are held on the third Thursday of every month starting at 7pm and there is always a Public Participation item,  when you can raise any issue at the start of the meeting.  Venues swap between Halmer End Stute and Audley Pensioners Hall – so it’s best to check the agenda first.  The rest of the meeting is also open to the public.

Agendas and minutes are issued approximately one week before the meeting and can be found on our website and in the 7 parish notice boards.  Other information is available on the website, along with the Chair’s Annual Reports which details funding and activities of the Parish Council dating back to 2011.  If you don’t want to wait until Thursday 20^th November, contact the Clerk or your nearest Parish Councillor via email or by phone – details are here on the website. 

Update received from David East, National Highways dated 8th October 2025:

“In response to concerns about safety at this junction we have reviewed the signage and lining. Whilst there are no concerns regarding the existing signage and markings, we have looked to see if there is anything we could further do to improve safety here.

As a result, we are planning a package of measures including new enhanced signage and liaising with sat nav companies to make driving instructions clearer.  In the meantime, we will introduce temporary signs as an interim measure while we investigate why there has been a unexpected increase in the number of collisions here.

 Safety is and always will be our priority and we will continue to work with police and the parish council to ensure this junction is as safe as it can be.”

 Further information:

• According to the latest published data, there were four personal injury collisions at this location between 2019 and 2023. We are aware of several collisions in 2025.
• It has been suggested that motorists are using the slip road to skip the queuing traffic on the A500 and this may be contributing to the collisions. We have contacted mainstream sat nav companies to make them aware of the collision history here and seek their cooperation in amending the instructions given out by sat nav devices if necessary.
• We are reviewing traffic signals at M6 Junction 16, to understand why the traffic queue at times extends beyond the Alsager Road junction.
• We are also working with police to help establish the cause of recent incidents to see why the collision rate has increased this year.
• The junction layout is a typical design and when exiting the A500 on the slip road the road markings and signing are in good order with two ‘SLOW’ road markings, road studs, one advance direction sign, nearside and offside illuminated give way signs and give way markings.  The slip road and Alsager Road are well-lit

Press release – Sept 2025 (PDF)

PRESS RELEASE

Audley Rural Neighbourhood Plan – Have Your Say

On 25^th September 2025 at 5 polling stations across the Parish, Audley Rural Parish residents will have the opportunity to vote in the referendum to determine whether Newcastle under Lyme Borough Council should use the Neighbourhood Plan for Audley Rural Parish to help it decide planning applications in the area.

The Neighbourhood Plan has been produced by the Steering Group which contains members of the community and the Audley Rural Parish Council.  It is based on the views of the residents of the Parish, obtained via surveys and consultation events, on a wide range of issues that will influence the well-being, sustainability and long-term preservation of the community.  It proposes planning policies for the area and identifies open spaces that residents would like to protect from development.

A copy of the Neighbourhood Plan can be downloaded from the Audley Rural Neighbourhood Plan website at www.audleyplan.org

Hard copies are also available for viewing during opening hours at the Audley Library, Post Offices and the Borough Council offices.

The referendum allows the opportunity for Audley Rural Parish residents to have their say on whether the Neighbourhood Plan should be adopted or not.  If at least 50% of residents voting in the referendum support the Plan then it will come into effect immediately.

You will be asked to vote on the question “Do you want Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Audley to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”

ENDS

19.09.25

Nick Hayes
Chairman
Audley Rural Parish Council

Telephone:  07946 060826  Email:  clerk@audleyparishcouncil.co.uk

Following repeated efforts by the Parish Council for action to be taken at the accident hotspot on the Audley A500 Slip Road at Alsager Road, we have today received a public statement from National Highways regarding the A500 Junction/Alsager Road which is as follows:

National Highways Route Manager, David East, said:

“Safety is always our number one priority and we have therefore reviewed existing signing and lining for this junction and are satisfied that it is clear, visible, well-lit and should enable motorists to easily negotiate the layout safely.

However, we are aware of local concerns and a recent spate of collisions so have looked at whether there is anything further we could do. A new proposal has been drafted and is being considered.  We are also discussing the introduction of additional temporary signage in the meantime.

 We will continue to work with police and the parish council to ensure this junction is as safe as it can be.”

Further information:

According to the latest published data, there were four personal injury collisions at this location between 2019 and 2023. We have been made aware of a series of collisions in 2025.

• It has been suggested that motorists are using the slip road to skip the queuing traffic on the A500 and this may be contributing to the collisions. We are approaching mainstream sat nav companies to make them aware of the collision history here and seek their cooperation in amending the instructions given out by sat nav devices if necessary.
• We are also working with police to help establish the cause of recent incidents to see why the collision rate has increased this year.
• The junction layout is a typical design and when exiting the A500 on the slip road the road markings and signing are in good order with two ‘SLOW’ road markings, road studs, one advance direction sign, nearside and offside illuminated give way signs and give way markings.  The slip road and Alsager Road are well-lit.

Notice of Polling Stations:

Please click here to view the Notice of Poll_(PDF)_
Please click here to view the Notice of Poll_(Word doc)

NOTICE OF POLL AND SITUATION OF POLLING STATIONS

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council

Referendum on the adoption of the Audley Rural Neighbourhood Plan

Notice is hereby given that:

1. A referendum will be held on Thursday 25 September 2025 to decide on the question below:

‘Do you want Newcastle-under-Lyme to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Audley Rural to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?’

2. The hours of poll will be from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm.

3. The Situation of polling stations and the description of persons entitled to vote thereat are as follows:

Dated: Wednesday 17 September 2025
Gordon Mole
Counting Officer