Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
1
CONTENTS
Page Item
4 Introduction
5 Map of the Township of Sutton 1844
6 Map of the Township of Sutton 1844 (Detail)
7 Map of the Township of Sutton 1894
8 Map of the Township of Sutton 1894 (Detail)
9 Boundary of the Parish of Sutton 2009
10 History of the Parish of Sutton
14 Photograph of Station Road, early 20th century
15 Listed Buildings
16 Information on Listed Buildings
18 Information on Scheduled Monument
20 Photographs of Listed Buildings and Scheduled Monument
32 Cheshire Historic Environment Record Map linking to both the History of the Parish and the listed Buildings
33 Historic Environment Record: Monument List – Sutton
34 Cheshire Historic Environment Record Map linking to both the History of the Parish and the Monument List
35 Cheshire Historic Environment Record Map showing the historic landscape of Sutton
36 Summary of the occupations of the residents of Sutton taken from the Census records of 1851, 1901 and 1911
38 Footpaths – Sutton Parish
39 Parish Survey - Results
• Population coverage
• Leisure
• Communications
• Travel
• Traffic
• Environment
• Crime
• Neighbourhood Watch
2
• Library
• Development
53 Action Stemming from Parish Survey 55 Action Stemming from Parish Survey & Completed
57 Action Stemming from Parish Survey & Currently Underway
58 Homewatch Scheme
59 Options Available for Contacting the Police
60 List of Homewatch Co-ordinators
61 Activities within the village
61 Photographs of Leisure Sites
63 List of Councillors
64 Conclusion
3
INTRODUCTION
The Parish Council wished to focus its time and energy on issues which were felt to be of the most
concern/interest to the residents of Sutton Weaver. The matter was discussed in a Council
Meeting and it was felt that the way forward was via the medium of a Village Plan. It was decided
that a questionnaire would be produced initially and then a comprehensive action list would be
compiled to encompass the replies received. This questionnaire was issued to all households in
the village at the end of 2008. The data received was collated in early 2009. During the course of
2009, a detailed analysis took place and an action list was formulated. Once this action list had
been completed, it was decided to prioritise issues and bring them to the attention of the relevant
authorities in a positive and constructive manner with the sole aim of improving the quality of life of
the residents.
At the same time, it was decided that a section on the history of Sutton would be included in the
Village Plan. This produced an opportunity to explore the people who had inhabited the area over
the centuries and to demonstrate the impact of change on this small village.
As the Village Plan will contain the residents’ wishes for the future, it was felt that it was imperative
to share this vision as widely as possible. To this end, whilst some hard copies of the Plan will be
produced, it is envisaged that CD’s will be made widely available for those with computer
technology at home.
4
TOWNSHIP OF SUTTON, 1844
5
TOWNSHIP OF SUTTON, 1844 (DETAIL)
6
TOWNSHIP OF SUTTON, 1894
7
TOWNSHIP OF SUTTON, 1894 (DETAIL)
8
BOUNDARY OF THE PARISH OF SUTTON, 2009
9
HISTORY OF THE PARISH OF SUTTON
Over the years only limited archaeological investigations have taken place in this village.Nevertheless there is evidence of a cemetery, henge, ring ditch and round barrow at Sutton Hall.The ring ditch had two opposed entrances and is thought to represent the site of a round barrow(type of burial mound). The time period linked to this structure is Palaeolithic (Old Stone Age).(Ref.2448/1/1, 2448/1/2).
The earliest evidence of man-made objects in the village also dates back to pre-history. A flintscraper has been found near to the tow path on the right bank of the River Weaver. In addition, aflake of grey flint worked to produce a side scraper, together with flint flake was recovered fromthe surface of the subsoil during work on the NW Ethylene Pipeline Project. In addition the FieldArchaeology Section from the Liverpool Museum discovered five pieces of flint consisting of twoblade cores, a probable core fragment and two chips possibly associated with flint knapping. Thefact that cores are involved suggests the site is more significant than the number of finds implies.They represent activities based around the reduction of flint nodules for the manufacture ofimplements. It is thought that these could be Mesolithic in date. This period (also called theMiddle Stone Age) in human development began with the end of the last glacial period over10,000 years ago and lasted until almost 3,000 years BC. Mesolithic cultures represented a widevariety of hunting, fishing and food gathering techniques. Characteristic of this period were huntingand fishing settlements along rivers where fish was abundant (Ref.2364, 2365, 2402).
In ancient times this part of Cheshire was occupied by the Celtic tribe of the Cornovii. These wereone of several native British tribes who succumbed and acceded to Roman occupation. In AD60the Roman fort of Deva (Chester) was established and this was to become the largest Romanfortified settlement in Britain. A network of roadways gradually developed from Chester and inbetween AD 84-87 the road from Chester to Wilderspool (Warrington) was built (route 701).(Ref.2417/1/0). In addition it is believed that a further Roman road to Runcorn existed.(Ref.2417/1/11). During the construction of the Weaver canal at Sutton in 1808, a semicirculararch thought to be of Roman date was found. A portion of mosaic pavement 8-10 yards long and3 – 4 yards wide was also found buried 6 foot below the surface. This could have been part of theRoman road. (Ref.990). Prior to the construction of the golf course at Sutton Hall Farm a walkoversurvey indicated that there was a possibility that the road passed in that direction. Howeverbecause insufficient archaeology has taken place it is impossible to be certain of the preciseroutes these roads took through our parish.
When the Roman legions withdrew from Britain the country was invaded by the Angles, Saxonsand Jutes. Although the invaders did not kill all of the population, they did almost destroy thenative Celtic language and replaced it with their own Germanic tongue. With the new languagecame new place names, many of which survive to the present day. Sutton was a very commonplace name, which meant “southern farm or village”.
Sutton was not mentioned in the Domesday Book. It was of the fee of Halton. Adam de Dutton,younger son of Hugh Dutton of Dutton owned the area in the reign of Richard I. Deeds belongingto Norton Priory and dating from the early 13th century makes reference to a medieval mill atSutton. The location of the mill (water mill and corn mill) is unknown, however the Tithe Awards forSutton, records six plots with names containing mill. These include Mill Meadow, Back Mill Brow,Mill Field Plantation (now Lowe’s Wood) and Mill Field in a discrete cluster between Sutton Halland the River Weaver.
Sutton Hall, a Grade 1 listed building is located on land once owned by Hoetei de Sutton in 1100and thence by Sir Peter Dutton who built a mansion here in 1248. The present house was built byhis descendant, Sir John Warburton in 1480. Some of the medieval construction survives to thepresent day. (Ref.959/1/1). Seventeenth century farm buildings (barn, post medieval shippon)mansion house and stable (Ref.959/1/2) have recently been converted to dwellings.
10
Records indicate that there was a bridge at the east end of Frodsham bordering on to the parish ofSutton, dating from the reign of Henry III (1216-72) The original bridge was of wood and recordsshow that the forester of Delamere was requested to give one oak for the repairs of the bridge. Itwas rebuilt in brick in the reign of Elizabeth I and again in stone with four arches in 1625. This wastaken down many years ago to make way for the present structure (Ref.987).
A further find in the village relates to a silver penny from the reign of Edward I. It was minted inBerwick on Tweed and dated 1298. (Ref.958/0/1).
Field walking in 1990 produced 13 pieces of late medieval/early post-medieval unglazed sandypottery and green splash-glaze pottery in one corner of a field which might suggest a settlement atthat point during this time. A number of similar fragments and some post-medieval pottery shardswere recovered from the rest of the field with a possible slight concentration on the northernslopes of the dried up stream course. (Ref.958/0/2). Six other pieces of 16th – 19th century potterywere also recovered from the field.
An industrial site existed in Sutton from 1540 AD. A lime kiln (Ref.4350) and a brick kiln togetherwith a brick and tile making site were discovered in the area now known as Lowe’s Wood. Theremains of the clamp-type brick kiln were discovered on the north side of the Weaver Canal duringwork on the NW Ethylene Pipeline project. It was composed of the remains of hand-made brickslying in rows associated with the deposits of ash and burnt clay. The detritus seems to have beenraked downhill to the east. (Ref.2363/1)
In 1706 Parliament created the first turnpike trust – a scheme by which local business peoplecould charge a toll for using a road, then keep the money received to maintain that road. The firstturnpikes were constructed in the counties close to London. However, by 1790 they wereconcentrated in the north of England, reflecting the changing pattern of economic growth duringthe Industrial Revolution. These improved roads allowed a significant increase in haulage andlater facilitated the national postal service. The Sutton Tithe Map of 1844 shows quite clearly thatthe road we now know as the A56 was then called the Chester and Warrington Turnpike Road.This map also indicates that the old bridge across the River Weaver was closer to the mill than thepresent structure and that the turnpike road ran in front of the Aston Arms, and not behind it, as itdoes today. In addition, there was a turnpike gate near to Smithy House and another at thejunction with Aston Lane. In fact there still is a marker post, now covered with ivy, located on theA56 opposite the junction with Aston Lane. In addition, the road we now know as the A533 was, inthose days, the Runcorn and Northwich Turnpike Road.
It is probable that small boats have used the lower reaches of the River Weaver since the earliesttimes. Towards the end of the 17th century rock salt from mid-Cheshire would have been taken bypack horse or horse and cart to Pickerings or Frodsham and then by boat to Liverpool. At this timeLiverpool was undergoing a rapid expansion as a port as the River Dee to Chester had silted up. ABill to make the Weaver navigable as far as Winsford was first passed by Parliament in 1721 andawarded to three gentlemen of Cheshire. Progress was extremely slow. Finally the Trusteesobtained a third Act 0n 8 August 1807, which authorised the construction of a cut from Frodshamto Weston Point. The Trustees insisted that their own engineer, John Johnson, should oversee thework but the project was too large for him and ran over time and budget. He was sacked in 1809and Thomas Telford was asked to complete it. At Weston Point, a new lock connected the cut to abasin and tide gates connected the basin to the Mersey. It was completed in 1810.
Traffic using the canal increased with coal being moved upstream and white salt and rock saltbeing moved downstream. By the 1880’s the Weaver was handling nearly one and a half millionstons of salt, coal and other goods a year. In later years the various wharves of ICI were in regularuse despatching soda ash and other products from Northwich. The old swing bridge at Sutton wascut in half and removed by being dropped on to a steam hopper in 1926 and replaced by thebridge in use today.
11
Grade II listed remains exist of what was once the largest water powered mill in Cheshire. Thiswas located on the River Weaver below Frodsham bridge. By 1982 there had been considerabledemolition of the buildings associated with the mill. However a two storey building with an archedopening for the tail race and a three storey building with loading openings direct to the riversurvived. The mill house (grade II listed building) was constructed circa 1820. The mill wasre-equipped during the First World War, but after 1918 some equipment was taken to Edinburgh.The rest was sold for scrap around 1940. The mill has been powered, in turn, by water, steam andelectricity (Ref.956/1, 956/2). The wharf is still in use today by grain barges bringing inconsignments for onward transmission by road.
The coming of the railway had a major impact upon the parish of Sutton, lying as it does alongsidethe London-Liverpool railway line. However its other boundary adjacent to the Warrington-Chesterline required the building of a tunnel approximately a mile and a quarter in length and also aviaduct (Grade II listed) over the Weaver Navigation (No 54). This was built between 1848 and1850 for the then Birkenhead, Lancs. and Cheshire Junction Railway Company. AlexanderRendell was the engineer. The bridge is constructed of brown brick and cast iron. Thesegmental-arched cast iron span 25 metres and approximately 28 metres above the water levelof the Navigation, with a lower round brick arch to each side surmounted by a doubly-recessedrectangular panel. The viaduct continues over the River Weaver (No 54) the engineer was thesame and it was erected at the time. Again it is constructed of red sandstone, brown brick andcast iron. There are two segmental-arched iron spans of circa 30 metres over the river and 21round arches on the east bank in the parish of Sutton.
The railway tunnel was the scene of a disaster on 30 April 1851. The new Warrington to Chesterrailway line had been completed only four months beforehand. The Railway Company advertiseda day excursion to the Chester Cup at Roodee – some 4,000 people took advantage of this offer.Two trains fully loaded with passengers left Chester station for the return journey to Manchester(the first carrying 430 passengers and the second 900 passengers). Both trains came to astandstill in the tunnel. Then the third train carrying 470 passengers arrived at high speed. Thedriver was unaware of the presence of the two trains ahead of him. In the dark of the tunnel thislocomotive came into violent collision with the rear of the previous train, completely destroyingseveral carriages and causing his engine to be derailed. Both lines were blocked and the tunnelalmost completely filled with debris. Amazingly only five people were killed instantly, four moredied later and more than fifty were injured, some seriously. Nevertheless there were 1600passengers crowded together in darkness. Thankfully a fourth train was stopped from entering thetunnel. Following the inquest it was decided to construct two stations (Norton and Halton) at eachend of the Sutton Tunnel with an “electric telegraph” between them so that staff at either stationwould know “at all times and in all weathers” when any train had passed the other station.
The impact of the road, water and rail network on the village of Sutton can be seen by the changein occupations obtained from the census returns of 1851, 1901 and 1911. In 1851 a toll collectorwas employed on the Chester and Warrington Turnpike road. In the later returns he was replacedby a roadman/labourer on the highways. The Weaver Navigation employed villagers in differentcapacities. The most significant development was the railway and the increase in the number ofemployees can be seen between the first census of 1851 and the two for 1901 and 1911respectively. Interestingly, there was full employment for local people. Only one person in both1851 and 1911 were listed as being unemployed. The biggest changes can be seen in thereduction in the number of agricultural labourers and domestic servants from the first census andthe two later ones. Old maps indicate that a saw mill was situated by the railway line off stationroad. A bone works was located in Runcorn just under the railway viaduct and also in Frodshamon the banks of the River Weaver, opposite the corn mill. A chemical works and salt works wereclose by.
The village has never had an Anglican church within its boundary. The Parish Church of All Saintsin Runcorn was the ancient parish church for Sutton until St Peter’s at Aston by Sutton waserected. From then onwards St Peter’s serves the village – its church hall is located off Maple
12
Avenue. A Methodist Chapel (Wesleyan) was built in Station Road in 1893 but closed in 1965.
A World War II Heavy Anti-air craft gun site exists at Sutton Weaver, 400 metres west of SuttonFields Farm. The site consists of 5 gun emplacements, the command post, 2 garages withmaintenance bays and a generator building. There was also accommodation for the staff inNissen huts to the south of the complex, but these have not survived. (Ref.2850). A small numberof female staff employed there was billeted at “The Cedars” in Chester Road.
The station was first mentioned in 1940 and by 1942 it was armed with four 3.7 inch gunssupported by GL Mk II radar and manned by the Home Guard. It was not retained for use after1945. The gun emplacements are arranged in an arc around the SE and SW sides of the centralcommand post and four of these survive as concrete octagonal open pens, with concrete roofedboxes which were used to store ammunition, together with a concrete roofed shelter. The concretecommand post occupies the centre of the site and is partly below ground. This well preserved siteis an English Heritage Scheduled Monument.
It was here that Violette Szarbo spent eleven weeks as a member of the ATS at the beginning of1942. She had an air raid to deal with on her very first night as this anti-aircraft defence waslocated in one of the most active bombing areas in the country. The defence focus was theLondon-Liverpool railway line, the Manchester Ship Canal and the Weaver Navigation. After thebirth of her daughter Violette was recruited by the SOE and was employed as a spy in France. On7 June, 1944 she was parachuted into Limoges and was captured by the SS Panzer Division andhanded over for interrogation. She was executed in January, 1945 at the age of 23 and for hercourage was posthumously awarded the George Cross and the Croix de Guerre. The life ofViolette, reputedly the bravest British female spy in the war, has been commemorated in the film“Carve Her Name with Pride”.
After the war, the volume of traffic gradually increased until the major trunk roads in the countrywere congested. The A56 was one of the roads affected and the first proposal for the building of amotorway to bypass it was agreed in 1958. The M56 entered the Trunk Road Programme for1967/68. Construction commenced in 1968 and the motorway was opened in stages between1971 and 1981. Junctions 11 to 14, were opened in 1971 thus alleviating considerable trafficcongestion in the village.
13
Station Road, Early 20th. Century
14
LISTED BUILDINGS IN SUTTON
Street Listed Building Name/reference Grade Map
1 Aston Lane Sutton Hall I 436810
2 Aston Lane Barn and Shippon at Sutton Hall II 436811
3 Aston Lane Circular Feeding Trough in Farmyard of Sutton Hall Farmstead II 436812
4 Chester Rd No 51 (The Cottage) II* 436813
5 Chester Rd Barn 10m NW of No 51 II 436814
6 Chester Rd Meadowgate Farmhouse II 436816(formerly known as Marshgate Farmhouse)
7 Chester Rd Barn 20m E of Meadowgate Farm II 436817
8 Chester Rd Boatman's Shelter on east bank of Weaver Navigation II 436815
9 Mill Lane Mill House II 436819
10 Chester-Warrington Viaduct over WeaverRailway Navigation, No 54 II 502747
11 Chester-Warrington Frodsham Viaduct, No 53 Railway (part in Frodsham Town Parish) II 436340
12 Sutton Causeway & Bridge Frodsham BridgeLane (part in Frodsham Town Parish) II 436335
NOTEGrade 1 Listed Buildings are buildings of exceptional interest. Less than 5% of the listed buildingsso far are in this category.
Grade II listed buildings are buildings of special interest, which warrant every effort being made topreserve them.
Some particularly important buildings in Grade II are classified as Grade II*
SCHEDULED MONUMENT IN SUTTON
1 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Gunsite, 400m west of Sutton Fields Farm 33857
NOTEScheduled Monuments are subject to statutory protection and fall within the remit of the EnglishHeritage Inspector of Ancient Monuments
15
INFORMATION ON LISTED BUILDINGS
SUTTON HALL
The Hall, now a farmhouse was built in the late 15th/early 16th century and extended in the late 17th
and early 19th century. It was built with brown brick and has two storeys plus attics. The earliestpart contains late medieval oak framed halls of unusual type, cased in brown brick. Thecross-wing at the rear of the great halls is partly Tudor and partly 1805 with two storey two windowface to garden in Flemish bond brickwork with pale headers and recessed small pane sashes. Thetwo superimposed great halls, both equally rich and forming part of the late 15th century/early 16th
century are of unique interest containing significant evidence of the Tudor period. In addition thereis a fine ceiling structure of moulded oak beams. The moulded principal posts to the lower andupper great halls are continuous through both storeys with integral brackets carved from thestumps of branches of the trunks at 1st floor and truss-springs, all closely matched in height andsection – a remarkable feature, showing that the lower and upper halls were parts of the originalstructure.
The marriage of Sir John Warburton, who possessed the Hall, to Joan, daughter of Sir WilliamStanley of Holt “the richest commoner in England” and chamberlain at Henry VII’s court, couldhave provided the money and incentive for an innovative plan admirably executed during 1470-80but Sir John’s family built a similarly rich great hall at Dutton in 1539-42. King’s Vale Royal ofEngland 1656 refers to Sutton Hall as “an ancient manour house”.
BARN AND SHIPPON AT SUTTON HALL
These buildings have recently been renovated and are now dwellings. Previously they representeda barn, stable and shippon of late 17th century (1667-1699). They were built of brick with gradedgrey slate roofs. They were two storey buildings with attics. L-shaped: left shippon and stable winghad boarded doors and casements to lower storey, rectangular loading doors and loophole ventsto upper storey and 3 oak-framed gabled dormers to attic: right wing (formerly barn) had altered ¾height threshing porch with leanto slate roof, stone plinth and some flush quoins, stone-copedgables, inserted hopper casements under cambered arches, 2 boarded loading doors to upperstorey, one upper part of threshing porch and loophole vents.
CIRCULAR FEEDING TROUGH IN FARMYARD OF SUTTON HALL
The feeding trough, probably 19th century was built of red stone. It is circular, almost 2 meters indiameter and one mere high. It is fashioned from a single stone.
THE COTTAGE
Early 17th century, altered with 16th century or earlier internal features. There are moulded archedbeams upstairs, one with arch braces has damaged rose with raised fleur-de-lys on each face,probably indicating a 16th century or earlier open hall converted to two storeys. Early 17th centurylarge timbers in partition wall framing. There is some wattle and daub. The roof beams indicate awell finished open hall in a dwelling of modest size. Thatched.
BARN 10m NW of THE COTTAGE
This was an early 17th century barn. Brick-nogged oak, small framing, partly rebuilt in brick withsome wattle and daub. It had a full height central opening with boarded door right and woodcasement left: loading door in right end gable. It had a corrugated asbestos roof but was formerlythatched. The barn has recently been renovated and is now a dwelling.
16
MARSHGATE FARMHOUSE (now called Meadowgate Farm)
This was built early in the 17th century, altered between the 17th and mid 19th century. It hasbrick-nogged oak frame, partly rebuilt in brown brick. It has a long oak-framed wing, partly rebuiltin brick, small framing of heavy timbers; jowled corner posts in gable end and large camberedtie-beam with braces beneath the eaves. The property has recently undergone a majorrenovation.
BARN 20 METRES EAST OF MARSHGATE FARM
This was probably built in the early 18th century of brown brick and was originally a threshing barn.It had coped gables with kneelers. Prentice-roofed ¾ full-height porch to former threshing floor.The property has recently undergone a major renovation and is now a dwelling.
BOATMAN’S SHELTER ON EAST BANK OF WEAVER NAVIGATION
This shelter, now disused, is listed primarily for historic interest as during the 19th century theWeaver Navigation was a major commercial waterway for boats carrying salt. It was built ofred-brown brick with a slate pyramidal roof. It had boarded up windows, one each to front, backand sides.
MILL HOUSE
This property, currently empty, was built around 1820. In its more recent past it was used as anindustrial estate office. It consists of two storeys and an attic. During the 19th century, the mill, ofwhich little remains, was one of the largest of Cheshire’s water-powered corn mills.
VIADUCT OVER WEAVER NAVIGATION, NO 54
The viaduct was built between 1848-1850 for the Birkenhead, Lancs & Cheshire Junction RailwayCo. The engineer was Alexander Rendell and the contractor Thomas Brassey. It is built of brownbrick and cast iron. The segmental arched cast iron span is of 25m, approximately 28m above thewater level of the Weaver Navigation, with a lower round brick arch to each side, surmounted bydoubly-recessed rectangular panel. Square abutments, four rectangular buttresses on each face.Moulded cornices; moulded stone imposts to the central span; moulded copings. A reinforcedconcrete-tract bed was inserted during the 20th century above the cast iron arch of the central pier.
VIADUCT OVER THE RIVER WEAVER, NO 53
This viaduct was built at the same time, by the same team responsible for the viaduct over theWeaver Navigation. It is built of red sandstone, brown brick and cast iron. There are twosegmental-arched iron spans of circa 30m over the river; 2 rounded arches on the west bank(Frodsham C.P.) and 21 on east bank (Sutton C.P.). Once again the top of the central pier to theriver was modified during the 20th century.
FRODSHAM BRIDGE
This is part in Frodsham and part in Sutton. This road bridge over the River Weaver was built in1850 of red sandstone and limestone. There are three deep segmental arches, each circa 25mspan. Raised keystone on each face of central arch inscribed 1850 NW SUTTON CP SUTTONCAUSEWAY AND BRIDGE LANE FRODSHAM.
17
INFORMATION ON THE SCHEDULED MONUMENT
HEAVY ANTI-AIRCRAFT GUNSITE
This monument includes the standing, earthwork and buried remains of the World War II HeavyAnti-air craft (HAA) gun site at Sutton Weaver. In official army records this site is called StationH18 or Sutton. The site includes the core functional buildings, consisting of five gunemplacements, a command post, two garages with maintenance bays adjacent to them and agenerator building. Billeting for the staff was in huts to the south of the present complex and thesehave not survived. Station H18 was first mentioned in February 1940. In June 1942 it was armedwith four 3.7” guns supported by GL Mk II radar and manned by units of the Home Guard. It wasnot one of the 192 HAA gun sites to be retained as part of the post-war Nucleus Force after 1945.The gun emplacements are arranged in an arc around the south eastern and south western sidesof the central command post. The defence focus was therefore the railway system, the WeaverNavigation and the Manchester Ship Canal.
Four of the emplacements survive as concrete octagonal open pens, measuring approximately7.5m across with two opposing open facets. There are no hinge bolts for steel blast doors in thesebuildings. Inside each, attached to four of the six remaining walls there are concrete roofed boxeswhich served to store ammunition and offer shelter for the gun crews when they were not inaction. Wooden racking for the shells survives in some of these boxes. On two of the outside wallsof each gun pit there is also a concrete roofed shelter, which served as a shelter and store forequipment. These four emplacements survive to their original height. A fifth emplacement isrepresented by a circular concrete plate set into the ground to the east of the command post. Therest of this emplacement has been levelled. To the north of the emplacements and occupying thecentre of the site is a concrete roofed command post with its centre open to the sky. This wouldhave held offices, a predictor and a telescope for identifying target aircraft. This complex is partlybelow ground level. In these buildings electrical fittings, the original hardboard wall lining and evencardboard fire regulation notices survive. The radar was probably situated 20m to the north on abrick revetted platform. To the north west and north east of the command post are two brick builtopen bays, approximately 8m square, with open sides facing into the centre of the complex. Thewalls are approximately 2m high and the structures are unroofed. Each is associated with aconcrete garage. Some 40m to the north of the command post is a large concrete roofed buildingwith garage bay doors on the eastern side and steel louvre grills on the south wall. This was for aheavy generator to provide power for the complex independent of the national electricity supply.The site is surrounded by its original concrete posts which used to support a wire mesh fence andtwo rows of barbed wire at the apex.
(Several items are excluded from the scheduling. These include: all modern fences and gates,more recent doors and wooden attachments to the original buildings, permanent andsemi-permanent outbuildings and caravans. The ground beneath these features, however, isincluded.).
ASSESSMENT OF IMPORTANCE
Although of comparatively recent date, 20th century military sites are increasingly seen as historicsurvivals representing a defining episode in the history of warfare and of the century in general: assuch they merit careful record and, in some cases, preservation. One of the more significantdevelopments in the evolution of warfare during this period, was the emergence of strategicbombing in World War II, and this significance was reflected by the resources invested in defence,both in terms of personnel and the sites on which they served. During the war, the number ofpeople in Anti-air craft Command reached a peak of 274,900 men, additional to the womensoldiers of the ATS who served on gun sites from summer 1941, and the Home Guard whomanned many sites later in the war.
18
Nearly 1,000 gun sites were built during World War II, and less than 200 of these have someremains surviving. However, at only around 60 sites are these remains thought sufficient toprovide an understanding of their original form and function. This includes 30 of the 192 exampleswhich continued in use until 1955. Surviving examples are therefore sufficiently rare to suggestthat all 60 well preserved examples are of national importance. The Heavy Anti-air craft gun site400m west of Sutton Fields Farm is exceptionally well-preserved. The operational core of theoriginal plan survives as standing concrete and brick buildings with few additions or demolishedstructures. The details include electrical fittings and the hardboard wall linings of the commandpost and wooden racks for the shells in the four standing gun emplacements. The concretestanchions for the perimeter fence also survive.
19
Sutton Hall
Barn, shippon, Sutton Hall
20
Barn, shippon, Sutton Hall
Circular feeding trough, Sutton Hall
21
Cottage & The Barn
Marshgate Farm complex
22
Marshgate Farm complex
Boatman’s Shelter
23
Mill House
Viaduct over River Weaver No. 53
24
Viaduct over River Weaver No. 53
Viaduct over River Weaver No. 53
25
Frodsham Bridge
Viaduct over Weaver Navigation No.54
26
Aerial view of HAA gun site (H18)
HAA gun site (H18) Sutton
27
HAA gun site (H18) Sutton
HAA gun site (H18) Sutton
28
HAA gun site (H18) Sutton, gun mount
HAA gun site (H18) Sutton
29
HAA gun site (H18) Sutton
HAA gun site (H18) Sutton, gun mount
30
HAA gun site (H18) Sutton
31
Cheshire Historic Environment Record Map - Designations Links to History of Sutton and Listed Buildings
32
HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT RECORD: MONUMENT LIST - SUTTON
33
990Road, archPossible Roman structuresRoman remains at WeaverCanal, Sutton
21
987BridgeSite of medieval bridgeFrodsham parish bridge20
961/0/2Barn, timber framed building17th century timber framedbarn
Barn 10m north west of TheCottage, Chester Road
19
961/0/1Farmhouse, great hall, timberframed building
17th century cottageThe Cottage, Chester Road18
960/1/0Farmhouse, farm, farmstead,timber framed building
17th century timber framedfarmhouse
Marshgate farmhouse (nowknown as Meadowgate)
17
959/1/2Barn, stable, mansion house,cow house
17th century farm buildingsFarm buildings at SuttonHall
16
959/1/1Country house, mansionhouse, timber framed building
Medieval mansion houseSutton Hall15
958/0/2FindspotPottery shardsMedieval Findspot in Sutton14
958/0/1FindspotMedieval coinMedieval coin from Sutton13
956/2Corn Mill, water millMedieval mill at SuttonMedieval mill at Sutton12
956/1Corn mill, mill house, steammill, mill race, wharf, sluice,water mill
Water and steam poweredcorn mill
Sutton Mill11
4350Lime kiln, industrial sitePost medieval lime kilnLime Kiln, Sutton10
400m west of Sutton Fields Farm
2850Anti Aircraft BatteryWW2 anti-air craft gun siteHeavy Anti-air craft gun site9
2448/1/2Ring ditchRing ditchSutton Hall 28
2448/1/1Henge, ring ditchRing ditchSutton Hall 17
2417/1/11Road, Road Transport SitePossible Roman roadsPossible Roman Road in Runcorn
6
2417/1/0Road, Road Transport SiteRoman roadRoman Road-Chester to Wilderspool (Route 701)
5
Sutton2402Flint ScatterPrehistoric flintsPrehistoric flint scatter from 4
2365FindspotPrehistoric flintPrehistoric Findspot inSutton
3
2364FindspotPrehistoric flintPrehistoric Findspot inSutton
2
2363/1Brick Kiln, Industrial Site, Brickand Tile making Site
Brick KilnLowe's Wood1
MapMonument TypeSummarySite Name
Cheshire Historic Environment Record Map - Features and FindsLinks to History of Sutton and the Monument List
34
Cheshire Historic Environment Record Map - Historic Landscape
35
SUTTON PARISH - summary of historic occupations
1851 1901 1911Census Census Census
Occupation Number of people
Farmer 10 8 13Land agent/surveyor 1 2 1Agricultural labourer 49 26 26Dairy maid/dairy worker 2 1 5Cow boy/cow man 3 2 3
Waggoner on farm 5 2 6Horse keeper/horseman on farm 3 3Teamsman on farm 6 1Stock feeder 1Gamekeeper 2 1
Shepherd 1 1Driver/chauffeur 1 2Errand boy 2 1Assistant to dog trainer 2Miller 4 2
Corn merchant 1Labourer at corn mill 5 5Carter at corn mill/waggoner at corn mill 3Stationary engine driver 2Grain warehouse porter 1
Oilcake mill worker 1Car man at corn mill 1Horse feeder at mill 1Foreman bone works 1Labourer at bone works 4 1
Engine driver, bone works 1Labourer at chemical works 2Labourer at salt works 1Draughtsman (buildings) 1Apprentice at telegraph works 1
Licensed victualler/Innkeeper 1 1 1Brick setter/builder 2 1Blacksmith 2 2 3Cycle maker 1Sawyer 2 1
Timber merchant 1Carter in timber yard 1Labourer in saw mill 2Carpenter 4 1Shoemaker 1Nurse girl 3 2
36
Toll collector 1Roadman/labourer on highways 1 1Bridge tender 1 1 1Lock tender 1 1 1Mariner/Waterman 2
Shipwright 1 1Stoker, steam boat 1General labourer, Weaver Navigation 1Horse driver 1Office boy 1
Coal dealer and carter 6 3Coal tipper, coal dock 1Tannery labourer 1 1Railway Agent 2 1Engineer 2
Railway labourer 5Railway contractor 1Station master 2 1Station porter 2 2Railway signalman 1 3
Foreman platelayer 1 1Platelayer on railway 12 10Repairer of railway fences 1Book-keeper/commercial clerk 1 3 1Gardener/market gardener 9 8
Quarryman, iron, stone 1Dressmaker 2 3 4Tailor 1House painter 1Tinowner 1
Cooper 1 1Carter 3Post office worker 1 1Butcher 1Grocer 2 1
Confectioner in shop 1 1Florist 1Minister 1Vetinerary surgeon 1 1
Elementary teacher - head 1Elementary teacher 1 3Acting police sergeant 1 1Domestic servants 43 13 13
Gypsy 1Unemployed 1 1
37
Footpaths Network - Sutton Parish
38
PARISH SURVEY RESULTS
POPULATION COVERAGE
How many people, including children, live in your household?
127 questionnaires were returned, giving the following age and gender distribution:
Commentary: The 127 households answering the questionnaire home 319 people, 2.5 perhousehold, with 52% male and 48% female.
Unusually, in the over 60s, there are almost exactly the same number of men and women but inthe 19 to 25 year old category there are 19 males to only 6 females. However, this is quite anarrow age range with a relatively small numeric base.
Whilst again acknowledging the relatively narrow numeric base, allowing for the number of yearsin the age range spans and the population totals in the categories, Sutton Weaver mirrorsnational trends with an ageing population. There have been only a small number of births in thepast four years.
There is some evidence that teenagers/young people starting work are choosing to leave thevillage and live elsewhere.
39
153166Gender totals
1073Over 80
3.05283361-80
4.6808026-60
3.661919-25
33616-18
3.259412-15
417154-11
2.25360-3 years
People/year inrange
FemaleMaleAge Range
0-3
4-1
1
12-1
5
16-1
8
19-2
5
26-6
0
61-8
0
81+
Age Range
0
20
40
60
80
Nu
mb
er
Males
Females
Age & Gender Distribution
LEISURE
Would your household like to see more recreationalfacilities?
If “yes”, what would you like to see?
Of the 57 households requesting more recreational facilities, 39 provided suggestions for whatthey would wish to see provided.
Children’s play area/clean modern park with equipment 17Better/safe facilities for children 5Tennis courts/basketball courts 4Public swimming pool/leisure centre 3More activities for young people, eg. youth club 3 Safer cycling and walking inc. links to bridleways, pond, walking routes 2Football pitch 2Other 3
Commentary: Clearly residents want a proper children’s play area, playground or other safefacilities for local children as the first priority.
If community events were organised, would you beinterested in participating?
If “yes”, what would you like to see?
Again, many people did not actually make suggestions as to what they would like to see by way ofcommunity events. A wide range of ideas did come out though.
Family events, village fete, summer fayre, sports day, bring & buy, carnival 22More social events at St. Peters Hall eg. quizzes, bingo, whist drives 18Exercise, eg. Keep fit classes, yoga, therapeutic activities 5Art, drawing classes 3Various others (21 topics) 26
Commentary: Many residents would like to see more family-based and social events in the villageto bring the community together, with more use made of St. Peters Hall which is currently awasted asset. There were a wide range of other suggestions though most had only individualsupport.
40
5753
110 Replies
Yes
No
64
43
107 Replies
Yes
No
COMMUNICATIONS
Do you and your family have a land line telephone?
Commentary: Superficially, it might be expected that almost all homes from those replying wouldhave a land line telephone. However, it is interesting that few land line telephones have beenremoved, when a number of alternative telephone services are available, for instance, via theinternet.
Do you and your family have a mobile phone?
Commentary: Again, the overwhelming majority of homes have access to a mobile phone andperhaps more interesting would be to investigate the age and gender of those residents who stilldo not own a mobile. A lack of modern communications technology and knowledge can lead toolder people becoming more isolated.
Do you and your family have access to theinternet?
Commentary: Good take-up of internet access in the village, possibly aided by the introduction ofbroadband networking in recent years. It is likely that use of the internet for local communicationsand information distribution will increase in future years. All children now expect internet access inthe home as a matter of routine.
41
116
4120 Replies
Yes
No
110
9
119 Replies
Yes
No
90
29
119 Replies
Yes
No
How do you usually obtaininformation about eventstaking place in the village?
Commentary: The Parish Council newsletter is the primary village information service for localissues with over one third of respondents relying on this service.
Many residents have expressed their belief that neighbours do not communicate with each otheror socialise as much as might be desirable, but in spite of this a quarter of villagers still depend ontalking to friends, neighbours and relations in order to learn local news.
Despite there currently being no notice boards available for use, a considerable number ofresidents rely on street notices on lamp posts and walls to find out what’s going on.
It is possible that in the future, a Parish Council web site might be established and if so, this couldmake a big difference to the current communications arrangements and preferences.
Do you feel that a notice board should be locatedin the village?
Commentary: There is a great deal of support for the provision of a village notice board.Following the closure of the Post Office and the petrol station, the village lacks a central point atwhich folk can chance to meet to chat and engage in that most popular pastime, gossiping!
Although a poor substitute for the traditional focal point for chance meetings which was the PostOffice, strong support for the provision of another notice board is a good indicator that residentswant to be aware of local matters and be kept informed. Previous notice boards have alwaysbeen vandalised so if a new unit is installed, careful thought will have to be given to choice ofdesign and siting.
42
0
10
20
30
40
50
(11
2 r
ep
lies)
Re
sp
on
se
s
Newsletter
Word of mouth
Posters on lamp posts
Internet/email
Attending village hall
Notices
Other
97
6103 Replies
Yes
No
TRAVEL
In your household, how many travel towork by:?
Commentary: It could have beenanticipated that the private car would bethe most common mode of transport towork, but the degree of use is quiteextreme. Sutton Weaver is slightlydetached from adjacent employmentcentres, and given the relative affluenceof the area it is perhaps not surprisingthat cars are the dominant choice fortravel to work.
It is regrettable that fewer residents do not choose to cycle to work despite the health and financialbenefits that can accrue from engaging in this activity.
Which town do you use mostfrequently for shopping:?
Commentary: Perhaps the only surprisehere is that Helsby with the modernTesco store is not more frequently usedby local residents. It would have beeninteresting to have answers to the samequestion from maybe five or ten yearsago, to see if Frodsham is declining as aday to day shopping attraction. Widnesholds few attractions for local shoppers.
How do you travel to thesupermarket:?
Commentary: Few people use SuttonWeaver’s very basic public transportsystem and internet ordering has not yetmade a big impact on shopping patterns.
Would you ever use public transportto and from the village?
Commentary: Despite current low levels of use, thereis high latent demand for better public transport.
43
Foot
Cyc
leCar
Bus
Mot
orcy
cle
0
50
100
150
Re
sp
on
se
s
Frods
ham
Rnc
rn/H
Lea
Helsb
y
Nor
thwich
Che
ster
Man
ches
ter
E.Por
t/Che
s.
War
ringt
on
Wid
nes
Live
rpl/S
peke
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Re
sp
on
se
s
Car
Bus
Oth
er
Inte
rnet
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Re
sp
on
se
s
86
34
120 Replies
Yes
No
TRAFFIC
How would you describe the state of the road surface on the A56?
Commentary: General satisfaction with the condition ofthe A56, though the responses depend very greatly onwhere respondents live.
How would you describe the state of the footpathson the A56?
Commentary: Less general satisfaction with the A56footpaths, with an appreciable number of residentssaying they are poor.
How would you describe the state of the roadsurface on the local roads?
Commentary: Again there is general satisfaction, butwith a substantial number of residents thinking the localroads in poor condition.
How would you describe the state of the footpathson the local roads?
Commentary: These footpaths are considered to be inrelatively poor condition, with a higher proportion ofresidents unhappy about the standard.
44
Do you believe the speed limit should be reduced on the A56?
(120 replies)
Would you like to see a 20mph limit on local roads off Station
Road ? (119 replies)
Are you concerned about traffic conditions on Aston Lane in
relation to travelling to school? (115 replies)
Do you believe there should be speed camera/police checks
on the A56 to control speed? (120 replies)
Would you be in favour of physical traffic calming measures on
the A56 to control speed? (118 replies)
Do you believe there should be a vehicle weight restriction of
7.5 tonnes on A56? (116 replies)
13
78
27
118 Replies
Good
Reasonable
Poor
9
70
39
118 Replies
Good
Reasonable
Poor
14
74
34
122 Replies
Good
Reasonable
Poor
10
63
42
115 Replies
Good
Reasonable
Poor
Do you believe the road surface on the A56 isexcessively noisy?
Commentary: Opinion on this issue is split fairly closelybut residential location greatly affected how peoplereplied with the question of little significance to thoseliving off the main road.
Do you believe there is excessive noise from theM56?
Commentary: Some more agreement on M56 noisewhich is a constant background roar in the village. Againthough, this matter is of more significance to some partsof Sutton Weaver than others.
How do you regard the condition of the swing bridge?
Out of 120 replies received, only one thought the condition of the swing bridge over the WeaverNavigation was “Okay”, all other respondents used a range of adjectives to describe the structurein a detrimental way.
Commentary: This bridge is in a prominent position acting as a gateway to Frodsham in onedirection and our village in the other. Years of neglect by the owners have left it in a deplorablestate yet there are no immediate plans to renovate this vital link in the local highway system.Should the bridge have to be subject to an unplanned closure for structural reasons, widespreadtraffic chaos will result, affecting a wide area as there are no convenient alternative routes.
45
51
61
112 Replies
Yes
No
64
45
109 Replies
Yes
No
ENVIRONMENT
How would you describe the road sweeping servicein the village?
Commentary: A high degree of dissatisfaction with theroad sweeping service, and a short stroll around thevillage will reveal why.
Most hedgerows are laced with litter, the pavements areliberally covered in dog excrement and at times thevillage can look, frankly, a bit unkempt. The Parish Council has already had a meeting withrelevant officers from Vale Royal District Council and will continue to apply pressure for a betterstreet cleansing service.
How satisfied are you with the fortnightly refusecollection service?
Commentary: The refuse collection service is held ineven lower regard than the street cleaning. A very highdegree of dissatisfaction with this controversial collectionprocess which puts cost saving for Vale Royal abovequality.
There is confusion over the various coloured bins andalso regarding exactly what can be put in for recycling.
Does the current service still require you to go tothe local tip?
Commentary: Further evidence that the present refusecollection service is simply inadequate andinconvenient for the paying customer. It is wasteful andplainly not serving the public need, especiallydisadvantaging those not able to transport their ownrubbish to a public tip.
If ‘Yes’ to above, how frequently and what for?
Commentary: Excess domestic waste is the main issue,but note that some households need multiple visits to thelocal tip, for more than one reason, hence the number ofvisits exceeds the number of households carrying outthese trips.
46
18
55
41
114 Replies
Good
Reasonable
Poor
9
60
48
117 Replies
Verysatisfied
Satisfied
Dissatisfied
92
24
116 Replies
Yes
No
88
53
36
Times/month
Domestic
Garden
Other
Would you support an annual spring-clean dayin the village undertaken by residents?
Commentary: Despite the gross inadequacies of thepublic refuse service, there is overwhelming supportfrom the residents for a yearly clean-up of thevillage. This is something the Parish Council willhave to take a lead on in the future as people wantto make the area look better and cleaner, for a rangeof reasons.
Do you think the appearance of the village could be improved:?Yes No
By the Station Road/Chester Road junction (116 replies)
By the railway arch at the end of Station Road (114 replies)
Commentary: No surprise that there is strong public support for improving the appearance ofthese two areas, which are less than attractive to the eye. Of course, knowing how to achievethese aims is more difficult, as funding for such work is not readily available.
The railway company has been approached by the Parish Council, and asked to carry out someworks in the area of the Station Road railway crossing.
47
80
28
108 Replies
Yes
No
CRIME
Commentary: whilst more residents than not know where the ‘local’ Police Station for the villageis situated, the vast majority do not believe the village is well policed and haven’t seen aPoliceman on patrol in the past year. This represents a damning view of the way the village ispoliced and it is evident that villagers have little faith in the Police service to which they contributeso much.
This criticism of the Police has to be set against the backdrop of crime levels in the area withnearly a quarter of households having been the victims of crime within the last two years..
If a victim of crime in the last two years, in whatcategory was that crime?
Commentary: Burglary is obviously the issue inSutton Weaver, possibly the village suffers frombeing so close to the seriously deprived areas ofRuncorn New Town. And a lack of Police presence.
48
Did you know that the location of thePolice Station for Sutton Weaver isNorthwich ? (123 Replies)
Do you believe the village is wellpoliced? (119 Replies)
77
46
6
113
7
117
23
97
Yes No
Have you seen a Policeman walkthrough the village in the last year? (124Replies)
Have you been the victim of a crimewithin the last 2 years? (120 Replies)
1311
1 126 Replies
Burglary -house/outbuildings
Burglary - car
Arson
Vandalism
How much do the following crimes/anti-social behaviour in the village concern you?
The number of replies is as given below:
Commentary: Residents evidently live in fear of a number of criminal activities which may notreally be taking place in the village, judging from the actual crimes that have taken place, as listedon the previous page. Fear of crime or antisocial behaviour may possibly be increased by mediaactivity when Sutton Weaver is in reality a relatively quiet and trouble-free area, apart from thethefts.
It is clear that nearly half of respondents quite naturally have concerns over the issue of theft,which given the number of reported incidents in the previous two years is quite understandable.
What support would you like to see from the Police Force:?
More Police who know the inhabitants (26 replies)Quick response when called/answer phone calls when called (7)More obvious presence in car or foot/seeing Police in village (22)Drive around at weekends/late pm. - reassurance & deter youths (7)Known regular PCSO for village/know how to contact them (5)Other actions required from Cheshire Police - various (24)
Commentary: Residents plainly have a range of demands for a better service from the Police,mainly centred on a desire to see a much stronger Police presence in the village.
49
25
57
30
Rogue Traders
35
43
33
Drug Abuse
38
42
33
Drunkeness
46
40
24
Verbal Abuse
29
35
59
Theft
Not concerned Slightly concerned Very concerned
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Is your area of the village covered by Neighbourhood Watch?
Yes No Don’t KnowWA7 3EP 12 0 1WA7 3ER 26 0 5WA7 3ET 22 0 4WA7 3ED 3 0 1WA7 3EE 2 0 0WA7 3GF 1 0 2WA7 3EA 5 0 0WA7 3EX 7 0 1WA7 3DY 7 0 1WA7 3EB 7 0 2WA7 3EG 1 1 4WA7 3ES 4 0 0WA7 3EU 1 0 0WA6 7JA 0 2 0
TOTAL 98 3 21 Do you know who to contact within the scheme if you need to?
Yes No Don’t KnowWA7 3EP 11 1 1WA7 3ER 23 4 5WA7 3ET 20 1 5WA7 3ED 2 2 0WA7 3EE 2 0 0WA7 3GF 0 0 3WA7 3EA 5 0 0WA7 3EX 5 2 0WA7 3DY 7 1 0WA7 3EB 5 1 1WA7 3EG 1 5 0WA7 3ES 4 0 0WA7 3EU 1 0 0WA6 7JA 0 1 0
TOTAL 86 18 15
Commentary: Reasonably wide knowledge of the existence of the Neighbourhood Watch, thoughstill a fair number of residents not knowing about the scheme and a larger number not knowingtheir local representative.
No questionnaires were returned from the following postcode areas:WA7 3DZWA7 3EYWA7 3EFWA7 3EW
50
98
3
21
122 Replies
Yes
No
Don'tKnow
86
18
15
119 Replies
Yes
No
Don'tKnow
LIBRARY
Do you use a local library?
Commentary: A rather surprising result, that so manyhouseholds make no use of the local libraries whichnowadays have such a wide range of facilities on offer.
It might be worth promoting use of the library servicethrough the Parish newsletter, to encourage greatertake-up.
If “Yes”, which library do you use?
Commentary: It does seem a strange result that outof a village the size of Sutton Weaver, only 35households make use of the nearest library inFrodsham.
Note that the total number of library users for thisquestion does not match that in the previous questionas some residents use more than one library.
Would you use the services of the mobile library, ifavailable?
Commentary: The Parish Council recently requesteda mobile library visit the village regularly.However, the majority of residents are not interested inusing this service and this weakens the case forcontinueing to press for this facility.
51
5864
122 Replies
Yes
No
3528
1 165 Replies
Frodsham
Halton Lea
Helsby
SchoolMobile
48
57
105 Replies
Yes
No
DEVELOPMENT
Are you opposed to any furtherdevelopment within the village?
Commentary: Quite strong resistance to the idea of further development of the village.
This finding could probably have been predicted, as no matter where people live, few wouldnormally wish to see further development taking place.
If limited availability was permitted, wouldyou be in favour of starter homes for localpeople?
Commentary: A split decision on starter homes. It is easy to come out with the idea of starterhomes for local people just getting on the housing ladder, but much more difficult to come up witha workable system that ensures such houses are not just sold on via the open market immediatelythey are occupied, to make a financial killing.
_____________________________
52
81
37
118 Replies
Yes
No
5756
113 Replies
Yes
No
ACTIONS STEMMING FROM PARISH SURVEY
Insist on quieter material next time theroad is resurfaced, and that metalwork islevelled up.
Noisy road surface on the A56
Notify maintenance engineer, CheshireHighways and follow up.
Footpath condition in estate
Notify maintenance engineer, CheshireHighways and follow up.
Carriageway surface in estate
Notify maintenance engineer, CheshireHighways and follow up.
Footpath condition on A56
Notify maintenance engineer, CheshireHighways and follow up.
Carriageway surface condition of A56
Pass concerns to Cheshire Highwaysagain and keep chasing the issue.
Vehicle weight restriction on A56
Concerns passed to Police but needschasing to get continued action.
Police speeding checks on A56
Pass concerns to Cheshire Highways andkeep chasing the issue
Concerns over traffic on Aston Lane,in relation to school travel
Pass concerns to Cheshire Highways andkeep chasing the issue. Refer to Cheshireresidential policies.
20 mph speed limit on estate roads
Pass concerns to Cheshire Highways andkeep chasing the issue. Refer to Cheshirehighways policies in local transport plan.
A speed limit reduction on the A56
TRAFFIC
Provide information on bus times & faresin newsletter, ask bus companies toprovide promotional information.
High latent demand for publictransport
Provide information on bus times & faresin newsletter, ask bus companies toprovide promotional information.
Poor use of local public transport to goshopping
Encourage residents to use these centres,to support town businesses.
Poor use of Helsby & Frodshamshopping centres
TRAVEL
Installed summer 2009.Overwhelming support for a newvillage notice board, as a way ofcommunicating events and keepingpeople in touch with each other.
COMMUNICATIONS
Better publicity for events and more ofthem. Encourage local groups to be moreactive.
More regular use of church hall.
Seek local groups etc. to run events.Strong support for more communityevents for families and socials.
Contact CWAC and convey desires ofresidents
Desire for sports facilities of range oftypes
Playground committee created mid 2009.Desire for more recreational facilities,especially a well equipped children’splay.
ACTIONLEISURE
53
Continue to monitor planning applicationsand planning policy at CWAC
There is considerable resistance tofurther development of the village
DEVELOPMENT
Ask library for publicity/information leafletsand distribute same with newsletter
With only 35 households in Suttonusing Frodsham library, the is a needto publicise the library and the widerange of services and informationavailable there.
LIBRARY
Request Neighbourhood Watch re-issuepublicity materials and that co-ordinatorsvisit local homes.
Contact unknown and/or coverage ofthe scheme not known
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Request higher profile Police presence,done via Insp. Hodgeson.
Most residents want a Police servicewhere officers know local people, andis much higher profile in the Parish.
Reassure residents using Police info./datavia newsletter.
High level of fear of crime, of all sorts,not reflecting actual situation.
Request higher profile Police presence,done via Insp. Hodgeson.
Most people do not believe the villageis well policed with burglary and theftfrom cars clearly the main issues
CRIME
Seek funding from CWAC for measures toimprove the village eg. planters etc.
Improve the appearance of the village
Pass on concerns and chase with thoseresponsible for this policy which indicatesthe service provision is inadequate.
Refuse collection requires trips to tip
Pass on concerns and chase with thoseresponsible for this policy.
Fortnightly refuse collection
Pass on concerns and chase with thoseresponsible for this service.
Criticism of road sweeping service
ENVIRONMENT
Pester British Waterways to repair, paintand renovate the bridge.
Condition of the swing bridge
Request better screening and follow upregularly. Request low noise surfacing onM56 when renewed.
Excessive noise from the M56
54
ACTIONS ARISING OUT OF VILLAGE PLAN AND COMPLETED Need for action Investigation Date of Monitoring Further
completion required action (yes/no) required
(yes/no)
COMMUNICATIONSNoticeboard February 2009, Clerk to Council Jun-09 No NoRequested to investigate costs. Noticeboard delivered and erected by the bus stop opposite to Station Road. CRIMEGeneral issues Parish Council Sub-Committee met Summer 09 No No Insp Hodgson to discuss key issues. Reduction in Police made presentation on Smart Water Jan-10 No Noburglaries(1) to Council in March, 2009. Homewatch Co-ordinators issued leaflets to residents and positive feedback was received. An order was placed for 94 kits together with street signage. All kits were sold to residents and signage erected throughout the village. Reduction in An Open Meeting for residents Oct-09 No Noburglaries (2) arranged to give everyone the opportunity to express their concerns to Inspector Phil Hodgson MBE. In addition his weekly reports, together with reports issued by Trading Standards are now passed electronically to villagers where applicable together with updates if necessary in Newsletter. Reduction in At sub-committee meeting Insp. Hodgson Summer 09 Yes Noburgaries (3) agreed to increase patrols in village. TRAFFICReduction in vehicle The Council engaged Count on Us Apr-09 Yes Yesspeed on A56, and to conduct a traffic survey for 1 week onnumber of HGVs the A56. This showed that 14% of vehiclesusing A56 (1) exceeded the speed at which police would prosecute. Survey results passed to CWAC and Police Reduction in vehicle At the Open Meeting Inspector Hodgson Oct-09 Yes Yesspeed on A56, and discussed the matter with residents andnumber of HGVs agreed to conduct speed checks in theusing A56 (1) village on a more regular basis. ENVIRONMENTDog fouling problem Manager from CWAC walked round village Mar-10 Yes Noin village with Councillors in January, 2009. Need was identified for additional bins and street signage. In addition further publicity required in Newsletter
55
Improve the CWAC contacted to remove fly tipping Mar-10 Yes Yesappearance from behind the Mill Lane Industrialof the village (1) Estate and to remove copious quantities of litter from road adjacent to Weaver Navigation Improve the CWAC contacted to request additional Mar-10 No Yesappearance road sweeping of A56 from Halton Station of the village (2) Rd to M56 during the autumn during leaf fall. CWAC responded - this added to
their programme.
56
ACTIONS ARISING OUT OF VILLAGE PLAN - INVESTIGATIONS UNDERWAY Need for action Investigation Estimated date of
completion LEISURENeed for a well-equipped, Structured playgroup committees established 2010-2011modern play area during 2009 charged with obtaining grants to fund equipment and to establish the type of affordable equipment desired by the children. More regular use of the The fund-raising sub-committee is holding ongoingchurch hall events in the Village Hall to add to the income received for the playground equipment. Further possibilities to be pursued.TRAFFICCondition of swing bridge Council requested meeting with B. Waterways 2010-2012 BW arranged seminar with Highways and local councils regarding refurbishment. £1.3M available during 2011/12 for the bridge project. Periodic press releases to be issued. Sutton PC to be involved in logistics meetings before and during refurbishment. Improve siting of existing Council has requested Highways to resite Aug-10Village sign and add current sign to beginning of Mill Lane and toadditional signs produce costs for the other options.Station Road and Aston Lane
Raising of Pavements at Highways Contacted. No money available 2011?bus stops in 2010. Review 1st quarter 2011 Reduction in speed limit Speed reduction agreed. Date of implementation 2011?on A56 to be determined. Discuss with Councillor and Highways Road surface on M56/A56 When resurfacing necessary negotiate 2012? "quiet" option to be used to reduce noise.ENVIRONMENTImprove appearance of Improve signage and terrain for part of Jun-10Village footpath No. 9 Fencing required for central mass of land - Jun-10 footpath No. 9. Parish Council & NPL to pursue. Development of land behind Mill Lane and 2011/2012 Railway Viaduct for pumping station and leisureGENERALChange post code & Signatures obtained from residents requesting 2011sorting office from case to be made to support request andRuncorn WA7 to assistance to be given to residents in the eventFrodsham WA6 of a successful outcome
57
HOMEWATCH SCHEME
Home Watch is one of the biggest and most successful crime prevention initiatives ever. Behind itlie a simple idea and a central value shared by millions of people around the country:
Getting together with your neighbours to take action can cut local crime.
Everyone knows that the police are there to fight crime but they need our assistance to do aneffective job. Home Watch is all about an active partnership with the police.
Sutton Home Watch Scheme can:
Cut crime and the opportunities for crimeHelp and reassure those who live in fear of crimeEncourage neighbourliness and closer communitiesProvide a better place to live, work and play
It is not just about reducing burglary figures – it is about creating communities who care. It bringslocal people together and can make a real contribution to improving their lives. The activity ofHome Watch members can foster a new community spirit and a belief in the community’s ability totackle problems. At the same time residents feel secure, knowing their neighbours are keeping aneye on their property.
There are additional benefits to the Sutton Home Watch Scheme. Residents will become familiarwith crime reduction and detection ideas which will help keep their homes and belongings safe.Furthermore, the extra security which belonging to the Home Watch Scheme provides might meanthat a discount on premiums can be obtained from insurance companies.
In 2009 the Sutton Home Watch Scheme rolled out SmartWater with assistance from CheshirePolice. SmartWater is a colourless liquid solution which is simply dabbed on to the unevensurfaces of valuables. The Police use it in undercover operations to catch and convict criminals.Criminals know all about SmartWater and fear its power to forensically link them with the scene ofa crime. Consequently by coding valuables and displaying the SmartWater deterrent signs,residents are sending out a powerful warning to any thieves and burglars operating in our area. Tocomplete the package, SmartWater signage has been erected throughout the village.
58
OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR CONTACTING THE POLICE
1. EMERGENCIES: DIAL 999
• There is danger to life
• Violence is used or threatened
• A serious crime is in progress or likely to occur
• A suspect for a serious crime is nearby
• Road traffic accident – serious injury, danger to road users
• A person who is especially vulnerable needs assistance
2. NON-EMERGENCY: 0845 458 0000
• Your call will be answered by an operator 24 hours per day
3. NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICING UNIT IN FRODSHAM
Frodsham Police Station: 0845 458 6393
Residents in Sutton Weaver can also visit the Police Station in Frodsham. The station’s public Helpdesk will be open from 10amto 2pm Monday to Friday and will be manned by office manager,PC Gareth Cooper, assisted by local PCSO’s. Outside these times,
visitors can use the intercom outside the building which will connectthem to the force’s main telephone number.
Email: [email protected]
Cheshire Constabulary Western Watch Office
This supports Home Watch Schemes across Cheshire West andChester and is based in Northwich.
Email: [email protected]
4. CHESHIRE CRIMESTOPPERS: 0800 555 111
This is an independent charity helping to find criminals and to solve crimes. Individuals can telephone this number to pass on any
information relating to crimes. Callers do not have to give either their name or any otherpersonal details. Calls cannot be traced.
Email: www.crimestoppers-uk.org
59
HOMEWATCH CO-ORDINATORS
Philip Huskisson, Station House, Station Road - Overall Co-ordinator and liaison with CheshireConstabulary. All even number houses on Chester Road below the M56, up to and including thefirst 6 houses in Aston Lane, Sutton Hall and Sutton Chancellor (tel. 714468 e-mail [email protected])
Brian Starkey, - Sutton Fields and all houses on both sides of Chester Road from Sutton Fields toStation Road together with all houses on north side of Station Road (tel. 719511 e-mail [email protected])
Sandra and Colin Spruce, Bay Tree Cottage, 45 Chester Road, - All odd number houses onChester Road below the M56, up to and including the first two cottages in Halton Station Roadand Brown Cow Cottages (tel. 759200 e-mail [email protected])
David Callaway, 33 Cedar Avenue – All houses on south side of Station Road, together with allhouses on both sides of Chester Road (from Station Road to M56), Weaver Houses, properties atMeadowgate and Mill Lane. (tel. 797466 e-mail [email protected])
Lorraine and Kevin Jones, 31 Beech Road – All houses on both sides of Beech Road betweenand including 18 – 34 and 23 – 41 (tel. 714445 e-mail [email protected])
Antony Curwen, 12 Beech Road – All houses on both sides of Beech Road between andincluding 1 – 21 and 2 – 16 (Tel. 759727 e-mail [email protected])
Clive Davies, 28 Maple Avenue – All houses in Maple Avenue (tel.714715 email [email protected])
Sandy Dunbar, 20 Cedar Avenue - All houses on both sides of Cedar Avenue between andincluding 1 – 15 and 2 – 32 (Tel 715709 email [email protected])
Graham Stubbs, 19 Cedar Avenue – All houses on both sides of Cedar Avenue between andincluding 17 – 41 and 34 – 46 together with all houses in Sycamore Drive (tel. 715021 email [email protected]
20 April, 2010
60
ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE VILLAGE What Where Information Contact Numbers Mother's Union Village Hall Mrs Audrey Lowe 01928 717025 W.I. Village Hall Gwyneth Fitzhenry 01928 711193 Sutton Weaver Village Hall Nicola Whelan 01928 712365Community Group
(Fund Raising Activities) Golf - 18 hole Sutton Hall Golf Cluinfo@suttonhallgolf 01928 790747golf course
Golf - driving range Sutton Fields suttonfields.co.uk 01928 7012236Bowling greenPet animal areaCaravan ralliesCar boot salesCafé and bar Sailing Club River Weaver [email protected] 01928 731392
Sutton Weaver Sailing Club
61
Golf Driving Range, Sutton Fields (above) and Golf Course, Sutton Weaver (below)
62
SUTTON PARISH - LIST OF COUNCILLORS
Mr Graham Stubbs (Chairman)Tel: 01928 715021E-mail: [email protected]
Mr David Callaway (Vice-Chairman)Tel: 01928 797466E-mail: [email protected]
Mr Clive DaviesTel: 01928 714715E-mail: [email protected]
Mr Phil HuskissonTel: 01928 714468E-mail: [email protected]
Mr Steve JohnsonTel: 07975 765469E-mail: [email protected]
Mrs Sandra SpruceTel: 01928 759200E-mail: [email protected]
Vacancy
Mr Bryan Pusey (Clerk)Tel: 01928 735278E-mail: [email protected]
63
CONCLUSION
The Parish Council would like to thank the residents for their interest in the Village Plan and for
completing the questionnaires sent to them. Returns were received from 61% of the properties.
A Newsletter is distributed to all residents on a quarterly basis. In view of the many activities
currently being pursued it has been decided to double its size in order to report back on the
projects in hand/completed.
Once a project has been completed a formal report will be produced and the subject will be signed
off. This report will be appended to the Village Plan.
It is difficult to determine at this stage how frequently questionnaires should be issued in the
future. In view of the large number of subjects raised following the first survey, a period of four/five
years might be appropriate before it is necessary to consider the issue of a further document.
In the meantime the Parish Council will continue to strive to give all residents an excellent service
and endeavour to meet their needs wherever possible.
_________________________________
