Town Mayors Christmas Message 2025
Christmas is a special time of the year. Whilst this is a time of celebration for many, it can also be a difficult time for others. I encourage everyone to check in on friends, neighbours and loved ones who may be feeling lonely or struggling. A small act of kindness can make a huge difference. I hope everyone stays safe and enjoys the festive season.
This year has been both challenging and rewarding for the Town Council, placing us under significant pressure. We needed to address the recommendations from the internal audit and address the complaints from the external audit. The dedication and perseverance shown by the Town Council members and staff were remarkable, and we successfully turned around this council, as evidenced by our recent internal audit reports. This demonstrates that the council has moved forward with a good governance structure in place.
I thank my town councillor colleagues for placing their trust in me and appointing me as the Town Mayor in my second term. When I took up the office as Town Mayor in 2024, I made a promise to create a Town Council that was fit for purpose. The cemetery has turned out to be a major hurdle and challenge that needed to be addressed, demanding time and, at times, mentally draining for those involved in the cemetery legal proceedings. We have, as I trust some of you will agree, done everything possible to ensure transparency and accountability in all cemetery-related matters, and we will do everything we can to recover the losses and the costs incurred by the council.
Our Town is fortunate to have a strong sense of community spirit, and the success of this year’s events is largely due to the incredible support from our amazing community. As we look ahead, we aspire to continue building on these achievements.
I want to express my gratitude to every individual who has contributed to the community network for their vital roles they play in making our town a kinder and supportive place, to live and work.
With all good wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy 2026.
Cllr Simon Whittaker
Town Mayor of Middlewich
Christmas Opening Hours
The Town Council is closed from Tuesday 23rd December and will re-open on Monday 05th January 2026
Emails will be periodically reviewed during this period.
Cemetery Opening Hours (Christmas & New Year)
Christmas Day – 9.00am to 4.00pm
Boxing Day – 9.00am to 4.00pm
New Years Day – 9.00am to 4.00pm
Autumn / Winter Opening Hours
1st November to 31st March – Weekdays – 9.00am to 4.00pm
1st November to 31st March – Weekends & Bank Holidays – 10.00am to 4.00pm
🎄✨ Christmas Window Spotting! ✨🎄
Some of our wonderful local businesses have been busy getting their shop windows dressed for Christmas — they’re looking very festive! The best decorated window will be announced soon.
Thank you for supporting your local businesses 
PCSO posts will be reduced from 87 to 27
The Town Council has received confirmation from the Assistant Chief Constable Alison Ross that the number of PCSO posts will be reduced from 87 to 27 (see letter for further details).
Over 65’s Christmas Lunch
Thank you to everyone who attended our over 65’s Christmas lunch and to those who helped make the day possible.
Thank you to the Boars Head for the catering.
Wishing everyone a peaceful and happy festive season 
Middlewich Town Council vs Middlewich Cemetery Joint Committee & Others Trial Case Update
Middlewich Town Council vs Middlewich Cemetery Joint Committee & Others Trial Case Update – Dated 09 December 2025
Due to the complexity of the case, Judge Edmund Burge KC has reserved the Judgement following the three day trial held at the Royal Courts of Justice, London, on 5, 8 & 9 December 2025.
The Town Council can confirm that the Tomlin Order from March/April 2024 has been set aside due to its non-compliance with the Local Government Act 1972, S101 and that all legal claims are now consolidated. Furthermore, Judge Edmund Burge KC has determined that the cemetery is not a private cemetery and it is the property of Middlewich Town Council who is the Statutory Burial Authority. These issues were determined by the Judge on Friday, 5 December 2025, with the remaining judgment reserved following the end of the trial on day 3.
A Full Statement will follow once Judgement has been delivered.
Comments Mayor Simon Whittaker:
”The harrowing ordeal has come to an end for all concerned and we now await the judgement. With so much evidence and case management, expecting judgement today was optimistic”.
Middlewich Sparkles: Christmas Lights Switch-On 2025
A fantastic turn out and a sparkling thank you to our wonderful community who attended the Christmas Lights Switch on Event.
Residents of Middlewich came together on Saturday 29 November 2025 to welcome the festive season at the annual Christmas Lights Switch-On along Wheelock Street and High Town. The event brought together families, friends and the wider community for an afternoon and evening of seasonal cheer.
The streets were alive with festive music and carol singing by the choir from Middlewich High School, whilst Christmas stalls set up inside the Victoria Hall included a variety of items of jewellery, toys, candles, women’s clothing, and arts and crafts were and featured a performance by the Mereside Brass Band. .
Local businesses played a key role, offering treats, gifts and seasonal delights as well as stall holders, helping to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
The highlight of the evening was the switch on of the Christmas lights, which was made extra special by the attendance of the Northwich Panto Cast featuring the headliner celebrity Scarlett Moffat, who brought festive cheer and sparkle to kick off the festive season in style. As the countdown reached zero, the streets were illuminated with the new sparkling lights scheme, the 37FT LED Christmas Tree, bringing the town to life and marking the start of the Christmas season.
Thanks to everyone who took part, including the town council management team, contractors, local businesses, stall holders, the funfair.
Wishing all residents of Middlewich, a joyful Christmas!
Casual Vacancy – In the Office of Town Councillor
There is a vacancy for a Councillor for the Cledford Ward of the Parish of Middlewich, due to the resignation of Andrew Mizzi.
An election to fill the vacancy will be held if ten electors for the said electoral area give notice to the Returning Officer requesting such an election within 14 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Good Friday or a bank holiday) of the date of this Notice.
The address of the Returning Officer is:
The Returning Officer
Cheshire East Council
Elections Office, Macclesfield Town Hall
c/o Delamere House
Delamere Street
Crewe
CW1 2LL
If no such notice is given the Parish Council will fill the vacancy by co-option.
Date 03rd December 2025
Signed S.Kauser (Clerk) Ms Safia Kauser
For further advice on procedure please call the Elections Office at Cheshire East Council 01270 685922
Damage to the Christmas Tree
The Town Council acknowledges the vandalism of the Christmas tree which took place last night, and this incident has been reported to the Police, along with the CCTV footage.
Given the extent of the damage to the electrical wiring and the exterior structure, extra expenses have arisen for the repairs, totalling £1,937.84.
This amount includes £180 for security fencing, which is considered essential. Despite the set-back the town council remains focused on the Switch on for Saturday 29th November 2025.