Cheadle Town Council Meeting 7th September 2026

Discussed: Road Improvements, New School, Car Crime, Assets, Legal Challenge to LGR, Risk Assessments, Reducing the Number of Councillors, Cost of Removing the Travellers from Tean Road & Churchill Road Recreation Ground update.

Car Crime

After another luxury vehicle was stolen in Cheadle recently, this one belonging to a Town Councillor, it was noted that no police officers were present to report on or answer questions about this worrying trend.

Road Improvements

County Cllr Gary Bentley commented on road improvements, stating that the road covering should ensure the roads last for another 10 years. He is pushing for work to be done on footpaths, but the council has run out of money, he informed the meeting.

New Primary School for Cheadle North

Cllr Thomas asked if there is an update on the new school on Froghall Road. County Cllr Gary Bentley said he will not have news until 2027/2028.

The Future of Town Assets

County Cllr Gary Bentley asked if the town councillors are getting information about the town assets. This has been an ongoing question for well over a year now with no information coming from SMDC. Cllr Bentley informed the meeting that some town/parish councils have put forward a petition. No reply was given on this.

Local Government Reorganisation

A member of the public raised that the government has had a legal challenge regarding planned local government reorganisation. It had been announced earlier that day that central government would be halting its planned restructure, even though the secretary of state had officially written to 14 areas, including Staffordshire, confirming his decision as to how the areas would be changed only a few weeks ago.

Cllr Plant said in response: "There has been a problem with LGR, but district council elections will still go ahead next May."

Risk Assessments

Cllr Wells commented on the town council's risk assessment, which they had all been asked to review, and thought a lot more work needs to be done on the document before sign-off. The Clerk said it has to be approved but with amendments.

Reduction in the Number of Councillors

Cllr Thomas asked about the idea of reducing the town council from 21 to 15, creating a more focused group. The reply from SMDC is that it would cost tens of thousands to do so. Cllr Thomas replied that it seems like a lot of money.

Removal of Travellers from Tean Road

The Clerk had received the bill for the travellers' removal from the bailiff and the security update for Tean Road Rec. COGNEWS has not been informed of costs, the clerk saying that it was confidential. We have asked for this information and will share it if it is made available.

Churchill Road Recreation Ground Update

Cllr Upton said that the pump track is open and going really well and has passed its ROSPA inspection. There was just an issue from the risk assessment which means a sign had to be put up. No problems have been reported from the residents either. The playground passed its ROSPA report with just a few tweaks. The official opening will be in the last two weeks of September. The last issues to be tackled will be the football pitch and the toilet block. Cllr Upton told the meeting that the district council has been really good.

Cllr Wells asked what is happening regarding the perimeter path. Cllr Upton said that it will be the last thing to be done and will be dependent on funds. Cllr Wells was concerned about the drop near the edge of the brook. The council agreed to ensure that the grass is cut to keep it safe.

Councillor Upton said that SMDC had assured the town council that no planning was required for the project. Cllr Thomas said there was no discussion on where the pump track was going and secondly, he was concerned that the gates were not being funded by the Section 106 money.

Councillor Upton said the whole project has been part of the town council and we have worked with public participation and had detailed maps for months and months. It's been displayed in various locations and we had the open day with the community so that everybody was completely aware.

Cllr Thomas was amazed that he missed all that information. Councillor Wells said that she thought it was just an SMDC project, so where does the borderline lie? Is it a purely SMDC project as you have told the public (referring to Councillor Upton's previous comments) or is it a town council project?

Councillor Wells was very confused. Councillor Upton said it is their land and they have done all the project management for it. They have done the right thing and consulted the town council. Cllr Wells wanted to reply but was stopped by the Mayor over a point of order.

Cheadle Town Council Meeting 7th September 2026