Recap: Cheshire breaking news Wednesday September 5, 2018

Signing off

This is Lauren Wise signing off for the evening. For all the latest breaking news and news updates follow @ChesterChron on Twitter. If you have a story get in touch with us on 01244 606425 or email us at cheshire.news@reachplc.com.

Traffic update - Chester

Traffic is now clear on the A483 Wrexham Road and the congestion on Nicholas Street is now easing. Chester city centre is generally looking a lot clearer following rush hour although there is some congestion on A540 in both directions.

Cheshire Fire Service launch new campaign

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) has launched a 12 month campaign to highlight the importance of sprinklers and suppression systems in commercial and domestic properties.

Sprinklers Save Lives will underline how sprinklers detect fire and prevent it from growing and spreading, vastly increasing the chances of survival.

Weather updates

Keep in mind that we could see some drizzle this evening when you’re making your plans!

Traffic update - Ellesmere Port

Longlooms Road opposite the Blue Planet Aquarium is experiencing some heavy traffic as is M53 Northbound between junction 7 and 9. Elsewhere traffic on the A5032 has eased significantly as it has on Hope Farm Road.

Storyhouse announcements

The earlier teased announcements from Storyhouse in Chester have been revealed! The theatre in Chester will be housing an on stage performance of Zog, from the makers of the Gruffalo next spring. A brand new production by Emma Rice will also be hitting the stage, with Wise Children heading to the Chester stage next spring.

Large funeral in Blacon to cause delays

A large funeral due to take place on Friday, September 7 is expected to cause delays on the roads between 1pm and 5pm.

Areas which are likely to be affected include Chester city centre, Blacon Avenue, Saughall Road and Norris Road in Blacon.

Areas in Elton expected to be affected are Woodland Place, Previn Place and Oldhall Lane.

Police also anticipate areas of Ellesmere Port will be subject to congestion, in particular the M53 around junction 9, Livingstone Road and the surrounding roads.

Rugby fan?

If you want to keep up to date on all the latest Warrington Wolves news, give @cheshire_wolves a follow.

Traffic update - Chester

Traffic is easing on the A483 Wrexham Road northbound. In Chester city centre at the Grosvenor roundabout there is some congestion, particularly on Nicholas Street. Elsewhere there’s some light traffic on A51 Tarvin Road in both directions by Stamford Bridge and on A41 Long Lane.

Chester Boughton Hall remain second in league with win over Toft

Chester Boughton Hall remain second in the Vivio Cheshire County Cricket League 1st XI ECB Premier League after beating Toft.

Away side Boughton Hall won the toss and elected to field first, as Toft were restricted to 285-7 in their 55 overs.

Chester FC accounts reveal loss of £45,000

Chester FC made a loss of £45,672 after tax for the financial year up to May 2018.

In a period that saw the Blues suffer a financial crisis in January of this year and come close to going out of business , the money raised by fans helped the club fight on and the ‘special reserve’ that had been around £100,000 at the start of last season was severely dented at the start of 2018.

Successful speed checks

Chester Police have completed speed checks on Lache Lane today following complaints from residents.

Thankfully everyone stuck to the limit!

Traffic update - Ellesmere Port

There is some traffic southbound on the M53 at junction 9 and coming off towards the train station onto the A5032. Hope Farm Road is also experiencing some rush hour traffic in both directions.

Traffic update - Chester

There is some heavy traffic on the A483 Wrexham Road heading north and on the A5268 Nicholas Street heading towards the city centre. Motorists are also experiencing some traffic on the A5480 heading towards the roundabout.

Traffic update

There are no incidents on the roads and the traffic from an earlier crash at junction 18 on the M6 has cleared up according to travel site Inrix.

Northwich shopping centre attracts Sports Direct

There’s more good news for the £80m Barons Quay shopping centre in Northwich which has attracted another major retailer in the form of Sports Direct.

Until recently the Cheshire West and Chester Council -led scheme was only occupied by an Asda , Odeon cinema, Costa Coffee and Wildwood restaurant.

Real Housewives star's mansion gutted in fire

Footballer Phil Bardsley and his Real Housewives of Cheshire star wife Tanya have revealed how a freak fire gutted their £2m Wilmslow mansion.

The fire took place during the summer’s heatwave - with the wall-to-wall sunshine being blamed for an electrical fire that started on the top floor of the mansion.

Chester motorists advised of disruption

Chester motorists are being advised by Chester Police that a funeral on Friday, September 7 is likely to cause disruption on the roads.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area between 1pm and 4pm.

M6 crash

Junction 18 of the M6 is now in the process of being cleared by Cheshire Police following a collision on the slip road involving two heavy goods vehicles and one car.

The collision occurred at 2.30pm this afternoon on the Southbound entry slip road in Knutsford.

There were no reported injuries.

Chester family's appeal over missing loved one

A family are asking for the public’s help in tracing their loved one who has been missing for almost a month.

Father-of-two Kevin Gilmartin, 41, was last seen on Tuesday, August 7, out and about in Saltney where he has a flat.

Handover

I’m Lauren and I’ll be bringing you any breaking news from across the county until this evening.

You can find me on Twitter @LaurenWise or if you email me at lauren.wise@reachplc.com.

Tributes to Rachael Bland

Tributes have been pouring in for BBC Radio 5 Live presenter Rachael Bland, who sadly passed away following a two-year battle against breast cancer.

Signing off

That’s it from me today folks, but my colleague Lauren Wise will be on here bringing you the latest news, travel and weather updates from across Cheshire for the rest of the afternoon.

Two Cheshire RBS branches to close

Two Cheshire branches of Royal Bank of Scotland are among those facing the axe as the bank announces the closure of 54 branches nationwide.

In Cheshire, RBS Prestbury and RBS Congleton are set to be closed, according to the Press Association.

The lender said the move was linked to it not having to sell its Williams & Glyn business. It has branches in close proximity to each other and is seeking to reduce overlap.

Chester Zoo wildlife festival

Here’s something to look forward to - Chester Zoo has announced a major wildlife festival set to take place this September.

The Wildlife Connections Festival, which promises to fuse family fun with serious conservation, will take place in the zoo’s new Nature Reserve on Friday, September 14 and Saturday, September 15, featuring two days of live music, outdoor theatre and hands-on nature activities.

Steakhouse coming to Crewe

Good news for steak-lovers in Crewe, Miller and Carter Steakhouse has announced it is bringing a restaurant to the town!

Former UKIP MEP joins the Tories

Former Chester resident and ex UKIP MEP, Steven Woolfe, has joined the Conservative Party according to his Twitter feed and a statement from the Leave.EU campaign

Chester Cathedral vandalised

A vandal who broke into Chester Cathedral earlier this week has caused an estimated £10,000 of damage. The acting Dean, Jane Brooke, said the damage to the stained glass windows in particular was “very upsetting”.

Rachael Bland has passed away

A truly heartbreaking end to a tragic story, BBC presenter Rachael Bland has passed away less than 48 hours after revealing she had days to live

Police appeal following arson

Police in Chester have appealed for information following an arson attack in Elton on Sunday (September 2), when plants in the village were deliberately set on fire.