THE launch of Cheshire West and Chester Council took place today (Wednesday, April 1) with a fanfare of events.

The historic day marked the start of a fresh and energetic approach to providing top-quality services for communities across the new area.

And, as part of the celebration, an open top bus toured the area, carrying the new councillors and a 12-piece band.

The bus left County Hall in Chester and stopped off at Sainsbury’s in Boughton, Morrisons in Winsford, Baron’s Quay in Northwich, Asda in Ellesmere Port and then back to Chester.

Cllr Mike Jones, leader of the council, said: “This is not simply the hand over of responsibilities, our new council will think and act differently.

“The projects that we inherit will be continued with added vigour and new projects will be introduced to tackle issues facing our communities and to give the people of this borough a better life.”

Cllr Les Ford is joining the new authority from Vale Royal Borough Council and is Deputy Leader of the new authority. He is looking forward to the fresh new approach. He said: “Our focus on community engagement is going to mark us out as different and will give people the chance to be part of what we are doing.“ He added: “The procedures are already in place to make it easier to contact us, and to give people a real opportunity to influence decisions.”

To find out more about the new Cheshire West and Chester Council, visit www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk or contact, tel: 0300 123 7031. All calls will be charged at a local rate, including mobile phones.