SECURING adequate infrastructure as the town expands is the biggest challenge facing Knutsford in 2023, says the mayor.

Looking ahead to the New Year, Cllr Mike Houghton urges planners to ‘get this right’.

Cllr Houghton said: “Our toughest challenge is to ensure sufficient investment in the infrastructure of the town will be forthcoming from Cheshire East in light of residential developments taking place over the next decade and the resulting rise in the town’s population.

“2023 will be a crucial year in getting this right.”

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Fortunately, the high street is already ‘bucking the trend’.

“Businesses have prospered,” said Cllr Houghton.

“We have welcomed a number of new traders, mostly independents, maintaining our retail and hospitality offering,” said the mayor.

“Vacant occupancy rates across our high street continue to buck the trend and are well below the national average.

“However the issue of unprecedented rises in energy costs looms large, with businesses facing huge challenges next year to balance the books.”

Looking back on 2022, he felt honoured to pay tribute to Her Majesty’s 70-year reign.

Knutsford Guardian: Knutsford mayor Cllr Mike Houghton reads the proclamation following the Queen's deathKnutsford mayor Cllr Mike Houghton reads the proclamation following the Queen's death (Image: Andrew Malloy)

“The most poignant event of the year was the Queen’s passing,” said Cllr Houghton.

“It was a genuine privilege to lead the town through a dignified period of mourning.

“I felt immensely proud of our residents during this time.”

Knutsford Guardian: Knutsford mayor Cllr Mike Houghton 'immensely proud' of the town during the Queen's mourningKnutsford mayor Cllr Mike Houghton 'immensely proud' of the town during the Queen's mourning (Image: Andrew Malloy/Knutsford Town Council)

The mayor commended the town’s countless charities for their selfless efforts.

The mayor said: “At time of reflection, I am always drawn to the wonderful people who give their time and effort to bring cheer to those for whom life is particularly difficult or lonely, and not just at Christmas.

“Without the fantastic network of our voluntary organisations, life would be so much poorer in Knutsford.

“They all deserve our support for their work in the community including our newest charity, Knutsford Together, which launched this year.”

Knutsford Guardian: Knutsford Together launch, from left, trustee Sarah Flannery, trustee Piers McLeish, chief officer Nicola Griffiths, founder David Briggs, trustee Rosie Longdon and Knutsford mayor Cllr Mike HoughtonKnutsford Together launch, from left, trustee Sarah Flannery, trustee Piers McLeish, chief officer Nicola Griffiths, founder David Briggs, trustee Rosie Longdon and Knutsford mayor Cllr Mike Houghton (Image: Newsquest)

As we all prepare to celebrate, the mayor said we mustn’t forget people who work over Christmas.

“Let us also remember with gratitude the dedicated staff in the public and emergency services, hospitals and care homes who will be working throughout the festivities,” said Cllr Houghton.

“As we move into 2023, let’s continue in the spirit of hope and optimism.

Knutsford Guardian: Knutsford mayor and mayoress Cllr Mike Houghton and wife KateKnutsford mayor and mayoress Cllr Mike Houghton and wife Kate (Image: Knutsford Town Council)

“There will be better times ahead, but no matter what the future holds we must always support each other.

“May next year bring peace, justice and reconciliation for a safer and friendlier world.

“Together with the mayoress, may I wish you and your loved ones a merry Christmas and a very happy and prosperous New Year.”