The announcement that Adlington has been removed from the government’s list of proposed new towns marks a significant and hard-fought victory for our community. This outcome is a testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose and determination to protect the place they call home.
From the very beginning, this campaign has been driven by the passion, resilience, and unity of local residents. Individuals from all walks of life stepped forward to contribute in whatever way they could—whether by attending protests, donating funds, distributing leaflets, putting up posters, or simply spreading the word among friends and neighbours. Every action, no matter how small it may have seemed at the time, played a crucial role in reaching this milestone.
We would like to extend particular thanks to our Member of Parliament, Tim Roca, for his tireless advocacy and unwavering support in Parliament. His efforts ensured that the concerns of our community were heard at the highest levels of government.
Behind the scenes, the Stop Adlington New Town group played an important supporting role by helping to develop an evidence-based case against the proposal, strengthening the wider campaign. Valuable contributions also came from organisations including Cheshire Wildlife Trust and CPRE Cheshire , whose detailed reports on the viability of a new town in Adlington helped inform and reinforce the arguments being made.
Support from local parish and town councils, including those in the Task and Finish group, along with Cheshire East Council, reflected the depth of feeling across the area and added further weight to the community’s position. We also extend our thanks to the wider network of campaign groups and community Facebook groups who supported Adlington throughout. By helping to share information and raise awareness, you strengthened the campaign and ensured our message reached a far broader audience.
Above all, this victory belongs to the people of Adlington. It reflects the strength of a community that refused to be overlooked and demonstrated the power of collective action.
A Message from Tim Roca
What Happens Next
While this is a moment for celebration, it is not the end of the journey. Developers such as Belport are likely to consider alternative proposals, and it is important that we remain vigilant and prepared for any future plans that may impact our area. This may include schemes such as the National Housing Bank set to launch next month.
The same community spirit that brought us this far will be essential in ensuring that Adlington continues to have a strong voice in shaping its future.
Further Reading
This announcement has been wildly reported this morning. Some of the articles can be found here.
- BBC - Ministers name seven areas where ’new towns’ could be built
- Manchester Evening News - Controversial ’new town’ plans for village near Greater Manchester scrapped by Government
- Macclesfield Nub News - Adlington not among seven new towns proposed by government
This success shows that when a community stands together, it truly can make a difference.