Innovation
What if...?
I am sure we all have ideas on how to improve Frodsham and whilst many are sensible, rationale and affordable improvements, many are not! But, let us suppose for one moment that money, manpower, politics and regulations were no object to our ideas. What creative idea would you come up with? The current Cheshire West and Cheshire planning applications pending a decision are listed against your Cheshire postcode here.
Let's examine some of these 'crazy' ideas...
Why not re-allocate Frodsham Recycling Centre
Not started
A 2018 idea to seek relocation and planning permissions to move the site. This would extend facilities to avoid blocking Church Street at peak times increasing carbon, avoid waits for refuse collection, expand capacity to meet the largest demand, and on-foot use for recycling in the whole of Cheshire - to Meet CW&C's 'Climate Emergency' declared in 2019. The arrangements for management of the Borough’s household waste recycling centres (HWRC) concluded in 2023. The decision was not to move the site but to improve pedestrian safety. Should do the same for Train passengers trying to push luggage through the metal barriers without getting run over. 80's arcade game 'Frogger' comes to mind.
Why not sandblast the walls of the Barrack Entrance?
Not started
The walls of the Barrack entrance have become weathered and green. The entrance that was built in 1901 dedicated to the 2nd volunteer Batallion - the Cheshire Regiment is in need of restoration. Imagine if it were sandblasted back to its former glory?
Why not install a cycle path to Helsby High School?
Not started
A 2009 idea to Invest in developing a cycle track along the back of the railway line towards Helsby Gosforth Lane for safe cycling to school.
Why not open Frodsham Cut?
Not started
A 2009 idea to allow Longboats into Frodsham bypassing the weir of the Bridgewater canal. Develop a mooring site. Install CCTV. Mobile app site fees. Print Cheshire tourism brochures. Revenue from mooring and local trade. COST: Dredging, Industrial pipe and cable re-routing. Land fees. Planning approval. Impact on local Watersports business.
Why not renovate the Good's shed?
Work under consideration
A 2009 Idea to develop it into an exhibition hall, studio or Restaurant fell through. Plans to use National Lottery funding to develop into a Music Production studio won an architect award but the deal fell through. If something doesn't happen soon, the roof will fall though! A planning submission made in 2019 was approved to redevelop the site into a creative hub for events together with a café and bar. It will come as no surprise to learn that the CW&C council had already applied for planning permission for the building to be demolished to make way for more car parking spaces, despite protests from local residents to prevent the early 19th century building from being demolished.
Why not open up the Halton curve?
Work Complete
May 2019 saw the line re-open running trains from Lime street to Chester and From Wrexham to Lime Street, every hour, every day thanks to the 25yrs of campaining by North Cheshire Rail Users Group (NCRUG).
Picture credit: By beast66606 - Own work, CC.
NCRUG and The Halton Curve Video by Saskia Dooley
Why's this railway back open? Video by nodrog
Hooton to Lime Street via Halton Curve (Cab POV) Video by Bob Brown
Why not rennovate Frodsham Railway Station?
Work Complete 2012
A 2009 idea to revamp the 1850 Grade II listed building for class A1 Business use, as it has stood derelict for years. This has since been renovated into A1 offices.
Why not restore Frodsham (Sutton Weaver) bridge?
Work Complete
This is how the Sutton bridge used to look back in 2009. An Idea to request British Waterways to contribute in council funding to restore the bridge. This was treated with special chemical paint to reduce the speed of erosion. It also gives a much improved impression when entering or leaving Frodsham.
Why not install Architectural uplighting for Trinity Church?
Not startedThe architecture of Trinity Church requires some ground based wide-beam, high-pressure sodium uplighters to proudly illuminate this historic monument as a beacon of a part of Frodsham's history. This spire was saved from demolition by the people of Frodsham. As the preserved spire and land is privately owned, the cost of such is unlikely to be met.
