Parish councillors are jubilant that they have won their battles for survival - remaining separate entities from Crewe.

Cheshire East Council had outlined plans to abolish two parish councils, meaning Leighton and Woolstanwood would join together with Crewe.

Plans also meant that Minshull Vernon would merge with the Church Minshull Parish Council - the boundaries of Shavington-cum-Gresty would have also been affected.

Had it gone ahead, the residents of Leighton and Woolstanwood would have had to pay an annual increase of 380% in their Parish/Town Council Tax (Band D) - under the control of Crewe Town Council.

Three parish polls were carried out in June last year by Cheshire East, with residents voting by massive majorities against the changes proposed by the Borough Council.

Residents voted 'YES' at polling stations to retain the current parishes as they are.

There were a number of polling stations in the parishes, including Leighton Academy for Leighton Parish, Church Minshull Village Hall for Minshull Vernon Parish and The Georges Community Centre for Woolstanwood Parish.

In Leighton, 98% voted against abolition, in Woolstanwood 97% voted against abolition and in Minshull Vernon, 68% voted against the merger.

Despite the strong vote from the public against parish changes, Cheshire East began another consultation - claiming the results of polls are not binding.

The Eight Farmers pub in Leighton and Crewe resident Kathryn Stringer were among those urging residents on social media to stand against the proposals.

Another consolation was held in November last year, with further strong objections to the proposals from councillors and local residents.

On Friday (25 March), Cheshire East accepted the results - confirming the parishes will remain as they are for the time being.

Communications Officer for Minshull Vernon & District Parish Council, Brian Silvester said: "Wrong decisions can be overturned by people power.

"Parish councillors would like to thank all those who supported their successful campaign."

Following the result, Crewe and Nantwich MP Dr Kieran Mullan posted on social media: "Well done to residents and councillors that campaigned and spoke up on plans by Cheshire East to merge and shrink parishes.

In case you missed it: Parish council raises petition calling for Cheshire East to 'honour' abolition polls.

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