THREE council projects have scooped awards in the Chester Civic Trust New Year’s Honours.
Cheshire West and Chester Council’s (CWaC) refurbishment of the Town Hall, Queen’s Park Suspension Bridge and the building of an extension to the Edwardian, Mickle Trafford Village School, were all recognised in the annual event.
The refurbishment of the Town Hall was picked out for its new, modern facilities and redecoration including the Lord Mayor’s Parlour, Members’ Rooms, former Magistrates Court and Assembly Room, while work done to restore all decorative and commemorative elements of the bridge, including the Earls of Chester crests and the Chester Arms, was recognised.
The award for the extension to the school was given following extensive work done by CWaC who replaced four mobile classrooms and built a permanent solution for pupils and staff, including solar panels on the new building to teach the children the importance of sustainable energy.
Council leader Cllr Mike Jones said: “We are very pleased to have received three awards for the refurbishment of Chester Town Hall and the Queen’s Park Suspension Bridge and the extension to Mickle Trafford School.”
“All three schemes were different and the aim was to make sure they were all fit for purpose as well as aesthetically pleasing.”
Upton Jubilee Heritage Walk was also commended after three plinths containing panels of information on the history if the walk, which was commissioned, created and paid for by Upton councillors Hilarie McNae and Jill Houlbrook and executed by the Upton Local History Group.
Cllr Jones added: “It was also pleasing the Upton Jubilee Heritage Walk received a commendation.
“Councillors Hilarie McNae and Jill Houlbrook wanted Upton to celebrate the Royal Jubilee in an innovative way. The three panels and explanatory leaflets were funded by the councillors with the practical support coming from Upton Local History Group.”