Parish councillors in Malpas are beginning plans to improve the village's appearance, it was confirmed at a meeting last week.

The plan – 'Vision 20:20' – will include work to improve information for tourists, signage on the village boundary and a number of other initiatives.

Further details of this project will be shared in coming weeks and the work is being led by Sue Griffith, and she is looking for as much support and ideas as people can give.

If you want to contact her, please email suegriffith26@gmail.com

Meanwhile, a number of planning matters have been considered this month while comments have been submitted to Cheshire West and Chester Council.

In the next few weeks the parish council expects to formally consider plans for 57 homes and a Community Health Hub in Chester Road.

If possible this will be considered at an additional meeting, as well as informal discussions on emerging proposals for The Red Lion pub. The parish council believes the plan is for a full sympathetic refurbishment, an extension and the creation of a number of hotel bedrooms.

The parish clerk will publish a date on public noticeboards and the village website as soon as it is confirmed.

Other items discussed at the meeting include Malpas Cross, which the council describes as at the 'Heart of our Village'.

The parish council have agreed in principle to support a significant scheme of improvement and restoration of The Cross and the areas immediately surrounding it.

A detailed consultation and proposals to fundraise for this important project will follow.

The council has confirmed it is working with CWAC, Cheshire Police and other agencies following a ‘Village Walkabout ‘ recently.

A large number of matters requiring attention were identified, from domestic gardens, which are cluttered to areas of green space that require attention.

Progress will be monitored. Cheshire Police restated their request that all incidents of crime are reported to them directly.

The next parish council meeting will bet 7pm on March 12 at the Jubilee Hall with a drop-in surgery at 12pm on Saturday, March 3.