Recap: Cheshire breaking news Friday, November 16, 2018

Signing off

We’re bringing our live blog for today to a close now - thanks for following.

For the latest breaking news this weekend visit www.cheshire-live.co.uk/news.

Follow us on Twitter @CheshireLive or find us on Facebook.

How the motorways are looking now

90-minute delays on the M6

Strictly judge Darcey Bussell visits Chester dance school

Strictly judge and former ballerina Darcey Bussell popped in to Chester’s Hammond School on her way to Blackpool as this Saturday’s show is live from the tower ballroom.

Darcey, who has visited the performing arts school at Hoole Bank before, observed dance lessons involving the older students on Thursday afternoon (November 15) as the younger children looked on.

Chester Christmas markets officially open

Chester’s Christmas markets are officially open - ready for the big switch on tonight!

Delayed Merseyrail services

There are delays to Merseyrail services at Chester and Ellesmere Port this evening due to a track fault.

Man arrested after allegations of harassment

A man has been arrested by Warrington Police following allegations of harassment.

Slow traffic on M6 following minor collision

There is slow traffic on M6 northbound at junction 19.

Traffic - Chester

It promises to be a busy night in Chester on the roads this evening thanks to the Christmas light switch on, especially with these road closures in place. At the moment there is the usual traffic on Vicars Cross Road and Tarvin Roundabout before A55. There are also the usual delays on A483 Wrexham Road southbound before A55 Posthouse roundabout.

Pudsey fever in Chester

Chester is getting Pudsey fever ahead of tonight’s Children in Need show, with the famous bear even making an appearance at Chester Racecourse.

Merseyrail disruption

Trains to Chester and Ellesmere Port run by Merseyrail have been cancelled this afternoon after reports of a trespasser on the tracks.

There is major disruption to commuters travelling between Rock Ferry and Ellesmere Port and Rock Ferry and Chester after services have been suspended.

Man left with serious facial injuries after robbery

A man has been left with serious facial injuries after a robbery in Runcorn.

Police are appealing for information.

Did you miss Chester Zoo on The One Show?

The One Show broadcast live from Chester Zoo last night (Thursday, November 16) on the penultimate day of the Rickshaw Challenge.

The BBC programme filmed segments inside the zoo as the team completing the Rickshaw Challenge finished their longest day of cycling ahead of tonight’s Children in Need show.

Did you miss it? We have all the photos and action in our round up!

Accident on M6

There is slow traffic on the M6 northbound between junctions 16 and 17 following a collision involving a lorry and a car. All lanes have reopened following the incident.

Trains stopped at Crewe

Services are at a stand on Virgin Trains West Coast line at Crewe station due to a points failure, according to travel website Inrix. We will bring you more information on this as it becomes available

Nantwich Police tweet

Police officers in Nantwich have stepped up patrols to provide reassurance to the community following recent burglaries

Traffic - M6

There is slow traffic on the M6 in Cheshire this afternoon due to an earlier broken down vehicle on the northbound side between J17 (Sandbach) and J18 (Middlewich/Holmes Chapel). The incident occurred in the roadworks area, but all lanes have been re-opened now after lane three (of three) was blocked until around 1pm.

Grieving student allegedly told to 'man up'

Sandbach High School has been found to have breached national guidelines after expelling a student who criticised staff on Facebook.

In the social media post, Jacob Belsham accused the school of discriminating against people with mental health problems after allegedly telling him to ‘man up’ following the death of his father.

Road closures in Chester for lights switch-on

Tonight’s the night for the Christmas lights switch-on and parade. It promises to be a fabulously festive affair - but make sure you don’t get caught out by road closures.

Here’s the full list.

Fast jets over Chester

Loud jet noises around Chester have sparked humorous comments about an alien invasion, whether Chester is in an episode of Game of Thrones with dragons or if it’s just someone playing the drums this week.

But this photo tweeted by the National Police Air Service at Hawarden – who operate the police helicopters – appears to provide a partial answer.

Wanted woman could be in Runcorn

Police have appealed for help in tracing a wanted woman who is believed to be living in Cheshire.

Julie Yates, 34, from Whiston, is wanted in connection with breaching a court order and failing to appear at court, and a warrant has been issued for her arrest after she failed to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, October 25 to answer charges relating to driving offences.

Yates is white, around 5’ 10” tall with a slim build and has brown hair and blue eyes. She has recently been living in Runcorn and is believed to still be in the town.

Anyone who sees Yates or has any information regarding her whereabouts is asked to contact Cheshire Police on 101, quoting 18100294406, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Boy found guilty of manslaughter

A jury has found a boy who fatally stabbed a man after ‘drinking 30 cans of beer’ guilty of his manslaughter.

The teen, who was aged 15 at the time and cannot be named for legal reasons, claimed throughout his trial that he had acted in self-defence when he plunged a knife into victim Ian Schofield’s stomach.

Warehouse development opposed

More than 250 residents, businesses, the town council and local MP have objected to plans to build five warehouses opposite houses and within the BAE blast zone in Alsager.

BAE Systems Property Investments has applied for permission to site the units, which will cover 19,695 sqm, on three fields at Crewe Road close to the Plough Inn and directly opposite a number of houses, a bed and breakfast and the new Persimmon Homes scheme.

Tributes to 'pioneering' matron

Tributes have been paid to a matron who has died after a life dedicated to caring for others both at home and abroad.

Ann Currington, 85, from Macclesfield, died peacefully at Belvedere Care Home, in Alderley Edge, on Thursday, November 8.

Airbus takes on apprentices

Airbus may have warned about Brexit job fears but the aerospace giant recently welcomed the largest number of apprentices in decades to its Broughton plant.

No fewer than 140 budding engineer and support-function apprentices have begun their training journey.

Showtime in Chester

With pantomime season just around the corner, the cast has been announced for a spectacular production of Aladdin to be staged at Chester’s Forum Studio Theatre.

Staged by Tip Top Productions the show - the 10th pantomime to be staged by the company at the venue - will run from Friday, November 30 to Saturday, January 5.

Crewe charity's fundraising walk

One of the many fundraising activities going on throughout Cheshire today to raise money for Children in Need

Chester towpath still closed

It’s now been 12 months since the canal towpath through Chester city centre was shut – causing inconvenience for walkers and cyclists whether commuting or just having fun.

It was the danger of falling rocks that led to the closure between Northgate Locks and King Charles’ Tower but that was on November 21, 2017.

New Chester FC General Manager announced

Chester FC have confirmed the appointment of a new general manager to look after the day-to-day running of the club as well as helping to grow the club commercially.

Stephen Jones was unveiled as the new man at last night’s City Fans United members meeting at the Swansway Chester Stadium and will begin his role with the club on Monday (November 19).

Bare bones bike stopped

Cheshire Police have reported the rider of this moped for having no insurance, among other things. How would you even ride this?