THE new figurehead for Northwich’s regeneration has been announced.

Geoff Hope-Terry, from Cotebrook, was revealed as the new chairman of the Weaver Valley Partnership yesterday, Tuesday.

He will now be in charge of the new-look Northwich Vision, Winning Winsford and Middlewich Vision regeneration projects.

Mr Hope-Terry is the former director of finance for Manchester University and has held a number of senior corporate roles in the public and private sector.

He said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to work in partnership with the local residents and various organisations, and to build upon the many strengths of these unique localities, with their rich history.

“I’m looking forward to the challenges involved, and to using all my drive and energy to help build a better future for everyone in the Weaver Valley towns.”

Clr Herbert Manley, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s executive member for prosperity, said: “I welcome the appointment of the new chairman of the Weaver Valley Partnership, and expect that the regeneration of Northwich will now accelerate the delivery of the town out of its past and into its future.

Read more at The Northwich Guardian.

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A FAMILY firm is rising to a new challenge as it makes its biggest investment in more than 120 years.

Roberts Bakery is fighting back from the recession by embarking on an £8.5million two-phase development of its site in Gadbrook Park.

The first phase, set to be completed by the summer of 2011, will create a new despatch facility, complete with more than 1,000sq m of extra floor space and 24 new despatch docks.

The second phase will see the company overhaul its bread slicing equipment, conveyoring and basket feed systems and basket wash facilities.

A new roadway and car park will also be created within the site to help the bakery remain safe and efficient and to maintain a smart site appearance.

Mike Braddock, managing director of the bakery, said: “This is a tremendously exciting phase for the business, and we are proud to be expanding despite a continually tough economic climate.

Read more at The Northwich Guardian.

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Known for his love of fast cars and high powered motorcycles, the MP for South Thanet, Dr Stephen Ladyman, is making ready to ride a 200 horsepower racing motorcycle in aid of charity. The 57 year old Member of Parliament, who started his two wheeled love affair on a humble 50cc machine at 16 years old, will ride an MSS Colchester Kawasaki Superbike at the Thundersprint event held in Northwich on 10 May. Having owned, “too many bikes to remember”, Ladyman has decided that the high profile event, which annually attracts over 100,000 visitors, is the ideal platform to bring attention to the CALM charity, the focus of his fund raising attempt.

“CALM seeks to help young men who are experiencing a variety of serious personal issues”, commented Ladyman. “The theme of the web site at TheCalmZone.net is that staying silent is not being strong”. One thing that Ladyman will not be on 10 May is silent though as he rides a highly tuned British Superbike helped by Kawasaki’s official entry in the 2009 Championship, as MSS Colchester Kawasaki’s Team Principle, Nick Morgan, explained.

Read more at bikechatter.co.uk

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NORTHWICH’S carnival queen for 2010 has been chosen.

Hartford teenager Chloe Gibson will take this year’s lead role after being part of the carnival retinue since she was six years old.

The 15-year-old Hartford High School pupil was determined to win the crown this year.

Her mum Rebecca said: “She was made up – it’s always been her dream to be queen.

“She missed it by one point last year and this was her last chance, so she went all guns out for it.”

Read more at The Northwich Guardian.

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Brunner Mond has announced plans to build a sustainable energy plant on the site of a disused power station at Lostock near Northwich.

A joint venture with energy group E.ON, it will be powered by a non-hazardous, solid fuel made from pre-treated waste that would otherwise go to landfill.

The plant, which will also use some biomass material, is part of the soda ash producer's efforts to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels such as gas.

John Kerrigan, managing director, said: “We hope to do this by building a highly efficient energy plant that will produce around a third of our business's heat energy from a renewable and sustainable fuel.

"The development of this proposed facility demonstrates Brunner Mond's commitment to maintaining the longer term competitiveness of our business and our ability to continue to contribute to the local economy.

Brunnder Mond, which is owned by Indian conglomerate Tata, said the plant will use approximately 600,000 tonnes of fuel per year to produce up to 60MW of electricity and around 100 tonnes per hour of steam. This is equivalent to the energy needs of 45,000 homes.

Read more at Crain's Manchester Business.

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