Cheshire

A WIDOW is set to sue a utilities station operator after her husband was electrocuted while pruning hedges.

Gardener Blair Campbell, 35, was carrying out work on an ivy-covered bush when he accidentally came into contact with a substation wire in October 2022.

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The dad-of-two was airlifted to hospital following the horror but tragically died shortly after.

An inquest at Cheshire Coroner’s Court found that Blair from electrocution.

The victim’s widow, Tina, says she is yet to receive any apology from SP Energy Networks – part of Scottish Power – who operated the station.

She now says she will sue the company to get damages for her husband’s death.

Tina, who lives in Mobberley with her two children, said she had received no apology or compensation from Scottish Power.

She said: “There was not a lot we could do prior to the inquest. Because of the complexity of the case and involvement by HSE and the police that delayed things and we had to wait two years for the inquest.

“My solicitors have been in touch since the inquest with Scottish Power sending paperwork, but basically there has been silence.

“As a result my solicitors have had to put the matter back into the courts.

“I believe that Scottish Power now has 28 days to respond after they were put on notice of our intentions.

“If that fails we will have to apply for a court date, which is unlikely to be before autumn next year. This would drag it out for another 12 months.

“The inquest was over three days with a jury and the conclusion was that they (the power company) ‘more than likely contributed to the death of Blair’ due to the lack of maintenance.”

The inquest was told Blair ran firm, Blue Kiwi Gardens and Maintenance, after moving to the UK from New Zealand to be with Tina.

On October 3, 2022, he had gone to work to prune the hedge when he suffered the fatal shock.

Thick ivy on the bush had covered warning signs about the substation – meaning Blair was unaware of the danger underneath.

The court was told that before Blair’s death, numerous reports had been made about a need to remove the ivy that were not acted on.

SP Energy Networks, which maintains the substation, has now made changes to its health and safety policy.

This stunning village has been named by The Times as one of the most picturesque destinations in the UK perfect for a mini getaway – and it’s just a short car ride from Cheshire

A charming Peak District village just a stone’s throw from Cheshire has earned recognition as one of Britain’s finest destinations for a mini break. The Times has compiled a list of 25 of the most stunning locations ideal for a quick getaway, featuring everything from quaint hamlets to vibrant boutique shopping streets.

Featured on the list is Ashford-in-the-Water in the Peak District – barely more than thirty minutes from Macclesfield – which sits astride the River Wye, reports Cheshire Live. The Times declares: “For peak village perfection in the Peak District head to Ashford, which lies on the banks of the River Wye.

“Envy-inducing aspects include the medieval Sheepwash bridge, a church that dates from the 12th century and a thriving cricket club that plays on the village green, as well as a collection of very charming limestone cottages with carefully tended gardens.

“Along with the posh restaurant with rooms, Riverside House Hotel, the Ashford Arms recently opened with nine funked-up rooms and cheery food aimed at hikers and other hearty, healthy types.” This news comes after images show the cheapest seaside spot in England is full of abandoned £40k homes ‘nobody wants’.

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Derbyshire Live recently highlighted the village’s attractions, saying: “For a small village, Ashford-in-the-Water is surprisingly well-equipped for a delightful day in the countryside, boasting a range of independent businesses. At the heart of the village, Ashford General Store provides a delectable array of Bradwell’s ice cream flavours and an assortment of freshly baked treats like brownies, Bakewell slices, and sausage rolls.

“Those looking to quench their thirst might fancy a crisp pint at the renowned Bull’s Head pub; conversely, if a hot beverage appeals even on a sunny day, the Aisseford Tea Room has earned excellent acclaim from both residents and visitors alike. Should you desire a longer stay in Ashford-in-the-Water, there’s no shortage of B&Bs, including the charming Riverside House Hotel.”

It added: “Nestled just two miles north-west of Bakewell, Ashford-in-the-Water advises visitors that parking can be rather limited. It’s recommended to park further out and enjoy a scenic stroll into the village, thereby taking full advantage of the breath-taking views en-route through the stunning Peak District.”

Ashford-in-the-Water is truly a chocolate-box village – a term used to describe particularly picturesque cottages resembling those that used to front the iconic Cadbury boxes. Ashford is full of pretty limestone cottages and narrows lanes commonly associated with English charm.

The local area is peppered with places to take in the area’s natural beauty, including a number of walking trails. While some trails are better for more seasoned hikers, many are perfectly primed for the entire family.

The Ashford-in-the-Water to Monsal Dale Circular Walk crosses through fields, woodlands, and open countryside while the Bakewell and Ashford-in-the-Water Circular offers scenic views of the River Wye, rolling hills, and many of Ashford’s notable historic sites, including the famous Sheepwash Bridge.

A charming city in Cheshire has been dubbed the UK’s most underrated and the ‘world’s most beautiful’, thanks to its sandstone walls and charming canal, likened to Venice

A compact yet exquisite city is frequently hailed as one of Britain’s most overlooked gems and has even been dubbed the “world’s most beautiful city”.

Chester, which boasts over 2,000 years of heritage, has been recognised for its beauty based on a mathematical principle that artists and academics have recognised since ancient times. Stooped in history, the city in northwest England has witnessed Roman occupation, Viking raids, and Norman conquest

Today, it welcomes thousands of far more pleasant tourists, but when it comes to essential UK destinations, it doesn’t rank as highly on travellers’ wish lists as places like York, Oxford, Bath or Cambridge. It comes after reports of a small fishing village with some of the UK’s best seafood but hardly any tourists.

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Due to Chester’s charm, travel specialists at Wanderlust magazine have crowned it Britain’s most undervalued city. The Telegraph similarly described it as “a touch underrated” – dubbing it “the surprising city that’s better than Oxford and Norwich”.

Chester is renowned for its ancient red sandstone walls and a retail quarter brimming with spectacular half-timbered Tudor structures. It’s been declared Britain’s most haunted city – and houses the nation’s second most popular zoo, trailing only London Zoo, reports the Express.

This north-western treasure is also an excellent destination for retail therapy, tourist attractions and dining experiences. In addition, Chester showcases stunning architecture.

Recent studies found that a significant proportion of its buildings conform to the “golden ratio” – the mathematical proportion believed to be most visually appealing. Incredibly, the research revealed that Chester outshone even Venice in terms of its Golden ratio score, crowning it as the most beautiful city globally.

Chester boasts the most intact Roman city walls in Britain and houses one of the UK’s oldest churches – St John’s, established in AD689 by the king of Mercia. The city also features an 11th-century castle and a 16th-century Cathedral, which played host to a Royal wedding earlier this year.

If you’re not particularly enthralled by architecture or history, perhaps a scenic cruise along the stunning River Dee might be more appealing. For those who prefer retail therapy, Chester is a paradise for shopaholics.

The Rows, 700-year-old two-tiered timber-framed galleries lining the city’s main streets, are brimming with independent shops, boutiques, and eateries. Chester’s award-winning market also offers a colourful array of produce and goods.

For those seeking high street brands, the Grosvenor Shopping Centre has got you covered. This large shopping precinct is undercover, but like the rest of Chester, it radiates historical charm. After a day of shopping, you can recharge at some of the city’s finest eateries, as Chester is famed for the quality of its restaurants.

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A body has been found in a lake during a search for a missing mother.

Rachel Booth, 38, disappeared in the early hours of Saturday after she was last seen by her family in the village of Barnton in Cheshire.

Cheshire Police earlier said officers had found a body which they believed to be Ms Booth in a lake in Oakmere after “extensive searches and appeals in the area”.

The body has not been formally identified but Ms Booth’s family has been informed and was being supported, the force said.

Police said there were not believed to be any suspicious circumstances and report would be prepared for the coroner.

After she disappeared, CCTV footage showed Ms Booth at Sandiway Garage of the A556 near Northwich at about 03:50 BST on Saturday.

Wild Shore Delamere, which offers outdoor activities at its lake nearby, had closed while the search commenced.