When lockdown lifts, Frodsham's independent shops and various hospitality venues will be the top destinations for local residents, who are looking forward to being able to socialise without the stress of Covid restrictions.

That's according to the results of our first Nub Voice survey, in which we asked our volunteers about local and national issues to get a snapshot of Frodsham points of view.

If you would like to be part of Frodsham Nub Voice, you can sign up here!

Lockdown easing

We asked our Nub Voice volunteers about the burning Covid-related questions of the day and found that over half – 54 per cent – felt that vaccine passports or certification should be used to make it safer to visit venues such as pubs.

More than 80 per cent believe that the government roadmap is a sensible approach to relaxing lockdown and nearly half of respondents said that they would consider travelling abroad this year if it became legally possible.

Although this possibility seems fairly remote for now, Frodsham residents are still looking forward to a summer filled with more local attractions and events.

The majority are eager to be able to support Frodsham's shops, restaurants, pubs and cafés once again and to "see more hustle and bustle in the town."

Popular post-lockdown destinations included Castle Park Arts Centre, Netherton Hall, Next Door, Kash 22 and St Laurence Church events.

Of course, going out for a meal or a drink is not the same if you have to stick to strict time limits and social distancing measures and one resident is especially keen to "visit hospitality venues on a whim rather than planning everything like a military operation!"

Several responses also talked about the prospect of spending more time with friends and family, and "going for a dog walk, meal or coffee where we can all sit down together and not juggle paper cups whilst hanging onto dog leads!"

Another respondent said: "I'm looking forward to people being able to function without talking about the pandemic. Going forward, I think it will be joyous, fingers crossed, when people remember that before all of this, we used to smile and wave at people passing in the street rather than wonder where they are going or if they are breaking the rules or why they are being selfish, purely through speculation."

Local issues

Through Frodsham Nub Voice, we also learnt about the community issues, events and stories that our volunteers would like to see explored in our local news coverage.

Responses were varied, reflecting a wealth of ideas and concerns, ranging from fly tipping to youth issues to church events and local history.

People wanted to read about Main Street businesses, about Green Gates Park, the continued closure of Helsby's Old Chester Road and how Frodsham is represented both at town and borough council level.

"I don't think that Frodsham gets fair treatment from Cheshire West and Chester Council," one Nub Voice volunteer said. "Bearing in mind it's the seventh largest town in Cheshire West it doesn't get as much investment as it deserves."

Consideration for Frodsham's facilities goes hand in hand with concern for its green spaces and several people wanted to highlight the vulnerability of our local biodiversity.

"I'd like to see more articles/information on what's going on in the area to improve the environment and information on what we can do to help. For example, tree planting initiatives, wildflower verge and meadow creation, public education on the importance of the environment, and council or government plans that can affect the environment."

Emphasis was also placed on the young people of Frodsham as responses called for greater awareness of their needs and wishes.

One person argued for: "A voice for the teenagers and what they would like to see around Frodsham. I believe not enough is done for them. They too need a voice. I'd like to see a few hubs for them to have activities organised, film nights/skateboard competitions/rounders/graffiti wall erected etc."

There is also a strong desire for: "Positive stories about the quiet heroes like supermarket workers or care assistants who have not "trumpeted" their own contributions to the Covid difficulties."

If you would also like to be part of Frodsham Nub Voice, you can sign up here!