Local Democracy Reporting Service
Ethan Davies

Work to replace a retirement complex destroyed in a fire could begin soon, according to developers.

Image source, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

The apartments at Beechmere, Crewe, were destroyed in a blaze which swept through the building in August 2019.

Plans for its replacement, to sit on the same site with the same number of bedrooms, have been approved this week by Cheshire East Council.

Image source, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service

The proposals include several fire safety improvements such as an integrated sprinkler system, wider corridors and more masonry in the construction.

Juno Planning’s Nigel Murray, representing developers Avantage, said they could start building soon.

"We have a contract ready to start and a price agreed with contractors. We want to get those residents back in their homes and want to put them back where they belong.”

Daniel Sharples inflicted "horrific violence" on Michael Mairs in an unprovoked attack.

The Cheshire town is the latest area to be moved into the top tier of Covid-19 restrictions.

David Morris says he has faced "unhealthily politically-driven" abuse since the vote on free school meals.

Liverpool mayor Joe Anderson would support such a move if it meant halting coronavirus's spread.

The Lathums were meant to be supporting Paul Weller this year - instead they're playing in a circus.

Joe Anderson spoke to BBC Breakfast's Louise Minchin after his eldest brother's death in October.

Son Heung-min and Harry Kane link up yet again for the only goal as Tottenham claim a fortunate win over Burnley.

Bolton manager Ian Evatt has apologised after telling Billy Crellin to "man up" following the goalkeeper's error in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Cambridge.

Salford strike late through Krisnan Inu to deny a youthful St Helens side an 11th Super League win in a row.

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Monday evening.

Wigan are fined £1500 by an independent regulatory commission after accepting a breach of Football Association rules.

Almost all of the UK's Covid rules have ended, two years after they were introduced.

Angry scenes broke out at the farm after the car park filled up and visitors were turned away.

St Helens prop Alex Walmsley sees his dangerous contract suspension downgraded to one game on appeal.

Natasha Jonas is running sessions for families from the area she grew up in "who might be struggling".

Manchester United and France midfielder Paul Pogba says he will take legal action after "total fake" reports said he was to quit international football.

Swindon and Accrington both have a second successive League One game postponed because of positive coronavirus tests.

A man is charged with murder after another man dies days after an assault at a home in Salford.

Moving some jobs to the Far East will "destroy the viability" of a Lancashire site, a union says.