The council's financial position has been making national headlines, the government has appointed ministerial envoys to oversee reform, Birchwood Park is being sold to Goldman Sachs, and proposed cuts include street lighting reductions and service reviews.

On Church Lane in Culcheth, tucked beside Newchurch Parish Church and set back from the road behind its car park, sits the oldest pub in the village.

Whether it's a Friday night after work or a Sunday when cooking feels like too much effort, a good local Chinese takeaway is one of life's reliable pleasures. Here are four of the best options within easy reach of Culcheth, Lowton, Birchwood, and Glazebury.

It doesn't tend to make the headlines. You won't find it trending on relocation forums or featuring in 'up and coming areas' lists. But ask any estate agent who knows their patch and Lowton keeps coming up, time and again, as one of the most dependable, liveable, and genuinely underrated places to buy a home in the entire North West.