Leaders of the new “Nantwich Partnership” fear the historic centre is falling behind more modern towns in Cheshire.
They spoke out as they called for Nantwich Town Council to support their bid to boost the look of the town.
Members of organisations such as Nantwich Civic Society say the “Partnership” could help to attract vital national and lottery funding.
And they say the town needs this to improve the “physical environment” of the historic centre.
Jeff Stubbs, chairman of Nantwich Civic Society, said: “Most other less historic towns have better streets, better pavements, better public areas, clearer signage…the list goes on.
“It’s widely accepted that our historic town centre is beginning to fall far short of the quality needed to take Nantwich forward in competing for business and tourism.
“A lot of people fear that if we don’t improve it, we will see more empty shops and falling revenue. We must not underestimate how difficult trading conditions are.”
Mr Stubbs and other supporters believe they can replicate similar groups in neighbouring Cheshire East towns like Middlewich and Congleton.
Other organisations behind the group include Cheshire East Council and Nantwich Flourish.
“Partnerships are a tried and tested means of attracting funding – community-led groups of interested parties not directly led by local government,” added Mr Stubbs.
“The town needs ‘oven-ready’ plans to pull out and be quick off the mark and first in the queue when funding becomes available.”
Any funds attracted would be used to devise a first phase plan for improving the town centre, he added.
A second phase would see detailed physical improvements to streets and public areas.
Nantwich Town councillors were broadly in favour of the group, but raised issues such as involvement of wider public views.
Mr Stubbs said after the meeting: “They seemed to be keen to be key members of the partnership – which I really welcome.
“The town council is going to be even more important to the future of Nantwich as they take on more responsibility for facilities and services in the town.
“We are all at an early stage in this new Partnership with lots of detail to work out as we make progress.”
Brangane sounds like she should come to the next meeting of Nantwich Civic Society on Tuesday 15th January in the Museum.7.30pm.
Her concern for keeping and improving the condition of the old town centre buildings is just what our Society has been trying to do for many years.
The town centre is not as good as many others. It needs careful improvement. Not knocking things down. Fewer sings – yes, Better lighting and parking too.
Her ideas are most welcome in the regular discussions we have at the Civic Society. We need people with ideas and energy.
The new Partnership recognises how difficult it will be getting funding – but let’s not give up before we have tried, eh?
See you there, Brangane?
I am not sure what is the problem here – is it the appearance of the town or trading problems, or perhaps both? With a town like Nantwich, the charm of the place lies mainly in its attractive old buildings and streets; a certain olde-worlde look. What do the complainers want? Pulling down the black and white stuff and putting up some glass and concrete instead? – surely not! Street signs and furniture should be reduced, not increased. I can see the need for good roads, footpaths, street lighting and off-street parking but, given the local council cutbacks, I think there are lots of worse roads and footpaths in need of repair than those in Nantwich town centre.