A new Nantwich Partnership has been formed to attract funds to boost town centre areas showing “wear and tear”.
The Partnership has been formed by Nantwich Town Council, Nantwich Civic Society, Cheshire East Council and business and tourism groups.
Members aim to boost the physical environment of the town to create “a strong sense of a place characterised by its links to open spaces and its historic character”.
Members of Nantwich Civic Society carried out a study of town centre which has the most listed buildings of any Cheshire town outside Chester, but many streets and spaces are showing signs of wear and tear compared to other places.
Jeff Stubbs, chair of the new Partnership, said: “For people to stay or shop in our town, it has to be a pleasure as well as provide the goods that people want.
“A good environment can provide the right surroundings for businesses to exploit and keep on trading.
“Working with local businesses and other key stakeholders, Nantwich Partnership will now begin work on a Public Realm Strategy for Nantwich, which will identify key actions to implement in the short term alongside a 5-year improvement plan.
“We will be aiming to lever in substantial amounts of funding.”
Cllr Peter Groves, who represents Cheshire East Council on the Partnership, said: “This initiative will enable a clear focus on Nantwich and drive forward much needed change.
“We have the support of the Leader of Cheshire East Council and will actively use all opportunities to benefit the residents and visitors to our beautiful town.”
Successful Town Partnerships already operate in Sandbach, Middlewich, Alsager, Congleton and Holmes Chapel, and have been able to attract large sums of funding to make improvements.
Nantwich Partnership Membership includes:
• Jeff Stubbs, Nantwich Civic Society – Chair
• Cllr. Andrew Martin – Nantwich Town Council
• Cllr Christine Farrall – Nantwich Town Council
• Cllr. Arthur Moran – Nantwich North and West Ward
• Cllr. Peter Groves – Nantwich South and Stapeley Ward
• John Weir, Local Area Partnership Chair
• Secretariat is provided by the Local Area Partnership Manager
We moved to Nantwich 11 years ago and instantly fell in love with the town. While Im sure we would all welcome funding for improvements for the town where needed I feel the main problem facing traders in Nantwich is the lack of parking facilities and the cost of parking.