Village traders rocked by eviction notices as CPS Centre set to close on health and safety grounds

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VILLAGE traders at Culcheth have been rocked by sudden eviction notices from the CPS Centre which is set to close at the end of February on health and safety grounds.

Several traders took to social media to express their shock at the sudden eviction notice issued today without any prior warning.

Responding to the news independent Cllr Neil Johnson said: “I was shocked to learn this afternoon that shopkeepers above Sainsburys in the CPS Centre have been given notice that they must leave the premises by the end of February.
These eviction notices have come out of the blue and given no time for business owners or staff to prepare.
“I will be meeting with all of the traders in the next few days to discuss the ways in which I can help and support them. Local businesses are the heart of our community and losing the CPS Centre will be a huge blow to our village economy.
“I encourage everyone to shop local as much as possible in the meantime. Please rest assured that as Culcheth’s Independent Councillor, I am doing all I can to support and protect local shops and businesses.”

London-based owners Shivat Haminim Capital Ltd who acquired the premises in late 2021 sent a letter to tenants dated today, January 30th, stating they had encountered and resolved numerous legacy issues from the previous ownership.
“However, one critical area that remains unresolved is the health and safety standards of the building, which we are legally and morally obliged to address.
“When we took ownership, no fire risk assessment or electrical safety certification was provided by the previous owners.
“As required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, we commissioned these assessments to evaluate the condition of the premises and unfortunately, the findings were far more concerning than anticipated.
“The electrical installation has been deemed unsatisfactory and hazardous, requiring a complete replacement. The fire alarm system has been classified as inadequate and the building’s compartmentation does not meet the necessary standards to prevent the rapid spread of fire. These issues pose a significant risk to the safety of all occupants.
“In December 2024, an additional inspection by Cheshire Fire Authority further highlighted the urgency of these concerns. The report emphasized that these critical works must be undertaken within weeks to eliminate life-threatening hazards.
“Given the extent and complexity of the necessary repairs, with huge costs currently unknown, it is neither safe nor feasible to carr oyt these works while the Centre remains operational. In order for us to meet the current requirements and with the safety of tenants, employees and visitors our highest priority, we regret to inform you the The CPS Centre will officially close on 1st March 2025 to facilitate these essential upgrades.
The letter goes on to state that while the owners are committed to completing the works swiftly they anticipate it will take several months. As a result, they attached a formal notice terminating licenses effective from February 28th, allowing tenants to continue trading through February.
The letter went on to say: “We understand the news is distressing and comes at a challenging time. Please know that the decision was not made lightly. We have explored all possible alternatives but, ultimately, the safety and well-being of everyone using the centre must come first.”
The letter said one member of staff, who knew nothing about the decision, had unfortunately been made redundant.
No indication was given on the future for the centre once the works are completed.
Last year the owners lost on appeal a planning application which caused uproar in the village to build a mixed-use development on the CPS Shopping Centre car park.


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Experienced journalist for more than 40 years. Managing Director of magazine publishing group with three in-house titles and on-line daily newspaper for Warrington. Experienced writer, photographer, PR consultant and media expert having written for local, regional and national newspapers. Specialties: PR, media, social networking, photographer, networking, advertising, sales, media crisis management. Chair of Warrington Healthwatch Director Warrington Chamber of Commerce Patron Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace. Trustee Warrington Disability Partnership. Former Chairman of Warrington Town FC.

16 Comments

  1. His is absolutely devastating for all shop owners and disgraceful of the building owners to inform them by email. Completely blindsiding business owners. No doubt it’s easier to apply for planning permission on a vacant building. Funny it doesn’t affect the electrics on the ground and second floor, just the first.

  2. Somebody should take a deeper look into this individual and his company…

    “Shivat Haminim Capital Ltd is an active company based in London, Greater London, incorporated on June 1, 2021.

    Asher Anshil Faig is a significant figure associated with the company, holding multiple roles and having substantial control over its operations.

    The company is currently active and has an equity of £-359,888.”

    • Always one idiot who thinks it’s funny when self employed people not large corporate businesses go under, I’ve seen the tears and devastation they feel, the money and time spend building their shops, all gone with no regard no compensation, no place to go for help to move, everything they have built now has to be packed away, it’s not rich well off people, it’s hard working people, trying to make a nice place for everyone to visit.

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