INDEPENDENT councillor Neil Johnson has launched a “Save Our Shops” campaign after village traders at the CPS Shopping Centre in Culcheth were issued with eviction notices to vacate the premises by the end of February.
He has produced a special poster for traders and villagers to display to show support for the campaign and is also seeking legal advice on the situation.
Cllr Johnson, who met with traders following the shock news last Thursday, said: “I am proud to have been the first Councillor to meet with traders after the announcement came. I want to do all I can to support local businesses. I am pleased to have their support for my campaign.
“The loss of any shops and facilities in the CPS Centre would be a huge blow to our village economy, jeopardising people’s livelihoods.
“My campaign will focus on doing everything possible to safeguard those jobs and incomes. Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community and independent traders help to bring people into the village, who in turn use our other local amenities. This rash decision will have a wider effect on Culcheth and is devastating for the people who work in the shops affected.
“I am now taking the following steps:
1) I am in touch with the Steven Broomhead, Chief Executive of Warrington Borough Council, to explore what other premises might be available for lease so that these businesses and community facilities in the CPS Centre do not fold.
2) In tandem with the affected traders, we will refer the fire safety report (which the building management are using to justify their eviction notices) for independent specialist legal advice. We want to see if there are any other options available which would allow the owners to keep the CPS Centre open.
3) I have written to the building management and asked for an urgent face-to-face meeting. I would like to discuss their decision in more detail and explore alternatives. The traders have also been left without a manager in the building. This is making their position even more difficult, and so I would like to see that position reinstated in the event any closure goes ahead.
We will also be asking other businesses in the village to display a ‘Save Our Shops’ poster. We are hoping for a big display of solidarity and support to spread the word and show that we are all united behind our much-valued local businesses.
“It is important to recognise that we cannot force the building owners to do anything, but we can make our voices heard loud and clear. This will be a people-powered, community-focused campaign. I don’t want to see anyone in Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft out of work.
“I look forward to working with the community on this important campaign. We have a lot to do in a short space of time.”
The shock closure announcement came via email last Thursday from London-based owners Shivat Haminim Capital Ltd who acquired the premises in late 2021, stating they had encountered and resolved numerous legacy issues from the previous ownership.
The letter went on to say “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 that The CPS Centre will officially close on 1st March 2025 to facilitate these essential upgrades.”
Traders and politicians react to shock closure notice on CPS Shopping Centre
