A glimmer of hope has emerged for tenants at the CPS Centre in Culcheth who are threatened with eviction as Independent local Cllr. Neil Johnson engaged in talks with the landlord’s solicitors.
Cllr. Johnson says he has today (Thursday) completed a “fruitful and constructive conversation” with Landswood De Coy, the legal representatives for the landlords of the CPS Centre, after which a proposed solution has been put forward.
Cllr. Johnson said:”I am pleased to have been the first representative of Culcheth to be invited to engage in discussions with Landswood De Coy, who represents the owners of the CPS Centre. It was a fruitful and constructive conversation.
“They have proposed that Warrington Borough Council could (subject to contract) take on the space on the first floor of the CPS Centre and license the individual units/pitches in the same way they are at present. This would allow the traders to keep on trading, and ensure the long-term sustainability of these treasured local businesses.
“Under this proposal, the Council would manage and maintain the space, so there would obviously be costs associated with this. These costs will have to be looked at closely before an agreement can be entered into, but the Council would receive an income from the businesses that occupy the first floor. This would hopefully offset any outgoings.
“At this very early stage, only a proposal has been made and no agreement has been entered into. Terms would have to be settled on, but I feel strongly that this is worth looking into. After my discussions with Landswood De Coy, I can honestly say that I believe they are entering into this discussion in good faith. I will be asking the Council to approach negotiations in the same frame of mind.
“There are absolutely no guarantees, but this could be the light at the end of the tunnel. It offers a glimmer of hope for the tenants of the CPS Centre and is a huge step forward in the campaign to Save Our Shops.
“I have written to the Chief Executive of Warrington Council, Steven Broomhead, to put him in touch with Landswood De Coy so that further talks around this proposal can commence. Because of the huge impact of this issue on our community, I have asked for his personal oversight of the matter. As the independent voice of the people, I have also asked to be kept in the loop at every stage so that I can mediate and negotiate with both parties. My top priority is to come to a reasonable and amicable resolution that protects jobs, businesses and livelihoods. We all have an interest in saving our shops and it now seems that the Council has an opportunity to help us do that.
“I hope for the support of all Councillors, regardless of their political stripe, in making this happen. Come on, Warrington Council – let’s save the CPS Centre together!”
Traders were served with a 28 day eviction notice two weeks ago on health and safety grounds, with the owners saying fire safety works were not feasible while units were occupied.
