ANGRY traders in Culcheth are calling for a reduction in rates following a loss of business caused by the closure of Wilton Lane over the festive season.
Warrington North MP Helen Jones and Cllrs Chris Vobe and Matt Smith are backing the traders in their bid to get the business rate reduction from Warrington Borough Council as a “gesture of goodwill.”
The MP said: “The decision by the council to close Wilton Lane on the run up to Christmas had a serious knock-on effect for many shops and small businesses in the village.
“These businesses rely on the trade that the Christmas and New Year period brings. They are small firms which provide jobs for local people and help to keep our economy moving. The council chose to threaten the viability of many local firms by carrying out these repairs at the worst possible time.”
Her comments were supported by Cllrs Smith and Vobe who said they aimed to do all they can to support local traders and believe they deserve a fair deal from the council.
They said they have written to the Chief Executive Steven Broomhead, asking for a rate reduction for every Culcheth businesses to compensate for the loss during road closure.
In a joint statement they said: “The council have already admitted that mistakes were made during this work programme.
“Our letter makes clear that a rates reduction would serve as the gesture of goodwill that is sorely needed in these difficult times. It would be a tangible helping hand to exactly the kind of businesses we are trying to help during these difficult economic times.”
They say the road is the main route into the village for people in nearby Lowton and Golborne, and closure provoked “widespread controversy” last year.
They said: “Traders angrily protested about the loss of business they suffered on the approach to Christmas.”
Pictured are Helen Jones MP, Cllr Chris Vobe, and traders at the campaign launch.
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Heard that it is now going to go on until April, so will affect Easter trading.