A Wilmslow resident has pleaded with the Town Council to defend the interests of the residents of Wilmslow and not just follow the wishes of Cheshire East Council (CEC) when deciding how to redevelop the town centre.
Clive Bassil, of Edgeway, also asked councillors, at their meeting on Monday December 19th, to protect Rectory Fields and the library.
Wilmslow Town Council has joined forces with CEC to develop ambitious plans for the town centre and has set up a working group to liaise with them on the multi-million pound project. They have held their first meeting and are now drawing up a list of the main organisations which should be consulted in the new year.
The Town Council also voted to financially support the project by paying £15,000 towards the appointment of external consultations to "help interpret base line data, provide specialised planning experience, advise on viability, advise on the property market and give independent input into public and stakeholder engagement."
Speaking about Rectory Fields, Clive, who has lived in Wilmslow for 25 years, said "It is my appreciation that the current proposals anticipate that this area will be incorporated into the project, either as car parking or retail store.
"This area in its sylvan setting was inherited by the residents of Wilmslow. Is it not our duty and should it not be our legacy to future generations of Wilmslow to permit them to benefit from this special town centre green space in the future?"
Mr Bassil's second plea was regarding proposals which he believes will affect the library.
He told councillors "As I understand it the plans are that the existing library will be demolished and incorporated into the lifestyle building. It is also my understanding that the Lifestyle Centre, incorporating the library, will be situated on the North school playing fields.
"I believe the outcome of removing it from its present location to the proposed one, 1/4 mile out of the town centre, will cause a significant drop in usage and an equivalent increased car usage by those determined to access it.
"Casual foot traffic, the ageing population of Wilmslow and young mothers with pushchairs will be dissuaded from spending the time and effort in making the visit that would otherwise have been routine."
Mr Bassil urged the town council to "resist any efforts that result in the Rectory Fields and their setting being lost and the library being moved from its current location, no matter what effort it takes."
Adding "My final plea is that Wilmslow Town Council stands up and defends the interests of the residents of Wilmslow and does not merely fall into the slipstream of the wishes of Cheshire East Council."
Cheshire East Council and Wilmslow Town Council will be engaging with a number of key stakeholders over the coming months, including Wilmslow High School and local business groups, and hope to have more solid plans in place by spring.
Cllr Rod Menlove, Cabinet member with responsibility for environmental services, told me that Cheshire East Council intends to hold a public consultation about their ambitious plans for the town centre in January or February 2012.
Photo: Cheshire East Council Leader Councillor Wesley Fitzgerald with Wilmslow Town Councillors Ruth McNulty and Jim Crockatt at Rectory Fields.
