A town councillor has raised concerns that they are being viewed as Cheshire East Council's lapdogs in its plans to transform Wilmslow.
Cllr Christopher Dodson spoke about the plans to revitalise Wilmslow at the Town Council meeting on Monday, 20th February.
He said "I do consider that Cheshire East is now putting the Town Council and people of Wilmslow in an impossible position because they appear to be dribbling information in to the public domain without formulating any specific proposals. I would urge CEC when ready to do so to formulate specific proposals."
Cheshire East Council (CEC) has joined forces with Wilmslow Town Council on the 'Town Vision Project' which involves ambitious plans to transform the town. In November they agreed to spend £15,000 to part fund the appointment of externals consultants who are carrying out a viability study.
The multi-million pound project is looking at revitalising the town centre and creating a vision for the next twenty years. Plans include the development of a lifestyle centre, bringing together leisure facilities and the library. A theatre, enhanced public open spaces, retail and car parking could also be included.
Cllr Dodson raised concerns that local residents think the Town Council are supporting all these plans without knowing all the details.
He said "The impression that is being created is that the Town Council are lapdogs to CEC. I am no lap dog, not even to my wife, but that impression has certainly got out."
Cllr Jim Crockatt, Chairman of Wilmslow Town Council said "Until Wilmslow Town Council has approved something CEC can feed what they like but until it has been done officially and gone through the proper channels and the Wilmslow community have had a chance to look at it and get involved then we shouldn't be concerned."
Town Clerk Matthew Jackson said "The Town Council has said it supports in principle the idea of a cultural corridor with no specifics. That's the only resolution we have made."
Wilmslow Town Council formed a working group to liaise with CEC on the 'Town Vision Project' and they are currently engaging with a number of key stakeholders including Wilmslow High School, Wilmslow Cricket Club, theatre groups and Wilmslow Business Group.
Cllr Crockett said "I am quite impressed with the progress that's been made so far. It is moving forward in a positive way. The final stakeholder meeting will take place on Wednesday."
Matthew Jackson added "Things are progressing, but it is by no means in a finished position to go out to consultation but we will consult when stakeholders have formed a view.
"It is the Town Council being consulted on what will go in to CEC's local plan which is specific to Wilmslow as an area, not specific to the town centre but Wilmslow as a whole. It is going through the stakeholders, then it will go to public consultation."
In January I met with Cllr Michael Jones, Cabinet Member for Resources who is also responsible for the task force working on the project to transform Wilmslow. He said "the public are going to be heavily consulted before any decisions are made".
The timescale for completing this initial phrase is February/March and CEC are hoping to be in a position to start drafting the plan by the summer.
