Here is the first interview in our new series entitled 'Wilmslow People'.
On a weekly basis I will be putting a set of similar questions to somebody local about their connection with Wilmslow and their thoughts about the town.
During the series the intention is to feature local people from a variety of backgrounds and different occupations. If you would like to feature in the 'Wilmslow People' series or suggest someone else then please email me [email protected].
Full name: Steve Kennedy
Age: 56
Occupation: Director/Owner Mail Boxes ETC, Water Lane.
Marriage status: Married
Any children? Lewis 16 in the band The Lost 37 and Rory 19 studying medicine at Plymouth Uni.
Where do you live? Knutsford Road, Wilmslow.
Hobbies and interests? Cook, musician, biker, motorsports.
How long have you lived in Wilmslow? 25 years
How long have you worked in Wilmslow? 14 years
Where did you move from and why? Didsbury - too expensive to upgrade!
What do you most like about living in Wilmslow?
It's a hub. Close to airport, has train station, close to Manchester, close to countryside, motorway access, it's on the edge of the Cheshire countryside yet so very well connected.... just like it's inhabitants :-)
What changes/improvements would you like to see in Wilmslow?
Free WiFi for the Town. A roof over Bank Square, tensile structure to enable its continued use in poor weather (The Bank Square Bandstand). Digital signage and media boards. I'd love to see traffic on Grove Street again, just one way.
What have been the biggest changes to Wilmslow since you have been here? Pedestrianisation of Grove Street and the Bypass.
What do you miss about the town that has since gone?
All the shopping facilities we used to have on Grove Street that you now have to go elsewhere for.
If there is one thing about Wilmslow you could eliminate what would it be?
Shabbiness. I'd love to see it get a makeover - bent/crooked signs straightened, same with litter bins, areas de-cluttered, cracked/bowed paving sorted. The guttering/downspouts on Grove Street are pure medieval.
Describe Wilmslow in 3 words? If it was Wilmslow's school report it would get "a good effort".
What is your favourite way to spend a day out and about in Wilmslow or the surrounding area?
I am passionate about our event days, our motorshow, our market days, Party in the Park etc, generally any event lovingly put together by friends, associates with pure graft always get my vote and attendance for the day - even the Alderley ones.
What is the most underrated thing about Wilmslow? Chapel Lane shops.
What are the main myths about Wilmslow?
Pavements paved with gold. I've seen many a business fail in year one because they thought something magical would just happen.
Are you a member of a club or association based in the town? Wilmslow Business Group.
If you didn't live in Wilmslow where would you want to move to?
A small town in the south of France, within striking distance of the coast and the ski slopes and some nice biking roads.
Photo: Steve (left) with Andrew Broomhead, Managing Director of Royles Jaguar.
