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Shoppers urged to revive local trade

Betty Anderson
31/10/2007

HAS the bubble burst for Wilmslow?

Retail trade has gone flat according to the business group which has called on loyal shoppers to lead a revival before the peak Christmas season.

Spokesman David Bolton said: "It’s not the Champagne town it once was. It should be, but it isn’t at the moment."

Trade was hit in the summer by major roadworks as ancient underground water pipes were replaced.

And now a string of empty shops is spreading doom and gloom in the retail sector.

The closure of McDonald’s in Water Lane last week was another blow and leaves a gaping hole in the shopping street.

The empty premises are next door to a vacant unit, formerly The Icon Gallery, which pulled out last month and within yards of a shoe shop which closed earlier in the year.

Mr Bolton said it was time for the community to rally.

And he called on traders to seek a comprehensive review of rents because of the downturn.

He said: "Landlords need to be aware of the tough trading conditions.

"And as a business group we need to work together with them to ensure that we are all profitable. They need to be a bit more understanding that Wilmslow is not the champagne drinking town it should be.

"On a personal perspective when we have United Utilities digging up the area - even though they were efficient - people get out of the habit of coming to Wilmslow and it takes a bit of time for them to return."

Hairdressing salon Toni and Guy is among the first to stake a claim for rent reduction.

The firm has called in consultants to negotiate a review because of the current trading climate.

A spokesman said: "In the vast majority of cases actual trading patterns have not reflected anything like the level of growth the landlord and their agents are trying to obtain and indeed in many cases trade is now below what it was four or five years ago."

Greedy landlords have been steadily pushing up rents and huge rises have led to retailers moving elsewhere to remain competitive.

Susan Smart design rooms moved out earlier in the year after a decade on Alderley Road saying a huge rise following a rent review was to blame.

Businesses have also been seeking rate reductions due to the impact of roadworks on trade.