THERE are now way over 20 empty businesses on the main road through Altrincham.

In contrast, there was a celebration of the 'completion' of Goose Green.

One might ask to what end ? There is an ever diminishing number of independent shops in Altrincham: one might argue that this is due to the Trafford Centre,but in Hale, in contrast,there are quite a few independent shops,and no empty ones.

It seems that Trafford Council,and Altrincham Forward are acting rather like the Romans with the Barbarians at the Gates of Rome.

They are sitting in their cosy little offices, collecting their expenses, and hoping for a miracle that will suddenly bring life back into the heart of Altrincham.

The only miracle that will do this is drastic reduction of the rents and council tax on businesses, and reserved parking places for those people who have invested money in trying to start a business in Altrincham.

Trafford Council needs to engage their brains into gear, and realise that it is not 'parades and events',that will bring trade back into Altrincham, but allowing businesses to make a profit, to make them worthwhile to provide a living for their owners.

Thirty years ago,when we moved to Altrincham, it was a thriving centre. There was a specialist cheese shop, butchers, wine merchants, fishmonger and game shop,and Rackhams was a proper department store,with a food shop and deli.

This was along with the presence of Sainsbury's supermarket.

What have we now?

No cheese shop, no game shop, no wine merchants, no fishmongers, no butchers.

Perhaps the council should increase it's revenue by increasing the council rates on the £1m - £5m properties in Hale, Hale Barns and Bowdon,and decrease the taxes on businesses in Altrincham, but that might lose a few votes.

David Olliver