A BUSINESSMAN is winning support for efforts to combat what he describes as 'the continuing demise of Altrincham town centre'.

Nick Banks is gaining backing from fellow traders and residents who say they are increasingly alarmed at the number of businesses going under.

The latest to throw in the towel is Mothercare, which is closing its George Street store at the end of the year.

Mr Banks, the owner of Franc's restaurant, reckons he has 16 traders who are very keen to set up a new group to promote the town.

He told SAM "The first thing you're greeted with when you get into Altrincham is the sight of empty shops - it looks terrible.

"Parking is very difficult for visitors due to excessive ticketing and high car parking tarriffs. And the rent on shop spaces has now gone up! We need to do something now to stop this rot - people in the area need to stand up and be heard. There's a real fear and uncertainty in new businesses in the area and many people are backing my call for action."

Paul Tandy - former proprietor of the World Service restaurant which recently closed due to poor trade - says: "It seems that nobody goes out in Altrincham anymore and it doesn't help that the council appears to have lost its focus on the area now that the Trafford Centre has been built."

Mothercare press officer Jane Buckham told SAM: "When shoppers start to change their habits - for example, going to bigger stores - profit at the smaller shops goes down and they often end up being closed. This is the case here."

Mike Plant, of M & M Plant Jewellers believes offering more free parking would help trade and told SAM: "Trafford needs to be releasing some of the car parks around here - this would give the businesses a much-needed boost.

"A free period of time running up to Christmas on car parks at the southern end of the town would give businesses a break and encourage people to walk and browse through the town."

Mr Banks is pleading for anyone concerned about what he calls 'the overall decline in standards in Altrincham' not to remain silent.

But John Gray, chairman of the Altrincham Town Centre Partnership, is keen to allay fears that the authorities are ignoring problems in the town centre.

He told SAM: "The partnership, in conjuction with the council, property owners and local businesses have been working to address issues concerning the vitality of the town centre.

"Businesses are welcome to become a member of the partnership and to discuss concerns which will be taken forward at meetings - we feel very strongly that issues concerning the town are not only the responsibility of the council.

"The town is at a critical stage as it waits for the planning application for the Tesco development to be brought forward. Many issues are dependent on the successful progression of the development sites and we hope that this will be the catalyst for more comprehensive improvements to the town in the future."

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