Stores boost for town

A NEW independent shop and two big name chains could be set to provide a boost for Macclesfield town centre.

Elizabeth and Stephen Hirst have opened Naturally Different, on Market Place, selling natural, organic and fair trade food and household items as well as gluten free, sugar free and dairy free products,

There are also plans for a new Lidl store at Park Green and fashion retailer White Stuff hopes to open a shop in the town in July.

The Express also understands that four more national brands are interested in leasing empty properties on Chestergate and Mill Street. Stephen, of naturally different, said: “Starting this venture has been a little daunting, but the reaction from customers has been very encouraging with people being very excited about being able to buy these products in Macclesfield.”

A Lidl spokesman said a planning application is being prepared but would not comment further.