MY VISION IS POSITIVE
HAVING read Vic
Barlow’s recent column I felt the need to respond and lay out my own ‘alternative vision’ for Macclesfield.
In the last 14 years we have seen little or no economic growth as a country, this lies squarely at the feet of the current government.
This has led to massive cuts in funding for Cheshire East and councils across the North West.
They are faced with unenviable decisions to avoid cutting services for the most vulnerable children and adults combined with a homeless crisis caused by a clear political choice by the Conservative government not to build enough social housing.
Town and Parish Councils across the country are filling the gaps left by their larger council partners.
Against the better judgement of Cheshire East and Macclesfield Town Council, we have seen the impact of out of town retail developments like Barracks Lane, on our high street.
Approved by central government, allied to the high business rates our local traders struggle with, it has had the impact we expected, we have seen a number of large stores move there.
Prior to taking my current job with a local housing association I was a director of a successful property business.
Our town and local businesses need our support and investment, as a local entrepreneur and business owner, Vic, I am sure you understand this.
The Town Council and Cheshire East have secured and will deliver £3-4m of investment in new public toilets, the indoor market, Castle Street and public real improvements.
The regular free events and free bus travel the Town Council runs supports our hard pressed families coping with an all to real cost of living crisis, they increase footfall and provide much needed business for our local independent shops and hospitality.
The pavilion in South Park is part of this investment in our town.
I and my fellow town councillors have listened to the people of Macclesfield in the consultation events we have held.
We were given a mandate by the good
people of Macclesfield in the council elections held last year.
No one takes the increase in the precept lightly.
Our precept for the Town Council is lower that other similar towns in Cheshire.
It will support our work in the town, the investment we make and our work with community groups including Citizens Advice a key service for hard pressed residents.
50p a month for a Band D property will go to fund the pavilion.
A building that will match the vision and ambition of those who created the park and form part of building the future for Macclesfield.
Your fellow local media has taken the chance to interview me about this already.
The offer remains open to you if you want to know more or cover the business case outlined in recent council meetings.
All being well I start my
term as Mayor of Macclesfield next month.
This is an honour and something I will do as my thank you to the town and its people who have welcomed my family so warmly.
My ‘alternative vision’ will see us support and encourage our vibrant volunteer groups, will promote our culture and heritage, will continue with free events for our families, promote local business and bring visitors in our town and build our future by delivering investment like the pavilion.
This will bring further investment like more affordable housing I believe we need in the town centre.
My experience in business is if we, together, build our future this will bring further private sector investment and growth to our town.
As the Mayor I will be rolling my sleeves up to deliver this.
There will be plenty of
opportunities for you Vic to join in as a volunteer, attend charity fundraising events, dig in local allotments, plant trees and report back.
You can even join me and my fellow volunteers in the gardens of Christchurch on a Saturday morning come rain or shine.
I look forward to seeing your reports on these opportunities.
I will be watching with interest.
Councillor Sandy Livingstone
Deputy Mayor
Central Ward Macclesfield Town Council
NO TALK, JUST THE FACTS
I READ with incredulity BARLOW’S BACK column in today’s Express that Cheshire East Staff really are the best
What planet is he on? Most residents of most towns in the UK have
nothing good to say about any local councils
Please can Vic put in print exactly who and how these staff have been wonderful to him ?
Talks cheap. Let’s have some facts !!
Jamie Simpson via email