‘Regeneration will stop our town becoming forgotten’

Purchase of market hall at the centre of revitalisation plans

THE purchase of Cheadle Market Hall is key to kick off a regeneration programme for the town.

The purchase, along with the refurbishment of the leisure centre and a car parking strategy, are three of the top priorities to be brought forward by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

A survey highlighted that traffic congestion was an issue, while the infrastructure and facilities in Cheadle were insufficient to support new residential development.

A report to councillors at the last meeting of the ruling cabinet by executive director, Neil Rodgers, said: “The cabinet meeting of December 1, 2020 reaffirmed the decision made in October to commission a public consultation exercise and survey, overseen by the Stakeholder Panel, to seek the views of local people, businesses and organisations of Cheadle on all the regeneration issues and opportunities for the town centre.

“The purpose was to inform the priorities for delivering regeneration projects for the town centre.

“The Stakeholder Panel has met six times in 2021 to guide community engagement work and offer feedback to the council regarding residents’ priorities.

“The panel has overseen a very successful household survey, providing direction for the council’s next steps.

“This report provides public record of the achievements of the Panel and marks the end of its successful programme of activities.”

Two surveys were undertaken in 2021, inviting those who live, work or visit Cheadle to offer their views on issues and opportunities for the town

centre.

The Community, Residents and Tourism Subgroup of the Cheadle Stakeholder Panel received 516 responses to the questionnaire.

The council received 841 responses to the survey distributed to households in the town as part of a Cheadle Community Newsletter. Analysis of the feedback from both surveys highlighted traffic and congestion as a key concern for residents.

Other principal findings were that respondents considered:

The current infrastructure and facilities in Cheadle are insufficient to support new residential development;

There is a need to introduce free, short stay parking to allow visitors to ‘pop in’ to local shops and facilitate school drop off and pick up;

Contactless methods to pay for parking should be introduced;

The town needs more, and a greater variety of shops;

The condition and maintenance of street furniture and signage is a concern;

The current leisure centre should be improved and retained in the same location.

Speaking at the cabinet meeting, council leader Sybil Ralphs, left, said: “Now it’s delivery time.

“Staffordshire Moorlands District Council will now formulate a plan of action to deliver.

“We are keen to purchase Cheadle Market Hall, which is in the centre of the town, and could be improved.

“With regards to the leisure centre, people thought we were bringing in the bulldozers, this is far from the truth.

“It could have been moved to the town centre and made bigger or we improve what we have, which is what most people want.

“The hospital site we do not own, it is in the hands of the health trust. We are working with the trust. Little by little we will deliver on projects. We are committed to delivery and when work starts we will continue to seek Cheadle people’s views.”

Deputy leader of the council, Councillor Mark Deaville said: “Cheadle has been forgotten, but not anymore. The locals know their area.

“I would like to thank Ian Plant, chairman of the Stakeholder Panel, for their work. Everyone wants the best for Cheadle and the surrounding area.

“We are to make sure all plans are delivered, which will enhance Cheadle.”

Councillor Andrew Hart said things had been changed which showed that people had been listened to.