A civic group member who has long campaigned for town centre improvements says Wilmslow is becoming the ‘street clutter capital of Cheshire’.
Brian McGavin, former vice-chairman of Wilmslow Trust, was speaking on the back of a revised Wilmslow Vision document.
Town councillors have rubber-stamped the new document which sets out proposals for Wilmslow for the next 20 years, including where housing may be built.
But Mr McGavin says there are other important issues which need addressing, including unnecessary street furniture.
This is in line with ideas by Wilmslow Trust for a ‘shared space’ scheme which removes signs and lines.
Mr McGavin said: “The vision says it aims to ‘green’ the town centre, yet the opposite is happening.
“The cementing over of two landscaped office frontages on Alderley Road opposite Sainsbury’s is an example.
“The rest of this attractive, wide paving area could go too if similar planning consents are given.
“The recent Britain in Bloom award is being undermined by Cheshire East continuing to make Wilmslow centre the street clutter capital of Cheshire.
“Nothing is being said about more ugly ram-raider posts on pavements, unnecessary street signs, a failed policy to control rampant A-board advertising and increasing car parking on wider pavements.”
He claims the council has ignored a plan devised four years ago with ideas for improvements.
He said: “The trust and business group presented a detailed, low-cost landscape enhancement plan for the centre to council leaders.
“It would be a lasting benefit for residents, visitors and local business, but nothing has been done, even though the proposals were re-presented to the town council last January.”
