Have you ever been to Skelmersdale Shopping Centre? If not go there – now. Drop everything. Take a camera and the ‘artist’s impression’ of Wilson Bowden’s proposal for Macclesfield town centre. (If you live in Wilmslow stick with me on this. Your turn is coming…)

Skelmersdale, or Skem as the locals call it, is situated midway between Wigan and Liverpool and the Concourse Shopping Centre (the ‘Conny’) was built in the mid 70s (when cement and glass were trendy). Go there and take pictures. Now, concentrate on those Wilson Bowden plans then look at the photos you have just taken. Notice any similarity?

If your car is still where you left it with all four wheels in situ head for home. Show the Wilson Bowden plans to your neighbours and tell them you have photos of how it will all look once it’s finished. Now, show the Skelmersdale photos.

What they did in Skelmersdale in the 70s Wilson Bowden want to do to Macclesfield today. In a breathtaking flurry of brick, steel and cement it looks to me like Macclesfield’s heritage will be replaced by retro Soviet chic.

God knows what all those public consultations achieved. I was not privy to the consensus but I’m damn sure it wasn’t for a dated, brick monstrosity.

Look at what is working in our towns. Treacle Market and Wilmlsow’s Artisan market have enjoyed huge success as has Barnaby and Winter Fest. These events exposed a real desire for people to gather together in a quirky local environment.

Residents love their heritage and Macclesfield has it in spades, none of which is apparent in the proposed scheme. One of the most successful and enduring retailers in Macclesfield is John Douglas on Chestergate which has traded for half a century. Where would a classic store like that fit in with the glass, steel and concrete?

Beware Wilmslow, this kind of ‘planning’ will be heading your way very soon. Closely followed by some veiled threat that this is a ‘once in a lifetime opportunity.’

Do not be bullied.