Secret talks on town centre sites (From Warrington Guardian)

Secret talks on town centre sites

SECRET talks about the state of Randle Brooks' town centre sites are to be held in the New Year.

Knutsford town councillors plan to meet the wealthy landowner's representative, Graham Pike, on January 26.

But the press and the public will be barred from the 'informal' discussions.

The meeting was proposed by Clr Bill Davies.

"We don't seem to be getting anywhere in our dealings with Randle Brooks," he said.

"It's all being done at arm's length. We thought he could tell us where Mr Brooks stands on various issues."

Clr Jennifer Holbrook would only say the meeting would discuss environmental and heritage concerns relating to the Mr Brooks' town centre sites - and said it was unfair to put Mr Pike on the spot by speculating on what questions he would be asked.

But Clr Davies and Clr Bert Grange - who were unaware that the discussions were to be held in private - were prepared to reveal which sites they wanted to ask about.

Among issues likely to be discussed are the Moor Pool flooding and the state of trees on the Heath.

"Someone, somewhere, and Mr Brooks is a vital cog in the wheel, has to get together with the water authorities and Macclesfield," added Clr Grange.

"It's flooded again this week - it's unacceptable."

But Clr Davies stressed that discussions about other sites - such as Red Cow Yard, the ancient town centre ginnels, the access to Parkgate Industrial Estate and the shelved football pitches on Mereheath Lane should be geared towards clarification rather than confrontation.

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