Amphitheatre is well worth the money (From Warrington Guardian)

Amphitheatre is well worth the money

TOWN councillors who have come under fire about the development of an amphitheatre in the town have hit back at critics who have complained about the project.

Councillors Chalky White and Alison Roylance-White have received complaints about the development of the town's Bullring and the amount of money spent on the project.

As reported in the Guardian earlier this month, Congleton Borough Council revealed plans for the £236,000 project to create a modern day amphitheatre, which officials hope will attract tourists and eventually new businesses to the town.

Several residents have complained about the costs, despite the fact that the majority of the funding has been awarded by English Heritage specifically for projects of this nature.

Clr White said that when the total contribution from tax paying Middlewich residents was divided, it came to a 'mere 82p per person'.

Clr White said: "I think there's been a bit of a misunderstanding about where the money has actually come from. Most of the money spent has come from grant funding and when you work out just how much it has cost each Middlewich resident, it's less than half a pint of beer."

Clr Roylance White added: "The project is going at a really good pace and we're pleased with the progress it's making.

"At the end of the day we hope this project will attract more people to Middlewich and think that people will get to see the benefits of the projects in the future."

lTown councillors have also responded to anonymous letters they have received detailing concerns about travellers in the town

According to Clr Chalky White, a number of the town councillors received the letters last week raising concerns about the travellers living in the town.

Clr White said: "Middlewich Town Council is not interested in anonymous letters. As a councillor, I'm more than happy to talk with someone if they have an issue they want to discuss, but how can we respond to anonymous letters?"

gsproston@guardiangrp.co.uk