'Neglected' area puts shopkeepers' backs up (From Warrington Guardian)

'Neglected' area puts shopkeepers' backs up

SHOPKEEPERS in a 'neglected' part of Winsford are calling for improvements to the area surrounding their businesses which they have slammed as disgusting.

The comments have been made by businessmen and women with premises on Old High Street who say the trees are never cut back and rubbish is not cleared away.

Alan Sheen, owner of Alan Sheen Sewing Machines, said: "It's an absolute disgrace and I am sure it is affecting business round here.

"I have not seen anyone cut the trees in two years and half the time the street lights don't work.

"We are ratepayers just like everyone else and the state of the area opposite the shops is affecting trade - there is no doubt about it.

"It is time an issue was made about this because it has been going on for too long and it is getting worse.

"It isn't only me who is concerned about this. You would get the same comments from every shop owner round here.

"There is litter all over the place and although the people who drop it are to blame, it needs to be cleaned up regularly because it just looks a disgrace at the moment."

The issue has now been taken up by town and county councillor Tony Hooton.

He said: "I agree with what he is saying and I have raised this lots of times but people like their trees in Winsford and don't seem to want to cut them back and let people see through them.

"This is an area we should be opening up.

"In a lot of other towns it would be an area that would end up being filled with restaurants.

"A lot of trade is done down there and I have a lot of sympathy for them."

phennessey@guardiangrp.co.uk