Restaurant owner claims officials fail to see benefits of town's offices (From Warrington Guardian)

Restaurant owner claims officials fail to see benefits of town's offices

TOWN councillors have been criticised for making life difficult for office workers.

Matthew Mooney, who owns a restaurant and sandwich shop in Knutsford, said they were good for business.

"Office workers are the lifeblood of the town during the day," he said.

"They are hugely important to the local economy and also for the atmosphere of the town."

Mr Mooney said while some residents might be driving further afield to Manchester, Chester and Warrington to do their shopping, the office workers were spending their hard-earned cash in Knutsford - during the day and at night.

"They should be considered in a positive way," he said. "These people should be encouraged into town." Eurocamp moved out of town in 1998 after 25 years and relocated its headquarters to Hartford Manor.

The firm was one of Knutsford's biggest employers and around 270 employees were involved in the £1 million move.

In recent years other big companies including SSL have followed suit and moved out of town to do business elsewhere.

"It has had a massive impact on the town," said Mr Mooney.

His comments came as town councillors last week objected to the Sessions House Lodge being turned into a small office. "We don't need another office,"

Councillor Jennifer Holbrook told her colleagues at their meeting last week. Councillor Barbara Austin said the lodge in Toft Road should be retained as a house. Town mayor Wilson Hamman pointed out that there were currently plenty of offices available on the Parkgate Industrial Estate and Booths Hall.

"I also see there are two signs up to let outside Canute Court," he said.

But on Monday estate agent Rodney Jennings said there was a big demand for smaller offices and plenty of interest from companies wanting to move in.

At last week's meeting councillor Colin Hurrell appealed to his colleagues to let businesses in the town thrive.

"Aren't we getting too tied up with the issue of all these offices?" he said.

"They want to do business here. We shouldn't block these things."

But his colleagues disagreed.

The borough council is due to make a final decision next month.

ssmith@guardiangrp.co.uk