THERE have been mixed views among Winsford politicians after plans to regenerate the town centre were submitted.

A planning application was recently lodged on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) for the first stage of a £21m redevelopment, with new stores and restaurants, community hub, garden centre and drive-through coffee shop all part of the scheme.

The town’s mayor has since hailed an end to an era of ‘neglect’ by private owners, but an opposition councillor said the proposals could have been ‘bolder’.

Labour councillor for Winsford Wharton and Winsford’s mayor, Cllr Nathan Pardoe, said: “I'm delighted that the planning application for the first phase of the Winsford town centre redevelopment has been submitted. It includes new spaces for bars and restaurants, modern retail units and a community hub with public toilets.

“The plans also include a new civic square which will act as a town centre home for our war memorials. This will be a big improvement on their current location and will give people a more appropriate space to commemorate and reflect.”

Cllr Pardoe, who is also chair of the Winsford Regeneration Joint Member Working Group (JMWG) at CWAC, added: “Winsford families can look forward to a space they can enjoy and a town centre they can be proud of.

“The neglect by private owners is finally at an end thanks to the council backing Winsford and buying the town centre in 2018.

“Thanks to council staff for their work on these ambitious plans and to all residents who shared their ideas and helped shape them.”

Conservative councillor for Winsford Over and Verdin Cllr Mike Baynham, said: “I am delighted that the Government has supported the levelling up of Winsford through the Future High Street fund.

“Like many residents, I have longed for Winsford to be developed and made accessible for the whole community to enjoy and the new plan addresses most of what is needed right now and in the future.

“However, the council could have made a bolder statement in its vision for the town as large parts of the town will still be largely unseen by people who will travel through on the A54, an important consideration when trying to entice people to stop and enjoy the town centre.

“Winsford Conservatives have called for the library to be rebuilt in a modern style and the market to play a much greater role in the plan, sadly these opinions have been ignored by the council.”