Options for Cheadle to be shaped by consultation response

Published on 13 December 2021

Options for potential uses of key sites in Cheadle town centre are being developed following public consultation in the summer.

Staffordshire Moorlands District Council is considering schemes aimed at increasing the number of people visiting the town and spending money on the high street as part of its commitment to creating safer and healthier environments for people to live and work in and creating a strong economy.

To help inform this work, the Council asked residents, businesses, organisations and partners for their views on five emerging priorities for the town to ensure that local opinions and views form a key part of future plans.

The Stakeholder Panel set up to oversee this process will receive a report on the results of the consultation at a meeting this week.

Councillor Sybil Ralphs, Leader of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, said: "Over the summer the Stakeholder Panel led the public consultation exercise that resulted in over 800 people sharing their views about the possible future development of the town centre.

"That was a key stage in the process and we were clear from the outset that the views of local people would be heard, and given full consideration, before any decisions were made.

"Analysis of the results of that consultation gives us a very clear picture of what people in the town want. This information, together with further clarity from partners about their plans for their sites, will now guide what happens next.

"We'll be saying more about that in the New Year but, for now, I'd like to express my gratitude to the Panel for completing this important piece of work and, of course, to everyone who took the time to share their views."

Alongside the consultation, the Future High Streets Task Force has also been working with businesses and local community leaders to explore how to increase footfall.

A workshop held in October identified suggested actions and smaller scale projects, such as improved cleaning and maintenance of public areas, that could be taken forward. Further meetings with Cheadle's representatives are planned in the New Year where these suggestions will be considered for inclusion in an action plan for the town.

Councillor Ralphs added: "What has really come across strongly through the consultation and the conversations that have taken place is the enthusiasm and commitment of so many people, businesses and organisations to Cheadle and its future.

"That, and the clear steer we've been given by the local community, is what we'll build on as we work in partnership to shape the development of the town."