SEVERAL shops are moving out of Winsford Cross Shopping Centre stating that it is due to be partially demolished.

Shops in the Queens Parade area of the shopping centre have moved out or are due to move out of their premises and claim that they have been told to move as the Queens parade is due to be knocked down – despite the council denying the claims.

Ableworld closed their store in Winsford Cross on Saturday, July 23, and has not yet found another premises in the town.

Ableworld released a statement, claiming that the reason they were forced to leave was due to plans for Queens Parade to be demolished.

A spokesman for Ableworld said: “We are very sad to see our Winsford store close as we have thoroughly enjoyed serving the Winsford community for the past nine years, and we would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support over this time.

“Unfortunately the site of our store was part of the Queens Parade in Winsford Cross Shopping Centre which is being knocked down as part of the redevelopment and as yet we haven’t found new premises.

“Ableworld will remain dedicated to helping as many customers as possible to maintain their independence and remain in the comfort of their own homes for as long as they can. We still have many stores across the north west as well as the rest of the UK, the nearest store being 41 London Road, Northwich. We would always like to have a presence in the Winsford community and if the right opportunity comes along you will see us again soon.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council has denied that it has given stores a notice period to vacate and denied any plan to demolish the Queens Parade.

Cllr Brian Clarke, cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said: "No plans have been submitted for demolition or partial demolition of the shopping centre. We are continuing to talk with the shopping centre owners over a phased redevelopment."

Winsford charity Bandedge Resurrected, who were also based in Queens Parade, have left their premises and put an appeal on Facebook looking for a new location.

Rob Allen, on behalf of Bandedge Resurrected, said: “Due to the redevelopment of Winsford town centre, we are losing our base which has been very generously donated to us by the Town Centre Management company for the last 3 years.

“We need to find a new location in Winsford where we can teach groups of up to 12 people, so noise is an issue, and be able to securely store all our equipment.”

Bandedge have since found new premises.

Ponda Chemist in Queens Parade also confirmed to the Guardian that the store had been given notice to leave and is due to move into a new premises elsewhere in the shopping centre in less than three weeks.