BREXIT may have influenced the lack of businesses committing to Barons Quay, two ward councillors have claimed.

Cllr Sam Naylor, Cheshire West and Chester Council ward member for Winnington and Castle, has come in the firing line as the council remains tight-lipped about any developments with the £80 million scheme.

Cllr Naylor said the instability in the wake of the UK’s decision to leave the EU may have contributed to the development’s woes.

“You cannot escape the fact that we have taken this decision, with Brexit, that is destabilizing the country,” Cllr Naylor said.

“No-one knows what Brexit is going to bring.

“If I was the financial director of a big company I would want to wait until things have stabilized.”

Fellow ward councillor, Paul Dolan, also believes the decision to leave the European Union may have had had a negative impact on Barons Quay.

Cllr Dolan said: “I think Brexit is having an impact on decisions across the country.

“I don’t know if that is having an influence here. I think it is.”

Asda was the first business to launch at Barons Quay, which was quickly followed by Odeon and Wildwood.

Since then there has been no official announcements.

Back in May a ‘major’ retailer – believed to be H&M – was expected to be revealed as joining the scheme, although this has yet to materialise.

While building work has progressed, a number of units have laid vacant for months.

Cllr Naylor pointed the finger to the changing retail landscape as part of the issue.

He said: “What you have got to remember from the start is that it was a decision made by the previous administrations.

“At the time the bottom just started to fall out of retail and markets.

“The council decided to develop and invest in Barons Quay, but the council had to do it themselves.

“The tax payers are funding it, it’s not some big developer with billions in the bank.

“I’m not criticising them for it, but it was a gamble to say the least.”

Cllr Dolan said the rise of internet shopping has changed the retail experience ‘dramatically’.

He said: “I think people, particularly older people, rely on retail shopping. They don’t use the internet.

“I still feel there is a demand for it.”

Cllr Naylor reassured residents that CWAC are committed to delivering Barons Quay.

He said: “People are getting impatient, they think the council are dragging their feet.

“All I can say is – and I have looked into it – Cheshire West and Chester Council are doing everything they can to make Northwich a success."