MOVING into Winsford Cross shopping centre has boosted business for a pet shop.

Doolittles Pet Supplies is the first tenant to transfer to the town centre development since the council bought the centre for £19.75 million earlier this year.

Owner Andrew Crossfield said: “We were on Delamere Street before. It was hard for people to get to us and parking was an issue. We wanted to move here to try and better ourselves and expand our business. We have got the potential to do that now here.

“There is a lot more footfall here and people coming into the shop are saying it is better for them to get to us. Now they are doing their shopping and coming to us and don’t have to make a special journey. Things are looking good early days and we have got the rear access for deliveries to come in, that’s a big help.”

Cheshire West and Chester Council plans to improve the town centre after buying the land in February and work is already underway to repair the roof and windows at Winsford Cross.

National planning and development consultancy Montagu Evans has been appointed by the council to help create a long term delivery strategy, which will include improving the infrastructure and unlocking development opportunities to create a revitalised town centre.

Mr Crossfield added: “It is great that the council is involved in Winsford Cross. There has been mention of redeveloping and doing the rest of it up which can only be a good thing for everybody. There is a lot of house building going on so that means more people coming here.

“Any help for any business is good. People want variety and that is what gets people to come into shopping centres. If they have got more to look at they are going to be coming in more often and spending more. People like to park, have a great choice of shops and spend the day here and use the local restaurants.

“We could also have leisure facilities, especially with them putting up the lifestyle centre. It is all in a self-contained area so it can only improve. Winsford is a small town but with the planned development of new homes we want those people to shop in their own town centre.

“It is winning all around. There is a lot to be positive about in Winsford. The council buying back into it and promoting it is to encourage Winsford people back into the town centre. If the council can encourage new businesses to come in then it is good for everybody.”

Cllr Brian Clarke, cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, said: “Lots of work is going on to revitalise the town centre and we need residents’ views about how we should transform an important site in the town centre. In the coming months, we will be seeking your views and ideas.

"Please keep an eye out online and in the town centre for opportunities to join the debate and take part in the discussion.”