REGARDING the Guardian’s front page article last week about Barons Quay.

It’s no secret that the decision to build Barons Quay was taken at a time when the retail environment was very different from the challenging one we’re experiencing today. That’s why our investment in Barons Quay needs to be a longterm commitment to the future of the town.

As is usual for developments of this type, we anticipated that there would be deficits in the early years that would need to be repaid by future surpluses.

In the past year, contracts have been exchanged with major fashion retailer H&M, The Entertainer toy shop, Sports Direct and the Card Factory as well as Barons Quay Social: a new food, drink and entertainment venue due to open later this month.

As the landlord, we continue to monitor the position on a monthly basis and a regular update is shared with Cabinet and added to our website for anyone that wishes to take a look.

The really positive news is that we are currently in talks with several potential new tenants who are interested in taking a unit in the scheme. Let me reassure you that the council is committed to working with the town council, the BID, the traders and other groups in and around the town to help Northwich thrive.

Cllr Richard Beacham Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth