Macclesfield's MP has met with a rail operator to open a dialogue and improve links to our town centre.

Revitalising Macclesfield town centre was a key priority at the meeting with Macclesfield's MP, David Rutley, and Mark Osborne, Regional Growth Manager at Avanti West Coast in the offices of North Cheshire Chamber of Commerce, in Macclesfield.

Sue Bowden, Chief Executive Officer of North Cheshire Chamber, also joined the meeting to set out the views of the Chamber's members on this vital local issue.

At the meeting Mr Osborne explained how Avanti West Coast wants to help better connect people and places with opportunity, which is why the intercity train operator is very committed to working with local partners to strengthen links to the town centre.

It wants to work to enhance the approach to Macclesfield station to benefit both rail users and the local community to make it a fitting gateway that both residents and visitors can be proud of.

The approach to and from the station will become even more important as plans for HS2 are developed over the years ahead.

As the country makes progress on the roadmap out of lockdown, the need for economic recovery plans is clear in local communities, particularly in Macclesfield. This is an important moment in time to press forward with much-needed initiatives to regenerate the town centre and support local businesses impacted by the pandemic, including non-essential retailers, cafes, restaurants and bars.

David is continuing to actively work with Cheshire East Council to deliver projects to improve the public realm as an urgent priority, in areas such as Market Place and Chestergate.

David said: "It's time to take forward more ambitious plans for Macclesfield town centre.

"I am pleased to see Avanti West Coast adding its support to these initiatives.

"I will go on working with Avanti West Coast, Cheshire East Council and other local stakeholders, community groups and businesses to help make the town centre a more distinctive destination that local residents deserve – it is a more important priority than ever."

After the Macclesfield town centre meeting, Mr Osborne said, "We are delighted to have joined the North Cheshire Chamber of Commerce as a member, and meet with David to help work to establish a clear vision to revitalise Macclesfield town centre, as the UK builds back better after COVID.

"We share the aspirations of the Chamber and David to provide the best experience for our customers and the town of Macclesfield.

"The introduction of our new Standard Premium offer to improve choice and comfort onboard, as well as our work with Network Rail to refurbish the lifts at Macclesfield station are great examples of this."

For more information about Macclesfield's MP since 2010, please head to this website.