To help bring our Town Council even closer to the people and businesses it serves, I wanted to update on the recent Full Council meeting that took place on Monday, July 28.

With the Mayor of Macclesfield unavailable, I stepped in as your Deputy Mayor to Chair the meeting. It was my first time chairing Full Council, and at age 25 I believe I am the youngest Chair on record (unless anyone can correct me?)

Regular Reports

At the beginning of the meeting, we heard reports from Cheshire Police and the Citizens Advice Bureau - the latter of which we support with funding. We scrutinised the Police for their work and pressed for them to provide Councillors with contact details of local Officers so we can work closer with them on identifying local issues and finding solutions. With CAB, we receive regular updates from their local Chief Officer and this once again demonstrated the immense contribution that the service makes locally.

Business Improvement District (BID) Feasibility Study proposal

Moving on, I shifted the agenda round a bit so that our main item - the proposal to fund a Feasibility Study for a Business Improvement District (BID) for Macclesfield - was earlier, enabling our speakers Chris and Justine to present to the Council. It is the BID proposal that has generated significant local interest and as such, I wanted to take the time to address this.

Firstly, to be clear, the Town Council has agreed to fund a feasibility study. This does not mean we have agreed to fund a BID, but rather analysis to demonstrate whether a BID is viable for the town. Think of it as a detailed business case. One thing I have been clear on is that a BID should not be 'imposed' upon the town if it will do more harm than good. 

In the buildup to this proposal being brought forward, the Town Centre Regeneration Working Group - made up of local businesses and stakeholders - worked hard in collaboration with our MP to get this proposal in a good place. I want to thank Chris and Justine for bringing the updated proposal to us and for their tireless dedication as volunteers to ensure openness and transparency for us. As one of the Councillors for Macclesfield Central, I met with them to discuss the plans, and they changed my mind. 

Chris and Justine represent 'Macclesfield Mean Business' (MMB), who are a network of local businesses working to connect and enhance our town. The BID proposals have come from them, not the Town Council. We have helped to shape them, but this is not just another half-baked politician-led scheme. Because I believe we have seen too many of them over the years. Remember the ill-advised and unrealistic 'Silk Street' proposals with a Debenhams that never came to fruition? What I will say is that Chris and Justine have done a remarkable job in pulling this all together, as they too are volunteers juggling busy professional careers. So I want to once again place on records my thanks to them for their extraordinary commitment to serving the town.

Speaking personally, I am looking forward to seeing what the feasibility study comes back with. It will involve close consultation with businesses and scoping for all elements of a BID such as the finances, levy etc. I believe it is right that this study happens, as if it proves a BID would help revitalise the Town Centre then why shouldn't we explore it? And if a study shows it would do more damage than good, then I will be guided by that. My priority, above all else, is to support our fabulous independent businesses as well as the residents of Macclesfield, and that priority guides me in everything I do, so please rest assured that I will only support schemes that are right for the town.

Town Centre Regeneration Working Group update

Later on in the agenda, we discussed the public consultation event that the Town Centre Regeneration Working Group had in May, and at that meeting there was broad support for a BID if it is done in the right way - with openness, transparency and above all, benefits in mind. I echo this sentiment and having helped at the event I was struck by just how positive it was - with local people recognising how wonderful our town is and working together to find solutions to the problems. There was a particular point around the Free Bus Days that I commission as Transport lead and how they help to connect the various parts of our town together on the Town Council's free family events. Cllr Wilson pointed out how, for her ward of Macclesfield South (one of the most deprived wards in the region), the scheme is a real gamechanger for her residents.

Investment in South Park's play area

Another positive item for us - and myself and Cllr Livingstone as Central ward Councillor' in particular - was a proposal to launch major upgrades on South Park's play area. These will be fully funded by the Town Council's Parks and Play Areas budget, and I look forward to seeing the improvements. I remember going to South Park 15-20yrs ago and regularly playing in the play area as a child. Let's be honest, it's not seen a lot of love since. That is why we're delivering something positive, and I encourage residents to get in touch with the Town Clerk if they wish to view the plans.

South Park Pavilion update

Linking to South Park, Cllr Sandy Livingstone delivered an update on the Pavillion works. Unfortunately, due to Cheshire East Council's delay in sorting legal issues relating to trusteeship of the land, we cannot continue works at this stage. The Pavillion proposals have been subject to public consultation, with one being held last year to confirm if residents were happy with us to go ahead with the financing that was proposed. This was overwhelmingly supported.

However, at this stage, we have had to press pause on the project to evaluate our position. This is beyond disappointing and frustrating, and we have continually tried to push Cheshire East for a resolution, however, this is yet to occur. I recognise this will induce anger - believe me we share this frustration - so I am always happy to discuss via email if anyone wishes. And to echo some of the comments made in the meeting, I share the view that we must always do what is right, not what is easiest. I will follow my head and not my heart on this and all other proposals that come forward and want to reassure residents that we will do what is right.

My pride in Macclesfield

I end this write up by simply saying that, as a born and bred Maxonian, I'm deeply proud of this town – our town. It's not perfect but nowhere is. It has its issues, just like everywhere else. But we are a town with such strong heritage and independence. We celebrate our quirks and embrace our history. I never imagined I would be trusted to represent my hometown as a Councillor, but I assume the honour with a profound sense of purpose and passion. As a Councillor, I accept that I will not be able to please everyone, nor will I get everything right. But I will never apologise for being ambitious about Macclesfield.

As always, I am available via email to discuss anything related to my work on the Town Council, and you can reach me by emailing: [email protected]. Please note that I am a volunteer and as such fit my Council work around my full-time employment, so if I don't respond instantly, please bear with me!

Councillor James Barber-Chadwick (Macclesfield Central)