A Macclesfield business have got a new shopfront opposing building homes near a Macclesfield nature reserve.

Cheshire Balloons, of 5 Market Place, commissioned a Macclesfield artist to paint a shop window which raised awareness to the 'SAVE DANES MOSS' campaign.

950 homes are planned on green space near the Danes Moss Nature reserve, on land owned by Cheshire East Council.

The party store's owner Amanda Messaoudi was delighted to shed light on why she chose to highlight the subject.

Balloon foxes and hedgehogs feature in the window, to represent wildlife being at threat if the homes were built. (Image - Cheshire Balloons)

"My sister Heather brought it to my attention", she said.

"She doesn't own a business but she asked me can we do 'SAVE DANES MOSS' window.

"Some of the other businesses around here are going to do it as well.

"We want to help people be more aware. We get a lot of mums and schoolkids walking past who like the colourful displays in our window.

Macclesfield's Cheshire Balloons was established in April 2001, has had a home on Market Place since 2012. They used to sell in Macclesfield's Indoor Market.

"And of course across the road there is people sitting down outside at night. [R&G's Beer Vault, Pizza Express, Five Clouds]. So it will help raise awareness then as well.

"I think it is important especially as some of what would be affected are protected species like the newt and birds [Willow Tit].

"Cheshire East Council also meet in the building just across the road [as they own Macclesfield Town Hall], so it is close to the powers that be as well."

20,000 people and a legal challenge crowdfunder oppose the plans (19/1796M), but could be given the go-ahead later this year.

From marriage to kids parties, Cheshire Balloons can kit out your next big event! Here is their work for a wedding at Macclesfield's Hollin House Hotel and Restauraunt. (Image - Cheshire Balloons)

Cheshire East Council, who co-own the proposed housing development land with TG Limited, have been contacted for comment.

As well as the animals, many oppose building on the site because of the estimated 200,000 tonnes of peat which is storing carbon on the site.

Famous opposers include all South Macclesfield councillors and Macclesfield MP David Rutley.

The window art was done by Macclesfield comic artist Marc Jackson, who also has a premises on Market Place called Room for Comics, and is available for hire.

Cheshire Balloons is not the only business in recent weeks to come out against the plans.

In July, Scoop and Scales stocked t-shirts and tote bags from a Macclesfield creative on the matter.

Please click here to read that story.

You can find more about Cheshire Balloons and 'SAVE DANES MOSS' by clicking here and here.

See Also: TV celebrity Chris Packham weighs in on under-threat Macclesfield Danes Moss site

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