Macclesfield residents and business owners have been invited to attend an online forum on a plan to revive the town centre in the months and years to come.

The draft Macclesfield Town Centre Recovery Plan sets out objectives and actions to revive the town centre - helping it to not only recover safely but to realise its full potential.

The plan has been put together by a working group of Macclesfield Town Council, Cheshire East Council, Make it Macclesfield, Peaks and Plains Housing Trust and Silk Heritage Trust, in conjunction with local stakeholders, residents and businesses.

Cllr Fiona Wilson, the town council's town centre and regeneration champion, said: "Our draft Recovery Plan has been prepared following surveys of residents and businesses and listening events for retail, hospitality, cultural and digital and residents of the Town.

"The online forum is the next stage to put the plan into action and to take the first steps towards finalising and implementing it."

Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for environment and regeneration, said: "The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted all of us and not least our town centres.

"As we continue to feel the effects, we are pleased to be working with our partners to support Macclesfield town centre's recovery and help businesses and other organisations to find a sustainable way forward."

On Thursday 21 January, Macclesfield Town Council will be hosting an online forum and focus group to discuss the draft plan and to take the first steps towards putting it into action.

The session will take place from 4-6pm and is open to anyone with an interest in the town centre and who is willing to help in the delivery of the final plan.

Cllr Mannion added: "This plan is clear on its commitment to putting Macclesfield's people at the heart of the town's recovery and delivering not only economic benefits, but social, environmental, cultural, and community benefits too.

Cllr Wilson called on people to take part in the forum, saying: "We need the help of businesses, representative groups, voluntary and community sector organisations and residents to fully deliver on the plan. I look forward to hearing from participants at the online forum."

If you would like to attend the online session and help support the delivery of the action plan, please email: [email protected] to book a space.