I must take issue with the following paragraphs in Reform UK Macclesfield's recent Facebook post.

"Rows of empty shops. Independent businesses shut down. Chains pulling out. And a town centre in decline — masked once a month by a charming market square.

"Sky-high rents. Business rates from another era. And a council more focused on squeezing local traders than reviving the high street."

This description is factually incorrect and gives a misleading impression of the town centre. On Chestergate, for example, the vast majority of shops are occupied — including my own. Rents are realistic, most premises fall below the business rates threshold, and three new openings have already taken place this month, with more to follow next month.

The issues you describe apply mainly to Mill Street, where properties are owned by investment funds that have chosen to keep units empty rather than divide or let them. To suggest the entire town centre is "in decline" is not only inaccurate, but unfair to the many independent traders who are working hard and succeeding here.

Publishing such a negative and misleading portrayal, especially just before Christmas, risks damaging the very businesses that keep our town alive. I therefore ask that you correct or reword the article to reflect the true position — one of growth, resilience, and continued investment in Chestergate and other active areas of the town centre.

I look forward to your response and to seeing this matter addressed promptly.

Richard Slater - Managing director, Henbury Travel

Richard Slater is managing director at Henbury Travel, based on Chestergate (Credit: Henbury Travel)

Response from Reform UK Macclesfield

Dear Editor,

Your Readers Letter rightly highlights the success and resilience of independent traders on Chestergate and elsewhere — their hard work deserves recognition. However, many residents still see a different picture on Mill Street, where several large units remain empty. We have already amended the comments on our Facebook page to reflect this. This imbalance reflects a wider issue of property ownership and affordability rather than any lack of local enterprise. 

Macclesfield's town centre is neither 'dying' nor 'thriving' — it is a mixed picture, with strong local businesses alongside areas in need of renewed focus, regeneration and support. The priority now should be encouraging landlords and the council to make units more accessible for small, independent traders who actually want to invest here.

Constructive discussion based on facts, not pessimism or denial, will help build the confidence and practical solutions our town centre desperately needs.

Alan Miles - Chair, Reform UK Macclesfield

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