A CHANGE of hands for a beleaguered shopping precinct has been cautiously welcomed as a 'positive move for the town' by one of its former traders.

But Dave Hodkinson said that Cheshire West and Chester Council's announcement that it has taken over Weaver Square Shopping Centre came to late for him to save his business.

"I think it's definitely a positive move for the town," he said.

"It wouldn't have made any difference to my decision to leave – I just couldn't afford to stay there, I used every penny I could."

Dave closed The Kitchen Garden in August, after just nine months of trading, because of the state of the 1960s precinct, where 21 or the 43 units are empty.

He said: "The square is in such a bad condition, my belief is they will knock it down.

"I think they should speak to central government and get the rates lowered, if they do that they've got a chance.

"I have huge admiration for the shop keepers there for sticking it out."

Weaver Square Shopping Centre went into administration in August 2012 and Nationwide Building Society called in receiver Colliers International to take over management from owner Weaver Square Investments Ltd.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) already owned the land that the centre was built on but has now negotiated the formal surrender of the 99-year ground lease from Colliers International.

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L Byrne said: "The council could have have taken this action three or four years ago but chose not to do so.

"If it had, a renovated Weaver Square could have been integrated into a redeveloped Northwich town centre before the plans for Barons Quay were finalised."

Cymo said: "Better late than never.

"Let's hope they do something to fill the empty premises, and entice Dave back.

"This could be combined with doing something in the subway to encourage visitors through."

Jazzanova said: "What the council needs to do is to invest in bringing Weaver Square more up to date, and reducing the rents/rates to attract more local business retailers.

"Above all, it is high time that the indoor and outdoor market areas are redeveloped with a more attractive market hall building and with a town square.

"I'm sure that would attract more shoppers to that area of the town centre and increase the footfall through the Weaver centre."