“TO the people of Northwich, I say this, we need you.”

The business community in Northwich town centre is asking residents to continue to support independent shops following the shock closures of two long-standing businesses.

The Seafarer, which first opened in 1971, and Hormbrey’s Butchers, established in 1782, had been staples for the independent sector in the town for as long as many locals can remember.

But they both recently announced they would be closing for good.

Abda Obeid-Findley, from Abda Coffee Shop, said: “To lose two businesses in quick succession is a shock and we really need local people to rally round and support our town centre.

“We (the business community) are all too aware of the struggles many people are facing right now, but we also know they want to see a thriving town centre - that’s only possible with their support.

“It might just be a quick trip to Northwich to see what the town has to offer; you’d be surprised if you took a tour around the town centre, it has so much to discover.”

The Seafarer had been with the same family for nearly 50 years.

Northwich Guardian:

Seen as Northwich’s iconic chippy, its closure hits close to home for many residents - and those futher afield- who saw it as their go-to place for the best fish and chips in Cheshire.

The business closed on October 23.

Phil Bower, from Northwich Art Shop, said: “The Seafarer will be greatly missed, and I know I speak for the local business community when I say thank you to the family and employees, past and present, who have worked tirelessly over their many years of service to the community, especially in the past few years where they’ve continued to be there through all that the pandemic hit us with.”

Phil went on to say: “Hearing of the closure of Hormbrey’s Butchers, it was a surprise.

“Another family business that has been in Northwich long before I opened my shop.”

Hormbrey’s was established 240 years ago and is currently located inside Northwich Market.

The ongoing Weaver Square ‘re-development’ has made it incredibly difficult for the business to attract footfall, with the recent energy crisis exacerbating the pressure.

The business will close on November 1.

Tim Hodkinson, from D&T School & Workwear, added: “Hormbrey’s Butchers is a business close to my own heart, it’s somewhere you’re made to feel like part of the family, by a family that has dedicated themselves to servicing Northwich for 240 years.

Northwich Guardian:

“Many businesses are now struggling with energy prices that are sky rocketing, but the Weaver Square re-development has certainly stripped us of any footfall.

“There is no quick win here, it’s a waiting game, for Weaver Square and energy prices alike.

“To the people of Northwich, I say this, we need you.

“We know money is tight right now, the ask isn’t that you come and spend every penny in the town centre - we’re realists and understand that you may find what you need online.

“But where you’re able to visit Northwich before making a purchase, come and see what we have to offer, the service provided by businesses in the town centre will beat that of any online retailer.”

“We have an urgent requirement for the local authority to step up to the plate,” said Michael Thomas, chair of Northwich BID (which independently represents town centre businesses).

“Specifically in the Weaver Square area, where we have real businesses who don’t know what’s happening, CWAC (Cheshire West and Chester Council) need to provide clear and concise messaging to businesses.

“In recent months we’ve seen the appointment of a new regeneration manager, who has inspired some confidence that things are getting underway, but the negative sentiment is too long standing, and we need to see the milestones for achieving redevelopment.”