LONG term plans to regenerate a struggling shopping centre will offer a fresh start for Northwich, according to its councillors.

Northwich Town Council is looking forward to the future of Weaver Square Shopping Centre and has a number of ideas for its use.

Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC) owns the centre and is working with private sector partner PSP to look at options for the site and bring them forward.

Cllr Samantha Dixon, CWAC leader, has told Northwich Town Council that CWAC is keen to work with them and the community on ideas for the centre.

Cllr Brian Jamieson, from Northwich Town Council, said: "We have been told we can be involved in proposals to redevelop Weaver Square, which is great news.

"I think there are three things we should be saying, that we should be proposing for the masterplan."

Cllr Jamieson's suggestions were to relocate the market and use the site to alleviate traffic and parking issues.

He suggested that the roads should be altered so that Crown Street meets Applemarket Street and Watling Street.

"This would relieve issues of Weaver Way and vehicles exiting Weaver Way by Town Bridge," he said.

"In planning documents for Barons Quay it talks about limited traffic on Weaver Way but it's going to be access for a drop-off point for the cinema so that's going to cause an increase in traffic, when we were told there would be very little use."

He was also keen to promote using the site for extra parking.

"We have a significant problem with parking facilities at that end of town," he said.

"The only car park around there is Castle Street so within the development plan there should be some additional car parking within the area of the Bull Ring and business centre."

Cllr Paul Dolan, a member of Northwich Town Council and also a member of CWAC's ruling group, was keen to emphasise that residents' ideas should be considered for the shopping centre.

He said: "I support some of Cllr Jamieson's suggestions.

"There's a real commitment to have an open dialogue and consultation and people in the community may have other views.

"We're starting from an open page and hopefully from that open page we will get inventive ideas.

"There's got to be balance, something viable and sustainable.

"This is a new departure and a fresh start for the town."