THE report on your front page last week about the possibility of some very posh retailers moving into Barons Quay was welcome news but sounded too good to be true.

Being a cautious person I contacted the head offices of most of the retail businesses mentioned and, without exception, they all stated that they had no plans to open shops in Northwich.

In fact, one expressed annoyance that its logo is being used in a way that could mislead the public.

So the truth as far as which retailers will be coming to Barons Quay is concerned is no different from 2013, when we heard the joyous news that Asda was on its way.

It is obvious that your newspaper had to report speculation rather than hard news about the development, which is down to Cheshire West and Chester Council’s ongoing arrogant refusal to properly communicate with local people about what is the largest ever public investment in the area.

Maybe it’s due to embarrassment because what we do know is that the project is behind schedule and has had big chunks removed.

What has not changed is the huge burden on the shoulders of council taxpayers amounting to £80 million capital and £50,000 a week finance costs.

Simply astounding for another food supermarket to add to the eight that we already have and a new cinema.

The council could redeem itself even at this late stage by holding up its hand and explaining what is going on.

They might even get some great ideas from the community on how to move forward.

For a start, it could expand on the surprising and welcome news that its revised planning application for the development mentions the possibility of use for ‘health and community facilities’.

Could this be the new public library and youth centre that are so badly needed?

Maybe the penny is finally dropping at Cheshire West and Cheshire Council HQ that what Northwich really needs is a regenerated town centre for social, cultural, business and recreational use by all groups of citizens – not merely expanded opportunities for shoppers to splash their cash.

Liam Byrne Hole House Lane Little Leigh