LOCALS have been encouraged to support Northwich’s evening entertainment venues by the town’s Business Improvement District (BID).

The call was made after Retros Music Bar on High Street announced that it was considering closure.

The venue’s management say that this is due to ‘a lack of footfall, support and ideas’.

But BID has responded by saying that footfall in the town is on the up compared to last year’s figures and is urging local people to visit the establishments that contribute to Northwich’s ‘vibrant evening economy’.

“Northwich BID is working with the owners of Retros to explore a number of opportunities for them to retain their presence as a good quality music venue in the town centre that adds to the vibrancy of the evening economy,” said BID manager Jane Hough.

“Footfall is up by 11.3 per cent on last year’s figures to date, however we do recognise that over the last few weeks there has been a decrease in footfall due to the weather conditions and the floods which have hit the town centre.

“We would like to urge local people to support our evening economy establishments here in Northwich who are working hard to provide customers with a good quality experience during the evening and at weekends.”

Earlier this week, Retros management took to social media to ask customers whether there was ‘still a need’ for the bar to be part of the town.

The post read: “After four years of trading in Northwich, we are now considering closing due to the lack of footfall and support.

“We know no other business has probably been this honest before, but we are starting to run out of ideas on how to keep the bar running.

“Do the people of Northwich still think we have a need for Retros to be part of the town?

“We believe being honest with our customers is the right thing to do.

“Please let us know what you think and try and show your support where you can”

Let us know your thoughts on footfall in the town by sending your letters to yourviews@guardiangrp.co.uk.