THE council is doubling the financial support it gives to Winsford Cross amid a fall in profits due to the pandemic.

A report to Cheshire West and Chester’s ruling cabinet said the shopping centre is projected to generate a small operating surplus of £100,000 this year, significantly less than before the pandemic.

The report warns that this is not expected to improve significantly over the next few years.

The council had already set aside a budget to fund the expected gap between the centre’s operating surpluses and the cost of paying its funding obligations.

That figure had previously stood at £400,000 but as a result of falling rents due to Covid, the funding gap has increased and the council has had to double the amount it set aside to plug the gap to £800,000.

A council spokesman said: “All high streets have been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and landlords have seen substantial reductions in their revenue streams.

“The additional budget allowance referenced in the cabinet report is the council reflecting this increased risk in our budgets.

“This is an essential element of the council’s prudent approach to managing its finances to ensure the council continues to be well managed, and our budget position is sustainable in the years to come as we come out of the pandemic.”

The council acquired Winsford Cross in 2018 at a cost of £19.75m and is preparing a wider programme of investment into the centre as part of its Future High Street plans.

In May, it unveiled plans to redevelop the area as part of a regeneration scheme funded with £10m from the Government's Future High Streets Fund, and £11m from the council.