Northwich residents have expressed concern about the future of the town centre following the unexpected closure of two long-established and popular businesses.

The Seafarer fish and chip shop closed on Sunday, October 23, after serving the town for more than 50 years, while Hormbrey’s Butchers will close its doors for good on Tuesday, November 1, after trading in the town for 240 years.

Some residents believe the loss of popular shops such as Marks and Spencer in 2019, and Bratts department store in 2021, has had a knock-on effect on the remaining businesses.

Efforts have been made to improve the town centre’s fortunes – local business owners have praised the efforts of the Northwich BID team, whose events, they say, have a positive impact on footfall in the town.  

Northwich Guardian: One of many empty retail outlets (Rob Goulding)One of many empty retail outlets (Rob Goulding) (Image: Rob Goulding)

Catherine Toal, 68, from Leftwich, said: “I think with M&S gone, and Bratts - shops that sell things people want - Northwich is in trouble.

“Why not build a hotel on Weaver Square? Northwich doesn’t have one. Or homes for young people, but they’ve got to be affordable.

"I think the leisure centre is fantastic - and it has a great little theatre in it. Something could be done with the old cinema. It could be an excuse for people to come into the town."

Matt Buckley, 39, from Hartford, said: “The town centre is hollow now. I don’t know what’s happening. It’s quite depressing."

Northwich Guardian: Empty business premises (Rob Goulding)Empty business premises (Rob Goulding) (Image: Google)

Richard, 29, who recently moved to Northwich for work, said: “I’ve only been living here a year, and there does seems to be a real sense of community.

“It’s just a shame the town centre is so sad.

“There are so many empty shops, and the ones that are open usually have nobody in them.”

Uncertainty around the future of Weaver Square shopping arcade is a further cause for concern for many town centre visitors.

Steve Brumby, 63, from Barnton, said: “Weaver Square is a carbuncle and the sooner they pull it down, the better.

"Everyone I know goes out to eat in Knutsford.

"What about making use of the river? It’s almost invisible in the town: there’s only one place you can see it from. It would be a great place for restaurants and leisure.

Northwich Guardian: Half-timbred shop in Northwich (Rob Goulding)Half-timbred shop in Northwich (Rob Goulding) (Image: Rob Goulding)"Whoever is responsible for the events in the town, like the motorbike rally, is doing a good job.

"Parking is easier in Northwich than in some other towns. But I don’t know why the council has wasted a lot of money putting in pay and display parking at the Apple Market, for which they only charge 50p, when it’s free at the supermarkets."

Wendy Chubb, from Comberbach, said: “I’d like to see people living in the town centre. That’s how it used to be, and it worked very well.”