The chair of an organisation set up to promote growth and support the local economy in Alsager is folding after 18 years in operation.

Alsager Partnership will close in September after various funding, including that from Cheshire East stopped and Alsager Town Council, was reduced.

Before then, it will be helping to support this year's Alsager Music Festival and a host of other things until closure. 

Chair, Arthur Harding, says the demise of the partnership will leave a big 'hole' in the town and he is very sad to see it go.

"We've been very successful and have around 5,000 followers on our Facebook page," he said.

"We've done so many things for the town and it will leave a big gap when we go but we can't carry on without some sort of funding.

 "It's very hard at the end of the day. Time is money and if we haven't got some finance we can't carry on."

(Photo: Alsager Partnership)

Chair, Arthur Harding (pictured above) took over at the helm two years ago.

Support for a number of projects such as Alsager Stroke Survivors Club, the Cedars Hygiene Project, Friends of Milton Park and Connected Communities will cease.

"Our volunteers have been fantastic. We would like to say a big thank you for all their hard work," he added.

Alsager Partnership has held a host of events, from an Italian festival, a health and well-being day, the annual Easter bunny hunt, a monthly what's on emailed to 120 businesses, a free web-based business director and a town centre notice board.

The Dementia Friendly Community, founded by Alsager Partnership in 2016, will continue to operate through the Dementia Friendly Working Group and will still be run by Kath Reader.

Alsager Clean Team, run by Alsager Partnership with Alsager Rotary Club, does a monthly litter pick.

This has been operating since December 2020 and is supported by 65 volunteers across the town.

"The Partnership covers the insurance and supplies the refreshments and is looking at ways of ensuring continuing support," said Arthur.

"The Alsager Partnership management team of volunteers will continue to operate until September and can be contacted by phone, email or social media."

Chair Arthur Harding can be contacted at [email protected] or Tel: 07395 806019.