I was discussing this today with some 'well-travelled' older chums in Chatwins in Alsager. So disappointing to learn of the closure of this shop especially after so short a time of trading. The frontage looked good and professional. So what 'killed' the dream? Well Rachel Reeves; here's a suggestion for you. So many businesses fail for the reason that rates and rents, etc, etc, are simply too high. I appreciate that property owners want a good return on the premises/houses that they own and rent out. But greed. Yes, greed. Rents and rates have always been high and it kills businesses. Friends of mine over the years have struggled with sky-high rent and rates on properties. If the Landlords will not be sensible then let the Government legislate and give the small businesses a chance of (at least) survival. Second suggestion in Alsager; committee members on the various councils. Sack the lot of them. Few of them have any idea what they are doing. Bringing in parking charges to a small town already struggling to attract people/footfall into it, why? The wastage of public money is criminal. Resurfacing roads in Alsager - the main high street. A few weeks later after the new top, dig it up to replace pipes. Why? Years ago the Duty Sergeant at the local Police Station monitored roadworks. Nothing, I repeat nothing got done without his permission. I know that because I was that man! None of these hopeless committees have any idea of what they are doing. Sorry rant (almost) over. My chums and I are so sorry to see another good little business - 'The Dog's Dinner', go under. Well done, you absolutely useless little Committee. You know who you are?

"parking battles and a falling pawfall means we can't sustain a second shop."
"We will still be serving customers there at 2, Ruskin Road, CW2 7JR - we have parking!!!!!
So a shop closing due to falling revenue as a result of the parking charges introduced in Alsager. Well done, Cheshire East!