A garage which has been in the Rode Heath area for several decades is getting ready to move to new premises at the end of March.

The Smithy Garage in Knutsford Road has to vacate the premises they have used since 1954 and move to new ones near the Brownlow Inn in Brownlow Heath.

The garage has been in the same location since 1954. (Photo: Nub News)

The Smithy, which rents the former blacksmiths building on a peppercorn rent from Rode Hall, is renowned for its work on classic cars and is a focal point to many using the busy Knutsford Road.

The Smithy Garage has been at this location since 1954. (Photo: Nub News)

Owner, Chris Betley, 73, took over the garage from his late father, Joe, and says it's heartbreaking to have to move but he has no choice.

"I've been here for years. I get customers from all over the world. The road we're on is a busy and is a bit of an accident blackspot to be honest," said Chris who lives in Scholar Green.

"It's the end of an era for me working from here but I don't have any choice. It's heartbreaking."

The Smithy rents the property from Rode Hall on a peppercorn rent. (Photo: Nub News)

The owner of Rode Hall, Sir Randle Baker Wilbraham, submitted plans to Cheshire East Council last year here to demolish The Smithy and a nearby house and outbuildings to build three commercial units, including one designated as a potential bakery.

A report included in the planning documents states: "Car parking will be provided in the form of a twenty-bay carpark to the south of the site.

"There will be landscaped outdoor areas and a courtyard, outdoor seating areas and bicycle parking facilities. The east of the site will be retained as 'biodiversity zones' and open space/vegetation.

"A bat loft will be constructed at the northern end of the biodiversity zone area. Access to the site will be via the same route as it is currently, joining onto the public Knutsford Road."

Alsager Nub News has approached Rode Hall for a comment.

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