MIDDLEWICH came under the spotlight on June 6 when a Government Communities Minister paid a visit to hear about a ‘FRESH’ project that could bring 700 jobs to the town.

Fiona Bruce MP invited Brandon Lewis MP, Government Minister in the Department of Communities and Local Government, to attend a meeting with town representatives to discuss the Cheshire FRESH Rural Hub plans.

The Cheshire FRESH vision plans to bring to Middlewich, on a site at the edge of the town, a wide range of rural businesses including a major agricultural and livestock market, hotel and restaurant, market garden and centre and shops selling local produce.

“This is one of the most exciting projects in the North West of England,” said Clr Bruce.

“It will not only create hundreds of quality jobs for local people but will also draw thousands of people from wider afield to enjoy these facilities and boost the local economy.”

The meeting was held in the Civic Buildings and was attended by the Town Mayor, Clr Bernice Walmsley, Clrs Paul and Sonya Edwards, the Town Clerk Jonathan Williams and Brian Reay from Pochins.

Clr Walmsley said: “This is just the sort of development that we welcome in Middlewich. It has the potential to enhance our reputation as a first-class market town.

“I would encourage everyone to try to get to the public consultation that will be held in the next month or two so that they can see just what is planned and how it can bring businesses and visitors into to the town to help our economy.”

A bid for over £5million of Government funding has been put in to help launch the project and Clr Bruce said that she is determined to ensure that Government Ministers are fully aware and support the hub’s development.

She added: “I told the Minister how proud I am of all that Middlewich people have achieved to date, what a privilege it is to represent people who work so hard to make their community a success and how I am confident that if these plans become a reality they will ensure that the Cheshire FRESH site puts Middlewich clearly on the map across the whole of the North West – there will quite simply be no other centre like it in the region.”