KNUTSFORD Heritage Centre’s bid to expand its premises has welcomed the backing of Cheshire East Council’s heritage champion.

In her role in encouraging the conservation and promotion of the borough’s heritage, Cllr Ellie Brooks paid a visit to the centre and the proposed expansion site – the former Cranford Carpets building, which backs onto the centre’s Tapestry Gallery.

During her visit, Cllr Brooks heard more about the KHC bid to win an Aviva Community Fund grant of up to £25,000, voted for by the public until November 21.

She said: “With its archives and collection that record the town’s history, together with the Millennium Tapestry, Knutsford Heritage Centre is a unique asset.

“As well as being a hub of the community, as a magnet for tourism it makes a vital contribution to Knutsford itself and the attractions east Cheshire has to offer.

“It is clear that many items in its collection that people would love to see can’t be put on display due to lack of space. This also limits capacity for special exhibitions and other activities.”

If successful in winning that Aviva grant, upgrades would include a display of archives, touch screens, informational boards, public meeting rooms, a kitchen, WC and disabled access as well as an area reserved for personal research and study, a staff office and storage space.

Cllr Brooks urged Knutsfordians to ‘do your bit’ by voting for the ‘vital community resource’ scheme as a funding kickstarter.

Val Bryant, director and trustee of the ‘hidden gem’ centre, said: “We are delighted to have the support of Cllr Brooks.

Vote by November 21 at community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/17-2481