I WRITE in response to Mary Gracie’s letter in last week’s Knutsford Guardian.

The King Street plans were a consultation by Cheshire East Council, and whilst I understand the frustration that this consultation came to little, the Neighbourhood Plan is different.

The survey distributed to residents is the first stage in gathering community input into what will be a formal plan.

The more residents who take the time to share their thoughts, the more reflective the Neighbourhood Plan will be of our community.

The Neighbourhood Plan is the community’s plan led by the town council but developed by consultation and community engagement.

The survey is a first step in consultation for this plan, and ultimately the Neighbourhood Plan will be put to a referendum for adoption by the community.

The Neighbourhood Plan will be a vital document in informing both the town council and Cheshire East Council of the community’s wishes for the future of Knutsford.

So, I can assure Mary, and everyone else, this is much more than just a box-ticking exercise.

Adam Keppel-Garner Town clerk and town centre manager Knutsford Town Council