QUITE shocked to hear the view from a friend from out of town about the amount of historic empty shops and buildings that in Knutsford on a recent visit.

On reflection, and a jaunt into Canute Square and what should be the towns showpiece it is clearly evident.

Major chains and now banks have closed with no sign of new tenants.

Rates and structural issues I’m guessing?

Either way the town can not stay at the top of the supposed Cheshire set unless is keeps landlords and new tenants viable to business both old and new.

Dean Mickel, Longridge