On Thursday, January 30, the owners of CPS Centre in Culcheth handed first-floor tenants formal notices terminating licenses at the premises, effective from February 28.

Shivat Haminim Capital Ltd acquired the centre in 2021, but it has raised concerns over the fire safety of the centre in its reasons behind the decision.

The eviction letter sent to tenants stated that a report emphasised that ‘critical works to improve fire safety must be undertaken within weeks to eliminate life-threatening hazards’.

“In order for us to meet the current requirements and with the safety of tenants, employees and visitors our highest priority, we regret to inform you the CPS Centre will officially close on March 1, 2025, to facilitate these essential upgrades,” it said.

Traders say they are devastated by the decision by the centre’s owners to evict them from their premises, and a petition has been launched against it.

But it has since been reported that the fire service believes that the work can be completed without evictions.

Cllr Neil Johnson, independent member for Culcheth, Glazebury and Croft, said he has been in discussion with Landswood De Coy, the legal representatives for the landlords of CPS Centre.

In an update, he said: “I am pleased to be able to inform all residents that, following ongoing discussions with Landswood De Coy, a 30-day extension is available to all traders.

“In addition to this, the traders will be allowed to continue storing and accessing stock within CPS beyond the advertised closure date.

“This is designed to allow them extra time while seeking alternative space.

“To benefit from the 30-day extension, traders must email Sam at Landswood De Coy at sam@landswood.com

“Although I am sad that Landswood has not agreed to halt the eviction notices, this at least gives our shopworkers and traders some breathing space while they plan for the future.”

Cllr Johnson, in previous discussions with Landswood De Coy, said a solution was proposed involving Warrington Borough Council taking on the space on the first floor.

But the council said that it is ‘not its role to intervene in private sector disputes of this nature’.

Warrington North MP raised the issue with Sir Keir Starmer during Prime Minister’s Questions in Parliament.