The NatWest revealed yesterday (Tuesday) that it had offered the newly-formed group an 'undisclosed donation' - far more than the annual subscription.

"If we can support the energy and enthusiasm of the Knutsford Business Enterprise, this will assist the development of our customers' businesses and therefore is a good investment of our resources," said business manager Paul Keeling.

He said Knutsford with so many great qualities should be a thriving retail and business centre.

"But these qualities need to be exploited," he said.

NatWest's donation delighted chairman Alec Guthrie.

"It is encouraging that a major High Street bank has looked at our plans and identifies the need for a body to develop trade," he said.

But he said some traders were still adopting a 'wait and see approach'.

"We cannot fulfil our objectives to the business community, if too many businesses adopt this stance," he said.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.