CONGLETON shopkeepers are to launch a publicity offensive to counter a controversial claim they do not play an important retail role in the town.

Town centre manager Sheila Terry angered traders from Lawton Street by stating it was no longer viewed as a major part of Congleton's main shopping area.

Traders were stung by her comment, and agreed this week to join forces to promote their part of town, as shock news broke that electrical chain Dixons is set to close.

Womens and childrens clothes chain New Look is understood to be poised to take over the High Street shop in May, four years after Dixons Stores Group shut its Currys store in Congleton.

Information Centre manager Shirley Williams said the closure would be ''like a nail in the coffin'' for Congleton, and people she spoke to had been ''horrified" at the news.

New Look is seeking planning permission from the borough council to instal a shop front and sign at premises currently home to the Dixons shop.

Lawton Street traders discussed how they could best promote their part of the town at a meeting on Monday night.

''It is a lovely little trading street, and let's get that message across,'' said shopkeeper John Dean.

''A lot of work goes into Lawton Street, and we are all working together as part of a team.''

Mrs Terry's comment about Lawton Street's retailing importance had angered and upset a lot of people, he said, and traders should seek a meeting with her.

Mrs Terry is responsible for promoting the borough's five towns, and her comment about Lawton Street was made in relation to a planning application for a new takeaway kebab house. She said the street could be seen as an ideal area for food outlets, which were as good as any other retail outlet and better than an empty one.

Mrs Terry was unavailable for comment as the GUARDIAN went to press on Wednesday.

Monday's meeting was attended by about 30 shopkeepers and residents, one of whom stressed the importance of promoting the uniqueness of Lawton Street's shops.

Shopkeeper Robert Bradley described Lawton Street as "a special little street", where almost all the properties were taken.

"The more people we can attract the more business we will do, and we have to make the best of what we've got," he said.

Fellow Lawton Street businessman James Kanauros said the new brasserie at the refurbished town hall was taking a great deal of business from Lawton Street.

Traders also stressed the importance of having a CCTV camera to scan the street to curb vandalism and late-night drunkenness.

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