RAINBOW bunting has been put up to boost morale in Crewe's battered town centre - and town councillors say they are looking at more ways of revitalising business.

A Town Centre Working Group is due to meet on July 14 to discuss recovery plans after the town's already depressed centre was hit hard by Covid-19.

The bunting, pictured going up in Market Street and on the Town Square, is part of a 'Welcome back- we've missed you!' message aimed at encouraging people to make a return to the town centre. Cheshire East Council has funded the costs of the scheme from an England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) stream received to support the safe reopening of high streets.

But Crewe Town Council is keen to undertake its own initiative to aid recovery and will consider hosting some small events to make the town centre more attractive in a bid to increase footfall.

Up to £3,000 from three council cash pots could be spent on generating more recovery publicity and potentially seating and displays.

Lyndsay Lewis, Crewe Town Council Town Centre Projects Officer, said: "It's about creating something for people to come into town and look for. There maybe an opportunity to create some temporary seating areas or we might want to use the Crewe brand which is about to be launched to give out the message that the town is working together."

Town councillor Hazel Faddes said: "I wonder if Creative Crewe could be approached to do something in Lyceum Square - we need people back in town."

• Town councillors have agreed to hire a heritage officer as part of the formation of a development trust aimed at taking ownership of Christ Church. The historic church in Prince Albert Street held its last service in November 2013, but is still under a Diocese of Chester lease.