A GARDEN centre once threatened with demolition has been bought as part of a multi-million-pound deal.
Around Christmas 2005 Sycamore Park in Great Sutton was earmarked for closure as plans for 60 homes on the site were unveiled.
But the resultant story in the Pioneer prompted hundreds of angry neighbours to object to the borough council and sign a petition calling for it to be saved.
Following this mass protest the Chester Road business was granted a reprieve by management in the New Year of 2006.
Now it is one of four Cheshire garden centres to be acquired by the Klondyke Group. The others are in Astbury Meadow, Wilmslow and Weaver Vale.
Klondyke says the move has reinforced its 'pre-eminent position as the largest family-owned garden centre group in the UK'. It currently operates and owns 22 of them.
Klondyke chairman Bob Gault said: 'We are delighted to announce this acquisition as it continues our ongoing investment in the garden centre industry which we recognise as one that has substantial growth potential.
'By continuing our investment in these centres we have effectively become the key player in the industry in the Cheshire and Manchester area and we look forward to developing these centres further.'
The deal was funded by the Allied Irish Bank's corporate division.
Klondyke chief executive Bob Hewitt said: 'With the acquisition of these four centres in Cheshire we are now able to push forward our sales through bringing together our existing portfolio with the four new acquisitions.
'This is both good news for our suppliers and our staff. I am delighted with the success of this purchase.'
