Dog's Bone
Re Stretton - I did add the caveat that I wasn't sure how much of it was available for GA use. I will do as you say, and check the place out for myself. If it's that well equipped, (hangars clubhouse?), why haven't GA operators moved there already?
Re Hawarden - It is actually (officially) operated by Airbus. I used to work at Hawarden, for BAe Corporate Jets (until the mighty Raytheon made most of us redundant), and even in those days a movement was an event. I've been there many times since, and there still seems to be very little activity compared with Barton, but when did movements mean anything to a beancounter?
Appreciate your comments re BAE/Airbus, but these are worth discussing, and could be overcome if those concerned are willing to pay. ATC people don't put themselves out - we all know they are paid whether they handle one movement or a hundred. I am old enough to remember when we flew Viscounts into Hawarden (CEG) on the way to London, and they had to get up early to deal with them. Of course they weren't happy, but then they're not paid for being happy!
To be fair, when I worked for BAe Corporate Jets I always found ATC willing to stay open if necessary, not just for us, but for any flights which were due. Consultation and discussion can solve a lot of problems.
I'm with you, I'm just trying to be realistic!
Re your last paragraph - agree entirely - sad to say. You can be sure that Manchester's city councillors will have spent a few 'useful hours' talking to the people at Peel. The future is not in your hands.