A Merseyside market where everyone is treated "like family" has been described as a "lifeline" to residents.
Kirkby town centre has seen much development in recent years, but one area in particular has been branded a "hidden gem". Having been there for over 60 years, with 130 stalls and 50 traders, Kirkby market has recently benefitted from a £50,000 investment for refurbishment works.
As the council invests in the market as part of a wider regeneration of the town, improvements included the replacement of external awnings, repainting of external areas and shutters, and new signage. Speaking to market stall holders, they say they "love" the town and market day is always "very busy".
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Kerry Lace, of Lacey's flowers, said: "The market brings people together. It's something nice, people meet on a regular basis. My nan has passed now but when she was fit and healthy she was at the market all the time meeting her friends. She was made up to get out and about. I just love it. Everyone has been nice and supportive."
Kerry, from Croxteth Park, trades three days a week as she added: "My family are all from Kirkby, it's very family oriented. Kirkby to me means family. It always seems to draw me back so when this opportunity came up three months ago I jumped at it. Sometimes you have to take a risk."
Elizabeth Rushton, of Skyler Elizabeth Babywear, has been trading from the market for the last two years. She told the ECHO: "I love Kirkby, I like the people and the town. People care about others and their kids and what they wear which is great for our businesses. I like that the town is expanding."
One elderly resident visiting the market stall did not wish to be named, but said she "loves" visiting the market as it "makes her day" and she comes several times a week, whether it is market day or not. She added without it, Kirkby would be "lost".
Amanda Speakman, trading for two years with her make-up stall, told the ECHO: "The market is important, there's hardly any anymore, we need them. I don't have any complaints. Footfall isn't what it used to be but it's getting better. Kirkby is a lovely town, it's got plenty of shops."
Open Monday to Saturday, traders can choose what day they open and operate from 9am-4.30pm. A Knowsley Council spokesperson said: "The Council appreciate how much people love and value the market that’s why it was completely rebuilt as part of the regeneration of the town centre. It has received and continues to receive support and direct investment from Knowsley Council."
'Failed promises'
Knowsley Council confirmed that after a series of "failed promises" from private sector developers and land owners, they stepped in and took ownership. Despite being a risky move for the local authority, work began at the heart of the town and retail outlets were born, including the highly anticipated Morrisons supermarket. Despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the first unit opened in July last year - a drive-thru KFC restaurant.
Speaking about the town, John McFadden said: "Kirkby gets an unfair bad name. I love Kirkby, I've lived here all my life, it's a great little town. People are quick to call it but it's just like everywhere else, you get the good and the bad. It would be great if we lived in a utopia where everything is great all the time, but I just don't think we do."
As improvements continue to be made, the council said it is an "exciting time" for Kirkby. Already, the town centre has welcomed a Taco Bell, Home Bargains and over 400 free car parking spaces as over 450 jobs were created - but residents can look forward to the opening of a new Pure Gym as the retail development is a "catalyst" for other businesses.
Having asked residents what makes a good town centre back in 2020, Knowsley Council has progressed improvement works on the retail offer and is also working to "deliver a better choice of homes" as well as improving the town's CCTV network.
Councillor Tony Brennan, Regeneration and Economic Development Cabinet Member, said: "I’m extremely proud of what our Council has delivered in such a short space of time since taking ownership of Kirkby Town Centre. When we asked local people 'What makes a good town centre?', they asked for an improved retail offer, leisure facilities, more activities for young people, and a better choice of homes.
"We are delivering exactly the same priorities for the benefit of everyone who lives, visits, works or invests in Kirkby. It really is an exciting time for Kirkby and I’m delighted to be part of its development."
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