New Kwik Save store paves the way for new shopping centre investment

A £3.5m cash boost is set to give Runcorn Old Town a long-awaited facelift.

Kwik Save is moving across the road to a new food anchor store in the spring.

A new market hall and Direct Link one stop shop are also being built.

Traders struggling to survive say they welcome the development, but feel let down.

One disgruntled shopkeeper, said: "In 1997, we were promised a new supermarket and four other large units to attract High Street names. To relocate one we've already got isn't going to boost trade."

Another trader, added: "We've only got one butcher left. The last fruit and veg shop has closed down and lots of other businesses have gone. It's a ghost town."

An Old Town resident, said: "I used to do all my shopping here. Now all we've got are charity shops and fastfood outlets. They've ruined this town."

Cllr Rob Polhill, board member for development, said: "We know it has been a very frustrating time for the people and traders of Runcorn and we thank them for their patience. We have been working for a very long time to secure this contract and now I hope all the efforts pay off."

The Kwik Save store in Church Street will be a new style supermarket, following the chain's takeover by Somerfield.

A Halton Council spokesperson, said: "When it has been built, it will house extra small retail units within the premises.

"We have also been looking at the ED Williams site on High Street as a development opportunity, coupled with a continuation of the shop from improvement scheme."

The shell of the Direct Link will become a temporary market whilst the 1960s market hall is demolished and rebuilt.

A spokesman for Kwik Save, said: "We are pleased to be able to provide a new and exciting shopping experience for the community of Runcorn." Pub chain J D Wetherspoons is hoping move into the old Kwik Save store.