Work for local contractors, 300 jobs and better shops. Marc Waddington looks at the benefits of the latest scheme

MERSEYSIDE businesses are in line to benefit from a massive £200m windfall, following the news that the Government has given the green light to the Tesco redevelopment of Kirkby town centre.

The supermarket giant said it would ensure that local businesses, including builders and contractors, were involved in the project which will see a flagship store built and improvements to other local shops.

Up to 300 jobs are also expected to be created for Kirkby residents.

Yesterday, Communities and Local Government secretary Eric Pickles announced he had given the go-ahead to the proposals, which emerged from the ashes of the failed bid to relocate Everton FC to the town.

The previous Labour Government ruled in 2009 that the project should not go ahead following a lengthy public inquiry. Tesco had already bought up swathes of the town centre before the Government vetoed the original plans.

Today, Knowsley council welcomed the news the massive project would be allowed to go ahead, but residents who formed the political party 1st4Kirkby in protest at the plans said they feared Kirkby would become a “Tesco town”.

However, cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Dave Lonergan insisted that it was in Tesco’s interest to make sure local businesses thrived from the investment.

He added: “They’ve given a commitment to refurbish the existing market and local shops.

“They’re effectively the landlords of these shops, so, from a property investment point of view, it’s not in their interests to run down the shopping centre.

“They want to work closely with the traders to ensure the town is vibrant and sustainable.”