Kirkby market celebrates
1 September 2010
Stall holders scooped the best bargain of the day when Kirkby
market celebrated its fiftieth birthday.
Knowsley Council agreed to charge the traders the same rent they
would have paid when the market opened in 1960.
That sent the price they paid to sell their wares on the day
tumbling from £17.50 to just £1.15.
The council also arranged a family fun day to celebrate the
market’s golden anniversary.
Children’s entertainers, donkey rides and music from the KCC
Live station marked the centre’s special day.
The market’s longest serving trader Peter Taker was also
celebrated with a plaque to mark his fifty years there.
“I love it here,” said Mr Taker, whose son and daughters have
also worked in the business.
“On my first day on the way to the market, I asked someone for
directions and the fella who told me still comes here today!”
Cllr Dave Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and
Skills, presented Mr Taker with the plaque.
He said: “Kirkby Market is at the heart of the town centre and
draws customers from a wide area.
“I’m thrilled it has reached this golden anniversary and that we
can also pay tribute to the dedication and commitment of Mr
Taker.”
Kirkby Market opened on 6 September 1960 and has 130 stalls. It
is open every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday and sells a wide variety
of goods.