This week, there have been some posts on social media by a small number of individuals, calling for a protest to take place in Kirkby in relation to alleged increases in Business Rates and/or rents.
To clarify – there has been NO increase in either rents or business rates. Any speculation to the contrary is misleading and simply untrue.
The council acquired Kirkby town centre just over a month ago, and immediately made arrangements to start the new development, which is now under way. It is doing all it can to bring the development forward, deliver the new retail stores and supermarket, and ultimately attract more businesses into the town centre, along with more visitors.
As the council work to encourage new businesses, shops and visitors, rumours like this are simply damaging and only create a negative perception of Kirkby town centre. The people who are creating such rumours are doing a disservice to the town centre and Kirkby residents. Rumours like this will dissuade new stores from coming to Kirkby.
The council would encourage people instead to work with them to make Kirkby the success we all want it to be – as opposed to sharing negative and untrue opinions.
We will continue to keep residents updated as the development progresses – our most recent update is available to read now.