THE OWNERS of the redeveloped Thornton shopping centre have assured concerned residents that they expect the four remaining empty shops to be occupied before mid-April.

Speaking to Thornton Action Group member, Mr Richard McGaweley, director of landlords, said that Modus, the Manchester-based site owners, were determined to restore it to a thriving shopping centre. He also revealed that more than £1 million had been spent on the refurbished Kwik Save store, which had signed a 20-year lease.

A betting shop was due to open next month, and retailers had been viewing the four vacant shops on the Victoria Road frontage, which they hoped would be occupied before Easter. Work which started this month on a new toilet block on the edge of the car park should be completed within three months.

A landscaping scheme was due to be finished in the spring.

Mr McGawley told the action group that problems arose when they acquired the shopping centre two years ago after the previous owners went into receivership.

"We had to deal with detailed and long-winded negotiations to accommodate tenants in order to maintain some viability within the scheme," he explained.

"The refurbishment and partial demolition were undertaken in order to accommodate our tenants'

requirements, and were only taken after detailed discussions with local councillors and planning officers."

Jim Stansfield, Thornton Action Group secretary, said "There has been a lot of concern about the future of the shopping centre, which is a vital community asset for the people of Thornton. Mr McGawley made a positive response, and we also hope that all the shops will soon be occupied.