A NEW management team is in place at Halton Lea Shopping Centre as the former centre director takes early retirement.

After nine years in his position, Martyn Jones has handed over the running of the centre to Kath Hardern.

Kath has proved to be a valuable asset to the management team for the past seven years, joining the centre first as facilities manager then fulfilling the role of deputy manager.

She has a strategy to move the centre onwards and has promoted Lindsay Bellis to deputy manager and appointed Paul McGuire as operations manager.

The new team is planning to increase the profile of the venue and enhance the shopping experience.

Kath said: 'We are keen to invest time and effort into customer service liaisons and community initiatives. The retail mix is also an area we are enthusiastic to develop in order to increase our customer base.

'We have an exciting event planned for the children's summer holidays, offering free crafts and games activities, and we've planned for a crowd-creating Super Jumper Experience for all ages to visit the town square during July.

'The return of the magical Christmas train is eagerly anticipated by many shoppers, therefore we are currently planning an exciting event for the festive period.'

Customers can make comments and suggestions at www.halton-lea. co.uk or by visiting the management suite.