Residents 'don't see a reason to leave' as Newton is featured on BBC

After the BBC's weather presenter Kay Crewdson featured her hometown of Marple on the regional news show, a Newton-le-Willows resident got in touch to bring the segment to the borough.

On the BBC's visit, Kay referenced Newton's agricultural history and how the area, formerly known as Newton-in-Makerfield, transformed into the "world's first railway town" thanks to the Liverpool to Manchester railway and Sankey Viaduct.

There was also a visit to Red Bank fields where the last battle of the Second English Civil War took place, a trip to Rick Astley's childhood home, and interviews with residents and business owners who have pride in their area.

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Angela and her daughter Nicola outside the butchers shop and cafe at Red Bank Farm (Image: St Helens Star)
The resident who brought the BBC to Newton was Angela Watkinson, owner of Red Bank Farm who has helped to transform derelict land on Winwick Road into a thriving family farm, complete with an in-house butchers and cafe.

Angela said: "I watched the piece about Marple and thought I actually like Newton-le-Willows where I live.

"We've got everything here, we've got the high street and its bars and restaurants. We've even got an amateur dramatic society that puts on productions that are really good.

"We have two parks and the lake where everyone comes down at the weekend to feed the birds.

"I don't see any reason to leave, it is really lovely here."

The Sankey canal running through Newton (Image: Ste Lingard)
With a thriving network of independent businesses along Newton's High Street, the Star has celebrated many of these local hotspots such as the family restaurant Shakey J's, the cafe and cocktail bar Riddling Rack, the family-run Firkin bar, the piercing and crystals shop Pierce and Love, and many more.

The collaboration between these independent business has helped to foster a positive community atmosphere around Newton, which has been further helped with events such as the Mesnes Park Town Show, Armed Forces parades, and Christmas markets.

The town's local parks and canals, as well as its transport links on the Liverpool to Manchester railway line has also made the area one of the hottest property sellers across the country.

Chris and Claire Jackson behind the till at Shakey J's (Image: St Helens Star)
Referencing this community atmosphere, Chris Jackson, owner of Shakey J's told the BBC why he and others also love the area.

He said: "I live and work here so I definitely love it. I love the people mainly, and the community that people create, it's just a massive family feel."

Similarly, Ben Mason, manager at the Pied Bull pub said: "I think it is the people and the other businesses and everything that [Newton] has got to offer.

"We are slap bang in the middle of Liverpool and Manchester. It's always been a commuting town and there is so much history here as well, as it goes right back to the Domesday Book."

Ben also mentioned the dog-friendly atmosphere along the high street while Emma Tilbury, a private tutor said that Newton is "an amazing place with lots of local businesses".