In response to “The English high street: St Chad’s Parade, Kirkby – a new town with a ghastly air of desertion,” written by Christopher Howse and published by The Telegraph on Tuesday, 1 April 2025. You can read Howse’s original article for free here.

Misrepresenting Kirkby: A Flawed Critique of a Revitalising Community
Sean Watkin

Howse’s article could benefit from a more apt title. Perhaps it could be renamed: “Kirkby: Evidence of Hostile Tory Spending Cuts in Working-Class Towns Across the Decades.” After reading Howse’s article, which often read like a grim post-apocalyptic novel, I had questions about whether Howse has adequately met his brief to discuss the contemporary state of the small-town high street in England, given that only a quarter of his article’s word count is dedicated to the topic. This raises the question of whether his primary intent was to discuss high streets at all, or whether there were other motivations at play.

Howse’s portrayal of Kirkby is bleak, with minimal focus on the high street itself—or “The Towny,” as locals affectionately call it. It is undeniable that high streets across the country are struggling, driven largely by the rise of internet shopping and the ongoing cost of living crisis. In such challenging economic conditions, consumers naturally seek the most affordable options.

Retail

Howse’s evident interest in history is reflected in that 75% of his article is devoted to outdated facts, long-past anecdotes, and references that predate many of his readers. Among the few present-day reflections is a single mention of the owner of Banana Bunch, who rightfully critiques Knowsley Council for its high rental fees. This one example does little to capture the developing retail landscape of Kirkby.

Nostalgic recollections of a once-thriving market town do not accurately represent Kirkby’s current reality. Several statistics cited by Howse are drawn from outdated reports, undermining his own argument by neglecting more recent data that tells a different story:

• In 2024, following investment in refurbishment and the introduction of new retail brands, footfall in Kirkby town centre increased by 15%.
• Knowsley Council’s initiatives to support small businesses led to a 10% increase in retail sales in 2024.
• Kirkby town centre has been praised for leading the way in revitalising retail across the Knowsley area.

Acknowledging the past is important, but it’s equally important to recognise progress and transformation where they exist. Kirkby’s ongoing revitalisation is a testament to the community’s resilience and determination to move forward despite past challenges.

Community

Howse’s depiction of Kirkby’s community is equally as grim as his portrayal of the town itself. His description of a mother smoking outside Costa while her children eat from Pound Bakery reads less like an observation and more like a judgment.

Howse’s brief mention of James Bulger, dropped into an article about a high street is oddly placed. The reference lacks context and sensitivity, leaving readers questioning the purpose of its inclusion. I wondered whether Howse had intended to go on to talk about the love, respect, and protectiveness the people of Kirkby and Liverpool still feel toward James and his family to this day? Perhaps he ran out of words.

Howse references Kirkby’s demographics by describing the town as predominantly White, warrants reflection. The most recent Census data indicates that 3.7% of residents identified as non-White. While acknowledging demographic realities is important, the way these figures are framed risks conveying a sense of unwarranted critique. It is essential to approach such discussions with nuance and contextual understanding, recognising that diversity manifests differently across regions.

In conclusion, Howse’s article is a poorly researched vanity piece, aimed at shaming struggling small towns and their communities, and showcasing Howse’s skills in historical research. Whilst Howse clearly possesses these skills, given that he’s excavated out-dated reports and anecdotes, his skills in researching the present are somewhat lacking.

Ultimately, Howse’s statement that “People here lack the methodical hostility often apparent in London” inadvertently highlights the warmth and community spirit of the people of Kirkby.

Perhaps Howse could take his own hostility down to London and leave it there.