The former 3-pool swimming baths at Knowsley on Merseyside are to be demolished to make way for a new shopping development.

The findings of a consultation document sent by Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council to residents and businesses in Kirkby asking for their views on the future development of the town, revealed that seven out of 10 of the respondents rated new retail facilities and a food superstore as their top priority. As a result, and ending much local speculation, Nick Kavanagh, regeneration executive at the council, confirmed that although there were no plans to close or demolish either the council offices or Civic Suite, the former baths site would be cleared.

Kavanagh said: "Hopefully this will open the way for new development and improve the general appearance in the town centre." He added that the feedback from the survey would be shared with the council's partners, one of which is the Tesco supermarket chain.