ECCLES - once famous for its cakes, market and pubs - is getting a makeover.

The town has struggled to maintain its character as the arrival of a Morrisons, Metrolink and a bus station has affected a shopping mall on the other side of the tram tracks.

Two years ago, Salford council demanded talks with the owners of Eccles Precinct about investing in the run-down centre.

In 2004, 25 stores in and around it were vacant. It once had a bustling market and the famous Eccles Cake Shop.

But the market was moved to make way for the superstore and now struggles to survive.

The town was chosen last year for the location of Salford's new £20m magistrates' court.

It is hoped that the 12-court justice centre to be built on John William Street will trigger further investment in the town. And now, after more than eight years without one, Eccles is to have a town centre manager again.

Kyla Ankers has is determined to give the tired-looking mall a makeover.

Kyla - who takes control after a career in the Civil Service - believes the combination of this experience with the support of Workman Retail, managing agents for the centre, is ideal to drive forward improvements at Eccles Shopping Centre.

"The centre is right at the heart of Eccles," she said. "It is opposite the main bus and tram terminal and the market hall is part of the centre.

"It has been a key feature of the town for more than 30 years.

"It is now due for an image makeover. I am liaising closely with the local council on various initiatives.

"I want the centre to become part of a fully co-ordinated marketing programme for the area.

"The arrival of the Wilkinson's new store in March has given a massive boost to the whole centre. It has dramatically increased shopper footfall. One of the results is an increase in interest from other, potentially new retailers anxious to benefit from the uplift in trade."

Kyla is working with shop owners to create a year-round calendar of different activities designed to attract people to visit Eccles Shopping Centre.

"I am very up-beat," she said. "We have a great team of tenants and a really loyal customer base.

"My task is linking these two positive factors together to generate a real buzz here."