A MAN who has worked as a butcher for 46 years said it can be a constant battle with the convenience of supermarkets.

After initially working in a supermarket, Roy Kilgallon developed a passion for butchery as he gained experience in numerous butchers across St Helens.

Roy's first job in a butchers was at Parkins in Newtown, and decades later, he is now the owner and sole employee at the renamed ‘Kilgallon’ shop.

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St Helens Star: Roy prides himself on selling the highest quality meatsRoy prides himself on selling the highest quality meats (Image: St Helens Star)
However, similar to the struggle between town centre businesses and retail parks, butchers are often locked in fierce competition with supermarkets that provide cheaper products at more convenient locations.

So although business was extremely busy for Kilgallons during the pandemic, and usually picks up around Christmastime, most of the year is a struggle to attract enough customers.

Roy said: "During covid, the business took off and we had queues down the street because we were one of the only businesses open.

"I had 3am starts at the time to meet the demand, and although I have kept some customers from this time, it has dropped off again.

"It's very quiet usually and people just prefer to go to the supermarkets because its cheaper and more convenient."

St Helens Star: Kilgallons butchers on Cambridge RoadKilgallons butchers on Cambridge Road (Image: St Helens Star)

Expressing his passion for the job, Roy said that he prides himself in knowing exactly where each of his products comes from and offering the highest-quality meats.

He also prides himself on the business’ cleanliness and fostering a great relationship with regular customers.

He acknowledges that these are the people who help to sustain the business, and he has even hand delivered products to older residents who couldn’t make it to the Cambridge Road shop. 

While other Newtown butchers have closed down in years gone by, Roy hopes that his hard work and commitment to quality is enough to keep customers returning to Kilgallons for years to come.