MORE than 20 new jobs have been created after an independent DIY supplies merchant opened its doors.

MKM has taken on premises at the rear of the new Meridian Business Park, off Manchester Road.

Bosses are hoping to provides builders, tradespeople and the general public a comprehensive offering, alongside a kitchen and bathroom showroom.

Tony Masters, co-branch director, said: “We’re delighted to be open after a lot of hard work to get to this point.

“Our being here signals a significant expansion of choice for the building and DIY markets in and around Bolton.”

Wayne Critchley, another co-director, added: “Being independent is a huge positive both for us and the trade and public in the area.

“It means you get good local knowledge from a team that is locally established, alongside a fair and welcoming customer service offering and competitive pricing.”

And as part of their opening, the branch has launched a year-long partnership with Bolton Wanderers in the Community.

Their representatives helped to open the branch and the partnership was kicked off by a £1,000 donation from MKM to the charity.

Mr Masters added: “We’re local people ourselves, and so we wanted to work with a charity that is able to give back to the community we know and love, and BWitC achieves that.

“The majority of staff here are also Bolton fans, who we’ve been aware of the charity’s excellent work for the local area for a while.

Mr Critchley added: “The £1,000 is our initial donation to mark the beginning of the partnership, but we already have plans for further fundraising activities throughout the year. Community is a big part of our branch identity, and so partnerships like this enable us to give back to the local area we live and work in.”