WHAT struck me recently were the wonderful comments from people across the board responding to the news that Booths supermarket is looking to open on the livestock market in Malton.

Facebook, Twitter, phone calls from local residents, the airwaves were buzzing in a most unusual positive outpouring.

“Excellent news,” said a gent from Scarborough. “A great asset to Malton and would help the town win business,” said a lady from York. Mr Hall, a gentleman, from Kirkbymoorside, even phoned to say it was the best news he has ever heard from Fitzwilliam Estate.

It was the first time he had ever contacted us.

Ally, who served me lunch at Malton Relish, went weak at the knees when I told her the news. “We just love Booths,” she cooed.

So although I had heard of Booths’ ethical credentials, commitment to local producers and great ethos, I was intrigued to find out more about the company that caused such genuine excitement and warmth.

Jay Rayner, food writer, respected critic who visited Malton for the first time last year, wrote of it as the “honest supermarket” with a genuine commitment to local producers, not just paying lip service but also importantly paying famers and producers a decent price for their milk, lamb, cheese etc.

Booths was different, he said: “The respectable face of British supermarkets.”

What people seem to like about Booths is that it is different from the rest.

The ethos fits with that of the growing numbers of people who care about where their food comes from – and what we are trying to do here in Malton is exactly the same.

The aspiration to reposition Malton as a “foodie destination” has always been about footfall and making the town stand out as just that – “a destination”.

I believe Malton’s food festival, monthly markets, cookery school, Made in Malton producers’ project and the James Martin Restaurant are all doing this.

What is thrilling is I believe Booths realised that too.

I certainly hope that this news will encourage other high-profile and much-loved operators into town. With the potential of that around the corner, Malton’s town centre has a lot to be positive about.

Two weeks ago, Malton was a new entry in the Sunday Times 101 best places to live in Britain. We are firmly on the map.

In the next few years the town has the opportunity to go even further with an offer to local residents and tourists and to new businesses to create a town that everyone can be proud of.

With more visitors comes more opportunity, more jobs, and an improved economy leading to a brighter future for all in Malton.

With companies like Booths interested in the town, it is hard not to be inspired for the future.

Next Event Malton Monthly Market – Sat 12 April Live Chef Demos from Jake Jones, Sous Chef at James Martin’s Talbot Hotel Restaurant and others tba! Live Music from White Star Brass Band.