Earlestown shopping zone under review (From St Helens Star)

Earlestown shopping zone under review

3:47pm Thursday 24th March 2011 in News By Kelsey Pilkington

EARLESTOWN’S retail zone has long mirrored the national economic downturn. Now it’s the focus of a study to identify potential capacity to attract new retailers and bring in shoppers.

St Helens Council has commissioned a survey to have a look at Earlestown centre and decide what can be done to restore it.

The shopping centre is a mix of both large and small businesses.

A representative of Tesco told the Star: “Business is okay; and there will be competition when the new Morrison’s opens.

“We’d say that the main problems in Earlestown are the availability of goods, parking – particularly on market days – and the appearance of the place.”

The owner of Discs and Inks, an independent computer shop, highlighted the need for funding to make Earlestown more inviting for shoppers.

“It’s quiet, but we’re surviving. Last Christmas I noticed more effort goes into decorating St Helens to encourage late-night shopping,” he said. “In Earlestown there’s only a tree. More decorations might encourage people to shop more at Christmas.”

He also noted parking issues and derelict shops.

“Double yellow lines and unnecessary ‘no loading’ signs outside shops put people off. As for empty shops, the council could put more funding towards helping businesses set up.”

The need for this survey is recognised throughout Earlestown. Tesco’s spokesman said: “It’s important that we know what people want”.

The council is eager to maintain Earlestown as the borough’s second largest retail centre, supporting a range of shopping and leisure opportunities, with the market playing a key role.

Barrie Grunewald, Deputy Leader of St Helens Council, said: “The study will draw on data from local residents.

"This will involve a telephone survey of 1,000 people, and 100 on-street interviews. We want people’s views on Earlestown town centre, what people like and how it could be improved.”

A survey will also establish how businesses view trading in Earlestown, allowing them to voice concerns and suggest improvements.