THE deputy leader of St Helens Council has hailed the impact of independent businesses in the town centre - saying they form a "key part" of the authority's vision for the regeneration of the high street.

In recent years, St Helens town centre has seen more independent shops, bars and restaurants launch.

Among them is Momo’s independent coffee shop, which has brewed up a storm with customers since opening in December last year.

Momo’s is the brainchild of town centre resident Claire Rigby who opened up the cafe as a way of bringing the community together – with poetry and drama workshops; board games; dementia and autism-friendly evenings - together with a delicious range of homemade sandwiches and cakes – making it a popular addition to the town centre offer.

Meanwhile, earlier this summer, Sabroso Tex-Mex restaurant opened in the former George Street Suites to spice up the town centre’s dining scene.

Expanding on their successful takeaway in Thatto Heath, husband and wife Paul and Sharon Bridge from Sutton have transformed a large empty unit into an eye-catching eatery which serves a mouth-watering range of breakfast, lunch and dinner options.

Opening night at Sabroso Opening night at Sabroso

St Helens’ first vegan restaurant has also been doing business since November last year, drawing in visitors from far and wide.

Phoenix Plant Based Eatery in Corporation Street – which aims to change people’s perceptions of vegan food through offering a wide-range of tasty meals – has attracted visitors from places like Italy, Germany, Slovakia, Belgium, Lithuania, the USA and Australia.

In terms of nightlife, recent openings include the £500,000 Punch Tarmey’s investment by The Mikhail Hotel and Leisure Group, as well as the opening of The Church and The Secret Garden in Ormskirk Street by entrepreneur Ian Pitts, all hitting the ground running.

Also, OD’s Designer Clothing in Claughton Street has been shortlisted for two national awards in the ‘Multichannel Independent Retailer of the Year’ and ‘Kidswear Independent Retailer of the Year’ categories at The Drapers Independent Awards this September.

Having been based in St Helens since 1992 when its menswear shop first opened, owner Chis O’Dea has built up a strong retail portfolio in the town centre, adding a womenswear, jewellery store - and most recently a children’s wear store - to his business empire.

Deputy council leader Andy Bowden, who is also the council's portfolio holder for economic development and town centres, said: “These independent business owners should be applauded for their decision to invest in the borough and for showing tremendous spirit and confidence in St Helens town centre.

“A greater variety of independent retailers and leisure opportunities is a key priority in our ambitious plans for St Helens Town Centre’s regeneration –and these businesses have set the bar at the level of quality we’re aiming for.

“We’re under no illusions, and know full well that major changes are needed in order for St Helens town centre to rub shoulders with some of the best town centres in the country.

"Our vision is that of a thriving town centre and it’s an absolute priority to turn that vision into action.”