THE SUPPORT from the community has made a business owner rethink his decision about leaving the town centre.

As previously reported, Ian Emery said he was thinking about moving his Geek Retreat franchise from Bridge Street because constant anti-social behaviour was making his customers feel unsafe.

Ian reported that the anti-social behaviour, which consisted of verbal abuse, criminal damage and assault, occurred on an almost daily basis and was affecting his ability to make a profit.

St Helens Star: Geek Retreat has been vandalised by groups of youthsGeek Retreat has been vandalised by groups of youths

However, since reporting on this, Ian said that there has been a "tremendous" amount of support shown to him from people across the community which has made him feel both welcomed and wanted in the town.

Crucially, Ian said there has also been an increased police presence in the town centre which has deterred this kind of behaviour from repeating.

Ian said: "The response from the community has been tremendous [...] and the messages of support have made me re-think the situation - It makes me think maybe I am wanted here.

"People have been popping in asking me to stay, and recently I have had a bobby in the store every day and noticed them around the town centre.

"Speaking to my neighbours, we have all noticed a reduction in the behaviour so hopefully the police stay here as their patrolling seems to work."

St Helens Star: Geek Retreat opened on Bridge Street in October 2021Geek Retreat opened on Bridge Street in October 2021

With Geek Retreat designed as an "inclusive safe environment" for people to meet, play games and make friends, Ian said he has noticed a "positive upturn" in customers who are returning to the store again.

As the police have answered his calls to increase their presence in the town centre, Ian added: "If the police keep this up and the behaviour is reduced, there is no reason for me to leave."