BUSINESSES in Fingerpost have said that they feel "overlooked" by the council as they struggle to survive the cost of living crisis.

Speaking to businesses on Higher Parr Street, there was a real concern that they may not be able to keep their prices down as food and fuel bills continue to rise. 

With the difficulties of the cost of living crisis coming after the uncertainties of the pandemic, some business owners feel that they have not been supported enough by the council through this challenging period.

If prices continue to rise without additional support, some worry about their ability to keep afloat.

St Helens Star: Clean Lean Fit Food, on Higher Parr StreetClean Lean Fit Food, on Higher Parr Street

Nicola Percival, owner of Clean Lean Fit Food, said: "Fingerpost used to be a really busy area but the pandemic and the cost of living crisis has had a real knock-on effect for us.

"We don't have millions in the bank and we take our wage out of the shop, so it is frustrating when we haven't received or been eligible for some of the council's recovery grants.

"We are a family-run business and when we see other businesses getting grants in other areas of St Helens, it feels like a kick in the teeth and like we're getting overlooked in Fingerpost."

St Helens Star: Barry and Nicola expressed their concerns amid the cost of living crisisBarry and Nicola expressed their concerns amid the cost of living crisis

With additional investment from the council, Nicola suggested that local businesses will be able to revamp their store and attract more customers to the area.

Nicola added: "Smaller areas like Fingerpost are communities that people rely on.

"We are the places where people go to when they can't get into the town centre and if businesses go under it will have a huge impact on the people that live here."

Aware of the difficulties posed by the pandemic and cost of living crisis, councillors have stressed the importance of smaller communities like Fingerpost as well as the support they have offered to local businesses.

St Helens Star: Cllr Kate GroucuttCllr Kate Groucutt (Image: St Helens Council)

Councillor Kate Groucutt, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Business, said:

“We hear and understand the challenges facing local businesses. To have survived through the pandemic and into what should be the recovery, only to face further hardship in this national cost-of-living crisis. 

“We know that local businesses across the borough continue to work tirelessly, and we have been able to support them with nearly £55 million in pandemic business grants since March 2020.

“And those businesses that have struggled to get business rate help during the pandemic may find support through a new relief scheme in the borough – the Covid-19 Additional Relief Fund (CARF).

“District and local centres such as Fingerpost are incredibly important to us and to our communities and we will continue to work with those localities to provide support for the challenges they face now and in the future.

"This will include the establishment of further Business Forums to enable attendees to highlight current challenges, discuss solutions and explore other support opportunities.” 

St Helens Star: Cllr Damien O'ConnorCllr Damien O'Connor

Promising to "start getting things done", Peasley Cross and Fingerpost's newly elected councillor Damien O'Connor also said that he will be looking into ways where the council can offer further support to local businesses.

Cllr O'Connor said: "People feel left out but [all] high streets are suffering because of internet shopping, the recent pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, and footfall has gone down on the parade.

"[However] we have been through recessions before and need to reassure the business and residents in the area that nobody will be left behind and we will get through it.

"I will do everything I can to get them up and running. There are more bids up and coming for shopping parades and we will make sure that we are on the top priority for one.

"We must do something to attract people back to the high street and get the footfall up. I know this will be a herculean task but let's put covid behind us and move forward."