"Hopefully we can really push the town forward": The residents looking to help Helston businesses flourish

Helston residents have constantly been thinking of ways they can help the town's businesses, with many feeling passionate about the 'shop local' movement.

With the pedestrianisation of Meneage Street causing a major divide in opinion - much discussion has been carried out on what can be done to help bring footfall to local businesses in these tough times.

Now, two Facebook pages have been set up by Helston residents hoping to promote the range of shops on offer in the town.

Natasha Anne, who has previously been a facilitator of discussion for what residents want to see in Helston, wants to provide a simple and effective way for shoppers to get updates from the local town's businesses.

She has created the 'Love shopping in Helston' group on Facebook.

Natasha told Nub News:

"I've been following the posts that have been on the Helston pages, about how we can improve the footfall of businesses in the town. I had the idea to start a page dedicated to shopping in Helston a few weeks ago and had suggested it on a couple of posts hoping somebody would perhaps start one up. Nobody had, so I thought I'd give it a go.

"The idea is for businesses to post on the page, with their shop location and opening hours, and any deals/sales they're running - and then people can be up to date.

"The response has been great, and hopefully it will continue to gain momentum. It's vital that the local community works together and is proactive in making the town a successful shopping area.

"We're fortunate to have lots of great businesses here and with another platform to profile them on; hopefully we can really push the town forward."

Chris Jolly, a Helston resident, has created another new Facebook group which he hopes will give Helston businesses a helping hand in attracting new customers.

The group, 'Helston Town Shopping Directory', aims to be a one-stop place for all shopping in Helston.

Chris was strongly against pedestrianisation in Helston and sees this as a push back against the decision to close Meneage Street.

Chris told Nub News:

"Instead of looking backwards at things like pedestrianisation, we need to look forward at what can be done to improve our town for the future."

Helston Town Council decided to not carry extend the three-week road closure after consultation with businesses and members of the public.

Helston Town Mayor, Councillor John Martin previously said:

"I believe that the road closure was not allowing us to enforce the Government guidelines as originally intended. I also believe our role is to inform and support rather than to enforce during this pandemic and beyond.

"We do not have the resources to enforce these ever-changing guidelines. However, we do need our Council, our residents and our businesses to inform and support each other and our wider community twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week as much as possible.

"I have to thank the Town Councillors, Staff and particularly the volunteers for their excellent support during these difficult three weeks."