David Barrett is a private citizen that has launched a self-funded campaign helstonhighstreet after being frustrated by the lack of promotion for the high street and its businesses.

After launching the campaign David told me what made him decide to put this plan together, he said: "The idea for my Helston High Street campaign was sparked by my interest earlier this year in buying retail space in Helston Town centre.

"While doing my homework, I became acutely aware of the declining footfall and after a post on my social media I was bombarded with negative comments suggesting the town centre retail is 'dead' and "past it's 'sell by date'.

"I am not a company or a government-funded organisation, I just have a passion as a town resident to see the economic vitality of our shops with increased footfall."

The campaign is supported by a selection of shops on Coinagehall Street and Meneage Street and now has a website www.helstonhighstreet.co.uk, David said that the feedback from the shops has been very encouraging and he will continue to bang the drum about the benefits of shopping locally.

After hearing about where the idea came from David then went on to talk about some of the ideas he has in place to promote the high street, he said: "I currently have a 32-page campaign plan and the strategy mostly focuses on digital and print.

"I have upcoming posts with 'A Christmas Gift' a tale of retail based on the classic Christmas story. A young lady who flies into Helston High Street in January, A love story in February, and SuperNan to the rescue with shopping recommendations in March, these are just elements of a broader campaign."

A Christmas Gift (Helstonhighsteet)

SuperNan (Helstonhighstreet)

It looks like Helston could be in for an exciting future with David using his experience gained in Place Promotion, running very successful campaigns in Bangkok, with the River of Kings in 1996, North Pattaya - More than you think in 2018, and Phuket Incentive Island where stakeholders came together with his lead to promote a common neighbourhood to boost business, let's hope he has more success here.