A Helston resident has sparked debate online about the best ways to get Helston attracting visitors to the town, and which shops people would like to see arrive in the centre.

This comes following the news that shops will be reopening on June 15th and Helston Council are considering multiple layout options to help bring footfall back into the streets in a socially distanced manner.

The response to the council's ideas for change was mixed, and since then a discussion has been carried out on some additions that could bring more energy and visitors to the town.

Natasha Anne, a Helston resident and creator of women's charity Your Voice, started the discussion on social media.

Speaking to Nub News, Natasha said:

"Well, I asked because I've seen so many different posts, on various local pages, about what the town wants and needs and I was curious to get a definitive answer from people. Obviously, there will always be a vast range of different views but I was interested to see if there was a reoccurring suggestion for the town to regenerate its status as a real shopping experience."

A resident of Helston stated that a "decent toy or present shop" would be a good addition to the high street in order to bring more footfall for Christmas shopping.

Other residents felt that the town was missing big name brands and supermarket chains, feeling that having these will bring more visitors into the town to shop.

"Home Bargains, B&M, Wilko, Iceland & a pound shop, having to drive a thirty or forty-mile round trip to visit these other towns isn't cheap, this would make people actually use the town and not travel through it, doubt it's ever going to happen though," said a resident on social media.

The discussion also led on to more than just shops, with many people saying they'd appreciate more things to do in the town, some suggesting arcades or an ice rink to bring more visitors in.

Someone suggested that the town gain an 'indoor collective of small traders', mixing trades, upcycle trades, upcycling events and interlinking these into community action groups.

Another suggested that a craft and farmers market should operate together.

Natasha continued about the responses she received online:

"I'm in agreement with a lot of the suggestions, especially the ideas for a market collective kind of thing.

"With rents so high and so many talented local people lacking in funds to really have a platform for their business ideas - something that was affordable and was really inclusive of the local community would be amazing, for all generations.

"I also love the idea of an attraction such as a bowling centre, or ice rink. I think they would be a massive boost to our economy and really help bring people to our town as well as provide lots of new job opportunities.

With the mass hold of online shopping, town centres are increasingly struggling around the country - and now with the coronavirus pandemic, businesses have been hit on an unprecedented level.

In a letter to residents from John Martin, Helston Mayor, he said:

"The 2020 coronavirus pandemic is the most significant event of my lifetime; it has had a terrible impact on the health and lives of individuals, as well as severe economic consequences for businesses.

"Whilst it's impact has been immediate, shocking and sharp, I am confident that the resilience of local people will enable us to survive, revive and prosper as we adapt to the new normal."

Natasha concluded:

"Overall, Helston needs a way to be viable for local businesses to really have a market here and be a long term success. We are so lucky to have some incredible businesses such as The Coffee Hut, The Bridal Studio, Mrs K's etc and if we could have a few more alongside a couple of high street names then I think our town would flourish."

What would you like to see come to the town? How do you think Helston could become more attractive to visitors? Let us know at [email protected] / [email protected].