There is a small shopping centre tucked away from the town centre where everyone knows each other and supports the independent shops that line the street.
Higher Parr Street in St Helens is home to Fingerpost shops, offering a range of businesses, from barbers, to chip shops, to fruit and veg markets. It is not without its challenges, the decline of the high street is well documented and after weathering a global pandemic, these shops will now face a cost of living crisis like many other across the UK.
But this little strip of businesses that sits around half a mile east of the town centre may just be able to weather this particular storm as shoppers proved when the ECHO took a stroll down Higher Parr Street.
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One thing that the Fingerpost shops benefits from is more regular custom from residents of the surrounding housing estates then perhaps the town centre. One shopper told the ECHO : "I think a lot of people living behind the shops here keep them afloat, even though it's not too far to the town centre people will often just shop along here.
"It does struggle though, as you can see by the shops with shutters down, it's a shame because there is potential here. Anyone who sets up shop will have the community rally around them."
Walking along the street on a sunny July morning, there was no shortage of customers willing to chat as elderly shoppers streamed off buses nearby. Speaking to a shop owner, was a different challenge- with many of the independent stores not open on our visit- and workers at chains stores unavailable.
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A young cashier at a produce shop said: "We have a steady stream of business, it's never rammed but we get the same faces every day that keep us going and it's nice that way."
The night-time economy of Fingerpost is bolstered by traditional pubs, such as the Queen's Arms. Serving the community for decades, the Queen's captures the spirit of the community perfectly- as groups of older men gather, both inside and out, from early afternoon- laughing and joking.
One customer said: "You can smile as you watch some of the locals making the most of a friendly easy going pub, no airs and graces but a warm welcoming atmosphere. You won't be on your own for long as everyone says hello but don't worry they mean well."
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