Retailer's verdict on why she quit Blackburn town centre

Earlier this month the Lancashire Telegraph reported on Fleming Square where a number of businesses had moved out.

The small section of the town centre, off Mincing Lane, has been described as the ‘jewel’ of the town centre and hosted a number of retailers.

Janet Bailey runs Eve Lingerie and Nomad Clothing, which are now both based at a new location in Preston Old Road.

She had been based in the town centre for 17 years, and said she moved out after the area which was beset by incidents of anti-social behaviour, including aggressive behaviour, vandalism, and even people defecating in public.

Blackburn with Darwen Council who does not own the building said it was working with partners and agencies to address any concerns over anti-social behaviour in the area.

Janet said: “The last five years have been really bad. It was a constant battle each day.

“There were people who were using the square as a toilet. We had people urinating right in front of our doorstep and also they were pooing in the square.

“It was disgusting.

“If you confronted anyone over their behaviour they got aggressive. I had my windows smashed. Once a fight took place and they ended up in my shop.

“When I did confront someone once I had a cigarette stubbed out on my chest. People were taking crack cocaine right there in the middle of the street.

“It was not a healthy place to be at all and made me very stressed and anxious.

“Some days, I would drive up and sit in the car park and wait until it was clear to go in. It had an effect on me on a daily basis.”

Fleming Square underwent a rejuvenation 20 years ago with money spent on the paving, landscaping and seating to celebrate its Victorian heritage.

Tucked away in one corner of the square is the George Dewhurst Memorial Drinking Fountain. 

Funding had come from the Heritage Lottery Fund, European and Regional Development Fund and Blackburn with Darwen Council.

The building - the old Exchange Arcade, constructed in 1849 - is owned  by a private landlord and hosted a number of unique businesses.

Last week, café customers could be seen dining on the cobbled street in the sunshine as private security personnel walked around the street.

Janet said she wanted the town centre to thrive and had been happy to be located in Fleming Square which was steeped in history.

She said: “I am proud of Blackburn and want the best for the town. But this area has been let down badly.

“I made the decision to move last April. It was too much. You just don’t want to go through these things daily.

“I do not blame the landlord as there was only so much they could do. The landlord was really good.

“The police also did their best but there was very little they could do apart from moving people on, and then they would just come back.

“If we or anyone else behaved in such a way on the street we would be quite rightly reprimanded.

"But I think the police have been unable for whatever reasons been unable to grasp the severity of the situation and the effect it has on local businesses.”

She said the situation that had been allowed to develop in and around the town centre and felt someone had to take some responsibility for not tackling the issue.

Janet said: “It was one of the most desirable places in the town centre.

“I want to support people and the vulnerable as much as I can. But it appears the groups congregating here have nowhere else to go.

“I have sympathy for people, but you have to have facilities for people I am afraid. If they go to the Mall they get turfed out so people will find other locations.”

She said her customers have told her moving out of the town centre was a good move.

She said: “I was really apprehensive moving out as I did not know what to expect and if I would be able to survive.

“People are saying moving out was one of the best things I did.”

The council revealed it now had powers to refuse planning permissions for buildings deemed to 'hostels'.

It was hoping owners of buildings would take more responsibility for vulnerable residents.

Blackburn with Darwen Council Leader, Cllr Phil Riley, said: "Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council has recently become one of the first councils to approve Article 4, this enables the Council to refuse planning permission for any applications for Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in the borough.

"Previously, the Council had limited powers available when it came to objecting  any new HMOs.

"These HMOs are often unregulated or have limited regulation and we are hoping that the change of government will see the introduction of legislation to make owners take more responsibility for the care and rehabilitation of their vulnerable residents.

"The council continues to work closely with Police and other partners to ensure our town centres are safe and welcoming for all."