Trade boom welcomed

In the past few months, new businesses have appeared in the town's square including a cafe and off-licence from Wine Cellar, Eden and furniture shop and cafe Bagio.

Anne Greyston, chairman of the chamber of trade, has welcomed the new businesses to the town

She said: "We're very happy to see the new shops appearing. Our only concern is if they came to St Annes because it looked like Safeway was coming.

"So long as we keep up the momentum it will be fine and it's a very positive sign for the town.

"We want more parking in the square which will bring in shoppers and in turn, attract more businesses.

"We're also looking forward to the aesthetic changes proposed for the town - whether Safeway or the council bring them. But we'll never be truly happy until Safeway are allowed to develop."

General manager of the Wine Cellar chain, Steve Mullarkey, believes that their move into St Annes couldn't have gone better. He commented: "We're delighted with the way the shop is going.

"Trade has exceeded all company expectations and we are extremely happy to be a part of a new beginning for the area."

Ita Cassidy has just opened Eden in the square and has been amazed by the number of shoppers about. She said: "Business is very good. In fact, we're delighted with it.

"There are plenty of people in St Annes who want to see something different. Once a few shops arrive it generates more and more interest."

Brian Ross, owner of Bagio, shares her sentiments. He said: "It's good and we're doing very well. We've exceeded all our expectations.

"Improving parking would make things so much better though as there's something lacking there.

"There's nowhere to pull in and get out for a look around - diagonal parking on the square would be great - but it's good that new shops have come in."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.