Preston residents in particular have few excuses. The town’s Business Improvement District (BID) found a resurgence in civic pride, with more positive feedback than in any previous year since it began carrying out an annual survey of shoppers in 2009. In fact, it found that many visitors aren’t actually from Preston, but instead come specifically because they think so much of the shopping experience.
Mark Whittle from the city’s BID explained:
“Preston is no doubt a great place to shop, eat and play. It has the best regional offer of independent businesses, which is something that really sets it apart. Coupled with the high-street favourites, there isn’t anything that can’t be bought or sampled in Preston.”
Shop vacancy rates are below the national average and Whittle says that the night time economy is particularly vibrant, thanks to a top policing team and great venues. This view is supported by the fact that 7,000 people voted for their favourite Preston venue in the Alive After Five hospitality awards.
The Evening Post is keen for other towns in the county to see similar success and is therefore campaigning for residents to buy everything they can locally – whether that means meat from the butcher, fruit and veg from the greengrocer or even just stopping in at a café for a coffee.