Shops are Waterfoot's 'Local Heroes'

Date published: 28 November 2009

As the Vintage single decker carrying Rossendale Transport livery drove into Waterfoot on Saturday morning, it signalled the start of a day of varied activities and attractions to draw attention to the range and quality of the dozens of businesses operating in Waterfoot.

With Mayor of Rossendale, Cllr Joyce Thorne on board, and Alyson Cadd, who has spearheaded a team who put together the programme for the day, called '5 Local Heroes',  the bus was welcomed in the town centre by members of Stacksteads Brass Band,  playing a selection of cheerful Christmas tunes.

But it is the shops who are the real heroes of the town, offering a tremendous variety of goods and services to the local community. Like any town centre these days, charity shops do very well, and the Rossendale Red Cross shop on Burnley Road has set itself up as 'Santa's Grotto' and toy shop for the Christmas period. Manager Linda Rogerson has everyone dressed for the festive season, and the shop looks a treat - with some great bargains for children too! With a tea room at the back, this is a cosy place to catch up with neighbours and friends.

Back on Newchurch Road, Cordeys Bakery had a steady queue of customers sampling the home made bread and cakes, and providing a cafe too for a nice cuppa while you are out shopping! For the 'Local Heroes' day, Derek from Heritage Kitchens was putting on a display of their wonderful chutneys, made in Bacup, for sampling. Derek has had some good orders for Christmas Hampers this year, and his business is starting to grow now.

Up the street is Steve's Greengrocers - a traditional 'fruit and veg' man, with a wonderful display both outside the shop and inside, and a friendly welcome!

With over 70 businesses in Waterfoot centre, and a unique market arcade, currently unused, waiting to be developed, this is a town centre not to miss.

Waterfoot Forward are fully supporting this venture and Chris Smith was out on the streets of Waterfoot handing out leaflets promoting '5 Local Heroes', along with Councillors Jim Pilling and Trevor Unsworth.