Small town battles through the recession
Feb 17th, 2009 by cwest
The recession is now into full swing around the globe with no clear indication of when it could end. Considering a lot of people are struggling to cope with keeping their finances in order, the historic market town of Louth in Lincolnshire has shown that small time towns can survive and still continue to have thriving unique businesses.
Looking around Louth, like any other town these days, you do see a few examples of local shops and businesses that have unfortunately had to close their doors due to a variety of different reasons. This is sadly regretful but it can happen to the best of people, its just one of them things.
Louth Town Mayor, Fran Treanor, expresses her views on the sadness of seeing shops close but has a positive outlook that the recession will end and that Louth is still a striving place of business.
“Obviously, according to the Government, we are now officially in a recession and this is having an effect on street trading which must be worrying for some people.
“As you know the Woolworths chain closed but I think this was more to do with viability and current markets than actual recession, even Marks and Spencer was affected.”
Fran says; “We must never lose hope that the recession is only temporary and the financial crisis will improve. We have come through these recessions before.”
With a substantial number of successful local businesses, the people of Louth have worked hard to keep their businesses ticking over through the hardship of the recession and are bouncing back full steam ahead.
Now looking towards the future, Louth has a big promise to bring in people from outside areas with various big projects going ahead which will come into force over the next two years.
“Louth is still a thriving shopping and market town. As you may know, Sainsbury’s have vested an interest in coming to Louth. Morrison’s will be taking over the Somerfield store, which may encourage more people to shop in Louth.
“Halfords have announced that they are coming to Louth. Both Heron and Wilkinson’s have moved to larger premises and we had WHSmith’s move in shortly before Christmas. We have a lot of specialist and individual shops which does attract people to Louth from further afield.”
In recent years, there had been a lot of speculation that this once thriving market town would soon become home to the infamous country western stereotypical ghost town.
“Louth turning into a ghost town? I don’t think so. I am proud to be the Mayor of Louth and during my travels round the area, I receive most favourable comments about Louth and how lucky we are to live in such an idyllic part of the county.”
By Chloe West
