[Gayle]

As it happens I've recently conducted a repeat of the Talking Shop project and gone back to the shops I went to two years ago. Makes quite alarming reading with the number of shops that have closed.

I presented my findings to Oswaldtwistle Mills and they are very keen to develop was of getting their customers to look at Ossy as a whole.

If I were to suggest a shop I would suggest that you look at something that is not dependent on passing trade i.e. a destination in its own right. For example the Equine shop, Ball gowns, Weddings, Signs, etc. That way you can market the business beyond the street.

What I would suggest that you avoid is food, general store, clothes or cards as these come and go with great speed.