'I wish more people knew it was here:' retailers concerns for future of Marsh Mill shopping village

But despite the prominence of the Grade II* listed windmill, which dates back to 1794, some retailers in the shopping village are worried that the public are passing them by.

Now they have called for support from shoppers as internet shopping rises in popularity, but not all retailers share their concerns.

Other business owners in the square believe social media can be used to boost sales, and that the free parking available at the shopping village has allowed more customers to visit them.

Linda Adams, 59, owner of La Shack gift shop, feared that without more visitors some of the shops and eateries might struggle to continue in the current economic climate.

She said: “Marsh Mill is so iconic a building, and it’s so tall you can see it from miles away.

“And yet, the square itself is surprisingly hidden, even locals sometimes forget about it or don’t know it’s here.”

After starting her business eight years ago with a small stand in a church hall, Mrs Adams progressed to set up in the Garden Place on Cropper Road, Marton, before deciding to open a shop in Marsh Mill village three years ago.

Now she said despite worries about the future of the square, she would be there "for the foreseeable" as she loved the area and the history behind the mill.

She was also concerned that the rise in internet shopping, paired with the “hidden” shopping village would result in closures, so she promotes the shopping village at every opportunity on social media to encourage more people to visit.

“It’s such a lovely square and I just wish more people knew it was here, it’s actually a really nice place to visit, she added.

“I’m hoping that with events in the square, and more people realising that it’s here or remembering and coming to enjoy it, it will gain more visitors.

"There's free parking here, unlike any high street, and we are pram-friendly, accessible and dog-friendly, what more could you want?”

Mrs Adams' dedication to the square extends to her taking responsibility for the planning and funding of Marsh Mill's annual events during holidays, including Halloween, Christmas and Easter, to encourage families to pay the village a visit during half-terms.

However, despite 'quite a few recurring customers,' and successful events, she thought the shopping village was too often overlooked by locals.

While browsing around La Shack, 70-year-old Thornton resident Susan Harte said it was the first time she had visited the square for a "long time".

"I haven't been here for a few years, I don't really know why to be honest because I only live down the road.

"I just haven't really had the time to have a proper look around, but I can see why people would like to visit here. I would say that people are just too busy to come out shopping."

Karyn Loboda, 50, has owned Dots on Pots in the square for three years, and agreed that Marsh Mill shopping village seemed to have been forgotten by nearby residents.

She said: "We have regular customers because of the type of business we are, we hold classes where children and adults can make things and it's quite unique.

"But I do get worried sometimes, we seem to do really well when the events are on in the square but it can be quiet at other times, nobody seems to just drop in unplanned.

"If nobody walks in to my shop one week, I still have to pay the rent on the building, and it can be really difficult sometimes.

"There are lots of places to eat here, and the shops are all different, it's not the kind of place you would find anywhere else so I'd encourage everyone to visit."

However, the surge in internet shopping and a drop in footfall has not worried all retailers in the square.

Caroline Wolstencroft, 52, from Hambleton, believed that the secret to being a success in Marsh Mill shopping village was to "have a niche, so people come to you specifically."

Caroline owns ladies clothing store Blossom Boutique with daughter Hayley Anderton, 29, and said she did not see Marsh Mill as a destination, but a place people come to with an intention to visit a specific place there.

She said: "I don't think being based in Marsh Mill is anything to worry about for a business who has a niche. People these days just haven't got the time to go for a wander around the square and visit all of the different places.

"There are great eateries and shops, but most of our customers come to us because they know specifically what they want. We don't get much walk-in trade because nobody has the time to do that anymore.

"Blossom is doing amazingly because Hayley and I work hard to promote it on social media, as well as working with various charities. I absolutely love it in Marsh Mill and I'll be signing up to stay here for another five years soon. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

Bianca Williams, 35, had her salon Bianca Monique on Cleveleys Avenue, Cleveleys for seven years, before moving to Marsh Mill nearly two years ago, and said she had been "busier than ever" since moving there.

"I've been able to offer more services and take on staff, she said.

"For me, social media has always been my go-to to advertise and bring in clients as I can showcase my work.

"The car park is a massive help as it's free and clients can stay as long as they like - so in my opinion having a business at Marsh Mill is much better and busier than being in Cleveleys."

In October 2019, the Gazette reported the struggles Cleveleys high street faced, with many retailers concerned about the lack of free parking, in stark contrast to Marsh Mill.

Marsh Mill windmill is only open for for special events during 2020, after Wyre council announced the following dates:

> April 11 and 12 (Easter)

> May 9 and 10 (National Mills Weekend)

> June 14 (Thornton Gala)

> September 19 and 20 (Heritage Open Days)

> October 24 and 25 (226th Birthday of the mill)

> 22 Nov (date to be confirmed) Christmas Lights Switch On – evening event.