A Town On The Up
Driving through Penwortham, it’s clear to see that this town, just outside of Preston is thriving, writes Tracy Hargreaves. Photography: Paul Currie
With an array of independent shops, there really is no need to go into the city of Preston when everything is on your doorstep. Hair and beauty salons, boutiques, gift shops, opticians, yoga studios, micropubs, bars and restaurants, golf club and leisure centre, not to mention established and family businesses such as Penwortham Garage and Andreas Fish and Chip Shop respectively. There probably isn’t much it doesn’t have.
As well as being popular with the locals, it is also becoming a destination place to visit, due to its unique shops, where there’s a chance to buy something different not normally found on the high street, especially with Christmas just around the corner and with new venues such as Lime Bar and the Tap and Vine recently opening, it’s also making its mark in food and drink.
But retail and food outlets aren’t the only areas which are attracting people to the town. It plays host to some great events all throughout the year, bringing the community together and celebrating different occasions, including Penwortham in Bloom and Penwortham Gala, which is held annually on Hurst Grange Park and is the town’s longest running event. There are floats, entertainment, a funfair and lots of stalls. Penwortham Live is now in its sixth year and showcases more than 100 acts, from rock bands and choirs to poetry and jazz, in more than 20 different venues around the town.
As well as a number of primary schools, the three high schools in Penwortham are All Hallows Catholic High School, Penwortham Girls’ High School and Penwortham Priory Academy. All are situated in proximity to Liverpool Road, in the centre of the town. One of Lancashire’s oldest charities, Galloway’s Society for the Blind, which was established in 1867, has had its headquarters in Penwortham since 1950. The charity provides services to 6,500 blind and visually impaired people across Lancashire and beyond.
So, whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, it shows that with support for the local traders and businesses, that places like Penwortham can be successful and the saying – the death of the high street doesn’t exist, it’s more like, a town on the up.
