In one quiet Nottingham suburb that’s changed ‘dramatically’ over the years, shoppers have reminisced on how the High Street has transformed from what it used to be. Whilst those who live locally are happy there are still a few long-standing businesses left, they remember much-loved businesses which unfortunately are no longer on their doorstep.
The small high street on Bracebridge Drive in Bilborough is home to a fish and chip shop, charity shops, Greggs, convenience stores and more. With a much-loved local pub, The Pelican, people say they would like to see more independent businesses on offer.
People in the area have shared their thoughts about shopping in Bilborough. Karen Adkison, 59, has lived in the area for most of her life.
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She said: “I remember when there was a butcher on this road, now, I have to go down to Beechdale to get meat if I need it.
“I go to the Bilborough Cafe quite a lot, they’re lovely there, if I’m ever meeting a friend I’ll suggest going there and I know they have their regulars too. I do wish there were more independent businesses in the area.
“I go to Bitza Allsorts every now and again and there was a green grocer here too a few years ago.”
Karen who is now retired added: “I do love Bilborough but I feel like Beechdale for shopping is better.”
Bitza Allsorts on 93 Bracebridge Road will soon have new owners. Current owner, Chris Miles has worked in the shop for 10 years.
Soon, Chris will be packing up to retire. He said: “People come here for many things, greeting cards and wool, in lockdown I think a lot of people picked that up.
“The market used to be good but now there’s about one stall every Thursday, it has changed a lot around here, the market would be better if there were more stalls.”
Bilborough Market is 9am-1pm every Thursday. Another long established business H.K Baxter has been in the area since the 1950s.
Sarah Green currently works in the shop alongside Linzey Scorer. She said: “It’s great working here, I’ve worked here for around 9 and a half years and I’ve pretty much lived around here all my life.”
The shop sells many DIY and home improvement products. Sarah added: “It always depends what’s popular, right now, it’s gardening season and we haven’t always sold plants but it's things like paint rollers and bits like that that sell well.”
Linzey Scorer added: “We have a lot of stock and what’s popular all varies at different times of the year.”
Callum Marshall, 40 lives in Bilborough. The car salesman said: “Bilborough’s alright for shopping, I go to Greggs and the corner shops but I drive down to the retail park in Beechdale a lot of the time.”
Callum added: “I love Andy’s [the chip shop] . They do the best fish and chips, they never disappoint.”
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