IN THE market town of Pershore, independent shops outnumber the national chains.

The High Street is a haven for local, family-run firms and the popular Pershore Retail Market – celebrating its 30th anniversary in September – is one of the few indoor markets still thriving.

The town’s traders all agree that Pershore has much to offer and, despite ongoing problems with parking and roadworks, is the perfect place to buy local.

Browns Ironmongers, a hardware store on the High Street, is believed to be the oldest shop in Pershore.

Owner Nick Green is proud to be part of the independent community.

“I’ve got a lot of loyal customers who firmly believe in buying local,” he said.

“The Saturday before last we had 271 paying customers through the door, so trade is going well.

“We have a good reputation and we don’t let customers down. In a small town it is hard to get a good reputation, but very easy to lose it.”

Pershore is home to an abundance of Georgian architecture, a plum festival, a traditional carnival and Pershore Abbey.

There is also a strong trade association. The Pershore Chamber of Trade was formed more than 25 years ago to promote local business and solve problems.

Members meet several times a year and together they make a huge impact on local consumerism.

Secretary Val Wood admitted that the 2007 floods, followed by major roadworks, the Cropthorne Canyon and the economic downturn have had an effect on trade.

She said: “People change their habits very quickly, but we’re lucky because we have a lot of loyal customers living locally.

“Most towns have problems with parking charges. That’s par for the course. But we’re coping with it. We have to.”

Others traders showing determination in difficult times include Arcade Bookshop, Ben James Carpets, KC Carpets, Beth Milsom, Audreys Fashion, Sugar and Spice, Pershore Petz, Vale Plumbing, and Fladbury Flowers.

Fore more about Pershore’s independent traders, visit pershoretown.co.uk.