With shops that have been open for decades alongside others that have been open a week, Westbourne’s small businesses are continuing to thrive despite the difficult times that are facing high streets across the country.

As in Southbourne, it is the community spirit which keeps the area going, when others are struggling.

Business owners and traders in Westbourne praised the community feeling of the area, that draws both regular and new shoppers in.

May Strike, co-owner of the Don Strike music shop, said they have a long history with the area, and have customers that keep coming back.

Read more: Why independent traders in Southbourne are thriving

“We’ve been here since 1926 as a family,” she said. “They all call it a village. It has that sort of atmosphere, like a little village.”

Susanne Wood, manager at Saffron Westbourne, agreed that the regular customers contribute to the community feeling.

“It’s nice, because you know everyone around,” she said.

A mix of both young families and the older generation ensures that the area remains vibrant.

Bournemouth Echo:

Both Anara Peach, manager of Westbourne Bookshop, and Karen Starbuck, manager of Renoufs Pantry, agreed that this is part of what makes Westbourne special.

“We get a lot of people who come it that aren’t necessarily regular customers but regular visitors, and then the families that come in which is really nice. That’s probably my favourite parts of it, especially on a Saturday,” Ms Peach said.

Ms Starbuck said: “it’s got such a buzz about it.”

Read more: Christchurch High Street traders on how business is going

Businesses are struggling everywhere, and times are getting harder, but Chris Lane of Westbourne DIY and Hardware, and Louise Howsin of Harpers of Westbourne, said that the community feeling is there in trying to get through the tough times.

“It’s everyone trying to get through and get to the light on the other side,” Mr Lane said.

“Everyone’s really friendly and we all help each other out,” Ms Howsin said. “I’ve been here for 20 years, and I really like it.”

Bournemouth Echo:

Lisa Lane, manager of the Letterbox toyshop, said the ending of the free parking in the area doesn’t help the small businesses in the tough times.

“I think it’s a shame that the council have taken away the free parking here, I think that’s going to drive people to places like Castlepoint, where there is the free parking,” she said. “That definitely encourages people to come to places like this.”

Rohanna Roberts, of newly opened Little Perth, said that running a small business is something that is done for the benefit of the community, something that Justin Brandon, director of Scape Interiors agrees with.

Bournemouth Echo:

“It’s about the people, and I think that’s where you see communities thrive, is when independents really understand that it’s about the community,” Ms Roberts said.

“You do it because you love being a part of the community. Westbourne seems to have that in abundance.”

Mr Brandon, who is also Westbourne representative on the Coastal BID board, said that Westbourne offers something different to what you can find elsewhere.

Mr Brandon said: “Westbourne is the jewel in the Bournemouth crown.”