Independent shops ready to be discovered in town abandoned by the big names

LOCALS BELIEVE RIPLEY HAS SO MUCH TO OFFER

- By OSCAR FISHER

Farmfoods is one of the bigger chains to have left Ripley

WE'RE all aware of the decline of high streets and the effect it has on towns and cities all over the UK, from empty streets blighted by vacant shops to crime and homelessness seemingly on every corner.

But, to many, the tragedy is not the state they are in today, but the state they may fall into in the future - or how they've fallen from grace in the first place.

Ripley, a short drive over the border in Derbyshire, is a town overlooked as a shopping destination, despite boasting a wealth of independent businesses.

The town can be found along the A610, which connects the A6 and the A38 with Amber Valley and Erewash and is around ten miles from Eastwood and Ilkeston.

It's steeped in history, and its reputation as a market town is evident when walking along Grosvenor Road and the pedestrianised Oxford Street, with the latter appearing particularly impressive.

Where I thought I'd find an endless line of barbers, vape shops and bookmakers was actually a petri dish for independent businesses.

Traditional butchers, a fine selection of charity shops and a florist are three things that propel a high street, in my opinion, and in Ripley all of them and more can be found within a stone’s throw of each other.

But while these businesses look splendid and offer a great day out for anyone who fancies a visit, it's the few empty units from big-name retailers that prompt the most questions - and some locals worry it’s a sign of things to come.

In June 2021, The Original Factory Shop in Grosvenor Road closed and, despite being put up for auction in October last year, it still stands empty - a shell of potential waiting for another chance.

In August last year, the HSBC bank closed its Ripley branch, a decision that town councillor Steve Freeborn - as well as members of the public - branded “a real shame”.