'Energy definitely coming back' to town centre

HAPPY SHOPPERS EXPLAIN WHY BEESTON IS SO MUCH MORE LIVELY THAN ITS NEIGHBOURS

- By EVIE KNIGHT & RUCSANDRA MOLDOVEANU

SHOPPERS and residents are looking forward to welcoming new businesses to their bustling high street.

Beeston is enjoying an influx of shops more varied than just the usual nail bars, vape shops and betting shops.

The wide choice now available in the town centre has prompted one shopper to call the area quite cosmopolitan, while others have highlighted its diversity of options.

Kevin Kimber, 72, a retired engineer who moved from East Sussex to Beeston, near Highfields Park, 20 years ago, said: “Most high streets have gone downhill over the years, but Beeston still has charm. It’s nice to see things lively again, even if it’s different from before.”

He said that the changes were due to Beeston’s increasing student population.

He added: “It’s nice to see the town busy, but I'd like to see more social areas where people can actually talk and connect, especially for those who might not have anyone else to talk to.”

Marlene, who did not want to give her surname, is 80 and comes from Bramcote to Beeston to shop.

“It's great to see a lot of students around the town centre again. It's taken a while for things to organise and get going after the pandemic, but the energy is definitely coming back,” she said.