One person said it would be “nice to have non-charity shops” in the high street

Locals say a Cambridgeshire town’s high street could “use a little more love”, as some feel it is “lacking” a variety of shops. Huntingdon is praised by those who live there as being a “safe” place and a “nice” place to bring up a family.

Like many others across the country, some people feel the high street could be improved. Sarah Gosling, who thinks the town has a “nice family feel” to it, said it would be “nice to have non-charity shops”.

She added: “It’s great to have them [charity shops], but we have a lot of them and it would be nice to have a lot of other stuff. Some of the restaurants are nice, but it would be good to have some more clothes shops.” Sarah’s mum Anne Monkman also thought it would be “good to have more variety of shops.”

Barry Graves said the high street could “use a little more love”. He said: “We have a few down the street that are boarded up or empty. It makes it look sad. It feels like it could be a good opportunity to bring in a few different shops. Maybe some independent places, and then we could support local businesses.”

One woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said it is “lacking” shops. “There’s a running joke that you go into Huntingdon for a vape or haircut,” she said.

She added: “There is also nothing for younger people to do. They are just going around destroying things because they have nothing to do. It could be a lot better.”

Her friend, who also asked not to be named, said that she is moving away from the area. She said: “We just want a change of scenery. There is too much smoking and drugs, we want a quieter life.”

One man, who didn’t want to be named, said the town centre has become “rundown”. He said: “It’s not what it used to be like. It feels like it’s losing its heart. Especially down the high street. It feels like stuff is starting to disappear and it’s sad to see.”

Linda Hamilton doesn’t like the potential developments that could be built around Huntingdon. She said: “I have no idea what stage they are at or what is happening with them, but it’s going to affect all of the traffic in town. There is enough as it is.”