A NEW fruit and vegetables shop has opened on Rishton’s High Street.

Bailey’s Fruit and Veg opened its doors earler this month, completing a regeneration of a previously empty row of shops.

Angela Bailey runs the shop with her proprietor husband, Keiron.

She said: “Rishton did not have a greengrocer and we saw a niche in the market.

“Although there are other places to buy fruit and veg it is a long way for people over the bridge.

“So we are aiming to cater for the elderly and parents on the school run too.

“We have already had good feedback and business has been steady since the doors opened.

“We're very pleased with how people have respnded."

Specialist pet shop, Reptile Wonderland, opened for business on the same stretch in October, and began selling spiders last month.

Rishton councillor, Ken Moss, said: “That is the last empty shop in a row that has been empty for some time. In the last six months, they have all filled up.

“They’ve found a niche in the market so they are catering for people who live over the bridge and is nearer than the Co-op or Minimarket.

“The quality of the produce is excellent, and they are really keen to promote local shopping.

“The feedback I have been getting is great. There’s a good vibe in the town to support local businesses.

“Fingers crossed it will be a success.”

The shop has been well received by residents.

One, Hilary Royal, wrote on Facebook: “I would just like to say a huge thank you to Bailey’s Fruit and Veg for the fruit donation to Rishton Parish Church Preschool.”