RAWTENSTALL has been hailed for ‘bucking the trend’ after its main shopping street reached 100 per cent occupancy.

Three firms have opened in previously empty units in Bank Street in the run up to Christmas.

The town’s Chamber of Commerce has welcomed the boost and said traders continued to work hard to improve the town centre.

The new shops include women’s fashion retailer Sugar Honeys Boutique, which has taken over the former Lady Clitheroe premises. Electronic cigarette firm E-Quit It has moved into the old Remy Clothing site and Keenans Estate Agents now occupies what was previously Oscar’s Fine Art and Framing.

David Gould, chairman of Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce, said: “There won't be many towns in the country that can say they’ve got a full high street.

“We had a scout about the other day and while there may be a few ‘to let’ signs, they’re all for offices above the shops. The ground floors are full, it’s great. Obviously we need to consider the fact that the Valley Centre, which used to be there, is gone now but to have new businesses is really pleasing.

“The woman who runs the boutique started out as an online-only business but it was doing so well she needed a store room and chose Rawtenstall.

“There’s a decent mix up and down the street now and that’s good for shoppers.”

Anneka Vines, manager of the soon-to-open branch of Keenans, said: “We’re really excited to be opening up in Rawtenstall. We’re a family-run business which I joined 18 months ago and having grown up on a farm in Waterfoot I’ve always been keen for us to open in Rossendale.

“We have always marketed properties in Rossendale and it’s great to finally open an office there.

“We picked Bank Street because of the high footfall and the new branch will create new jobs in the long run.”