A MINI-REVIVAL is under way for a Nelson high street with no fewer than four stores – and a giant bazaar – set to transform the town centre’s fortunes.

Paris, the latest fashion outlet run by long-standing town centre trader Eileen Ansar, has opened its doors, in the shadow of The Shuttle.

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Cllr Ansar, who represents the town’s Clover Hill ward, had to overcome adversity to launch the premises after a runaway motorist demolished the shopfront, setting her back about eight weeks.

She rolled up her sleeves, though, and, with the help of family and friends, is leading the charge for Scotland Road.

“We wanted to bring a little touch of elegance to Nelson and it’s nice to finally be open,” said Cllr Ansar, who used to run Slick, in Manchester Road, and runs a stall on Clitheroe Market.

“There’s been a lot of investment in Nelson and it’s getting busier every week.

Work is going to be completed on the new bazaar soon and it’s going to be hectic. I don’t think I’ve slept for a week before this opening.”

Within the next few weeks Suray Bazaar (Suray means sunshine in Punjabi) will open in the former Woolworth’s premises, with entrances on both Scotland Road and Leeds Road.

One of the bazaar’s backers, Abib Hussain told the Telegraph: “Over the last 15 years, Nelson has been a dead town.

“We’d like to see more businesses arriving and people from out of town shopping here.

“I believe we are on the right road.”

Further along Scotland Road, the shop that used to house Nelson Town Council is about to begin trading as Kool Couture, after the authority moved into the town hall, in Market Street.

Nearby Pirzada, which sells embellished textiles, either wholesale or retail, and another fashion outlet, Mehaz, are also relatively recent arrivals.

Borough council chiefs made a bold move to reopen Scotland Road to traffic, with a turning circle provided just before the town’s main crossroads, and a through route having been previously established from Manchester Road to Leeds Road, offering improved vehicle access to the centre.