After becoming a heartthrob and stealing the nation’s attention on ITV2’s most viewed show. Love Island’s Frankie Foster is set to turn on Cheltenham’s Christmas lights to bring the much needed festive cheer this cold winter. The University of Gloucestershire alumnus, has been confirmed as the celebrity switching on the Regent Arcade Christmas Lights this […]
Tag: Leadstory
UPDATE: M5 slip road to remain closed following overturned lorry
A crash has left the A419 and a northbound M5 slip road closed while it’s resurfaced, causing over 24 hours of disruption. The incident, which happened on Wednesday morning, left the driver of an HGV lorry with serious injuries. He was airlifted to Southmead Hospital after his vehicle overturned on the A419 between Whitminster and […]
Moving with the times: Cheltenham’s High Street 100 years on
It’s glitzy, glass-fronted and shiny and new. But all around the £23 million John Lewis store are reminders of Cheltenham’s past. The surrounding buildings date back more than 100 years, echoing a time when shopping was very different. Historians are keen that such times aren’t forgotten. Jill Waller, researcher of Cheltenham’s Local History Society […]
Get Ginspired: the five best places to enjoy a gin in Cheltenham
It’s Friday, the weekend’s here, and what’s more, it’s International Gin and Tonic Day! The tipple that was once associated with ancient mother-in-laws and midday drinkers has boomed in popularity in recent years, and Cheltenham’s high street has no shortage of the stuff. What better way to celebrate the classic botanical spirit than trying out some […]
How will independent stores compete with John Lewis?
John Lewis is the latest in a line of large chain stores to dominate our high street. Taking over from Beechwood Shopping centre, the 115,000 sq. ft building is filled to the brim with all manner of artifacts and curiosities. We met with two independent traders to find out how they picture the future of small businesses […]
Digital high streets: the future of retail?
Cheltenham High Street’s McDonald’s branch is currently undergoing a refurbishment, but will reopen with more than just a lick of paint. Set to open its doors again on 23rd October, the fast-food branch will feature brand new digital elements with the aim of making the experience of ordering food much easier. Free standing self-service kiosks […]
How to be a success on the high street with Bodega
High streets may be tough, but Sarah-Jane Worboys is tougher. Bryony Firth-Bernard met her to find out what it takes to have a successful business in the middle of a retail crisis. Sarah-Jane Worboys is Super Woman in disguise. She runs two successful boutiques, one in Cheltenham and one in Worcester. She’s just been voted […]
7 high street favourites where you can bag great student deals
As university students across the country find themselves already in the middle of their first term, for many, their student loan is already long gone. Statistics from The Scholarship Hub show that 11% of students nationwide will have spent their entire term’s loan within the first two weeks of studying, and a further 51% will spend […]
Blackadder urges patience with Boots corner changes
The head of a business development scheme has asked for patience over controversial plans to pedestrianise Boots Corner in Cheltenham town centre. Kevan Blackadder, chief executive of the Business Improvement District (BID), said people need to wait until the end of the trial before making a judgement on proposals, which could lead to traffic being […]
15 shops already in the Christmas spirit with festive stock
Too early to get in the Christmas spirit? These shops don’t think so… Autumn may have just started but it seems Christmas has come to Cheltenham early this year. More than 15 high street stores have already started stocking their shelves for the festive season, despite Halloween being less than two weeks away. Primark, Poundland […]