NEW banners and a fresh website has been created by businesses in Westover Road in a bid to direct more people back to the road formerly known as “Bond Street”.

With support from the Bournemouth Town Centre BID, independent businesses in Westover Road have worked to make more people aware they are still open and trading.

READ MORE: What is the future for Westover Road in Bournemouth?

Spurred on by social media comments suggesting all shops are closed in Bournemouth, Catherine Gofney of Roberta Classics has helped place banners in Bath Road pointing members of the public to Westover Road.

She said: “We have a lot of loyal customers locally who know we are there, we know them, their stories and give exceptional customer service, we are surviving because our customers still come for our specialism.

“However, the tourists coming into the area, they don’t know what we do.

“It’s about increasing the awareness for tourists as well as perhaps reminding some of the locals there are fantastic independent stores still in the town.

“We have that personal service and cater for all budgets, we give exceptional customer service which is why we are still trading.

“We want to let others know we are there because the narrative that is out there is that no shops are left open.

“It is absolutely crucial because there are a lot of people coming into the town who don’t know where to go for the shops that are left.”

Ms Gofney urged local taxi companies to put brochures in their cabs to advertise the town’s shops to visitors who may just see “boarded-up shops”.

She continued: “Westover Road is a place to build from. We are specialist retailers, you will find products you won’t find elsewhere.

“The council could use us as a springboard to restore retail across the whole of the town.

“Access in Westover Road is easier than you think, if you come down you will find somewhere to park.

“Come visit us and support independent stores that are still there.”

Susie O’Neill, business liaison officer at the Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “Supporting local business where we can and are able is a key part of what we do.

“The shops and outlets on Westover Road are not only passionate about what they do but also have fantastic products, brands and services. The banners are a way to highlight that.”