Southbourne Grove is bucking the national trend.

While countless high streets across Britain are struggling to remain profitable, the feel good factor has returned to the Grove, which, aside from estate agents, was once dominated by charity shops and vacant units.

Several new eateries have opened, with multi-nationals including Tesco and Costa giving the now bustling high street their seal of approval.

Alan Tugwell, 55, who has run Grove Services for 15 years, has just signed a new lease.

He told the Daily Echo: “It’s my vote of confidence for the future.

“Southbourne Grove was struggling but, gradually, more and more shops and restaurants have opened.

“It’s now becoming known as a haunt for foodies.

“There’s a real feel good factor. While some of the big national chains were struggling in the lead-up to Christmas trade, on the Grove was excellent.

“It’s like history is repeating itself with people now returning to their local shops which is great news for traders here who are offering their customers something different.”

Despite cloudy skies, shop worker Rebecca Dobbyn was enjoying an al fresco coffee outside Costa with her friend Jocelynn Smith.

She said: “I live in Southbourne and can’t believe how much it has changed over the years.

“It’s safe and has become the perfect place to watch the world go by.”

Jocelyn, who is a business management student at Bournemouth University, said: “I don’t know what the traders are doing here; but they have got it right.

“Old and new mix easily here and the sea is only a short stroll away.”

Heather Drayton, a former local councillor, now owns Margery Daw, one of Southbourne’s oldest businesses which has been trading for 65 years.

She said: “I’ve seen many changes in 21 years, in recent times it has all been very positive. Southbourne is flourishing.

“As well as the chains, we’ve got lots of independents. Few high streets these days boast a fishmonger’s.”

Traders’ representative, Des Simmons, who is also managing director at Bournecoast letting agents, said: “It’s definitely busy here.

“We’ve just opened another office in Westbourne which is also thriving, during very difficult trading times.

“Shopkeepers were worried that the Tesco Express store would affect their takings but it has actually increased the footfall figures.”