A JEWELLERY store has moved to Worcester High Street in a bid to get business booming again, with the new shop set to open this weekend.

Steve Watmore, owner of jewellery gift shop, Fatlip has decided to change premises in a bid to recover from the pandemic.

The business had been based in Reindeer Court for 18 years but will now be in the High Street at the Cathedral Square end, opposite Joules.

Mr Watmore said the planned High Street opening date is this Saturday, May 1.

Mr Watmore, who lives in Claines, said moving his business from Reindeer Court to the High Street, would be the jewellery gift shop’s best chance of survival.

He said “To survive a pandemic, you have to be on the high street.

“Rent has come down in the area and I feel this gives local shops a chance to boom again”.

The gift shop managed to survive throughout 2020 and Mr Watmore hopes it will thrive in its new location.

Whilst many have been shopping local to support independent stores, the pandemic has seen 19 shops close in the city centre.

City councillor Lynn Denham said “It is good to see life and shoppers back on the High Street.

“While it is sad that some of the national retail giants may have abandoned Worcester, it is our local independent shops which make the city special. “

Independent businesses struggled throughout lockdown when restrictions meant non-essential stores had to remain shut.

Cllr Denham said: “These are the businesses which are committed to Worcester and worked really hard to be creative and weather the Covid storm. We need to welcome them back and support them to be resilient and grow.”

Restaurants have the option of outdoor dining now, with up to two households allowed at each table.

Cllr Denham said “The pavement cafes have a great new feel on a sunny day.

"It’s a pity that not all our favourite coffee shops have the outside space to reopen under present Covid rules.

"If everyone remains careful, indoor dining can be back on the menu next month."