THE recession may be far-reaching and hard-hitting but it has not stopped traders in Rainbow Hill, Worcester.

Florist Rachael Burnett took over family-run Blue Tulip, in Vauxhall Street, in February last year.

She admits that it has been a challenge, but will not give up easily.

“It was my first year of trading and we were hit with this,” she said.

“But we’re treading water.

“We’re not going to be millionaires any time soon, but things have picked up in the past few months.”

A host of High Street chains have brought out nostalgic advertising campaigns during the credit crunch.

Along with Marks and Spencer celebrating its humble beginnings as a penny bazaar, the Hovis boy, the Milky Bar Kid, and Persil Mum have all returned to television screens.

In Rainbow Hill, some of the traditions consumers hold dear during economic troubles can still be seen.

“The people living around here really support the local independent businesses,” said Ms Burnett, who worked in the florist shop on and off for 14 years before taking over.

“There’s a really nice community atmosphere. Everyone says hello to each other.

“I think the recession has brought home not that charity starts at home, but that it is important to look after the smaller people on the ground.

“It seems that it’s been the smaller people, traders like us, who have muddled through and it’s the big chain companies folding.”

Barry and Jane Potter have traded at Potters Marinated Meats, in Astwood Road, Rainbow Hill, since 1983.

Master butcher Mr Potter has seen Rainbow Hill change over the years.

The fruit and vegetable store has disappeared and numerous hair salons have opened.

He misses elements of the bygone age when neighbours would pop to the local shops for each other, but is also a firm believer in adaptation to survive.

Today the shop offers a mouth-watering range of marinated meats, on top of the traditional butcher services.

“There have been dramatic changes in this industry,” said Mr Potter.

“But you will not find proper butchering skills anywhere else than a butcher shop.

“You can’t expect the supermarket till girl or shelf stacker to do what we do.”

Rainbow Hill boasts a number of other independent traders, including Astwood Road Post Office, Scales Pharmacy and three hair salons.

The Worcester News Buy Local campaign continues apace, encouraging readers to back their independent traders and help them stave off the recession.

Catch up with our reports online at worcesternews.co.uk/buylocal.

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