THERE is an impressive array of independent shops on the outskirts of Worcester city centre.

Lined with historic buildings, Barbourne and the Tything are both home to a wealth of local businesses, from independent news-agents to health centres.

Last year dozens of traders along the shopping strip gave their support to our Buy Local campaign, which encourages Worcester News readers to buy more from local independent businesses, and this year they continue to do the same.

The recession may be officially over, but firms of all shapes and sizes still want more people to shop locally.

Jenny and Adrian Collins, who opened Jenades deli in Upper Tything in 2004, are staunch supporters of British produce.

The store is a member of the Heart of England Fine Foods group and the adjoining cafe has an enviable reputation for serving healthy, hearty local food “We use sausage and bacon from Checketts butchers,” said Mrs Collins. “We’ve got local apple juice, Tyrells crisps, and Isabelle’s cakes from Kidderminster.

“I think people are aware of the benefits that come with local produce, but the recession has shown that it’s so often budget that dictates what we eat.

“But the situation is improving so, hopefully, people can put quality first and see that good food is worth paying a bit more for.”

Robin Fitzhugh, co-owner of Peddlers bike shop in Barbourne, said he was hardly affected by the economic downturn but the merits of buying locally are obvious.

He said: “Cycle shops tend the buck the trend because of the nature of their business. To be honest we’ve not been affected by the recession and we don’t have a problem competing with the big conglomerates simply because of what we offer.”

While the bike store has been trading for 22 years, relative newcomer Toadstool Vintage has noticed the recession-related ups and downs. Owner Loll Newman opened her treasure trove of a second-hand shop 18 months ago.

“We’ve actually been doing a survey and we’re getting about 30 customers a day, which is plenty for the type of business we’re running,” said Ms Newman, who promotes hand-made crafts and local business through the Worcester Arts and Vintage Events (WAVE) collective.

“But it does seem quiet up this end of town.

“We’d always like to see more people.”

With such a vast range on offer along Barbourne, the Tything and Upper Tything – from antique stores and music shops to tanning salons and dry cleaners – supporting local trade could not be easier.

l See tomorrow’s Worcester News to read about Worces-ter firms flourishing in College Street and Sidbury.