Harleston's Special Attractions

Harleston may be a small town but it has big ambitions and is determined to buck the trend of failing High Streets. The latest manifestation of this is a new Harleston Shop Guide, which spotlights fifty-five independent businesses offering everything from antiques and auto parts to Zumba classes and Zanussi dishwashers.

‘The point we are trying to make’ comments Sue Smith of ‘Home Comforts’, who co-ordinated the guide with her colleagues Rachel  Smith and Cindy Debenham, ‘is that people don’t have to trek to Norwich or Ipswich to get what they want,  it’s all here in Harleston. Unlike buying on-line you can see the quality of an item, get advice from experienced staff and have an enjoyable experience. I think that is worth a lot.’

The team from ‘Home Comforts’ got a lot of support from the local shopkeepers and other businesses. The guide was designed for free by Carly Newton and Kieran Robinson from Pen & Paper*  as a gesture of goodwill.

‘Harleston has a special appeal because it has more independent shops than any other Norfolk market town. And it still has free parking’ adds Meryl Harding of local chocolatier’s Just Truffles, and chair of the newly established Harleston events sub-committee, part of the ‘Harleston’s Future’ partnership and the town’s new Town Team.  ‘Add to that the 200+ listed historic buildings, a lively weekly Wednesday market, monthly Farmers’ Market and masses of great cafes, pubs and restaurants – and what is there not to love about the place?’

In the wake of a recent packed town meeting to consider how to ensure Harleston’s continuing prosperity,  four new working groups have been set up to move things forward under the banner of ‘Harleston’s Future’.

Chairman Paul Stephen commented ‘There are such exciting plans for the town being developed. We want to exploit the strengths of Harleston. We want to help businesses to thrive, ensure visitors have a really good experience and local residents feel part of a happy and lively community.’

‘Harleston’s Future’ is a partnership project, run by the Harleston Town Team, to ensure the continued prosperity and well-being of Harleston, for the benefit of local businesses, the local economy, residents and visitors. Find us on Facebook or @HarlestonFuture on Twitter. Copies of the Harleston Shopping Guide are available from ‘Home Comforts’ – 01379 853419

For more information please contact:

  Sue Smith  Tel: 01379 853419                  Nicky Stainton Tel: 07747620386

Meryl Harding Tel: 01379 851933            Paul Stephen Tel: 0786-7531817

* now, unfortunately, closed