Purley town centre has, over the past few years, been the site of much change – yet little has proved to be permanent. With the majority of new businesses closing down soon after opening, there seemed little probability that any successful new shops would ever open. Yet within the past few months, a brand new range of businesses has opened, offering diverse goods ranging from Italian food to needlecraft and quilting supplies.

Perhaps one of the most exciting new enterprises is The Wandering Line, stocking everything required for patchwork and quilting. Having been set up by Deborah Holland, who is fascinated by the craft, the shop has a genuinely warm and inviting atmosphere and feels like a centre for a community of crafters. By offering a vast variety of courses in quilting, embellishing and even paper piercing, the shop manages to create a sense of being a place to learn and enjoy crafting, not just buy supplies.

Another new shop, Careessence, provides women suffering from hair loss the opportunity to buy very high quality wigs or hair pieces at low prices. Hair loss is, according to the owner (herself a trained nurse very much used to dealing with women suffering from hair loss), an ‘increasing problem for ladies of all ages’. ‘Careessence’ also stocks beauty products, and dietary supplements designed to help prevent or reduce hair loss.

Demonstrating the diversity of Purley town centre is Antonio’s, a quality Italian delicatessen, stocking a wide variety of south Italian delicacies, which are cooked on site, along with imported goods including salami. Antonio’s is very much focused on healthier options, offering sugar free jam and biscuits and lower salt crisps – although treats such as Italian ice cream and sweets are available!

All new businesses look set for success, and I wish them the best of luck in finding their place on Purley high street.