Eagle-eyed viewers of ITV Westcountry News may have spotted a familiar face on their televisions recently.
Superstar-retailer and commercial PCH tenant Leah Hara of Plym Hair and Extensions, was interviewed by ITV News about reopening retail, and the impact felt by traders from the lockdown.
Little did ITV know they were only about six months behind In Touch, who caught up with Leah in our autumn edition last year.
Leah was asked what could be done to tempt people back to the high street. Plym Hair and Extensions specialise in European and Afro hair products and services.
She spoke about the efforts being made to lure shoppers back, including some works from PCH such as a beautiful mural commissioned in Colin Campbell Court by a local artist.
“The news feature was all about people coming together to welcome shoppers back”, said Leah. “Obviously some businesses have struggled throughout the last 18 months, but the community has really come together in lots of ways.”
Leah’s business has gone from strength to strength during the most challenging period for retail traders.
She added: “We want to show customers that we can offer something different to online sellers and look forward to welcoming more people back to the high street.”
NEW FITNESS SERVICE MOVES INTO THE BEACON
If your New Year’s resolution to get fit and healthy didn’t quite go to plan, then you could be in luck.
A new body transformation fitness service has moved into The Beacon, and the team are looking forward to welcoming locals who want to improve their health and fitness.
C&J Fitness have officially held their first group sessions at their new home on The Beacon’s ground floor, just next to the main entrance to the café. The business has moved over from a former site in St Budeaux, where they have many happy clients.
C&J Fitness specialise in body transformation through group sessions. Guests are initially welcomed with an 8-week intensive work-out course, where weight loss can be achieved and maintained too, as many clients choose to extend their subscription.
Those signing up are given one-to-one tuition, advised on their diet and calorie intake, and given targets to aid their weight loss journey with advice and support along the way.
The company was founded by fitness fanatics, Chey Bryce and Jake Miller. Since launching their service in 2019, they have helped hundreds of clients get into shape, with some impressive testimonials.
Co-owner of the business, Chey, was thrilled to open the doors for the first time. He said: “We’re very excited to be setting up in this area for people to come and train, become fitter and stronger.
“I’m from the North Prospect area having been brought up around these parts my whole teenage and young adult life.
“I’m excited to be bringing our high-quality service to the people of this community.”
He added: “I really do hope the community will benefit from the services that we offer and look forward to welcoming them.”
The group holds sessions throughout the week for anyone to get in shape. For more information on prices and times, you can visit their social media pages, or head down to The Beacon to see for yourself.
Jake Miller said: “Whether you’re looking for a little bit of help or a lot, we’d encourage anyone who’s looking to make a positive change to their health to message us eitherthrough our Facebook page @C&J Fitness or via our Instagram @CJ_Fitness10 to see what we can do for them.”
SEE IT, REPORT IT!
COMMUNITY EFFORT IS THE KEY TO ENDING FLY-TIPPING
Every year PCH spends over £200,000 on clearing up after selfish fly-tippers. Plymouth City Council too, dedicates vast resources to cleaning up rubbish that has been dumped on their land or in public.
We want to encourage our residents to be proactive and report fly-tipping whenever they see it. This applies to all our properties but there are particular problem spots when it comes to fly-tipping, and we want to see those doing it punished.
Rogue traders and lazy members of the public have continued to dump their rubbish in your community.
Vauxhall street, Vauxhall Court, Buckwell street, and Woolster Court in the Barbican area have been particularly frequent spots.
We think it’s time we let the fly-tippers know: enough is enough!
We encourage the PCH community to keep eyes peeled and always report fly-tipping as soon as it’s been spotted.
Residents can play an active role by being vigilant and letting us know soon as they see it. Writing down the registration plate number of a vehicle committing the act, also, can allow the council to pursue offenders and issue them with hefty fines in court.
Rubbish dumped in your area can be a serious health hazard. It can be unhygienic or even be a fire hazard.
Angie Irving, Housing Officer in the Barbican area, said: “Fly-tipping is more than just annoying, it can pose a health risk and ruin the environment for everyone.
“We really want to encourage the community to work together on preventing the rubbish from being dumped. We are working with the city council who also want the message to be loud and clear, there is zero tolerance for anyone dumping rubbish, and you could risk a hefty fine.”
She added: “If the community can be on the lookout, I’m confident we can stop any more fly-tipping in the Barbican area.”
If you see anyone fly-tipping remember to report it by calling us on: 0808 230 6500.