MIDDLESBROUGH’S “Victorian Quarter” is back in the Christmas spirit with business owners going bigger and better with its seasonal spectacle.
For the second year running, the stretch of shops on Linthorpe Road, between Clive Road and Ayresome Street opposite Albert Park, are putting on a communal Christmas display.
Following an overwhelmingly positive response from customers and passers by, the staff and owners of the 15 independent businesses have put more into this year’s effort and they will also be wearing matching Christmas jumpers throughout the festive period.
Once again Park ward Community Council has kindly given a grant to help the businesses bring some cheer to the area with Christmas trees, lights, decorations and wreaths.
Paul McLaughlin, owner of Chamelon curtain makers, said: “Last year was the first time the businesses had worked on something together and it has resulted in a strong community spirit between us all and made us want to do more.
“We knew it would bring a little cheer to people but I think we were all a little overwhelmed by how much positive feedback we got from customers.
“This year we just wanted to go bigger and better to say thank you to shoppers and to the local community. We have more people involved as well and we’ll all be putting on our Christmas jumpers in the run up to the big day.”
Sophie Rowney, from Concept, said: “We hope this area can continue to grow as a visitor attraction. We have Albert Park, Dorman Museum, the Stan Hollis statue, shops, cafes and restaurants. For the future it’s all looking really positive and we are all enjoying working together.
Lisa McCabe, of Daisy’s Florists, added: “We would like to say thank you once again to the community council. It’s a very kind gesture and we hope we do it justice.”
The florist is also raffling a decorational steel train with all proceeds going to Teesside Hospice.