ONE well-used shopping parade has served as the heart of a community ever since it was founded. Reporter EDMUND TOBIN finds out what makes the Broadway tick.

LOUGHTON'S Broadway has been at the centre of the Debden Estate it was built to serve for over 50 years now.

It still functions as a hub for the local community, hosting the annual Debden Day celebrations, and providing residents with their shopping needs.

Flower Elegance owner Linda Knight, 55, said: “The people are very friendly here. You've got everything you need . You've got some of the old-fashioned shops here with the greengrocers and butchers.”

The shopping parade had gone through some turbulent times in the last few years with the recent multi-million pound enhancement scheme providing the pavements and road with a spruce-up but taking away a number of parking spaces.

Merlin Carpets owner Richard Brown, 61, said: “We've lost parking spaces and customers during the eight months of development. I survive on contract trade now going here, there and everywhere from London to Ipswich.”

Tom Pain, 71, has set up his clothing and tobacco stall on The Broadway every Thursday for seven years.

He said “They need to spend more money on parking. There doesn't seem to be as many people around as there used to be.”

A big blow for The Broadway came earlier this year when greengrocer Del Killigrew pulled the shutters down for the final time after 27 years' service.

But there is a bright light on the horizon too as discount store the Factory Shop is due to open at the old Woolworths premises on February 23.

Peter Sparks, owner of P.A. Sparks & Sons grocers, said: “We're all awaiting the grand opening of the shop to replace Woolworths and hoping that'll bring in some more customers.”

Owner of Blow Your Top hairdressers Arnold Burman, 65, has worked in The Broadway for 23 years.

He said: “I was working in Roding Valley when I heard about this shop. I was up here like a shot and been here ever since. Since then a lot of changes have taken place. Obviously we're very excited for when the new store opens.”

Chairman of Loughton Broadway Town Centre Partnership Dave Stannard said: “The Broadway has always been the heart of Debden. We are very lucky to have retained our old-fashioned shops. There's many places that don't have a butchers or grocers but you get it all on the Broadway.”

SHOPPERS' VIEWS

Kylie Brown, 31, of Hillyfields, Loughton

“They've got what you need but it's a bit boring. You can't fault it on the whole though.”

Marjorie Murray, 83, of Barrington Green, Loughton

“I come here every day. There's a lot to look at for us older ones.”

Kayleigh Houghton, 21, of Paley Gardens, Loughton

“With most of the shops you go to the people are very nice and friendly, but we really miss Woolworths.”

Anthony Connors, 65, of Torrington Drive, Loughton

“It's a bit dull. It could do with livening up a bit.”

Richard Morgan, 47, of Maybury Close, Loughton

“We come out here all the time. It's convenient. Iceland is good and the shopkeepers are friendly.”

Mandy Winslow, 47, of Kingsley Road, Loughton

“It's good but I miss Woolworths. You can get everything really and it's nice to have a market on Thursday.”