Preston florist relocates after 33 years due to Adelphi roadworks

Joan Marsden opened The Secret Garden in an empty shop in Adelphi Street and enjoyed happy years of trading before two burglaries and the start of major roadworks to transform UCLan’s Adelphi Quarter.

She said: “The family suggested I look for somewhere else, and where I’ve moved to in Winckley Street is absolutely lovely.

“We opened on Tuesday and it’s going amazingly well.

“It’s such a lovely street, everyone’s been so welcoming. It’s also nice to be in the heart of the city too. It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.

She added: “The roadworks in the Adelphi area were the final straw, really.

“The road closures were stopping customers from getting to the shop easily, deliveries couldn’t get to me and I was having to use a trolley to collect flowers from the van.

“With it being windy and raining, it was too much. I didn’t want to spend the next two years doing that.”

At the new premises, Joan has teamed up with her daughter Jade Barson, owner of Green Pheasant Gifts, a new gift and homeware boutique.

Jade said: “We are aiming to provide a one-stop-shop for flowers, gifts and cards. This is a true family businesses and together we will provide a complete home and gift service.”

Several traders have raised concerns about the roadworks in the Adelphi area, with one convenience store forced to lay off three staff after sales slumped by more than £6,000 in a month.