Lifelong Penwortham resident Siobhan Gahagan is determined to bring back old-fashioned community spirit with the launch of a new newsagents.

Mary’s Newsagents in Blundell Road officially opened yesterday in what was previously Nina’s Newsagents.

Thirty-four-year-old Siobhan has named the shop in memory of her grandmother Mary Gallagher who lived in nearby Links Road for more than 35 years until her death in 2006. And on hand to help Siobhan at the official opening was Mary’s friend and neighbour, 96-year-old Kath Tyson.

Here’s 34 pictures of how Penwortham was in years gone by

Siobhan and Kath Tyson outside the shop. | submit

placeholder image — Siobhan and Kath Tyson outside the shop. | submit

“My Nana would be so pleased to see the shop,” said Siobhan. “It’s been a few years since there was a shop here but when I was little I always remember we’d come in here to get our sweets with her.

“I think it’s so important that we have independent local shops like Mary’s. Yes, it’s a business, but I want us to very much be a part of the community, so if someone just wants to come in for a chat or someone needs their newspaper and a pint of milk delivering then we will do that for them.

“Communities have lost many small shops like this so I hope Mary’s will bring something back to Penwortham and I know my Nana would be so proud of that.”

Mary’s Newsagents is open Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm and Saturday’s 8am to 4pm stocking newspapers, sweets, home essentials and also has an off-licence.