'˜Preston is on the up' claims jeweller as he opens new city centre store

Patrick O’Donnell has opened a branch of his Church Jewellers on Winckley Street and says the extensive development going on around the city helped him make the decision.

“The 45-year-old said: “With lots of places you hear of them getting talked down for filling empty buildings with charity shops but that’s not the case in Preston.

“It feels like the city is really on the up and I wanted to be part of it.”

Born in Fulwood but now living in Penwortham, Patrick’s jewellers is already established in Lancashire, with a store in Ormskirk.

With more than 20 years experience of working in jewellers in and out of Preston, Patrick says his independent family-run store has been warmly welcomed to the city centre.

“Business has been going quite well so far- there’s been lots of interest,” Patrick said.

“Winckley Street is a really nice area but there wasn’t a jewellers here before so I think it takes a little time for people to get used to us being there.

“We’re mainly offering wedding and engagement jewellery at the moment but if business expands then so will our offerings.

“There’s a big university population so maybe when they graduate we’ll be seeing lots of them.”

Patrick is helped by fellow Preston jeweller Chris Finch, who manages both stores.

Patrick said: “We’re glad to be back in Preston and excited fort he future of the store.”