A RANGE of new businesses have opened in Cockermouth - and been welcomed by fellow traders and residents.

A flooring shop and hairdressers has opened, while a new studio has been created and is being used by a yoga practice and cheerleading group.

An existing interiors shop has moved into much bigger premises and a boutique hotel, cocktail and wine bar is nearing completion.

Andrew Marshall, chairman of the chamber of trade, has compared Cockermouth to a big department store in the past.

“The department store has got even bigger and better,” he said. “I think it’s brilliant, we’ve got a great range of businesses opening, the more the better.

“Cockermouth is doing very well and I know there are others looking to open.”

Daniel Spriggs and his wife Lauren, of Dearham, have just opened Define Flooring on Station Street.

Over the years, the shops was previously used by clothing shop No 15, Fyne Fish and Shills, which have all moved into bigger premises in the town.

“I’ve been self employed for five years, as a carpet and floor fitter,” said Daniel. “I felt it was time to take the leap and get a shop.

“We opened on Saturday and it’s been great, we’ve had a nice warm welcome from everyone.”

ELM Hair has opened on Main Street, where Heart of the Home has also relocated.

The interiors shop has been based in Market Place for two years. They have now moved into premises - a former card shop - which are three times bigger.

Owners Lee and Clare Hayton, of Dearham, said: “We wanted people to be able to see a bigger choice of products.

“Cockermouth has a nice market town feel, people go for a run out and have a look around. We’re really pleased with the new place.”

A bright and airy new studio has opened above Fredericks on Station Street.

Called CheeriYo, the studio offers a range of classes.

Bryoni Meighan has been running Little Lotus Yoga from various halls for the past three years. She offers a range of yoga classes - from pregnancy to adult - and pilates.

She is delighted to have a permanent base which she shares with Osprey Cheerleading academy, who do cheerleading for all ages.

“The studio couldn’t be more perfect,” she said. “It is a huge space with generous social distancing.”

The Church family, who own various local pubs and properties, are opening a boutique hotel and cellar bar on Station Street layer in the year.

They bought the Tithe Barn, a former pub, five years ago and have spent £400,000 transforming it. They have created nine luxury bedrooms and a cocktail and wine bar in the cellar.

“We wanted to created a nice, boutique style town house hotel for people wanting something a bit more unique,” said Josh.