Day to day local shopping has sadly become a thing of the past, with busy lifestyles and convenience being the main instigator. Unfortunately community relations has suffered as a result leaving the pubs and bars our focus for a social life, but this could be changing.

Eccles town centre is now offering more and more opportunity for us to get out and shop locally, with numerous events, fares and markets happening throughout the year.

For those of us with disabilities, Eccles can offer the ideal place for a spot of local shopping. The area is highly accessible with good even surfaces throughout, perfect for wheelchair users, plenty of regular buses, taxis and ample free parking for people with disabled badges.

The stores are all very close together offering convenience for those that find getting around difficult and there are several places to stop for a spot of lunch including an open air café located right in the shopping square.

There are various markets including a farmers market offering local, high quality produce and a regular craft fair. You could even turn your crafty hobbies into a bit of extra income, selling your items on a small stall in the centre. Local shopping and events offer opportunities for those with disabilities to get out into the community on a regular basis and socialise in a convenient manner, especially on those days when we feel were not up too doing to much.

Over the years Eccles has become less popular with businesses closing as a result, however recently more and more people are visiting, and more businesses will open along with better facilities if this continues.

So why not offer your support and pay a visit to your local town centre. Maybe Eccles could again become the community hub it once was, particularly for those of us who find getting out and about difficult.