Sometimes you need to take a good look at what’s in your community – and often, the best shops with the most to offer are based just at the end of the road.  And Mirehouse is a perfect example...

Mixing things up for Week 13 of Copeland Borough Council’s Shop Local campaign, it’s time to focus on just one community with a whole lot to offer.

It’s no secret that just south of Whitehaven, a community bursting with pride, care and support lies ready and waiting to help everyone who needs a little boost.

And to return the well-deserved favour, this week it’s all about Keeping it in Mirehouse!

Lined in a neat row, the estate boasts 10 businesses, with a mix of independent shops and community staples, such as the Post Office and Premier.

One shop owner that loves working in the Mirehouse community is Michelle Mallyon, of Cabelo Unisex Hair, Beauty and Tanning Salon.

“Everybody’s really friendly [on the estate], and it’s more like family coming in than customers – everybody’s just really close,” she said.

“I’ve done some of these people’s hair for 13 years, maybe even longer, so I’ve got to know everybody.

“When I get one person coming in, I tend to end up with their whole family, which is nice!”

Since setting up business, the salon owner has aimed to offer a one-stop-beauty-shop, with endless treatments and treats available.

As well as offering nails, lashes, tanning and more, the team is also proud to cut everybody’s hair – literally.

Michelle said: “We have one lady who had moved up from London who has afro hair, and she couldn’t find anywhere up here that could cut her hair – she would go down to London every three months to get it done.

“We really do cut everyone’s hair, and offer loads of treatments, so we really do have something for everyone.”

She added that the team regularly posts offers on their Facebook page and in the shop window – simply have a look and treat yourself to a pamper!

Whitehaven Garden Centre is another top place to visit, with the Meadow Road shop offering everything plant-lovers could desire.

And owner Nicky Perkins is thrilled to be a Mirehouse trader, and said: “Everyone has always been really supportive and really, really friendly – it genuinely is like a family!

“People look after each other, and I’ve still had a lot of customers coming in to have a browse and treat themselves to a little garden piece and things, so it’s great.”

Explaining the best way to see local businesses thrive, she added: “It sounds obvious, but shop locally!

“You could probably do all your shopping in Mirehouse and get everything you need, so keeping it local and supporting your independent shops is really the best thing to do.”

And it’s not just traders who are pleased to be based on Mirehouse, as proud ward representative on Whitehaven Town Council, Councillor Carl Walmsley, never stops being impressed by his estate.

He said: “I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the shops and businesses on Mirehouse.

“Our estate has so much to offer, we rarely have to venture into town.

“Most of these businesses stepped up during the pandemic, helping thousands of people, and I will never forget that, and I urge the people of Mirehouse to remember them with me for many years, and use them as a first choice.”

He added: “I’d also like to thank Copeland Borough Council’s Shop Local campaign for highlighting our fantastic businesses, and of course the Whitehaven News as well.”

The estate also boasts a Nisa, McColls, Mirehouse Pharmacy, along with tasty takeaways Little Indian, Ocean Treasures and Cod & Co.

So why head anywhere else? Check out your local high street, and do your bit to Keep it in Copeland!