Budding business owners have praised a high street project which has inspired them to further their dream of becoming high street retailers.

Over the last four months a unit in Hoe Street, Walthamstow has been transformed, from a bookshop into an art gallery and even a health care drop in centre. Most recently it was filled by ‘The Goodtime Girls’.

The double act of sisters who adore all things vintage have praised the Love Your High Street campaign and urged other wannabe retailers to get in touch with the council.

Jennifer Ford, 30 and her sister Kate, 28, had dreamt of opening a shop after their love for fashion turned into a full-time hobby.

Jennifer who now lives in Highams Park said that the opportunity to dip their toes into the water was a priceless opportunity.

She said: “It was really great.

“We were in the unit for four days over the bank holiday weekend. We had a really great response from people asking us when we would do it full-time so that was great, we got an indication that people like out business.

“There were no overheads either. It was such a good opportunity. I really would advise people thinking of opening a business to go to the council, there is a lot of help available.”

Kate and Jennifer who grew up in the Shernall Street area of Walthamstow have now been inspired to branch out online.

“Most of the things that we sold were from our own collections, or things that we picked up because they were amazing but weren’t in our size,” Jennifer added.

“After this we have been thinking about doing some more events. We have a website and we are going to sell our clothes online soon.”

The pop-up shop has been running since January 22 and there are currently three projects left in the current programme.