FLYING the nest can be a stressful time for young people – but independent stores in Cirencester are making it easy.

Moving away from the comfort of your childhood home can be a daunting experience, whether you're a student or working, and many might be tempted to turn to chain stores at big retail parks in Swindon or Cheltenham to kit out their new flat or house.

But there are plenty of top stores in Cirencester and, as part of the Standard's Go Cirencester campaign to encourage more young people to shop in the town, we want to make sure they know they can buy what they need locally.

In Cirencester, we're in the rare position of having a mayor who is young enough to have only just moved into his first home, and he said Gardiner Haskins was a huge help.

Joe Harris, 21, moved into a house with his girlfriend Tori Walker on New Year's Day and having Gardiner Haskins so nearby in Dyer Street was ideal.

He bought a new oven, pots of paint and other items there.

“To have a shop like Gardiner Haskins in Cirencester is incredible,” said Joe. “It costs around £10 in fuel to drive to Swindon and that’s a lot of money. A lot of young people are on a budget.

“For me, moving out is a learning curve. The cost of living in the Cotswolds is quite high and young people need support. Stores likes Gardiner Haskins can do that.”

Joe said the experienced staff at the shop were always happy to help when he needed advice.

Manager Steve Whitcombe said it was important to bring in more young customers to the store.

“If they have a good experience as a young person then they will continue to come here,” he said. “It’s vital to encourage them into the store.”

Joe, who has recently settled into his Victoria Road home, praised the Go Cirencester campaign.

“I would encourage local councillors to support it and get behind it.,” he said. “We have lots of great local businesses here and multi-regional businesses like Gardiner Haskins but we must get behind them. Whenever people go somewhere else, like to Swindon, it’s an issue."

To feature in the Go Cirencester campaign, call 01285 627322.