Residents have moved to "revive" Highams Park by taking on empty business units and responding to community needs. 

Highams Park has a reputation for a high turnover of shops and the clustering of similar traders, but the Highams Park Plan Arts and Culture Group (ARC) is planning to do somethng about it.

Three new businesses are opening in Winchester Road in an attempt to breath new life into the local economy. 

Artist and curator Lili Spain, of Vincent Road in Highams Park, opened Xylonite Arts in what used to be Hybel Opticians, on October 1. 

It is the first and only art space in Highams Park, and sells a range of vintage items including prints, some of which she has collected and stored in a cupboard over the years. 

Ms Spain is chair of the ARC and works part-time at the Freud Museum in Hampstead.  

She said: "The major idea was for a designated art space and to fill an empty shop with what people really want. 

"When I first moved here, there was butchers and greengrocers but they've all gone so for everyone, it is about taking a leap of faith to get the area back on track. 

"There is a desire and need for this in the area and I will put my all into making this a success."

It is hoped sales will cover costs and funding from temporary exhibitions will enable the running of art workshops, which currently only exists in Highams Park for the elderly.

The area's first-ever skateboard shop is set to open on November 1.

Outkast Skate Shop is the brainchild of Louise McGing and her family, who moved from Hackney to Highams Park eight years ago.

She said: "Everybody wants nice shops but business owners stick to what does well around here and we need diversity on The Broadway. 

"Teenagers and children are neglected in Highams Park. We have four primary schools, a secondary school and sixth form, yet there is nothing for them to do here.

"It seems to be the right thing to do so I really hope it is a success as Highams Park desperately needs it."

Chingford and Woodford Green MP Iain Duncan-Smith visited Xylonite Arts on Froday.

He said: "This is really great, it's both a community and trading shop. I take my hat off to them for all their efforts. This is all part of the restoration of community spirit in Highams Park.

"Highams Park has changed so much over the years, the new businesses will stop it looking so tacky." 

The town's first high street retail brand, Marshall Clothing, is set to open next door to Outkast Skate Shop next week.