PEOPLE often say Leigh is unique – from its shops to its residents and its attitude, all of which have kept the town ticking over through the recession.

In Southend, the message throughout the downturn has been it has fared better than many similar-sized towns.

As Southend’s smaller, trendier and more independent neighbour, Leigh has matched the larger town’s buoyancy, and although the recession has taken its toll, many businesses have not only survived, but are thriving.

West Leigh ward councillor John Lamb said: “Leigh has done well because it is well supported by the community.

“The town is a unique area and has niche shops which seem to be thriving quite well, and we are very pleased about that.

“Leigh gives a diverse shopping experience and is different to the centre of town, and we need to encourage that.

“People also travel from all across the area to go there and it’s something we want to continue because the town offers a very different shopping experience.”

Shops which have lain empty in Broadway are starting to fill up, with a former art shop at the western end currently undergoing refurbishment ahead of being taken over by a jewellers.

As the economy has begun to pick up, major regeneration projects across the town have also undergone a resurgence, with the rebirth of the landmark Grand Hotel, in Broadway, poised to go ahead if a dealbreaking planning clause is lifted by Southend Council.

Further towards the old town, a new planning application has been submitted to transform the derelict Bell Hotel, on Leigh Hill, into a 12-bed hotel complete with restaurant, bar and seaview terrace, although a lack of parking is causing concern among residents.

Other ongoing projects include the transformation of the Edwardian-era Clements Arcade, in Broadway, most of which has been demolished and is being replaced with new shops and flats, which will retain the building’s traditional frontage.

Alongside its many shops, Leigh also has a bustling cafe and restaurant scene, something which has occasionally caused friction as the town strives to maintain its preferred 80-20 balance between shops and restaurants.

Mr Lamb, who is also deputy leader of Southend Council, said: “Leigh has maintained its quality and we still have a real variety of cafes and bars, although we don’t want to exploit that too much.

“We mustn’t lose too much retail and it’s very important to keep that balance to ensure the vibrancy of the town continues.

“There’s a balance to be struck, and we need the retail because, without that, we will lose the people coming there, which will damage the rest of the businesses.”

Denise Rossiter, chief executive of Essex Chamber of Commerce, supports the view that Leigh’s distinct identity has helped it weather the economic storm, along with its strong rail links and loyal customer base.

She said: “Leigh is has a uniqueness all its own. The appeal of the town is there are lots of places to shop, eat and drink.

“Leigh will always buck the trend because it has its own community. You can learn a lot from the town.”

In Leigh’s old town, business is also booming, with energy company EDF working to renew power supplies to the area to ensure it can keep up with future demand.

The prosperity of the old town is being boosted by the efforts of the Leigh Old Town Community Group, set up in October 2009 to ensure the charm of the area is protected.

Pat Holden, chairman of Leigh Town Council, said the old town had enjoyed a strong summer and continued to draw visitors from south Essex and further afield.

She added: “The old town seems to be incredibly busy, which is great news because it helps draw visitors to the whole area.

“It offers people that traditional seaside experience along with higher-end restaurants so there’s something for everyone.”