Ava Bath shop brings bath bombs and soaps to Wibsey high street

Charlene Barraclough was inspired to bring Ava Bath to the Wool Exchange when she discovered a passion for creating bath bombs, soap, and shower gels.

Now, a year later, Ava Bath is found along Beacon Road in Wibsey.

Charlene said: “We had some lovely customers but we had people sleeping in the door way, throwing food and drinks on the window, soiling the entrance, we had three accounts of theft, it deflated us. 

“The local high street is great. We are on a row of small successful businesses that are so lovely and friendly.

Ava Bath is found along Beacon Road in Wibsey (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

“A lot of businesses are going to suffer and likely close. Materials, rents, packaging and utilities, it is all rising crazily and with no support in place. So many are still suffering the aftermath of Covid which has already hit everyone so hard.

"We are going to end up with everything being online, no cash, no people, no interaction. It is really sad. Surely they can do something to boost retail trade once more.

“It’s a crazy time, everything has risen in cost. We still feel people should be able to afford their luxuries and where we can have tried to keep our costs the same and offered different sizes in the products for all budgets.”

Bath bombs at Ava Bath (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council's executive member for regeneration, planning and transport, said the Council is working alongside West Yorkshire Police and the NHS to tackle challenges.

Cllr Shaw said major regeneration projects - such as the Darley Street Market, One City Park, and Bradford Live - will increase footfall, job prospects and support for businesses.

Outside Ava Bath in Wibsey (Image: Newsquest, Mike Simmonds)

He said: “We’re pleased Avabath Cosmetics are finding success in Wibsey. We share their calls for the government to provide more support for small businesses during this period of high inflation and the cost of living crisis.

“Bradford has the same challenges any big city has. 

“As a Council we’ve done a lot to support the economy and individual businesses.

“The best thing we can do to support businesses is deliver our major regeneration works being undertaken.”

A Government spokesperson said it is committed to supporting businesses.

Inspector Richard Baildon who heads up the Bradford City Neighbourhood Police Team said shop theft incidents have reduced by 37 per cent since 2017. 

He said: “We do appreciate there is still more work to be done and we will continue to work closely with individual businesses to support crime prevention initiatives."