BEFORE the digital age, valleys towns such as Pontypool were filled with hungry shoppers and an equally strong business community catering to that demand.

In the competitive environment of the traditional ‘high street’, shop window displays were devised to draw customers in, teasing bargains, showcasing stock and helping to develop a store’s identity.

While the visual flair of window displays was once important to stand out on the high street, today modern entrepreneurs can reach the same number of shoppers with nothing more than a laptop and wi-fi connection.

As average footfall plummets across Gwent and increasing numbers of shops lie vacant, community groups have emerged with a purpose and a drive to change their towns for the better.

It was at a meeting of the Friends of Pontypool Town action group – previously featured by our campaign – that 56-year-old Jackie Mullen found her purpose.

After being made redundant and trying out several part time jobs, she was inspired by group’s goals of “bringing the town back to a good state” and decided to base a business on that idea.

Putting 15 years of organising displays garden centres to good use, the Trevethin woman ‘Display with Love’ – a visual merchandising agency providing window displays for Pontypool traders.

Since starting her new venture last month, Ms Mullen has already provided displays for the Red Cross Shop in Pontypool, The Hair Cellar, two windows in Pontypool Indoor Market and projects in Griffithstown.

Her proudest moment to date also included creating a spooky graveyard display as part of Hallowe'en celebrations in Pontypool.

“I had a really good reaction from the zombie display at Hallowe'en and I’m beginning to get known in the town,” she said.

“My whole point is to get known and find out what I can do for traders to make the town look better.”

All of Ms Mullen’s displays use locally bought materials or the shops own stock and she hopes her work will be the first step towards making the town more attractive to visitors and boosting sales.

“If you do the right thing in the town it can be great again but I do think the shops have to be responsible as well,” she added.

“I believe that some are not pulling their weight but I hope they will give us a chance to do or show what we can provide.

“Traders think a window display going to cost a fortune but it’s all about using what you have in your shop and using your window to tell a story.

“I’m just trying to prove that if you get your (window display) nice people will come. People just have to give Pontypool a chance.”

For more information on 'Display With Love' follow the business on Twitter: @Displayed_Love or email jackiemullen04@gmail.com.

Your High Street: Use it or lose it’ aims to raise awareness of independent businesses, putting a spotlight on the people, places and issues that define our high streets.

Do you have something you want to shout about? We want high street businesses across Torfaen to get in touch and tell us your story.

Call Chris Binding 01633 777251 or email cbi@southwalesargus.co.uk.