A STORE owner said she has had a 'successful' first year with her new business.

Sam Park took over the premises on Ferry Road in Barrow - previously the home of The Fish Tank - a year ago.

It was turned into Butler's convenience store selling all household needs plus vapes, pies, sandwiches and coffee.

When the shop was taken over by Sam she had to do a 'lot of work' inside due to it previously being an aquarium.

She said: "I have had a lot of support from my husband. He has done a lot of work inside the shop for me to get it all prepared and ready.

"Everything was blue. It all needed repainting."

Work included replastering, new flooring, shelving, new doors and windows.

She said 'it took some doing but we got there.'
Sam and her daughters in the shopSam and her daughters in the shop (Image: Submitted) Sam used to work in care but she explained she always wanted to have something of her own.

She said: "I have lived around the area all my life and there have not been many shops for quite a long time so I thought to give it a go and see how it goes."

The 35-year-old owner said the shop was 'getting busier' compared to when she first opened. Her clients are mainly residents but especially BAE workers 'who come for the sandwiches, the pies and the chocolates'.Many of the clients visit the shop to buy piesMany of the clients visit the shop to buy pies (Image: Sam Park) She added Barrow is a 'good place for business'.

"Especially in this catchment area with all the BAE staff who are are expanding so it is only getting better," said Sam.

The businesswoman is hoping to extend the shop 'shortly' to make their own food, including hot meals.

"Nothing is prepared for that yet we are just getting things together and getting all the equipment we need," she said.

Butler's convenience shop opens from 7am until 6pm Monday to Thursday, from 7am until 4pm on Friday and from 7am until 2pm on Saturday.