READERS empathize with a beautician and registered nurse after she made a rallying call to the public over fears about her shop's future.

Vicky Calin opened Boheme Beauty in Barrow’s Buccleuch Street two years ago - just months before the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.

The 39-year-old moved to Barrow from Romania in 2014 to pursue a career in nursing, joining Risedale Nursing Home and later Furness General Hospital.

After undergoing beautician training in Romania, the mum-of-two decided to practise her hobby in Barrow, carrying out treatments from her home.

The hobby turned into a full-time career when Vicky opened a shop two years ago while continuing her nursing work at Furness General Hospital.

Vicky was unable to access any Government grants through the lockdowns and took out loans to pay her bills and keep the shop open.

The drop in footfall in Barrow town centre has also caused Vicky concern for her small business.

The Mail readers took to social media to share their views

Robert Sewell said: "Any shop in barrow is doomed before it opens as the people with the money are BAE contractors that are only interested in a couple of takeaways then going back to wherever they come from on the weekend.

"If your staff ain't local there wages won't be spent locally. I'm looking at moving from barrow myself.

Phil Atkinson said: "Footfall everywhere has dropped. Even shop owners in the lakes are saying things are very quiet."

Nigel Assheton-Smith said: "The cost of parking will never help any town centre."

Frank Kendall said: "Good luck times are really hard for business owners and everyday people all around the world."

Walney said: "Stay strong, business is hard majority of times never mind now."

Trying! said: "Good luck, hope things pick up for you."