"I'm quite positive, I take challenges and this is a big challenge" explains Zahida Chaudhary, director of Optieye Care opticians which opened on Mocha Parade in January.
Normally, an optician opening a new shop isn't news – but on Mocha it's a revelation. The hairdresser, cafe, taxi firm and more have all gone, and shuttered shops and tinned up flats litter the Parade. Traders have watched business fall away as the local community's houses have been bulldozed to make way for `New Broughton'. Indeed, everything around the area is being sterilized and sparkled up as part of a huge regeneration. Yet Mocha has been forgotten.
Its refurbishment, last promised over a year ago, hasn't happened and no-one seems to know what is going on. Shop units have been abandoned, public spaces have been neglected and fly-tipping has been a regular occurrence (see previous Salford Star article - click here).
"I think it's going to improve" says Zahida "We've been told everything is going to be new and I can see a future; it's going to be a better place. We were told they're going to knock this area down and turn the shops around. I do believe it but I don't know when it's going to happen.
"It is frustrating" she adds "I can see the potential but we need something to happen soon to get people coming in...I already had a practice in Gorton and saw an opportunity here. It needs quite a lot of work and time put into it but we want to bring in services like we've done in Gorton."
Optieye Care does cataract referral, IOP, or intra ocilar pressure, checks, a low vision clinic, and has applied to become a diabetic screening service, as Zahida moves to make the Mocha shop ever more attractive for customers. There's sweets for the kids and coffee and tea for the adults, while community campaigns like National Eye Health Week (22nd-28th September) are being promoted.
"I worked with the previous owner, Michael, in my first practice and when he said he was selling this business the opportunity came up" Zahida explains "I took it as a challenge to improve the services and take it forward for the community. I was a bit apprehensive when I moved in here, but everyone's so welcoming."
While Salford Council and its sidekick company, Urban Vision, drag their feet over the re-development - despite all the massive growth that's going on in the area - Optieye Care is almost a beacon of hope.
"I can see the potential" says Zahida "If we had a big supermarket, something that would bring the footfall, and a facelift, it can be a brilliant place, and everyone will enjoy it, the old and new community. Everyone wants it to work but we can't just sit here and wait..."
Optieye Care, 6 Mocha Parade, Lower Broughton 0161 839 2884
For further details see Optieye Care website - click here
Main photo shows optician Naddir Khan in front of the shop - photo by Steven Speed
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