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"I think it's the most lively street in Huddersfield." So says Sheryar Khan who is enjoying his fourth week running Chipway, a fast food restaurant specialising in

Belgian-style fries, which can be found towards the bottom of King Street in Huddersfield town centre. Sheryar believes footfall along King Street has rocketed in recent months as new

businesses have opened, including the cinema and leisure venue The Light. This week the King Street Social Tap 'community pub' opened its doors after a major refurbishment.

Sheryar, who runs Chipway with his wife Ashfa, said he had counted footfall outside his unit over a number of days in December and then again this week. He counted around 90 people in an

hour in December, then 350 in just half an hour this week. The results of his street survey may not be scientific but Sheryar believes that King Street is on the up. "There is now a lot

of foot traffic and the vibe is really good. It is very lively. I think it's the most lively street in Huddersfield. It's fully packed and is going to get much better."

Sheryar added: "We love Huddersfield and always wanted to open in Huddersfield. I think it (the town) is coming back. We can see that. I think this street was dead but now it's

busy. We get regular customers from the Uni and from Kingsgate." Huddersfield tailor Scott Hufton, of Owen Scott bespoke tailors on King Street, said there was a 'buzz in the

air' which he said was similar to when he first opened the shop 14 years ago. King Street had become 'more of a destination' which was a positive step. "Something is

definitely happening - there's a buzz in the air." Scott said just one unit, the former Cotton Factory bar, was currently empty at the bottom of King Street. "It would be nice

if that could be taken." Scott and other businesses have called for street scene improvements including hanging baskets to bring a bit of colour to the street. Shoppers have also

noticed the improved vibe and new bars, including Durty O'Dwyers and Brewed which opened in December. Michael and Julie, who were heading to The Lord Wilson Wetherspoons pub at the

bottom of King Street, said: "It's nice to see the units being taken, rather than empty. We popped in to see The Light which is great for the kids." Ed, who is operating the

King Street Social Tap with partner Jey, said it was good to see the area busy with people and he was hopeful that the new bar would encourage more to visit King Street. _GET ALL THE LATEST

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