Having been a FH resident for 27 years now, and growing up here as a child I have to say, all in all FH has rolled along with the times, and survived somewhat better than some other towns.

London Road died with 2 things, the developer that was buying up all the shops for the expansion, on behalf of Sainsburys, and the dreaded Red Route.
The RR saw the end of stop pop and shop trade which managed to kill off most of London Road and half of Dartmouth Road.

The lack of parking on the posh side of the trainlines is also a major downer, which is why I previously suggested a park and cross bridge from the Perry Vale car park.

The owners of the Ironing shop are residents of Church Rise, and I have to say, their pricing and work is very good, we now use them regularly. Good to support your neighbours I find.

Sad to see some people having no ambition for FH as a whole. OK its not about to become a metropolis of sorts, but the number of people alighting at FH station seems to be rocketing, and with the changes to the train services in the future im sure it will grow more.

So in reality NOW is the time to grasp the bull FIRMLY by the horns, and take the plunge into a business for the growing population. Not just brush every suggestion off as a bad idea.
I like to think of FH as a unique place and a survivor, so lets give it a chance to burst back into life eh.

Finally, please remember 90% of towns small traders were severely affected my supermarkets diversifying into lots of other areas.

Tell you what FH needs.... a market :D
Perry Vale Market, bottom end near the fish and chip shop, just up to Waldram Cresent.
OK not great for parking, but a fantastic way to get passing trade back, and give small buisinesses a chance to try their hand at success.

Just a thought