A major high street chain has shown an interest in opening a store in Porthleven - but would Helston be a better location and why has it missed out again?

This is the debate that's been raging both on social media and in town, after it was revealed that clothing brand Fat Face is said to be in talks about the possibility of opening a shop in the fishing harbour, which at present is almost entirely made up of independent businesses.

Meanwhile Helston, which has a number of empty shops, appears to have been passed over again, leading to town mayor Gillian Geer to bemoan: "I just wish people wouldn't keep passing us over. We miss out on blooming everything! I think it's so sad."

She added that Fat Face would be "fantastic" for Helston, saying: "That would be just the thing we need and we have plenty of empty shops that would make good stores.

"It wouldn't take many businesses like Fat Face and some of the other big shops like Seasalt to come and then we would have a lovely place for people to come and properly shop again.

"If they want a place we will welcome them with open arms."

It is not just the mayor who thinks Helston might make a better choice for big name stores, however, with some people fearing they could negatively impact on Porthleven's independent retailers.

Business owners in Porthleven have each received a letter detailing the proposal - prompting a debate on Facebook over whether high street stores have a place in Porthleven.

One owner, Belinda Higgs, wrote: "As a Porthleven business owner, I think it's very important that all the shops stay as independent retailers. It's what people love about our village.

"So, what are your thoughts on a high street shop looking to come here?"

Some were against the idea completely, fearing it would take away trade from the smaller, independent traders who had been building their custom over a number of years.

Jane McInnes wrote: "I love Porthleven for the variety of individual stores, each with their own idiosyncrasies. If I want larger stores I head for larger towns."

Others described it as "a sign of the times," although there was a feeling from many that Helston would be a more appropriate location.

"It would be lovely to see shops like Fat Face, White Stuff, Sea Salt etc invest in Helston; would be so good for the town and very accessible to Porthleven folk and visitors - think it’s a much more appropriate location," wrote Jill Leyshon.

However, some people were positively in favour of a store such as Fat Face coming to the port itself, believing it might actually bring in more customers, with Naomi Osmond writing: "I think Fat Face would be a great addition personally. I love the independent shops but I don't think this particular shop would have a negative impact. Far better than another restaurant..."

The Packet has contacted Fat Face for a comment.