What can you find in St Nicholas and St Peter's Street?

To many, they represent the balance between the old and the new.

"You could come to Ipswich for the day and never leave these two streets," said Zoe Woods of Crafty Baba - an independent shop located on St Peter's St. 

Zoe Woods, owner of Crafty Baba (Image: Newsquest)

"It's got everything you could need: shops, hospitality, offices, health and beauty.

"It's an area we should all be so proud of."

Alongside Cathy Frost of Loveone - also on St Peter's - and Darrell Chalkley, Zoe is a director of not-for-profit group, 'The Saints'. 

The group, whose name comes from the local moniker for the area, seeks to make a difference by promoting the streets as a hotspot for independent business and heritage. 

The volunteer trio organise events such as street markets, heritage open days and themed trails.

They also provide small businesses a chance to establish a pop-up shops on their premises.

"Everyone talks about how Ipswich has potential," said Cathy.

Cathy Frost, owner of Loveone (Image: Newsquest) 

"I'm so tired of hearing that. 

"The potential is already here. We just need to shout about it."

Cathy arrived in the area 15 years ago, originally starting as a pop-up shop. 

"Back then, the streets' premises were only around 40% filled," she said.

"Now it's 95%.

"Slowly and organically it has grown into a thriving community with an amazing spirit."

On Sunday, the highly-anticipated Saints Christmas Market will return - providing those with original, creative and handmade products a chance to showcase their talents. 

The shops that make up The Saints are proud of what they've achieved. (Image: The Saints)

"Anyone who is local to the area - whether that's Ipswich, Colchester or Chelmsford - is welcome to have a stall here," said Darrell. 

"The town has a really long history of markets and market culture here is very strong.

"We've got so many talented traders and we just want to be able to give people a chance to show this."

The Saints Christmas market will return this Sunday (Image: Charlotte Bond)Looking ahead, The Saints is looking to increase the number of events and markets it runs and will continue to promote St Nicholas Street and St Peter's as a town gem.

"It's not about a lack of potential, it's about a lack of vision," the trio said.

"What's standing in the way is bureaucracy and a lack of money. 

"This area is leading the charge for small business in Ipswich.

"We've got something really special here and we need to preserve it.

"If we don't, we will lose this incredible community."