New carpet cleaning business comes to Downton

A new carpet cleaning and upholstery company, JJ Renovations, has arrived in the village, owned and run by James Clarke. James started the business in 2002 after leaving a 25 year career in marketing. Disillusioned with the London rat race, he bought a public house in Dartford and also started up a company, specialising in all areas of commercial and domestic cleaning services. He and his wife, Tracey, have taken holidays in The New Forest for the last 18 years and for the last 10 in Woodgreen and Downton. They fell in love with the area and hoped one day to retire here - deciding a few months ago to sell up in Dartford and move to Slab Lane, bringing the cleaning business with them. James has been working one week a month in the area to get the business established prior to the move, which officially happened at the end of August.  James said, “We have been delighted with the response and friendly welcome we have received. Tracey and myself can't wait to join the Downton community.”