The Kabin made its debut in the programme in June, providing the residents with a regular newsagent and cafe. An investment of Len Fairclough's, Rita Littlewood was installed as manageress, who then hired Mavis Riley as assistant, with Thelma Barlow following up her brief appearances in 1971 and 1972 for a longer stint. Rita's brassiness, played against Mavis's dithering eccentricity, would form one of the programme's best-loved and most enduring double acts.