Theee shops which have opened in Halstead in a week could help bring in more business to the town, it has been claimed.

Costa Coffee and fish and chip shop The Hook of Halstead have opened up in Weaver’s Court as well as a new greengrocers in The Centre - the first in Halstead in five years.

The new coffee store, which opened in the former Stead and Simpson shop and brings in seven new jobs, was opened on Wedneday by Halstead’s deputy mayor Jackie Pell.

She said: “From Halstead’s point of view, having three shops open in a week shows that people and businesses have faith in the town.

“I know people are worried about other shops because of Costa, but I think Costa is a different kettle of fish - it’s a coffee shop.

“I don’t consider them a threat.

“When a national company comes to Halstead, it’s a very good sign that Halstead is on the up.

“I think it is a sign that we will have more shops coming in, because it is a busy thriving town with lots of shops.”

See this week's Halstead Gazette for the full story.