A STREET trader has opened his first shop in Colchester’s town centre.

Shahid Zaman, 39, began his latest business venture on Saturday when he opened ladies’ clothes and accessories shop Belle Love in Eld Lane.

He was one of the street traders who faced eviction and a huge rent hike when Colchester Council set up the newHigh Street market.

He said: “It was the straw that broke the donkey’s back.

“Having a business that didn’t have security gave me the incentive to move forward.”

Mr Zaman will continue to run his Trinity Street stall, which he has had for more than ten years, alongside the shop.

He said: “The economy is more stable than it was five years ago.

“Now we’ve got a Conservative MP and government, they will look more towards business.

“The future is good.”

Colchester’s new MP Will Quince opened the shop on Saturday, in his first official engagement since being elected.

He said: “It’s really exciting. It is a local businessman who is a street trader now investing permanently in our town centre.

This is an independent shop offering products that aren’t available elsewhere. The independent shops make Colchester really special.”