Halstead's high street is thriving once again, with shops having good takings over the festive period.

High street retailers say that the sales over the festive period have been very good and an increase on last year.

Caroline Przybyla, who runs Head Street Gallery, in Head Street, said: “Sales over the Christmas period were fine.

“I think Halstead was similar to other areas.

“People are feeling more confident again about shopping after the recession.

“My sales are up generally.

“It was nice to see a lot of people still supporting local businesses and the high street.

“Sales were a bit better than last year - in the last few years the high street has really turned a corner.”

Scott Rogers, who opened Reloved Home, in High Street, in May, added his Christmas takings were boosted by holding a Black Friday sale.

“We did well over the Christmas period,” he said.

“It was our first Christmas in Halstead so we weren’t sure what to expect, but we are really pleased.

“It is really nice to see the support.

“We hold painting furniture courses and we have sold more than 1,000 places on Groupon.

“I am hoping to run new courses next year.”

Neil Hardy, owner of Hardys Menswear, in Market Hill, said sales were up 11 per cent over the festive period.

He said: “This is higher than last year and I think it is down to us having quality products, good value for money and good service.

“We also have a loyal customer base too which helps.

“I don’t know if people are now starting to shop more local - petrol is cheaper so they can travel further out but then you have the hassle with the roads.

“Halstead does have a lot to offer and I am pretty bouyant about how well we did over the Christmas period.”