A town’s economy is improving with a rise in numbers of vacant shops being taken.

Stafford has a vacancy rate of seven per cent with 23 vacant units compared to 7.6 with 30 units last year.

The town also has a lower percentage of vacant shops than the national average of 12 per cent. The number of derelict units in the town centre has also fallen.

Ted Manders, Stafford Borough Council head of planning and regeneration, said it was very encouraging to see so many shops open recently. “The economic conditions appear to be improving and this shows in the new businesses which are moving into the town.”

In Greengate Street Soap Sudz and Greengate Amusements opened and Crabbery Street has two new businesses – gift and curio store No 28 and The Pie and Ale in the former Palmers, one of the town’s oldest buildings.

A further two enterprises have opened in St Mary’s Mews – The Funky T Shirt Company and Rose Cottage Basketware. The Guildhall centre has three new clothing stores Carbon and CMD, and Gimme Gizzmo.

On North Walls Amor Studios opened and in Mill Street there is new sandwich shop – Feast. The Works, which used to have a Guildhall Centre outlet, has a new store in Gaolgate Street.