THE number of empty shops in the heart of Newton Abbot is running at a very positive level.

The vacancy rate is currently 4.3 per cent, it has been revealed this week, and traders are delighted with the levels of business they had over the festive period.

Town centre development manager Sally Henley said the decline in empty shops leaves just enough leeway to give those interested in joining the town’s trading community a small choice of vacant properties to consider.

‘We are fortunate that vacant properties present opportunities in Newton Abbot, rather than a cause for concern’, she said.

A flurry of investment had taken place in the run-up to Christmas with two new beauty businesses and a new interior shop opening up, as well as a restaurant in Market Walk.

‘There are new businesses in the pipeline, lots of events and some important improvements to the town centre infrastructure to look forward to in 2017 and I am sure that we will have the continued support and loyalty of shoppers and visitors in the coming months,’ Sally added.