RETAILERS in Newton Abbot are bucking the trend when it comes to empty shops.

Only round 12 of the 300 premises in the town are currently on the market and available to let, compared to the national average of 14.3 per cent.

And town centre manager Sally Henley revealed that three new businesses are poised to open.

However, she still hoped to look at putting in a bid for government funding, announced this week, aimed at regenerating the country's high streets.

She said: 'I would like to have a crack at it although Newton Abbot is not seen to be struggling in the way many towns are.

'I am going to be looking for ways we can apply for some of this funding and there are a couple of projects I would like to bid for.'

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