New shops open in Bridgwater (From Bridgwater Mercury)

New shops open in Bridgwater

3:30pm Tuesday 13th July 2010 in News By Laura Nesbitt

DISCOUNT store Proper Job is taking over the premises vacated by Woolworths in December 2008.PHOTO: Andy Slocombe.

A NEW business will this week take over the former Woolworths site in Eastover, Bridgwater.

Discount store Proper Job, which has branches in Weston, Bristol and Clevedon, is set to open on Saturday, with the creation of ten to 12 jobs.

It is one of several changes to Bridgwater's retail environment.

Dorothy Perkins in Fore Street has now closed, while several new businesses have opened in St John Street, including a pet and bicycle store, a sandwich shop, an Indian restaurant, a children's shop and a second hand store.

Chris Richards opened 2nd to None on St John Street with Kim Billing, after closing the business at the Bridgwater Indoor Market in Eastover. He said: “Hopefully it's breathing a bit of life into this end of St John Street.

“I'd like to think shopping in Bridgwater could re-establish itself if this recession ends.

“I hope people have enough faith and determination in the town to help establish businesses - if you put enough into anything, something good will come out.”

Steve Leahy, chairman of Bridgwater Chamber of Commerce, said: “I think if people are looking for more acceptable rents and rates, then they will move to that area - and hopefully encourage others.

“If you look at the comparison to last year, we are in a much better position.”