Two properties in Witham High Street are coming back to life.

The former Martins newsagents and post office at 70 Newland Street, empty for more than a year, opened on Tuesday as a mini-mart.

The 3,500sq ft building on the corner of Guithavon Street is still owned by Martins, which has let it to another retail trading company for two years.

At the end of that time, the new tenants will vacate and Martins says it intends to renovate the building for new tenants.

Hugh Crayton, spokesman for estate agent Fenn Wright said contracts were completed last week and the new tenants are ready to go.

At the other end of the High Street licensee Ben Smart is welcoming customers to his re-decorated pub.

Once The Crochet, then latterly CM8, the pub has now re-opened under the name Bojangles. Black leather sofas, chrome tables and a baby grand piano have been added.

''It's welcoming and friendly, and most important, we have live jazz and blues music at weekends,'' said Ben.

Published Thursday September 2, 2004

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