The opening of two shops in Braintree's George Yard shopping centre will bring five new jobs to the town

It is hoped that current negotiations with other retailers will lead to more lettings soon.

Specialist snack and ingredients chain Julian Graves is putting a £40,000 investment into the opening of a branch in the empty unit at the end of Sandpit Lane.

No date has been decided for the opening but work has already begun on fitting out the shop and a spokesman for the chain confirmed five full-time jobs would be created.

The shop will sell dried fruits, nuts, mixes and confectionery as well as healthy snacks.

Braintree firm Learn Direct has moved from New Street in the town into George Yard and will be selling computers on the ground floor and training people in computer skills upstairs.

The shopping centre was sold last autumn and Michael Lock, of letting agents Whybrow Surveyors, said the new owners were keen that retailers would be attracted to the centre.

Published Tuesday, January 28, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette