It's all change in Witham High Street with the news of four new business projects and the closure of two well-known shops in the same week.

Wimpy was revealed as the name behind a plan to convert the former electricity showroom into a new restaurant with at least six new jobs expected.

Bakery chain, Don Millers, are planning to take over a section of Fiveways supermarket, creating 12 new jobs in a 24-hour operation.

Bakers Oven in Newland Street are planning to open a new eatery, extending their existing shop by taking over the former optician's next door.

And a health and fitness club is planned above the new Wimpy restaurant by Akwell Ltd.

However, as the news about the new businesses was announced two long established shops, owned by the same family, closed their doors in the town this week.

Coopers fabrics, run by Tim Cooper-Cocks and Artframers, run by his father, both in Newland Street, ceased trading after last weekend, Tim Cooper-Cocks confirmed.

The news about the new businesses was revealed at a meeting of Witham Town Council's planning sub-committee on Tuesday evening.

Paul Ryland, chairman of Witham Strategy Group, which has long been campaigning for a national food chain to take premises in the town centre said he was delighted.

"This is a real move in the right direction and together with the other plans now in the pipeline, will really help," he said.

"This is very good news for Witham," said Elaine Bass, business development officer at Braintree Council.

"There had been a dull period for the town with perhaps more development in Braintree and Halstead, but now we are dealing with some of the bigger employers who are talking about expansion."

"Obviously, we have been concerned about the takeover of Sedgwick's, but there are also signs that companies could be relocating to additional sites in the town.

"We are pleased to say Witham has definitely taken a turn for the better."

All of the planning applications for the new businesses were recommended for approval by the council and will now go before Braintree Council's area planning committee for a final decision.

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