A HOST of new shops are opening in Princes Risborough in time for Christmas, leading traders to say things are picking up.

Five empty units have been filled up. A gift shop has opened on Horns Lane, a greengrocers has started on the High Street and a new modern art gallery is coming to Church Street.

As reported previously Costa Coffee will open its doors on November 26, employing around ten people.

A tattoo shop is also opening on the High Street next to the George and Dragon.

Angus Jennings opened his gift shop, Antique and Contemporary Furniture and Gifts, a week ago at White Lion House and he said so far business has been going well.

He said: “I think Risborough is on the up- the High Street is picking up again.

“I think Risborough needed a gift shop as we have been busier than we expected.”

In the Spring he is planning to put a mini garden centre out the back.

A greengrocer has opened at Animal Fare in the High Street which has been a welcoming sight for many people in the town.

And Rebecca Hill's Hair Salon on Church Street has expanded to the shop next door to open a modern art gallery.

A memeber of Princes Risborough town council, Bill Bendyshe-Brown said that Mackays stores would like to open a shop in the town but are unable to find a large enough space at the moment.

He added: “Suddenly there has been an uptake on empty units in the town which is brilliant.”