A TRIO of upmarket fashion stores that have recently moved into the centre of Witney have given the town a much-needed boost, say business owners.

Clothes shop Jigsaw opened in the High Street last Friday and has already received “amazing” feedback from the public.

And at the beginning of November, British classic-fashions store Jack Wills will be opening directly next door to Jigsaw, while French-influenced clothes store for mothers and babies JoJo Maman Bebe will soon be opening where the clothes shop East used to be, in Marriotts Walk shopping centre.

Chairwoman of Witney and District Chamber of Commerce Lesley Semaine said the three new shops will give the town an exciting retail boost.

Mrs Semaine, who is landlady of the Royal Oak pub based directly opposite Jigsaw, said: “I’ve worked in Witney for 30 years and I’ve seen a lot of comings and goings.

“To have a few upmarket shops is good news for the town. When there were rumours the empty stores were going to be another coffee shop or a restaurant, I heard people say ‘oh no, not another one!’.

“With these three new shops it will obviously improve an already very lovely town.”

The new Jigsaw has already seen many customers popping in and out during its first busy weekend. The building it has moved into was previously a Lloyds Chemist. It has now been split into two units, with Jack Wills taking the second unit.

Carolyn Micklethwaite, who works at the new Jigsaw, said: “It’s amazing. The feedback we’ve had has been really good so far.

“A lot of people have been coming in from the surrounding villages.”

Mrs Semaine has been chairwoman of the local Chamber of Commerce for about eight years.

She added: “I’ve seen the town going from success to success over the years. We are a busy little place and these shops are just going to add to its success.

“We also have quite a selection of independent shops in Witney too which are vitally important to the town. And with the town’s free parking as well, people just can’t believe it when they come here.”

Mayor of Witney Jim King said he was pleased to see retail shops being replaced with other similar stores.

He said: “It’s better than another tea room. What always disappoints me is seeing places empty or boarded up. It spoils the image of the High Street. I’m ever so pleased these shops have moved in. It’s good for the town, good for jobs and good for the local economy.

“Witney is a major town in West Oxfordshire and people living in the surrounding areas visit Witney for their shopping.”