A new shop called 'Wantage Vape Zone' has appeared in Wantage Market Place.

Signs for the new shop, on the corner of Market Place and Newbury Street, were witnessed by nearby businesses being erected last weekend (February 3 and 4).

Confusion has been expressed over the shop’s opening times, with residents and local businesses having witnessed people attempting to enter the shop unsuccessfully.

The store does not have listed opening hours or contact details online and no registered record of the company exists on Companies House.  

The premises were previously occupied by electronics store Repair Experts, who the landlady confirmed vacated in May 2023, with the property at 2 Market Place having since been unoccupied and advertised for rent availability.

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Residents have taken to the Wantage and Community Facebook group to express their distaste at both the store front and further sale of vapes in the town. 

Residents also shared concerns over the harmful effects and how the new store may be appealing to teenagers.

Town councillor Erik Johnson confirmed Wantage Town Council has “already started the process of reporting the matter to planning enforcement.”

He added: “It will be up to them to determine if harm is done to the designated conservation area and if restorative action is required.

“It is crucial to understand councils do not dictate which businesses operate from retail premises. I encourage each of you to voice your concerns at a national level by writing to our MP."