NEW independent travel agent Global West, which specialises in coach excursions, has opened its doors in Borough Parade, Chippenham.

Global West is run by three partners - Pat Houston, Ron Howell and Janet Daws - who have a total of more than 65 years' experience in the travel industry.

Mrs Houston spent 14 years at Bakers Dolphin before she decided to set up on her own with some of her work colleagues and Mr Howell, who has been working in the business for 50 years.

"We wanted to stay in Chippenham because that is where our client base is. It was just a matter of finding a property that was suitable," said Mrs Houston.

She said the benefit of an independent travel company was that it was able to offer more choice because it was not owned by a tour operator.

Global West is the only company in Chippenham that offers coach excursions, but it also has a wide range of other holidays.

"We have the full range from 18 to 30 holidays to package holidays, last minute deals and flights," said Mrs Houston.

The shop took ten weeks to open and is already attracting lots of customers.

"It is going very well and we are pleased with the number of people who have been coming in.

"We had 150 people at the opening. We hope it will go from strength to strength," said Mrs Houston.