BUSINESS and town leaders believe the arrival of three new big name stores in the High Street show Marlborough is back on the up after worries that empty shops were blighting trade.

The latest big name store to announce it is coming to town is Superdrug which will be open for business before the New Year.

The health and beauty retailer confirmed this week that the store, at 134-135 High Street, will be open next month, with an annual rent of over £150,000.

Business and town leaders have greeted the decision, saying an affordable convenience store is what is needed in the town and that it means another shop in Marlborough is no longer empty.

"We welcome this as it means another shop in the High Street is being used as it is a real blemish on the High Street when a shop is empty," said deputy mayor Mervyn Hall.

"It has been quite a troublesome spot over the years. Empty premises in the town is a problem but not a massive one compared to other places. I hope parking will not be too much of an issue as it is one of the biggest units in the High Street."

This year, the large stores of Vyella and Joules Clothing closed down in the High Street.

The clothing store is moving to another part of the High Street and will open today (November 24) and Estee Lauder are planning on putting in two retail outlets, Aveda and Bobbi Brown cosmetics, as well.

Cllr Justin Cook added: "I think a lot of people will be happy for a number of reasons. One it is a more affordable convenience store, two, it will create jobs and three, it means there are less vacancies which is good."

The convenience store, My Local, left the premises in June and before that a Morrisons, Marks and Spencer, M&Co and Somerfield have also been there in the last decade.

Bob Holman, of The Marlborough High Street Retailers Association, added: "It is a shame that it is not an independent shop but I would imagine that the rent would be hugely expensive.

"Having independent shops is what gives a town part of its identity and we do not want too many national chains as then you become any other place.

"However, on the whole though it is good to have places like these in the High Street and it will hopefully be a good fit here."

The firm is currently looking for a store manager and sales advisors.