BUSINESS is booming in Overton as three new shops are set to open within weeks of each other.

A hairdressers, coffee shop and ladies’ fashion shop are due to start up in the village High Street within a month of each other.

There are also plans for another empty venue in the same street to host a charity shop as well.

Talking of the many new businesses opening in the village, chairman of Overton Parish Council, Cllr Lucy Sloane Williams, said: “Isn’t it wonderful?

“I’m delighted because it’s a very depressing sight seeing empty shops and seeing more shops coming here, I’m delighted.

“We’re so fortunate in Overton, we can walk everywhere from home and have access to wonderful shops and services.”

Fashion shop, Blueberri, and The Overton Coffee Shop, are right next to each other and have taken over the same site of former Overton Fireplaces shop.

Blueberri, a ladies’ fashion, accessories and small gifts store, is owned by husband and wife Maria and Nick Davis.

Mrs Davis said: “I’ve been so busy since November. “I love the place, very friendly place, it’s really community life here.

“We’ve had a really good response, people are really happy we’re here, that’s what they tell us.”

The shop opened a few weeks ago and the couple have high hopes for the shop.

Another business which started up recently was Hair for Men, Overton, a barber shop.

The male hairdressers opened earlier last week on Monday.

Barber Dan Wembridge, of Hair for Men, Overton, said: “I think me and Tom would agree they have been very welcoming, with open arms, by everybody.

“Everyone’s been supportive, if we need anything they will help us.

“Everyone’s wished us luck and we’ve had nothing but help from everyone, which is amazing.

“When I walk down to the Coop I get waved at and they don’t know me, but they’re still willing to help.”

Hannah Robins, owner of The Overton Coffee Shop, is also owner of H’s Coffee Shop in Whitchurch but insists the business is not a chain.

Manager Danielle Booth said: “I’m born and bred in Overton and H’s Coffee Shop in Whitchurch is Hannah’s as well.

“She’s started this new venture which is bigger.

“We’ve had a really good vibe in the community so it’s nice they’re making us feel so welcome, even though we’re not open yet.

“It’s a family-run business and we’re looking forward to this new venture.”

The coffee shop was due to open last Friday.

Chairman of Overton Business Association, Alexis Walmsley, said: “We are very excited.

“We’ve seen the empty shops for a while and it’s really encouraging to see so many new shops.

“Things are looking very positive for 2017.

“Keeping the village lively and active, we’re very positive about it.”