Plans to transform Market Drayton have received a boost after a major food outlet announced plans to create a new store in the town – just two days after fashion retailer Peacocks opened its doors.

Bosses at Greggs Bakers said it was creating a new store in Cheshire Street on Thursday, which will create eight jobs for people in the area.

The announcement comes after the discount fashion retailer Peacocks opened for the first time on Wednesday on the site of the former Woolworths in High Street.

The move has created up to 10 jobs and brought to an end almost two years of speculation about what might happen to the vacant retail site – one of the biggest in the town centre.

News of both stores has been greeted with delight by civic leaders in Market Drayton who feel it will transform the fortunes of the town centre.

However they admitted that they hoped it would not have a negative impact on other businesses in the town.

Mayor of Market Drayton, Councillor Roger Smith, said: “It is another big name coming to the town which can only be a good thing.

“Hopefully, it will mean others will follow suit,” he added.

A Greggs spokesperson said: “We’re very excited about our new shop.”