HARPENDEN’s business core is thriving as new outlets open and others are re-launched, according to town mayor Daniel Chichester-Miles.

After attending several opening ceremonies recently, he told the Herts Advertiser: “I think it should be encouraging for residents in the town, that Harpenden is maintaining its economic resilience.”

Among the list of new businesses are Zara Harpenden Restaurant, on Luton Road, Ladbrokes and Costa Coffee, both on the High Street. Meanwhile a relocated Post Office is opening inside the new Co-operative store, both officially opening today, Thursday, November 18, on Southdown Road.

Cllr Chichester-Miles said: “Harpenden Town Council was determined to get the Post Office back in Southdown and many town councillors worked hard, closely following the situation and striving to push things forward.

“It is wonderful to see this now come into fruition. It is great to hear of businesses thriving or new businesses opening, and I wish them all every success in the future.”

Barclays Bank also re-launched its refurbished branch on the High Street on Monday.

The Mayor said: “I am pleased that Barclays is in the town. They have shown they are committed to the area and see Harpenden is a place to remain and thrive in, which is good for the local economy.

He and deputy mayor Cllr Pat Kent congratulated Costa Coffee at its opening ceremony on Tuesday saying that the coffee chain’s presence in Harpenden “shows again that a national chain sees Harpenden as a place to be and a good place to do business. It is a good sign.”

Senior manager of Costa Coffee Harpenden, Graziano Vargiu, said: “We have been looking to open in Harpenden for a while, and it’s been quite difficult to find the right site. It’s a fantastic town – the location is ideal for the service we provide and customers we are targeting.

“We have seven staff, most of whom are from the local community, and we will be employing around 12 altogether [with help from] the Job Centre. We aim to keep it local as much as we can.”