With the advent of July, several new shops have opened in town which has helped to improve the appearance of the centre. The biggest of these is the Iceland supermarket which opened in the premises once occupied by Somerfield, and prior to that the International store.

Elsewhere in town, at the Cam end of the Littlecombe site, it is encouraging to see that work has started on construction of the new community hospital. Facilities provided will include 20 inpatient beds, community therapy services, outpatient clinics, a minor injuries unit and a range of diagnostic services such as X-ray and scope for mobile services such as an MRI scanner. It is expected to open in late 2011 or early 2012.