A BETTING shop could soon open in Wickford, filling a unit that has been empty for just a couple of months.

Coleby’s Jewellers, in London Road, closed down in July along with other stores in the town centre, prompting fresh fears about the future of Wickford.

But now a planning application for a swift replacement has gone in for a shop called Bailey’s Racing, a betting shop.

It would be the town’s third betting shop, following in the footsteps of national chains William Hill and Ladbrokes.

Malcolm Buckley, Wickford Castledon ward councillor and Basildon councillor for regeneration, said: “I would have, perhaps, liked to have seen another shop in there, but I’m pleased we’ve got another business interested so soon. In the current economy, it is even more pleasing.

We need to remember that this is a bit out of the town centre where you would expect the frontline national chains to go.

“I knowWickford has a couple of betting shops in it at the moment, but if a small business wants to take them on, I say good luck to them.”