Popular coffee shop chain, Costa, has confirmed it will be opening two new stores in Chelmsford, meaning that there will now be 13 in total.

Dubbed as the "Costa Capital in Britain", Chelmsford already has 11 Costa stores in its area.

A new store will be opening at the Clocktower Retail Park at the end of this year, followed by another branch opeing up on Chelmsford High Street at the beginning of 2018.

Although it is evidently a well-used coffee outlet, some in the city think there is no need to introduce more to the city.

One cafe owner said that having to many branded coffee stores is affecting independent businesses.

Matthew Smith, who owns Stewarts Deli and Tea Rooms on Tindal Street in Chelmsford, said: "I think another two is too much.

"It means that if you did want to set up an independent business where that Costa is going to be, you can't now.

"We have definitely been quieter since some of these coffee shops have opened.

"We do have a lot of loyal customers but people who visit Chelmsford don't usually come to us.

"We are struggling to get any new customers."

Costa Coffee was found in 1971 by brother, Sergio and Bruno Costa.

In 1995, the company was taken over by Whitbread.

A spokesman for Whitbread said: "As the UK’s favourite coffee shop and a popular presence in and around the Chelmsford area, we can confirm we will be opening a new store on Clocktower Retail Park later this year.

"Additionally we will be opening a second Costa store early in 2018 on Chelmsford High Street.

"We look forward to welcoming customers and participating in the local community. We will share more details over the coming months."