BOARDED-UP shops which have blighted a high street for years are finally being made over to the delight of traders.

The former clothes and charity shops at 6 and 8 Sun Street, Waltham Abbey, have been derelict for years and the district council had even threatened to compulsorily purchase them before changing its mind at the last minute.

After an anxious wait, owner Stef Di Piazza now seems to have come good on his word to renovate the buildings into four ground floor shops and ten first floor flats.

Duncan Phillips managing director Howard Green, who will be taking on the letting of the shops, said: “Everyone's very pleased to see it going on. We are confident of letting the shops. You could have one trader taking the whole four units on the ground floor.”

Speculation has already started as to what new shop, or shops will be moving in.

John Lipsett owner of Sun Street butchers Mr John's said: “I heard they were seeking to put in a Sainsbury's Express. It would be good for the area because we need to attract people to Sun Street not away from it.

“They need to get it done soon. Boarded up shops are no good to anyone.”

Practice manager at Waltham Abbey Opticians Shane Brown said: “I've heard it will be a Sainsbury's Express which if so is excellent. It's what the town's crying out for. We have got too many out of town shops and we need another high street name to pull people in.

“It's definitely a positive thing for the area. It's gearing up to the Olympics so if it could be finished by then it'd be good.”

Waltham Abbey Town Council leader Stuart Pryde said: “It's fantastic news because it's been an eyesore for some time in the town. Even the hoarding they've put up looks better than it did.”