A new shop selling birdfeed and feeders has opened in Market Street.

The Wild Bird Cafe occupied premises formerly occupied by bookmaker William Hill.

Local reports suggest the business is owned by Fosters Pet & Garden Care in Cole Green.

A planning application has been submitted to divide the former Clinton Cards in Maidenhead Street in to two retail units.

The premises at 15-17 Maidenhead Street would be split in to a larger unit for A3 use (Food & drink) and a smaller unit with a separate entrance on the right for A1 (Shops) use.

A decision on the plans will be made early in the New Year.

A new mobile phone shop opens in Bircherley Green on Monday.

Bandar Band already have an outlet in southbury Road, Enfield opposite Enfield Town station.

The business offers mobile phone and laptop repairs, as well as phone unlocking.

Santander have closed their Fore Street branch and relocated their operations to Maidenhead Street.

The bank has had two branches in the town since taking over the Bradford & Bingley in 2008.

The prermises join adjacent empty units previously occupioed by Butterfly and Millets.

Despite the closure the number of vacant retail premises in Hertford is significantly below the national average.

A new shop selling cars has opened in St.Andrew Street recently.

The Auto Agency works in a similar way to an estate or letting agency, handling the advertising, enquiries, viewings and more. The business also offers a car sourcing service.

www.theautoagency.co.uk

A new art gallery in St.Andrew Street was opened by Hertford mayor Cllr.Jane Sartin on Sunday.

Arthaus galleries displays and sells collectable contemporary art by award-winning artists and emerging talent.

The gallery will also host an exciting programme of events over the year including exhibitions, artist appearances and private views.

A new guitar school and shop has opened in Railway Place.

The Guitar Studio has a wide range of instruments - acoustic and electric, as well as effects pedals, strings, amplifiers and other accessories. The stock also includes bass guitars and ukuleles as well as specialist guitars, vintage, antique and second-hand instruments. 

Tuition is provided across the range of skills and levels, with classes available most evenings in three teaching rooms. Both group and one-to-one lessions are offered.

The Guitar Studio is open Monday to Friday until late as well as Saturdays.

A new gift shop called The Oak Room has opened in Fore Street next to The Corn Exchange.

The shop sells a range of cards and gifts as well as a small selection of children's clothes and haberdashery.

The business also has an outlet at Hatfield House.

The premises were formerly occupied by Threshers off-licence.

www.oakroomshop.co.uk

Millets is just one of five retail businesses closing at the western end of Fore Street this month.

Local reports suggest that the closure is due to the landlord raising the rent. Quarter day falls in just two weeks, the day when shop rents are traditionally due.

Butterfly opposite has also closed in recent days, as has the House Kitchen and House Spa. Santander is also rumoured to be closing shortly.

Despite the combined closures of the businesses, the vacancy rate in Hertford is significantly below the national average of 14.6% with 10% of retail premises empty.

A new Italian patisserie and coffee shop has opened in Maidenhead Street.

Emilio's sells a range of delicious cakes, italian meats, ice cream and panini as well as Illy coffee.

The Italian gelato range includes macadamia, marscopone walnut and mango sorbet, whilst the snacks on sale include paninis, ciabatta and various meat platters.