The former Daly's Butcher's shop at 77 London Road is almost finished, and will be occupied by the end of April 2005.

Following a failure in 1996 to get planning permission to change the use of the old shop from retail (A1) to a hot-food takeaway (A3), the building was demolished and rebuilt. An unusual feature is the way the entrance juts out on to the pavement so that the door faces the customer walking down the street.

Scott Fraser (residential lettings & property management) will occupy part of the shop, and they are also selling the five luxury one-bedroom flats on the top two floors (to be called Portus House). Prices range from £155,000 to £185,000 (with anticipated rentals ranging from £675pcm to £795pcm).