FOUR Sapley Square businesses were officially opened on Monday following a renovation programme which aims to put a new heart in Oxmoor. To mark the completion of the project, chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council, Councillor Phillip Swales, pict

FOUR Sapley Square businesses were officially opened on Monday following a renovation programme which aims to put a 'new heart' in Oxmoor.

To mark the completion of the project, chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council, Councillor Phillip Swales, pictured, formally handed over the keys to the four traders.

The new shops are now occupied by three local businesses and a national chain.

Traders and residents alike said they were happy with the changes.

"It's definitely better," says Girish Patel, owner of Sapley News and Post Office. "In the old shops across the road we had a lot of problems with crime and vandalism."

The new shops are protected by a CCTV camera system.

Jenny Short, who lives nearby, said the changes would make her feel safe visiting the shops at night. The shops are beneath the New Maple Centre, which will provide community facilities for voluntary and other organisations.