A new estate agent is opening in Hertford Town Centre on Tuesday 7th May.

Thomas Childs are based in Railway Street opposite Lloyds Bank. As well as property sales the business also handles house dressing, design and layout, buying, removal services and storage.

www.thomas-childs.com

A new childrens' bookshop and café has opened in Old Cross.

'Leaf' is the culmination of over eighteen months of planning by local residents Rebecca and Ben Pirt.

Rebecca says of the venture: "I've always wanted to open a café and bookshop and am extremely excited to finally be launching. I always loved reading as a child and really want to be able to pass that on to other children. Leaf is my vision of a place where everyone can relax and enjoy themselves, whatever their age".

Leaf provides a destination for families and young people with both indoor and outdoor space to sit and enjoy coffee, tea, cakes and light lunches. All food is freshly prepared and cakes are made by talented local bakers. The menu aims to appeal to all and will have specific items for those with allergies.

Regular events a free story drop-in on a Monday morning for under 5s, weekly art and craft activities themed around a book, monthly book clubs for different age groups, plus special author events and activities for families.

www.leafcafe.co.uk

A new menswear boutique has opened in Parliament Square.

The shop occupies the former premises of ladies boutique Marmalade.

A new cake shop has opened in St.Andrew Street, specialising in bespoke event cakes.

Pretty Gorgeous Cakes is run by Cynthia Stroud, who has been baking cakes professionally for three years and has been shortlisted for this year's Wedding Industry Awards.

prettygorgeouscakecompany.co.uk

Castle Food & Wine in The Wash face losing their license after selling alcohol to a 15-year-old.

The sale took place as part of a sting operation conducted by police and trading standards officer in April last year. 

The Premises Licence will be reviewed by the district council's Licensing Sub-Committee on Monday 11th March.

The YMCA are to open a charity shop in Maidenhead Street.

The shop in Maidehead Street was until recently Stead & Simpson. 

The outlet joins 5 other charity shops in the town, making up 2.3% of all retail premises.

Barbara Martin Studios in St.Andrew Street is closing down, currently offering 50% off stock until 24th February.

The shop relocated to the former antiques shop from two doors up back in July last year.

Beauty salon The Beauty Boutique have closed their Bircherley Green outlet and joined the team upstairs at HOB Salons.

The retail outlet was cleared this afternoon and all staff moved to HOB, where they will continue to offer the same services and products.

Pine Oak Furniture in Ware Road are holding a closing down sale due to relocation.

The shop, opposite the Madford Retail Park, is offering up to 70% off stock.

Chinese restaurant Paddyfields in St.Andrew Street has closed following the owner's retirement.

The closure comes at the same time as another long-established business in the street announced closure, with Vogue hairdressers shutting up shop at the end of January.

Short-lived dress hire shop Dress Sense has also closed down, as has the street's dedicated website.