Two new wine bars are poised to open in Newbury. The former Slug & Lettuce is being gutted to create a contemporary cocktail bar, providing another boost for the struggling northern end of town. And leisure entrepreneur Dave Quaintance – the man behind Thatcham’s doomed cinema bid – has a team of workmen making good progress with the Wharf Street Hall off the Market Place.

Pottery shop says adios

Newbury independent shop Potamus is offering big discounts as the latest Broadway shop throws in the towel on the Broadway. The shop’s collection of gifts and ceramics miraculously escaped unscathed from the fire at Motorworld last year, but has since found trading tough in the bit of town originally ignored in West Berkshire Council’s modernization plans.

Bart St store to shut

Discount retailer QS Group is to shut its large Bartholomew Street shop at the end of the month after the business went into administration. QS shut its store in Northbrook Street last year, then rebadged Bewise as QS a few weeks ago.

QS has nearly 400 stores and is shutting 125 in March. But bargain-hunters in Newbury can expect 50% discounts. It will be the largest empty shop in the town centre, closely followed by MVC at the other end of town.

Gunman arrested at Nightingales

Jason Crowe of Bodin Gardens, Newbury has been charged in connection with Friday’s gun incident in the same street.

Mr Crowe’s been charged with possession of ammunition, possession of a firearm, and possessing a firearm without a licence. He’s due up in West Berkshire Magistrates Court today.