THE manager of the Kingfisher Centre has welcomed a move to relax planning laws to allow retailers to move into a vacant unit near Redditch Market.

The unit in Market Way, behind Debenhams, has been vacant since 2002.

Until last week, it could only be used for food establishments - but not one had approached the centre.

Retailers had shown some interest but were barred from taking the unit because of planning regulations aimed at providing a diverse mix of businesses in the town centre.

Kingfisher Centre manager Ian McLelland said he now hoped the unit would be filled quickly.

Meanwhile, the centre's revival continues with Next due to open a store between Adams and Waterstones on February 25.

Mr McLelland said he was delighted with the way the refurbishment and extension at the back of the centre had progressed and there was only one unit left to fill.

"The whole area is looking great at the moment," he said.