AN estate agency's move has created a slew of opportunities for businesses in Horwich.

Earlier this year Regency Estates, which has been run by the Holt family since it was founded in 1992, unveiled its new base at the former Royal Bank of Scotland premises in Lee Lane.

Bosses insisted that they wanted to stay local and couldn't pass up the landmark site.

Director Nick Holt said this development triggered a number of "exciting deals" which the company has been involved in recently.

As a result of the RBS switch their adjacent former premises has now become home to UNO Cutting Rooms, which has just had a relaunch.

The long-established Horwich hairdresser used to be located in Winter Hey Lane and the move is said to have allowed them to expand significantly, including the creation of a bridal/party room.

In turn their old salon has been leased to e-cigarette retailer Fresh Mist, which already has shops in Chorley Old Road, Breightmet, Farnworth and Preston.

Further along Lee Lane, the upper floors at number 29 have been refurbished, which has seen an existing tenant, Conservative Contracts North West (CCNW), extend its offering.

Another tranche of vacant space within the same building has been converted for offices, with two new tenants secured for part of the floor and further rooms being placed up 'to let' and already attracting firm interest.

Mr Holt said Regency had also been involved in letting a shop at the rear of the Black Edge Bar, in Westhoughton, to the fledgling enterprise Fitbank Health Group.

Planning permission is being sought from the borough council for a change of use for the Hampson Street site, says the agency.

The company was established by former Bolton footballer turned trainer and therapist Neil Smith, who has been using vibration plate technology to tackle a number of conditions. including Parkinson's.