A FORMER shoe shop in Northwich town centre is stepping out on a new journey after being taken over by a high-flying travel firm.

The former Shoe Zone store in Witton Street, will undergo a £100,000 refurbishment and become a new branch of Hays Travel creating six new jobs.

Bosses at Hays Travel North West have confirmed they have signed a lease for the new store, which will include a Bureau de Change and is set to be open in the next couple of months.

It is part of a major expansion scheme launched at the end of last year by the travel firm which has 30 branches across the north west and north Wales with a further five predicted to be open before the end of 2018. The new Hays Travel openings are collectively creating around 60 new jobs.

Lindsey Barber, retail sales director for Hays Travel North West, said: “We have been keen on opening a new store in Northwich for some time because it is an attractive town with a strong community which suits our business perfectly.

“We are thrilled to be taking over this pretty, timber framed building which is part of the historic fabric of Northwich’s high street.

“We will now be working hard to transform the new unit with a £100,000 modern, high-spec makeover which we have across all of our stores so our customers feel welcomed and comfortable when they come to book their holidays with us.

“This will help preserve the building for many years to come and we are looking forward to becoming a part of the community and its retail scene.”

The independent travel agency offers a range of holidays from different providers and tour operators.

Lindsey added: “Holidays are really important for people and their families so customer service is everything to us and we will be striving to provide the highest possible service we can at the new Northwich store.”

Hays Travel North West is the main partner of the hugely successful Hays Travel, based in Sunderland, which has just announced a turnover of more than £1 billion and is the UK’s largest independent travel agency. Hays Travel North West has a turnover of more than £70 million.

“Hays Travel, which is ATOL-protected, is a well-recognised, solid and respected brand," Lindsey said.

“There is absolutely no pressure on our staff to sell a particular type of holiday so our customers come in and receive impartial advice without a particular emphasis on one tour operator. I think this is one of the main reasons people choose our branches to book their holidays.”