ONE of the top names in high street fashion is heading for Huddersfield.

The giant Swedish owned retailer H & M will open a new store in Kingsgate in the autumn. Work is expected to start in spring on knocking together two units in the centre to house the store’s fashion collections.

It is a deal which should lift the spirits of shoppers and of other businesses.

For if a company of this profile is willing to sign a 10-year lease committing itself to a business in Huddersfield, then that has to signal confidence.

Confidence in the town’s ability to attract the right mix of businesses which will improve footfall through the centre and get people spending more.

More welcome still is the news that most stores of this kind create about 20 jobs. Positive economic news which we hope starts a trend.