The naming of Marks & Spencer in a report on the planned second phase of the Orchard shopping centre in Didcot, shows the growing status of the town as both a place to live and to shop.

Traders in neighbouring towns are understandably a little nervous at the undoubted appeal that Didcot is demonstrating as a shopping destination across the south of the county.

But are their reservations justified? Properly marketed, the surrounding towns could use the expansion of Didcot to attract customers to a host of their own independent stores. A vibrant Didcot could be good news for everyone.