EMPTY shops which traders deemed a blot on the landscape may not be derelict for much longer.

The row of empty shops in St John's Bull Ring have angered local traders for some time. Businesses have said the buildings were an eyesore, that they made the area unattractive and that they were damaging their attemps at regenerating the shopping strip.

Now a Worcester hairdresser has moved in and he hopes others will soon follow.

Jason Knight has opened JK 3 Style in the former Bourne and Mason building.

The 28-year-old, who has been a hairdresser for seven years, said he noticed the empty stores a long time ago.

"They looked absolutely disgraceful," he said. "They have been like this for too long. Hopefully somebody will move into the store next door soon."

Neighbouring businesses have welcomed the new business. Becky Hobbs, valuations manager at Platinum Estate Agents, which adjoins the salon, said she hopes more stores will follow.

She said: "It has been a mess over there for a long time and he has made it look absolutely fantastic.

"I've been shopping in St John's on my lunch break and I've heard a lot of people saying how lovely the shop front looks. He is very welcome here."

Craig Saunders, from the family-run business H Dayus Butchers, said: "There is nothing worse than empty shops, especially on this road with all the traffic coming through. We just think it's great that more local traders are filling the shops up. We wish him the best of luck."

The shops opposite Ogle's Chemist, as well as the former Zig Zags nightclub and the derelict Smokestack pub around the corner, are all owned by Sainsbury's.

The supermarket giant was recently re-granted planning permission to build on a site near the St John's Sports Centre but has not yet implemented the plans. It has until 2009 to do so.

JK 3 Style is being rented on a short term lease.