The final two units at the Epping Forest Shopping Park are on the verge of being let.

Almost two years after the first shops destined for the Langston Road centre were announced - including Next, Aldi and Smyths Toys - the final two units have been earmarked.

Home Bargains will open up next door to Next, with fitting having already begun.

As its name suggests, the chain specialises in low price toys, garden products and home furnishings.

Its inclusion in the park, as with brands such as Aldi and T.K. Maxx, is at odds with the previous council claim that no “discounter” brands were being negotiated with.

The second, final and as yet unconfirmed new shop is Boots, which will likely open next to Aldi.

An owner of a Retail Park shop who asked to remain anonymous said: "Things are going well down here,

"Hopefully it will get better when the two final units are filled.

"All the shop owners seem happy so far."

The shopping centre opened in December 2017, after earlier dates of 2016, Easter 2017, August 2017 and September 2017 fell through.

Six months after its units have been filled, the council has pledged to carry out another assessment of its economic impact on the area, including on roads such as The Broadway in Loughton.