April has seen plenty of excitement as new businesses opened across Hertfordshire, but lots of sadness as beloved stores closed.

Here's five businesses that opened or closed this month.

1. Nibbles - Hitchin

Hitchin café Nibbles has closed down, but an "exciting new venture" is set to take over the unit.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Nibbles in Hitchin.Nibbles in Hitchin. (Image: Dan Mountney)

Nibbles moved into 2 The Arcade in June last year, following the closure of the long-established and much-loved Rose Buds Café and Tearoom.

Less than a year on, the eye-catching blue façade of the new café has changed to black, and the door is closed, but work does appear to be taking place inside.

The owner confirmed to the Comet that Nibbles had "closed down", but that an "exciting new venture" would be taking over The Arcade unit after interest from investors.

2. Little Latte's Coffee & Play - Letchworth

An exciting new children's café and play space has opened in Letchworth.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Little Latte's.Little Latte's. (Image: Love Letchworth)

Little Latte's Coffee and Play has taken over 12-14 The Arcade and opened for the first time on April 9.

The café provides a space for parents to grab a coffee and food, while their children enjoy the soft play area.

"Little Latte's Coffee & Play is a space for families to enjoy themselves in a safe and fun environment," reads their Facebook page.

3. Specsavers - Harpenden

Specsavers has launched its 1,000th UK and Irish store in Harpenden.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Specsavers in Harpenden.Specsavers in Harpenden. (Image: Specsavers / Tigerbond)

The ribbon was cut during a ceremony on Monday, April 8, attended by mayor Cllr Fiona Gaskell, Specsavers founder Dame Mary Perkins and rugby legend Ugo Monye.

The store sits at 34 High Street and has cost the company £350,000, featuring four optical testing rooms and a dual audiology room for hearing concerns.

Cllr Fiona Gaskell said: "It was such a privilege to open the 1000th Specsavers store in Harpenden.

"I cannot wait to see the amazing things I know they will do in the area."

4. Britannia Fish and Chips - Letchworth

A new fish and chip shop is preparing to open in Letchworth, with the owner seeking a chef and a front-of-house staff member.

Britannia Fish and Chips is set to open in Southfields, with people looking forward to the new addition to the parade of shops. 

"Every time I drive towards it, I think I can't wait for it to be open," one resident said.

Another added: "Looking forward to this opening."

5. Thistle and Willow - Stevenage

A new shop selling "the most beautiful products, created by the most talented people in Hertfordshire" is set to open in Stevenage High Street later this month.

Thistle and Willow promises to offer an eclectic mix of homewares, clothing, jewellery, artwork, candles and more when it opens at the end of April.

A spokesperson explained: "In the shop, we will be supporting independent businesses and giving them the chance to sell their products in a shop setting, but without the expense that comes with that, by offering a rental space.

Thistle and Willow promises to offer an eclectic mix of homewares, clothing, jewellery, artwork, candles and more when it opens at the end of April.

A spokesperson explained: "In the shop, we will be supporting independent businesses and giving them the chance to sell their products in a shop setting, but without the expense that comes with that, by offering a rental space.