Exhibit 23.1




            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-135035 and 333-136875) of New England
Bancshares, Inc., of our report dated June 25, 2008, on the consolidated balance
sheets of New England Bancshares, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of March 31, 2008 and
2007, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for the years then ended, appearing in the
Annual Report on Form 10-K for New England Bancshares, Inc. for the fiscal year
ended March 31, 2008.


                                      /s/ SHATSWELL, MacLEOD & COMPANY, P.C.
                                      SHATSWELL, MacLEOD & COMPANY, P.C.

West Peabody, Massachusetts
June 25, 2008