Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Empty premises blighting a once thriving precinct
£1bn taskforce gets to work
THE first 14 towns to benefit from a £1billion fund to help improve our high streets are named today.
Each will get up to £25million of training, support and access to research from the “High Street
Task Force” to give small businesses an edge.
It will be rolled out in 101 areas after being piloted. Communities Secretary Robert
Jenrick said: “The Task Force will provide the tools to get the best advice possible.”
Northern Powerhouse minister Jake Berry said the funds would give communities money and support “to unleash the potential of their towns”. The Government has also pledged to cut small retailers’ business rates by 50% from April. But Ed Davey, acting leader of the Lib Dems, said: “The Government’s £1billion ‘task force’ will be as effective as a chocolate teapot in fighting the impact of internet shopping.” He called for an end to “tax advantages” for the big online companies, which were “killing our high streets”.
IN the Swinton shopping precinct in Greater Manchester, many units are empty and locals are lamenting the loss of small independent stores. 33, said: “We used to have a fresh fruit and veg store and a butcher’s.
“I live across the road and it is much easier for me to pop out for things like bread and milk rather than going to the big supermarkets.”
Another resident 62, bemoaned the limited choice of shops: “I used to do all my shopping in the high street. But everything has gone. I think it’s because rates are too high.” 69, agreed: “There used to be so many different shops. Now it is either charity shops or cake shops.”
45, also sad at the number of vacant shops, said: “It would be good to spend money to help local businesses.” But her daughter nine, added: “When you go into the shops people are very friendly.”
IN West Bromwich in the West Midlands, an area in line for government help, 52, said: “I just think in this day and age it’s made easier to shop online than it is to go shopping.” The retiree, out shopping with pal
60, added: “I have a grandson and sometimes when I take him to the shops, I think ‘I could just buy that online’.”
Unemployed 23, said: “I like shopping here because everything is cheaper. I don’t think there are many things that need to change, just clean.”
21, a customer assistant, said: “I prefer high street shops because I only live down the road. The bad thing is that there are a lot of gangs around here...lads who chill over here...probably intimidating for older people.” Getting to the shops is an issue for
61, a minister of religion, who said: “I don’t shop regularly in high street shops any more. For me it’s more about transport. I think there should be more independent shops.”