High St has worst year on record.. it’s time for action, Mr Hammond

HIGH streets have had what could be their worst-ever year.

Store takings fell in eight out of the last nine months and experts fear a weak Christmas could mean new store closures. Advisory group

CHANCE TO HELP Hammond BDO said sales fell 2.7% last month. It means they have dropped eight months in a row, the longest run in the 10 years BDO has gathered data.

The Mirror wants help for town centres as part of our High Street Fightback campaign while retailers urge Chancellor Philip Hammond to make business rates fairer in the Budget.

Helen Dickinson, of the British Retail Consortium, said: “The Government urgently needs to reduce the business rates burden. Retail represents 5% of the economy but pays almost 25% of business rates.” Sophie Michael, of BDO, added: “Innovation will be key to luring customers back.” Non-store sales, including online, rose 11.6% year on year.