Not just a problem in Ware

[Andy B]

I ws reading the BBC news and came across the link below and it seems empty shops on the High Street is not just a Ware problem and could be nation wide, should landlords and councils revisit their rents and taxes? There are very few empty premises where I am living and those that are are on the peripheral of town but the town grows and expands I would expect to see them filled.
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-30351172

[Steve]

I ws reading the BBC news and came across the link below and it seems empty shops on the High Street is not just a Ware problem and could be nation wide, should landlords and councils revisit their rents and taxes? There are very few empty premises where I am living and those that are are on the peripheral of town but the town grows and expands I would expect to see them filled.
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-30351172

You've been away a while haven't you

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24025297

http://news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/ne ... 573436.stm

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24028615

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-24025297

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8177502.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8113640.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8199011.stm

Empty shops has been a nationwide issue for over five years, hence the government commissioned Mary Portas review on the subject.

The structure of business rates is being reviewed:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-30315110

[Andy B]

You're quite right it has been awhile and what has the government review come up with? Has the empty store situation in Ware changed?
Some of the links you show Steve are way before I left the one I showed is this week which indicates the situation has not improved but obviously you will know better by being there.

[The Masked Woler]

Do the landlords actually want to let them though? If you leave them empty for long enough you can get permission to convert to residential.

I was speaking to someone recently who was trying to rent a shop and he was surprised at the lack of enthusiasm from the owner.

[Steve]

You're quite right it has been awhile and what has the government review come up with? Has the empty store situation in Ware changed?
Some of the links you show Steve are way before I left the one I showed is this week which indicates the situation has not improved but obviously you will know better by being there.

Traditional retailing and the high street have changed forever, due the peoples' shopping habits and the internet. You can't turn the clock back. The High Street has to adapt.