Local Councils must act on shops

4.44.55pm GMT Mon 9th Mar 2009

With a growing number of shops on our High Streets falling empty Cambridgeshire Liberal Democrats are supporting the call by the LGA (Local Government Association) for local authorities to allow these premises to be used as sites for community projects - but also of course to take action to get these shops back into proper use.

'District Councils have a responsibility for economic development - it's time that that took that responsibility more seriously,' comments Lib Dem County Officer, Martin Land. 'As a resident of St Neots Market Square, it's been depressing to watch offices and shops closing in our High Street. As I walk out into the square, I can plainly see 8 To Let signs on shops and offices, just in this small part of the Town Centre.'

Queen Edith's County Councillor, Geoff Heathcock comments. 'We need to be giving help to landlords who are finding it tough to let. I work in Sawston where there are currently 3 shops on the High Street closed and empty and 3 more in Morley's Place, just off the High Street, all producing nothing but a loss of revenue, a loss of amenity and potential targets for anti-social behaviour.'

Chatteris Lib Dem Town Councillor Christine Colbert adds, 'Shops are staring to close in Fenland Market Towns - March, the home of Fenland District Council is already suffering. I'd like to see action taken before things get worse.'