Burslem: Where one in three shops lie empty
By Ben Chapman, ITV News Correspondent
Where once the signs read 'Butcher', 'Grocer' and 'Newsagent', they now read 'To let' and 'For auction'. Welcome to Burslem, named today as having England's loneliest high street, where one in three shops lie empty.
Not so long ago, this was a thriving small town on the outskirts of Stoke-on-Trent, famous for the potteries that gave this area its nickname.
But the demise of that industry ten years ago, coupled with the pressures faced by every high street - out of town developments and the internet - has left the town centre virtually deserted.
Many of the shop fronts that remain house takeaways and money lenders. Even many of the charity shops have moved out.
But there are some signs of new life.
A handful of smart bars and restaurants are springing up. National Lottery regeneration money is helping to rejuvenate some of the more dilapidated premises.
Local councillors talk about using the past to revive the town centre's future: selling the town's heritage instead of goods and services to attract people back.
They know their high street can no longer rely on shops.