Can we save our High Streets ?
The East Midlands has the highest rate of shop closures (8 per week) outside of London - that's the second-worst rate in the country
As of November 2019, across the Central region 13% of shops are vacant - that's more than 4500 units
The West Midlands has seen the fastest growth of barber shops in the last twelve months
As retailers take stock after the festive season, and indeed after a decade of turmoil, ITV News is dedicating coverage today to ask - can Britain's high streets can be saved?
With fresh research and exclusive figures on both a national and regional scale, ITV explores whether they are doomed to disappear, or whether some of them can be revitalised through local schemes.
ITV News Central has been speaking to retailers and commerce experts about the problems and potential solutions. Our correspondents Phil Brewsterand Andy Bevan will be reporting on the state of our high streets in the East and West Midlands respectively.
Watch in full on our programme at 6pm - and do get in touch with your views on the issue.
Rounding off a day of coverage will be the Tonight programme at 7:30pm.
So what does the West Midlands' picture around high streets actually look like ? Andy Bevan has been taking a look in the clip below:
And in the East Midlands ?
The data:
Between 2016 and 2019, the number of shops vacant across the Central region has risen from around 4300 to more than 4500, an increase of at least 200 more empty shops
Across the Central region, 64% of shops were independents, 36% were chains
In the West Midlands, more than 560 shops have changed into housing, offices or warehouses in the last five years
In the East Midlands, more than 680 shops have changed into housing, offices or warehouses in the last five years
Every town that had a Marks and Spencer store close, saw its vacancy rates rise faster than the national average as a result
(Source: Local Data Company for ITV News / ITV Tonight)
What do shoppers think about the state of the high street ? Is it a case of "clicks or bricks" ?
ITV News Central Correspondent Andy Bevan looks at the national numbers at stake in the clip below:
The businesses:
Luisa Vicinanza-Bedi set up her vegan chocolate business in Nottingham two years ago, and thinks the variety of retail outlets gives her part of the city a unique vibe.
Graham from Geek Retreat in Nottingham, says today's high streets and shops need to offer more than just traditional shopping experiences.
And Bruce Nagra and his wife Paramjit run the world's first distillery for lassi gin in Wolverhampton. They say having a high-street presence is crucial to connect with their customers.
One criticism of the High Street has been its uniformity with large chains and brands dominating.
Others believe smaller retail units with cheaper rents could be the way forward, allowing more independent businesses to flourish.
So what's the government's thoughts on the state of the High Street ? They point to the Future High Streets Fund scheme, where around fifty towns across the country will benefit from a billion-pound cash pot to improve transport and access into town centres, convert empty retail units into new homes and workplaces, and invest in vital infrastructure.
Watch more on the future of our high streets at 6pm in the East and West Midlands tonight, and further coverage continues on ITV at 7:30pm, with "High Streets: End of the Road? Tonight".
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