Liberal Democrats launch plans to revitalise Britain's High Streets

4.26.13pm GMT Mon 15th Feb 2010

Sarah Carr, Liberal Democrat Prospective MP for Hereford and South Herefordshire, has welcomed plans set out to revitalise Britain's high streets, protect the future of the Post Office, and help small businesses establish and grow in a fairer marketplace. The announcement from the Liberal Democrats comes as research shows one in eight shops is now empty after the recession. The report, published by the Local Data Company (LDC), says that vacancies shot up by 24% in the second half of 2009.

Commenting Sarah Carr said:

"Even before the credit crunch hit, many small independent shops were finding it hard work surviving on our high streets. We need thriving high streets in the towns and city in our county with real character that allows local businesses to survive and grow. I am sure the planners behind the Edgar Street Grid regeneration in Hereford know that we do not want any clone towns in Herefordshire.

"The financial crisis has exposed Labour and the Conservatives' folly of being entirely dependent on the City of London. The Liberal Democrats understand that it will be small businesses that are key to building a healthy and balanced economy."

Commenting on the proposals, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

"Thriving high streets are at the heart of local communities. But it has been our high streets that have borne the brunt of this recession, with boarded up shops scarring towns and villages across Britain. I believe that people value the wide range of goods and services available locally and want to see their high streets thrive and prosper."