The Green Party has welcomed a new report which details the high levels of uniformity in many towns across the UK – and points to the threat posed to the country’s local businesses (1).
The report, published by the New Economics Foundation and called Re-imagining the High Street: Escape from Clone Town Britain, includes results from a survey which suggests that 41% of UK towns are “clone towns” (where more than half of the stores were chains) whilst only 36% were classed as “home towns” (where more than two-thirds are independents). The remaining 23% were on the verge of becoming clone towns.
Green Party deputy leader Adrian Ramsay today said of the report:
“These statistics show a worrying trend where our towns and cities are losing their unique characters. I would urge the coalition government to act on this report and to recognise the importance of local businesses to local communities.
“Greens recognise the need to localise our economy, not only to reduce energy use but also to make sure towns aren’t vulnerable to large chains forcing out independent businesses. These local shops keep money in the local economy, are more likely to use local suppliers and provide a greater sense of community."
Jenny Jones, a Green Party member of the London Assembly and deputy chair of its planning and housing committee which produced the 'Cornered Shops' report (2), said “People in residential areas need local shops that provide essential services that they can walk to. They do not need rows of betting shops and internet cafes, or to have to travel to supermarkets by car.
“The Mayor [of London] must lead on changing the planning system to empower boroughs to take back control of their high streets and protect local shops from further decline.”
Notes
1. Clone Town Britain 2010: High street diversity still on endangered list
2. ‘Cornered Shops’ report
http://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/Final%20draft%20small%20shops_0.pdf