Give our high streets the chance to flourish

A poll from research company IPSOS revealed the decline of the UK's high streets is a worry for shoppers, with not enough independent stores and empty units highlighted as concerns. Latest British Retail Consortium figures also showed retail footfall dropped year on year in October. You say...

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IT is a tragedy to see high streets and once thriving shopping centres empty where grand department stores once stood at a time when going out shopping was enjoyable.

Shopping online is not for everyone. Some people are technophobes, others like to try on clothes. It is also moving people away from social contact. It is no coincidence that the busiest places are coffee shops and cafes. People want to meet others.

Practical measures would be to offer cut-price business rates to new retail businesses taking on leases, government incentives for young entrepreneurs (or old ones!) and cheaper parking for up to two hours.

Create the right atmosphere with stalls and entertainment and people will be likely to spend.

Diane Silva, Bournemouth