Wirral to benefit from government plans to stop high streets turning into "ghost towns"

Apr 15 2009 by Ian Hernon, Heswall News

WIRRAL will benefit from government measures to stop recession-hit high streets turning into ghost towns.

Communities Secretary Hazel Blears (pictured) will ease local regulations to allow empty shops to be converted into temporary art galleries, learning centres, charity shops and social enterprises.

The aim is to stop boarded-up shop fronts increasing a sense of despair, dereliction and vandalism. She said: “Empty shops can be eyesores or crime magnets.”

Officials believe the benefit should be seen swiftly in Liverpool, Bootle, Sefton, St Helens, Southport, Birkenhead and other smaller towns both sides of the Mersey.

Empty premises will also be used to promote local amenities and attractions.

Other councils will be urged topermit farmers’ markets which bring produce to local high streets.

Ms Blears said: “Town and city centres are the heartbeat of every community , so it is vital that they remain vibrant places for people to meet and shop during the downturn.

“Our ideas for reviving town centres will stop the high street being boarded up.”

The Government will shortly introduce new rules to give better protection, through planning regulations and rate deferments, to existing shops, post offices and pubs.