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One year on, Portas High Streets still struggling Portas High Streets still struggling one year on
(35 minutes later)
Ten of the 12 government-funded "Portas Pilot" towns have seen a fall in the number of occupied shop units.Ten of the 12 government-funded "Portas Pilot" towns have seen a fall in the number of occupied shop units.
They were awarded a share of a £1.2m fund, government support and access to the retail guru Mary Portas.They were awarded a share of a £1.2m fund, government support and access to the retail guru Mary Portas.
The High Street Innovation Fund, launched a year ago, was part of the government's response to Ms Portas' review of the High Street.The High Street Innovation Fund, launched a year ago, was part of the government's response to Ms Portas' review of the High Street.
Results have been mixed. Vacancy rates have gone down in seven towns, but more shops overall have closed than opened.Results have been mixed. Vacancy rates have gone down in seven towns, but more shops overall have closed than opened.
The Department for Communities and Local Government says the pilots are breathing new life into the towns.The Department for Communities and Local Government says the pilots are breathing new life into the towns.
The 12 pilot areas are: Bedford, Croydon, Dartford, Greater Bedminster, Liskeard, Margate, Market Rasen, Nelson, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Stockport, Stockton-on-Tees and Wolverhampton.The 12 pilot areas are: Bedford, Croydon, Dartford, Greater Bedminster, Liskeard, Margate, Market Rasen, Nelson, Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Stockport, Stockton-on-Tees and Wolverhampton.
Struggling storesStruggling stores
Launched one year ago, the "Portas Pilots' were created to showcase innovative ways of getting people back into their local shops. Launched one year ago, the "Portas Pilots" were created to showcase innovative ways of getting people back into their local shops.
But exclusive research commissioned for BBC Radio 4's You & Yours shows that in 10 out of the 12 towns more units closed than opened in the last year, with a loss of 95 units in all. But exclusive research commissioned for BBC Radio 4's You and Yours shows that in 10 out of the 12 towns, more units closed than opened in the last year, with a loss of 95 units in all.
Only two towns showed signs of improvement, with Bedminster and Margate adding units in the past year.Only two towns showed signs of improvement, with Bedminster and Margate adding units in the past year.
In total about 700 units closed, and fewer than 600 opened in their place. In total, about 700 units closed, while fewer than 600 opened in their place.
Shopkeeper Cath Pillar, from Balloonatics in Stockton-on-Tees, said she was now using her own savings to keep the business afloat, adding: "It's like nursing a baby, we don't want to lose it. In Stockton on Tess, one of the Pilot areas, local traders said the funding was not being spent quickly enough and their business could be gone by the time it is.
"We know there's a recession but the council hasn't helped. They should have waited to carry out roadworks - they say it will be lovely when it's finished but who will come here and buy things if there's no shops?" Shopkeeper Cath Pillar from Balloonatics said she was now using her own savings to keep her shop afloat, adding: " It's like nursing a baby, we don't want to lose it."
The research was carried out by the Local Data Company.The research was carried out by the Local Data Company.
Director Matthew Hopkinson said: "If more shops close than open then that's when you start to see the decay of the High Street and also a rise in vacancy rates." Director Matthew Hopkinson said: "If more shops close than open, then that's when you start to see the decay of the High Street and also a rise in vacancy rates."
The figures suggest rapidly changing environments on the High Streets, presenting problems for shoppers who are confused by constant change which makes them reluctant to return. The figures suggest rapidly changing environments on the High Streets, presenting problems for shoppers who are confused by constant change, which makes them reluctant to return.
Cathy Parker from Manchester Metropolitan University said this "churn" can be healthy when new innovators come in, but only when units are replaced and towns are not experiencing the kind of net loss outlined in the figures. Cathy Parker from Manchester Metropolitan University says this "churn" can be healthy when new innovators come in, but only when units are replaced and towns are not experiencing the kind of net loss outlined in the figures.
Mixed pictureMixed picture
The vacancy rates across the 12 pilot towns show improvements in some areas and decline in others.The vacancy rates across the 12 pilot towns show improvements in some areas and decline in others.
In Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Liskeard, Bedminster, Margate, Dartford, Bedford and Wolverhampton the number of vacant properties has fallen, suggesting new businesses have arrived and populated previously empty units. This may be due to prolonged use or temporary usage such as a pop-up store. In Newbiggin-by-the-Sea, Liskeard, Bedminster, Margate, Dartford, Bedford and Wolverhampton, the number of vacant shops has fallen, suggesting new businesses have arrived and populated previously empty ones. This may be due to prolonged use or temporary usage, such as a pop-up store.
The research also revealed that Market Rasen, Nelson, Stockport, Croydon and Stockton on Tees all had more vacant properties - which manifest as boarded up shops and empty units. The research also revealed that Market Rasen, Nelson, Stockport, Croydon and Stockton-on-Tees all had more vacant shops- which can be seen as boarded-up shops and empty units.
Minister for Local Growth Mark Prisk said the intention of the scheme was to harness the energy of local people. The Minister for Local Growth, Mark Prisk, said the intention of the scheme was to harness the energy of local people.
He added "Pilots up and down the country are already doing this very successfully, from Nelson bringing empty shops back into use, to Market Rasen backing an award-winning local market." Mary Portas told You and Yours: "There is no simple solution to the crisis on our High Streets, there are no quick fixes but 400 towns up and down the country are working on different plans to try and re-invigorate their High Street.
"Let's celebrate their achievements so far and learn and share ideas. Real change will take time."