High Street Action

9.37.00pm GMT Sun 28th Feb 2010

"We need a thriving high street in communities like Selly Oak and Stirchley," said Cllr Dave Radcliffe. "I am therefore delighted that a Town Centre Manager for Selly Oak, Stirchley and Cotteridge has been appointed by the City Council."

Liberal Democrats in Birmingham have set out plans to revitalise Britain's high streets, protect the future of Post Offices, and help small businesses establish and grow in a fairer marketplace.

The announcement 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.

Dave Radcliffe, PPC for Birmingham Selly Oak, said:

"Even before the credit crunch hit, small independent shops have struggled to remain in Birmingham's shopping centres. We need a thriving high street in communities like Selly Oak and Stirchley, ones with real character that allow local businesses to survive and grow. I am therefore delighted that a Town Centre Manager for Selly Oak, Stirchley and Cotteridge has been appointed by the City Council."

"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, Lib Dem 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."