Shop openings spark bounceback in towns

Bath Street, Ilkeston (Credit: EBC)

New data has suggested a resurgence in both Ilkeston and Long Eaton town centres.

The bounceback follows a mission by Erewash Borough Council to get high streets thriving again – which includes helping to pay for shop signs when new businesses open.

The boost to the local economy is detailed in what is called the “Town Centre Health Check”.

The twice a year diagnosis – first launched by the council in 2018 – tracks the state of the borough’s high streets, including how many premises are vacant.

Over the past six months Ilkeston has led the way with the number of empty units falling from 16 per cent to 12.5 per cent. The data shows that in April there were 36 vacant premises compared to 46 previously.

Long Eaton’s vacancy rate is down from 12.1 per cent to 11.3 per cent. Sandiacre and Borrowash have also seen falls.

The full report has been published on the Erewash Borough Council website here: April 2024 Town Centre Health Check 

For more information on the Empty Shop Signage Grant scheme visit: Empty Shop Signage _Applicants Guide (erewash.gov.uk)

Councillor Curtis Howard, Lead Member for Town Centres, Regeneration and Planning, said: “This news is positive, but also shows we have some way to go. The council continues to work hard to do its best for our high streets and town centres, and I’d like to thank our council officers for diligently carrying out this mission.

“On the back of this, I look forward to pressing on with our regeneration projects and continuing engaging with local business owners, the Long Eaton Chamber of Trade, and the Friends of Ilkeston Town Centre.”

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