Council pledges to 'encourage retail activity' in struggling high street (From Borehamwood Times)

Hertsmere Borough Council pledges to 'encourage retail activity' in Shenley Road

1:11pm Thursday 10th January 2013 in News By Natalie O'Neill

Hertsmere Borough Council says it will encourage shops and shopping in Borehamwood following traders' concerns about the dwindling number of shops in the high street.

Shenley Road was once a bustling street full of a variety of shops to please every customer. But now a total of 17 stores have been deserted and the high street’s footfall is decreasing.

As more stores hang-up their closing signs, the remaining shopkeepers are worried the area is turning into a “ghost town”.

But Councillor Seamus Quilty, portfolio holder for housing and economic development, says the council is eager to bring the high street back to life.

He said Shenley Road was "an important part of the town" and officials would look at ways to use planning policy to protect shops and stop businesses that were not shops opening there.

Cllr Quilty added: “Times are tough for high street retailers locally and across the country, with the ongoing economic downturn and the trend towards internet shopping."

The council has put together a proposal as part of its core strategy which sets out a vision for Hertsmere for the next 15 years. The plans will go before full council next Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Civic Offices in Elstree Way.

Cllr Quilty added: “We have also been actively trying to talk to owners of some of the empty shops. Business rates are set by central government but a part of our work is promoting business rate rebates and initiatives that financially support local businesses. Information about these initiatives is available on our website.”