In a parliamentary debate, MP Tom Hayes called for Government support to bring about more independent shops and fewer vape shops across the county.
Mr Hayes said he knocked on doors last week, and residents frequently brought up their concerns about high streets.
He said: “One thing I heard was concerns about the state of our high streets and, because it belongs to everyone, the town centre.
“This wasn’t the first time that people have voiced concerns about their local high street.
“People just don’t feel confident about our town when they see vape shops and candy shops, especially when they have a jarring and excessively lit look about them.”
In a parliamentary debate, Mr Hayes called for Government support to bring about more independent shops and fewer vape shops across the county.
Mr Hayes: “I particularly recommend the fantastic vintage store In Off the Far Post in Boscombe.
“Would the hon member agree that we need the Government to support our high streets so that we have more independent shops and fewer candy shops and vape shops, which are often so brightly lit that we can almost see them from space?”
Bournemouth has been selected as one of four areas in the UK to trial the High Street Rental Auctions scheme, which is dedicated to reducing long-term empty shops.
Under the scheme, if a building or shop has been vacant for 365 days within a 24-month period, the council can collaborate with the landlord to fill the space.
If an agreement cannot be reached, independent traders or local groups can bid for a short-term lease of one to five years.
Mr Hayes added: “We need local people to feel positive about how our high street looks so that they will shop there, but also because they see a decline in our high streets as a sign of decline in our town.
“We must do more to support high street retailers, and I’m determined to play a positive role.”
This article was originally published by a www.bournemouthecho.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .