Forum Topic

Is it time to demolish the shops in Acton High Street?

Given that many of our high streets are dying - and big name high-street stalwarts like Woolworths, Jessops, HMV, Comet etc are going under  by the day - is it time for radical action. Should we demolish a percentage of the shops?By demolishing shops we would create new locations for badly needed housing. And by increasing population density we would increase footfall to the shops that are left and help them thriveIs this a good idea? Is it even practical? What do people think?

Richard Grange ● 4990d2 Comments

Hi Richard, this is an excellent sollution - but do you really think the council would want to swap business rates £5k / £10k / £20k+ for what would then be council tax £1k - £3k aprox. Lets face it those in power are just greedy for moooooore £££££££. Council/Energy Co. ETC ETC..

Victor Bell ● 4989d

Victor, buisness rates are set by central government and not the council. Central govt gets the receipts. The coallition plan to change this, benefiting wealthy areas such as Westminster and K & C. As to the suggestion... most high st shops have flats above. A lot of shops away frrom high streets have already been converted to residential. This is also happening in patches along Churchfield Rd and often resisted by residents anxious about keeping local services.

Iain Muir ● 4989d