Put empty shops to a new use (From The Argus)

Put empty shops to a new use

8:10am Wednesday 15th February 2012 in Your Argus

I WRITE in response to a story on empty shops (The Argus, February 8).

From the 1960s onwards, large town-centre complexes such as Churchill Square in Brighton, along with subsequent out-of-town retail developments, means small premises are becoming redundant. St James’s Street in Brighton was an early victim; fortunately it has recovered.

But the trend cannot be denied. There will always be a need for small, specialist shops. However, in areas near large supermarkets, smaller shops will disappear. Looking around Brighton, there are empty shops in Lewes Road, North Road, York Place and other areas adjacent to large shopping precincts.

It would probably make sense if most empty shops were converted into homes. There is a need for housing development. We are constantly told new homes are to be built on greenfield sites. I think it would make more sense to provide homes in already developed areas which have the infrastructure to support more residents.

The roads mentioned have access to schools and public transport, so the effect on the environment would be minimal.

Richard J Szypulski, Lavender Street, Brighton

COULD those responsible please explain why they have ridiculously approved the construction of a Tesco Express on the site of the Green Jackets pub, within two miles of a mega-huge Tesco superstore?

This area, in Shoreham, is already well served by several local shops situated not half-a-mile away, which have been trading for years, Now their business is likely to be seriously affected by this.

Will our responsible councillors please explain why this has been allowed? Don’t they care, knowing local business will be so badly affected?

Chris Agutter, Slonk Hill Road, Shoreham