Small retailers 'disappearing from the High Street'

Small independent retailers are continuing to disappear from the UK's High Streets, a new report has warned.

Research conducted by national charity Urban Forum found that the disappearance of local butchers, greengrocers and other small retailers has a particularly adverse effect on older people and low-income families.

The trend also has environmental consequences, with 80% of people now having to travel further afield to obtain essential goods and services.

The research follows the recent announcement of a new £3m fund to help regenerate those areas which have been most affected by the recession.

Communities Secretary, John Denham, said, 'There is no need to see unused shops on our High Streets going to waste, especially when we know that it doesn't take a lot to turn a vacant shop into something beneficial for the community'.

Urban Forum is urging local authorities to take action to ensure that local shops and facilities meet the needs of their communities, and has called for business rates to be weighted in favour of smaller High Street retailers.