West Midlands high streets among emptiest

Bleak figures show Walsall and Wolverhampton are ranked third and ninth respectively for the highest overall vacancy rate of shops.

In Walsall more than a quarter of shops, 26.5 per cent, stand empty while in Wolverhampton it is 22.4 per cent.

And while Walsall's figure is a slight improvement, 0.2 per cent, 2012/13, Wolverhampton's empty shop figure increased 0.9 per cent.

Dudley is also ranked third highest for empty shops in medium sized town centres, where there are between 200 and 399 shops, with a vacancy rate of 23.6 per cent. That is 0.5 per cent worse than the year before.

The worst area in the country for empty shops is Hartlepool, with 27.3 per cent, followed by Stockport on 27.2 per cent and then Walsall.

Other more affluent areas fare much better with Cambridge suffering a vacancy rate of 5.7 per cent.

Matthew Hopkinson, director at the Local Data Company said: "The first half of 2014 has shown a positive improvement in vacancy rates across the country both by geography and location type.

"What is very clear, however, is that this positive trend is not universal and hides significant variances.

"What is encouraging in this report is that High Streets are fighting back as are shopping centres, but and it is a big but, consumer confidence remains fragile and the out of town and mega mall offer continues to strengthen as they become destinations and often destinations of choice. What is unique and the greatest trump card that High Streets have is that, in theory, they are at the heart of communities and as such have an in-situ audience but one that must not be taken for granted and must be energised, nurtured and entertained."

Wolverhampton was named one of the Portas Pilots areas to be given assistance from the government to come up with ways to get people back into town and city centres. The scheme is backed by TV retail expert Mary Portas.

Last week it was revealed independent clothing store Rowfers is the latest to shut after 26 years trading from King Street.

Owner Roger Sexty said rising costs and the decline of city centre shopping had forced his decision.

Wolverhampton City Council's deputy leader Councillor Peter Bilson said £400,000 in grants had already been offered to 22 businesses. A number of properties had also been purchased and refurbished, resulting in 10 new businesses opening and 15 new leases being agreed.

He said: "We also believe that as well as improving pedestrian access to the rail and bus stations, the changes being made to support the Interchange development will make the city centre a more attractive place for people to stroll, browse and shop – things that will benefit traders of every size".