Residents fear empty and neglected shops are "killing" their town's high street. Bath Street in Ilkeston has dozens of shop and business units, however, more than one in every 10 is empty, according to a report from Erewash Borough Council.
A total of 12% are vacant, and ten units have been vacant for between four and 23 years. To help resurrect 10 town centre shop units, the council has agreed to submit a £20m bid to central government's Levelling Up fund, which will also help renovate the former Ritz Cinema and Bingo hall on South Street and carry out several public realm improvements.
It has been reported that long-term vacant shop units were causing a "negative effect on the vitality and viability of the high street", reports Derbyshire Live.
