The Green Party has announced a policy platform aimed at reviving high streets, including using local authority powers to bring empty shops back into use.
Party leader Zack Polanski made the announcement ahead of next month's local elections.
The party called for affordable leases for local businesses on every high street, aiming to end the dominance of multinational chains and help independent traders flourish.
Greens also want compulsory purchase powers used to bring long-term empty shops back into public use, alongside giving residents a genuine say in shaping their high streets and ensuring money spent locally stays in the community.
Polanski said: ‘Green Party councillors would put the interests of the community first – above a corporation's private property rights – and will use the powers local authorities have over empty and derelict properties and get our high streets thriving again.'
