Councils have been handed more powers to prevent high streets from becoming ‘ghost towns' during the recession. Amid predictions of a 40% rise in business insolvencies in 2009, communities secretary, Hazel Blears, announced on 14 April that town halls would soon be able to convert empty shops into social enterprises, local art displays or learning centres. The idea, she said, was that local high streets did not fall into 1980s-style decay. The LGA was due to outline its support for the plan in a Budget ‘wish list' published on 16 April, but removed the proposal when Ms Blears took action sooner than expected. Margaret Eaton, LGA chairman, said: ‘If ever there is an image which symbolises the times we are in, it is desolate town centres with rows of empty shops. Decisive action must be taken.'
