Nationwide figures show 1 in 7 shops remained vacant over the past year, according to The Local Data Company's (LDC) polling of more than 1,000 communities.
Matthew Hopkinson, director at the LDC, said: ‘The stark reality is that Great Britain has too many shops in the wrong locations and of the wrong size. The diversity of shop vacancy rates is clear evidence that a local approach is required that ties in with consumer needs and the realities of modern retailing.'
