Still Too Many Empty Shops and Offices in Tonbridge

By RachelMurphy | Monday, February 15, 2010, 12:15

It's six months since a local Green group reported that the number of empty businesses on Tonbridge High Street was increasing.

Empty shop in Angel Walk
Shop For Sale or Let at the top of the High Street

Transition Town Tonbridge said too many premises were unused and had been standing vacant for too long.

Kent Green Party's Steve Dawe, then chairman of the group, recommended that leaseholders lower their rents or offer shorter lets - or even fill empty spaces with temporary displays.

A quick stroll down Tonbridge High Street shows that either these recommendations were ignored, or have simply failed.

David Hughes, chief executive of Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said there was little direct action the council could take. "We would encourage landlords to ask realistic rents that reflect the difficult trading conditions in order to attract new tenants to their premises," he said.

What do you think the answer is - and do empty shops put you off shopping in Tonbridge?

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Comments

yes we need more shops to open - but not more pound shops or charity shops please! we have enough

By GaryGee50 at 15:03 on 27/02/10
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Glad Oxfam is coming!

By Sammy2020 at 13:53 on 27/02/10
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With one in five shops standing empty, it seems Kent is one of the country's worst hit areas when it comes to the decline of the high street. Check out the full story at KMFM tinyurl.com/ybxr9mv

By RachelMurphy at 14:06 on 17/02/10
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It doesn't put me -off - it's still a handy place to shop and you can still get most things you want can't you? It's just a bit of a shame but I'm sure things will pick up after the recession. At least we have the park so close by so it's not depressing at all - we are lucky.

By Sammy2020 at 18:05 on 16/02/10
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