Woolworths, Threshers, Sara's Dairy, Bampton Street Estate Agents, Soundy's and now Birthdays - all these shops are empty (or going to be empty)! Will new shops come and make Tiverton look less recession hit or is Tiverton really slipping in decline?

By Lewis_Clarke at 17:02 on 02/07/09

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Woolworths, Threshers, Sara's Dairy, Bampton Street Estate Agents, Soundy's and now Birthdays - all these shops are empty (or going to be empty)! Will new shops come and make Tiverton look less recession hit or is Tiverton really slipping in decline? What shops would you like to see in our empty buildings?

By Lewis_Clarke at 17:02 on 02/07/09
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You hit on one of the biggest problems we face in the UK at present: there is a fundamental crisis of confidence in enterprise - this has come from years of increasing commercial rates, some quite avaricious rental demands (often from large groups with no local interest in helping small business), a national economic policy that spent until broke, and local authorities who see businesses both large and small as cows to be milked for as much as can be got - often while at the same time making it practically difficult to drive into and park close to shops without spending a lot on parking, for a short visit.

Until our leaders realize we are a nation built on small enterprise (which often does not make a bucket-load of money from those who get up every day to provide the service!) and that we need not to squash small enterprise with rules, regulations, taxes and demands, then all of our high streets will remain empty. And that benefits no-one.

By MarcusBarrett at 12:53 on 03/07/09
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The problem is that it's just too risky opening a shop right now. But what about putting artwork or something in the empty buildings?

By samsonsobers at 13:23 on 03/07/09
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Maybe the council could buy up a space or at least use it to create a rec centre or at least something of use.

By INLUMINO at 11:00 on 06/07/09
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I think it's great to see Curiosity moving right on the high street, filling a building that was looking rather empty. Not that I go in there but it's better than nothing!

However, sadly I think the old Woolworths building will be empty for a few years yet, no one is gonna want to fill it cause its too big to fill and too difficult to split. The type of shop you want in there is a big high street shop like Next or H&M but the sad thing is, they don't see Tiverton as a profitable town and they're right! It's a shame cause it would only take a bold move from some of the big companies such as the two already mentioned, to rejuvenate the town.

The place has potential but the ridiculously over priced lots and the little trade makes it a no go area for the retail shops this town needs. The council really aren't helping matters!

By theOrigin at 16:15 on 21/07/09
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