Empty properties down by a third (From Stroud News and Journal)

Empty properties down by a third

VACANT property in Stroud's town centre is slowly filling up, according to a report just published.

Stroud District Council has published an audit of vacant premises in the town centre which shows there was no change in the total number of empty shops between June 2001 and July this year.

But there has been a marked improvement with more businesses taking up empty property and more residents moving into empty flats and town centre housing.

This year there were a total of 54 vacant premises compared with last year's figure of 62. 'This Audit is more positive news for Stroud," said Cllr Nigel Studdert-Kennedy, cabinet member for economic development and regeneration.

"Improvements currently being made and the prospects created by the proposed re-opening of the canal indicate a brighter future.

"Vacancies continue to decrease year on year. "This proves that people are willing to invest in Stroud."

Bernadette Finn, special projects assistant for the council, agreed the figures showed Stroud was on the up.

"Since we started auditing vacant premises in 1997 they have reduced by a third, with improvements every year," she said.

She added that the trend for more people to move back into the town was particularly promising as a healthy mix of shopping, business and housing would help with Stroud's regeneration.

Even since the report was finished in July things have improved and more vacant lots have been taken up.

"If we had waited a month or six weeks indications are that the results would have been even better," said Ms Finn.

"The audit is useful as a monitoring tool," she added.

"It provides an overview of the town's health and things are looking pretty good.

"Hopefully by next year the situation will be better still."

Copies of the audit are available from Ms Finn on 01453 754307.