MP welcomes empty shop figures

South Lakes MP Tim Farron has welcomed the news that the number of empty shops in towns like Kendal has fallen yet again.

According to figures released by South Lakeland District Council, there were 43 shops classed as empty in Kendal according to the most recent figures, down 11 from the 54 vacant shops recorded in September 2013 when the rate of empty units was 12.41%.

In Windermere five shop units are empty, a rate of 4.16%, and in Bowness the rate is 7.38%. In Grange the number of empty units has remained the same at three.

Tim also pointed to figures released by economic analysts at Duport showing that in the first quarter of 2014 we saw a new record in company registrations in Cumbria when compared to any previous January. A total of 645 companies were registered in Cumbria during the first quarter of 2014 (Jan 2014 - Mar 2014).

This figure is an increase of 11.6% versus the same period last year (Q1 2013).

Tim has previously called on government ministers to give small businesses the same support and relief that charity shops currently receive.

Tim said: "These figures are very good news but we can and must do more. I work closely with Councillor Giles Archibald, the council's lead councillor on town centres and small businesses, and will, together, try and support local businesses.

"Empty shops are a big issue and something I am working to try and tackle. We are working locally to try and bring jobs and investment to South Lakeland but I am also working nationally to try and find more ways to help and support our high streets."