Lots of people write to me about the number of empty shops and other concerns about the High Street in Watford, and this is an issue I have been trying to tackle. As such, I was delighted to see that the Government will be giving £100,000 to Watford to boost the High Street as part of the High Street Innovation Fund Grant, part of the Mary Portas review into invigorating High Streets.
Watford qualified for this Government funding due to the number of empty shops on the High Street and the money will go a long way in changing this. Watford Council has a number of plans underway to re-energise the High Street and shopping areas, which this money will help achieve.
For too long too many shops have been empty or been taken over by short term businesses and we need to see a real and long lasting change. If you have any ideas about what changes you would like to see please email me any suggestions.