Daniel Aldridge MP sponsors bill to bring empty shops on Weston high street back into use

Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston, Worle and the villages, has sponsored a Ten Minute Bill to help tackle the decline of high streets, both locally and across the country.

The Vacant Commercial Properties (Temporary Use) Bill, introduced by Labour MP Luke Akehurst, would give local authorities new powers to compel landlords to make long-term empty shop units available for temporary use by charities, community groups, and small businesses. It aims to address the growing number of empty shops and commercial units, often owned by absentee landlords with no stake in the local community.

The Bill would build on the Labour Government’s Plan for Small Businesses, which will end the scourge of late payments draining £11 billion from the economy every year, expand start-up loans, and reform business rates to benefit small businesses.

Dan Aldridge, MP for Weston, Worle and the villages said: “Weston high street is no stranger to empty shops – many of them owned by absentee landlords with no connection to our community.

Too many high streets are blighted by empty shops, often owned by absentee landlords with little or no connection to the communities they sit in. Weston is no different, and we all know the impact that long-term vacancies have on footfall, local pride and small businesses trying to survive.

This Bill is a practical, common-sense step in the right direction. Where properties have been left empty for far too long, local councils should have the power to step in and help charities, community groups and small businesses make use of that space for the public good.

Unlocking vacant units would give our local economy a real boost, create jobs, and provide much-needed space for community organisations that are crying out for it. Instead of boarded-up shops becoming symbols of decline, they can be transformed into places full of activity, opportunity and purpose.

This is about putting local people first, restoring pride in our town centres, and making sure our high streets work for the communities they serve – not just for distant landlords.”

Mr Nightingale, the landlord for the vacant run-down shops on Waterloo St have drawn significant criticism for some time from the local community due to their long-term vacancy and condition. Weston Independnet News have requested an interview with Mr Nightingale on a number of occasions regarding the issue, but we received no response.

Since his election, Dan Aldridge MP has championed local businesses, raising high streets issues in Parliament, and engaging with local businesses, including his recent Small Business Awards.