High Streets: Amber Valley

Opened the debate

Linsey Farnsworth highlighted the declining state of high streets in Amber Valley's towns, including Alfreton, Heanor, and Ripley. She presented a survey that showed residents' frustration with the lack of variety in businesses and the overall appearance of the high streets. She proposed solutions such as stronger measures for empty buildings, support for small businesses, reductions in business rates, crackdowns on unlawful businesses, and free parking. She discussed ongoing initiatives like the Alfreton town centre taskforce and the Premier Electric theatre regeneration in Somercotes. She also mentioned the Heanor town centre regeneration project and the impact of Denby Pottery's closure. Farnsworth urged the Government to provide meaningful investment to revitalise high streets and support local projects.

Government Response

Jim McMahon acknowledged Linsey Farnsworth's passionate advocacy for Amber Valley and the importance of high street regeneration. He highlighted the Government's commitment to supporting high streets through initiatives such as the £210 million derelict buildings fund, high street rental auctions, and community right to buy. The Government is also tackling retail crime and introducing reforms to support businesses, such as lower business rates multipliers and the ban on upwards-only rent reviews. McMahon mentioned the future high streets fund, which has already supported regeneration in Heanor. He committed to publishing a new high streets strategy later in the year to support businesses and bring life back to town centres. He welcomed Farnsworth's continued work and invited her to discuss future success of the projects.