Leigh Park Shopping Centre has the most empty shops in the UK

Leigh Park Shopping Centre has the most empty shops in the UK according to a report put together by The Local Data Company.

The report says 36.4 per cent of shops are empty - just beating Margate, in Kent, which had a vacancy rate of 36.1 per cent.

Many shops are closed and empty and have been so for some time. It used to be a great place to shop a few years ago, there used to be a Woolworths, a fabulous Mr Butch shop, Choices video rental store and a big QS clothes store. There was also a Co-op years ago and a Kwiksave store. All long since gone. There are no shoe shops or butchers trading anymore and most people shop at nearby Asda or Tesco. There is no parking charges at these stores unlike Leigh Park shopping centre where you have to pay.

Recently there was some major improvements to the area by Havant Borough Council. They widened the road in Somborne Drive, added speed ramps and new trees, seating areas and bins. It did make a difference and the area looks more attractive but I think it will take time to attract new business to the centre. There is a newly formed Traders Association which will formulate an action plan to attract new business and bring in new attractions and new landlords are taking a proactive stance by investing a lot of time and money in the area in the hope of a revival. They have been refurbishing once derelict shops and inviting new business and local community groups to take an active role in the regeneration. All this will take time but hopefully there will be a marked improvement by next year when the survey is taken again.

Sadly this is happening to most of our town centres in the UK and it's a growing trend mainly bought about by the Economic Downturn.

Mary Portas has been given the challenge by the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister to help 'bring back the bustle' to our town centres and with town centre vacancy rates doubling over the last two years the need for her to take action has never been more important.

She says ''Sadly, our town centres are like old friends that we don't have a lot in common with any more. We used to look forward to seeing them on a Saturday but now we find it a bit of a chore. We try to keep the friendship going for old times' sake, but at heart we want that friend to be a bit more in tune with who we are today. ''

Mary's work for the next six months will be to travel the country, talk to people and listen to their views. you can get in touch via her website or twitter page @maryportas

*UPDATE* Dec 2011

Mary Portas has published her review on the High Street and has 28 recommendations for improvements. Please see HERE - They include some sensible ideas for local authorities to work on. Lets hope the local council will get involved and help the Leigh Park Traders association.

What do you think of the Leigh Park Shopping centre? Please comment below, we would love to hear your views.