Empty shop report 'does not reflect Stockport'

Stockport MP Anne Coffey said the town had much to offer

A report which says Stockport has the UK's highest percentage of empty shops "does not accurately reflect the town", it has been claimed.

The Local Data Company's annual shop vacancy report says more than 30% of Stockport's shops are empty - the highest of any large UK town.

Stockport Council leader David Goddard described the town as "vibrant".

Local MP Anne Coffey said the town had lots to offer but was not being marketed properly.

'Tackle head on'

Mr Goddard said: "For anyone who has visited Stockport recently, it is clear that this report does not accurately reflect our town centre.

"It continues to boast a vibrant and successful shopping area, attracting household names like Primark, GAP and H&M.

"Three hundred thousand visitors in the last week of Christmas and almost 100% occupancy of Merseyway shopping centre tells its own story.

"There are challenges facing retailers, but we are working together to tackle them head on."

Labour MP Ms Coffey said the town had "gems" such as the Underbank, Plaza, Staircase House and the old market hall.

"There is so much the town offers. The challenge for the town is to make people aware of that and to think about how you market the town better.

'Causing the problem'

"We need to attract people back."

Shop owner and member of the Underbank Traders Association Ghaz Harb said more support was needed for small businesses in the town.

"Over the last six months about seven shops on the Lower Hillgate have closed down.

"The problem is when you approach the council, all they are bothered about is the Mersey Square."

He added: "The lack of initiative for the independent is causing the problem."