Long leases blamed for keeping Guernsey shops empty

Long-term leases have been blamed for causing a number of shops in Guernsey to stand empty.

Dave Cherry of the Town Centre Partnership said many unused properties were being rented by failed businesses.

He said: "There are lots of shops in town that are still being paid [for] by tenants who have long gone, but they've been tied into leases."

Mr Cherry said the partnership was also attempting to encourage landlords to reduce rents.

A survey by Deputy Mary Lowe showed 50 shops lying empty in the main retail streets of St Peter Port in 2009.

The number has remained at more than 40 since that time.

The partnership has invited members of the public to help devise a strategy to address the issue.