Wednesday, March 10, 2010

"Fake businesses are to be used to lessen the impact of the recession on high streets in North Tyneside"

BBC:
With 140 empty shops in the borough, council bosses think they have come up with a unique way of ensuring shopping areas remain as vibrant as possible.

The first empty shop unit to be given a makeover with a "flat pack" shop front is in Whitley Bay.

North Tyneside Council said the move was cost-effective and would help to attract new investment.

The council said the fake shop in Whitley Bay - which alone has 49 empty units - has been welcomed by traders and shoppers.