Scheme to revive High Streets

Major retailers are backing a drive to regenerate the British high street. The scheme, which is being led by Business in the Community (BITC), will focus initially on 27 towns earmarked by Mary Portas as targets for regeneration. The "High Street Champions" initiative will see senior representatives of the retailers work with local authorities and communities to provide focused support to bring new shops, services and activities to town centres. Stephen Howard, chief executive of BITC, said: "With one-in-10 shops empty on UK high streets, and depressed footfall in many towns and city centres, we have devised High Street Champions in response to the urgent need to transform town centres."