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18th February 2009

Commercial Landlords Should Reduce Rent Says MSP

North East MSP Alex Johnstone is calling on commercial landlords to consider reducing rents and offering other incentives to business owners in a bid to halt the decline in High Streets throughout the Mearns.

Mr Johnstone said "People throughout the Mearns are worried that the  economic downturn may threaten the viability of  their town and village centres as shops and other businesses find it harder to compete with the  supermarkets and other national chains."

"Business owners who lease their premises are telling me that the rents are prohibitive and this is acting as a disincentive to people thinking of opening a new business.  The result is that our High Streets could soon see an increase in the number of premises lying empty and this clearly does not project the kind of image we want to see".

"I believe that we must do more to encourage independent retailers who want to offer people something more, or something different from the national chains.  This would mean that each of our town centres would be individual, vibrant and distinctive, giving a much better shopping experience to locals and visitors alike, as well as promoting a greater sense of civic pride in our communities."

"With the Scottish and UK Governments introducing measures to help businesses weather the credit crunch, I think it is imperative that private commercial landlords consider doing everything they can to encourage new businesses and protect existing ones."