People in Cleethorpes are calling for fundamental changes to the way local high streets are managed amid an increase in empty units which runs alongside an increase in vape shops, discount stores and charity shops on streets such as St Peter’s Avenue.
Previously, St Peter’s Avenue had featured a wide range of independent and chain stores. Many of these have been forced to close amid challenging trading conditions and ever-increasing costs. Much to the frustration of locals, a number of these have been replaced with convenience shops, charity stores or vape shops, with people stating they feel the road is becoming a replica of Freeman Street, and dubbing the area ‘the home of charity and pound shops’.
Vape shops have attracted particular criticism due to concerns about the impact on young children who might be encouraged to enter and begin vaping as a result of the bright aesthetic of the stores. Others have complained that these simply do not fit the character of the area.
People are now calling upon North East Lincolnshire Council to take control over which shops are permitted to open in the area, and to do more to bring more ‘desirable’ retailers to the area.
Explaining their frustration, one resident said: “These shops are empty because the high street is soon becoming extinct due to online shopping. We will not see any big names coming to Cleethorpes anytime soon if there is no money to be made. Maybe if the rates and rent weren’t so high then maybe there would be more independent businesses opening up on The Ave.”
“This place is turning into a second Freeman Street,” remarked another.
Another said : “Glad I’m moving out of the area soon. Where I’m going might have a few hundred barbers and vape shops but it also has lots of small indepent shops still and lots of food shops to choice from. Cleethorpes is dying a fast death with this council vetoing what can and can’t open in the area. Nothing for tourists, nothing for children and no decent shops. Good luck everyone, you’ll need it. This place was decent until recently, now its just a rundown embarrassment. Glad I’m still not running a business there.”
