Index.php

From Environmental Technology

he proportion of shops in Britain lying empty has hit a new record of 14.6% in February, according to figures compiled by the Local Data Company.

Vacancy rates had begun to stabilise at the end of 2011, but they have risen in January and February, the LDC said.

It is further evidence of a difficult start to the year for retailers.

Consumer confidence also slipped back in February, the latest survey from Nationwide indicated, largely due to concerns about employment prospects. Continue reading the main story �Start Quote

   It is a timely reminder to the government... of the significant challenges facing town and city centres up and down the country�

End Quote Matthew Hopkinson Local Data Company

   * High Street casualties
   * Cautious consumers 'pay off debt'
   * Job woes hit consumer confidence
   * Sharp decline in UK retail sales

There was an increase in the number of respondents describing their economic situation as bad.

"Consumers also scaled back their expectations for the future, with the forward-looking aspects of the index weakening during the month," said Nationwide chief economist Robert Gardner.

New figures from the Bank of England, also released on Friday, back this up.

Cautious consumers are choosing to pay off credit cards and loans, rather than take on new borrowing, the data indicate.

Evans Cycles, one of the UK's biggest bike retailers, told the BBC's Today programme that it was having to be very conscious about prices.

"We are peddling into a headwind in terms of the consumer economy," said chief executive Nick Wilkinson. "Confidence remains low, getting people to spend money on a bike is about persuading them that it is value for money."

However, Nationwide added that the number of consumers planning to buy household goods - an indicator of confidence - was higher in February than a year earlier.

This reflects official retail sales data for the month, published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) on Thursday.

Sales volumes declined by a larger-than-expected 0.8% in February, the ONS said.

But they were still 1% higher than a year earlier. 'Damaged' High Streets

The Local Data Company said the rise in empty premises was "not unexpected" as retailers continue to cut back and even go bust.

Game, which has 600 High Street branches in the UK, said this week that it was going into administration after key suppliers stopped doing business with them. It is continuing to trade while it tries to find a solution to its debt problems. Continue reading the main story 'Most at risk towns and cities'

   * Bradford
   * Derby
   * Wolverhampton
   * Southampton
   * Hull
   * Sheffield
   * Swindon
   * Warrington
   * Stockport
   * Nottingham

Source: BNP Paribas Real Estate ranks retail centres according to likelihood of more shops closing and the place's ability to withstand a weakening economy

"It is a timely reminder to the government, who are due to respond to the Portas Review this month, of the significant challenges facing town and city centres up and down the country," said LDC director Matthew Hopkinson.

Retail consultant and TV presenter Mary Portas was asked by the government to look at ways to revitalise struggling town centres.

Her report, published in December 2011, recommended cutting regulations and proposed a bigger role for street markets in town centres.

"It's crucial that the government responds to Mary's review with a menu of recommendations next week that local people, councils and businesses can 'pick and mix' to help start to reverse the damage that many of our high streets have suffered," said Ian Fletcher, director of policy at the British Property Federation.

Mulberry Oversized Alexa Bag in ochre

The first several seconds are critical to establishing trust,ralph lauren hoodie. The service provider should be pleasant,<a href="/">cheap ralph lauren shirts, well groomed and dressed neatly and appropriately. A two day growth of beard is not going to set the stage well. Some support posts and edging joists are put in first. This gives a level to set out a string line for the edge of the deck. The deck is made from treated pine and it is best to have it a little off the ground to allow it to dry out a bit.

All of us have aspirations, goals we wish to realize. Usually there are items you want to perform in order to possess or to become. Many sooo want to make a man fall in love with you,<a href="/">ralph lauren gilet mens. who are our readers, our viewers; who do we reach. are we starting a "Content is King . LOL!!!.

It fired a blast of pure Phazon at the hunters, and left them all for dead. However, a weak Samus started the defense system seconds before the Leviathan's impact and blew it up. She fell back to the floor,<a href="/">ralph lauren women polo shirts, going into a coma for one month. Bulgaria. Burkina Faso. Burundi.

Not only would either item jazz up a basic interview outfit, but both can be worn in numerous ways long after the interview is over,ralph lauren cheap. Slip on the same heels you wore in the afternoon with dress pants and pair them with jeans for a night out. Stuart Weitzman and Via Spiga are known for interview shoes with a trendy edge.

African immigrants living in Adelaide bring their beliefs and practices with them. Francis knows of a recent epilepsy case in which a father was excommunicated from his family after a picnic in which he sat with his son under a tree that carried spiritual significance. When the son began having fits, the father was blamed and cast out.

By the Acura pre -- show for round five of the 2009 Formula One season on speed. The Spanish Grand Prix will seek youth throughout the weekend. I'm Bob -- effort David -- and Steve match it have a great weekend.. When it comes to designer replica bags, you will realize that often, price is a great indicator of quality. This isn't to say that there aren't well-made replicas that are dirt-cheap but you'll definitely have a hard time finding those. Within the $200 to $299 price range, you can score some pretty exceptional replica handbags including: Chanel Large Shopping Bag G in sea blue, Louis Vuitton Monogram Canvas Menilmontant PM in ebony, Burberry Nova Perspex Medium Tote Bag in yellow,ralph lauren outlet, Gucci Interlocking Mayfair Medium Tote Bag in beige, Mulberry Oversized Alexa Bag in ochre, and so much more!.