PETERSFIELD town centre must evolve to meet the changing way we shop, warns the economic portfolio holder for East Hampshire District Council (EHDC).

Councillor Glynis Watts, the councils’ economic development portfolio holder, says shops and eateries face challenging times -- more than half a dozen retail units in the town are currently empty.

She added that a combination of issues are affecting town centre economies, including Petersfield, and other towns and villages in the district as well as right across the country.

She said: “I am really concerned about the empty shops in Petersfield, and in other East Hampshire towns and villages.

“One of the big issues is online shopping, and town centre shops must evolve to meet shoppers’ needs.

“But no one has come up with a solution yet, each town has to find a solution that suits them. And this isn’t a cheap area for shop rent, which doesn’t help.”

The business rate hike which comes into effect from Saturday April 1, is likely to make it harder to be a successful town centre retail or eatery business.

Cllr Watts said: “The district council is keen to help, and I would be very loath to see any shop close.

“Come and talk to our economic team – they may be able to help, or advise on where to go for help.

“I and the officers are very happy to listen to ideas to help make the town economy more vibrant.

“I would also urge those worried about the new business rates to come and talk to us. There are council schemes to help wherever possible, especially for small businesses.

And some East Hampshire businesses are completely unaware they are eligible for thousands of pounds worth of vital support with business rates.

A range of money-saving schemes have been put in place nationally to help out small businesses in the district.

Cllr Watts said: “There are lots of ways business owners can get support with their business rates, but we know that many of them don’t even realise these schemes are out there,” she said.

“There are numerous types of rate relief, especially for small businesses or those that are struggling.

“There are also ways to appeal against a business’ rateable value and ways to soften any sudden changes.

“EHDC aims to be one of the most business-friendly councils in the country and so it is vitally important that the business community is aware of everything available.

“There is also a hardship fund that struggling businesses may be eligible for.”