The picture on Gloucester’s ‘High Streets’ is getting brighter – with the number of empty units in the city centre steadily decreasing.

Since May empty units have fallen from 48 to 38 and the City Council’s policy of providing advice and cash help has played a big part.

Its award-winning ‘Gloucester Supports Business’ scheme, has helped 46 businesses- providing 140 jobs. This includes 17 start-up businesses.

The scheme provides help with rents, business rates or structural alterations for businesses moving, relocating or starting up in the city centre.

Council Leader Paul James, commented: “ We operate a dual approach to the regeneration and economy of the City. In the past several years a total of £700 million has been invested or committed to major projects across Gloucester.

“ At the same time we have worked very hard to support small and medium sized businesses with practical financial help and advice.  It is critical that we support both ends of the spectrum in this way to ensure a balanced and viable economy.

“ Developers and investors are showing faith in our approach and the Government has cited us as an example of best practice and backed that up with additional funding to support the work we are doing.

“There are currently more than 100 independent traders operating in the City Centre. That’s fantastic and we want to continue to see that increase in the future.”