I have noticed a number of empty premises the most recent being Shuropody. 

Although there may be underlying reasons such as poor business turnover and in addition, online purchasing as it is cheaper.

Another reason could be high rents (although a landlord cannot benefit from an empty shop) and high business rates.

High business rates are anti-enterprise. Costs are already high. Companies hire people who pay tax.

High council tax and business rates do the opposite.

We need a prosperity. Thousands of people visit Winchester every month. Only today at Winchester Cathedral's Kings and Scribes Exhibition visitors from Germany, France, the Netherlands, America and Canada. 

We must never take Winchester's attraction as a world-class destination.

Simon Lever,
Juniper Close,
Badger Farm,
Winchester

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