Number of empty shops across Cannock falls by 25%

There are now 23 unused units across the district compared to 31 in October - with bosses saying the upturn means businesses are showing confidence in the area.

In total there are 345 shop units in Cannock, Rugeley and Hednesford town centres meaning almost seven per cent are currently standing empty.

The biggest improvement has been in Hednesford where the number of empty units has fallen from 11 to just six.

Council leader George Adamson said: "The smaller, independent shops get tax and business relief which is good for them.

"I think in Hednesford having the bigger stores like Tesco and Aldi has actually enhanced the town centre."

At the end of October, a new Marie Curie Cancer Care shop opened at Victoria Shopping Park in Hednesford. A recruitment firm and locksmiths have also both opened in recent months.

And last month Black Fish Collectables opened in Bow Street, Rugeley. The collectables store houses skeletons alongside fossils, de-activated rifles, demon or vampire skulls and even a mask from the 1987 American science fiction film Predator.

Councillor Adamson said the situation in Cannock town centre would markedly improve when the new designer outlet village is built.

Plans have now been submitted to the council for Mill Green Designer Outlet Village which will feature around 200 stores, restaurants and cafes. A new cinema, included in early plans, has now been removed.

Councillor Adamson added: "I have seen evidence to suggest this project will actually help the town centre. In other areas this has happened.

"People are showing confidence again in Cannock. Our street market on a Friday increases footfall into stores also."

One of the council's aims is to increase the number of businesses in town centres. Smaller shops are offered tax and business rate relief as a way of attracting traders.