Empty shops are up to 31

Kidderminster's tally of empty shops has risen to 31 as the credit crunch begins to bite, but officials say that the town is still "holding is own" compared to national figures.

Big names such as Woolworths, Tchibo and Motorworld have gone from the high street along with smaller firms.

But many local independents are still deciding to set up in the town sparking a battle rallying cry from the town's chief that Kidderminster will survive the recession.

Town centre manager Jackie Roberts said: "It is good to see the small independents such as a gift shop opening in the Swan Centre and Spot-On, an ex-catalogue company taking over the former Bewise property.

"At the moment vacancies account for nine per centre of the shop units in the town compared with 11 per cent nationally.

"It is the small independent shops that appear to be holding their own compared to he nationals," she added.

"Currently we have 31 shop units vacant in Kidderminster but Hereford, which is comparatively the same size and is an equally rural town, has 53 empty shops."

Charity shops have taken some units and there are now 10 in Kidderminster but there are as many as 19 in Hereford.

"I think that compared to the rest of the country the outlook for Kidderminster is quite positive.

"I would say that people are being more careful with their money and seeking out the bargains.

"They are wanting value for money and making their cash go further.

"What we have to do is encourage more people to shop locally.

"Instead of people going to neighbouring centres for goods they should stay locally and help support our traders," added Mrs Roberts.