Bookies and fast-food shops 'hit high street growth'

London, Apr 14 (ANI): The council chiefs have warned that strip clubs,ookmakers and kebab shops are impairing economic recovery on flagging high streets in England and Wales.

According to them, the outlets which prey on customers' "vices" are hittingfforts to bring in shoppers and rejuvenate struggling town centers.

The Local Government Association, which represents town halls, has called for more bookshops, restaurants and butchers to move in instead.

It is also demanding greater powers from Whitehall to tackle the problem, which they say is stifling trade.

"Businesses may be less willing to set up on roads with clusters of unsavoury takeaways and raunchy sex shows, the Daily Express quoted Clyde Loakes, the LGA's environment board vice-chairman as saying.

In an LGA poll of council officers, 76 percent blamed strip clubs for hitting high street vibrancy, while 69 percent accused bookies and 45 percent fast-food outlets. (ANI)

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