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Towns will look like they did 200 years ago when the railways opened up the country, there were only essential shops and businesses, but will have to add traffic! I had too Google Ann Summers!

@rosco Do you think the space now under development at the Market Place would have been large enough to hold a leisure facility, with all the amenities, for the whole of Bedlington? Bearing in mind I think it would have to have it’s own car park. I know we all would prefer to see a thriving Front Street but would we all be prepared to spend more in the individual family Butchers, Bakers, Greengrocers, Florists etc. than we would in a Supermarket? Even for those that could afford to pay extra for their weekly shop there are still many more that would prefer the cheaper option. If Bedlington did not have Supermarkets would the town’s folk, with transport, shop elsewhere. I know a few relatives, from Bedlington Station, do their weekly shop at Blyth (Cowpen) Asda and only use the Station Co-op and corner shops for the odd items they may need through the week. One of our daughters used to be in charge of the Guidepost Co-op But still did a large shop at ASDA.

Delinquent owners, rental properties etc, Our bylaws allow the Council to bring in a contractor to clean up a property, be it for unkept gardens, from weeds's etc to wrecked or abandoned cars and put the bill on the property taxes. The front street could be kept looking good even if only on the outside. I wouldn't regulate the use of the buildings but definitely the looks.

100% Canny lass, shopping has evolved, online and box stores have the numbers, $, and convenience, "Front streets" need to adapt to local needs or be outlets for the larger businesses. Anything social should be encouraged such as drop in centres, cafe's, fitness centres, youth centres, garden centres anything that encourages people to get out and mix. Local authorities need to adapt to the new life styles and figure out how to make the changes to the old disused buildings. They need the ability to make unsightly buildings meet standards or loose them. I'm sure present laws are outdated and restrictive (take the politics out) I'm sure Malcolm has great visions for the front street! We have all enjoyed the days of local personal service while shopping but sadly times have changed, I'm sure the youth of today love the new way! (I like much of it especially the technology)