High streets across the country risk becoming 'ghost towns' unless urgent action is taken to fill empty shops created by the recession, the LGA has warned. Four out of five councils are reporting an increase in empty properties in town centres, and two-thirds of councils that have experienced an increase are saying empty properties are having a significant impact on their high streets. The LGA called for powers to turn empty stores into training centres, libraries, bring-and-buy sales or youth dubs. LGA leader, Margaret Eaton, said: 'If ever there is an image which symbolises the times we are in, it is desolate town centres with rows of empty shops where once there were small local retailers, a Woolworths or a Zawi.'
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