A new study by the Northern Health Science Alliance (NHSA) and Health Equity North has clearly linked the issue of the decline of our high streets with the health of those that use them.
Funded by the Wellcome Trust, Ghost Towns: The Decline of the High Street and Health Inequalities draws parallels with a deterioration in public health with empty premises, or significantly less healthy establishments, in England’s one-time shopping hotspots.
It goes on to report that over the last decade, high streets lost 20% of retail units, 40% of banks, 25% of public toilets and 16% of pharmacies. When compared to those outlets in growth, notably a 24% increase in takeaways nationwide - with that figure rising to 33% in the most deprived areas – it becomes clear that the high street is something of a signifier for unhealthier lifestyles.
There is also the suggestion that in the north of the country this effect is felt more dramatically, with increases in places such as bookmakers, off-licences and vape shops arising in higher numbers. The report says these disparities are likely to worsen existing health issues such as obesity and cardiovascular diseases.
The NHSA report goes on to call for urgent government action to address the decline of high streets and improve wider community health. It suggests various strategies to promote healthier environments, including investment in health-promoting amenities such as libraries and community centres, and an increase in resources for high street redesign, based on community needs involving local residents in the decision-making processes.
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