RADICAL plans to ensure empty town centre shops don’t stay vacant for months has been welcomed in Colchester.

According to reports, retail units which have been left vacant for six months could be forcibly rented by local authorities under what is known as compulsory rental auction.

Under the plans, landlords will be forced to let out retail units if they have been left empty after six months, with the council able to start an auction and invite bids from interested parties in vacant commercial property.

Colchester has been hit by major retailers either going bust or moving out of the town centre, with Debenhams folding last year, Marks and Spencer announcing it is to move its High Street store to Tollgate, and Next announcing it too has pulled out of the town centre.

But Darius Laws, Colchester Council’s business boss, said the town’s High Street is still good value for shoppers.

He said: “Colchester isn’t in bad shape – it could be a lot worse.”

“Marks and Spencer’s recent decision is a big blow if their move does go ahead, but we are hoping they will find a different unit for their food court [because] we know just how many people take advantage of the food hall.”

He believes powers for local authorities to let out commercial property using compulsory rental auction, which would be introduced as part of the Government’s Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, would stop landlords from stockpiling property.

He added: “It makes sure people aren’t land banking when we’ve got to keep our town centre a vibrant, happy place – from our perspective it’s something that would be welcomed.

“I went to the High Street with my four-year-old and we had a lovely day out.

“We will always get people harking back to the good old days but consumer habits have changed and we are aware of that fact – I’m not worried about the future, but I’m not about the future either.”