Streatham and Norwood’s high streets have been most affected by the recession.

According to a council report, the recession leading to an increasing number of vacant shops is “particularly marked” in Streatham and Norwood.

The findings form part of a report in to the effectiveness of the council’s response to the recession, which is to go in front of its overview and scrutinee committee next week.

It says the council has taken a “proactive approach” to dealing with increasing numbers of vacant and retail units.

The report says actions range from “assistance in getting the shops let to interventions to ensure properties are tidy to encouraging arts based uses”.

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