The report on the economic shape of the British High Street, the foundation stone of island life here in the UK for hundreds of years, has painted a picture of an ailing place, under seige from the internet, mobile trading on smartphones and major supermarket chains, who need massive parking areas not usually available in high street locations.

Over 50% of consumer spend is now spent elsewhere, the first time that has happened since records began and current average shop vacancies stand at over 10%.

Mary Portas was commissioned to produce this report by David Cameron and it contains a number of ideas to reverse the trend away from the high street economic erosion, such as free parking, a freeze on business rates and maybe the creation of a commission for each high street, like a mini council. Incentives to attract market traders back are also suggested.

While she cites the large retails outlets and shopping malls as having a negative effect on the high street, she says that they are supplying needs to the consumer in an efficient manner and cites the high street as not responding quick enough to the long term and growing threat from this area.