FURTHER to your article about empty units in Boscombe, the picture is more rosy that many think.

Like all retail areas, Boscombe has suffered from changing consumer habits and this has been exacerbated by Covid – but it is fighting back.

Nationally, the vacancy rate for retail units is 13.7 per cent – in Boscombe’s shopping precinct it is 13.5 per cent.

Three new retailers are fitting out shops that will be opening soon, and we expect others to follow.

Bournemouth Coastal BID has funded a deep clean as well as more seating, planting and street art.

And the £22m from the Towns Fund will further boost Boscombe’s centre where there is a bustling market.

Boscombe is home to many national retailers plus cafes, restaurants and music venues – and those who run business there are determined to continue to improve things for locals and visitors.

FIONA MCARTHUR

Bournemouth Coastal BID