ONE in six Bournemouth shops are sitting empty and experts warn that the situation could get worse as government ‘austerity measures’ take their toll on already stretched family finances.

Shop vacancy statistics from the Local Data Company reveal that the number of vacant shops in the resort has risen by 5.5 per cent to 16.6 per cent in the past year alone.

The continuing impact of the recession, the rise of supermarkets on green-field sites and vast self-contained shopping malls offering free parking mean families are no longer visiting town centres in the South.

At the same time shoppers are increasingly buying goods on the internet from traders with no high street outlets.

As the high street faces the greatest challenge for survival in its history, the LDC has predicted that retailers will come under even more pressure from rising prices and taxes, coupled with falling demand.

A spokesman said: “The very fact that ten years ago the majority of a multiple retailer’s stores were on a high street but now are migrating into shopping centres and out-of-town shopping parks begs the question of what will fill the high street of 2020 and beyond?”

Boscombe Traders’ Association spokesman Angus Reid said the number of vacant shop units in Pokesdown and Southbourne was a concern.

He added: “Pokesdown and Southbourne areas are struggling but Boscombe has very few vacant shops.

“While footfall and sales figures in Bournemouth have been down in recent years, we have seen a rise in Boscombe.”

Mr Reid believes that cheap parking, along with the allure of discount supermarket chain stores and a more personal service have all helped Boscombe buck the trend.

He added: “The council could help by reviewing their business rates and private landlords should look at how much rent they are charging.

“Then we would see fewer shops closing down.”

l JJB Sports, which has outlets in Bournemouth and Poole, is currently understood to be negotiating a company voluntary agreement, which would see 45 of its stores close in a bid to continue trading.

In 2009 the company entered into a CVA, which closed 140 outlets, leaving 250 open.