I visited West Midlands high street where people say 'you're killing us'

Shoppers in a historic West Midlands shopping area fear for its future - with business rates and the Merry Hill shopping centre being blamed. With the General Election days away, I went to Halesowen, a battleground seat and locals were all concerned about one issue in particular.

Standing on the high street, near the local shopping centre, locals voiced their opinions about the upcoming general election and the issues that affect them. One of the major issues was the future of shopping in Halesowen town centre - where the Cornbow has stood for generations.

Some said the area needed long term investment, others told us that parking was a big concern.

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Neil, 73, has witnessed significant changes in the area over the years. His primary concern revolves around the decline of local shopping centres.

"It was once a lovely shopping centre," he reminisced, pointing out the numerous empty shops that now mar the high street. "Obviously, it means the rents are too high," he added.

Neil also highlighted the inconvenience of paid parking in Halesowen compared to free parking at The Merry Hill Shopping Centre, which boasts plenty of shops. "Why would anyone pay for parking here when they can go to Merry Hill for free?" he said.

Pensioner Carol, 72, said that "making sure that the pensioners get a fair deal" is her top priority this election. She also expressed a strong desire to see cleaner streets.

When asked a priority, she said: "Getting these streets cleaned up."

The charity Age UK has urged all political parties to commit to policies that improve the lives of older people, it says are 'worn down by the pandemic and cost of living crisis.

Vicky Rogers, head of the town's Business Improvement District (BID) spoke to BirminghamLive about the challenges that small and indepedent businesses are facing this election.

The former police officer believes that online shopping and high business rates are 'killing the high street'. "Businesses are struggling with regards to business rates, and it's had a great impact on every small and independent business before they even open their doors," she said.

The current rates, which increased by some 6.7% in April are seen by many businesses as unfair in the cost of living crisis.

One of the most significant blows to Halesowen's town centre has been the closure of four major banks since the pandemic. Vicky says that these closures have had a 'catastrophic' effect on footfall in the town centre.

The closure of the Wilko store was another blow for the town.

What are the parties promising ?

Labour has promised to overhaul the business rates system as part of it's five-point plan to revive high streets and town centres with a new system.

The Conservative Party has proposed a £4.3 billion business rates relief package to be implemented over a five-year period, aimed at assisting small businesses.

Whilst the Liberal Democrats have put forward a more radical approach, suggesting the complete elimination of business rates in favor of introducing a Commercial Landowner Levy, which would shift the tax burden from business occupiers to property owners.

The candidates for the Halesowen seat are;

• Andrew Paul Fieldsend-Roxborough (Liberal Democrat)

• James Morris (Conservative)

• Alex Ballinger (Labour)

• Emma Bullard (Green Party)

• Jonathan Oakton (Reform UK)