THE number of empty shops in Basildon has gone up by nearly 4 per cent in the past six months, a survey has revealed.

According to the Local Data Company, Basildon has a 15.8 per cent vacancy rate – an increase of 3.65 per cent over the past six months.

This means the town has the second highest number of vacant shops in Essex, behind Harlow, which has a 19.8 per cent vacancy rate.

Concerned members of the Essex Federation of Small Businesses have called on the council to stem the problem and reinvigorate the town centre’s economic recovery.

David Barnes, chairman of the federation’s south Essex branch, said: “It is important for the future of Basildon this is reversed as quickly as possible and Essex Federation of Small Businesses will be looking to work with Basildon Council and other partners to actively encourage more retailers to choose Basildon and open stores in the town.”

Tony Ball, leader of Basildon Council, said it was working hard to attract shoppers and traders to the town.

He said: “It is disappointing, but we all realise the recession we were in has had its effects.

“The closing of major stores, like Woolworths, was bound to be followed by smaller chains.

“We are working with small and large businesses to do what we can to make Basildon and all our town centres attractive places for consumers to shop and people to open businesses.”