Mary Portas, a leading retail expert appointed by David Cameron two years ago for reviewing UK’s town centres, has criticised the government for its lack of clarity on the matter.

Portas said that the government needs to introduce a clear strategy in order to secure the future of the country’s high street markets. He also criticised communities secretary Eric Pickles for allowing the construction of 82,000 square foot supermarket to be built on the seafront at Margate, a twon where he is heading a pilot programme.

Portas said, “We need some clear policies or planning. We cannot have a high street first policy, with the government saying ‘Yes, we believe in it’ and then have the Secretary of State signing off out of town retail. That doesn’t work.”

He also said that the high street could focus on service-based businesses such as coffee shops, health clinics, and crèches for its future growth. He pointed out that the prices on the high streets are beyond affordability the matter needs to be addressed to allow new businesses to open.