Businesses from New Street and Church Street got together to discuss the future of shopping in the city at a meeting earlier this month.

Liz Hickingbotham, from All Fired Up on New Street, who has been doing business in the city for 14 months said: "The purpose of the meeting was to find out what the state of play is. If there was a threat to independent business, we wanted to see if there was anything we could do to affect it. I've lived in a number of cities and have chosen to put down roots in Lancaster, so I have concerns as a resident as well as being a business owner. The chamber of commerce here are very supportive and this will be a starting point in the hope of getting everyone singing from the same song book."

One of the purposes of the meeting was to discuss the production of a guidebook and also plans for an annual street festival.

Jerry North, manager of St Nicholas Arcades and retail spokesman for the chamber of commerce said: "If things go to plan, it would be good to see 40 or 50 of these retailers getting together to meet regularly to discuss their place in the city.

"I would also like to see a mixture of independents and high street multiples at the meetings in the hope of cementing relationships and creating a vibrant city centre shopping experience."

With regard to fledgling businesses setting up in the city, Mr North was optimistic about their options.

"Proactive landlords can offer flexible leases to fledgling businesses. It makes sense for both the landlord and tenant to agree a mutually workable lease that is relatively informal and allows both parties to test the water for a viable business arrangement."

"I would however like to see more central government help for small business start ups.

"Currently, when a property becomes vacant, the landlord is allowed full relief on rates payments for a period of 13 weeks and then is liable for a relief of 50%, until the unit becomes occupied again.

"The change this April is that the 13 weeks zero rates will still apply, but after that time the landlord will be liable to pay the full rates on the property even though it is lying empty.

"I think the thought process used is that this will force landlords to make greater efforts to fill the units, consequently driving down rental levels in the process. Unfortunately, lowering rental levels leads to devaluation of the landlord's investment in the longer term and is usually strongly resisted.

"This could lead to action such as making the property temporarily unusable by such action as blocking up windows for example and seeing an "Unrated" valuation for the property due to the fact that it is not 'fit for purpose'. You can imagine what the appearance on the High Street would then be.

"Consequently, some landlords may be prepared to accept 'soft' deals on their properties, simply to relieve the rates burden, though this can have a knock-on effect on all rental values in the city and may be strongly resisted. "

Steve Bryson, spokesperson for Centros which is planning a £100 million redevelopment of Lancaster, said: "At present Lancaster is lacking sufficient draw for local people and with a decline in shopping the first people that suffer are independent shops. With a development such as that proposed by Centros, it's quite natural that people will jump to conclusions with regards its intentions.

"We will continue to listen to views from local residents, shoppers and business owners. Centros wish to work with the city to create a development that will compliment, not crush, the local trade. The area by the canal will be invigorated and kept open for the public."

EMPTY RETAIL UNITS

*17 Common Garden Street, Lancaster

(formerly Carphone Warehouse)

CLOSED FOR 6 MONTHS

No details currently held

*52 Church Street, Lancaster

Formerly Vyper Shoes

CLOSED FOR 12 MONTHS

Ground Floor - 429 sq.ft.

First Floor - 403 sq.ft.

rent: £15,000 per annum exclusive.

UNDER OFFER FROM SAMSUNG MOBILE

*18 New Street, Lancaster

Formerly one half of The Furniture Shop

CLOSED FOR 4 MONTHS

Ground Floor - 775 sq.ft.

First Floor - 512 sq.ft.

Second Floor - 423 sq.ft.

Rent £23,000

*20 New Street, Lancaster

Formerly one half of the Furniture Shop

CLOSED FOR 4 MONTHS

Ground Floor - 1039 sq.ft.

First Floor - 670 sq.ft.

Second Floor - 591 sq.ft.

Rent £15,500