A BUSINESS lobby group has urged the district council to address the demise of a once thriving shopping street in Waltham Abbey.

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has told Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) the poor upkeep of empty retail outlets in Sun Street is detracting from the viability of the town centre.

David Miles, chairman of the South West Essex branch of the FSB, said: “We are very concerned that the state of repair of some empty shops is giving an air of neglect and dereliction to what should be an attractive local shopping centre.

“The appearance of these shops means the area does not give a positive image, and nor does it make shopping in Waltham Abbey an attractive proposition.

“That is why we have written to EFDC, asking them to use all the powers at its disposal to minimise the adverse impact of empty premises on other retailers in the town.”