As a resident of Newton Aycliffe since 2014, I've witnessed the town centre transform into what can best be described as a ghost town. Despite this, the spirit of the tight-knit community is not extinguished. Unequivocally, the town, brimming with local businesses and incredible individuals, deserves more than empty buildings owned by agencies.

These commercial units have been vacant for years, a stark reminder of missed opportunities and potential. Therefore, we are imploring property agencies to consider demand for lower rents and requisite improvements to attract local entrepreneurs. These changes will not only fill these vacant spaces but also revitalize our local economy and town centres.

It is a concerning fact that in the UK, the market of empty commercial properties rose by 7.8% in the first quarter of 2021 compared to the same period in 2020, as reported by CoStar Group. This situation is not isolated to Newton Aycliffe, but we have the power to tackle this issue within our community.

We urge property agencies to invest in our community by reducing rent and making necessary improvements on these commercial units. In turn, we will bring life back into our city, support thriving local businesses, and foster a more prosperous local economy.

Please help us transform the future of Newton Aycliffe by signing and sharing this petition. Together, we can breathe new life into our beloved town.