CPD Specifier May 2015 issue May 2015 | Page 49

Security One for the road? How empty pubs can blight the High Street The health of the High Street and other commercial and town centres is significantly affected by the retail environment. And few retail sectors have been so badly impacted by the recession and changes in legislation than the pub sector, writes Simon Broadbent, CEO of specialist contractor Secure Empty Property. Recent reports indicate that 31 pubs are closing each week in the UK. Pub numbers have fallen from 68,000 in 1982 to 48