by business editor Trevor Sturgess

The number of empty shops in struggling town centres has tripled since the autumn, according to a report that calls for an urgent rescue plan.

The British Retail Consortium says 12 per cent are now vacant as recession and changing shopping habits change the face of the traditional high street.

But the BRC says a "bright, post-recession future" for high streets is possible if they are actively planned, managed and nurtured.

The report claims that many high streets have been struggling for years. It examines 20 town centres, although none in Kent.

However, there is clear evidence that recession and the attractions of out of town centres such as Bluewater and Westwood Cross have had an impact on some town centres in the county, with a rising number of "To Let" boards.

Stephen Robertson, BRC director general, said: "High streets are the heart of local communities and economies – providing jobs and essential services. They are a crucial part of our national retail mix but many of them are in trouble, facing difficulties that began well before the current recession.

"Some will flourish again as the economy recovers; others have to shape a different future as customers’ needs change. But that cannot be left to chance. These processes have to be actively managed by local authorities with their retailers, other businesses and residents."

The report 21 Century High Streets: A New Vision for Our Town Centre, sets out a 20-point plan for securing the long term future of town centre retailing.

It urges economic health monitoring, better design, driving out crime, and parking and transport to serve users rather than be a local council fund-raiser.

It also calls on the Government to avoid any new property or business rate "burdens" and wants council to show "a responsible and inclusive approach."

Alex Gourlay chief executive of the Health & Beauty Division, at Alliance Boots, which has a branch on almost every high street in the UK, said town centres faced challenging times.

But the company believed they defined the nature of the communities they served and it was important to maintain and strengthen their vitality and viability.