DESPITE some high profile empty shops such as the former Burnham Job Centre and the burnt down pub in Highbridge the twin towns have a very low vacancy rate.

That is the view of the town manager Beverley Milner-Simonds who said the retail area only had 5.2 percent of shops that were empty.

She said: "The vacancy rate is way below the national average of 13 percent. The turn over of units is quick, apart from the one gap of the old job centre, overall we have a vibrant town centre with just over 74 percent being independent shops."

Her explanation for the high number of independents was the unit sizes were small in a traditional town centre which was reflected in the rent. It allows sole traders who begin their business at home can take the next step with a retail outlet which is not too expensive.

The town has a "wide mix" she said of businesses, including shops, banks, dentists, hairdressers and an independent cinema. Plus there's a lot of coffee shops and eateries with a wide range of them.

"We've just had Calm Coffee open which is focused on organic and fairtrade," she said, "And we've got Chatterbox just across the road that's benefitted from a shop front grant."

One of the reasons for the success of the town was the steady year round footfall she said. There's good catchment area and visitors come to the town in all seasons - sometimes just for a walk along the beach. The one thing she would like to see is a review of business rates.

Meanwhile a new convenience store could open in Highbridge the town council planning committee were told.

However the councillors had concerns over traffic at the plans to build a shop and accommodation off Morland Road.