THE power to auction off empty businesses on Southend’s High Street could help create a “vibrant” and “modern” city centre, according to the council leader.

Daniel Cowan, Labour leader for Southend Council, has thrown his support behind the Government’s newly announced plan to allow local authorities to auction off leases to commercial properties which have been left empty for more than 365 days over a 24-month period.

Councils will be able to auction off one-to-five-year leases as part of these High Street rental auctions, with early adopters of the scheme including councils in Darlington, Bassetlaw and Mansfield.

Mr Cowan welcomed the potential shown by this scheme, which he believes could boost the city’s economy and “restore pride” in the High Street, adding the council will be “keeping a close eye” on the early adopters’ progress.

He said: “We welcome these newly announced powers, which support our commitment to revitalising high streets for residents, businesses, and visitors.

“I’m keen to see how the early adopter schemes work in the four areas selected and we will be keeping a close eye on their progress, but the potential is clear - these powers can boost our economy and restore pride in our high streets.

“Empty shops benefit no-one, which is why initiatives like The Bridge at The Victoria Shopping Centre, offering entrepreneurs six months rent-free to fill vacant units, are so important.

“These powers align perfectly with our regeneration plans to create a vibrant, modern city centre that supports businesses and jobs.”

The scheme, which the Government has committed £1 million to, aims to create a “right to rent” for businesses and community groups, giving them access to city, town and village centre sites.

It plans to prevent “disengaged landlords” from sitting on vacant lots and bring more businesses back into these centres.

Carlos Gomes, director of the Salsa restaurant, on London Road, said: “If property investors buy the freeholds and don’t use them, I think the scheme is a good thing. It’s positive they are potentially doing something to make sure the buildings are leased, “It’s important for smaller shops who would normally not be able to afford a shop on the High Street, as long as the council does not allow the shops moving in to be all the same and is ambitious, I think it will be good.”