However, whilst the ‘local villagers’ complain bitterly about eg. closure of local branches (Bank, Post Office), Pubs and ‘corner shops’, the unfortunate fact is, the majority DID NOT actually make use of those facilities – instead they drove to the nearby town Supermarkets and Shopping Centers instead ..

Indeed, many village dwellers have done their very best to to ‘kill off’ their own local businesses by opposing expansions, refurbishments and opening hour extensions and implementing local parking & speed restrictions + ‘bumps’ & camera’s that discouraged or (by supporting the building of a bypass) eliminated the ‘passing trade’ … and (of course) local councils have driven the final nails into the coffin of local business by extorting astronomical ‘Business Rates’

In any event, Government (and ESPECIALLY local government) should NOT interfere with business = decades of local & national spending mismanagement have proven time and again that Government has NO IDEA how to conduct any sort of commercial business operation ..

Leave well enough alone .. if there is ‘money to be made’ local shops will thrive .. if not, the properties will be converted to some other, higher demand, use ..