The council needs to take urgent action to stem the decline in Enfield Town, according to the Conservative group.

The Tories blamed the Labour-run council’s policies for contributing to a rise in the number of empty shops and called for them to scrap hikes in parking charges and consider reforming business rates.

But members of the Labour group claimed the central government’s austerity measures were responsible for the downturn and said they were already taking action.

Conservative leader Cllr Joanne Laban raised the issue in opposition priority business at the full council meeting on Thursday (September 20).

She said measures designed to attract businesses to the borough had not had the desired effect as many retailers had simply moved around the town when new shopping centres opened.

Cllr Laban said: “The Conservative group know that free parking is out of the question. But if recent price increases could be reversed, it would help Enfield Town.

“The problem is on our front door, and we have to act.”

According to the Conservative group, there are more than 20 vacant units in Enfield Town.

They have proposed eight measures to reverse the trend for shop closures, including rate relief for new retailers, more events aimed at boosting footfall, and a crackdown on landlords who allow their premises to become untidy.

Council leader Cllr Nesil Caliskan said: “The opposition leader pretends to stand up for Enfield Town.

“This administration stands up for the whole of the borough.”

Cllr Caliskan said council officers had already met with business leaders and traders to find out their aspirations and concerns.

Cllr Claire Stewart, Labour member for Southgate Green, said the Tory government’s response to the financial crisis had squeezed consumer spending and that had hit retailers.

She pointed out that Enfield Town was in a much healthier state than many town centres in other parts of the country.

Cllr Stewart added: “Wealth has been stashed by the richest one per cent – and you won’t find them having a pint in Enfield.”

Cllr Caliskan said: “We will respond to the recommendations in a positive way – we have already outlined that we will.

“This administration will go further and do more. Enfield is full of potential, and we will seek to invest in our local communities.”

The report’s recommendations were not put to a vote.