00:00England's poorest communities have 70% more vape shops, off-licenses and bookmakers than
00:06wealthier areas, and far fewer cafes and gyms.
00:10Vacancy rates are also higher.
00:12This comes according to a new study.
00:15The Independent Commission on Neighbourhoods, known as ICON and chaired by Labour peer
00:20Hilary Armstrong, said ministers risk overlooking vital neighbourhood shopping precincts by
00:26focusing too heavily on town centres.
00:29This research found that, in deprived areas, local shops have roughly doubled the number
00:34of retailers selling unhealthy food and significantly higher vacancy rates.
00:39Reviving Britain's struggling high streets is a central mission of the current government.
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