SALCOMBE and Kingsbridge are bucking the trend when it comes to the amount of empty shops on the high street.

The latest Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors UK commercial market survey has found that the amount of empty shops on South West high streets climbed again during the early part of the year – with fewer and fewer businesses looking to open new premises.

During the first three months of the year, 17 per cent more chartered surveyors claimed the amount of unoccupied shops across the region had gone up, rather than gone down.

But Salcombe and Kingsbridge may be bucking the trend as every shop front is filled in Salcombe and Kingsbridge continues to welcome new businesses into the town.

Vice chairman of Kingsbridge and Salcombe Chamber of Commerce James Spencer said: 'Our experience in Salcombe is more upbeat.

'As we approach the summer season every shop front is taken, for the first time in a number of years. We've welcomed exciting new arrivals including The Old Bag Company, the Drang Gallery and Cath Kidston.

'The recent hike in business rates continues to challenge independent retailers in particular, but the sun's shining and there seems to be a sense of cautious optimism among the town's retailers .'

Kingsbridge mayor, chamber committee member and Fore Street trader Irene Jeeninga said: 'At the moment there are only very few shops empty. In other words Kingsbridge is open for business

'Swings, Halifax and Bibi are all filled again. Toad Hall taking a large premises is great and Okasional Kards has changed hands.

'Peter Betteridge is refurbishing and it's good to have Susie Watson.

'There are still landlords who should be a bit more willing to negotiate rents as it's better to get a little less rent than none at all and leaving some premises empty.

'Unfortunately where Devon Insur-ance used to be the whole building is up for sale and needs a lot doing, so it might take a little while.

'A pop-up shop there would be ideal.'

Chairman of the South Hams branch of the Federation of Small Businesses David Lacey said: 'It is good to read that Kings-bridge and Salcombe are bucking the trend.

'I don't think this can be put down to luck.

'It more reflects the strength of local communities represented by chambers of commerce, FSB and the like and the sheer willpower and tenacity of individuals determined to offer something different.

'We have recently seen the demise of some supposedly solid high street names and I am sure there are more who will go the same way over the next few years.

'We have seen a slowing (in some cases a halt) in the relentless growth of the big supermarkets.

'Entrepreneurs across the country are determined to fill the gap left by these changes offering something different, personal and dedicated to outstanding customer service.

'Retail businesses have never been easy to run (I had two myself) and anyone making a success of retailing deserves our appreciation and support wherever we can.'