Otley'S future as a vibrant shopping centre could be hit by the growing number of empty shops in the town, it was claimed this week.

The number of shops that are empty or whose lease is for sale has reached a total of 19 in the town centre, with one trader blaming the number of charity shops for many of Otley's problems.

Although the town's chamber of trade claims the problems are just a sign of the times, James Barber, who runs his tobacconist shop in Kirkgate, claims that too many charity shops, the threat of out-of-town shopping centres and excessive business rates are driving out trade.

Mr Barber said: "I know that there are a lot of towns in this situation. I really do believe that there are too many charity shops.

"I'm not against them by any means but there should be a limit on the number any one town can have.

"I pay £3,700 a year for a shop the size of this, which is £11.85 a day if we open six days a week, and I have to pay for my rubbish taking away on top of that.

"It is too hard for a small business to fight the big boys with such high overheads.

"Charity shops can afford to pay top rents, traders can't. I believe charity shops should not get any rate rebates whatsoever. A lot of them are selling brand new goods as well.

"Instead of the existing rates, a property tax based on profits would be fairer."

Mr Barber added that business for his shop was booming -- thanks mainly to orders from more than 70 countries who have seen his website on the Internet.

His claims were backed by the Bookworm second-hand book shop.

A spokeswoman said: "There are far too many charity shops. They do not have to pay the same rates like we do and they get everything given. We know they are for good causes, but sometimes charity begins at home."

The president of Otley Chamber of Trade, Tonia Hearne, said: "Otley has not got any more charity shops than other towns of its size. Either way, it is better to have a charity shop than an empty shop.

"About the 19 shops which are either empty or have their lease for sale, if you go to any other town the size of Otley you will find exactly the same problems.

"It is certainly not unusual. Unfortunately, it is a sign of the times. Even big city centre stores like Marks & Spencer are suffering because it is difficult to compete against the out-of-town shopping centres.

"We have to get used to it, it's as simple as that. We have to just smile and give the service that people want and help customers come through the door."

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