It may seem like shops have been closing down left, right and centre, but according to the town’s regeneration officer, Sheerness isn’t doing too badly compared with other parts of the country.

Martin Goodhew took up the post of Swale Borough Council’s regeneration project officer for Sheerness in October last year and he thinks the perception of the state of the town is worse than the reality.

Last week we reported that two town centre shops, the Card Gallery and Kim’s Kandy, are due to close.

But Mr Goodhew said there are 197 business premises in and around the centre of Sheerness and only 15 of them are closed or due to close.

According to the council’s planning department’s annual retail survey, this is only a 7.6 per cent vacancy rate – less than the national average of just under 13 per cent.

As well as being better than other areas, the recent statistics for Sheerness also show that things have improved since July 2008.

The council’s survey then showed there were 21 empty shops, which was a vacancy rate of 10.7 per cent.

Mr Goodhew’s role is to work with businesses and organisations in Sheerness. He works alongside the council’s community cohesion worker Kelly Walker.

Mr Goodhew said there are still 182 town centre shops and businesses in the town trying to attract customers at this difficult time.

He said: “The high street is made up of small independent traders but our eyes are drawn to the bigger shops that are empty, like Woolworths and the ones around the Clock Tower, but as a market town Sheerness is not doing too bad.

“We would not want to create a picture that Swale high streets are not worth visiting as there is still plenty on offer.”

Mr Goodhew is keen to hear from business owners with any ideas and initiatives they might have.

He added: “I’m happy to discuss ideas because working together is the only way we will make any difference in Sheerness.”

• Mr Goodhew is based at the council offices in Trinity Road, Sheerness. Call him on 01795 585621.