A BUSINESS group leader has refuted claims Covid-19 is the final nail in the coffin for high streets after years of struggles with the impact of online shopping.

The outlook for our high streets is looking bleak as lockdown rules start to lift.

However, Suzanne Gloyne, manager of Southend Business Improvement District - which represents town centre traders - insisted shoppers and residents will be drawn back.

She said: “Online sales have risen over the years and will of course have spiked in the last couple of months but I don’t agree with the death of the high street narrative.

“Humans are social animals and enjoy meeting to shop, eat and share a drink in town centres.

“The last few years have seen a change in demand for how we use the high street and it will change again in the coming months and years.

“Southend Bid has been working with and for businesses since its inception to make the town a more welcoming, safe and desirable place to visit and we will continue to do so.”

Her reassurances come as Primark plans to leave the Royals Shopping Centre in Southend and re-locate to the old BHS store.

Debenham’s – which also has a store at the Royals – has been teetering on the brink as the Covid-19 crisis takes its devastating toll on the retail sector.

Ms Gloyne added: “In the short term we will see plenty of social distancing measures across the high street and seafront to protect staff and customers including barriers and increased signage.

“Capacities in stores, cafes and leisure facilities will be kept to a minimum to ensure public safety and so the extended and flexible furlough scheme will allow businesses to keep costs down when they start operating."