VACANT shops could be tarnishing Mill Street’s fresh image. ‘We put a lot of time and effort into keeping the streets clean,’ said Loop CI director Richard Corcoran.

‘However, landlords don’t want to keep their buildings clean and it detracts from the area – it’s definitely a bit of a stalemate between old-fashioned landlords and up-and-coming businesses.’

Antiques dealer Will de la Rue agreed and believes fines should be imposed on landlords who do not find tenants for their buildings.

‘I think people who have empty properties that are not let for 12 months should be penalised – it creates a bad image for the area. The landlord has a responsibility to keep it tidy, even if it is empty.’

A lot of businesses set up in Mill Street because owners could not afford High Street rents. However, as the area has prospered, rents have also increased and local proprietors believe landlords have a greater obligation to maintain their properties.

‘The landlord needs to give more for their investment – for example if the rent rises, they should do more on the appearance of the property,’ said Mr Corcoran.

Business owners in the area have said rents tended to increase when ownership of the property changed hands, or when a new firm moved in.

‘The rent is still fairly reasonable but the minute property changes hands, the rent can go up,’ said Mr de la Rue.

One business was recently forced to move after the property was sold and the new landlord imposed a substantial rent increase.

Old Quarter Association chairman Nick Le Page said landlords should learn from mistakes made in the past.

‘Mill Street was destroyed by greedy landlords last time when a lot of businesses moved further into Town – they’ve got to be realistic,’ he said.

Mr Le Page said the association could offer advice to tenants and landlords but had no influence over the rent being charged.

He confirmed that one shop in the street was due to be refurbished shortly.