The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) is backing the government's commitment to build thriving town centres.

As part of a policy summit featuring secretaries of state Hazel Blears and Andy Burnham in Stockport, ACS chief executive James Lowman will stress the importance of keeping shops open for business throughout the economic downturn.

The summit comes as the government announces a new £3 million fund to make effective use of empty shop units.

Lowman said: 'We welcome creative ideas to sustain vibrant centres, but using empty shops for community projects is a last resort and is no substitute for supporting viable sustainable businesses. Thriving local shops play a vital social role and helping them to flourish is one of the best things the government could do for communities.

“Top priority should be addressing the burden of business rates. A good first step was to phase in this year’s increase, but it is next year’s increase that presents the biggest risk to retailers. The 2010 revaluation calculated against commercial property values before the dramatic decline of recent months will mean big rate increases for retailers. Action to prevent this coming in next year is urgently needed.

“Hazel Blears has made clear her commitment to strong and vibrant centres and we will be emphasising the need to maintain this commitment during the recession to keep on course changes to planning policy that will prevent harmful out-of-town retail development. Thriving town centres can be the heart of a robust economic recovery.”