SOARING business rates are killing off a once-thriving town.

Now Atherton shopkeepers fear their days are numbered unless the Government reduces the levy they pay.

M and M bargain store owner Jack Emanuel says if the situation doesn't improve within five years the town centre will be full of empty shops.

He claimed: "Business rates have doubled - it's ridiculous - this will just kill the area. Out of town stores and the loss of KwikSave in Market Street have really affected trade. But the rising rates are just a kick in the teeth. I have been here 25 years and we've seen some good times, but it's getting pretty low now."

Now Mr Emanuel and fellow traders are launching a campaign to get the rates cut. He said: "We're pressing to be rated according to village status."

Local MP Lawrence Cunliffe echoed their fears.

He said: "Soaring business rates and out of town shopping will kill-off town centres. The Government and valuation panels ought to consider this and offer some dispensation.

"Why not some form of reduction according to the turnover and potential of the area."

Atherton Cllr Sue Loudon also supported the traders' fight for reductions.

She said: "We are 100 per cent behind them. Unfortunately although we collect the business rates the money goes straight back to the Government and the community does not benefit.

"Atherton is quite a prosperous little town - we'd like to see it remains so."

A spokesman local authority spokesman explained: "We sympathise with the shopkeepers but we do not set the rates, that is done by the Government based on property valuation.

"Increases of 12.4 per cent were levied in 1995-6 compared to the previous year, and the increase for 1996-7 compared to 1995-6 is 11.7 per cent."

Anyone supporting the traders' stance is asked to contact Jack Emanual at his M & M store, 113, Market Street, Atherton.

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