North East high streets taskforce launches with promise of 'radical' change for faded towns

Members of the North East mayor's high streets commission on a tour of South Shields. (Image: LDRS)

‘Radical’ changes to revive “fading” North East high streets have been promised through a new task force which met for the first time on Thursday. A high streets commission , launched by North East mayor Kim McGuinness , held its inaugural meeting in South Shields as communities across the region were told to expect tangible improvements that will breathe fresh life into areas which have suffered through decades of decline.

The panel of experts, for whom Sunderland-born TV architect George Clarke will act as a high-profile ambassador, are expected to identify a handful of “beacon” locations to receive substantial public funds, in the hope of attracting further private investment an