Private landlords have been urged to do their bit to "do their bit" to help the high street.

Enfield Borough Council has a 98 per cent occupancy rate of its outlets, with just two of its 211 shops currently without a business.

But Councillor Alan Sitkin, cabinet member for economic development, said landlords should offer competitive rates to business tenants ot ensure industry continues to boom.

A gaping hole is set to be left in the heart of Enfield Town high street with the announcement that Morrisons is to leave at the end of November, just 14 months after taking over from HMV.

Cllr Sitkin said: "Our high occupancy rates show we are a business friendly council and our policies are helping to create vibrant, busy shopping areas, more jobs for local people, increasing affluence for our residents and businesses, and a thriving Enfield economy.

“A helpful side effect of thriving local businesses and high occupancy rates is that they help to maximise revenue for the council which provides us with additional money we can reinvest in vital council services.

“I’d like private landlords to do their bit for the economy and offer competitive rates to their business tenants so that industry continues to boom in Enfield.”

As the Christmas period fast approaches, many are disgruntled at the timing of Morrisons decision to leave the high street.

Councillor Andrew Stafford, cabinet member for finance and property, said that empty shops create an “eyesore” in area and praised the council’s work to turn around their own empty shops.

He said: “Enfield Council’s property services ensure that when one of our business premises become empty that the unit is turned around and filled as quickly as possible. Empty shop units cost the council money and are an eyesore on the high street.

“Because the team have over a 98 per cent let rate this is good news for our coffers in the way of rent and business rates, and great news for the vibrancy of our neighbourhood shops.”