by Juliet Spare and Dan Davies

Forest Hill Launderette on the line

Forest HIll High Street in early 1900s

The British High Street, the very centre of traditional town and village life across the country are disappearing. 

Shop keepers blame falling numbers of customers and business owners blame a rise in rents and rates. And according to the Confederation of British Industry, the gloomy situation on England’s high streets isn’t expected to improve.