The number of vaping stores in England increases by almost 1,200% in a decade | Communities

The number of vaping stores in high streets across England has increased by almost 1,200% over the past decade, while private areas have up to 25 times more bookmakers and wages lenders than the wealthy, according to research.

In 2014, only 33.8% of the 317 local authorities in England had a vape workshop, going to 97.2% in 2024. Similarly, in 2014, less than 1% of local authorities in England had 10 vape or more stores, going to 28% in 2024.

The study, conducted by researchers from Health Equity North, examined Ordance Survey data to follow how amenities had changed between 2014 and 2024. The equipment was divided into those considered “health promotional”, such as pharmacies, libraries and supermarkets and “health reduction” such as vape-works, prints and prints and print Health spells only ”.

They found a striking drop in healthier amenities, with unhealthy alternatives taking their place. Take -out stores have increased by almost a quarter (24%) throughout England, while the number of banks and construction companies has decreased by 40%, and supermarkets by 10%.

The report revealed that there were brutal regional divisions across England regarding high equipment, with twice as many vape stores in northern England. The number of take -out dishes in northern England has increased by a third (31%), against an increase of 18% in the South.

There were three times more vape stores in disadvantaged areas compared to the most disadvantaged. Private areas also had 25 times more lender on wages and more than three times more bookmakers.

Dr. Eman Zied, Abozied, research partner at the Newcastle University Population Sciences Institute, said that the study has shown that high streets became “less healthy and welcoming places to visit”.

“The disappearance of amenities such as supermarkets, banks, pharmacies and public toilets particularly affects groups such as women, children and the elderly,” she said. “But what we see all of us impact on. The deterioration of our high streets makes our centers less safe, less welcoming, and ultimately makes us feel more disconnected as communities. ”

She added: “It is important that we are now aging to reverse this drop. If we involve local communities in the decision -making concerning their high streets, we can make our streets and high cities more accessible and healthy for everyone.”

Professor Clare Bambra, university co -director at Health Equity North and Professor of Public Health at the University of Newcastle, said: “During the last decade, our high streets have been struck by a devastating succession of shock – from the impact of austerity to the pigeon of Covid -19.

“This trend has disproportionately affected the most disadvantaged places in our country. The north of High Street now has fewer places to buy essential elements, as well as fewer supermarkets, public toilets and other amenities and resources.

“You should be able to walk in a high street and feel the uniqueness, culture and identity of this community. Thanks to an innovative design, better public transport and measures that promote people on cars, we can rethink these spaces so that they become cities rather than “ghost cities”. “

A government spokesperson said: “For years, the high streets have been hungry for investment despite their potential to prosper, but we are taking decisive measures to transform the trend through our change plan.

“The advice and local leaders have powers to combat the vacant properties constantly in city, city and village centers by putting auction to help restrict the types of businesses that fill them.

“We conduct regeneration and growth with 1.5 billion sterling pounds thanks to the plan for neighborhoods to stimulate high streets, and we bring back empty stores to life thanks to our street rental auctions.”

Local authorities with the most vape stores for 10,000 people in 2024 in England

City of London, London: 4.6

Blackburn with Darwen, northwest: 1.7

Preston, northwest: 1.6

Blackpool, northwest: 1.2

Bolton, northwest: 1.2

Lincoln, East Midlands: 1.2

Thanet, southeast: 1.2

Chesterfield, East Midlands: 1.1

Hyndburn, northwest: 1.1

Derbyshire Dales, East Midlands: 1