Living Streets start campaign to keep shops and services within walking distance

Too many people can't get to local shops and services such as libraries, schools, shops selling fresh food, post offices, GPs, banks and community pubs on foot. New YouGov research commissioned by Living Streets reveals that more than a quarter (28%) of GB adults feel isolated, or have a friend or loved one who feels isolated, because of a lack of access to essential shops and services within walking distance.

Walking – and being able to walk for everyday journeys – is hugely important. Yet nearly half (47%) of those aged 55+ in Britain cannot walk to their nearest GP's surgery, while 58% cannot walk to their nearest bank. This trend is leading to isolation, lack of physical exercise and neighbourhood decline.

Where former local services have changed use, this has often caused other problems. Living Streets' YouGov research suggests that over half of UK adults have seen an increase in fast food outlets on their nearest high street since moving to the area. Nearly a third reported an increase in betting shops. Yet people aren't happy with loopholes such as the fact that a bank can change to a betting shop without planning permission – 81% think that communities should have a say when the use of a building is changed.

If the government wants to give communities the power to shape their neighbourhoods, these concerns must be addressed. Living Streets is calling on the Government to give councils and communities a voice when essential shops and services are under threat from unwanted changes of use, and for national planning policy to ensure that new housing is located within reasonable walking distance of essential shops and services.

To pledge your support, help spread the word, write to your MP or MSP and find out what else you can do to help, visit the campaign page.