Chippenham has one of the lowest rates of empty retail units in the UK, according to a leader in commercial property services.

Colliers International says its latest research shows high streets have weathered the worst of the downturn and that Chipp-enham’s economy in particular is recovering well, with a 5.2 per cent shop vacancy rate, down from eight per cent last year.

The survey for the third quarter of 2014 studied 15 UK towns and found Chippenham was the only location outside of London with single figure percentages.

Colliers retail specialist Nick Turk said vacant space created by high-profile retailer liquidations were being absorbed.

Chippenham has seen B&M replace Comet, New Look and Waitrose replace Littlewoods, and Next move into the former Focus DIY building, with TK Maxx due to follow.

Recent months have brought Butler’s Butchers and several eateries – Rivo Lounge, Los Amigos, Sarah-Jayne’s Cafe, Burger King and Pizza Hut Delivery – with The Range and a Sainsbury’s also on the way.

Chris Bonsor, president of the town’s Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the “very encouraging” results, but said the Bridge Centre/Bath Road development had not been able to get off the ground because national chains were being lost to retail parks. He said the town centre needed to offer something different.

Mr Bonsor added: “The council should maybe rethink their proposal. There are other options instead of turning it into a retail space; they’re obviously struggling to find retailers.”

Mr Bonsor said national shops were attracted, but could not be accommodated in the centre.

“There aren’t any large retail spaces to appeal to national operators, which is why we’re seeing Next, TK Maxx and The Range going outside of the centre. I think the way forward is to concentrate on local, independent retailers in the centre.”

Mr Turk said retail landlords had to provide something different, to attract shoppers away from online shopping, such as a leisure element or free parking.