In 17 pictures: Empty shops and businesses create eyesore in Hastings town centre

Some of the shops, such as the old Argos building in Castle Street and the former Peacocks and Marks and Spencer building, in Queens Road, have been empty and unused for more than two years.

Others have white-washed windows, peeling paintwork and graffiti.

Even key areas like Robertson Street, which has seen something of a revival in recent years, now has prominent outlets closed and empty, although we understand the empty Kaspers building is currently under offer, which is good news.

But the old Debenhams building in Robertson Street, which became Owens, is still empty with no current news as to what the future holds for it. At least the building has been brightened up by a colourful Hastings mural.

Many of the empty shops are in Castle Street, once a thriving shopping area that contained one of the town’s biggest apartment stores Mastins.

Have you read? Lost Hastings pubs: 40 local watering holes we have now lost.