Wealthy suburbs becoming ‘clone towns’

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The study found many of the wealthier suburbs of west and south London are losing the battle against "cloning," while edgier urban districts such as Shoreditch and Stoke Newington are fighting back with rising numbers of small independent shops.

The findings came in the second Clone Town report from the New Economics Foundation. The think tank first warned that local charm and character was being eradicated from Britain's high streets by identikit chain stores five years ago.

The new survey of 30 London high streets found 13 qualified as "clone towns", 15 were "home towns" with a good selection of independent traders, and two were borderline. It concluded that "west London's high street are losing their identity more rapidly than other parts of London".

Richmond had the worst score. The next most cloned were East Putney, Hammersmith, Clapham, Hampstead and Wimbledon. Brentford was an exception, scoring the highest rating for diversity.

The NEF said its success was partly down to a decision by councillors, residents and local businesses in 2007 to promote regeneration of its high street.