This is why York has been named one of the poorest UK cities for declining high streets

Analysis of the closure rate of cash machines, bank branches, retail stores and ONS per centage growth showed the Yorkshire city to be the seventh worst nationally, with Sheffield named the 10th worst.

Nationally, Poole and Blackpool were rated the worst for declining high streets.

During 2019, York recorded a -5 per cent retail growth, with 32 per cent of its bank branches having closed since 2015.

Sheffield managed just 1 per cent retail growth in 2019 with 46 per cent of its bank branches shutting in four years.

“Traditional retail store closures are on the up as businesses grapple with a weak consumer in the face of Brexit uncertainty, the unabated rise of e-commerce, higher costs and changing tastes.

“There are, inevitably, going to be winners and losers. High street retailers with inflexible business models that have failed to adapt to their changing environment are and will be the most noticeable casualties. Big names have just vanished from our high street and there will certainly be more to come.

“The challenges that the High street is facing aren’t going anywhere fast. This will be a case of survival of the fittest.

“Those retailers that can evolve whilst still giving their customers exactly what they want could have a lot to gain.”

More than 1,100 bank branches have been closed in the UK since January 2018.