EMPTY shops are never a good thing. They make the city centre look down-at-heel and surely something could be done with them while tenants are sought. Well, in York, an initiative promises a new lease of life for buildings in vacant possession, where landlords can let their properties short term, while giving artists the opportunity to use low cost studios.

The Blank Canvas project, launches officially next week and co-ordinator Emily Harvey says she thinks it will be popular, with artists in York desperate for space.

We think this sounds like a great idea and although it will need to be properly controlled, we welcome the initiative.