Gwynedd council has “broadly welcomed” government proposals to give more power to councils to bring town centres back to life.

The UK’s new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, said this week that Britain’s high streets had been “hollowed out” and become “unrecognisable over decades of decline”.

“The rise of vape shops, betting shops and rogue operators have replaced the shops, services, and community spaces that people are crying out for,” he said.

He pledged that local councils would be given the powers “to rein in” unwanted shops and bring town centres back to life.

Measures which apply to Wales could see a change to the law to make it easier for local authorities to block betting shops.

It would also allow police and local authorities to close suspected criminal enterprises or anti-social behaviour hotspots for longer, to allow them to investigate.

The Secretary of State for Wales Stephen Kinnock said this week: “The people of Wales deserve more from their high streets than betting shops and fronts for crime or anti-social behaviour.”

He added that he was “very pleased” to see Mr Burnham’s UK Government was “taking action to change the law to give local people and police more power”.

Gwynedd Council said its Trading Standards department has taken formal action against several high street traders over the years, including two recent successful applications for “closure orders”.

A spokesperson said: “We want to see high streets that are safe, welcoming and vibrant, with businesses that make a positive contribution to our communities.

“That is why Cyngor Gwynedd Trading Standards has taken formal action against several high street traders in recent years, including two recently successful applications for ‘closure orders’ to help ensure our high streets remain attractive places to live, work, shop and visit.

“Among the crimes committed were selling vapes and tobacco products to children; sale of illegal vapes; selling counterfeit and potentially unsafe toys; contributing to nuisance and anti-social behaviour.

“When people go into any shop, they have a right to expect that what they buy is safe and genuine. Parents will also expect that their children will not be able to illegally purchase dangerous and addictive products.

“Selling counterfeit and illegal products has no place on our high streets and we broadly welcome any changes in the law which will give our officers more tools to deal with the problem.

“We look forward to having the opportunity to review and fully understand the contents of the Government’s announcement and how it can help us in Gwynedd.

“We will continue to work closely with our partners from North Wales Police and other enforcement agencies to ensure our local town centres are safe and pleasant places for people to live, shop and spend their leisure time.

“We also urge the public to be incredibly mindful of what they buy and not to support this illicit trade which poses real risks to all of us.”