THE state of businesses in Worcester appears to be one of flux, with some city businesses closing down, with new ones coming in.

The debate is whether or not this is a bad sign, or merely a natural cycle in the life of a city's streets.

On the one hand, losing businesses like Primo and Deli Corporation in Sidbury is a shame, and it is never good to see the city's businesses close down, but on the other hand, the city is potentially gaining a new Lidl and definitely gaining a new restaurant in Five Guys, which opens next week.

What we need to make sure of, however, is that city businesses are not paying over the odds to remain open, and that it is financially viable for the owners of those businesses to live and work in the city.

There are countless examples of towns and cities across the country which have become effectively ghost towns with businesses leaving and commerce being driven away, leading to a decline in the area.

Worcester has a special blend of independent and national businesses, and we should treasure them.