She said while the council would upgrade the Lavington area, it could not change economic circumstances.

“The council can’t offer incentives, but it can help by renovating that strip,” she said.

“It is sad these businesses have closed down and the street does not look as nice as it could, but it’s part of a cycle — businesses close and open all the time.”

Cr Henk van de Ven said while Wagga Road hadn’t been neglected, it needed work.

“We’re aware it does need a spruce up,” he said.

Both said roadworks and tree-planting would improve Wagga Road’s appeal, but the strip was behind Urana Road on the priority list.

There is about 238,435 square metres of retail space in Albury — 9534 square metres more than there was three years ago.