Midsomer Norton’s high street may only be six businesses away from being “perfect”.

A new study from Tyl by NatWest has researched what Brits value the most in their town centre, creating a list of the top 25 businesses that would be on the perfect high street.

Midsomer Norton ticks off 16 of the businesses unambiguously, with a further three being technically not High Street addresses but being close by, bringing the percentage of points that the town hits to 76 per cent.

The sixteen businesses on the wishlist that are on Midsomer Norton High Street are a bakery, a post office, a restaurant, a coffee shop/café, clothing shops, a supermarket, a butchers, a pub, a card shop, a takeaway, a library, a hair salon, a gift shop, charity shops, vintage/second-hand shops, and an arts and crafts shop.

Nearby are also a zero waste/eco shop, a deli, and a dentists’, while the six businesses lacking from the High Street are a bookshop, a patisserie, a farm shop, a cake shop, a cinema and a fishmonger.

The study of 2,000 adults also found 74 per cent are sad about the decline of the local high street, and 78 per cent want to see its resurgence.

Yet only 17 per cent do the majority of their shopping from smaller, local businesses and establishments – with 43 per cent admitting to using their high street just once a month or less.

In a bid to stimulate the return of their high street, of those who currently shop with larger chains, 41 per cent would switch to shopping locally.

Over half (55 per cent) feel guilty for not making use of the local businesses available to them, opting for bigger supermarkets and chains instead.

Online shopping was identified as one of the primary reasons for the decline, with 37 per cent believing changing shopping habits have impacted bricks-and-mortar business negatively.

While 18 per cent believe the increase in the cost of trading is behind the decline, 17 per cent blame the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown.

Conversely, 41 per cent believe lockdown and being stuck at home gave them a greater appreciation for the shops and services available to them on their doorstep.

As a result of these negative factors, nearly half (49 per cent) have noticed one or more of their favourite shops on the high street shutting down for good.

However, despite the low usage of the nation’s high streets, 49 per cent believe their local high street ticks all the boxes for their needs.

Mike Elliff, CEO of Natwest’s Tyl, which is a new payments provider for SMEs and micro businesses, said: “There are still many fantastic high streets to be found in Britain, but there are also many factors eroding our use of them on a regular basis.

“This research also shows the popularity of the food and drink industry, taking the majority of the top ten voted-for shops.

“Making up the backbone of a perfect high street, business owners have the opportunity to improve sales and really grab a slice of the high street action.

“Having great local businesses on our doorstep is something Brits really appreciate, and it would be a shame to see the high street continue its decline in the wake of the online shopping boom and the effects of the pandemic.

“With the cost of trading and an impending recession, it’s important that we support our local shops as much as possible.

“This study on the perfect high street, has revealed a romantic notion around the shops and businesses we still have right on our doorstep.

“We would encourage Brits to cut down on this reminiscing and instead venture out onto the high street and discover their next favourite local store.

“It may be just around the corner. Make the high street the bread and butter of your local community again.”