A new survey of businesses and commercial premises in Crewe South has highlighted major changes to the area's high street, including a fivefold increase in the number of vape shops since 2021.

The street-level survey was carried out by Crewe South town councillor Vicky Shaw (Reform), a nurse and public health researcher, and compares businesses across the ward between 2021 and August 2026.

It found the number of e-cigarette and vape shops had risen from three in 2021 to 15 this year.

The figures also show significant changes among off-licences. Their number increased from three in 2021 to 11 in early 2026, before falling back to three in the August figures.

Fast-food outlets continue to make up a significant part of the local commercial landscape.

The latest survey records 14 kebab shops, eight Chinese takeaways, six Indian restaurants or takeaways and five dessert venues across Crewe South.

Traditional retail space has undergone substantial change, with the number of former shop premises converted into flats or houses rising from nine in 2021 to 65 in August 2026.

A further 21 retail premises are recorded as closed.

Cllr Shaw's survey also identified a reduction in some community services.

The number of local chemists fell from two to one, while charity shops dropped from three to one.

Shaw, who won a Crewe South by-election in May and represents Reform UK on the town council, has raised the findings in discussions with Connor Naismith MP.

The research was formally submitted following a constituency drop-in session at The Maybury Centre on West Street.

Shaw says the figures are intended to help inform discussions around public health, planning regulations and regeneration in Crewe.

A survey for Crewe Central will be revealed on Nub News next week.

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