When the mighty Marks and Spencer announced 100 store closures you know our town centres are in trouble.

This week Pound World went into administration with 5,000 jobs at risk.

Sainsbury’s and Asda are considering a merger to gird themselves against a downturn in the retail sector.

MFI ceased trading in 2011 followed by JJB in 2012. Clinton Cards has closed many of its outlets. The list of shrinking retailers continues apace joined now by celebrity chefs and fast food chains.

Clearly the internet has changed the face of shopping greater and faster than we ever thought possible.

If retailers are to survive they have to react quickly and decisively but they can’t do it alone. All those with an interest in the survival of our town centres must act together.

Unsurprisingly Cheshire East chose this precise moment to introduce state-of-the art parking meters that ensure unexpired tickets cannot be handed to another motorist thus ensuring CEC get the maximum from each shopper.

These machines don’t offer change or a refund for overpayment and are as welcoming to visitors as a slap in the face.

At the very time retail parks with acres of free parking are draining whatever remains of the retail market to out-of-town locations, CEC whacks up parking charges. It’s like stacking more cargo on a sinking ship.

The number of vacant town centre stores is alarmingly self-evident.

If the best our council can do is alienate visitors with officious parking meters then we need to show them the door at next year’s elections. Could a change of council be any worse?

I’m game if you are.

By Guardian columnist Vic Barlow