Picture by Marcus MinginsBHS has stood closed and decaying for more than 15 years. Picture by Marcus MinginsEFFORTS are being stepped up this summer to make Stratford town centre a safer place – but locals may still need convincing. Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe hit the beat as part of Safer Streets Summer to see first hand how the initiative is having an impact on local community concerns. Debenhams has sat empty since 2020, while a derelict BHS has been closed and decaying for more than 15 years. “I don’t think it puts tourists off, this town is a town you visit for one or two days.