"It's a move in the right direction, " says Bill Grimsey, former chief executive of Wickes and Iceland.

BBC: Bedminster's High Street fights back

In a statement, head teacher Debbie Grimsey said the DVD had been used "by thousands of schools for more than 15 years".

BBC: Generic image of a primary school classroom

Hence, as nice an idea as the Portas Towns may be, Mr Grimsey feels there's more gimmicks and public relations than actual long-term solutions.

BBC: Bedminster's High Street fights back