On the other are librarians, library users and authors, who believe local libraries are vital centres of literature and learning.

BBC: Library cuts: The battle of the bookshelves

Responding to the debate, Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland said town centres were vital to the economic life of Northern Ireland.

BBC: Regeneration of Bangor Town Centre

This connection to patients and research centres is vital for small biotech firms, says Julian Adams, chief scientific officer of Infinity Pharmaceuticals, a cancer company.

ECONOMIST: REPORTS

The regeneration of Isle of Man town and village centres can play a vital role in supporting economic growth, the Chief Minister has said.

BBC: Regeneration 'will support growth' minister says

The centres themselves have become vital focal points for lifelong learning not least because they are open for continuous usage by all members of the community.

UNESCO: Community Library and Resource Centres

Baseball stadiums and convention centres may raise the morale of a grieving city, but they are less vital in the long run than money for the public schools.

ECONOMIST: Oklahoma��s capital three years on

"This means that our centres can still continue to survive and grow and we can continue to provide those vital services for all vulnerable people in Suffolk, " she added.

BBC: Suffolk charities' Big Lottery Fund boost

Actively protecting and fostering the strengths of urban centres, while preventing and managing the negative effects of urbanization was noted as a vital opportunity for the UN system to achieve its overarching development goals.

UNESCO: MEDIA SERVICES