• Ashby MP Andrew Bridgen reveals what he loves about North West Leicestershire high streets as part of Historic England survey

• New survey shows that 73 per cent of people say that their local high street is important to them

• Historic England wants to have a conversation with the nation about what the future of high streets could be at this pivotal moment in their history

• People can now share what they love via social media using #HighStreetLove in a celebration about our treasured local places

• The results will provide insight into what the nation loves and wants more of from our high streets, which are often the historic centre of communities

Historic England is asking people in North West Leicestershire: "What do you love about your local high street?" as the first part of a national conversation on the future of our high streets.

Ashby Andrew Bridgen MP is encouraging people to get involved.

He said: "What I love most about our high streets is their distinctive nature, whether it's the ornate brickwork on buildings like The Monkey Walk in Coalville, or memories of game hanging outside Rushton's butchers in Ashby.

"Let's make sure that Historic England hears from North West Leicestershire by getting involved."

The public body is asking people to share what they love about their local high street on social media.

Whether it is the memory of the place you bought your first ever album, a shop that's become part of your weekend routine, or a place you go to meet friends and family, Historic England wants to hear about it.

Those stories will come together to build a national picture of what makes high streets so special and to learn what matters most when it comes to their future.

Historic England commissioned YouGov to find out how people are feeling about their local high street.

And 73 per cent of people said their local high street is important to them, 54 per cent of people feel pessimistic about their local high street's future and 40 per cent feel motivated to take action to help their high street's future.

But 71 per cent of people said that they feel personal interactions are important when visiting the high street.

New research for Historic England shows that 92 per cent of people care what their high street looks like and 90 per cent agree that it is worth trying to save historic features when trying to improve local places.

Later in the conversation with the nation about the future of high streets, Historic England will be seeking to find out what people value about their high street and their hopes for its future.

Having crowdsourced this information, a programme of discussions and commissions will be created to further explore what high streets could be and look like in the future, all with the aim of empowering people to take action for their local high street.

Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, said: "Throughout history high streets have been our gathering places; centres of commerce, conversation and community.

"They help make where we live unique and special. Nearly half of all high streets were built before 1919.

"They are one of the most visited and enjoyed types of heritage in the country, a connection to our past and a key to our future.

"We know they are struggling, and their future is uncertain, and we think this is a timely moment to ask people about their future and consider the part we can all play in supporting these important places."