The Mercury reported on Wednesday that dozens of shops on High Street are vacant and some of those have been so for months.

But the question is, why? And what is the solution?

The Facebook comments the story received showed that the answers to those questions aren't so simple.

Some of the issues raised were that The Levee's pavers are difficult for wheelchairs and elderly people, there's no point of difference, no shade and lack of parking.

Related: Vacant shops in The Levee: Is parking the problem?

Some said shut The Levee to traffic, others said rip the mall out and put two way traffic and parking in there. A number of people said they love The Levee how it is.

Two people emailed The Mercury with their thoughts - Dorrian Muddle said the precinct was good, but would like to see more bathrooms and parents rooms. "I was there the other day with a one-year-old and seven-year-old. I couldn't find any bathrooms, we eventually retreated and went into the Kmart centre where the only parents room is downstairs."

Peter Morrissey said parking is the issue. "It always has been the problem and it will remain the problem. Look at Cessnock. No fancy mall or promotions, just acres of parking near the shops... Look at Greenhills. Thousands of parking spots a priority of the recent development. The car is king whether we like it or not."

We've put together a cross section of opinions below

I hate taking my kids in there. It's so unsafe. If we have to go to Kmart or Aldi, I park underneath and don't venture outside that centre. You'll probably find most young families are the same.

I love shopping in the unique shops that the Levee has to offer. It is not crowded, has quality shops and quality products. A lovely place to sit and relax as well.

No parking = no shoppers or restaurant patrons. Sadly we are a lazy bunch, and we want everything convenient.

You go to East Maitland, footpaths are flat with no bumps easy access for disabled or wheelchair, Maitland is disgusting, can't get into many shops mall is wheelchair unfriendly and disable parking a joke.

We don't like walking through the mall because of the cars.

Remove the mall, open up the street and allow free flowing traffic and heaps of parking in the main street right outside the shops ... until council accept it was a repeated mistake nothing is ever going to change.

I love Maitland CBD and go there weekly. I never go to Green Hills or East Maitland. The mall is so relaxing and I love the atmosphere.

Maybe the rents are way too high.

There's nothing to do there but Kmart that's why