Shoppers' half-hearted return to the high street: Footfall remains low as stores reopen

By NEIL CRAVEN FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY

Updated:

Visits to the high street remained subdued after a lacklustre start to reopening shops

Visits to the high street remained subdued after a lacklustre start to reopening shops

Visits to the high street remained subdued yesterday after a lacklustre start to reopening shops last week.

Springboard, which monitors footfall, said numbers were half the comparable Saturday last year, a continuation of a trend seen all week.

Chancellor Rishi Sunak yesterday sought to rally shoppers, around ten million of whom live within 200 metres of a high street. 

On a visit to shops in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, he said: 'Our much-loved high streets are a cornerstone of the British way of life, providing jobs up and down the country.

'At this critical moment in our country's history, it's essential that we show them our support as they open their doors again.'

But Springboard director Diane Wehrle said: 'At the moment stores are only letting in about a third of their normal customers. If the Government brings social distancing down to one metre that will help.

'Opening coffee shops and restaurants will also improve numbers.'

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