LATE NIGHT shopping could work in Knutsford - if enough traders backed it, one shopkeeper said this week.

Val Boston-Davies, who runs a general store, said a united effort could boost trade in the town.

"Shopkeepers need to work together and perhaps it would be worthwhile," she said, "but we need to be positive."

Knutsford, she said, was classed as the place to eat.

"At the moment people are on a mission to eat in Knutsford," she said. "But we need to re-educate them.

"There isn't a soul on the street of Knutsford by 5.30pm. But the town comes to life when the restaurants open later."

Other shopkeepers agreed that it would take a concerted effort to make late night shopping work.

But many were not confident about changing people's attitude to the town.

Colin Campbell, who owns a bike shop in King Street, said: "Late night shopping has been tried - and it hasn't worked."

Sheila Elstone, owner of Elstone's grocers in Princess Street, agreed.

"I stay open later than most shops but by 6pm every night there are few customers at that time."

David Naylor, of The Stationery House, also expressed doubts about Knutsford's late night shopping appeal.

"When people are out at night they come to eat," he said. "They are not going to go and browse around shops."

What do you think? Write to The Editor, Knutsford Guardian, The Council Offices, Toft Road, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 6TA

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