THE NEW Year sales got off to a slow start in Burnley, according to traders and shoppers.

The town centre was quiet yesterday, despite numerous retailers still advertising some large discounts, although the period just after Christmas was busy.

Retailers said that the economic situation and fears over job safety were putting many shoppers off.

Iulkhan Khan, of M and Z Fashion, in St James’s Street, said: “It has been very quiet this year compared to what it is normally like.

“We haven’t been as busy as normal, and from looking out on the streets it does seem quieter. I think people just don’t have the money to be in town and spending at the moment.

“People are worried about their jobs and for that reason they are saving.”

Those shoppers who did head into town said that they were surprised at how quiet it was.

Jim Stanton, from Harle Syke, said: “This is the first time I have been shopping in the town centre since Christmas and it is quiet.

My wife came in last week and said it was quite busy though, but it does seem to have quietened down.”

Laura Jarvis,who lives in Burnley, said: “I work in the town centre and it hasn’t been as busy as I expected it to be. A lot was made of the sales and people getting bargains, but I haven’t really seen it. All the shops have been having sales but it has never been really, really busy.”

Steven Jackson, from Briercliffe, said: “I have come into the town centre quite a few times since Christmas, and I think it has been busier than last year, although the weather is a lot better this year, it is very mild when it was freezing last year.

“I’ve had a good look around the sales and they have been pretty good.”