TOWN centre traders in Colne are opening late on Thursdays as they bid to attract more shoppers to the town.

In an unusual move for a small town, businesses are embracing late night Thursdays and opening until as late as 8pm to give people working during the day the chance to browse the independent shops that Colne is famous for.

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Businesses are currently keeping their doors open late every Thursday as part of a trial that could be extended if shoppers embrace it.

Paul Collins, from Pendle Council’s town centres team, said: “We’re encouraging more to get on board.

“And we’re doing our bit to give this great town an extra boost by promoting late night Thursdays.

“Shopping habits are changing and it’s great that lots of Colne businesses are adapting.

“Some businesses are going to trial it for six weeks until late June.

“We’re urging local residents to come out and take advantage of late night shopping in Colne in the hope that the businesses trying it out will continue to open late in the future.”

Parking in the town is free after 6pm, which gives shoppers another reason to make the trip on a Thursday evening.

Grahame Wharton, who chairs the Colne Town Centre forum, said: “As an incentive, all businesses in the Colne Loyalty Card scheme will be offering double the points on Thursday nights.”

Dress agency The Dressing Room has been opening late on a Thursday for four years, and they are pleased to see more businesses following their lead.

Sophie Pashley, 18, who works with Ruth Crompton at the shop, said: “Late night Thursdays are good for Colne.

“It’s always worked for us. We’re glad more businesses in the area are doing it.”

Sandra Fernandeze, of Pendle Belles, the popular vintage and collectors shop near the Town Hall, said: “We decided to do late night openings on Thursday.

“We wanted to give people who were working nine to five the opportunity to shop after their working hours.

“We’re bringing the big city way of life to our small town.”