MANY shops across East Lancashire are suffering “very slow” trade in the run up to Christmas as people cut back on spending due to the credit crunch.

That’s the view of shopkeepers and traders’ associations across the area who have urged people to “shop local” to give town centres a vital lifeline.

One trader said the situation was “bleak” and spoke of the “doom and gloom” in town centres.

Blackburn with Darwen

David Cottam, from the Blackburn with Darwen Chamber of Trade, said shops were mainly quiet, but that was something that was expected because of the economic climate.

He said: “Last year wasn’t good and this year so far is worse.

“Some of the really big stores like Debenhams and Marks and Spencer have already started sales and that is a good indication of how things are going.

“These are worrying times because most shops rely on having a good Christmas because they make a good proportion of their sales at this time of year.

“We are all keeping our fingers crossed that there will be a mad rush in the last couple of weeks before Christmas but we know the slow trade will continue for some time yet.”

Darwen market trader Denise Gee, who also runs the town’s Chamber of Trade, said: “There will not be a lot of people who go away this year or plan a really lavish Christmas and we hope that means more shoppers will be buying locally.

“So far the trade in Darwen has been good. Of course every-one is feeling the crunch and cutting back a little but we are doing well in Darwen.”

Burnley

Butcher George Heys, the chairman of Burnley Chamber of Trade, said he remained positive about the state of business in the town.

He said: “Overall in the town the situation isn’t bad, in fact it has been quite vibrant so far.

“There have been a lot of people in the town, helped by the Christmas lights switch on, but the worry is that they are not spending as much as th ey have in previous years.

“We are optimistic at this stage about Christmas and all the traders are pulling together.”

Hyndburn

Ian Smith, the chairman of Hyndburn Chamber of trade said things are “bleak” for businesses.

Mr Smith, a butcher in Accrington Market Hall, said: “We are very worried because the town is quiet. People are holding on to their money.

“There is a lot of doom and gloom around the town and it shows little sign of lifting.”

Pendle

Eileen Ansar, who runs Slick clothing shop in Nelson, said: “Every shopkeeper in the country probably feels the same at the moment. We are very worried.

“So far I have not noticed a drop in the number of shoppers in Nelson but I think people are spending less and looking more for bargains.

“At the end of the day Christmas is Christmas and people will still spend.

"Even if there are worries over jobs people still want to celebrate Christmas and the worrying thing is that they will probably go into debt to keep on spending.”

Ribble Valley

Travel Agent Nigel Pratt, from the Clitheroe Chamber of Trade, said: “November so far has been extremely challenging.

"I am not saying the situation is desperate but it is a concern."

Rossendale

Tony Garner, chairman of Rawtenstall Chamber of Trade said: “All of our members are remaining positive so far.

"The shops have been busy and there is a feeling that the economic crisis that we hear about so much in the news hasn’t touched us yet.”

The chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Mike Damms said: “Everyone wants to hold onto their cash as long as possible in times like this so it’s the ones at the end of the chain, like the shop traders, who are hit the hardest and feel the squeeze.”