Businesses along Burnham-On-Sea High Street experienced a “flat” Christmas, according to the town’s Chamber of Trade.
Many shops in the town failed to benefit from a big seasonal uplift in custom due to the recession, the trade group said this week.
Geoff Shickle, Chairman of Burnham Chamber of Trade, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “Trade was generally quite flat and on a par with last Christmas. It was no worse than last year which, considering the recession, is actually quite encouraging.”
“The cold, wintry weather didn’t help Burnham in the final days before Christmas. Some shoppers were put off visiting the town centre and opted for warmer shopping malls elsewhere instead.”
Traders also believe the decision by cash-strapped Sedgemoor District Council to axe free parking in Burnham during the two weekends before Christmas did not help either.
Mr Shickle added that many shoppers who had visited Burnham had given the Chamber of Trade very positive comments about Burnham’s Christmas lights.
“There has been favourable feedback and I would praise Mike Ham and Buncombes Electricals for this. They put on a marvellous display for us this year using limited funds,” he said.
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Burnham-On-Sea Chamber of Trade
