Warwick’s tills ring in the new year

Chamber of Trade chairman Sue Butcher said: “First reports are that trade in the town was excellent over Christmas with several businesses reporting record takings, even on Christmas Eve - and then going on to break records for normal sales between Christmas and new year.

“I think generally people are more optimisitic and hopefully we are getting the message across that it’s good to support the local economy.”

Shopkeepers at Present Days, Hatton and Harding and Coco Rose were all pleasantly surprised by the enthusiasm of residents and visitors who came to hunt for gifts and outfits.

David Way of the long-established Present Days in Swan Street said: “The Sunday to Thursday in the week of Christmas was record-breaking for us.

“Forget Black Fridays - most of us independents have done really well this year. And it shows there’s still a market for smaller traders who have been under enormous pressure in recent years.”

Nina Roberts at Coco Rose fashions said: “I think those terrible years of all the roadworks are behind us and people are starting to realise they can’t always get something different at the big out-of-town retail parks.”

And Andrea Beaver, a director of Warwick Sports, said: “We’ve had a good Christmas. Traditionally this isn’t the busiest time for us but there’s been a nice vibe in the town and sales do seem to be up on this time last year.”

l Sadly, it wasn’t good news for everyone. Charlie Collett, who tried so hard to revive Wylies Ironmongers, the former Period House Shop in Market Street, has closed. More on this next week.