WARRINGTON'S high street has been seeing a six per cent increase in footfall week on week since lockdown restrictions eased.

According to data from Centre for Cities, the borough has seen a faster recovery in footfall unlike larger cities, due to the concentration of its shops and jobs.

Warrington's figures are taken from monitors positioned on its four main high streets - Bridge Street, Horsemarket Street, Buttermarket Street and Sankey Street.

During the first week of July there was an upward trend recorded, an increase of six per cent on the previous week.

Golden Square and Cockhedge Shopping Centres have reported similar increases.

Warrington Guardian:

Warrington BID manager, Harriet Roberts said: "The slow, steady upturn in the number of visitors is a sign that people are feeling confident in the measures that have been put in place to make the town centre safer and that as a partnership, we have got the messaging right across all our channels.

"This has included a campaign in the Warrington Guardian, coordinated by Warrington Borough Council, urging people to come back to support our businesses.

Warrington Guardian:

"We are all working together to position the spotlight on those people behind the headlines who are still in the eye of the storm, and adjusting to new ways of working to create a Covid-19 secure, safer environment for customers and staff.

"Samantha Fenwick, BBC Radio 4’s ‘You and Yours’ presenter, chose to come to Warrington this week to report on the safe reopening of our hospitality venues on Saturday.

Warrington Guardian:

"With the launch of Warrington’s new market this week, amidst the challenges there is a cautious sense of optimism and hope on the high street."

Cllr Tom Jennings, chair of Supporting the Local Economy Policy Committee Bewsey and Whitecross Ward, who is also on the board of Warrington BID, added: "Having one of the highest increases in footfall with rising average spend reported, shows how vital collaboration is between businesses and partners to keep people safe while encouraging them to spend well.

"The council will continue to play its part in helping establishments get back to business."

Leader of the council, Cllr Russ Bowden said: “It is testament to the resilience of our businesses community which makes our town one of the leading locations for retail and commerce. Our businesses have shown a positive dynamic ‘can do’ attitude throughout the crisis as well as a real willingness to support each other.

“This, combined with fantastic partnership working with businesses including the council, the BID and Warrington & Co has helped many of our businesses hit the ground running as we restart our economy.

“A successful high street is crucial to Warrington economic recovery so it is great news that we are one of the UK’s leaders in footfall increase.”