WORRIES of people penny-pinching in the run-up to Christmas have proved unfounded in Worcester as more shoppers than ever are flocking to the city's stores, writes Suzanne Black.

Despite warnings that Britons will be tightening their purse strings this festive season, Worcester's main shopping centres have recorded a rise in the numbers of people through their doors.

And, while none of them would reveal detailed pre-Christmas sales figures, the feedback from store owners and managers is that people are "spending".

"The footfall figures are up 12 per cent on last year and, while people don't seem to be going mad with their spending, sales are still up on last year," said John Kendrick, manager at Cathedral Plaza in the High Street.

"The last few weeks have been particularly busy and I think we can expect a lot of last-minute shoppers."

One of the other big shopping centres, CrownGate, recorded record numbers of shoppers early on.

"Christmas footfall figures that covered the four weeks from late October to November were up six per cent on 2003," said Carolyn Mantle, centre manager.

"December car parking figures are up 10 per cent on this time last year and we know that strong car park figures are usually a precursor to strong footfall figures.

"To see our car parking figures up by so much is not only good news for us and our retailers, but for the city as a whole."

The news is also good in Droitwich, where the town's Salters Shopping Centre has recorded fewer people but bigger sales.

"For us it has been a gradual increase, but we are happy with the sales," said manager Kevin O'Hara.

"We were worried the interest rate rises earlier in the year would have an impact, but that doesn't seem the case."

Nationally, the internet seems to having an effect on shoppers getting out and about - online trading is estimated to be worth around £4b at this time of year.

But again, in Worcester, people seem to like the more traditional methods of buying their gifts.

"A big part of Christmas is still going out looking for presents, which is great for us," added Mr Kendrick.