A SUGGESTION that late-night opening one day a week would tempt more shoppers to Great Malvern has met with a lukewarm reception from traders.

Adrian Ward, owner Robson Ward Kitchens on Belle Vue Terrace, wrote this week to other businesses in the town telling them he plans to stay open until 8pm on Thursdays and urging them to join in.

"I believe that if other shops opened later the town would benefit in the long term," he said.

"I do have to stress that I don't think this is a short-term option and it will only really succeed if the majority of shops join in."

Mike Gatiss, owner of Green Link Organic Food, said that while he would be prepared to join in if everyone else did, he thought a more dynamic solution was called for to attract people.

"I think it could work if we get other things linking into it," he said. "Somehow, we need to get people into the town."

Niamh Flood, manager of Savers, said: "We would definitely consider it. It would probably be cost-effective."

Sue Clark, manageress of Milborough's Jewellers and Goldsmiths, agreed with Mark Whittingham, manager of Woolworths, that it would be a good idea during the festive season but not in the longer term.

Louis Kelly, who owns Priory Books, said he would not be opening late.

"It's not worth it with a shop like this," he said. "With some shops it might be but not a second-hand bookshop."

At Veg 'n' Things, owner Pete Petherick also said the idea would would not be workable. "If Malvern was all one shopping area it would be worth it," he said, "However, because it's split into five shopping areas it would not work."

Val de Heer, of Aquarius, on Abbey Road, said she might be prepared to try late-night opening if enough other firms agreed to join in.

"We certainly need to do something," she said. "It would be lovely to be buzzy and busy."