Footfall in Chorley town centre was up significantly during the first week of December compared to the same week in previous years.

Visitor numbers increased over six per cent, with Tuesday (market day) and Saturday being the more popular days for shoppers.

This increase in town centre visitors comes a week after the opening of the M & S Foodhall, the first business to open in the new Market Walk shopping centre extension.

Week commencing 2 December 2019 saw 86,343 visitors to the Market Walk Shopping Centre in 2019 compared to 81,225 in 2018.

Cllr Alistair Bradley, leader of Chorley Council, said: “It’s fantastic to see all of the hard work coming together and having a positive impact on visitor numbers in Chorley town centre.

The addition of these exciting new businesses provides more reasons for people to visit Chorley town centre and in turn giving a boost to local traders.”

The next to open its doors within the development will be Reel Cinema, planned to open 20 December, with online bookings already being taken.

Chorley entrepreneurs Ian and Lorraine Kearney will open The Escape Entertainment Venue on Saturday 21 December which will include bowling, adventure golf, plus bar/restaurant.

Further businesses are planned to take occupancy of the remaining units at the Market Walk extension in the early part of 2020.