Shoppers flashing the festive cash

THRONGS of shoppers in Spindles

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A BUMPER Christmas has been predicted for Oldham businesses with consumers spending more than £282 million in the town during December.

Oldham came in seventh in the top 10 places in the North-West for predicted spending according to figures by Barclays, beating towns such as Bolton and Wigan.

Barclays estimates that £176.5 million will be spent on debit cards in the borough, while £105.6 million will be withdrawn from cash machines and branches.

The bank says that quieter high streets earlier in the month will only mean a busier final week, as people cram in their last-minute Christmas shopping.

Oldham Council Town Centre manager, Sara Hewitt said: “It is a big estimate and it would be great news if we had that level of investment coming into the town.

“People have said that the work to grit local roads has made it easier to get into the town centre, where other areas may have struggled.

“We have had record numbers of people coming into the town at events such as the reindeer parade and lights switch-on.

“Town centre businesses have contributed to events around the town and I would like to say that this reflects the work done to create a good shopping environment.”

Thursday is expected to be the busiest day for debit card spending.

Paul Hughes, chairman of the Oldham Business Improvement District (BID) and owner of Zutti Co, said: “Things are not as busy as they could be, but weather considered things are fine.

“The BID is trying desperately hard to enhance the town to attract people.

“Touch wood, it should be a big last week, weather permitting.”

Manchester tops the North-West top 10, with an estimated £716.1 million predicted to be spent this month. On a national scale Barclays is anticipating a record £48.9 billion spend over the festive period, an 8 per cent increase from Christmas 2009.

Bank spokesman Dan Wass said: “We urge customers to stay safe in busy areas and encourage them to use their debit cards rather than carrying large amounts of cash.”