YORK traders were today confident that late-night shopping would catch on in the city despite a disappointing turnout on the first evening of the permanent scheme.

More than 30 retailers welcomed customers in the first ever late-night opening seen in York outside the Christmas season last night. Shops were open until 8pm.

Traders said the low footfall could have been down to the bank holiday with many people going away.

Trish High, departmental manager at BHS, said: "It has not been busy at all and the restaurant has only served one customer.

"But I think it is because it is Easter and many people are going away. There did seem to be quite a few people in the streets and I think it will pick up once everybody realises it is happening."

Graham Dickenson, store manager at Debenham's, said they had a lot of people between 5.30pm and 6.30pm, but then it had quietened down.

He said: "It has not been great, but it is the first one and the bank holiday means there are a lot of people going away. I am optimistic it is going to be successful."

Neville Hoyle, the manager of Woolworths, agreed it would improve with time.

He said: "There is definitely a need for York to do something for the tourists more than the locals.

"I would imagine during the summer holidays when the kids are off it will be better. It will take a while to build up."

But Brian Littlejohn, store manager at Marks & Spencer, said he was very encouraged by the first night.

He said: "I am genuinely pleased with the response we have had and the amount of customers we have had in.

"We need to get the word around that it is going on. We have had quite a few customers who did not realise we were open.

"All in all I am very pleased with how it has gone. It can only grow and get better."

Updated: 10:14 Friday, April 18, 2003