DISAPPOINTED traders today gave a massive thumbs-down to late-night Christmas shopping in Selby.

Nearly every shop which kept its doors open late on Thursday evenings in a chamber of trade initiative to boost festive takings said it had been a "disaster."

Selby Town Council even agreed to switch on the town centre Christmas lights a week early to help launch late night shopping - but it still turned out to be a flop.

Selby Chamber of Trade chairman Geoff Gordon today put most of the blame on shops and stores which had chosen not to take part.

Mr Gordon, who distributed 250 leaflets to shops to rally support, said: "On the first Thursday, after the lights had been switched on in Micklegate, I followed people into Gowthorpe and I couldn't see a shop open.

"It was like walking into the black hole of Calcutta.

"If they won't help themselves, what hope is there."

David Fallon, of Fallons bookshop in Market Cross, said he had given up late-night opening as a bad job.

He said: "The first night I had one customer through the door and he didn't spend anything. Last Thursday I didn't get a customer at all.''

Randy Dawson, owner of Fair Deal gift shop in Finkle Street, said it had been an unmitigated disaster.

He said: "We sold a few bits and bobs the first evening because of the lights switch-on, but last Thursday we stayed open until 7pm and didn't get a customer after 4.30pm."

Claire Gath, assistant manager at Peacocks fashion wear in Abbey Walk, said they had stayed open until 7pm, but had only attracted a handful of customers.

She said: "After paying staff, it just isn't worth it. People appear to be going to York and Leeds, or the designer outlet at Naburn."

Louise Townsley, manager of Select fashions in Abbey Walk, said they enjoyed a good trade the night the lights were switched on, but last Thursday they had not had a soul in despite staying open until 8pm.

Lucille Carter, owner of Tivoli fashion wear in Gowthorpe, said: "We had no-one through the door at all - it's a waste of time.

"It needs everyone to open, but I just don't know whether late- night opening is for Selby."

It was the same story at Pound-Stretcher and Best Wishes in Gowthorpe, and Abbey Walk's Wilkinson store, although some traders are determined to give it another try tonight.

Chamber of Trade chairman Mr Gordon said he thought the first night was a success, although last Thursday had been a "damp squib".

He added: "We're now looking at possibly opening late on just one Monday night next year, and perhaps extend the market."

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