The latest headcount of visitors in town – obtained by newbury.net – shows that “footfall” was down 11% in May 2006 on the year before, with virtually all streets reporting fewer customers.

The figures show that a typical Newbury shop could expect nearly 25,000 people a week passing by, but in May that was down to 22,000. The latest survey, by independent researchers PMRS, came when Northbrook Street was fenced off for repaving.

Critics of the Newbury Vision, which aims to bring more visitors into town by repaving all town centre streets and building new amenities on 10 car parks, claimed that there was no need for extensive renovation as footfall in the previous two years was up 12%.

However, several other factors are believed to play a part. The Broadway end of town was down 25%, after 11 businesses went to the wall in as many months. By Hamptons estate agents, where many Bayer staff enter Northbrook Street, footfall was down 20%.

The true impact of the roadworks is also difficult to ascertain, with visitor numbers down 4% outside M&S, 7% down outside Next, but 13% outside Boots on the same period last year.

Out of 30 locations surveyed, just two reported an increase in trade on a like-for-like basis. These were Going Places in the Kennet Centre, and Kitchenmonger in Bartholomew Street. Many customers had vowed to stay away until the roadworks are over, which the council hopes will be 2010.

Overall, the Kennet Centre stood its ground, with a negligible decline, which could be a result of the new pay on foot system in the multistorey car park.