We are still giving retailers an extra special Christmas.

Shops and stores throughout north Essex reported customers had started spending earlier and spending locally despite talk of recession and the aftermath of September 11.

Derek Salmon, manager of Braintree's George Yard shopping centre, said retailers have seen "a noticeable change" in this year's Christmas shopping patterns we are doing it earlier and we are spending more money.

Mr Salmon added: "We have not seen an increase in footfall but we are seeing people spending more money."

And it is the same in other towns with town centre managers reporting the early start has not petered out.

They put the "keep it local" mentality down to roadworks on the A12 and an unease at travelling to big out-of-town shopping malls which could be terrorist targets.

Retailers in Braintree have had a positive Christmas with people spending more money than in recent years.

Businesses have also reported a noticeable change in the time of year customers have started to shop for Christmas, with many starting in September.

Harwich and Dovercourt retailers have been doing well.

Tony Witmarsh, Harwich town centre manager, said: "The stores are saying business is reasonably brisk."

Colchester has seen an increase in the number of people shopping earlier in the year for Christmas.

Derek Ashbey, manager of the Culver Square Shopping Centre, said there had also been an early increase in the profit shops were taking.

Halstead's retail and restaurant trade has been faring well over the Christmas period.

Nigel Watson, chairman of Halstead Chamber for Trade and Commerce, said: "Things are doing quite well."

Retailers in Chelmsford have been doing well in the run-up to Christmas.

Murray Foster, Maldon's town centre manager, said he had received encouraging reports.

Clacton has been enjoying a positive Christmas trade.

Terry McKean, Clacton Chamber of Trade secretary, said trade had been "brisk" in the town.

Published Wednesday December 19, 2001