Shoppers are shunning out-of-town centres and heading for the high street, a new survey has revealed.

And among those faring well in the survey was Clacton, showing an improved rating as a place to run a store or set up a new one.

According to the new report, the town's Pier Avenue soared 56 places up the rankings for the whole of the UK and now sits in 185th place.

Ranking 650 shopping locations, the Retail Prospects Index predicts future potential and growth based on rents, demand, spending and employment.

While towns and cities fared well, some large out-of-town centres were hit hard.

Vice chairman and secretary of the Clacton Chamber of Commerce, Terry McKean, said the rating was good news for the town.

He said: "It is something we have been trying for for many years to attract new retailers and our work seems to have paid off.

"The atmosphere of the place is pleasant and you can walk round with comfort.

"It all goes to make a good shopping experience, where you are not falling over everbody."

He added: "We at the chamber have been pushing with various retailers throughout the country to encourage them to come and trade here successfully."

Tendring district and Essex county councillor for Harwich West Les Double, also added it was good news for the area, placing the town in the same league as places such as Colchester and Ipswich.

"Harwich might take advantage of the shops in Clacton, but I don't think it would have a knock on effect for people to visit Harwich."

Colchester was among the best in the country to run a store or set up a new one.

The town's Culver Walk has rocketed 72 places up the rankings of prospects and is now 62nd in the UK, compared with last year's rating of 134th.

In contrast to Colchester's success, Chelmsford has not fared so well, dropping 32 places to 82nd.

Nick Stewart, associate director of analysts Business Strategies which carried out the research, said: "The ranking shows clearly the centres which have established leadership, those which are on the way up, and those which have a long way to go or are struggling."

Outside the top 100, but rising fast, Bank Street in Braintree has risen 250 places to the 209th position.

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