TWO-THIRDS of people who took part in a shoppers’ survey visit Stevenage every week, although less than half think it has improved in the last five years.

The results of an annual Stevenage town centre survey, featured in the Comet, have been revealed after 224 people completed 24 questions about the town.

The questionnaire, carried out by the Stevenage Town Centre Management Company, found the number of respondents visiting the town centre on a weekly basis was up by 10 per cent on last year to 67 per cent, but the number of visitors who thought it had improved over a five-year period was down to 49 per cent – a 10-year low.

More than 75 per cent spend more than two hours there, with 68 per cent satisfied the cost of parking is reasonably priced.

The survey also highlighted aspirations for brands such as Fat Face, Jack Wills, H&M, Dune, Oasis and a department store such as Debenhams.

“Responses this year highlight that people are coming to the town centre, not just to shop or visit the bank, but to meet friends, play bingo or go the gym and swimming pool,” said Stevenage town centre manager Tracey Parry.

“Overall, there has been a drop in the number of people who think the town centre has improved in the last five years, despite the newly updated Topshop and New Look, and this is undoubtedly attributed to the disappointing news that the redevelopment of the town centre is still some years away.

“However, it is encouraging to note that Stevenage Borough Council has allocated an investment of £200,000 to undertake some improvements in the town centre and the Stevenage town centre partnership continues to organise, fund and deliver a programme of events, entertainment and activities designed to create an enhanced shopping experience.”