'Damage limitation' for local businesses hit hardest by the pre-Christmas snow

Local businesses are hoping that residents will resolve to shop locally this year, as many of them struggle to overcome the effects of heavy snow during the runup to Christmas.

Andrew Browne of JJ Browne Jewellers, who is Chairman of the Caterham Business Partnership, said: "The worst day of all was Saturday 18th December when takings were down by 75%. It was simply awful.

It should have been our busiest day of the year but the snow came at 9am and that was that. I hope most businesses can ride it out but for some it might be the final nail in the coffin." Fortunately, despite taking a sharp drop in sales with the arrival of the snow, trade picked up for many as local residents decided not to risk travelling to big shopping centres in the icy conditions.

However others, such as restaurants, were badly affected by Christmas parties being cancelled or reduced in size due to the weather. Ali Uddin, owner of The Curry Leaf Indian restaurant in Old Coulsdon, said: "It has been very difficult. Our deliveries could not reach us and it has been impossible to deliver take-aways to many locations. The area is very hilly and many of the side-roads have been impossible to get down."

A few businesses, such as pubs and convenience stores, even saw a sharp rise in trade, being amongst the few places people ventured to during the worst of the weather.

Rita Henry, owner of Four Seasons Floral Design in Whyteleafe, said: "Everyone said I was mad when I opened up the shop in all the snow, but I did a roaring trade in Christmas trees! The flower sales have been down, and we have not been able to guarantee delivery while the snow is around. Luckily I had stocked up with Christmas trees and local people who couldn't travel to work came and bought a Christmas tree instead."

Traders hope that the situation will help to raise awareness about the variety of shops there are in the local area and residents will continue to shop locally long after the snow has disappeared.