SHOPPERS are spending more time in stores but are still keeping a tight hold on their money, according to two new unrelated indices.

Towns in the North should have designated enterprise zones to develop independent retail in the 21st century, it has been announced.

Budget proposals to impose a levy on out-of-town shopping developments to boost small businesses in the North were welcomed today by Northern Ireland independent traders.

Water bosses in the North tonight faced demands to quit as engineers struggled to repair leaking pipes to tens of thousands of homes, amid fears the drinking water fiasco could develop into a major health emergency.

More than 1,800 properties were repossessed in the North in the last year, it was revealed today.

The British government’s £12.5bn (€13.9bn) VAT cut to stimulate consumer spending was a complete and utter waste of money and has done nothing to help businesses in the North, a retailers body claimed today.

THE pressure on the retail sector will continue given the British government’s decision to retain its 15% VAT rate until the end of the year.

The rate of VAT in the North is set to fall from 17.5% to 15%, British Chancellor Alastair Darling confirmed in today’s Pre-Budget Report.

INDEPENDENT retailers expressed concern after it was confirmed another Ulster business had been gobbled up by a major British multiple.