CONSUMER spending in Winchester has dropped by 15 per cent since late 2008, according to figures from Barclays Bank.

Figures from its six-million customer database show that consumer spending across the South East via credit cards, debits cards, cash and cheques is 14 per cent lower than the pre-recession fourth quarter in 2008.

Consumer spending in Hampshire fell 13 per cent, less than the regional average, Winchester fared slightly worse.

Winchester High Street has fared pretty well with relatively few shop closures and quick turnarounds on empty units.

Costa Coffee is opening a second branch on the High Street.

Dan Godsall, regional director for Barclays, said: “A real reduction of 14 per cent across the South East before even taking into account inflation shows it has been a difficult period for consumers whose household budgets have been squeezed to cope with rising costs.