WESTBURY town centre is in decline and faces a bleak future, according to shoppers and businesses.

A survey of shops and shoppers by Anna Crosbie, Westbury's town centre development advisor, found 79 per cent of shop owners predict a miserable future for the town and 61 per cent of shoppers feel the town has seen a steady period of deterioration.

Although many businesses are trading well the results also showed Westbury residents are flocking to other towns to do their shopping.

Anna Crosbie said: "The responses show that people are very negative about shopping in Westbury but we must concentrate on the positives.

"There are over 100 shops in the town centre which is a good sign and some specialist shops are doing very well.

"Although the town centre has virtually one of every type of shop it means the shopper can't compare stores and it has no ladies clothing store."

Shoppers also complained there are not enough shops and the traffic layout is poor. Results showed the average Westbury resident shops in other towns more than five times a month.

Town and district councillor Russell Hawker said: "Although many shops have moved out I believe we are left with the stronger businesses and all the evidence shows the market has bottomed out.

"I am very confident that by the end of the year all the empty units in the High Street will be retail stores."

Currently there are four empty units in the High Street although one has been earmarked for an IT learning centre for Wiltshire College.

A source in the retail trade said: "Plans for a famous ladies clothing store to move into the High Street are underway and I would be surprised if they have not opened by the end of the year."

The poll recorded answers from 117 local residents and 48 businesses and the results will be used to compile a town centre development plan.