How many people are coming into Preston city centre is to be closely monitored.

Cameras at three locations will be used to see if the number of people in Fishergate, upper Church Street and Friargate is rising or falling.

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Preston Business Improvement District are funding the scheme and working with ‘industry leaders’ Springboard on collecting the footfall data.

They say it will help understand Preston’s retail and night-time economy better.

Chair of the city’s retail group and manager of the St George’s Shopping Centre Andrew Stringer said: “Many businesses collect similar data on a daily basis which assists in profiling shopper habits. We are delighted that the wider city centre can now enjoy the reporting of visitor numbers; whether they come to shop or enjoy Preston’s leisure
offer.”

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The cameras collect the data on an hourly basis and allow businesses – who are part of the BID – to see accurate visitor data.

Chair of the Preston at Night group and manager of Evoque Leigh Sweetman said: “I echo Andrew’s comments – the footfall counting counters and reporting platform will allow us to monitor and better measure visitor demands and behaviour, allowing our businesses to adapt, evolve and to continue to attract tens of thousands of visitors each week.”

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Do you run a business in Preston? What do you think about the decision? Let us know in the comments below